Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in preclinical myxomatous mitral valve disease in dogs: systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficacy and adverse events of the administration of angiotensin--converting enzyme inhibitors for the management of preclinical myxomatous mitral valve disease in dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A compre- hensive search using Pubmed/MEDLINE, LILACS and CAB abstracts databases was performed. Ran- domised clinical trials that assessed efficacy and adverse events of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors for the management of preclinical myxomatous mitral valve disease in dogs were included. Certainty of evidence was rated using GRADE methods. RESULTS: Four randomised clinical trials were included. While safe, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors administration to dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease and cardiomegaly results in little to no difference in the risk of development congestive heart failure (high certainty of evidence; relative risk: 1.03; 95% confidence interval: 0.87 to 1.23) and may result in little to no difference in cardiovascular-related (low certainty of evidence; relative risk: 1.01; 95% confidence interval: 0.54 to 1.89) and all-cause mortality (low certainty of evidence; relative risk: 0.93; 95% confidence interval: 0.63 to 1.36). Administration of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors to dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease without cardiomegaly may result in a reduced risk of congestive heart failure development. However, the range in which the actual effect for this outcome may be, the "margin of error," indicates it might also increase the risk of congestive heart failure development (low certainty of evidence; relative risk: 0.86; 95% confidence interval: 0.54 to 1.35). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Administration of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors to dogs with -preclinical myxoma- tous mitral valve disease and cardiomegaly results in little to no difference in the risk of the develop- ment of congestive heart failure and may result in little to no difference in -cardiovascular-related and all-cause mortality. The certainty of evidence of the efficacy of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibi- tors administration to dogs without cardiomegaly was low.

Efficacy and Safety of Bleaching Gels According to Application Protocol.

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated bleaching efficacy, enamel microhardness, and roughness of highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide (HP) gels (35%-40%) using different application protocols. Gel decomposition and pH alteration were also analyzed. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Bovine enamel/dentin specimens were divided into groups according to the bleaching gel-Pola Office Plus (POP-SDI, 37.5% HP), Opalescence Boost (OPB-Ultradent, 40% HP), Whiteness HP (WHP-FGM, 35% HP)-and application protocol-single application (SA) and multiple application (MA) during the in-office session. Deionized water was used in control group (no bleaching). Thus, seven final groups were obtained (n=15/group). Color (CIE L*a*b*), surface microhardness (SMH), and roughness (Ra) were assessed before/after treatments. The pH of gels was measured, and HP concentration was determined with potassium permanganate titration method in different times. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and Tukey tests (5%). RESULTS: All gels presented similar and clinically acceptable bleaching efficacy (ΔE>2.7) for both SA and MA, as well as no significant differences for SMH and Ra comparing the two protocols in the same gel. Peroxide decomposition significantly increased with time, but final gel concentrations were still high after 45 minutes (32.29% POP; 38.45% OPB; and 32.74% WHP). The pH decreased over time (initial - after 45 min) for WHP (6.83±0.07 - 5.81±0.06), but minimal alterations were observed for POP (8.09±0.09 - 7.88±0.07) and OPB (7.82±0.11 - 7.87±0.07). CONCLUSIONS: Peroxide decomposition was very low for all gels tested, and pH remained stable for POP and OPB gels. Bleaching protocol did not influence whitening efficacy and hazardous effects over enamel, thus potentially there was no clinical significance. Therefore, for the products tested, there is no evidence for recommending the gel change during the bleaching session.

