Moderate physical exercise and ATP modulate the P2X7 receptor and improve cisplatin-induced gastric emptying delay in rats

Patients undergoing chemotherapy with cisplatin commonly present gastrointestinal effects such as constipation and gastric emptying (GE) delay. Both the purinergic system and physical exercise modulate the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. In the current study, we investigated the role of ATP, physical exercise, and P2X7 receptor blocking on GE delay induced by cisplatin in rats. Male rats were divided into the following groups: control (C), cisplatin (Cis), exercise (Ex), Brilliant Blue G (BBG), ATP, Cis+Ex, Cis+ATP, Cis+BBG, Cis+Ex+BBG, Cis+Ex+BBG+ATP, and Cis+ATP+BBG. GE delay was induced by treatment with 1 mg/kg cisplatin (1 time/week for 5 weeks, ip). The moderate physical exercise was swimming (1 h/day, 5 days/week for 5 weeks). At the end of the treatment or exercise and 30 min before the GE assessment, some groups received BBG (50 mg/kg, sc) or ATP (2 mg/kg, sc). Then, GE was assessed after a 10-min postprandial period. Chronic use of Cis decreased GE delay (P<0.05) compared to the control group. Both exercise and ATP prevented (P<0.05) GE delay compared to Cis. The pretreatment with BBG significantly inhibited (P<0.05) the effect of exercise and ATP. On the other hand, the association between exercise and ATP reversed (P<0.05) the effect of the BBG and prevented GE delay. Therefore, we suggest that both exercise and treatment with ATP activate P2X7 receptors and prevent GE delay induced by cisplatin in rats.

P2X7 receptor antagonist improves gastrointestinal disorders in spontaneously hypertensive rats

The purinergic system participates in the control of blood pressure. Hypertension promotes the occurrence of gastrointestinal disorders such as intestinal inflammation and gastric emptying delay. This study aimed i) to investigate the participation of the P2X7 receptor blocker Brilliant Blue G (BBG) on gastric emptying of solids and changes in oxidative stress in the gastric fundus, duodenum, and colon of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and ii) to study the putative relationship of this effect with the renin-angiotensin system. Rats were divided into five groups: Control, SHR, SHR+BBG, SHR+BBG+ATP, and SHR+BBG+ANG II. In the gastrointestinal tract, we assessed gastric emptying (GE) and oxidative stress markers (NOx, MPO, GSH, SOD). We observed a decrease in the GE rate (P<0.05) in SHR vs control rats (21.8±2.0% vs 42.8±3.5%). The decrease in GE was returned (P<0.05) to control levels by BBG in SHR rats (21.8±2.0% vs 41.6±3.2%). Co-administration of ATP or ANG II together with BBG bypassed the effect of the P2X7 antagonist on GE in SHR (P<0.05) (21.9±5.0% vs 25.6±3.0% vs 41.6±3.2%). The MPO activity increased (P<0.05) in the gastric fundus of SHR compared to control rats (6.12±2.26 vs 0.077±0.02 UMPO/mg tissue); this effect was prevented (P<0.05) by BBG (0.55±0.15 vs 6.12±2.26 UMPO/mg tissue). Data demonstrated that blockage of P2X7 receptors with BBG can improve the GE delay and oxidative stress biomarkers in SHR animals. This preventive effect of BBG on GE delay was abrogated by ANG II and ATP, thus prompting crosstalk between renin-angiotensin and the purinergic signaling systems underlying this phenomenon.

Immuno-oncology in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma - a narrative review

Immuno-oncology studies the immune system in cancer. In recent decades, immunotherapy has shown a good response to the treatment of various locally advanced and metastatic cancers. The main mechanisms of action include stimulation of the patient's own immune system to enhance immune responses acting in tumor escape pathways. This review examined the literature related to immune system mechanisms in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and their application in immunotherapy using biomarkers. The PUBMED, LILACS, MEDLINE, WHOLIS, and SCIELO databases were searched using the terms squamous cell carcinoma, head and neck, immuno-oncology, immunotherapy, and immunology. The main drugs currently available for clinical use in patients diagnosed with HNSCC include pembrolizumab and nivolumab, both classified as check-point inhibitors. These immunobiological agents improve patient survival and quality of life. Many authors and clinical trials point out that the recommendation of these agents is linked to the dose of PD-L1 (ligand expressed primarily by tumor cells), which proved to be an unreliable biomarker in the patient selection. Recommendation of immunotherapy depends on reliable biomarkers that must be identified in order to achieve good therapeutic results.

Unilateral perineal hernia surgery. Case report / Cirugía unilateral de hernia perineal. Reporte de caso

ABSTRACT Perineal hernia results from weakening and/or the inability of the pelvic diaphragm to support the rectal wall, promoting caudal displacement of abdominal or pelvic organs in the perineum. Unneutered male dogs aged between 7 and 10 years are the most affected, being rare in females. The main clinical signs are unilateral or bilateral swelling of the perineal region, associated or not with tenesmus, dysuria, urinary and/or fecal incontinence, anuria and pain during defecation. The diagnosis is based on clinical history, anamnesis, physical examination, and complementary tests such as radiography and ultrasound. Clinical treatment can be done in some cases, but surgical intervention is required to resolve the problem. The present work aims to report the case of a patient treated at the FullPet Veterinary Clinic in Guarulhos, São Paulo, Brazil, a 7-year-old male Yorkshire canine, unneutered, weighing 4.5 kg. The same was submitted to surgery by the traditional method of suture with nylon thread and enteropexy. When there was recurrence, surgical reintervention was necessary to correct the hernia using a polypropylene mesh.

