Inclusion of fibroblasts and collagen fibrils in the cytologic grading of canine cutaneous mast cell tumors.

BACKGROUND: Fibroblasts and/or collagen fibrils have not been included in previous cytologic grading schemes of canine mast cell tumors (MCTs), and their association with biological behavior is broadly debated. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the cytologic findings of canine MCT, with emphasis on the microenvironment, and propose a novel cytologic grading system correlated with mortality and histologic grade. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cytology smears of canine cutaneous MCTs were retrospectively reviewed and compared with their histopathologic counterparts using Cohen´s Kappa test. One-year survival rates were also compared with the cytologic and histopathologic variables using Pearson´s correlation test. RESULTS: From 92 first-occurrence canine cutaneous MCTs, the five features most associated with mortality were selected for a new grading system. The five features were cytoplasmic granulation, fibroblast and/or collagen fibril concentrations, and the presence of mitotic figures, multinucleation, and karyomegaly. Among concordant histopathologic and cytologic cases (ie, the same grades using both systems), mortality rates were 2.6% (1/38) for low-grade and 71.4% (10/14) for high-grade cases (P < 0.001, chi-square). For false-negative and false-positive results, mortality rates were 33% (1/3) and 45% (5/11), respectively (P = 0.707). CONCLUSIONS: Unlike the Camus cytologic grading system, the present amendment excluded binucleation and included fibroblasts and/ or collagen fibrils, which in higher concentrations were associated with increased survival and a low histopathologic grade. Cytologic grading with the inclusion of fibroblast and collagen fibril concentrations correlated with survival, as did the Camus cytologic and Kiupel histopathologic grades; however, further studies are needed to confirm the prognostic value of this novel cytologic grading scheme.

Surgical stress and postoperative complications related to regional and radical mastectomy in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Surgery is the treatment of choice for regional control of mammary neoplasms in female dogs. Various surgical techniques may be used, as long as mammary gland anatomy, lymphatic drainage, and known prognostic factors are respected. The purpose of this study was to compare surgical stress-including duration of surgery, nociception and hematological changes-and postoperative complications in dogs undergoing regional and unilateral radical mastectomy. Eighteen dogs were selected for each technique. Postoperative pain (nociception), hematological changes, and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The group treated with radical mastectomy had a longer surgical duration, showed more intense physiological changes, achieved higher scores on nociception scales, and experienced more postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: Compared to regional mastectomy, radical mastectomy was associated with longer surgical duration, greater nociceptive stimulus, greater surgical stress, and higher incidence of postoperative complications in dogs. Although evaluation of long-term results was not a goal of this study, it is suggested that postoperative recovery and patient quality of life should be considered when choosing a surgical approach for treating mammary tumors in dogs.

Evaluation of biochemical, hematological and parasitological parameters of protein-deficient hamsters infected with Ancylostoma ceylanicum.

BACKGROUND: Hookworms infect millions of people worldwide and can cause severe clinical symptoms in their hosts. Prospective cohort studies in Brazil show high rates of hookworm reinfection in malnourished children compared to well-nourished children, despite previous treatment. Additionally, soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections can worsen the nutritional status of affected populations. Therefore, this study aims to clarify the effects of host malnutrition during Ancylostoma ceylanicum infection and how this infection affects host physiological parameters using a hamster model. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Hamsters were divided into four experimental groups: normal diet or low-protein diet (also referred to as "malnourished") and A. ceylanicum infection or no infection. More severe pathogenesis was observed in the infected malnourished group, as demonstrated by significant decreases in the hemoglobin concentration, erythrocyte number and packed-cell volume compared to the non-infected malnourished group. Greater numbers of adult parasites and eggs were observed in the malnourished group compared to the control group; however, the oviposition rate was lower in the malnourished group. In general, greater values of total lipids were observed in malnourished animals compared to control animals, including lipids excreted in the stool. CONCLUSIONS: In this work, we have demonstrated that animals fed an isocaloric low-protein diet presented more severe pathogenesis when infected with A. ceylanicum. The increased lipid concentration in the liver and blood is related to the conversion of the excess carbohydrate into fatty acids that increase the concentration of triglycerides in general. Triglycerides were excreted in the feces, indicating that infection associated with malnutrition caused a greater loss of these molecules for this group of animals and confirming the hypothesis that both nutrition and infection are responsible for the malabsorption syndrome. Taken together, the results found in this work confirm the hypothesis that the nutritional condition of the host greatly influences the course of the infection.

Specific traumatic events during childhood as risk factors for posttraumatic stress disorder development in adults.

To evaluate differences in early life events (ELE) on adult victims of severe interpersonal violence among patients who developed posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and control group. Adult victims of interpersonal violence were evaluated to diagnose the presence of PTSD and ELE. 308 subjects were included, 141 in patient's group (PTSD+) and 167 in control group (PSTD-). PTSD+ group had more severe PTSD, depressive symptoms and higher ETI scores than PTSD- group. Patients in PTSD+ group had a more frequent history of ELE. Some ELE were more significant for the development of this predisposition.