Bonding Performance of Simplified Adhesive Systems in Noncarious Cervical Lesions at 2-year Follow-up: A Double-blind Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the bonding performance of a universal adhesive used according to self-etching or etch-and-rinse protocols in noncarious cervical lesions (NCCLs) and to compare the two protocols with their respective gold standard techniques. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This randomized, double-blind clinical study enrolled 34 participants who met the inclusion criteria, 29 of whom returned after two years. They received 152 restorations bonded with one of the three adhesives (Scotchbond Universal Adhesive, Adper Single Bond 2, or Clearfil SE Bond) and one of the two bonding techniques tested. The NCCLs were restored with nanocomposite resin (Filtek Supreme). Final contours were done with a fine diamond rotary instrument and polished with rubber points. The restorations were evaluated using the FDI World Dental Federation criteria at baseline (seven days after the restoration procedure), 6, 12, and 24 months. Descriptive statistics, Kruskal-Wallis, Friedman analysis of variance, and least significant difference tests were performed. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found in esthetics or the functional and biological evaluated criteria among the adhesive systems and techniques. CONCLUSIONS: The Scotchbond Universal system behaved similarly to the conventional etch-and-rinse or self-etching systems in all the adhesion strategies in the evaluated periods.

Effect of Calcium and Fluoride Addition to Hydrogen Peroxide Bleaching Gel On Tooth Diffusion, Color, and Microhardness.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of calcium and fluoride addition to a 35% hydrogen peroxide (HP) bleaching gel with regard to its diffusion through the tooth structure, enamel microhardness, and bleaching efficacy. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Eighty specimens (6 mm in diameter and 2 mm in height; 1 mm/enamel and 1 mm/dentin) were obtained from bovine incisors that were polished and divided into four groups (n=20) according to the remineralizing agent added to the gel: Ca = 0.5% calcium gluconate; F = 0.2% sodium fluoride; Ca+F = 0.5% calcium gluconate and 0.2% sodium fluoride; and control = no agent. Initial microhardness and color were assessed. The samples were positioned over simulated pulpal chambers filled with acetate buffer solution to capture the HP. Gels were applied over enamel for 30 minutes, and HP diffusion was assessed by spectrophotometry two hours after bleaching. Microhardness was measured immediately after bleaching and then the specimens were immersed into artificial saliva for seven days for final color assessment. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey test. RESULTS: Bleaching reduced microhardness for all groups (p=0.0001), but the Ca+F and F groups showed lower reductions after bleaching. The addition of Ca, F, and Ca+F decreased the peroxide penetration through the tooth structure (p=0.0001), but there were no differences in color change for ΔL (p=0.357), Δa (p=0.061), Δb (p=0.823), and ΔE (p=0.581). CONCLUSION: The addition of calcium and fluoride in the gel did not affect bleaching efficacy, but it was able to reduce both the peroxide diffusion and the bleached enamel microhardness loss.

Estudo comparativo entre métodos manual e digital no cálculo do ângulo do platô tibial em cães / Comparative study of manual and digital method in the calculation of the tibial plateau angle in dogs

São poucos os dados publicados sobre a aplicabilidade ou a confiabilidade dos métodos digitais para mensuração do ângulo do platô tibial (APT) em comparação à mensuração manual. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar o APT obtido pelo cálculo manual padrão, em filmes radiográficos, com os valores obtidos por cálculos em imagens digitais, por meio do software do computador. Foram analisadas radiografias digitais do membro pélvico, direito e esquerdo, em perfil verdadeiro, de 20 cães saudáveis, com idade superior a um ano. Três observadores com graus de experiência semelhantes em cálculo do APT realizaram as mensurações em cada radiografia. Primeiramente, foram calculados os ângulos dos platôs tibiais manualmente nas películas radiográficas e, posteriormente, os cálculos foram realizados na imagem digital, por meio do software para medicina veterinária do sistema de raios X digital. Os resultados do presente estudo demonstraram diferenças significativas entre os métodos, com valor das médias do cálculo digital 20,48±3.71 e do cálculo manual 23.90±4.02. Valor de P foi < 0,01 na comparação entre médias dos dois grupos. Na avaliação interobservadores, houve diferença significativa no cálculo manual no perfil direito, o que sugere maior variação no cálculo manual quando comparado ao digital. O cálculo realizado pelo software apresentou menor variação nos valores interobservadores. Acredita-se que a menor variação obtida nos resultados aqui apresentados se dê em razão das facilidades proporcionadas pelo software. Conclui-se que houve diferença entre os valores obtidos por meio dos métodos convencional e digital no cálculo do ângulo do platô tibial, sendo os valores digitais menores entre os observadores, e que o método digital no cálculo do ângulo do platô tibial levou à menor variação quando comparado ao método manual.(AU)

