Short communication: Differences in distribution of serotonin receptor subtypes in the mammary gland of sheep, goats, and cows during lactation and involution.

Serotonin receptors (5-HTR) are present in the mammary tissue of mouse, humans, cows, and rats. In these species, serotonin is important for the mammary gland function and lactation performance. The mammary gland expression of 5-HTR in small dairy ruminants has yet to be described. In the present study, primer sequences were developed to amplify 5-HTR (1A, 1D, 1E,1B, 1F, 2A, 2B, 2C, 3a, 4, 5a, 6, and 7) using real-time quantitative PCR for the detection of mRNA expression in mammary tissue of dairy sheep, goats, and cows. The distribution of commonly expressed 5-HTR between the 3 species (1B, 1E, 2A, 2B, 4, and 7) was analyzed in the mammary tissue of late-lactation and dried-off sheep, goats, and cows using immunohistochemical staining. Real-time quantitative PCR analysis showed that the 3 studied species expressed receptors 5-HTR1B, 1E, 2A, 2B, 4, and 7. Goats and sheep expressed 5-HTR1D and 5a; 5-HTR1A and 1F were expressed only in sheep. The mammary epithelial cells were positively stained for all the studied receptors by immunohistochemistry (5-HTR1B, 1E, 2A, 2B, 4, and 7). The endothelial cells of blood vessels were positively stained for 5-HTR1B, 2A, 2B, and 7 in all the species. Additionally, 5-HTR1E was present in cow endothelium. The myoepithelial cells stained positively for 5-HTR1E in all the species, and 5-HTR4 myoepithelial staining was present only in cows and sheep. Between the lactating and dried-off mammary glands, the location of 5-HTR in the epithelial cells changed from a cytoplasmic reaction in lactating udders to a reaction in the apical region in dry udders. These results showed that the distribution of 5-HTR subtypes in the mammary gland of dairy ruminants vary among species, tissue type, and stage of gland development. These findings warrant future studies aimed at understanding whether the differences in 5-HTR subtype expression and location accounts for the differences in milk secretion and lactocyte activity among cows, goats, and sheep.

Retrospective study of foreign body-associated pathology in stranded cetaceans, Canary Islands (2000-2015).

Marine pollution, overrepresented by plastic, is a growing concern worldwide. However, there is little knowledge on occurrence and detrimental impacts of marine debris in cetaceans. To partially fill in this gap of knowledge, we aimed to investigate the occurrence and pathologies associated with foreign bodies (FBs) in a large cohort of cetaceans (n = 465) stranded in the Canary Islands. The Canary Islands shelter the greatest cetacean biodiversity in Europe, with up to 30 different species, of which nine are regularly present year around. We found at least one ingested FB in 36 out of 465 (7.74%) studied cetaceans, involving 15 different species, including eight out of the nine (80%) cetacean species present year-round in the Canary Islands. Risso's dolphin was the species most affected, followed by sperm whale, beaked whale and mysticetes. Plastic FB were the most common item found (80.56%). FB was directly associated with death in 13/36 (36.11%) animals. Poor body condition and deep diving behavior were found to be risk factors for FB ingestion, whereas the adult age was a protective factor. To the authors knowledge this is the first study that use statistical analysis to investigate risk and protective factors for FB ingestion. This study also provides insights of the potential impact caused by ingested FBs on the animal's health and mortality. This knowledge is critical to better understand and assess the impact of FB in cetaceans setting the scientific basis for prospective impact monitoring and future conservation policies.

Trends in the management of urolithiasis in Latin America, Spain and Portugal: results of a survey in the Confederación Americana de Urología (CAU). / Tendencias en el manejo de la litiasis urinaria en América Latina, España y Portugal: resultados de una encuesta en la Confederación Americana de Urología (CAU).

