Lethal Effect and Behavioral Responses of Leaf-Cutting Ants to Essential Oil of Pogostemon cablin (Lamiaceae) and Its Nanoformulation.

Leaf-cutting ants belonging to the genus Atta (Formicidae: Myrmicinae) are important pests in agricultural and forest environments. In the present study, we evaluated the formicidal activity of the essential oil of Pogostemon cablin and its nanoformulation on the leaf-cutting ants: Atta opaciceps (Borgmeier, 1939), Atta sexdens (Linnaeus, 1758), and Atta sexdens rubropilosa Forel, 1908. The nanoformulation was developed by magnetic stirring using polyoxyethylene (36%), pure ethanol (36%), essential oil of P. cablin (18%), and water (10%). Bioassays of acute toxicity by fumigation and behavioral bioassays in treated arenas, with and without choice, were performed. The essential oil of P. cablin and its nanoformulation demonstrated efficient insecticidal activity and irritability to ant species. The concentration required to kill 50% of workers varied from 1.06 to 2.10 µL L-1, with a mean time to death of less than or equal to 42 h. The essential oil of P. cablin and its nanoformulation reduced the displacement and velocity speed of the workers of A. opaciceps and A. sexdens rubropilosa in totally treated arenas. In the bioassays with choices, the three species of ants walked less and at a greater speed on the treated side of arena. This work demonstrates the potential of the essential oil of P. cablin and its nanoformulation to the generation of new formicidal products.

Does a single application of contraceptive cause pathological changes in bitches? / [Uma única aplicação de anticoncepcional causa alterações patológicas em cadelas?]

O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar os efeitos da administração em dose única de progestágenos em fêmeas caninas hígidas, as quais nunca haviam recebido tais fármacos. Foram selecionadas 20 cadelas, que foram examinadas clinicamente e por meio de exames complementares. Nessas cadelas, foi aplicado medroxiprogesterona por via subcutânea. Noventa dias após, as fêmeas foram esterilizadas cirurgicamente, sendo os tecidos reprodutivos encaminhados para histopatologia. Foi possível verificar que, aos 30 dias, 12 animais (60%) apresentaram hiperplasia mamária. Aos 90 dias, 18 animais (90%) apresentavam sinais de hiperplasia endometrial cística, tendo cinco (27,77%) destes animais apresentado conteúdo purulento no lúmen uterino. No exame microscópico, apenas uma fêmea não demonstrou alterações patológicas, sendo a única que recebeu o contraceptivo na fase correta (anestro). As demais fêmeas apresentaram alterações que variaram entre alterações circulatórias a hiperplasia endometrial cística grave. Assim, foi possível concluir que uma única aplicação de anticoncepcional em fêmeas hígidas pode causar complicações leves a graves.(AU)

Iliofemoral technique modification using an anchor screw as treatment of canine traumatic hip luxation - case report / [Modificação da técnica de sutura iliofemoral com uso de parafuso âncora no tratamento da luxação coxofemoral traumática em cães - relato de caso]

Twelve dogs with traumatic hip luxation were selected for surgical intervention with a modified iliofemoral suture technique using an anchor screw to substitute the passage of suture material through a perforated tunnel in the ilium. Six procedures were performed with non-absorbable suture and other six with absorbable suture materials. These cases were evaluated at 15, 30, 60, and 90 days after surgery by performing an ambulation analysis and palpation of the joint. In all cases, there was a return of partial and total limb support in an average of 3 and 19 postoperative, respectively. The fixation strategy of the suture material in the ilium using an anchor screw proved to be efficient with a smaller surgical approach and lesser surgical difficulty, maintaining joint congruence in acute as chronic luxation cases. The use of absorbable and non-absorbable sutures had excellent clinical results, but there was a subjective superiority of the first ones, once 4 dogs of the non-absorbable group presented some discomfort during the postoperative palpation of the joint, 90 days after surgery.(AU)