There are few published data on the applicability and reliability of digital methods for measuring the TPA compared with manual measurement. The objective of this study was to compare the TPA obtained by calculating standard manual on conventional radiographs, with the values obtained by calculations in digital images through a computer program. Bilateral digital radiographs of hind limb were analyzed in true profile for 20 healthy dogs older than two years. Three observers with similar levels of experience in calculating the TPA conducted measurements on each radiograph. First we calculated the angle of the tibial plateaus manually in x-ray film and then the calculations were made through the program offered by the computer program in the digital image. The results of this study showed significant differences between the methods, with average value of 20.48±3.71 digital calculating average and 23.90±2.4 in the manual calculation. P value was < 0.01 when comparing averages. No significant difference in manual calculation in right profile were found between interobserver assessments, suggesting greater variation in manual calculation compared to digital. The calculation performed by the software showed less variation in values. The slight variation obtained in our results is believed to be due to the facilities provided by the software. There was a difference between the values obtained by means of conventional and digital methods for calculating the angle of the tibial plateau, and the smaller digital values between the observers and the digital method in the calculation of the tibial plateau angle led to less variation when compared to the manual method.(AU)

Distribution of selenium in sheep treated with dipheny diselenide / Distribuição do selênio em ovinos tratados com disseleneto de difenila

The aim of the present study was to report the in vivo distribution of selenium in sheep. For this, animals were allocated into two groups (control group and treated group) and kept in metabolic cages for a period of 37 days. The treated group received a single dose (6µmol/kg) of Diphenyl Diselenide, intravenously. Plasma and erythrocytes samples were collected at different times. Adipose tissue, muscles (latissimusdorsi, semitendinosus, and supra-scapular) heart, liver, lung, kidney, intestine and brain were sampled at 30 days post-treatment, in order to determine the selenium concentration. The results demonstrated that the selenium, from the Diphenyl Diselenide group, was higher in erythrocytes (4.8mg/L, six hours post-treatment) when compared with the control sheep. The deposition of selenium occurred in the liver (7.01µg/g), brain (3.53µg/g) and kidney (2.02µg/g). After 30 days of a single intravenous injection of Diphenyl Diselenide, liver was the main organ of selenium deposition.(AU)

O objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar a distribuição in vivo do selênio em ovinos. Para isso, os animais foram distribuídos em dois grupos (grupo controle e grupo tratado) e mantidos em gaiolas metabólicas por um período de 37 dias. O grupo tratado recebeu uma dose única (6µmol/kg) de disseleneto de difenila, por via intravenosa. As amostras de plasma e de eritrócitos foram recolhidas em momentos diferentes. Tecido adiposo, músculos (latissimus dorsi, semitendinoso e supraescapular) coração, fígado, pulmão, rim, intestino e cérebro foram amostrados aos 30 dias pós-tratamento, a fim de se determinar a concentração de selênio. Os resultados demonstraram que o selênio, do grupo disseleneto de difenila, foi maior em eritrócitos (4,8mg/L, seis horas após o tratamento) quando comparado com o grupo controle. A deposição de selênio ocorreu no fígado (7,01µg/g), cérebro (3,53µg/g) e rim (2,02µg/g). Após 30 dias de uma única injeção intravenosa de disseleneto de difenila, o fígado foi o principal órgão de deposição de selênio.(AU)

Influência do posicionamento radiográfico no cálculo interobservador do ângulo do platô tibial em cães / Influence of radiographic positioning in the interobserver measuring of the tibial plateau angle in dogs