RESUMEN La hernia perineal resulta del debilitamiento y/o incapacidad del diafragma pélvico para sostener la pared rectal, lo que promueve el desplazamiento caudal de los órganos abdominales o pélvicos en el perineo. Los perros machos no castrados de entre 7 y 10 años son los más afectados, siendo raro en las hembras. Los principales signos clínicos son tumefacción unilateral o bilateral de la región perineal, asociada o no a tenesmo, disuria, incontinencia urinaria y/o fecal, anuria y dolor durante la defecación. El diagnóstico se basa en la historia clínica, la anamnesis, el examen físico y pruebas complementarias como la radiografía simple y la ecografía. El tratamiento clínico se puede hacer en algunos casos, pero se requiere una intervención quirúrgica para resolver el problema. El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo relatar el caso de un paciente atendido en la Clínica Veterinaria FullPet de Guarulhos, São Paulo, Brasil, un canino Yorkshire macho de 7 años, sin castrar, con un peso de 4,5 kg. Fue intervenido quirúrgicamente por el método tradicional de sutura con hilo de nylon y enteropexia. Cuando hubo recidiva, fue necesaria la reintervención quirúrgica para corregir la hernia mediante una malla de polipropileno.

Evaluation of the immunomodulatory activity of thalidomide on tumor-associated macrophages in the 4T1 murine metastatic breast cancer model / [Avaliação do efeito imunomodulador da talidomida em macrófagos associados a tumores no modelo murino de câncer de mama metastático 4T1]

The present work evaluated the immunomodulatory effect of thalidomide (Thal) at different doses on tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) using a mouse model of human breast cancer. Mice were inoculated with 4T1 cells in the left flank and treated with Thal once a day at concentrations of 50, 100, and 150mg/kg body weight from the 5th day until the 28th day of tumor inoculation. The tumors were sized, proliferation index and TAMs count were evaluated in primary tumors and metastatic lungs. In addition, the metastasis rate was evaluated in the lungs. Thal at 150mg/kg significantly decreased tumor growth, proliferation index, and TAMs infiltration in primary tumors. Conversely, a higher number of TAMs and lower proliferation index were observed in metastatic lungs in mice treated with 150mg/kg of Thal. Furthermore, Thal at 150mg/kg significantly decreased the metastatic nodules in the lungs. Our findings demonstrated that Thal treatment considerably decreased the primary tumor and lung metastasis in mice associated with different TAM infiltration effects in these sites.(AU)

No presente trabalho, foi avaliado o efeito imunomodulador de diferentes doses de talidomida em macrófagos associados ao tumor (TAMs), em um modelo murino de câncer de mama. Camundongos foram inoculados com células 4T1, na região do flanco esquerdo, e tratados com talidomida, uma vez ao dia, nas doses de 50, 100 e 150mg/k, por massa corporal, do quinto dia ao 28º dia de inoculação tumoral. Os tumores foram medidos, o índice de proliferação celular e a contagem de TAMs foram avaliados nos tumores primários e nos pulmões com metástases. Além disso, a taxa de metástases pulmonares também foi avaliada. A talidomida na dose de 150mg/kg diminuiu significativamente o crescimento tumoral, o índice de proliferação celular e a infiltração de TAMs nos tumores primários. Por outro lado, maior número de TAMs e menor índice de proliferação celular foram observados nos pulmões metastáticos, em camundongos tratados com 150mg/kg de talidomida. Ademais, a talidomida na dose de 150mg/kg diminuiu significativamente os nódulos metastáticos nos pulmões. Os resultados demonstraram que o tratamento com talidomida diminuiu o crescimento tumoral e as metástases pulmonares em camundongos, associado com diferentes efeitos na infiltração de TAMs nesses locais.(AU)

Isolation, characterization, and resistance profile of Salmonella spp. from chicken cuts / Isolamento, caracterização e perfil de resistência de Salmonella spp. provenientes de cortes de frango

The present study aimed at isolating and characterizing Salmonella spp. from chicken cuts marketed in Francisco Beltrão, PR, and verify the resistance profile of the isolates against antimicrobials used in human therapy. Samples of chicken cuts (n=40) were purchased from supermarkets and submitted to microbiological analysis for the detection of Salmonella spp. The suspected colonies underwent biochemical testing for the identification of enterobacteria. Four colonies were selected from each sample positive for Salmonella spp., totaling 28 isolates that were tested for antimicrobial sensitivity. Colonies that showed resistance to ceftriaxone were subjected to extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL). Among the analyzed chicken samples, seven (17.5%) showed biochemical behavior characteristic of Salmonella spp. Among the 28 isolates, seventeen different resistance profiles were found, of which 46.42% (n=13) had a multi-resistance profile, and 21.4% (n=6) of the isolates had a phenotype for ESBL production. The strains of Salmonella spp. isolated from chicken cuts found in this study showed a high level of resistance to antimicrobials of different classes and of last generations, these data serve as a warning, as they put the human treatment of salmonellosis at risk.(AU)

