Evaluation of a hydrolysed salmon and pea hypoallergenic diet application in dogs and cats with cutaneous adverse food reaction.

Cutaneous adverse food reaction (CAFR) is a common disease, affecting about 1-2% of dogs and cats. Diagnosis of the CAFR is made through elimination diet coupled with diet challenge, as methods like skin tests, patch tests, basophil degranulation tests and assessment of IgG and IgE serum levels are not sensitive enough. A partially hydrolysed salmon and pea hypoallergenic diet was evaluated in the diagnosis and treatment of CAFR in dogs and cats. The diet was used in the treatment of 13 dogs and 12 cats for 10 weeks. The Pruritus Visual Analog Scale (PVAS; dogs and cats), Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (CADESI-04; dogs) and the Scoring Feline Allergic Dermatitis (SCORFAD; cats) were used for effectiveness evaluation. In dogs, a significant decrease was reported in both CADESI-04 (from 17.3±7.5 to 10.15±7.4; p=0.028) and PVAS (from 7±1.3 to 4.76±1.8; p=0.003) after four weeks of treatment. Also in cats, both the PVAS (from 6.75±1.8 to 4±2.3; p=0.006) and SCORFAD (from 4.16±1.9 to 2.58±1.2; p=0.029) decreased significantly after four weeks. After eight weeks, a significant improvement was observed in almost all the animals. Evaluated diet was useful in the treatment of the CAFR in dogs and cats.

Serum tT4, fT4 and TSH concentrations in German Shepherd dogs depending on age and type of work.

Serum concentration of thyroid hormones in healthy dogs varies according to age, sex, breed or professional activity. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of both age and dogs' work involvement on TSH and thyroid hormones values. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), total thyroxine (tT4) and free thyroxine (fT4) were tested in the serum of 57 healthy, German Shepherd dogs. The dogs were divided into study groups according to age: dogs aged 3 to 6 years (A), dogs over the age of 6 years (B) and involvement: police-working dogs (C) and accompanying animals (D). Mean values of TSH, tT4 and fT4 ranged from 0.19 to 0.31 ng/ml, 15.58 to 17.25 nmol/L and 11.83 to 17.89 pmol/L, respectively. The highest values of TSH were in group B and the lowest were in group A, while there was an inverse dependence in case of fT4 concentration. The highest mean values of tT4 were in dogs in group C and the lowest in group B. There were statistically significant differences in TSH (p=0.007) and fT4 (p=0.003) concentrations between the age groups. The results indicate that a dog's age is an important factor in the case of thyroid profile results interpretation.

Transepidermal water loss and skin hydration in healthy cats and cats with non-flea non-food hypersensitivity dermatitis (NFNFHD).

Allergic skin diseases in cats are amongst the most prevalent dermatological conditions in this species. The objectives of this study were to evaluate different types of skin barrier measurements in healthy cats and cats with non-flea non-food hypersensitivity dermatitis (NFNFHD). 24 clinically healthy and 19 NFNFHD cats were included in this clinical trial. In each animal, the transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin hydration (SH) were assessed on six clipped body sites by VapoMeter SWL 4605 and Corneometer ®CM 825, respectively. Results of TEWL measurement were , significantly higher in one of the six examined body sites, namely on the lumbar area (p=0.0049). Furthermore, a statistically significant difference was found between the average TEWL values (p=0.019). Statistically notable differences were measured at least in one certain body site for SH: in the groin (p=0.02), where the values in the affected cats were lower than in the healthy individuals. These results may suggest that in NFNFHD cats transepidermal water loss is higher than in healthy cats. Skin hydration is, at least, in certain body sites, lower in atopic feline patients than in healthy individuals.

Influence of hair clipping on transepidermal water loss values in horses: a pilot study.

The measurement of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) is one of the biophysical skin parameters used to assess skin barrier function. Assessment of transepidermal water loss, may depend on such factors as body region, age, sex or breed and the hair coat has been considered as one of the factors that may cause variation of TEWL values. The aim of our research was an examination of the influence of clipping on the amount of TEWL. The examination was performed with 12 Wielkopolska horses with Courage Khazaka Multi Probe Adapter 5 and a TEWL TM 300 probe. The TEWL values were statistically constant in the clipped site, while the values in the unclipped sites were not. Hair clipping of examined sites is recommended for TEWL measurement in horses.

