The efficacy of photon-initiated photoacoustic streaming and sonic-activated irrigation combined with QMiX solution or sodium hypochlorite against intracanal E. faecalis biofilm.

The aim of the study was to assess the antibacterial efficacy of photon-initiated photoacoustic streaming (PIPS) using an Er:YAG laser and sonic-activated irrigation combined with QMiX irrigant or sodium hypochlorite against Enterococcus faecalis intracanal biofilm. Root canals of 91 human extracted single-canal teeth were instrumented, sterilized, contaminated with E. faecalis and incubated for 15 days. The infected teeth were then randomly distributed into six experimental groups: G1: PIPS/Er:YAG laser (wavelength 2940 nm, pulse energy 20 mJ, 15 Hz, pulse duration 50 µs, energy density 2.06 J/cm(2), 3 × 20 s) with the QMiX irrigant; G2: PIPS/Er:YAG laser-activated 2.5 % NaOCl; G3 sonic-activated irrigation (EndoActivator system) for 60 s with the QMiX irrigant; G4 sonic-activated irrigation for 60 s with 2.5 % NaOCl; G5 30-gauge needle irrigation with the QMiX irrigant; G6 30-gauge needle irrigation with 2.5 % NaOCl. The positive control group was rinsed with sterile saline solution. The root canals were sampled by flushing with saline solution at baseline and after the treatments, serially diluted and cultured. The number of bacteria in each canal was determined by plate count. The presence and the absence of E. faecalis in root canals were demonstrated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and the pattern of the bacteria colonization was visualized by scanning electron microscopy. There was significant reduction in the bacterial population for all groups (p < 0.001). The best antibacterial efficacy was recorded after sonic-activated irrigation with both NaOCl (99.999 %) and QMiX (99.999 %) and after PIPS with QMiX (99.999 %), which were more effective than conventional irrigation with NaOCl (99.998 %) and the PIPS with the NaOCl (99.966 %). Also, the PIPS with QMiX solution provided the highest number of sterile samples (five). There was no difference in the bacteria reduction between the active irrigation techniques, regardless of the irrigant used. Although the laser activation did not improve the antimicrobial action of the NaOCl nor QMiX, the fact that it generated the greatest number of sterile samples warrants further investigation.

Magnetic resonance imaging features of cerebellar vermis medulloblastoma in an adult canine patient.

A seven-year-old, not-castrated male, Airedale Terrier presented with a history of ataxia and intention tremor of the head of three-week duration. Neurologic examination demonstrated severe hypermetria, intention tremor of the head and a bilateral menace response deficit. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a well demarcated cerebellar vermis mass, hypointense on T1-weighted images, hyperintense on T2-weighted images, with multiple small foci of high signal similar to that of CSF. Foci dispersed in the mass creating a speckled appearance. Homogeneous faint, wispy post-contrast enhancement of the mass was noted; as a result the tumor became isointense to gray matter and was not clearly evident in post contrast images. The histopathological diagnosis of the excised tumor was cerebellar medulloblastoma.

Pure primary osteosarcoma of the breast: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Mammary sarcomas are relatively uncommon and they represent less than one percent of all primary breast malignancies. Osteosarcoma of the breast, unassociated with other tumors, is distinctly rare, with published references generally limited to case reports and occasional cases in several series encompassing a heterogeneous group of mammary sarcomas and extraosseous osteosarcomas at various sites. The authors present a patient with pure osteosarcoma of the breast, osteoblastic type, with biologically aggressive pattern. CASE REPORT: A 79-year-old lady became aware of a rapidly enlarging lump in the lateral part of the right breast. Clinical examination revealed a firm to hard, mobile, irregular, and painful breast lump measuring about six by four cm. On examination there was no axillary or supraclavicular lymphadenopathy. After initial diagnosis, excisional biopsy without dissection of the axillary lymph nodes was performed. Therefore, the histological and immunohistochemical findings established the diagnosis of pure primary osteosarcoma of the breast. CONCLUSION: Pure osteosarcoma of the breast is extremely rare and needs to be distinguished from a variety of benign and malignant breast lesions producing metaplastic bone. Less than a hundred cases of pure osteosarcoma of the breast were reported, but diagnostic confirmation with immunohistochemistry has been performed in relatively few of these cases.

