Microstructure, mineral and mechanical properties of teleost intermuscular bones

There is an increasing interest in understanding teleost bone biomechanics in several scientific communities, for instance as interesting biomaterials with specific structure-function relationships. Intermuscular bones of teleost fish have previously been described to play a role in the mechanical force transmission between muscle and bone, but their biomechanical properties are not yet fully described. Here, we have investigated intermuscular bones (IBs) of the North Atlantic Herring with regard to their structure and micro-architecture, mineral-related properties, and micro-mechanical tensile properties. A total of 115 IBs from 18 fish were investigated. One cohort of IBs, containing 20 bones from 2 smaller fish and 23 bones of 3 larger fish, was used for mechanical testing, wide-angle X-ray scattering, and scanning electron microscopy. Another cohort, containing 36 bones from 7 smaller fish and 36 bones from 6 larger fish, was used for microCT. Results show some astonishing properties of the IBs: (i) IBs present higher ductility, lower Young's modulus but similar strength and TMD (Tissue Mineral Density) compared to mammalian bone, and (ii) IBs from small fish were 49% higher in Young's modulus than fish bones from larger fish while their TMD was not statistically different and crystal length was 8% higher in large fish bones. Our results revealed that teleost IB presents a hybrid nature of soft and hard tissue that differs from other bone types, which might be associated with their evolution from mineralized tendons. This study provides new data regarding teleost fish bone biomechanical and micro-structural properties.

International dog travelling and risk for zoonotic Onchocerca lupi

Onchocerca lupi is a recently recognized threat for the health of animals and humans in European, American, African and Middle Eastern countries. We describe a case of imported O. lupi infection in Italy and report the lifespan of this parasite in a non-endemic area, to advocate increased awareness of the veterinary community for this zoonotic parasitosis.

Guiding of laser pulses in plasma waveguides created by linearly-polarized femtosecond laser pulses

We experimentally demonstrate that plasma waveguides produced with ultra-short laser pulses (sub-picosecond) in gas jets are capable of guiding high intensity laser pulses. This scheme has the unique ability of guiding a high-intensity laser pulse in a plasma waveguide created by the same laser system in the very simple and stable experimental setup. A hot plasma column was created by a femtosecond class laser that expands into an on-axis parabolic low density profile suitable to act as a waveguide for high intensity laser beams. We have successfully guided ~10¹⁵ W cm⁻² laser pulses in a 8 mm long hydrogen plasma waveguide with a 35% guiding efficiency.

Gill metazoan parasites of the spotted goatfish Pseudupeneus maculatus (Ostheichthyes: Mullidae) from the Coast of Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil

This study evaluated the parasite fauna on the gills of spotted goatfish Pseudupeneus maculatus captured in the dry and rainy seasons in the coast of the State of Pernambuco, Brazil. Eight parasite species were identified belonging to the following taxa: Monogenea (Haliotrema caraïbensis, Haliotrema caballeroi and Haliotrema golvani); Crustacea (Rocinela signata, Hamaticolax scutigerulus and Caligidae gen. sp.) and Cestoda (Nybelinia indica and Pseudolacistorhynchus noodti). The most prevalent parasites were: Monogenea (100%), H. scutigerulus (35%), N. indica (11.7%), R. signata (8.3%), Caligidae gen. sp. (3.33%) and P. noodti (0.83%). Values of infestation are compared to other studies, and the uncommon occurrence of Trypanorhyncha on the gills suggests that the spotted goatfish could be an intermediate host for the parasite.