Epidemiological Study of Canine Mast Cell Tumours According to the Histological Malignancy Grade.

The aim of the study was to identify significant relationships between the tumour malignancy grade and dogs' age, breed, sex, size, and location of mast cell tumours (MCTs). MCTs accounted for 13.27% of all diagnosed canine skin tumours. The highest incidence was recorded among Boxers, Labrador Retrievers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and Golden Retrievers. Statistical analysis revealed significantly higher probability of occurrence of the grade I mast cell tumour in the French Bulldog in the head, neck, torso, and limb regions, the grade-II mast cell tumour in Boxer, Doberman, Dachshund, shepherds, and setters in the scrotal region, and the grade III mast cell tumour in Shar-Pei in the axilla region. In the group of the oldest dogs aged 11-16, there was higher risk of development of MCTs grade II and III. Young dogs (aged 2-3 and 4-6) were found to be more prone to development of MCTs grade I. There was no correlation between MCTs grade and dogs' sex and size. To the authors' knowledge this is the first report on statistical relationships between the degree of mast cell tumour malignancy and dogs' phenotypic traits, age and tumour location. This analysis indicate predilections for development of the particular mast cell tumour malignancy degrees in certain dog breeds, age, and anatomical location.

Relationship between Total Homocysteine, Folic Acid, and Thyroid Hormones in Hypothyroid Dogs.

BACKGROUND: Both elevated homocysteine and decreased folic acid concentrations are observed in human patients with hypothyroidism and can influence the development of numerous secondary disorders. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess total homocysteine concentration in serum and to examine its relationship with the concentration of folic acid and thyroid hormones (tT4 and fT4). ANIMALS: Ten healthy and 19 hypothyroid client-owned dogs. METHODS: Dogs with clinical signs of hypothyroidism had the diagnosis confirmed by additional tests. Total homocysteine, folic acid, total thyroxine, and free thyroxine concentrations in serum were evaluated. RESULTS: Hypothyroid dogs were diagnosed with increased homocysteine (median 22.20 µmol/L; range, 16.50-37.75) and decreased folic acid (median 20.62 nmol/L; range, 10.54-26.35) concentrations, as compared to healthy dogs (11.52 µmol/L; range, 10.00-16.65 and 30.68 nmol/L; range, 22.84-38.52, respectively). In sick dogs, total homocysteine was inversely correlated with folic acid (ρ = -0.47, P < 0.001), total thyroxine (ρ = -0.69, P = 0.0092), and free thyroxine (ρ = -0.56, P = 0.0302). CONCLUSIONS: Hypothyroidism in dogs causes hyperhomocysteinemia. Concomitant mild folic acid decrease in hypothyroid dogs might be as a result of hyperhomocysteinemia.

Comparison of serum concentrations of environmental allergen-specific IgE in atopic and healthy (nonatopic) horses.

Allergic responses in humans, horses and other species are mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. Serum testing to detect allergen-specific IgE antibodies has been developed for dogs, cats and horses; this allows for the identification of allergens and determination of appropriate allergen- specific immunotherapies. This study compared serum allergen-specific IgE concentrations in atopic and healthy horses. The study was performed on Malopolski breed atopic (n=21) and nonatopic (n=21) clinically healthy horses. Allergen-specific IgE serum concentrations were measured in summer seasons of 2008-2015 using a monoclonal anti-IgE antibody. A Northern and Central European allergen panel containing mite, insect, mould and plant pollen allergens, including 15 tests of individual allergens and 5 tests of allergen mixtures was used. The mean allergen-specific IgE concentrations in the atopic and normal horse populations were compared. Among the atopic horses, the strongest positive reactions occurred against the storage mites Tyrophagus putrescentiae and the domestic mite Dermatophagoides farinae. The atopic horses also demonstrated high IgE concentrations against insects, particularly Tabanus sp., the plant pollens colza, cultivated rye and the mould pollen mixture Aspergillus/Penicillium. No horses in the atopic group were IgE-negative. Among all mite, insect, mould and some plant allergen groups the differences in mean specific IgE concentrations between allergic and healthy horses were significant. The mean IgE concentrations for most allergen groups were significantly higher in the atopic horses than in the healthy animals. However, a high incidence of positive reactions was observed in both healthy and allergic horses. Our results showed a high frequency of polysensitization in atopic horses.

