Erector spinae plane block in dogs undergoing hemilaminectomy: A prospective randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

To compare the perioperative cumulative opioid consumption and the incidence of cardiovascular complications in dogs undergoing hemilaminectomy in which either an erector spinae plane (ESP) block or systemic opioids were administered.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective randomized clinical trial.

ANIMALS

A total of 60 client-owned dogs.

METHODS

Dogs were randomized to one of three groups: an ESP block (group ESP), a constant rate infusion of fentanyl (group FNT, positive control) or a single dose of methadone as premedication (group MTD, negative control). Intraoperative nociceptive response was treated with fentanyl [1 μg kg-1, intravenously (IV)] boli. Before closure of the surgical site, morphine (0.1 mg kg-1) was applied to the dura mater. The cumulative dose of opioids was recorded and compared between groups. The incidence of intraoperative bradycardia and/or hypotension and the time to extubation were compared between groups. The short form of the Glasgow Composite Pain Scale (SF-GCPS) was used to score nociception before anaesthetic induction and 1, 2, 6, 12,18 and 24 hours postoperatively. Methadone 0.2 mg kg-1 was administered IV if the SF-GCPS score was ≥ 5.

RESULTS

Group MTD required more intraoperative rescue analgesia than groups ESP (p = 0.008) and FNT (p = 0.001). The total cumulative intraoperative dose of fentanyl was higher in groups FNT (p < 0.0001) and MTD (p = 0.002) than in group ESP. The incidence of cardiovascular complications was similar between groups. Extubation time was longer in group MTD (p = 0.03). Postoperatively, the time to first rescue analgesia was longer in group ESP than in group MTD (p = 0.03). The cumulative postoperative opioid consumption and pain scores were similar between groups.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The ESP block resulted in a reduced intraoperative opioid consumption compared with the control positive and negative groups.

Tramadol vs. Lidocaine Administered Intraperitoneally and in Incisional Lines for the Intraoperative and Postoperative Pain Management of Romifidine-Telazol-Anesthetized Swine Undergoing Umbilical Hernia Repair

The aim of the study was to compare the analgesic efficacy of tramadol and lidocaine for local anesthesia during umbilical hernia repair in swine. The study was performed on 66 large white crossbred swine. The swine received a mixture of tiletamine/zolazepam at 5 mg/kg and romifidine at 80 µg/kg, administered intramuscularly. Then, they were divided into three groups (n = 22) that received different treatments with lidocaine at 4 mg/kg and tramadol at 4 mg/kg. The LL group received lidocaine both by infiltration of the surgical planes and intraperitoneally. The LT group received lidocaine by infiltration of the surgical planes and tramadol intraperitoneally. The TT group received tramadol both by infiltration of the surgical planes and intraperitoneally. In all groups, the infiltration of the surgical planes into the umbilical region involved both the skin and muscle planes. Heart rate, noninvasive arterial blood pressure, and respiratory frequency were recorded during surgery. The response to the surgical stimulus was evaluated using a cumulative pain scale (the cut-off point for rescue analgesia was set to 10). Postoperative pain was assessed using the UNESP-Botucatu pig composite acute pain scale (the cut-off point was set to 4). The trend of physiological variables was adequate for patients under anesthesia. No subject required intraoperative and postoperative rescue analgesia. Tramadol could therefore be used for pain management in livestock.

Age-related increases in cardiac excitability, refractoriness and impulse conduction favor arrhythmogenesis in male rats

The effects of excitability, refractoriness, and impulse conduction have been independently related to enhanced arrhythmias in the aged myocardium in experimental and clinical studies. However, their combined arrhythmic effects in the elderly are not yet completely understood. Hence, the aim of the present work is to relate relevant cardiac electrophysiological parameters to enhanced arrhythmia vulnerability in the in vivo senescent heart. We used multiple-lead epicardial potential mapping in control (9-month-old) and aged (24-month-old) rat hearts. Cardiac excitability and refractoriness were evaluated at numerous epicardial test sites by means of the strength-duration curve and effective refractory period, respectively. During sinus rhythm, durations of electrogram intervals and waves were prolonged in the senescent heart, compared with control, demonstrating a latency in tissue activation and recovery. During ventricular pacing, cardiac excitability, effective refractory period, and dispersion of refractoriness increased in the aged animal. This scenario was accompanied by impairment of impulse propagation. Moreover, both spontaneous and induced arrhythmias were increased in senescent cardiac tissue. Histopathological evaluation of aged heart specimens revealed connective tissue deposition and perinuclear myocytolysis in the atria, while scattered microfoci of interstitial fibrosis were mostly present in the ventricular subendocardium. This work suggests that enhanced arrhythmogenesis in the elderly is a multifactorial process due to the joint increase in excitability and dispersion of refractoriness in association with enhanced conduction inhomogeneity. The knowledge of these electrophysiological changes will possibly contribute to improved prevention of the age-associated increase in cardiac arrhythmias.