O objetivo deste trabalho foi demonstrar que o posicionamento radiográfico inadequado do membro pélvico de cães (imagens obliquadas) afeta a mensuração do ângulo do platô tibial (APT), levando à maior variação entre observadores. Foram realizadas duas projeções radiográficas nos membros pélvicos direito e esquerdo, uma em perfil verdadeiro e a outra com o membro obliquado em 21 cães provenientes do atendimento clínico cirúrgico do Hospital Veterinário da Universidade de Cuiabá, em Cuiabá-MT. Os critérios de inclusão foram cães livres de histórico ou afecção ortopédica nos membros pélvicos, pesando entre 15 e 40 quilos, sem predileção por raça ou sexo, entre dois e sete anos de idade. Foram obtidas 42 imagens radiográficas em perfil verdadeiro e 42 imagens radiográficas obliquadas. Três observadores com experiência em cálculo do APT fizeram as mensurações. Nos cálculos das imagens em perfil verdadeiro, o observador 1 obteve uma média de 23,35º ± 2,82; o observador 2, média de 23,88º ± 4,83; e o observador 3, média de 24,54º ± 4,01, não sendo encontrada diferença significativa entre o cálculo dos três avaliadores, P=0,944 (P > 0,05), nas imagens em perfil verdadeiro. Nos cálculos das imagens obliquadas, o observador 1 obteve uma média de 21,69º ± 4,22; o observador 2, média de 19,42º ± 5,92; e o observador 3, média de 22,64º ± 5,23, e foi encontrada diferença significativa entre o cálculo dos três observadores, P=0,016 (P < 0,05). Com esses dados, pôde-se demonstrar que a imagem radiográfica obliquada compromete o valor final do cálculo do ângulo do platô tibial em cães, levando à variação numérica estatisticamente significativa entre observadores. Conclui-se, assim, que um posicionamento correto do membro pélvico, em perfil verdadeiro, deve ser sempre utilizado para a obtenção de imagens, com o objetivo de mensurar o valor do APT.(AU)

This work aimed at demonstrating that an inadequate radiographic position of pelvic limbs of dogs, from a strict lateral radiographic view, resulted in oblique images, affecting the measurement of the tibial plateau angle (TPA). There were two radiographic projections of the right and the left pelvic limb, one in strict lateral radiographic view and another with inclined hind limb in 21 dogs from the clinical surgical assistance at Hospital Veterinário of Universidade de Cuiabá in Cuiabá-MT. Inclusion criteria were dogs free from pelvic hind limbs orthopedic affection records, weighing between 15 and 40 kilos, without a preference for breed or gender and ageing between two and seven years old. A total of 42 radiographic images in strict lateral radiographic view and 42 inclined limb radiographic views were obtained. Three observers with TPA calculation experience made measurements. In the calculus for the strict lateral radiographic view the first observer has reached an average of 23,35º ± 2,82, the second observer 23,88º ± 4,83 and the third observer 24,54º ± 4,01. No significant statistic differences among the calculus of the three evaluators p=0,944 (P>0,05) was found. In the calculus of the inclined limbs radiographic views the first observer reached an average of 21,69º ± 4,22, the second observer 19,42º ± 5,92 and the third observer 22,64º ±. 5,23. Significant statistic difference in the calculus of the three observers, p=0,016, that is to say, P<0,05 was found. The data indicated that the inclined limb radiographic image compromises the final value of the calculation of tibial plateau angle in dogs. Thus, correct positioning of the pelvic limb, in a strict lateral radiographic view, must be always used for obtaining images aiming at measuring the value of TPA.(AU)