Successful treatment of bilateral Paecilomyces pyelonephritis in a German shepherd dog.

A six-year-old female entire German shepherd dog was investigated for polyuria, polydipsia and lethargy. Investigations revealed a mild azotaemia and abdominal ultrasound revealed marked bilateral dilation of the renal pelves with echogenic material and proximal left hydroureter. Urine cytological examination and aspirates from the right renal pelvis revealed mats of fungal hyphae consistent with fungal bezoar formation. Fungal cultures revealed a profuse growth of Paecilomyces variotii. Initial treatment with oral itraconazole was unsuccessful, leading to bilateral nephrotomies to remove the fungal material. Postoperatively the Paecilomyces infection persisted despite continued itraconazole therapy. Treatment was commenced with amphotericin B, leading to resolution of the dog's clinical signs. To the authors' knowledge this is the first report of canine Paecilomyces pyelonephritis, without disseminated systemic disease, which documents its successful treatment.

Anthropometric characteristics and technical skills of 12 and 14 year old basketball players.

AIM: The aims of this study were: a) to describe the anthropometric characteristics and technical skills in children aged 12 and 14 taking part in competitive basketball; b) to compare the mean scores between these two groups; and c) to detect the relationship between anthropometric characteristics and basketball skills. METHODS: At the sample of total of 118 young basketball players, 54 of 14 (± 0.5) year old and 64 of 12 (± 0.5) year old, 18 anthropometric variables were measured: five longitudinal measures, two transversal measures, body mass, four circumferences, six skinfolds and 3 derived variables: Body Mass Index (BMI), sitting height/stature ratio (SH/ST ratio) and sum of skinfolds (SUM SKF). Also, they did four basketball field tests: speed spot shooting, passing, control dribble and defensive movement. RESULTS: Values of most of anthropometric variables were significantly higher in 14 year old players as compared to 12 year old, except in SH/ST ratio and BMI which were similar. Only values of SUM SKF were significantly lower in 14 year old players. In variables: control dribble, passing and defensive movement 14 year old players have better scores then 12 year old players. CONCLUSION: The players presented a very high values of anthropometric dimensions, especially longitudinal and a very good technical skills. The correlation between certain field tests and some anthropometric parameters indicates that some anthropometric measures might have moderately negative influence on test results in technical skills in 14 year old players.

Distinguishing rhinitis and nasal neoplasia by radiography.

To compare the incidence of radiographic signs in dogs with rhinitis and primary nasal neoplasia and to assess the performance of observers for distinguishing these conditions, the nasal radiographs of 72 dogs with either rhinitis (n = 42) or primary nasal neoplasia (n = 30) were examined by two independent observers using custom-designed forms to record their interpretations. Rhinitis was associated with a higher incidence of focal or multifocal lesions, localised soft tissue opacities, lucent foci, and a lack of frontal sinus involvement. Neoplasia was associated with soft tissue opacities and loss of turbinate detail that affected the entire ipsilateral nasal cavity, signs of invasion of the bones surrounding the nasal cavity, and soft tissue/fluid opacities within the ipsilateral frontal sinus. The signs with the highest positive predictive value (PPV) for rhinitis were absence of frontal sinus lesions and lucent foci in nasal cavity (PPV of each 82%), and invasion of surrounding bones for neoplasia (PPV 88%). There were no significant differences in the position of the lesion within the nasal cavity, incidence of unilateral versus bilateral lesions, calcified lesions, or absence of teeth. There was moderate agreement between observers about the diagnosis (kappa 0.59). Areas (SE) under ROC curves were 0.94 (0.03) and 0.96 (0.03) for observers A and B, respectively (not significantly different; P = 0.68). These results indicate a high accuracy for radiologists examining dogs with nasal diseases. Differentiation of rhinitis and nasal neoplasia should be based on finding combinations of radiologic signs that together have a high PPV. Differences in interpretation between experienced observers in this study suggest that certain signs are potential sources of error.