Tramadol Administered Intravenously Either as a Bolus or a Slow Injection in Pain Management of Romifidine-Sedated Calves Undergoing Umbilical Hernia Repair

Umbilical hernias in calves occur with relative frequency. Most abdominal surgeries can be performed in cattle using standing sedation and local blocks. Romifidine is widely used in calves, alone or in combination with opioids. Tramadol administered as an intravenous slow injection provided better analgesia than an IV bolus in cows. The aim of the present study was to compare the response to surgical stimulus, and sedative effects of tramadol administered intravenously either as a bolus or a slow injection in romifidinesedated calves. Twenty Frisian calves undergoing umbilical hernia repair received romifidine (0.08 mg/kg IM; time 0) followed by tramadol (1 mg/kg IV) 5 min later either as a bolus (n = 10, B group) or a slow injection over 10 min (n = 10, SI group). Surgical area was infiltrated with lidocaine (4 mg/kg). Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), systolic, dyastolic and mean arterial pressure (SAP, DAP, MAP), sedation scores and response to surgical stimulus were recorded for up to 55 min. After the calves recovered a standing position, postoperative pain scores were assessed for up to 50 min. Sedation scores were significantly higher in the SI group than in the B group at 55 min (p < 0.05). HR, RR, SAP and response to surgical stimulus were significantly higher in the B group than in the SI group (p < 0.05). No significant differences were recorded in postoperative pain scores between groups (p > 0.05). Romifidine IM followed by intravenous tramadol, as a bolus or slow injection and local infiltration with lidocaine provided adequate sedation and analgesia in calves undergoing umbilical hernia repair.

Is pneumothorax secondary to pneumoperitoneum a real risk in dogs undergoing total laparoscopic gastropexy?

Background: There were described in veterinary literature the possibility of pneumothorax as a complication of laparoscopic surgery in dogs undergoing laparoscopic ovariectomy associated with total laparoscopic gastropexy. Aim: To assess if spontaneous pneumothorax secondary to pneumoperitoneum is a real risk in dogs undergoing total laparoscopic gastropexy. Methods: Dogs undergoing totally laparoscopic gastropexy received chest x-rays (CXR) in lateral (left and right) and ventro-dorsal projection before and after the surgery. Two veterinary radiologists reported the x-rays and indicated the presence or not of pneumothorax. Result: Postoperative pneumothorax was not detected on postoperative CXR in the total of 76 dogs of the study. Conclusion: The odds risk of pneumothorax after total laparoscopic gatropexy surgical procedure is low.

Levobupivacaine Combined with Cisatracurium in Peribulbar Anaesthesia in Cats Undergoing Corneal and Lens Surgery

The aims of the study included evaluating the effects of levobupivacaine combined with cisatracurium on akinesia and mydriasis when administered by peribulbar injection, and evaluating if the chosen dose of cisatracurium is enough to avoid the use of systemic neuromuscular blockade in cats. The animals were divided into four groups as follows: group L received 1.25 mg kg^-1 levobupivacaine administered by peribulbar injection; group LC received the same dose of levobupivacaine combined with 0.01 mg kg^-1 of cisatracurium administered by peribulbar injection; group C received 0.01 mg kg^-1 of cisatracurium administered by peribulbar injection; group GC received 0.01 mg kg^-1 of cisatracurium intravenously. Physiological variables, intraocular pressure, akinesia, and mydriasis were measured before and up to 30 min after peribulbar injection. The onset of akinesia, duration of akinesia, and train of four (TOF) were evaluated. Physiological variables remained in the physiological range in all groups. Effective akinesia and mydriasis were observed in all groups. The (TOF) was 0.9 in all groups. Throughout the study was observed in group LC a shortened onset of akinesia and a prolonging its duration. The peribulbar injection of cisatracurium and levobupivacaine provided effective akinesia and mydriasis, and shortened the onset of akinesia while prolonging its duration.