Doze cães com luxação coxofemoral traumática foram submetidos à intervenção cirúrgica de sutura iliofemoral modificada com uso de parafuso âncora substituindo a passagem de fio através de túnel perfurado no ílio. Seis procedimentos foram realizados com fio não absorvível, e outros seis com fio absorvível. Os casos foram avaliados aos 15, 30, 60 e 90 dias após a cirurgia, por meio de análise de deambulação e palpação articular. Em todos os casos, houve retorno de suporte parcial e total do peso no membro operado, em média, aos três e 19 dias de pós-operatório, respectivamente. A estratégia de fixação do fio de sutura no ílio com parafuso âncora se mostrou eficaz, permitindo uma abordagem cirúrgica menos invasiva, com menor dificuldade na execução, garantindo manutenção da congruência articular tanto em quadros de luxação aguda como crônica. O uso de fio absorvível e não absorvível teve bons resultados clínicos, porém houve uma superioridade subjetiva do primeiro, uma vez que quatro pacientes do grupo fio inabsorvível mostraram desconforto à palpação da articulação aos 90 dias após a cirurgia.(AU)

Sealing the postpneumonectomy space: use of a pectoralis major myodermal flap.

Reconstruction of chest wall defects is performed by a variety of surgical procedures. Use of the pectoralis major myodermal flap following a Clagett procedure appears to be a reliable technique providing satisfactory results. The application of this technique demands a close interaction between the plastic surgeon and the thoracic surgeon.

Pain amelioration after thoracotomy: a prospective, randomized study.

Twenty patients undergoing a posterolateral thoracotomy for lung resection or a nonpulmonary procedure were divided into four groups. Group 1 was the control group. Patients in Group 2 had an intercostal nerve block at the time of closure. Those in Group 3 underwent a continuous intercostal nerve block for five days. Electronic pain control was used in Group 4. An additional group of patients underwent operation through an anterolateral thoracotomy (Group 5) and was compared with the control group. Breathing performance was evaluated daily for five days with bedside spirometry, and intergroup comparison was done utilizing the unpaired t test and analysis of variance. Forced expiratory volume in one second, expressed as percent of preoperative values, was significantly better in Group 3 (continuous intercostal nerve block) at 52.4 +/- 9.2% (standard deviation; p less than 0.05) and in Group 5 (anterolateral thoracotomy) at 52.0 +/- 7.5% (p less than 0.05) than in the control group (38.4 +/- 8.8%) five days postoperatively. It is concluded that bedside spirometry is a simple and reliable technique to assess postoperative changes in ventilatory mechanics due to pain. The pain that follows posterolateral thoracotomy can be substantially decreased with a continuous intercostal nerve block. Anterolateral thoracotomy is notably less painful than posterolateral thoracotomy and should be considered the approach of choice for patients with decreased pulmonary reserve who undergo uncomplicated pulmonary resection.

Plasmocitoma ósseo solitário em cães: relato de três casos / Solitary osseous plasmocytoma in dogs: a report of three cases

O plasmocitoma ósseo solitário é uma neoplasia incomum, não secretória que pode acometer tanto o esqueleto apendicular como o axial. Os sinais clínicos dos plasmocitomas ósseos incluem dor, claudicação e alterações neurológicas relacionadas à compressão medular. A suspeita diagnóstica é baseada na avaliação radiográfica caracterizada por lesões ósseas líticas e a confirmação diagnóstica é realizada por meio do exame histopatológico, sendo o mieloma múltiplo um dos principais diagnósticos diferenciais. O tratamento para pacientes portadores de plasmocitoma ósseo solitário incluem cirurgias, radioterapia ou ainda tratamento paliativo direcionado para o controle da dor óssea quando a cirurgia não for uma opção viável. O objetivo do presente relato é descrever três casos de plasmocitomas ósseos solitários em cães sendo dois em vértebras lombares, que foram submetidos à remoção cirúrgica e que tiveram boa resposta ao tratamento empregado. Apesar de pouco descrito na literatura, o plasmocitoma ósseo solitário é um importante diferencial para lesões líticas em cães e pode apresentar tempo livre de progressão de doença e sobrevidas superiores a outras neoplasias ósseas como osteossarcoma quando submetidos ao tratamento adequado.