Influence of horse breed on transepidermal water loss.

Non-invasive methods of skin condition assessment include, among others, the evaluation of transepidermal water loss (TEWL). The aim of the study was to examine whether TEWL values depend on horse breed. The study was conducted on four breeds: "Felin" ponies (FP) (n=16), Polish koniks (PK) (n=15), Polish cold-blooded horses (PcbH) (n=11) and Wielkopolska horses (WH) (n=12). It was found that horse breed influences TEWL values. In the neck region, statistically significant differences were found between PK and FP (p=0.006), and PK and WH (p=0.0005). In the lumbar region, there were statistically significant differences between FP and PK (p=0.0009), FP and PcbH (p=0.0016) as well as between PK and WH (p=0.000037), and PcbH and WH (p=0.0006). In the inguinal region statistically significant differences were found between FP and PK (p=0.0003), FP and PcbH (p=0.0005), PK and WH (p=0.009) and PcbH and WH (p=0.006). In the lip region statistically significant differences were observed between FP and PK (p=0.013) as well as between PK and PcbH (p=0.029) and PK and WH (p=0.009). In the examination of TEWL animal breed should be taken into consideration. The non-significant differences found in three of the examined body regions may suggest that these regions are the most adequate for TEWL assessment.

The influence of non-specific anti-pruritus treatment with cyclosporine A on transepidermal water loss (TEWL) in natural atopic dermatitis in dogs.

Atopic dermatitis is a common allergic skin disease in dogs. Monitoring the progress of treatment and the assessment of the severity of disease symptoms are crucial elements of the treatment procedure. One of the common means of assessing the severity of the clinical signs of the disease is the CADESI 03. Research studies have pointed to a possibility of assessing the severity of skin lesions by means of measuring biophysical skin parameters such as TEWL, skin hydration and erythema intensity. The aim of the study was the assessment of changes in TEWL and CADESI values measured in ten different body regions during non-specific anti-pruritus treatment. The examination was performed on ten dogs with atopic dermatitis (age from 2.5 years to 7 years, mean age 3.8 years). The measurements were performed in the following body regions: the lumbar region, the right axillary fossa, the right inguinal region, the ventral abdominal region, the right lateral thorax region, the internal surface of the auricle, interdigital region of the right forelimb, cheek, bridge of nose and the lateral site of antebrachum. A statistically significant decrease in CADESI values was reported starting from the second week of treatment. In the case of the mean TEWL values, a fall was observed after one week of treatment in the ventral abdominal region and the interdigital region, after two weeks of treatment in the axillary fossa and the inguinal region, and after three weeks in the cheek and the lateral thorax region. There was no statistically significant decrease in TEWL values in the course of treatment in four other regions.

Systemic and local effects of intragastric administration of the habanero fruit (Capsicum chinense Jacquin c.v.) in rats.

The fruits of the habanero plant (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) are commonly used as spices. Their exceptionally hot flavour is the result of the substantial content of capsaicin that has among others the anticancer action. The experiments assess the impact of intragastric administration of a suspension of dried matter (dm) habanero fruit in peanut oil on the state of the digestive tract and parenchymal organs of rats. Habanero fruit with three different doses (0.08, 0.05 and 0.025 g of dry matter (d.m.) habanero fruit/kg b.w.) in 2 equal doses every 12 hours during 28 days was administered intragastrically in male rats. In day 8, 15 and 29 blood proofs were obtained to measure hematological parameters and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity, total bilirubin (BIL), total cholesterol (CHOL), glucose (GLUC), urea (U), and creatinine (CREA) content. Internal organs of rats were examined anatomopathologically. Between the study groups and control group there were no statistically significant differences in studied parameters. Post-mortem examinations as well as histological findings showed no pathological changes in the organs of rats. The study demonstrated a high level safety of the fruit habanero (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) administration in rats. There were no hematological, biochemical or post-mortem changes at doses that due to the amount of capsaicin can exhibit antitumor properties.