Crossed Corticostriatal Projections in the Macaque Brain

In nonhuman primates, major input to the striatum originates from ipsilateral cortex and thalamus. The striatum is a target also of crossed corticostriatal (CSt) projections from the contralateral hemisphere, which have been so far somewhat neglected. In the present study, based on neural tracer injections in different parts of the striatum in macaques of either sex, we analyzed and compared qualitatively and quantitatively the distribution of labeled CSt cells in the two hemispheres. The results showed that crossed CSt projections to the caudate and the putamen can be relatively robust (up to 30% of total labeled cells). The origin of the direct and the crossed CSt projections was not symmetrical as the crossed ones originated almost exclusively from motor, prefrontal, and cingulate areas and not from parietal and temporal areas. Furthermore, there were several cases in which the contribution of contralateral areas tended to equal that of the ipsilateral ones. The present study is the first detailed description of this anatomic pathway of the macaque brain and provides the substrate for bilateral distribution of motor, motivational, and cognitive signals for reinforcement learning and selection of actions or action sequences, and for learning compensatory motor strategies after cortical stroke.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT In nonhuman primates the striatum is a target of projections originating from the contralateral hemisphere (crossed CSt projections), which have been so far poorly investigated. The present study analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively in the macaque brain the origin of the crossed CSt projections compared with those originating from the ipsilateral hemisphere. The results showed that crossed CSt projections originate mostly from frontal and rostral cingulate areas and in some cases their contribution tended to equal that from ipsilateral areas. These projections could provide the substrate for bilateral distribution of motor, motivational, and cognitive signals for reinforcement learning and action selection, and for learning compensatory motor strategies after cortical stroke.

Impact of mechanical and thermo-chemical pretreatments to enhance anaerobic digestion of poly(lactic acid)

To date, the introduction of biodegradable plastics such as PLA in anaerobic digestion systems has been limited by a very low rate of biodegradation. To overcome these limitations, pretreatment technologies can be applied. In this study, the impact of pretreatments (mechanical, thermal, thermo-acid, and thermo-alkaline) was investigated. Mechanical pretreatment of PLA improved its biodegradation rate but did not affect the ultimate methane potential (430-461 NL CH₄ kg^-1 VS). In parallel, thermal and thermo-acid pretreatments exhibited a similar trend for PLA solubilization. Both of these pretreatments only achieved substantial solubilization (>60%) at higher temperatures (120 and 150 °C). At lower temperatures (70 and 90 °C), negligible solubilization (between 1 and 6%) occurred after 48 h. By contrast, coupling of thermal and alkaline pretreatment significantly increased solubilization at the lower temperatures (70 and 90 °C). In terms of biodegradation, thermo-alkaline pretreatment (with 5% w/v Ca(OH)₂) of PLA resulted in a similar methane potential (from 325 to 390 NL CH₄ kg^-1 VS) for 1 h at 150 °C, 6 h at 120 °C, 24 h at 90 °C, and 48 h at 70 °C. Reduction of the Ca(OH)₂ concentration (from 5% to 0.5% w/v) highlighted that a concentration of 2.5% w/v was sufficient to achieve a substantial level of biodegradation. Pretreatment at 70 and 90 °C using 2.5% w/v Ca(OH)₂ for 48 h resulted in biodegradation yields of 73% and 68%, respectively. Finally, a good correlation (R² = 0.90) was found between the PLA solubilization and its biodegradation.

