Quality of Life Score as a Predictor of Death in Dogs with Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease / Escore de Qualidade de Vida como Preditor de Mortalidade em Cães com Doença Degenerativa da Valva Mitral

Abstract Background: The knowledge of the variables predicting mortality is important in clinical practice and for therapeutic monitoring in mitral valve disease. Objectives: To determine whether a quality of life score evaluated with the Functional Evaluation of Cardiac Health questionnaire would predict mortality in dogs with degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD). Methods: Thirty-six client-owned dogs with mitral valve disease underwent clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic evaluations at baseline and were monitored for 6 months. Cardiovascular death was the primary outcome. Results: The 36 dogs were classified as survivors or nonsurvivors. Higher values of the following variables were obtained at baseline in the nonsurviving group (12 dogs): amino-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels, plasma norepinephrine, heart rate, quality of life score, diastolic left ventricular internal dimension to aortic root ratio, systolic left ventricular internal dimension to aortic root ratio, and left atrium to aortic root ratio. NT-proBNP levels and quality life score were independently associated with death in the multivariable analysis. Conclusion: The quality life score was an independent variable for cardiac death in dogs with DMVD. This result is encouraging, as this score is easy to apply and does not require any technology, only a veterinarian and an observant owner.

Resumo Fundamento: O conhecimento das variáveis preditoras de mortalidade é importante para a prática clínica e para o acompanhamento terapêutico na doença da valva mitral. Objetivos: Determinar se um escore de qualidade de vida avaliado com o Functional Evaluation of Cardiac Health poderia auxiliar na predição de mortalidade em cães com doença degenerativa da valva mitral (DDVM). Métodos: Trinta e seis cães de estimação com doença valvar mitral foram submetidos a avaliação clínica, laboratorial e ecocardiográfica no início do estudo e monitorizados durante 6 meses. A morte cardiovascular foi o desfecho primário. Resultados: Os 36 cães foram classificados como sobreviventes ou não sobreviventes. Os valores mais elevados das seguintes variáveis foram obtidos no início do estudo no grupo de não sobreviventes (12 cães): fragmento N-terminal do peptídeo natriurético tipo B (NT-proBNP), norepinefrina plasmática, frequência cardíaca, escore de qualidade de vida, razão da dimensão interna diastólica do ventrículo esquerdo e raiz aórtica, razão da dimensão interna sistólica do ventrículo esquerdo e raiz aórtica e a relação da dimensão do átrio esquerdo e a raiz aórtica. Concentrações de NT-proBNP e o escore de qualidade de vida foram independentemente associados com morte na análise multivariada. Conclusão: O escore de qualidade de vida foi uma variável independente para a morte por doença cardíaca em cães com DDVM. Este resultado é encorajador, pois este escore é de fácil aplicação e não requer o emprego de tecnologia, necessitando apenas de um veterinário e um dono observador.

Occurrence of Lutzomyia longipalpis andhuman and canine cases of visceral leishmaniasis and evaluation of their expansion in the Northwest region of the State of São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract: INTRODUCTION This paper aims to describe the dispersion of Lutzomyia longipalpis and the autochthonous occurrence of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in the Northwest region of the State of São Paulo between 2007 and 2013 and to analyze their expansion. METHODS Information about the vector and associated cases was described using maps. The incidence, mortality, and lethality of human visceral leishmaniasis (HVL) were calculated. In municipalities in which more than one HVL case occurred, incidences were calculated according to census sector, and spatial and spatiotemporal clusters were identified. RESULTS The first case of HVL was reported in the municipality of Jales in 2007. By 2013, the vector and the disease had expanded from west to east, with the vector being detected in 29 municipalities. A total of 11 municipalities had cases of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL), and six had cases of HVL. Vector expansion occurred by vicinity with previously infested municipalities, and the expansion of VL was related to the major highways and the capital municipalities of the micro-regions in the study area. The highest incidence of HVL occurred in children between 0-4 years old, and the highest mortality and lethality occurred among persons aged 60 and older. The occurrence of HLV was more intense in the peripheral areas of municipalities with the disease. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study may be useful for improving VL surveillance and control activities by slowing VL expansion and/or mitigating VL effects when they occur.