A pesquisa objetivou isolar e caracterizar Salmonella spp., a partir de cortes de frangos comercializados na cidade de Francisco Beltrão - PR, bem como verificar o perfil de resistência dos isolados em relação aos antimicrobianos utilizados na terapêutica humana. Amostras de cortes de frango (n=40) foram adquiridas em supermercados e submetidas à análise microbiológica para detecção de Salmonella spp. As colônias suspeitas foram submetidas a provas bioquímicas para identificação de enterobactérias. Quatro colônias foram selecionadas de cada amostra positiva para Salmonella spp., totalizando 28 isolados, que foram testadas quanto à sensibilidade a antimicrobianos. As colônias que apresentaram resistência à ceftriaxona foram submetidas à pesquisa de betalactamases de espectro estendido (ESBL). Das amostras de frango analisadas, sete (17,5%) apresentaram comportamento bioquímico característico de Salmonella spp. Entre os 28 isolados, foram encontrados 17 perfis diferentes de resistência, tendo 46,42% (n=13) apresentado perfil de multirresistência e 21,4% (n=6) apresentado fenótipo para produção de ESBL. As cepas de Salmonella spp. isoladas de cortes de frango, encontradas neste estudo, apresentaram alto índice de resistência a antimicrobianos de diferentes classes e de últimas gerações. Esses dados servem de alerta, uma vez que coloca em risco o tratamento da salmonelose humana.(AU)

Reproductive traits in different Nile tilapia genetic groups / [Características reprodutivas em diferentes grupos genéticos de tilápia do Nilo]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the reproductive traits of the non-inbred and inbred AquaAmérica, GIFT and AquaAmérica × GIFTgenetic groups. Six fish from each genetic group were used (2 females:1 male). Females were examined for the presence of eggs in their mouth at every four days, for 12 weeks. Reproduction occurred in all genetic groups (GIFT: 100%; non-inbred AquaAmérica and AquaAmérica ×GIFT: 75%; inbred AquaAmérica: 50%). Female weight, female standard length, total spawning weight, absolute fecundity, relative fecundity, spawn index and hatching rate did not differ significantly between the genetic groups. However, the non-inbred AquaAmérica variety showed lower values (P<0.05) for egg diameter (2.4mm) and egg weight (4.2mg) and higher values (P<0.05) for relative number of eggs (247.6 eggs/g of egg) than GIFT (egg diameter: 2.8mm; egg weight: 5.7mg; relative number of eggs: 175.4 eggs/g of egg) and AquaAmérica ×GIFT (egg diameter: 2.8mm; egg weight: 5.9mg; relative number of eggs: 168.8 eggs/g of egg). In conclusion, the non-inbred AquaAmérica variety produces smaller, lighter eggs but a higher relative number of eggs than the GIFT variety and the AquaAmérica ×GIFT cross; and inbreeding negatively affects spawning rate.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as características reprodutivas dos grupos genéticos AquaAmérica não endogâmicos e endogâmicos, GIFT e AquaAmérica × GIFT. Foram utilizados seis peixes de cada grupo genético (duas fêmeas:um macho). As fêmeas foram examinadas quanto à presença de ovos na boca a cada quatro dias, durante 12 semanas. A reprodução ocorreu em todos os grupos genéticos (GIFT: 100%; AquaAmérica não endogâmica e AquaAmérica × GIFT: 75%; AquaAmérica endogâmica: 50%). Peso e comprimento padrão de fêmea, peso total de desova, fecundidade absoluta, fecundidade relativa, índice de desova e taxa de eclosão não diferiram significativamente entre os grupos genéticos. Entretanto, a variedade não endogâmica da AquaAmérica apresentou valores mais baixos (P<0,05) para diâmetro do ovo (2,4mm) e peso do ovo (4,2mg) e maiores valores (P<0,05) para número relativo de ovos (247,6 ovos/g de ovo ) que GIFT (diâmetro do ovo: 2,8mm; peso do ovo: 5,7mg; número relativo de ovos: 175,4 ovos/g de ovo) e AquaAmérica × GIFT (diâmetro do ovo: 2,8mm; peso do ovo: 5,9mg; número relativo de ovos: 168,8 ovos/g de ovo). Em conclusão, a variedade AquaAmérica não endogâmica produz ovos menores e mais leves, mas um número relativo maior de ovos que a variedade GIFT e o cruzamento AquaAmérica × GIFT; a consanguinidade afeta negativamente a taxa de desova.(AU)

Propranolol inhibits myocardial infarction-induced brown adipose tissue D2 activation and maintains a low thyroid hormone state in rats

Considering the recognized role of thyroid hormones on the cardiovascular system during health and disease, we hypothesized that type 2 deiodinase (D2) activity, the main activation pathway of thyroxine (T4)-to-triiodothyronine (T3), could be an important site to modulate thyroid hormone status, which would then constitute a possible target for β-adrenergic blocking agents in a myocardial infarction (MI) model induced by left coronary occlusion in rats. Despite a sustained and dramatic fall in serum T4 concentrations (60-70%), the serum T3 concentration fell only transiently in the first week post-infarction (53%) and returned to control levels at 8 and 12 weeks after surgery compared to the Sham group (P<0.05). Brown adipose tissue (BAT) D2 activity (fmol T4·min-1·mg ptn-1) was significantly increased by approximately 77% in the 8th week and approximately 100% in the 12th week in the MI group compared to that of the Sham group (P<0.05). Beta-blocker treatment (0.5 g/L propranolol given in the drinking water) maintained a low T3 state in MI animals, dampening both BAT D2 activity (44% reduction) and serum T3 (66% reduction in serum T3) compared to that of the non-treated MI group 12 weeks after surgery (P<0.05). Propranolol improved cardiac function (assessed by echocardiogram) in the MI group compared to the non-treated MI group by 40 and 57%, 1 and 12 weeks after treatment, respectively (P<0.05). Our data suggested that the beta-adrenergic pathway may contribute to BAT D2 hyperactivity and T3 normalization after MI in rats. Propranolol treatment maintained low T3 state and improved cardiac function additionally.