Microleakage and Shear Bond Strength of Composite Restorations Under Cycling Conditions.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate microleakage and shear bond strength of composite restorations under different cycling conditions. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Class V cavities were prepared in the buccal and lingual surfaces of 30 human molars (n=60). A further 60 molars were used to prepare flat enamel and dentin specimens (n=60 each). Cavities and specimens were divided into six groups and pretreated with an adhesive (self-etch/Clearfil SE Bond or etch-and-rinse/Optibond FL). Composite was inserted in the cavities or adhered to the specimens' surfaces, respectively, and submitted to cycling (control: no cycling; thermal cycling: 10,000 cycles, 5°C to 55°C; thermal/erosive cycling: thermal cycling plus storage in hydrochloric acid pH 2.1, 5 minutes, 6×/day, 8 days). Microleakage was quantified by stereomicroscopy in enamel and dentin margins after immersion in silver nitrate. Specimens were submitted to shear bond strength testing. Statistical analysis was done by two-way analysis of variance and Kruskal-Wallis tests (p<0.05). RESULTS: Microleakage in enamel margins was significantly lower in the control group compared with thermal cycling or thermal/erosive cycling. Erosive conditions increased microleakage compared with thermal cycling (significant only for Clearfil SE Bond). No significant differences were observed in dentin margins. Bond strength of enamel specimens was reduced by thermal cycling and thermal/erosive cycling when Clearfil SE Bond was used and only by thermal/erosive cycling when Optibond FL was used. No differences were observed among dentin specimens. CONCLUSIONS: Thermal/erosive cycling can adversely affect microleakage and shear bond strength of composite resin bonded to enamel.

Accuracy of Ultrasonographic Measurements of Adrenal Glands in Dogs: Comparison with Necroscopic Findings.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of the adrenal glands was performed in 85 dogs, followed by macroscopic and histopathological examination either post-mortem or after adrenalectomy. This retrospective cross-sectional study evaluated the difference between gross and ultrasonographic measurements to determine the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasonography in the evaluation of canine adrenal gland size. The differences were assessed for gland length, thickness at cranial, middle and caudal regions, and surface area. In our sample, ultrasound error accuracy ranged between 0% in measurement of the right adrenal gland surface area and 25.21% for left cranial pole thickness. The parameters with minor errors were caudal pole thickness (3.64% right side and 3.49% left side) and length (5.75% right side and 2.19% left side). The ultrasonographic measurements generally underestimated the actual size of the adrenal glands. No statistically significant differences were observed for measurement errors between normal and pathological adrenal glands. This study confirmed that the caudal pole of both glands is the best parameter for ultrasonographic evaluation of normal and pathological adrenal glands size in dog. Furthermore, the surface area could be considered as a dimensional parameter for better assessment of the complex shape and the global aspect of the adrenal glands, while standardize ultrasonographic projections are needed to measure the cranial pole of both adrenal glands.

Brain neuroimaging of domestic cats: correlation between computed tomography and cross-sectional anatomy / Neuroimagem cerebral de gatos domésticos: correlação entre a tomografia computadorizada e a anatomia seccional

Computed tomography of the brain is necessary as part of the diagnosis of lesions of the central nervous system. In this study we used six domestic cats, male or female, aged between one and five years, evaluated by Computed Tomography (CT) examination without clinical signs of central nervous system disorders. Two euthanized animals stating a condition unrelated to the nervous system were incorporated into this study. The proposal consisted in establishing detailed anatomical description of tomographic images of normal brain of cats, using as reference anatomical images of cross sections of the stained brain and cranial part, with thicknesses similar to the planes of the CT images. CT examinations were performed with and without intravenous iodinated contrast media for live animals. With one euthanized animal, the brain was removed and immediately preserved in 10% formalin for later achievement in cross-sectional thickness of approximately 4mm and staining technique of Barnard, and Robert Brown. The head of another animal was disarticulated in the Atlanto-occipital region and frozen at -20ºC then sliced to a thickness of about 5mm. The description of visualized anatomical structures using tomography is useful as a guide and allows transcribing with relative accuracy the brain region affected by an injury, and thus correlating it with the clinical symptoms of the patient, providing additional information and consequent improvement to veterinarians during the course of surgical clinic in this species.(AU)