OBJECTIVE: To describe the trends in the current management of urolithiasis in the Confederación Americana de Urología (CAU) setting to recognise patterns of clinical practice and identify educational needs. MATERIAL AND METHOD: An online survey was created with 31 multiple-choice questions (Spanish and Portuguese) through www.caunet.org, which revealed demographic data, patterns of clinical practice and approaches for specific clinical conditions. RESULTS: A total of 463 practitioners from Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Spain, Colombia, Chile and other countries (3.96% of the members of CAU) completed the survey. All participants performed some type of urolithiasis treatment: 98.5% performed semirigid ureteroscopy (URS), 83.8% performed percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), 78.2% performed flexible URS, and 67.2% performed extracorporeal lithotripsy. The youngest physicians tended to perform PCNL (P<.001), and the proportion of users of flexible URS was greater in the Portuguese countries (P=.037). The main energy source was laser (60.7%). Small-calibre PCNL was performed by 15.3% of the respondents, more often in university hospitals (P<.01) and by older practitioners (P<.01). Only 3.2% of the respondents used percutaneous access to the kidney guided exclusively by ultrasound, especially the older practitioners (P<.001). The supine position was used by 40.4% of the respondents, more often in Spain (P<.001) and in the university setting (P=.017). PCNL without nephrostomy was practiced by 3.9% of the respondents. For flexible URS, 19.2% of the respondents did not use ureteral access sheaths, and the older practitioners preferred thinner calibre sheaths (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: The management of lithiasis in the CAU setting follows a profile similar to that recognised in the European and American clinical guidelines, although there are interesting variations based on the practitioner's age and preferences. We identified potential areas for improvement in small-calibre PCNL and ultrasound-guided puncture.

Frecuencia de úlceras digitales en esclerodermia / Digital ulcers frequency in scleroderma

Nuestro objetivo fue describir la frecuencia de úlceras digitales en una población de pacientes con Esclerosis Sistémica y comparar las características clínicas de los que desarrollaron úlceras de los que no lo hicieron. Se incluyeron en forma retrospectiva pacientes que cumplían criterios ACR para Esclerosis Sistémica. Se recolectaron datos demográficos, clínicos y serológicos de las historias clínicas. Se clasificó a los pacientes en dos grupos: un Grupo A con úlceras digitales y Grupo B aquellos pacientes sin antecedentes de úlceras digitales. Se compararon ambos grupos. Se estudiaron 60 pacientes con diagnóstico de Esclerosis Sistémica, 33% subtipo difuso, edad promedio al diagnóstico de 50,75 ± 14,75 años, el 15% (9 pacientes) eran de sexo masculino. La frecuencia de úlceras digitales fue de 33,33% (n=20). Los pacientes del grupo A eran más jóvenes al momento del diagnóstico (p=0,03) y tenían más tiempo de evolución de la enfermedad (pNS). En este grupo, fue más frecuente la forma difusa (p=0,002) y el fenómeno de Raynaud se inició a edades más precoces (p=0,006). Los pacientes del grupo A presentaron menor capacidad funcional, medida por HAQ score, y mayor frecuencia de patente tardía en la capilaroscopia, aunque no fue estadísticamente significativo. La totalidad de los pacientes de género masculino (n=9) tuvieron úlceras digitales (p <0,0001).Conclusión: El desarrollo de úlceras digitales en nuestro estudio se asoció a inicio más precoz de la enfermedad, a sexo masculino, a la forma difusa y a inicio más temprano de fenómeno de Raynaud.

The aim of this study was to describe digital ulcer frequency ina patient population with Systemic Sclerosis and to compare theclinical features of those who developed ulcers with those who didnot. Retrospectively, patients meeting ACR criteria for SystemicSclerosis were included. Demographic, clinical, and serologicalinformation was obtained from medical records. Patients wereclassified into two groups: Group A comprised patients with digitalulcers, while Group B included patients with no digital ulcers ontheir records. Findings for both groups were compared. We studied60 patients diagnosed with Systemic Sclerosis, 33% with diffusecutaneous subset, the mean age at the time of diagnosis was 50.75± 14.75 years, 15% (9 patients) were males. The frequency of digitalulcers was 33.33% (n=20). Group A patients were younger at thetime of diagnosis (p=0.03) and had longer time of evolution (pNS).The diffuse variant was more frequent in this group (p=0.002) andRaynaud’s phenomenon onset occurred at earlier ages (p=0.006).All male patients (n=9) entered into the study had digital ulcers (p<0.0001).Conclusions: In our study, development of digital ulcers wasassociated with an earlier onset of disease, males, diffuse subsetand an earlier onset of Raynaud’s phenomenon.