Solitary osseous plasmocytoma (SOP) is an uncommon, non-secretory neoplasm that can affect both the appendicular and axial skeletons. Clinical signs of bone plasmocytomas include pain, lameness and neurological changes related to spinal cord compression. The diagnosis is based on radiographic evaluation characterized by lytic bone lesions and confirmation is through histopathological examination, with multiple myeloma being one of the main differential diagnoses. Treatment of patients with SOP includes surgery, radiation therapy or palliative treatment directed at bone pain control when surgery is not a viable option. The objective of the present report is to describe three cases of SOP, two in lumbar vertebrae that were submitted to surgical removal with good response to the treatment. Although less described in the literature, SOP is an important differential for lytic lesions in dogs and may present disease free interval and survival time superior to other bone neoplasms such as osteosarcoma when submitted to adequate treatment.

Plasmocitoma ósseo solitário em cães: relato de três casos / Solitary osseous plasmocytoma in dogs: a report of three cases

O plasmocitoma ósseo solitário é uma neoplasia incomum, não secretória que pode acometer tanto o esqueleto apendicular como o axial. Os sinais clínicos dos plasmocitomas ósseos incluem dor, claudicação e alterações neurológicas relacionadas à compressão medular. A suspeita diagnóstica é baseada na avaliação radiográfica caracterizada por lesões ósseas líticas e a confirmação diagnóstica é realizada por meio do exame histopatológico, sendo o mieloma múltiplo um dos principais diagnósticos diferenciais. O tratamento para pacientes portadores de plasmocitoma ósseo solitário incluem cirurgias, radioterapia ou ainda tratamento paliativo direcionado para o controle da dor óssea quando a cirurgia não for uma opção viável. O objetivo do presente relato é descrever três casos de plasmocitomas ósseos solitários em cães sendo dois em vértebras lombares, que foram submetidos à remoção cirúrgica e que tiveram boa resposta ao tratamento empregado. Apesar de pouco descrito na literatura, o plasmocitoma ósseo solitário é um importante diferencial para lesões líticas em cães e pode apresentar tempo livre de progressão de doença e sobrevidas superiores a outras neoplasias ósseas como osteossarcoma quando submetidos ao tratamento adequado.(AU)

Solitary osseous plasmocytoma (SOP) is an uncommon, non-secretory neoplasm that can affect both the appendicular and axial skeletons. Clinical signs of bone plasmocytomas include pain, lameness and neurological changes related to spinal cord compression. The diagnosis is based on radiographic evaluation characterized by lytic bone lesions and confirmation is through histopathological examination, with multiple myeloma being one of the main differential diagnoses. Treatment of patients with SOP includes surgery, radiation therapy or palliative treatment directed at bone pain control when surgery is not a viable option. The objective of the present report is to describe three cases of SOP, two in lumbar vertebrae that were submitted to surgical removal with good response to the treatment. Although less described in the literature, SOP is an important differential for lytic lesions in dogs and may present disease free interval and survival time superior to other bone neoplasms such as osteosarcoma when submitted to adequate treatment.(AU)

Utilização do bloqueio labial com botões na correção das fraturas mandibulares em gatos / Labial locking with buttons for managing mandibular fractures in cats

As fraturas de mandíbula ocorrem com relativa frequência em gatos, sendo as separações da sínfise mentoniana a apresentação mais comum. Muitos procedimentos são propostos para a correção destas fraturas, cabendo ao cirurgião a escolha pelo melhor método. O presente estudo objetivou avaliar uma técnica não invasiva baseada na aplicação de um bloqueio labial com botões para tratamento das fraturas do corpo da mandíbula associadas à disjunção da sínfise mentoniana em gatos. Foram avaliados 5 animais com fraturas de mandíbula e disjunção de sínfise mentoniana, nos quais foram realizadas osteossíntese da sínfise com cerclagem de fio de aço e oclusão dentária com a técnica de bloqueio labial com botões, associado ao uso de sonda esofágica para alimentação enteral. Quatro animais apresentaram consolidação óssea após 30 dias. Em um deles foi necessário a realização de hemimandibulectomia após 15 dias da cirurgia, devido a impossibilidade de alimentação via sonda esofágica. O emprego da técnica de bloqueio labial com botões mostrou-se eficaz, pouco invasiva e simples nos casos avaliados.

Fractures of the mandible are relatively common in cats. Mandibular symphysis separation represents the most frequent injury reported. Several procedures have been described for managing this condition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the labial locking for the adjuvant treatment of the mandibular fracture and symphysis detachment in cats. Five cats with mandibular fracture and detachment of the symphysis were evaluated. They were submitted to a cerclage wire technique at the symphysis, labial locking with buttons and enteral feeding. Four cats showed mandibular healing after 30 days. One animal could not be submitted to enteral feeding and a hemimandibulectomy was performed after 15 days postoperatively. The labial locking with buttons is simple, little invasive and easily performed.