A tomografia computadorizada do cérebro é de suma importância como parte do diagnóstico de lesões do sistema nervoso central. Neste estudo, foram utilizados seis felinos domésticos, machos ou fêmeas, com idade entre um e cinco anos, avaliados pela tomografia computadorizada (TC), sem sinais clínicos de distúrbios do sistema nervoso central. Dois cadáveres indicando a condição relacionada com o sistema nervoso foram incorporados ao presente estudo. A proposta consistiu na criação da descrição anatômica detalhada das imagens tomográficas de cérebro normal de gatos, usando como referência a imagens anatômicas de secções transversais do cérebro coradas, realizadas com espessuras similares aos planos das imagens tomográficas. Exames de TC foram realizados com e sem contraste iodado intravenoso para os animais vivos. Em um dos cadáveres, o cérebro foi removido e imediatamente preservado em formalina a 10% para a realização posterior da técnica de coloração de Barnard e Robert Brown, além de cortes transversais com espessura de, aproximadamente, 4mm. O crânio do outro cadáver foi desarticulado na região atlanto-occipital e congelado a -20ºC. Em seguida, foi realizado corte com espessura de cerca de 5mm. A descrição das estruturas anatômicas visualizadas foi útil e serve como guia, permitindo descrever com relativa precisão a estrutura cerebral normal ou lesionada, e, portanto, correlacionando-a com os sintomas clínicos de um paciente, o que fornece informações adicionais e consequente aprimoramento de veterinários no curso de clínica cirúrgica para essa espécie.(AU)

Effects of competition on acute phase proteins and lymphocyte subpopulations - oxidative stress markers in eventing horses.

The aim of the study was to evaluate markers of the acute phase response (APR) in eventing horses by measuring acute phase proteins (APP) (haptoglobin, Hp, and serum amyloid A, SAA), lysozyme, protein adducts such as pentosidine-like adducts (PENT), malondialdehyde adducts (MDA), hydroxynonenal adducts (HNE) and total advanced glycation/glycoxidation end products (AGEs), complete blood count and lymphocyte subpopulations (CD4+, CD8+ and CD21+) both at rest and at the end of an eventing competition. Blood samples were collected from eight Warmblood horses (medium age 10 ± 3) during an official national 2-day event competition at rest (R) and 10 min after the arrival of the cross-country test on the second day. Exercise caused a significant increase in red blood cell number, haemoglobin, packed cell volume, neutrophils, white blood cell and lymphocyte number; however, these values remained within the normal range. The CD4+ and CD8+ cells significantly increased, whereas the CD21+ lymphocytes decreased; a significant increase in serum SAA, lysozyme and protein carbonyl derivates was also observed. Two-day event causes significant changes in APR markers such as lysozyme, protein carbonyl derivates (HNE, AGEs, PENT) and lymphocyte subpopulations. The data support the hypothesis that 2-day event may alter significantly APR markers. Limitations of the study were the relatively small sample size and sampling time conditioned by the official regulations of the event. Therefore, further studies are needed to investigate the time required for recovery to basal values in order to define the possible effects on the immune function of the athlete horse.

Effect of hydrogen peroxide concentration on enamel color and microhardness.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of hydrogen peroxide gels with different concentrations (20%, 25%, 30%, and 35%) on enamel Knoop microhardness (KNH) as well as on changes in dental color (C). METHODS: Cylindrical specimens of enamel/dentin (3-mm diameter and 2-mm thickness) were obtained from bovine incisors and randomly divided into six groups (n=20), according to the concentration of the whitening gel (20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, control, thickener). After polishing, initial values of KNH0 and color measurement, assessed by spectrophotometry using the CIE L*a*b* system, were taken from the enamel surface. The gels were applied on the enamel surface for 30 minutes, and immediate values of KNHi were taken. After seven days of being stored in artificial saliva, new measures of KNH7 and color (L7* a7* b7*, for calculating ΔE, ΔL, and Δb) were made. Data were submitted to statistical analysis of variance, followed by Tukey test (p<0.05). RESULTS: Differences in gel concentration and time did not influence the microhardness (p=0.54 and p=0.29, respectively). In relation to color changes, ΔE data showed that the 35% gel presented a higher color alteration than the 20% gel did (p=0.006). CONCLUSION: Bleaching with 35% hydrogen peroxide gel was more effective than with the 20% gel, without promoting significant adverse effects on enamel surface microhardness.