Sectional anatomic and computed tomography features of the nasal and oral cavities of the one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius).

The purpose of the study was to provide a description of normal cross-sectional anatomy of the camel nasal and oral cavities using computed tomography (CT) and macroscopic cross-sections. Transverse images of two isolated camel cadaver heads were obtained by an axial CT equipment. Computed tomography scans were processed with a detailed algorithm using nasal and soft tissue windows settings and compared with the corresponding frozen cross-sections of the heads, to assist in the accurate identification of nasal and oral structures. In our study, nasal window provided excellent anatomic details of nasal conchae, bones and teeth; however, other soft tissue components of the nasal and oral cavities are better differentiated using a soft tissue window. These CT images are intended to be a useful anatomic reference in the interpretation for clinical CT imaging studies of the nasal and oral cavities in dromedary camels.

Valoración no invasiva de la sobrecarga hepática de hierro en pacientes con hemocromatosis

Nuestro objetivo es analizar el metabolismo y la fisiopatología del depósito de hierro, describir la utilidad de la resonancia magnética (RM) con el empleo de secuencias específicas en la estimación de la sobrecarga hepática de hierro y evaluar las diferentes patologías que la generan en el abdomen, señalando también sus formas de presentación en la RM. La sobrecarga de hierro en el hígado puede ser consecuencia de un trastorno genético (hemocromatosis primaria) o estar relacionada con múltiples transfusiones o enfermedades crónicas, como aumento de la absorción, mielodisplasia, talasemia, etc. (hemocromatosis secundaria). La RM es un método no invasivo que permite detectar la sobrecarga de hierro y monitorear el tratamiento luego del diagnóstico, evitando la repetición de biopsias. Esto se debe a las propiedades paramagnéticas del hierro, cuya acumulación en los tejidos provoca distorsión local en los campos magnéticos, con disminución de la señal en los órganos afectados de forma proporcional a la cantidad de hierro depositado. La RM convencional con secuencias en fase y fuera de fase detecta el depósito de hierro en el hígado, bazo y páncreas, aunque las formas leves pueden pasar inadvertidas si no se utilizan secuencias más sensibles, como las de eco de gradiente. Estas, según la técnica de Gandon et al., permiten estimar cuantitativamente la severidad. El depósito de hierro puede tener un patrón retículo-endotelial (secundario a múltiples transfusiones con depósito en hígado, bazo y médula ósea sin daño tisular), parenquimatoso (hígado y páncreas) o mixto. La RM es fundamental en el diagnóstico de la hemocromatosis, especialmente en la fase subclínica. Contribuye a definir la severidad de la sobrecarga de hierro hepático y a valorar la respuesta al tratamiento, evitando procedimientos invasivos.(AU)

Our purpose is to analyze the metabolism and pathophysiology of iron deposition, to describe the usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the estimation of hepatic iron overload using specific sequences, and to review the different pathologies leading to iron overload of the abdominal organs and its presentation in MRI. Iron overload in the liver may be due to a genetic condition (primary hemo chromatosis), or due to multiple blood transfusions and chronic diseases like increased absorption, myelodysplasia, thalassemia, etc. (secondary hemochromatosis). MRI is a noninvasive method to detect the presence of iron overload and to monitor treatment after diagnosis, avoiding repeated biopsies. This is due to the paramagnetic properties of iron accumulation in the tissues causing local distortion in the magnetic field. This phenomena is seen as a reduction of the MRI signal in the affected organs, being directly proportional to the amount of iron deposited. The conventional in phase and out of phase MRI sequences can show iron deposition in liver, spleen and pancreas, although milder forms may go undetected if more sensitive sequences, like gradient echo sequence, are not used, according to the technique proposed by Gandon et al., which can estimate quantitatively the severity of iron deposition. Iron deposition can show a reticuloendothelial type pattern (secondary to multiple transfusions where iron deposits in the liver, spleen and bone marrow without tissue damage), a parenchymal pattern (involving the liver and pancreas) and a mixed pattern. MRI has a fundamental role in the diagnosis of hemochromatosis, especially in subclinical phase. It helps to stratify the severity of hepatic iron overload and assess response to treatment, avoiding invasive procedures.(AU)