Assessment of serum levels of allergen-specific immunoglobulin E in different seasons and breeds in healthy horses.

The present study was designed to asses specific IgE towards environment allergens in 42 healthy horses. Determination of this immunoglobulin in serum serve as diagnostic tools in allergic diseases to improve efficacy of the treatment and proper allergen selection to specific immunotherapy. Serum levels of allergen specific IgE were measured with equine monoclonal antibody, using 15 individual and 5 mix allergens in North European Panel. The study revealed season dependent increased levels of allergen specific IgE in normal horses. It is noteworthy that healthy horses show high percentage of positive reactions, most commonly towards to domestic mites D. farinae (80%), D. pteronyssinus (35.71%) and storage mites T. putrenscentiae (42.86%), Acarus siro (40.48%). These allergens play an important role in equine, canine and feline atopic dermatitis. We also demonstrated high IgE levels in the group of horse specific insect allergens. Tabanus sp. (35.71%), Culicoides sp. (28.57%) and Simulium sp. (26.19%) were the most frequent insect positive reaction allergens. No positive reactions in all groups of allergens were found in winter season, low and merely detectable levels of antibodies have been found relating to D. farianae and T. putrescentiae allergen. We observed elevated mould-IgE levels in horses that live in stables, while outdoor living horses showed very low levels. Amongst all positive reactions we observed only weak and moderate reactions but no strong positive reactions were found. No significant differences were observed between three breeds of horses with the exception of moulds and D. pteronyssinus allergens.

The examination of biophysical skin parameters (transepidermal water loss, skin hydration and pH value) in different body regions in Polish ponies.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate transepidermal water loss, skin hydration and skin pH in normal polish ponies. Twelve ponies of both sexes were examined in the study. Measurements were taken from seven different sites: the neck region, the shoulder, thorax, lumbar, inguinal, lip region and the pinna. In each of the regions transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin hydration and skin pH were measured. For transepidermal water loss, the lowest values were observed in the pinna (10.54 g/hm(2)), while the highest values were observed in the lip region (30.98 g/hm(2)). In the case of skin hydration the lowest values were observed for the thorax region (1.96 CU), and the highest for the lip region (48.28 CU). For skin pH, the lowest results were obtained in the pinna (7.03), and the highest in the lumbar region (8.05).

The examination of biophysical parameters of skin (transepidermal water loss, skin hydration and pH value) in different body regions of ponies.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate transepidermal water loss, skin hydration and skin pH in normal ponies. Sixteen ponies of both sexes were examined in the study. Measurements were taken from seven different sites: the neck region, the shoulder, thorax, lumbar, inguinal, lip region and the auricle. In each of the regions transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin hydration and skin pH were measured. For transepidermal water loss, the lowest values were observed in the lumbar region (9.71g/hm2), while the highest values were observed in the lip region (22.35 g/hm2). In the case of skin hydration the lowest values were observed for the thorax region (2.13 CU), and the highest for the lip region (41.81 CU). For skin pH, the lowest results were obtained in the lumbar region (6.93), and the highest in the lip region (7.96).

The evaluation of selected parameters of cellular nonspecific immunity in normal and allergic horses.

The main aim of this study was to compare selected nonspecific immunity parameters in 14 allergic and 12 healthy horses. Each animal was assessed according to the following parameters: in vitro functional capacity of phagocytic cells using the nitro blue tetrazolium chloride reduction test, both spontaneous (NBT) and zymozan stimulated (NBTs), and ingestion capacity of phagocytic cells using a phagocytic index test (IF) and percentage of phagocytosing neutrophils activity (%KF). Differences were demonstrated between the group of allergic horses, especially with severe allergy symptoms, and healthy horses in NBTs values, with higher values in healthy horses. The values of the phagocytic index were significantly higher in horses with allergy.

Evaluation of a human generic formulation of ciclosporin in the treatment of canine atopic dermatitis with in vitro assessment of the functional capacity of phagocytic cells.