An unusual case of intestinal leiomyositis in a Bernese mountain dog.

A 1-year-old, female Bernese mountain dog was presented to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Turin University with a 3-month history of weight loss, intermittent anorexia, vomiting, constipation, and abdominal distension. Full-thickness biopsies from the stomach, duodenum, jejunum and ileum were collected for histological and immunohistochemical examination. Microscopic lesions displayed severe diffuse degeneration and loss of leiomyocytes, with lymphocytic leiomyositis, fibroplasia, angiogenesis, severe diffuse neuronal atrophy, and ganglioneuritis in the myenteric (Auerbach's) plexus. A diagnosis of chronic idiopatic intestinal pseudo-obstruction was made. Response to immunosuppressive therapy was poor and the dog was humanely euthanized. Unique findings were mononuclear infiltration composed predominantly of B-cell, angiogenesis and weak immunoreactivity for neuron-specific enolase.

Incremental filling technique and composite material--part I: cuspal deformation, bond strength, and physical properties.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of composite resins (one conventional and two low-shrink composites) and filling techniques on cuspal strains (CS), microtensile bond strength (µTBS), composite ultimate tensile strength (UTS), and mechanical properties of the composites at various depths in molars with large Class II restorations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred seventeen human molars received standardized Class II mesio-oclusal-distal cavity preparations and restorations with three composites (Filtek LS [3M-ESPE]; Aelite LS [BISCO]; and Filtek Supreme [3M-ESPE]) using three filling techniques (bulk, eight increments, and 16 increments). CS was measured using strain gauges, after which the same restored teeth were used to assess µTBS and UTS. The elastic modulus (E) and Vickers hardness (VH) at different depths were determined from microhardness indentations. The CS, µTBS, UTS, E, and VH data were statistically analyzed using split-plot analysis of variance and Tukey test (p=0.05). RESULTS: The CS was higher when using 16 increments. The 'low-shrink' composites caused lower CS. The µTBS and UTS were similar for eight- and 16-increment techniques and higher when compared to the bulk filling in all composites. E and VH were constant through the depth when applied in eight or 16 increments. CONCLUSIONS: Type of composite and filling technique affected the CS, µTBS, UTS, and mechanical properties of large Class II restorations. The eight-increments filling technique resulted in generally less CS with the same µTBS and UTS than was obtained with 16 increments, without affecting E and VH through the depth of the composites.

Avaliação radiográfica e tomográfica dos seios nasais de gatos com doenças sinonasais crônicas / Radiographic and tomographic evaluation of nasal sinus in ten cats with chronic sinonasal diseases

Avaliaram-se os seios nasais de 10 gatos mestiços, adultos, acometidos por afecções sinonasais, por meio de exames radiográfico e tomográfico, e descreveram-se as vantagens e desvantagens dos métodos. O grande diferencial do exame de tomografia computadorizada em relação ao exame radiográfico, na avaliação dos seios nasais, foi a detecção de alterações nos seios esfenoides e a maior facilidade em localizar a lateralidade e o grau de envolvimento de alterações dos seios frontais.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the nasal sinus of ten adult mixed-breed cats with sinonasal diseases, using radiography and computed tomography to describe the advantages and disadvantages of the methods. In the evaluation of the nasal sinus, the advantages of the CT examination regarding the radiography had been the detection of alterations in the sphenoid sinus and the easiness in locating the side affected and the degree of involvement of the frontal sinus.

Severe renal failure in a dog resembling human focal segmental glomerulosclerosis.

A case of renal disease in a dog resembling human focal segmental glomerulosclerosis is presented. A kidney biopsy from this animal showed focal glomerular sclerosis, with variable distribution, affecting the perihilar and peripheral segments of the glomerular tuft. Non-sclerotic glomeruli were markedly enlarged. Interstitial fibrosis in association with tubular atrophy affected approximately 20% of the area of the biopsy. Immunofluorescence labelling showed immunoglobulin M deposits entrapped in segmental sclerotic areas and ultrastructural examination revealed segmental sclerosis and obliteration of capillaries, vacuolation of podocytes and diffuse effacement of foot processes. The dog was humanely destroyed 1 month later. At necropsy examination there was severe end-stage kidney disease with interstitial fibrosis involving more than 60% of the renal tissue. The clinical course and the microscopical, immunofluorescence and ultrastructural findings in this case have similarity to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in man.