Genetic diversity of Bacillus sp producers of amylase isolated from the soil

The microorganisms are the best source of extracellular enzymes since they allow an economical technology with low-resource consumption compared to animals and plants. The amylases are among the most important enzymes being the genus Bacillus one of the most investigated due to its ability to produce this enzyme. The objective of this study was to isolate and analyze the genetic diversity among bacteria of the genus Bacillus sp producer of amylase originated from the soil. To this end, soil samples were collected and submitted to the condition of extreme temperature. The serial dilution procedure followed by seeding on solid medium containing starch was used for isolation of strains that produce amylase. The microorganisms isolated were subjected to standard morphological methods for presumptive identification of the genus Bacillus. The PCR assay with the universal genetic marker 16S rDNA was used for confirmation of bacterial strain. All the 10 isolates presumptively identified as bacteria amplified a fragment of 370 bp corresponding to the 16S rDNA gene. The enzymatic activity was expressed as an enzymatic index (EI), after 24 h of incubation. All isolate producers of amylase exhibited EI ≥ 2.0. The determination of the genetic profile and the clonal relationship among the isolates were performed by the method of ERIC-PCR polymorphism. The isolates of Bacillus spp were divided into 2 groups (I and II). Through this method, the discriminatory capacity of this analysis of polymorphisms was verified in differing producer strains from those not producing amylase.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome in burn patients: incidence and risk factor analysis

After a burn lesion, Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) may occur via direct lung injury due to inhaled smoke and fumes or mediated by the inflammatory response associated with the burn or its infectious complications. The aim of the present study is to assess the epidemiologic profile of ARDS in adult burn patients admitted to intensive care in a burn unit at a university hospital. A prospective cohort study was performed from January to December 2012. Demographic and diagnostic data, prognostic scores, etiology and data on the extent and depth of burns were collected. Data related to risk factors for ARDS and death were also recorded. A total of 85 patients were included in the study. Patients were aged 41.7 (SD = 15.7) years old; 71.8% were male and the mean total body surface area burned was 28.3% (SD = 19.1%); 35.3% presented inhalation injuries. Invasive ventilatory support was required in 44 ICU inpatients (51.8%). ARDS was diagnosed in 38.6% of patients under invasive mechanical ventilation. In multivariate analysis, the presence of inhalation injuries was a risk factor for ARDS (OR = 9.75; CI 95% 2.79 - 33.95; P < 0.001). ARDS is a common complication in burn patients admitted to specialized intensive care units. Inhalation injuries were an independent risk factor for ARDS. Mortality rate observed in the study patients was high and associated with ARDS diagnosis.

Classification of Babesia canis strains in Europe based on polymorphism of the Bc28.1-gene from the Babesia canis Bc28 multigene family

The vast majority of clinical babesiosis cases in dogs in Europe is caused by Babesia canis. Although dogs can be vaccinated, the level of protection is highly variable, which might be due to genetic diversity of B. canis strains. One of the major merozoite surface antigens of B. canis is a protein with a Mr of 28 kDa that belongs to the Bc28 multigene family, that comprises at least two genes, Bc28.1 and a homologous Bc28.2 gene. The two genes are relatively conserved but they are very distinct in their 3' ends, enabling the design of specific primers. Sequencing of the Bc28.1 genes from 4 genetically distinct B. canis laboratory strains (A8, B, 34.01 and G) revealed 20 mutations at conserved positions of which three allowed the classification of B. canis strains into three main groups (A, B and 34.01/G) by RFLP. This assay was subsequently used to analyze blood samples of 394 dogs suspected of clinical babesiosis from nine countries in Europe. All blood samples were first analyzed with a previously described assay that allowed detection of the different Babesia species that infect dogs. Sixty one percent of the samples contained detectable levels of Babesia DNA. Of these, 98.3% were positive for B. canis, the remaining cases were positive for B. vogeli. Analysis of the Bc28.1 gene, performed on 178 of the B. canis samples, revealed an overall dominance of genotype B (62.4%), followed by genotypes A (37.1%) and 34 (11.8%). Interestingly, a great variation in the geographical distribution and prevalence of the three B. canis genotypes was observed; in the North-East genotype A predominated (72.1% A against 27.9% B), in contrast to the South-West where genotype B predominated (10.3% A against 89.7% B). In the central part of Europe intermediate levels were found (26.0-42.9% A against 74.0-57.1% B, from West to East). Genotype 34 was only identified in France (26.9% among 78 samples) and mostly as co-infection with genotypes A or B (61.9%). A comparative analysis of the classification of 35 B. canis strains in genotypes A and B using a previously described 18SrDNA-derived PCR-RFLP test revealed a partial but no direct correlation with the classification based on polymorphism of the Bc28.1-gene described here.