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of a triterpene-rich fraction from Himatanthus drasticus

Himatanthus drasticus (Mart.) Plumel belongs to the Apocynaceae family and the latex from its trunk bark (Hd) is known as "janaguba milk". This latex is widely used in Northeast Brazil, mainly in the Cariri region, for its gastroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor properties. The objective of this study was to investigate a triterpene-rich fraction (FJNB) from H. drasticus latex on acute models of nociception and inflammation and to clarify its mechanisms of action. Wistar rats or Swiss mice were subjected to the carrageenan-induced paw edema test or the formalin test, respectively, after the acute oral treatment with FJNB. The inflamed paws from the carrageenan-induced paw edema and formalin tests were processed for histological and immunohistochemical assays, respectively. The results were analyzed by ANOVA and considered significant at P<0.05. FJNB (10 mg/kg) decreased the paw edema by 25% at the 3rd h after the carrageenan injection. Indomethacin, used as reference, inhibited the paw edema by 59% at the same time-point. In the formalin test, FJNB inhibited the 1st phase by 27, 49, and 52% and the 2nd phase by 37, 50, and 67%, at the doses of 1, 5, and 10 mg/kg, respectively. In addition, FJNB significantly inhibited the expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and the inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha. The histone deacetylase (HDAC) expression and the transcription factor nuclear factor kappa (NF-kB) were also inhibited at the same doses. In conclusion, the FJNB inhibitory actions on iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, HDAC, and NF-kB could be involved with the drug anti-inflammatory activity.

Índice de normalidade da distância atlantoaxial dorsal em cães / Normal index of dorsal atlantoaxial distance in dogs

Foram utilizados 30 cães neurologicamente saudáveis e realizadas radiografias da coluna cervical, sendo mensurada a menor distância atlantoaxial dorsal e outros parâmetros anatômicos vertebrais. Esses dados foram avaliados por meio do coeficiente de correlação de Pearson. Após detecção do melhor parâmetro de correlação, utilizou-se a fórmula de coeficiente de correlação dimensional (CCD). Na segunda etapa desta pesquisa, foram utilizadas imagens radiográficas de 33 cães com subluxação atlantoaxial (SAA) e aplicou-se a fórmula CCD. Todas as imagens atlantoaxiais normais e subluxadas foram distribuídas aleatoriamente e submetidas à análise subjetiva. Observou-se que o parâmetro anatômico de maior correlação foi o comprimento do processo espinhoso do áxis, obtendo-se valor de índice médio de 0,056 e desvio-padrão de 0,019. O valor de índice médio obtido em cães com SAA foi de 0,287, e o desvio-padrão de 0,123. A análise subjetiva revelou acerto de 88,89% a 95,24%, enquanto a avaliação por meio da fórmula CCD demonstrou ser 100% eficiente no diagnóstico da SAA. Sugeriu-se a utilização da fórmula CCD para obtenção do índice de normalidade da distância atlantoaxial com valor de normalidade médio de 0,056 e limite máximo de 0,098, sendo esse índice eficaz no diagnóstico da subluxação entre o atlas e o áxis.(AU)

Thirty healthy dogs had their cervical spines radiographed, and the dorsal atlantoaxial distance and others vertebral anatomical parameters were measured. These data were assessed using the Pearson correlation coefficient. After detection of the best correlation parameter, we used the dimensional correlation coefficient of formula (CCD). In the second stage of the study, radiographs of the 33 dogs with atlantoaxial subluxation (SAA) were used. In each radiographic image, the CCD formula was applied. All normal and subluxation radiographic images were randomized, and submitted to subjective analysis. It was observed that the anatomical parameter with the highest correlation is the length of the spinous process of the axis, obtaining a mean value of 0.056 index and 0.019 standard deviation. Index mean value obtained in dogs with the disease of 0.287 and standard deviation of 0.123. The subjective analysis revealed 88.89% to 95.24% agreement, while the result obtained by the CCD formula was shown to be 100% effective in the diagnosis of SAA. We suggest the use of the CCD formula to obtain the index of normality of the atlantoaxial distance with a mean value of 0.056 and maximum of 0.098, and it is concluded that the index is highly effective in the diagnosis of subluxation between the atlas and the axis.(AU)

Surgical sponge associated with platelets rich plasma in skin mesh grafts and layer in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) / Esponja cirúrgica associada com plasma rico em plaquetas em enxertos cutâneos em malha e camada em coelhos (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