Comparison between light and electron microscopy in canine and feline renal pathology: a preliminary study.

The aim of this study is to compare the accuracy and clinical use of light and transmission electron microscopy in detecting the early stages of renal pathologies in domestic animals. We examined 30 samples of renal tissue from cats and dogs referred to the Veterinary Hospital of the Department of Animal Pathology for different systemic diseases. The progressions of the kidney pathologies were classified using the scheme system proposed by the International Renal Interest Society. All samples were submitted for conventional histology and ultrastructural examination. Our study shows that electron microscopy is necessary to complete the histological examinations, especially to define early stages of kidney diseases (minimal changes disease, epithelial tubular pathologies, tubular basement membrane and glomerular basement membrane changes). Electron microscopy can be more accurate in defining the level of focal lesion, and permits discrimination between different clinical and pathological alterations such as fibrillary deposits. In conclusion, transmission electron microscopy associated with clinical, histological, histochemical and immunological examinations, is an essential method for diagnosis and prognosis of renal disease.

Survival characteristics and prognostic variables of dogs with mitral regurgitation attributable to myxomatous valve disease.

BACKGROUND: There are few studies evaluating the natural history and prognostic variables in chronic mitral valve disease (CMVI) in a heterogeneous population of dogs. OBJECTIVES: To estimate survival and prognostic value of clinical and echocardiographic variables in dogs with CMVI of varying severity. Five hundred and fifty-eight dogs belonging to 36 breeds were studied. METHODS: Dogs were included after clinical examination and echocardiography. Long-term outcome was assessed by telephone interview with the owner. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 22.7 +/- 13.6 months, and the median survival time was 19.5 +/- 13.2 months. In univariate analysis, age>8 years, syncope, HR>140 bpm, dyspnea, arrhythmias, class of heart failure (International Small Animal Cardiac Health Council), furosemide therapy, end-systolic volume-index (ESV-I)>30 mL/m(2), left atrial to aortic root ratio (LA/Ao)>1.7, E wave transmitral peak velocity (Emax)>1.2 m/s, and bilateral mitral valve leaflet engagement were associated with survival time when all causes of death were included. For the cardiac-related deaths, all the previous variables except dyspnea and EDV-I>100 mL/m(2) were significantly associated with survival time. Significant variables in multivariate analysis (all causes of death) were syncope, LA/Ao>1.7 m/s, and Emax>1.2 m/s. For cardiac-related death, the only significant variable was LA/Ao>1.7. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Mild CMVI is a relatively benign condition in dogs. However, some clinical variables can identify dogs at a higher risk of death; these variables might be useful to identify individuals that need more frequent monitoring or therapeutic intervention.

Canine necrotizing encephalitis associated with anti-glomerular basement membrane glomerulonephritis.

A 2-year-old male West Highland white terrier with a 4-month history of seizures was referred for investigation. Depressed mentation, proprioceptive deficit and decreased menace response were noted at neurological examination. Post-mortem examination of the brain revealed multifocal lesions located principally in the left side of the diencephalon and mesencephalon. The lesions consisted of non-suppurative inflammation and large areas of cavitation. The clinical evaluation and histopathological findings were consistent with a diagnosis of necrotizing meningoencephalitis (NME). Immunofluorescence performed on frozen sections of kidney revealed strong smooth linear labelling of the glomerular basement membrane with anti-IgG serum as well as weaker linear labelling with anti-IgM serum. This histomorphological pattern was consistent with anti-glomerular basement membrane glomerulonephritis. The association of this type of glomerulonephritis with a necrotizing encephalitis would support the hypothesis of an immune-mediated aetiology for NME.