Results of renal ultrasonography performed before and during administration of saline (0.9% NaCl) solution to induce diuresis in dogs without evidence of renal disease.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of saline (0.9% NaCl) solution administered IV to induce diuresis on 15 dimensional variables of the kidneys, size of renal pelvis, and diameter of the cranial part of the ureters. ANIMALS: 25 dogs without evidence of renal disease that were undergoing chemotherapy for various neoplasms. PROCEDURE: The kidneys, cranial aspect of the ureters, and trigone area of the urinary bladder of each dog were examined ultrasonographically before and during IV administration of saline solution (2.7 to 18.8 ml/kg of body weight/h). RESULTS: Ultrasonography revealed unilateral and bilateral pyelectasis during diuresis in 16 of 23 (70%) dogs but unilateral pyelectasis in only 1 dog before diuresis. Unilateral pyelectasis during diuresis was observed in 11 of 16 (69%) dogs. Pyelectasis during diuresis was categorized as slight in 15 of 21 (71%) kidneys. Degree of pyelectasis during diuresis was not identical in both kidneys of 13 of 16 (81 %) dogs. Diuresis did not induce ureterectasis, and it did not cause changes in 15 dimensional variables of the kidneys. CONCLUSIONS: In nonsedated, nonazotemic dogs, IV administration of saline solution to induce diuresis may cause slight pyelectasis without evidence of ureterectasis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: When dilatation of the cranial part of the ureter is > 2 mm at the same time that ipsilateral pyelectasis is detected during ultrasonographic examination of the urinary tract system of a nonsedated, nonazotemic dog receiving IV administration of saline solution to induce diuresis, additional examinations are recommended to determine the possibility of early obstructive nephropathy or pyelonephritis.

Discospondylitis in association with an intra-abdominal abscess in a dog.

An 11-year-old German shepherd dog cross was presented with a six-week history of weight loss and abdominal distension. A diagnosis of abdominal abscess and discospondylitis was made. The dog responded to surgical excision of the abscess and conservative medical treatment for discospondylitis.

Ureteral diverticula in two dogs.

We describe ureteral diverticula in two dogs and briefly review the related literature. The diagnosis of this condition is radiographic and based on the excretory urographic observation of multiple ureteral outpouchings. Pathologically, ureteral transitional cell hyperplasia and mucinous metaplasia result in submucosal proliferation of the urothelium and the formation of crypts and small cysts. Ureteral diverticulosis in humans is associated with an increased risk of urothelial malignancies, such as transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder. Clinically, both dogs were older, small breed neutered females. Both had a history of chronic urinary obstruction. One dog died during surgery to remove an adrenal mass, and the other was euthanized at the owner's request because of an inoperable bladder neoplasm. Histopathologic diagnosis of ureteral lesions confirmed the radiographic diagnosis of ureteral diverticula in both dogs.

A prospective clinical trial comparing metrizamide and iohexol for equine myelography.

A prospective clinical trial comparing adverse postmyelographic effects and myelographic quality of metrizamide and iohexol was conducted. Using a predetermined, randomized assignment, 24 horses exhibiting neurologic signs were administered either metrizamide (180 mgl/ml) or iohexol (180 mgl/ml) via cerebellomedullary puncture. Each horse was evaluated postmyelographically for adverse effects. Myelographic quality was assessed by a numerical scoring method. Adverse effects were observed more frequently with metrizamide (21) compared with iohexol (6) myelography (p < 0.05). Seizures, intensification of preexisting neurologic signs and prolonged anesthetic recovery were the most common complications after myelography. There was no difference in myelographic quality (p > 0.05). We conclude that iohexol is safer than metrizamide for equine myelography and that quality myelograms can be obtained with either contrast medium.

Apocrine gland adenocarcinoma and pheochromocytoma in a cat.