The aim of this study was to evaluate of the efficacy of PRP employment associated with surgical sponges to improve the integration of the graft in the recipient bed. It was held at the Veterinary Hospital UNESP, Campus of Jaboticabal - SP, a study of 64 rabbits, divided into eight groups with eight animals. The groups were divided in control with saline solution 0,9%, control with PRP both without the sponge, surgical sponge with PRP, surgical sponge without PRP, and were used mesh and layer grafts in the respective groups. The data were submitted to statistical analysis (paired t-test, Kruskal-Wallis test, with subsequent use of the multiple comparison tests of Dunn, analysis of variance (F) test, Tukey test, P< 0.05). Edema and exudate with 3 and 3 and 7 days (P= 0,03 e P= 0,0049); coloring on the 14th day (P= 0,0001); cosmetic appearance on the 7th and 14th day (P= 0,0026 and P= 0,0001); mononuclear cells (P= 0,01) and polymorphonuclear (P= 0,01); fibroblast proliferation (P= 0,01); collagenous (P= 0,05); hemorrhage (P-007); necrosis and re-epithelialization (P= 0,2928 and P= 0,1). We concluded that the use of Platelet Rich Plasma Gel on skin grafts associated with a sponge as a compressive dressing promote the skin graft survival without a previous granulation tissue.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a eficácia do PRP associado com esponjas cirúrgicas na integração do enxerto ao leito receptor. Realizou-se, no Hospital Veterinário da Unesp, Jaboticabal, SP, um estudo com 64 coelhos, separados em oito grupos, com oito animais. Os grupos foram: Gprpc (PRP, sem esponja cirúrgica, enxerto camada), Gprpce (PRP, esponja cirúrgica, enxerto camada), Gcc (solução fisiológica 0,9%, sem esponja cirúrgica, enxerto camada), Gcce (solução fisiológica 0,9%, esponjas cirúrgicas, enxerto camada), Gprpm (PRP, sem esponja cirúrgica, enxerto malha), Gprpme (PRP, esponja cirúrgica, enxerto malha), Gcm (solução fisiológica 0,9%, sem esponja cirúrgica, enxerto malha) e Gcce (solução fisiológica 0,9%, esponjas cirúrgicas, malha). Os dados foram analisados pelo teste t emparelhado, Kruskal-Wallis, análise de variância, e teste de Tukey (P<0,05). Edema e exsudato presente com três e sete dias (P=0,03 e P=0,0049); coloração cianótica no 14º dia (P=0,0001); aspecto cosmético bom no sétimo e no 14º dia (P=0,00026 e P=0,0001); presença de células mononucleares (P=0,01) e polimorfonucleares (P=0,01); proliferação de fibroblastos discreta (P=0,01); colagenização intensa (P=0,05); hemorragia discreta (P=0,007); ausência de diferença significativa em necrose e reepitelização (P=0,2928 e P=0,1). Conclui-se que o emprego do PRP gel em enxertos cutâneos associando esponjas cirúrgicas como curativo compressivo favorece sua integração ao leito receptor sem a presença prévia de tecido de granulação.(AU)

Consequences of intraoperative spinal cord manipulation in dogs with thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion / Consequências da manipulação medular intraoperatória em cães com extrusão intervertebral de disco toracolombar

The objective of the present study was to evaluate if extradural contact during hemilaminectomy would cause neurological deterioration in the early and/or late postoperative period in dogs with intervertebral disc extrusion. Nineteen dogs with thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion underwent hemilaminectomy for spinal cord decompression and removal of extruded disc material. Meningeal contacts during surgery were quantified. Paraplegia (with nociception) and paraparesis were observed in 11/19 and 8/19 of dogs, respectively, before surgery. At the end of our study, only two (2/19) had paraplegia and one (1/19), paraparesis. There were more extradural contacts when extruded intervertebral disc material was at a ventrolateral position. Extradural contacts during surgery had no influence on neurological progression nor on time to recovery of motor function. Immediately (24 and 48 hours) after surgery, 13/19 dogs had the same neurological stage before surgery. At 7 and 90 days, 13/19 and 17/19 dogs, respectively, showed neurological improvement, compared with their preoperative stage. There was no influence of the number of extradural contacts on neurological recovery. These findings indicate that a careful inspection of the vertebral canal for removal of as much extruded disc material as possible does not cause neurologic deterioration.(AU)

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar se contatos extradurais durante hemilaminectomia em cães com extrusão de disco intervertebral causariam piora neurológica no pós-operatório imadiato e/ou tardio. Dezenove cães com extrusão toracolombar de disco intervertebral foram submetidos à hemilaminectomia para descompressão medular e remoção do material extruso. Durante o procedimento cirúrgico, os contatos meningomedulares foram quantificados. Antes da cirurgia, 11/19 cães apresentavam paraplegia (com nocicepção) e 8/19 cães, paraparesia. Ao fim do estudo, apenas dois cães (2/19) mostravam paraplegia com dor profunda e um (1/19), paraparesia. Observou-se maior quantidade de contatos extradurais quando o material discal extruso encontrava-se em posição ventrolateral. Os contatos extradurais não mostraram influência estatística na evolução neurológica dos animais, bem como no tempo de recuperação das funções motora. Vinte e quatro e 48 horas após a cirurgia, 13/19 cães apresentavam o mesmo grau neurológico de antes da cirurgia. Após sete e 90 dias de pós-operatório, 13/19 e 17/19 demonstraram melhora neurológica em comparação com o pré-operatório, respectivamente. A quantidade de contatos extradurais não influenciou na recuperação neurológica dos cães. Esses achados indicam que uma inspeção minuciosa do canal vertebral pode ser recomendada, a fim de remover o máximo de material discal extruso, evitando-se piora neurológica por compressão medular.(AU)

Evaluation of sperm quality of Erythrolamprus poecilogyrus sublineatus (Cope, 1860) (Serpentes, Dipsadidae) / Avaliação da qualidade seminal de serpentes Erythrolamprus poecilogyrus sublineatus (Cope, 1860) (Serpentes, Dipsadidae)

Abstract Erythrolamprus poecilogyrus sublineatus (Cope, 1860), is a species widely distributed in the Pampa Domain, occurring in Rio Grande do Sul, Argentina and Uruguay, mainlyin the pampa region. In the coastal region of southern Brazil this is serpent is considered one of the most abundant. The purpose of the present study is to describe the techniques of sperm evaluation in vitro for E. poecilogyrus sublineatus in the coastal plain of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. After laparatomy the efferent vases were collected and the semen was diluted in 1ml Beltsville Thawing Solution. The characteristics of motility, membrane integrity, mitochondria, acrosome, DNA, cell viability and cellular functionality were evaluated. Fluorescent probes were used for the evaluation of sperm structure in epifluorescence microscope. With the techniques described, it was possible to identify intact and injured cells, enabling the determination of cell characteristics for the spring season (October and November). It was observed in the analyses that 80% of sperm cells were mobile and that 84.1 ± 8.0% of sperm membranes were intact. The standards found were of 48 ± 13.8% of intact acrosome, 73.6 ± 6.0 of perfect DNA and of 91.8 ± 4.0 of functional mitochondria. Thus, these values from the sperm analysis can be used as standards for the species Erythrolamprus poecilogyrus sublineatus.