LABIAL LOCKING WITH BUTTONS FOR MANAGING MANDIBULAR FRACTURES IN CATS/Utilização do bloqueio labial com botões na correção das fraturas mandibulares em gatos

 As fraturas de mandíbula ocorrem com relativa frequência em gatos, sendo as separações da sínfise mentoniana a apresentação mais comum. Muitos procedimentos são propostos para a correção destas fraturas, cabendo ao cirurgião a escolha pelo melhor método. O presente estudo objetivou avaliar uma técnica não invasiva baseada na aplicação de um bloqueio labial com botões para tratamento das fraturas do corpo da mandíbula associadas à disjunção da sínfise mentoniana  em gatos. Foram avaliados 5 animais com fraturas de mandíbula e disjunção de sínfise mentoniana, nos quais foram realizadas osteossíntese da sínfise com cerclagem de fio de aço e oclusão dentária com a técnica de bloqueio labial com botões, associado ao uso de sonda esofágica para alimentação enteral. Quatro animais apresentaram consolidação óssea após 30 dias. Em um deles foi necessário a realização de hemimandibulectomia após

Utilização do bloqueio labial com botões na correção das fraturas mandibulares em gatos / Labial locking with buttons for managing mandibular fractures in cats

As fraturas de mandíbula ocorrem com relativa frequência em gatos, sendo as separações da sínfise mentoniana a apresentação mais comum. Muitos procedimentos são propostos para a correção destas fraturas, cabendo ao cirurgião a escolha pelo melhor método. O presente estudo objetivou avaliar uma técnica não invasiva baseada na aplicação de um bloqueio labial com botões para tratamento das fraturas do corpo da mandíbula associadas à disjunção da sínfise mentoniana em gatos. Foram avaliados 5 animais com fraturas de mandíbula e disjunção de sínfise mentoniana, nos quais foram realizadas osteossíntese da sínfise com cerclagem de fio de aço e oclusão dentária com a técnica de bloqueio labial com botões, associado ao uso de sonda esofágica para alimentação enteral. Quatro animais apresentaram consolidação óssea após 30 dias. Em um deles foi necessário a realização de hemimandibulectomia após 15 dias da cirurgia, devido a impossibilidade de alimentação via sonda esofágica. O emprego da técnica de bloqueio labial com botões mostrou-se eficaz, pouco invasiva e simples nos casos avaliados.(AU)

Fractures of the mandible are relatively common in cats. Mandibular symphysis separation represents the most frequent injury reported. Several procedures have been described for managing this condition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the labial locking for the adjuvant treatment of the mandibular fracture and symphysis detachment in cats. Five cats with mandibular fracture and detachment of the symphysis were evaluated. They were submitted to a cerclage wire technique at the symphysis, labial locking with buttons and enteral feeding. Four cats showed mandibular healing after 30 days. One animal could not be submitted to enteral feeding and a hemimandibulectomy was performed after 15 days postoperatively. The labial locking with buttons is simple, little invasive and easily performed.(AU)

Empyema thoracis.

Seventy-five adult and 25 pediatric patients with empyema thoracis are reported upon herein. A high incidence of postpneumonectomy and postlobectomy empyema were found in the adult population, 15.5 and 3.7 per cent, respectively. The causal factors of such a high incidence are unknown. Faulty surgical techniques and poor clinical judgment in the management of patients undergoing thoracic operations will invariably lead to a significant mortality and morbidity. Morbidity was indirectly evaluated by the length of hospitalization, the mean being 56.8 days for the adult population and 22.6 days for the pediatric group. These figures barely expose the degree of frustration and suffering that patients with empyema thoracis go through. To decrease the incidence of iatrogenic empyema with its associated mortality and morbidity, good clinical judgment and impeccable surgical techniques must be used in the management of patients having thoracic operations. An aggressive approach to drain the empyemic space to allow pulmonary expansion of sterilization of the postpneumonectomy space must be taken once faced with this complication. Children require no more than repeat thoracentesis or placement of an intercostal chest tube to obtain sufficient drainage and recovery. Antibiotic therapy must be selected according to the bacteria encountered and the results of the sensitivity test. Close supervision is mandatory to detect overgrowth, frequently encountered with the use of broad spectrum antibiotics. Anaerobic bacteria as well as fungus and acid-fast bacilli must be searched for during the routine bacteriologic workout.