Emergence of Thelazia callipaeda Infection in Dogs and Cats from East-Central Portugal

The eyeworm Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae) infects domestic animals, wildlife and human beings, and is considered an emerging pathogen in Europe. This study aimed at investigating the prevalence and risk factors of T. callipaeda infection in dogs and cats from east-central Portugal, a region where the parasite was previously detected in two red foxes (Vulpes vulpes). Thelazia callipaeda was found in 22 (3.8%) of 586 dogs and in four (23.5%) of 17 cats. A total of 178 adult worms (71.9% of females and 28.1% of males) were collected from the conjunctiva of the infected dogs. The number of worms collected per dog ranged from 1 to 35 (average ± standard deviation: 8.08 ± 9.49), with four dogs (18.2%) harbouring only a single parasite. Worms were gathered from dogs throughout all months of the year. A total of 17 adult worms (64.7% of females and 35.3% of males) were obtained from cats. The number of worms per cat ranged from 1 to 14 (4.3 ± 6.5), with three cats (75.0%) having a single parasite. Eyeworm infection was statistically more prevalent in pastoral and farm dogs, in those dogs with contact with other animals and in dogs with ocular manifestations. T. callipaeda is endemic in the east-central part of Portugal, reportedly infecting domestic (dogs and cats) and wild carnivores (red foxes) and evidencing a southerly dissemination. Future investigations should be focused on determining the local distribution and density of the insect vector (Phortica variegata) in this geographical area. This emergent zoonosis should be included by veterinarians, physicians and ophthalmologists in the differential diagnosis of ocular manifestations in their patients, particularly in areas where T. callipaeda is endemic.

Dispersion compensation by two-stage stretching in a sub-400 fs, 1.2 mJ Yb:CaF2 amplifier

We generate 1.24 mJ, 390 fs pulses at 1035 nm in a CPA laser system featuring a 2.8 mJ Yb:CaF(2) regenerative amplifier, stretcher/compressor based on a single chirped volume Bragg grating and a compact, low-dispersion grating compressor. The auxiliary compressor is used to effectively pre-compensate the intra-cavity dispersion of the amplifier.

Tortuosity and the Averaging of Microvelocity Fields in Poroelasticity

The relationship between the macro- and microvelocity fields in a poroelastic representative volume element (RVE) has not being fully investigated. This relationship is considered to be a function of the tortuosity: a quantitative measure of the effect of the deviation of the pore fluid streamlines from straight (not tortuous) paths in fluid-saturated porous media. There are different expressions for tortuosity based on the deviation from straight pores, harmonic wave excitation, or from a kinetic energy loss analysis. The objective of the work presented is to determine the best expression for tortuosity of a multiply interconnected open pore architecture in an anisotropic porous media. The procedures for averaging the pore microvelocity over the RVE of poroelastic media by Coussy and by Biot were reviewed as part of this study, and the significant connection between these two procedures was established. Success was achieved in identifying the Coussy kinetic energy loss in the pore fluid approach as the most attractive expression for the tortuosity of porous media based on pore fluid viscosity, porosity, and the pore architecture. The fabric tensor, a 3D measure of the architecture of pore structure, was introduced in the expression of the tortuosity tensor for anisotropic porous media. Practical considerations for the measurement of the key parameters in the models of Coussy and Biot are discussed. In this study, we used cancellous bone as an example of interconnected pores and as a motivator for this study, but the results achieved are much more general and have a far broader application than just to cancellous bone.