Age structure of owned dogs under compulsory culling in a visceral leishmaniasis endemic area / A estrutura etária de cães com donos numa área endêmica de leishmaniose visceral / Estructura etaria de la población canina domiciliada en un área endémica con leishmaniasis visceral canina

Abstract: The age structure of the dog population is essential for planning and evaluating control programs for zoonotic diseases. We analyzed data of an owned-dog census in order to characterize, for the first time, the structure of a dog population under compulsory culling in a visceral leishmaniasis endemic area (Panorama, São Paulo State, Brazil) that recorded a dog-culling rate of 28% in the year of the study. Data on 1,329 households and 1,671 owned dogs revealed an owned dog:human ratio of 1:7. The mean age of dogs was estimated at 1.73 years; the age pyramid indicated high birth and mortality rates at the first year of age with an estimated cumulative mortality of 78% at the third year of age and expected life span of 2.75 years. In spite of the high mortality, a growth projection simulation suggested that the population has potential to grow in a logarithmic scale over the years. The estimated parameters can be further applied in models to maximize the impact and minimize financial inputs of visceral leishmaniasis control measures.

Resumo: É importante conhecer a estrutura etária da população canina para melhor planejar e avaliar os programas de controle de zoonoses. Os autores analisaram os dados de um censo de cães com donos para caracterizar, pela primeira vez, a estrutura etária de uma população canina sujeita à eliminação compulsória numa área endêmica de leishmaniose visceral (Panorama, Estado de São Paulo, Brasil) que registrou uma taxa de eliminação canina de 28% no ano do estudo. Os dados para 1.329 domicílios e 1.671 cães com donos mostraram uma razão de cães para humanos de 1:7. A média de idade dos cães foi estimada em 1,73 anos; a pirâmide etária indicou altas taxas de natalidade e de mortalidade no primeiro ano de vida, com uma estimativa de mortalidade cumulativa de 78% aos três anos de idade, e uma expectativa de vida de 2,75 anos. Apesar da alta mortalidade, uma simulação de projeção de crescimento sugeriu que a população tem o potencial de crescer numa escala logarítmica ao longo dos anos. Os parâmetros estimados podem ser aplicados também a modelos para maximizar o impacto e minimizar os insumos financeiros de medidas de controle da leishmaniose visceral.

Resumen: El conocimiento de la estructura etaria de una población de perros es esencial para la planificación de programas de control de zoonosis. Se analizaron datos de un censo de población canina domiciliada, con el objetivo de caracterizar, por primera vez, la estructura de una población de perros domiciliados en un área donde la eutanasia de perros positivos en leishmaniasis visceral es obligatoria (Panorama, São Paulo, Brasil), y que registró un 28% de casos de eutanasia en el año en que el censo fue realizado. Los datos de 1.329 domicilios y 1.671 perros resultaron en una razón perro:hombre de 1:7. La edad media de los perros fue estimada en 1,73 años; la pirámide de edad indica altas tasas de nacimiento y mortalidad hasta 1 año de vida, con tasa de mortalidad acumulada de un 78% en el tercer año de vida, y expectativa de vida de 2,75 años. A pesar de la alta tasa de mortalidad, la simulación de crecimiento poblacional sugiere que esta población tiene potencial de crecimiento en escala logarítmica a lo largo de los años. Los parámetros estimados pueden ser utilizados en modelos para maximizar el impacto y minimizar los costes de las medidas de control de la enfermedad.

Therapeutic approach to Class II, Division 1 malocclusion with maxillary functional orthopedics

INTRODUCTION: Interceptive treatment of Class II, Division 1 malocclusion is a challenge orthodontists commonly face due to the different growth patterns they come across and the different treatment strategies they have available.OBJECTIVE: To report five cases of interceptive orthodontics performed with the aid of Klammt's elastic open activator (KEOA) to treat Class II, Division 1 malocclusion.METHODS: Treatment comprehends one or two phases; and the use of functional orthopedic appliances, whenever properly recommended, is able to minimize dentoskeletal discrepancies with consequent improvement in facial esthetics during the first stage of mixed dentition. The triad of diagnosis, correct appliance manufacture and patient's compliance is imperative to allow KEOA to contribute to Class II malocclusion treatment.RESULTS: Cases reported herein showed significant improvement in skeletal, dental and profile aspects, as evinced by cephalometric analysis and clinical photographs taken before, during and after interceptive orthodontics.

INTRODUÇÃO: o tratamento interceptor da má oclusão de Classe II primeira divisão é um desafio comum para os ortodontistas, em função dos diferentes padrões de crescimento que podem ser encontrados e das estratégias de tratamento disponíveis.OBJETIVO:apresentar cinco casos de interceptação da má oclusão de Classe II primeira divisão usando o ativador aberto elástico de Klammt (AAEK).MÉTODOS: o tratamento dessa má oclusão pode ser realizado em uma ou duas fases; e a utilização dos aparelhos ortopédicos funcionais, de acordo com suas indicações, pode minimizar as discrepâncias dentoesqueléticas, melhorando, consequentemente, a estética facial na primeira fase da dentição mista. O diagnóstico, a correta confecção do aparelho e a cooperação do paciente são a tríade indispensável para que o AAEK seja um coadjuvante no tratamento dessa má oclusão.RESULTADOS: os casos clínicos apresentaram melhora significativa nos aspectos esquelético, dentário e de perfil, evidenciada pelas análises cefalométricas e, no aspecto clínico, pelas fotografias pré- e trans-tratamento e após a interceptação.