Traumatic rupture of the tracheobronchial tree.

Rupture of the trachea and major bronchi usually results from blunt trauma to the chest. To define the characteristics of the condition, the mechanism of injury, presentation and hospital course, the authors reviewed seven cases of tracheobronchial rupture after blunt trauma. Four were injured in a motor vehicle accident, two had a crush injury and one child had a fall from a playground swing. The site of injury was the left main bronchus in three, membranous trachea in two and bilateral bronchi and bronchus intermedius in one patient each. Bronchoplastic repair was performed in four patients with salvage of lung tissue in three. One patient required pulmonary resection. Two patients with a laceration of the membranous trachea did not undergo operation. Two patients died secondary to associated head injuries; one patient underwent repair of the bronchus intermedius and one patient had a lacerated membranous trachea. The possible mechanisms of injury are: rapid deceleration with forward swing of the trachea, widening of the transverse diameter of the chest, exerting traction on the carina, and a rapid rise of airway pressure on impact. Surgical intervention is recommended at an early stage to avoid loss of lung tissue.

Oropharyngeal sepsis with endothoracic spread.

Two patients who had oropharyngeal infection with extension into the thoracic cavity through the fascial planes were recently seen at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg. In both instances the infection was odontogenic. A 5-year review of the literature yielded 14 other cases with a similar presentation. In most cases the infection was odontogenic. The overall mortality was 25% (four deaths in 16 patients). Transient deficiency of the swallowing mechanism led to aspiration pneumonia in 44% of the patients. An aggressive surgical approach and appropriate antibiotic therapy are essential in managing these patients. Oral intake should be restricted and nasogastric tube feedings should be considered to diminish the risk of aspiration pneumonia.

Acute renal failure as a consequence of sudden renal artery occlusion.

Acute renal failure secondary to renal artery occlusion is rare but can be reversed and is therefore important to cases to draw attention to the diagnosis and management of the condition. In one case, occlusion of the artery to a single functioning kidney was responsible for the clinical presentation; in the other, bilateral renal artery emboli were responsible. The authors present a detailed review of the English literature to determine the prognostic value of the duration of anuria preceding operation in patients with renal artery occlusion to a solitary kidney. This factor showed no correction with viability of renal tissue, functional recovery or patient survival. Surgical management offers the best prospect of success in these patients.

Resection of a metastatic sternal carcinoma and reconstruction of the chest wall: a case report.

A large metastatic squamous carcinoma of the anterior chest wall was managed by en-bloc resection of the thoracic wall. The extensive defect resulting from the resection was bridged with Marlex mesh superimposed on an omental flap that served as recipient to partial-thickness skin grafts. This composite reconstruction restored an efficient bellows action to the chest cage, manifested by the lack of anterior flailing and postoperative spirometry values, measured at the bedside, that were 75% of those obtained preoperatively. During the initial postoperative period, however, mechanical ventilatory assistance was required to treat an adult respiratory distress syndrome that together with mild anterior flailing made early extubation impossible.

Diaphragmatic rupture due to blunt abdominal trauma.

Twenty-two instances of diaphragmatic rupture secondary to blunt thoracoabdominal trauma were seen at the Trauma Unit of the Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada during a 30 year period. Diaphragmatic laceration occurred in the right leaf in 11, in the left in ten, and in both sides in one instance. In 14, the diagnosis was made and repair effected within 24 hours of presentation. Seven were diagnosed and treated from three days to several years after the injury. Two patients died soon after admission. They were victims of multiple intra-abdominal as well as intrathoracic injuries. Repair was generally effected through a laparotomy during the immediate post-traumatic period. Thoracotomy was used in those diagnosed after the latent interval. The diagnosis of diaphragmatic disruption should be considered in any patient suffering from blunt thoracoabdominal trauma. Usually a roentgenogram of the chest will confirm the suspected injury. In contradistinction to most of the reported series, our experience indicates that right diaphragmatic injuries are more common than what is usually thought.