Valoración no invasiva de la sobrecarga hepática de hierro en pacientes con hemocromatosis / Noninvasive assessment of hepatic iron overload in patients with hemochromatosis

Nuestro objetivo es analizar el metabolismo y la fisiopatología del depósito de hierro, describir la utilidad de la resonancia magnética (RM) con el empleo de secuencias específicas en la estimación de la sobrecarga hepática de hierro y evaluar las diferentes patologías que la generan en el abdomen, señalando también sus formas de presentación en la RM. La sobrecarga de hierro en el hígado puede ser consecuencia de un trastorno genético (hemocromatosisprimaria) o estar relacionada con múltiples transfusiones o enfermedades crónicas, como aumento de la absorción, mielodisplasia, talasemia, etc. (hemocromatosis secundaria). La RM es un método no invasivo que permite detectar la sobrecarga de hierro y monitorear el tratamiento luego del diagnóstico, evitando la repetición de biopsias. Esto se debe a las propiedades paramagnéticas del hierro, cuya acumulación en los tejidos provoca distorsión local en los campos magnéticos, con disminución de la señal en los órganos afectados de forma proporciona la la cantidad de hierro depositado. La RM convencional con secuencias en fase y fuera de fase detecta el depósito de hierro en el hígado, bazo y páncreas, aunque las formas leves pueden pasar inadvertidas si no se utilizan secuencias más sensibles, como las de eco de gradiente. Estas, según la técnica de Gandon et al., permiten estimar cuantitativamente la severidad. El depósito de hierro puede tener un patrón retículo-endotelial (secundario a múltiples transfusiones con depósito en hígado, bazo y médula ósea sin daño tisular), parenquimatoso (hígado y páncreas) o mixto. La RM es fundamental en el diagnóstico de la hemocromatosis, especialmente en la fase subclínica.Contribuye a definir la severidad de la sobrecarga de hierro hepático y a valorar la respuesta al tratamiento, evitando procedimientos invasivos.

Our purpose is to analyze the metabolism and pathophysiology of iron deposition, to describe the usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the estimation of hepatic iron overload using specific sequences, and to review the different pathologies leading to iron overload of the abdominal organs and its presentation in MRI.Iron overload in the liver may be due to a genetic condition (primary hemo chromatosis), or due to multiple blood transfusions and chronic diseases like increased absorption, myelodysplasia, thalassemia, etc. (secondary hemochromatosis).MRI is a noninvasive method to detect the presence of iron overload and to monitor treatment after diagnosis, avoiding repeated biopsies. This is due to the paramagnetic properties of iron accumulation in the tissues causing local distortion in the magnetic field. This phenomena is seen as a reduction of the MRI signal in the affected organs, being directly proportional to the amount of iron deposited.The conventional in phase and out of phase MRI sequences can show iron deposition in liver, spleen and pancreas, although milder forms may go undetected if more sensitive sequences, like gradient echo sequence, are not used, according to the technique proposed by Gandon et al., which can estimate quantitatively the severity of iron deposition.Iron deposition can show a reticuloendothelial type pattern (secondary to multiple transfusions where iron deposits in the liver, spleen and bone marrow without tissue damage), a parenchymal pattern (involving the liver and pancreas) and a mixed pattern.MRI has a fundamental role in the diagnosis of hemochromatosis, especially in subclinical phase. It helps to stratify the severity of hepatic iron overload and assess response to treatment, avoiding invasive procedures.

Distribution pattern of muscle fibre types in soft palate of the dog (Canis familiaris, L.).