Resumo Erythrolamprus poecilogyrus sublineatus (Cope, 1860), é uma espécie amplamente distribuída no Domínio Pampa, ocorrendo no Rio Grande do Sul, Argentina e Uruguai, principalmente na região dos pampas. Na região costeira do extremo sul do Brasil essa é uma das serpentes consideradas mais abundantes. O objetivo deste estudo é descrever as técnicas de avaliação espermática in vitro para E. poecilogyrus sublineatus da planície costeira do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Após laparatomia os vasos eferentes foram coletados e o sêmen diluído em 1ml Beltsville Thawing Solution. Foram avaliadas as características de motilidade, integridade de membrana, mitocôndria, acrossoma, DNA, viabilidade celular e funcionalidade celular. Foram utilizadas sondas fluorescentes para avaliação das estruturas espermática em microscópio de epifluoescência. Com as técnicas descritas foram possível identificar células integras e lesadas, podendo determinar as características celulares para o período de primavera (outubro e novembro). Nas análises foi observado que 80% das células espermáticas estavam móveis e que 84,1 ± 8,0% das membranas espermáticas estavam íntegras. Os padrões encontrados para foram de 48 ± 13,8% de acrossoma íntegro, 73,6 ± 6,0 de DNA íntegro e de 91,8 ± 4,0 de mitocôndria funcional. Desta forma, esses valores das análises espermáticas podem ser utilizados como padrão para a espécie Erythrolamprus poecilogyrus sublineatus.

Observações clinicocirúrgicas em fraturas e luxações vertebrais toracolombares em cães / Clinical and surgical observations in thoracolumbar spinal fractures and luxations in dogs

Objetivou-se avaliar as implicações e os resultados obtidos frente aos tratamentos conservativo e cirúrgico em 37 cães sem distinção de sexo, raça ou idade, que apresentaram fraturas e luxações vertebrais (FLV) toracolombares. Cada paciente passou por anamnese, seguida por exames clínico, neurológico e radiográficos para se obter o diagnóstico neuroanatômico e a severidade da lesão. Os cães foram submetidos ao tratamento conservativo ou cirúrgico de acordo com as características de cada caso. Dos 37 animais deste estudo, 37,7% tinham percepção de dor profunda (PDP) intacta. Vinte animais foram submetidos ao tratamento conservativo, 14 ao tratamento cirúrgico e três animais faleceram antes do tratamento. Dos animais que mantiveram a PDP intacta, a taxa de recuperação foi de 100%, com tempo de recuperação total variando de sete a 75 dias, ao passo que, dos animais que perderam a PDP, nenhum recuperou a deambulação voluntária. Dos 14 animais operados, 42,8% apresentaram alterações vertebrais não visibilizadas ao exame radiográfico convencional, sendo necessária mudança na técnica cirúrgica planejada em 14,2% desses casos. Nos animais que mantiveram a PDP, não houve diferença significante nas taxas nem no tempo de recuperação da deambulação voluntária, independentemente do tipo de tratamento. Entretanto, houve diferença altamente significante entre os graus que mantiveram a PDP intacta com os animais que perderam a percepção de dor profunda em relação à taxa de recuperação. A taxa de eutanásia foi menor que em outros trabalhos descritos na literatura. Dos animais sem PDP submetidos ao tratamento conservativo ou cirúrgico, 31,25% readquiriram a capacidade de caminhar sem recuperar a PDP, sendo essa deambulação involuntária atribuída ao caminhar espinal.

Our aim of this paper was to study the implications and results associated with conservative and surgical treatment of dogs with thoracolumbar Vertebral fractures and luxations (VFL) so that the information obtained can be used to obtain guidelines that lead to greater recovery rates. For such, 37 dogs presenting VFL were examined, without distinction of sex, breed, or age. Each patient had detailed history obtained, followed by clinical, neurologic and radiographic exams for obtaining neuroanatomic location and severity of the nervous and vertebral lesions. The dogs were submitted to conservative or surgical treatment according to each case. Deep pain perception (DPP) was intact in 37.7% of the 37 dogs in this study. Twenty dogs received conservative treatment, 14 underwent surgery and three dogs died before treatment. Of the dogs with intact DPP, 100% recovered, with a recovery time varying between seven and 75 days, while none of the dogs that lost DPP recovered voluntary motion. Of the 14 dogs submitted to surgery, 42.8% had vertebral lesions that weren't detected using conventional radiography, which demonstrates the low sensitivity of this exam, and led to a need for a change in the planned surgical technique in 14.2% of these cases. In dogs with intact DPP there was no significant difference in time or rate of recovery of voluntary motion, regardless of the treatment method. However, there was a highly significant difference between the dogs which retained and lost DPP regarding recovery rates. The percentage of euthanasia was less than in other reports, probably due to the greater awareness and protectiveness of owners nowadays. Of the dogs without DPP treated either surgically or conservatively, 31.25% recovered ambulation without recovery of DPP, characterizing this ambulation as involuntary, attributed to spinal walk.