Prevalence of Babesia microti-like infection in red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from Portugal

The prevalence of piroplasm (order Piroplasmida) infection was assessed in blood and bone marrow samples from 91 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) from northern, central and southern Portugal by means of molecular methods. PCR for the 18S rRNA gene of Babesia spp. followed by sequencing revealed 63 foxes positive for the Babesia microti-like piroplasm (syn. Theileria annae) (69.2%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 58.7-78.5%) and one fox positive for Babesia canis (1.1%; 95% CI: 0.0-6.0%). Positivity to the B. microti-like piroplasm or B. canis in 43 blood samples (83.7%) was significantly higher (p<0.001) than in 43 paired bone marrow samples (20.9%). There were no statistically significant differences in the prevalence of infection between genders (p=0.219) or age groups (<2 years vs. ≥ 2 years) (p=1.0). This is the first report of the B. microti-like piroplasm in foxes from Portugal as well as the first report on detection by PCR and genotyping of B. canis in a red fox worldwide. A natural cycle of the B. microti-like piroplasm is suggested in red fox populations based on the high prevalence of the protozoan. Red foxes might be a reservoir of the B. microti-like piroplasm and a source of infection to dogs.

Microcalcifications increase coronary vulnerable plaque rupture potential: a patient-based micro-CT fluid-structure interaction study

Asymptomatic vulnerable plaques (VP) in coronary arteries accounts for significant level of morbidity. Their main risk is associated with their rupture which may prompt fatal heart attacks and strokes. The role of microcalcifications (micro-Ca), embedded in the VP fibrous cap, in the plaque rupture mechanics has been recently established. However, their diminutive size offers a major challenge for studying the VP rupture biomechanics on a patient specific basis. In this study, a highly detailed model was reconstructed from a post-mortem coronary specimen of a patient with observed VP, using high resolution micro-CT which captured the microcalcifications embedded in the fibrous cap. Fluid-structure interaction (FSI) simulations were conducted in the reconstructed model to examine the combined effects of micro-Ca, flow phase lag and plaque material properties on plaque burden and vulnerability. This dynamic fibrous cap stress mapping elucidates the contribution of micro-Ca and flow phase lag VP vulnerability independently. Micro-Ca embedded in the fibrous cap produced increased stresses predicted by previously published analytical model, and corroborated our previous studies. The 'micro-CT to FSI' methodology may offer better diagnostic tools for clinicians, while reducing morbidity and mortality rates for patients with vulnerable plaques and ameliorating the ensuing healthcare costs.

Analytical basis for the determination of the lacunar-canalicular permeability of bone using cyclic loading

An analytical model for the determination of the permeability in the lacunar-canalicular porosity of bone using cyclic loading is described in this contribution. The objective of the analysis presented is to relate the lacunar-canalicular permeability to a particular phase angle that is measurable when the bone is subjected to infinitesimal cyclic strain. The phase angle of interest is the lag angle between the applied strain and the resultant stress. Cyclic strain causes the interstitial fluid to move. This movement is essential for the viability of osteocytes and is believed to play a major role in the bone mechanotransduction mechanism. However, certain bone fluid flow properties, notably the permeability of the lacunar-canalicular porosity, are still not accurately determined. In this paper, formulas for the phase angle as a function of permeability for infinitesimal cyclic strain are presented and mathematical expressions for the storage modulus, loss modulus, and loss tangent are obtained. An accurate determination of the PLC permeability will improve our ability to understand mechanotransduction and mechanosensory mechanisms, which are fundamental to the understanding of how to treat osteoporosis, how to cope with microgravity in long-term manned space flights, and how to increase the longevity of prostheses that are implanted in bone tissue.

Systematization of collection of relevant information about community maintenance treatment of people egress of psychiatric hospitalization

In therapeutic advances context of mental care patients, community services are essential to maintenance treatment of people with severe mental disorders especially in people egress of psychiatric hospitalization cases. This research aim was to evaluate use of instruments to collect relevant information about maintenance treatment in a community mental health service.