Distribution pattern of fibre types was studied in the muscles of the soft palate (palatinus, levator veli palatini and tensor veli palatini muscles) in the dog. The fibrillar classification was based on using histochemistry and immunohistochemistry methods: myofibrillar adenosine thriphosphatase (mATPase) to different pH of pre-incubation; nicotine adenine dinucleotide (reduced) tetrazolium reductase (NADH-TR) and finally, application of specific monoclonal antibodies against myosin heavy chain isoforms I, IIa and IIx. In the palatinus and levator veli palatini muscles, pure type I fibres and the hybrid type IIax and IIc were shown, with a checkerboard distribution in the first and a clear predominance of hybrid fibre types (about 98% of the total population) in levator veli palatini muscle. On the other hand, in the tensor veli palatini muscle, type IIx and IIm fibres were identified (fast-twitch fibres related to fast-moving muscles and the powerful jaw muscles of carnivores). The tensor veli palatini muscle had a different distribution and fibrillar composition with predominantly type IIm fibres in its central zone, whilst the peripheral zone was primarily type I and IIx fibres.

Seasonal variation of HUS occurrence and VTEC infection in children with acute diarrhoea from Argentina.

In order to study the seasonality of haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) and verotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) infection in children, 437 patients under 6 years of age with acute diarrhoea were studied, 8% of whom progressed to HUS. VTEC was found in 10% of all of the stool samples analysed and seasonal occurrence of HUS (p < 0.01) was confirmed. VTEC infection was more prevalent in warm months, although the differences were not statistically significant. Moreover, a significant difference in the detection of O157:H7 serotype and in the vt profile between cold and warm months (autumn and winter; spring and summer, respectively) was established. The O157:H7 serotype was isolated more frequently during warm months. Moreover, a predominance of vt (2) was noted, which was partially replaced by the combination of vt (1) with vt (2) in the cold season. The results of this study indicate the seasonal variation of the disease and the presence of serotype O157:H7 and the vt types. They also reinforce the need to develop prevention programmes considering the seasonal pattern of the disease, which would generate an impact on public health. Control strategies of the pathogen in cattle in the most risky season of the year would also be of benefit.

Three-dimensional MRA study of the normal canine thorax: MIP sections and volume rendering.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of three-dimensional contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (3D-CE-MRA) for the non-invasive anatomical evaluation of the thoracic vasculature in five normal Beagles. After intravenous gadolinium administration and a cardio-respiratory gating protocol, fast 3D gradient echo pulse sequence MRA was performed employing a 1.5 Tesla magnet and a human thorax coil. Three-dimensional vascular software was applied. Sagittal, transverse and dorsal maximum intensity projection (MIP) sections and volume rendering (VR) images were obtained and labelled. Anatomical literature, dissections and gross sections were employed to assist the identification of the vascular structures. With improvements in scanner technology, MIP sections and VR images are a promising, non-invasive and accurate method of evaluating the canine thoracic vasculature. Images provide a reference material for clinical studies of the canine thorax for radiologist-surgeon teamwork assessment and also encourage the development of this technique in veterinary medicine.

Utilidad de la videocapilaroscopia de lecho ungueal en el síndromede Sjõgren con fenómeno de Raynaud / Utility of nailfold videocapillaroscopy in Sjõgren's syndrome with Raynaud's

La videocapilaroscopia de lecho ungueal (VCLU) es un método sencillo, no invasivo, de bajo costo y útil para la evaluación de las anormalidades microvasculares halladas en las enfermedades del tejido conectivo (ETC)1. Describimos una paciente con síndrome de Sjõgren (SS) primario que presentó alteraciones características en la VCLU y desarrolló una esclerosis sistémica (ES) limitada.

Relationship of birth weight with the size, number and proportion of fibres in the pig semitendinosus muscle.

The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between body weight and the size, number and proportion of muscle fibre types in the pig semitendinosus muscle at birth. Based on weight at birth, 68 specimens selected from 21 different litters from the same farm were allotted in two equal groups (G1 and G2). G1 included 34 piglets or=2 kg. Fifteen piglets per group were killed at birth and the remaining 19 piglets in each group were reared until weaning (21 days) and post-weaning (67 days). The weight and total cross-sectional area of the semitendinosus muscle were recorded at birth. Then, type I and type II fibres from the superficial portion of the muscle were identified according to histochemistry and immunohistochemistry techniques and percentages, average size of each fibre type, and the total number of muscle fibres were estimated by morphometry. Birth weight in G1 was 54.74% lower than that in G2. Correspondingly, the total cross-sectional area of the semitendinosus, as well as the size and number of muscle fibres, was significantly lower in G1 (P < 0.001). Weight at birth still influenced weights at weaning and post-weaning, hence it was 43.17% and 28.38% lower respectively in G1. It is concluded that pig weight at birth is associated with muscle cellularity of the semitendinosus muscle of pig, which may influence the postnatal muscle growth and final size of muscle fibres and meat quality.