Intraoperative ultrasonography of the vertebral canal in dogs / Ultrassonografia intraoperatória do canal vertebral em cães

Intraoperative ultrasound (IOS) can provide details on various conditions of the spinal cord and vertebral canal. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility of using IOS in dogs undergoing spinal surgery and to describe the main findings. The vertebral canal of 21 dogs was examined with intraoperative ultrasonography: 13 underwent spinal surgery for removal of herniated intervertebral disc material, three for stabilization of vertebral fracture/luxation, two for removal of vertebral neoplasia, and three for cauda equina decompression. Particular attention was given to signs of cord compression. Intraoperative ultrasonography was feasible and useful in dogs undergoing surgery for spinal cord or cauda equina decompression and fracture stabilization. It was not paramount for locating the compression when this had been done via computed tomography (CT), but it showed alterations in spinal cord parenchyma not observed on CT and also confirmed adequate decompression of the spinal cord. The main advantages of intraoperative ultrasonography were estimation of vascularization and extent of spinal cord lesion. Most importantly, it allowed real time evaluation of the spinal cord and vertebral canal, which permits the modification of the surgical procedure.

A ultrassonografia intraoperatória pode fornecer detalhes sobre diversas condições da medula espinal e canal vertebral. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a viabilidade da utilização da ultrassonografia intraoperatória em cães submetidos à cirurgia espinomedular e descrever os principais achados. O canal vertebral de 21 cães foi examinado com ultrassonografia intraoperatória - 13 foram submetidos à cirurgia para remoção de material de disco herniado, três para estabilização de fratura/luxação vertebral, dois para remoção de neoplasia vertebral e três para descompressão de cauda equina. Atenção especial foi dada a sinais de compressão medular. A ultrassonografia intraoperatória foi viável e útil em cães submetidos a cirurgia para descompressão da medula espinal ou cauda equina e estabilização de fratura. Apesar de não ser indispensável para localização da compressão quando isso havia sido feito através de tomografia computadorizada (TC), demonstrou alterações no parênquima que não haviam sido observadas pela TC e confirmou a adequada descompressão da medula espinhal. As principais vantagens da ultrassonografia intraoperatória foram: estimar a vascularização e a extensão da lesão medular. Principalmente, permitiu uma avaliação em tempo real da medula espinal e do canal vertebral, o que permite modificação do procedimento cirúrgico.

Use of discriminant analysis based on echocardiography for classification of congestive heart failure in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease / Utilização da análise discriminante baseada na ecocardiografia para classificação de insuficiência cardíaca congestiva em cães com degeneração mixomatosa da valva mitral

Mixomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is one of the most common cardiac abnormalities in dogs and humans that can lead to cardiac heart failure (CHF). Its diagnosis remains based on echocardiography and clinical signs. However, the early diagnose of MMVD can contribute to a better prognosis and avoid CHF. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical, radiographic and echocardiographic presence of CHF in dogs with MMVD in combination with a statistical model as a mathematical tool. For this purpose, dogs were divided into three groups (healthy; MMVD without CHF; and MMVD with CHF), according the clinical, radiographic and echocardiographic evaluation findings. Thus, linear discriminant functions were obtained by analyzing the variables weight, body surface area, aortic diameter, the ratio of the left atrium/aortic diameter, the ratio between the mitral regurgitation jet area and the left atrial area, vena contracta diameter and mitral valve proximal isovelocity surface area. Then, mathematical equations were established for each group of dogs. Statistical functions obtained in this study enabled to classify the dogs, regarding the presence of CHF with a probability of correct classification of 90.4%. Thus the statistical model demonstrated that it could be used as an auxiliary method for identifying CHF in dogs with MMVD...

A doença mixomatosa da valva mitral (DMVM) é uma das alterações cardíacas mais comuns em cães e humanos, a qual pode levar à insuficiência cardíaca congestiva (ICC). O diagnóstico dessa alteração ocorre com base principalmente no exame ecocardiográfico e na presença de sinais clínicos. No entanto, o diagnóstico precoce da DMVM pode contribuir para um melhor prognóstico e evitar o desenvolvimento de ICC. Assim, o objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a presença de ICC em cães com DMVM, por meio de exames clínico, radiográfico e ecocardiográfico em combinação com um modelo estatístico. Para este propósito, os cães foram divididos em três grupos (sadios; DMVM sem ICC; e DMVM com ICC), de acordo com os achados dos exames realizados. Então, as funções lineares discriminantes foram obtidas por meio da análise das variáveis peso; superfície de área corporal; diâmetro aórtico; relação entre o diâmetro do átrio esquerdo e aórtico; relação entre a área do jato regurgitante mitral e a área do átrio esquerdo; diâmetro da vena contracta e área da isovelocidade proximal mitral (PISA). As equações matemáticas foram estabelecidas para cada grupo de cães e demonstraram ser possível classificar os animais de acordo com a presença de ICC, com uma probabilidade de classificação correta de 90,4%. Diante disso, o modelo estatístico poderia ser uma ferramenta auxiliar para a identificação de ICC em cães com DMVM...

Use of discriminant analysis based on echocardiography for classification of congestive heart failure in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease / Utilização da análise discriminante baseada na ecocardiografia para classificação de insuficiência cardíaca congestiva em cães com degeneração mixomatosa da valva mitral

Mixomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) is one of the most common cardiac abnormalities in dogs and humans that can lead to cardiac heart failure (CHF). Its diagnosis remains based on echocardiography and clinical signs. However, the early diagnose of MMVD can contribute to a better prognosis and avoid CHF. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical, radiographic and echocardiographic presence of CHF in dogs with MMVD in combination with a statistical model as a mathematical tool. For this purpose, dogs were divided into three groups (healthy; MMVD without CHF; and MMVD with CHF), according the clinical, radiographic and echocardiographic evaluation findings. Thus, linear discriminant functions were obtained by analyzing the variables weight, body surface area, aortic diameter, the ratio of the left atrium/aortic diameter, the ratio between the mitral regurgitation jet area and the left atrial area, vena contracta diameter and mitral valve proximal isovelocity surface area. Then, mathematical equations were established for each group of dogs. Statistical functions obtained in this study enabled to classify the dogs, regarding the presence of CHF with a probability of correct classification of 90.4%. Thus the statistical model demonstrated that it could be used as an auxiliary method for identifying CHF in dogs with MMVD.