A two years quantitative and cross-sectional study developed in a community mental health service in Ribeirao Preto city- Sao Paulo - Brazil. The sample was egress patients and their family caregivers. It was utilizing a monthly nursing interview with following during six months with each patient and caregiver, to apply: sociodemographic and clinical questions; Structured Clinical Interview for Brief Psychiatric rating Scale (SIG-BPRS); Brief Psychiatric rating Scale (SIG-BPRS); Morisky-Green Adhesion Test; Family Burden Rating Scale (brazilian version - FIBS-BR).

In this satudy participated 40 patients and 15 family caregivers. Between patients majority was women and diagnosis most prevalent was Schizophrenia and mood disorders. The psychiatric symptoms manifestation presents low degrees and medication adhesion treatment was low in 78% of patients. Family care givers was women in 96% of sample and 80% presents medium to high degrees of burden.

The instruments utilized was important to evidence how patients and their caregivers was in maintenance of community treatment and collaborate to mental health professionals assistance systematization. The use of validated instruments can offer important information to mental health care in community services and maintenance treatments.

Activation of bone remodeling after fatigue: differential response to linear microcracks and diffuse damage

Recent experiments point to two predominant forms of fatigue microdamage in bone: linear microcracks (tens to a few hundred microns in length) and "diffuse damage" (patches of diffuse stain uptake in fatigued bone comprised of clusters of sublamellar-sized cracks). The physiological relevance of diffuse damage in activating bone remodeling is not known. In this study microdamage amount and type were varied to assess whether linear or diffuse microdamage has similar effects on the activation of intracortical resorption. Activation of resorption was correlated to the number of linear microcracks (Cr.Dn) in the bone (R(2)=0.60, p<0.01). In contrast, there was no activation of resorption in response to diffuse microdamage alone. Furthermore, there was no significant change in osteocyte viability in response to diffuse microdamage, suggesting that osteocyte apoptosis, which is known to activate remodeling at typical linear microcracks in bone, does not result from sublamellar damage. These findings indicate that inability of diffuse microdamage to activate resorption may be due to lack of a focal injury response. Finally, we found that duration of loading does not affect the remodeling response. In conclusion, our data indicate that osteocytes activate resorption in response to linear microcracks but not diffuse microdamage, perhaps due to lack of a focal injury-induced apoptotic response.

Inter-species hybridization among Neotropical cats of the genus Leopardus, and evidence for an introgressive hybrid zone between L. geoffroyi and L. tigrinus in southern Brazil

Natural hybrid zones between distinct species have been reported for many taxa, but so far, few examples involve carnivores or Neotropical mammals in general. In this study, we employed mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences and nine microsatellite loci to identify and characterize a hybrid zone between two Neotropical felids, Leopardus geoffroyi and L. tigrinus, both of which are well-established species having diverged from each other c. 1 million years ago. These two felids are mostly allopatric throughout their ranges in South America, with a narrow contact zone that includes southern Brazil. We present strong evidence for the occurrence of hybridization between these species and identify at least 14 individuals (most of them originating from the geographical contact zone) exhibiting signs of interspecific genomic introgression. The genetic structure of Brazilian L. tigrinus populations seems to be affected by this introgression process, showing a gradient of differentiation from L. geoffroyi correlated with distance from the contact zone. We also corroborate and extend previous findings of hybridization between L. tigrinus and a third related felid, L. colocolo, leading to an unusual situation for a mammal, in which the former species contains introgressed mtDNA lineages from two distinct taxa in addition to its own.