A 15-year-old, castrated male domestic shorthair was presented for a recurrent, perineal apocrine gland adenocarcinoma. A right adrenal mass was identified on abdominal radiography and ultrasonography performed as routine staging prior to surgical excision of the perineal tumor. An ultrasonographic-guided biopsy of the adrenal mass was performed and a pheochromocytoma was diagnosed upon histopathology. The perineal and adrenal tumors were removed surgically. The cat developed fatal thromboembolic disease following surgery and was euthanized. This is the third reported case of phenochromocytoma in a cat and is unusual in that two rare tumors were identified in one animal.

Pancreatic pseudocyst associated with chronic-active necrotizing pancreatitis in a cat.

A 13-year-old, neutered female domestic shorthair was referred for evaluation of chronic, intermittent vomiting of approximately two years' duration. On physical examination, a fluctuant mass was palpated in the left cranial abdominal quadrant. Significant laboratory findings included neutrophilia, hyperglycemia, hyperlipasemia, and proteinuria. A distinct mass within the left cranial quadrant was noted on abdominal radiographs. Ultrasonographically, the pancreas appeared slightly hyperechoic with a hypoechoic mass arising from its left lobe. A cystic mass in the left lobe of the pancreas was identified during an exploratory celiotomy. The mass and affected areas of the pancreas and a portion of the spleen were resected. The cat recovered completely. Cytological, histological, and laboratory evaluations of the mass were consistent with pancreatic pseudocyst formation, which has been reported in dogs and humans but has not yet been reported in cats.

Reverse saphenous conduit flap in cats: an anatomic study.

The vascular anatomy of the reverse saphenous conduit flap in cats was defined by contrast radiography of both hindlimbs of 18 feline cadaver specimens. In all 36 flaps, flow of contrast medium from the femoral artery to the distal end of the flap was documented. Direct anastomosis of the superficial branch of the cranial tibial artery with the cranial branch of the saphenous artery and communication of the caudal branch of the saphenous artery with the perforating metatarsal artery, via the medial and lateral plantar arteries, was documented. The cranial branch of the medial saphenous vein was shown to anastomose with the cranial branch of the lateral saphenous vein. The presence of these anastomoses support the feasibility of the reverse saphenous conduit flap as an option for reconstruction of wounds of the metatarsus in cats.

Radiographic assessment of gastric mucosal fold thickness in dogs.

One hundred two dogs without known gastric lesions were evaluated to establish a reference range of gastric rugal fold thickness (millimeters). Mucosal folds were measurable for 63 examinations, and the length of the second lumbar vertebra was measured for 61 of the 63 (centimeters). Body weight was available in the case records of 29 dogs. Measurements of the mucosal folds were related to body weight (n = 29) and length of the second lumbar vertebra (n = 61) by use of linear regression analysis. Reference range of normal gastric mucosal fold thickness, 1 to 8 mm, was defined by this study for dogs of any breed weighing between 2 and 50 kg.

Acquired arteriovenous fistula secondary to castration in a dog.

A 6-year-old castrated male Basset Hound was examined because of a 1-year history of a pulsating mass in the right inguinal region. The pulsatile mass was diagnosed as an arteriovenous fistula by physical examination and angiography. Surgical exploration revealed that the right testicular artery and vein, the artery of the ductus deferens, and the cremasteric artery were involved in the fistula. The fistula was believed to have developed secondary to castration performed at 6 months of age. The mass and associated vessels were completely excised and signs of recurrence were not observed 13 months after surgery.

Quantitative M-mode and two-dimensional echocardiography in calves.

A standardised echocardiographic protocol was applied to 18 healthy calves for the estimation of 51 anatomical and functional cardiac variables. These variables were measured in a long axis and a short axis view of the heart, and both two-dimensional and cursor-directed time-motion (M-) modes were used. The repeatability of each of the measurements was estimated by comparing values obtained twice within 24 hours, and most of the 51 variables showed a high degree of repeatability. Statistical analysis revealed a close correlation between cardiac measurements taken post mortem and by in vivo echocardiography, and between the echocardiographic values obtained in different scanning planes of the heart or ultrasonic modes, indicating that quantitative echocardiography is a reliable technique in calves.