CT-soft tissue window of the cranial abdomen in clinically normal dogs: an anatomical description using macroscopic cross-sections with vascular injection.

The aim of this study was to provide a detailed anatomic atlas of the cranial abdomen by means of computed tomography (CT). Three mature dogs, all mixed breed males, were used. The dogs were sedated, anaesthetized and positioned in sternal recumbency. CT scans from the eighth thoracic vertebra to the fourth lumbar vertebra were performed using a third-generation equipment (TOSHIBA 600HQ scanner) with 1 cm slice thickness. CT-images of the cranial abdomen were taken with soft-tissue window (WL: -14, WW: 658) settings. Dogs were killed and vascular-injection technique was performed: red and blue latex filled the vascular system. Injected dogs were frozen in the same position as used for CT examination and sectioned with an electric bandsaw at 1-cm-thick intervals. The cuts matched as closely as possible to the CT-images. The anatomic sections were compared and studied with the corresponding CT-images, and clinically relevant abdominal anatomic structures were identified and labelled on the corresponding CT-images. The results of our study could be used as a reference for evaluating CT-images of the canine cranial abdomen with abdominal diseases.

[Utility of bispectral vs auditory evoked potential monitoring during anesthetic maintenance in combined sevoflurane-regional anesthesia in pediatric patients: comparison with standard practice]. / Utilidad del BIS y AEP monitor/2 para el mantenimiento de la anestesia combinada sevoflurano-regional, comparada con la práctica estándar en población pediátrica.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the indices computed by a bispectral (BIS) monitor and an auditory evoked potential (AEP) monitor during maintenance of anesthesia in pediatric patients. A secondary objective was to compare anesthetic consumption and recovery times. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients aged 6 months to 12 years under inhaled anesthesia with sevoflurane were administered a penile or caudal nerve block. BIS and AEP monitoring was then started. The patients were randomized to 3 groups in which the sevoflurane dosage was guided by the BIS index, the A-line ARX index (AAI), or standard procedures (control group). The BIS index, the AAI, the fraction of expired sevoflurane, hemodynamic parameters, and recovery time were the variables recorded for all patients. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients were enrolled. Significant differences between the 2 monitor groups were observed. The mean (SD) AAI was lower in patients whose dosage was controlled by the BIS index (19 [2]) than in those whose dosage was based on the AEP monitor's reading (22 [4]) (P=.04). According to a Bland and Altman plot, there was good agreement between the BIS index and the AAI except for the highest and, in particular, the lowest values. The volumes of sevoflurane used and the recovery times were similar between groups. There was a positive correlation between the 2 indices (Pearson correlation coefficient, 0.207; P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: BIS monitoring provided a more stable index than did AEP monitoring and BIS-index guidance achieved a deeper level of hypnosis. There was good correlation between the 2 indices during maintenance of anesthesia. Neither monitor offered advantages over standard procedures with regard to movement, volume of anesthetic consumed, or recovery time.

Utilidad del BIS® y AEP Monitor/2® para el mantenimientode la anestesia combinada sevoflurano-regional, comparadacon la práctica estándar en población pediátrica / Utility of bispectral vs auditory evoked potential monitoring during anesthetic maintenance in combined sevofluraneregional anesthesia in pediatric patients: comparison with standard practice