Directions for the diagnosis, clinical staging, treatment and prevention of canine leishmaniosis

Canine leishmaniosis (CanL) due to Leishmania infantum is a life threatening zoonotic disease with a wide distribution in four continents and importance also in non-endemic regions. The purpose of this report is to present a consensus of opinions on the diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and prevention of CanL in order to standardize the management of this infection. CanL is a disease in which infection does not equal clinical illness due to the high prevalence of subclinical infection among endemic canine populations. The most useful diagnostic approaches include serology by quantitative techniques and PCR. High antibody levels are associated with severe parasitism and disease and are diagnostic of clinical leishmaniosis. However, the presence of lower antibody levels is not necessarily indicative of disease and further work-up is necessary to confirm CanL by other diagnostic methods such as cytology, histopathology and PCR. We propose a system of four clinical stages, based on clinical signs, clinicopathological abnormalities and serological status. Suitable therapy and expected prognosis are presented for each of the stages. The combination of meglumine antimoniate and allopurinol constitutes the first line pharmaceutical protocol. However, although most dogs recover clinically after therapy, complete elimination of the parasite is usually not achieved and infected dogs may eventually relapse. Follow-up of treated dogs with blood counts, serum biochemistry, urinalysis, serology and PCR is essential for prevention of relapses. Protection against sand fly bites by topical insecticides is effective in reducing infection, and recent development of vaccines has indicated that prevention by vaccination is feasible.

Ovariectomy increases vascular calcification via the OPG/RANKL cytokine signalling pathway

BACKGROUND

Observational studies suggest a strong relationship between menopause and vascular calcification. Receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaBeta ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) are critical regulators of bone remodelling and modulate vascular calcification. We assessed the hypothesis that ovariectomy increases vascular calcification via the OPG/RANKL axis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Age-matched sexually mature rabbits were randomized to ovariectomy (OVX, n = 12) or sham procedure (SHAM, n = 12). One month post-procedure, atherosclerosis was induced by 15 months 0.2%-cholesterol diet and endothelial balloon denudations (at months 1 and 3). Aortic atherosclerosis was assessed in vivo by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at months 9 and 15. At sacrifice, aortas were harvested for ex vivo microcomputed tomography (microCT) and molecular analysis of the vascular tissue.

RESULTS

Vascular calcification density and calcific particle number were significantly greater in OVX than SHAM (8.4 +/- 2.8 vs. 1.9 +/- 0.6 mg cm(-3), P = 0.042, and 94 +/- 26 vs. 33 +/- 7 particles cm(-3), P = 0.046, respectively). Calcification morphology, as assessed by the arc angle subtended by the largest calcific particle, showed no difference between groups (OVX 33 +/- 7 degrees vs. SHAM 33 +/- 5 degrees , P = 0.99). By Western blot analysis, OVX increased the vascular OPG:RANKL ratio by 66%, P = 0.029, primarily by decreasing RANKL (P = 0.019). At month 9, MRI demonstrated no difference in atheroma volume between OVX and SHAM, and no significant change was seen by the end of the study.

CONCLUSIONS

In contrast to bone, vascular OPG:RANKL ratio increased in response to ovariectomy with a corresponding fourfold increase in arterial calcification. This diametrical organ-specific response may explain the comorbid association of osteoporosis with calcifying atherosclerosis in post-menopausal women.

Computed Tomography (CT) of the Lungs of the Dog Using a Helical CT Scanner, Intravenous Iodine Contrast Medium and Different CT Windows

The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of helical computed tomography (CT) for visualizing pulmonary parenchyma and associated formations in normal dogs. CT scan was performed by using intravenous contrast medium and by applying different types of CT windows: soft tissue and lung windows, and high-resolution computed tomography of the lung. This technique allowed, especially with lung window types, a good view of the parenchyma, bronchial tree, vascular structures and pleural cavity. The selected images, with high anatomical quality and tissue contrast, may be a reference for future clinical studies of this organ. Thus, helical CT is a promising non-invasive method of diagnosing a wide variety of pulmonary diseases in dogs.

35 J broadband femtosecond optical parametric chirped pulse amplification system

We report on what is believed to be the first large-aperture and high-energy optical parametric chirped pulse amplification system. The system, based on a three-stage amplifier, shows 25% pump-to-signal conversion efficiency and amplification of the full 70 nm width of the seed spectrum. Pulse compression to 84 fs achieved after amplification indicates a potential of 300 TW pulse power for 35 J amplified pulse energy.