Epidemiological aspects of human and canine visceral leishmaniasis in Venezuela

OBJECTIVE: To report recent data on the distribution of human and canine visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in Venezuela, and to highlight problems associated with effective control measures. METHODS: We report the number of cases, incidence rate, age and sex distribution, and mortality rates for human VL (HVL) for the period of 1995 through 2000, based on National Registry of Leishmaniasis data. We carried out serological studies on a total of 3 025 domestic dogs from the 12 states in Venezuela reporting cases of human VL in this 1995-2000 period and also from the state of Yaracuy, where cases were reported earlier during the decade of the 1990s. RESULTS: From 1995 through 2000, 242 cases of HVL were reported from 12 states, in various sections of Venezuela. There was a relatively stable national incidence rate of 0.2 cases per 100 000 persons per year. Of the 242 cases, 26.0 percent were from Margarita Island, one of the three islands that make up the state of Nueva Esparta (Margarita Island was the only one of the Nueva Esparta islands that had HVL cases). Over the 1995-2000 period, the annual incidence rates for Nueva Esparta ranged from 1.7 to 3.8 cases per 100000 population. Males in Venezuela were more frequently affected (59.5 percent) than were females (40.5 percent). In terms of age, 67.7 percent of the VL patients were < 4 years of age, and 80.6 percent were younger than 15 years. The mortality rate among the persons with VL was 7.85 percent during the 1995-2000 period. Serological screening with rK39 antigen of 1217 dogs from Margarita Island found a 28.5 percent positivity rate (testing of dogs was not done on the two other islands of Nueva Esparta). In contrast, the rate was 2.8 percent in the 1 808 samples from dogs from 12 states on the mainland. CONCLUSIONS: Human and canine VL are unevenly distributed in Venezuela. The distribution may reflect such factors as differences among the states in human population density, vector density, and the presence or absence of other trypanosomatidae. Particularly high infection rates in very young children as well as in domestic dogs occur in semiurban communities of Nueva Esparta, where other human-infecting trypanosomatidae have not been reported. Control measures related to limiting canine infection might contribute to disease control where VL infections are frequent. Reducing VL mortality requires increased awareness among medical professionals of the possibility of VL in the differential...

Concentración de minerales tóxicos y esenciales en derivados del curtido de pieles "carnazas" para perros y su solubilidad ácida o básica / Toxic and essential element concentration in leather toy for dogs and its basic and acid solubility

Para realizar la presente investigación se contó con 20 muestras de un producto para perros hecho a base de esquilmos de curtiduría llamdo "carnaza". Estas muestras de varias fuentes comerciales del Valle de México, fueron remitidas al Laboratorio de toxicología de la Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootencia de la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, porque se asociaban con la muerte de los perros. Estas carnazas en forma de hueso son expendidas al público para que los perros jueguen y se limpien los dientes al mordisquearlas, pero la mayoría son consumidas. El análisis para elementos tóxicos y esenciales se practicó por espectrometría de absorción atómica para Cr, Pb, Cd, Ti, Ni, Fe, Cu y Zn. La preparación de la muestra se llevó a cabo por digestión alcalina y ácida. A cada digerido de la misma muestra se le leyó el contenido de estos minerales y después se sumarón ambos para notificarlo como totales. El promedio de los elementos minerales tóxicos encontrados en las muestras están por encima de la norma oficial mexicana (a ppm) para los alimentos de animales el contenido encontrado fue: Cr, 104; Pb, 25; Cd, 16; Ti, 4378 y Ni, 7.9 ppm. De los esenciales, la concentración de Fe es de 1128 que es 10 veces mayor de la que el perro necesita para nutrirse, pero el Cu y Zn son deficientes. También se concluye que la extracción alcalina digiere el cuero fácilmente, pero no solubiliza los elementos minerales tanto como la digestión ácida. Aunque la correlación entre el contenido mineral de cada muestra por los dos sistemas de digestión no es alta, se tiene cierta similitud para el Cr, Pb, Ti y Fe. El contenido de los metales tóxico, especialmente el Titanio, aunque se considera inerte con esta concentraciones (4378 ppm) debe señalarse como riesgo, pues se incluye en la cadena alimenticia