A doença mixomatosa da valva mitral (DMVM) é uma das alterações cardíacas mais comuns em cães e humanos, a qual pode levar à insuficiência cardíaca congestiva (ICC). O diagnóstico dessa alteração ocorre com base principalmente no exame ecocardiográfico e na presença de sinais clínicos. No entanto, o diagnóstico precoce da DMVM pode contribuir para um melhor prognóstico e evitar o desenvolvimento de ICC. Assim, o objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a presença de ICC em cães com DMVM, por meio de exames clínico, radiográfico e ecocardiográfico em combinação com um modelo estatístico. Para este propósito, os cães foram divididos em três grupos (sadios; DMVM sem ICC; e DMVM com ICC), de acordo com os achados dos exames realizados. Então, as funções lineares discriminantes foram obtidas por meio da análise das variáveis peso; superfície de área corporal; diâmetro aórtico; relação entre o diâmetro do átrio esquerdo e aórtico; relação entre a área do jato regurgitante mitral e a área do átrio esquerdo; diâmetro da vena contracta e área da isovelocidade proximal mitral (PISA). As equações matemáticas foram estabelecidas para cada grupo de cães e demonstraram ser possível classificar os animais de acordo com a presença de ICC, com uma probabilidade de classificação correta de 90,4%. Diante disso, o modelo estatístico poderia ser uma ferramenta auxiliar para a identificação de ICC em cães com DMVM.

Anestesia epidural na cirurgia descompressiva lombossacral de cães / Epidural anesthesia in the lumbosacral decompressive surgery in dogs

Objetivou-se avaliar viabilidade, eficácia, vantagens e desvantagens da anestesia epidural lombossacral, junto à anestesia geral inalatória, em cirurgias de descompressão da cauda equina, tendo em vista que essas cirurgias são procedimentos longos e dolorosos. Para isso, foram utilizados 11 cães adultos com sinais clínicos de síndrome da cauda equina, que foram submetidos à anestesia geral inalatória e deixados no estágio anestésico mais superficial. Depois, realizou-se a anestesia epidural em seis dos 11 pacientes, por punção espinhal em L7-S1, com bupivacaína a 0,5 por cento. Os parâmetros fisiológicos (cardíacos, vasculares, respiratórios, temperatura corporal e glicemia) foram aferidos antes da medicação pré-anestésica, 10 minutos após esta, 30 minutos depois da epidural, depois da laminectomia, assim como após 60 minutos e 90 minutos da epidural, tanto no grupo com epidural como naquele sem esta (controle). Os animais que possuíam bloqueio epidural apresentaram redução significativa no consumo de anestésico inalatório e no tempo de extubação, não apresentando déficits neurológicos causados pela anestesia epidural, quando comparados com o grupo-controle. Conclui-se que a técnica de anestesia epidural é eficiente e vantajosa na realização de cirurgias descompressivas lombossacrais, pois proporciona menor risco anestésico para o animal...

The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, effectiveness, advantages and disadvantages of lumbosacral epidural anesthesia with inhalational anesthesia in surgical decompression of the cauda equina, since this surgery has a lengthy and painful recovery from anesthesia. For this, 11 adult dogs which showed clinical signs of cauda equina syndrome were used. After the epidural, anesthesia in six of 11 patients, spinal tap in L7-S1, with bupivacaine 0.5 percent anesthetic was used. Physiological parameters (heart, vascular, respiratory and body temperature) were measured before, 10 minutes after, and 30 minutes after the epidural, after the laminectomia and 60 minutes and 90 minutes after the epidural, both in the epidural group and the control group. Animals that had ep showed a significant reduction in consumption of inhaled anesthetic and time of extubation. There were no neurological deficits caused by epidural anesthesia compared with the group without epidural anesthesia. It was concluded that the epidural anesthesia technique is effective in lumbosacral decompression surgeries, leading to a lower risk for the anesthetized animal...

Efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy in reducing psychiatric symptoms in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator: an integrative review

This article is a systematic review of the available literature on the benefits that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) offers patients with implanted cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) and confirms its effectiveness. After receiving the device, some patients fear that it will malfunction, or they remain in a constant state of tension due to sudden electrical discharges and develop symptoms of anxiety and depression. A search with the key words “anxiety”, “depression”, “implantable cardioverter”, “cognitive behavioral therapy” and “psychotherapy” was carried out. The search was conducted in early January 2013. Sources for the search were ISI Web of Knowledge, PubMed, and PsycINFO. A total of 224 articles were retrieved: 155 from PubMed, 69 from ISI Web of Knowledge. Of these, 16 were written in a foreign language and 47 were duplicates, leaving 161 references for analysis of the abstracts. A total of 19 articles were eliminated after analysis of the abstracts, 13 were eliminated after full-text reading, and 11 articles were selected for the review. The collection of articles for literature review covered studies conducted over a period of 13 years (1998-2011), and, according to methodological design, there were 1 cross-sectional study, 1 prospective observational study, 2 clinical trials, 4 case-control studies, and 3 case studies. The criterion used for selection of the 11 articles was the effectiveness of the intervention of CBT to decrease anxiety and depression in patients with ICD, expressed as a ratio. The research indicated that CBT has been effective in the treatment of ICD patients with depressive and anxiety symptoms. Research also showed that young women represented a risk group, for which further study is needed. Because the number of references on this theme was small, further studies should be carried out.