OBJETIVOS: Evaluación comparativa de los índices proporcionadospor BIS® y AEP Monitor® durante el mantenimientode la anestesia en pacientes pediátricos. Objetivossecundarios comparar el consumo anestésico y eltiempo de despertar.MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Pacientes con edades entre 6 mesesy 12 años sometidos a anestesia inhalatoria con sevoflurano,bloqueo nervioso peneano o caudal y monitorizacióncon BIS®‚ y AEP Monitor®. Se aleatorizaron en tres grupossegún el monitor utilizado para dosificar sevoflurano:grupo BIS, grupo AAI y control. Se recogieron automáticamenteBIS y AAI, fracción espirada de sevoflurano, parámetroshemodinámicos y tiempo de despertar.RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 35 pacientes. Se encontrarondiferencias significativas entre los índices recogidosdependiendo del monitor utilizado. El AAI fue más bajoen el grupo controlado por BIS respecto al controlado porAEP Monitor/2 (media [SD], 19 [2] vs 22 [4]; p=0,04).Hubo una buena concordancia entre BIS y AAI salvo enlos valores extremos, sobre todo, los inferiores (ecuaciónde Bland-Altman). El consumo de sevoflurano y el tiempode despertar no fueron diferentes entre grupos. Se estableciócorrelación positiva entre los dos índices (coeficientede correlación de Pearson 0,207; p<0,001).CONCLUSIONES: La guía de la anestesia con BIS, respectoal AEP Monitor proporcionó un índice más establey profundizó más la hipnosis. Ambos índices presentaronuna buena correlación durante el mantenimiento. Ningunode los monitores presentó ventajas respecto a unapráctica clínica estándar en la incidencia de movimiento,gasto anestésico o tiempo de despertar (AU)

OBJECTIVES: To compare the indices computed by abispectral (BIS) monitor and an auditory evoked potential(AEP) monitor during maintenance of anesthesia inpediatric patients. A secondary objective was to compareanesthetic consumption and recovery times.MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients aged 6 months to 12years under inhaled anesthesia with sevoflurane wereadministered a penile or caudal nerve block. BIS and AEPmonitoring was then started. The patients were randomized to3 groups in which the sevoflurane dosage was guided by theBIS index, the A-line ARX index (AAI), or standardprocedures (control group). The BIS index, the AAI, thefraction of expired sevoflurane, hemodynamic parameters,and recovery time were the variables recorded for all patients.RESULTS: Thirty-five patients were enrolled.Significant differences between the 2 monitor groupswere observed. The mean (SD) AAI was lower in patientswhose dosage was controlled by the BIS index (19 [2])than in those whose dosage was based on the AEPmonitor's reading (22 [4]) (P=.04). According to a Blandand Altman plot, there was good agreement between theBIS index and the AAI except for the highest and, inparticular, the lowest values. The volumes of sevofluraneused and the recovery times were similar betweengroups. There was a positive correlation between the 2indices (Pearson correlation coefficient, 0.207; P<.001).CONCLUSIONS: BIS monitoring provided a more stableindex than did AEP monitoring and BIS-index guidanceachieved a deeper level of hypnosis. There was goodcorrelation between the 2 indices during maintenance ofanesthesia. Neither monitor offered advantages overstandard procedures with regard to movement, volumeof anesthetic consumed, or recovery time (AU)

Systematic exploration of the equine tarsus by ultrasonography.

The authors propose a standard protocol of ultrasonographic exploration of the tarsal region in transversal and longitudinal planes, with the aim to spread with an accurate location of the anatomical structures. For this study, 10 adult horses of different races and ages (ranged 5-10 years) were used, with the characteristic of not having suffered any kind of tarsic pathology. The equipment was a real time ultrasound machine with a 7.5 mHz lineal transducer. Some different anatomical structures in this region of the hind-limb such as the tendons, ligaments, muscles and articular components were identified and labelled as regards their echoic characteristics.

Computed tomography (CT) of the lungs of the dog using a helical CT scanner, intravenous iodine contrast medium and different CT windows.

The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of helical computed tomography (CT) for visualizing pulmonary parenchyma and associated formations in normal dogs. CT scan was performed by using intravenous contrast medium and by applying different types of CT windows: soft tissue and lung windows, and high-resolution computed tomography of the lung. This technique allowed, especially with lung window types, a good view of the parenchyma, bronchial tree, vascular structures and pleural cavity. The selected images, with high anatomical quality and tissue contrast, may be a reference for future clinical studies of this organ. Thus, helical CT is a promising non-invasive method of diagnosing a wide variety of pulmonary diseases in dogs.