To compare the efficacy, tolerability and safety of a generic formulation of ciclosporin for human beings with prednisone in the treatment of canine atopic dermatitis), human generic ciclosporin A (hgCsA) (5 mg/kg daily) and prednisone (1 mg/kg daily for seven days, followed by 1 mg/kg every second day) were administered to 13 and seven dogs with atopic dermatitis, respectively, for 42 days. Skin changes were assessed using a modified canine atopic dermatitis extent and severity index (mCADESI-01) and a pruritus intensity scale system. The in vitro functional capacity of phagocytic cells was assessed using the tetrazolium reductase activity and zymosan-stimulated tetrazolium reductase activity tests, as well as measurements of the percentage phagocytic activity and the ingestion capacity of phagocytic cells. Haematological and biochemical parameters were also monitored. There was a greater than or equal to 50 per cent reduction from the baseline in mCADESI-01 scores in 84.6 and 100 per cent of dogs, and a greater than or equal to 50 per cent reduction from the baseline in pruritus scores in 76.9 and 85.7 per cent of dogs, treated with hgCsA and prednisone, respectively. No important adverse physical, haematological or biochemical effects occurred with either drug and no statistically significant changes were detected in any of the four tests assessing the functional activity of phagocytes. The generic formulation of ciclosporin was effective in reducing the severity of physical signs of canine atopic dermatitis and was well tolerated.

[Changes in QT dispersion during the exercise test in women with syndrome X]. / Zmiany dyspersji QT w czasie wysilku u kobiet z kardiologicznym zespolem X.

UNLABELLED: The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of exercise test on QT dispersion (dQT) and to compare the result in women with syndrome X with women with coronary artery disease and normal subjects. We examined 53 women in mean age 54.2 +/- 9.2 who were divided into groups: 20 women with one-vessel coronary artery disease (group I), 19 women with syndrome X (group II) and 14 healthy control women (group III). All subjects underwent a modified Bruce protocol exercise test and QT intervals were measured manually at rest and peak exercise. The value of dQT was calculated as a difference between the longest and the shortest measured value in each of the 12 ECG leads. Corrected QT (dQTc) dispersion was measured after the QT interval was corrected with Bazett's formula. There were no significant differences in rest values of dQT between groups but rest dQTc was significantly greater in group I and II then in group III. We observed significant increase in dQT and dQTc on peak exercise in group I and II when compared with group III. CONCLUSION: At rest dQTc is significantly greater in women with syndrome X and coronary artery diseases in comparison with control subjects. The exercise caused increase in the value of dQT and dQTc both in women with syndrome X and coronary artery disease. The value of dQT and dQTc makes impossible to differentiate between women with syndrome X and women with coronary artery disease.

[Atrial septal defect in adults--opinions, procedures and controversies]. / Ubytek w przegrodzie miedzyprzedsionkowej u doroslych--poglady, postepowanie i kontrowersje.

Atrial septal defect (ASD) accounts for 30-40% of congenital heart disease in adults diagnosed after the age of 40 and is after bicuspid aortic valve and mitral-valve prolaps the most common congenital cardiac malformation in adults. We have discussed current views on the pathological role of ASD in adults and controversies regarding its treatment. It is expected that increasing understanding of ASD pathophysiology, improved diagnostic methods and the possibility of transcatheter closure of interatrial defects will improve the treatment of patients with ASD.

[Percutaneous closure of atrial septal defect]. / Metoda przezskórnego zamkniecia ubytku w przegrodzie miedyprzedisonkowej.

Present state of knowledge about dynamically developing procedure of percutaneous atrial septal defect closure has been collected on the basis of the contemporary literature review. History of the method has been presented and a brief characteristics of implants used nowadays has been made with emphasis on their advantages and disadvantages. Technique and possible complications of the procedure have been described. Indications and contraindications to this way of treatment have been quoted. Comparison of percutaneous and surgical treatment has been made with indication of benefits following the less invasive character of percutaneous treatment.

[Angiogenesis and its clinical significance]. / Angiogeneza i jej znaczenie kliniczne.

This study collects past and recent data about neovascularization process and angiogenic factors. Development of the collateral circulation in the heart in response to gradual and progressive coronary artery occlusion was described. Pharmaceutical and surgical methods of angiogenesis induction was discussed. Importance of angiogenic process in many both physiological and pathological situations was noticed. It was pointed out that discovery and cloning of angiogenic cytokines maybe very useful in future treatment.