Case Report: A Novel Ventilated Thermoplastic Mesh Bandage for Post-operative Management of Large Soft Tissue Defects: A Case Series of Three Dogs Treated With Autologous Platelet Concentrates

A ventilated thermoplastic mesh bandage was used for the post-operative management of large soft tissue defects in three dogs. Once the granulation tissue appeared, the wounds were treated with liquid or jellified autologous platelet concentrates, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and Platelet Lysate (PL), to improve the wound healing process. After cleaning the wound with sterile physiological solution, a dressing was performed with several layers of cotton. A window through the layers of cotton was opened above the wound. Then, the platelet concentrate was topically applied, and the bandage was completed by placing, over the access window, a ventilated thermoplastic mesh modeled according to the size and shape of the wound. After 24 h, it was replaced by a low adhesion bandage. The thermoplastic mesh avoids the direct contact between the wound and the external layers of the bandage, preventing the drainage of the topical agent and the removal of the growing healthy granulation tissue. The bandage proposed in this study is easily applied by the veterinarian and well-tolerated by the animal, ensuring high welfare standards in stressed patients presenting compromised clinical conditions.

Exposure to nanoparticles derived from diesel particulate filter equipped engine increases vulnerability to arrhythmia in rat hearts

Air pollution is well recognized as a central player in cardiovascular disease. Exhaust particulate from diesel engines (DEP) is rich in nanoparticles and may contribute to the health effects of particulate matter in the environment. Moreover, diesel soot emitted by modern engines denotes defective surfaces alongside chemically-reactive sites increasing soot cytotoxicity. We recently demonstrated that engineered nanoparticles can cross the air/blood barrier and are capable to reach the heart. We hypothesize that DEP nanoparticles are pro-arrhythmogenic by direct interaction with cardiac cells. We evaluated the internalization kinetics and the effects of DEP, collected from Euro III (DEPe3, in the absence of Diesel Particulate Filter, DPF) and Euro IV (DEPe4, in the presence of DPF) engines, on alveolar and cardiac cell lines and on in situ rat hearts following DEP tracheal instillation. We observed significant differences in DEP size, metal and organic compositions derived from both engines. DEPe4 comprised ultrafine particles (<100 nm) and denoted a more pronounced toxicological outcome compared to DEPe3. In cardiomyocytes, particle internalization is fastened for DEPe4 compared to DEPe3. The in-vivo epicardial recording shows significant alteration of EGs parameters in both groups. However, the DEPe4-instilled group showed, compared to DEPe3, a significant increment of the effective refractory period, cardiac conduction velocity, and likelihood of arrhythmic events, with a significant increment of membrane lipid peroxidation but no increment in inflammation biomarkers. Our data suggest that DEPe4, possibly due to ultrafine nanoparticles, is rapidly internalized by cardiomyocytes resulting in an acute susceptibility to cardiac electrical disorder and arrhythmias that could accrue from cellular toxicity. Since the postulated transfer of nanoparticles from the lung to myocardial cells has not been investigated it remains open whether the effects on the cardiovascular function are the result of lung inflammatory reactions or due to particles that have reached the heart.

Impact of temporal variability of radon concentration in workplaces on the actual radon exposure during working hours

For workplaces where significant diurnal variations in radon concentrations are likely, measurements to evaluate average radon concentration during working hours could be useful for planning an optimized protection of workers according to the 2013/59/Euratom Directive. However, very few studies on this subject, generally limited to periods of few weeks, have been published. Therefore, a study has been conducted to evaluate the actual long-term radon exposure during working hours for a sample of 33 workplaces of four different types (postal offices, shops, restaurants, municipal offices), mainly located at the ground floor, and with expected considerable air exchange rate occurring during working hours due to frequent entrance/exit of persons or mechanical ventilation. The results show that the difference between the average radon level during working hours and that one during the whole day is about 20% on average and ranges from 0 to 50%. These observed differences, generally smaller compared with those found in other similar studies, are nearly the same if the analysis is restricted to workplaces with annual radon level higher than 300 Bq m-3, and therefore natural or mechanical ventilation normally present during working hours of the monitored workplaces cannot be considered an effective mitigation measure. However, the costs and time-response characteristics of the active monitors, as those used for the present study, will probably allow using more frequently a similar measurement strategy in workplaces.

Evaluation of the paw withdrawal latency for the comparison between tramadol and butorphanol administered locally, in the plantar surface of rat, preliminary study

The aim of the study was to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of tramadol compared to butorphanol administered locally in ventral surface of the hind paw of rats. Prospective, randomized experimental study; twenty-one adult male Wistar rats were selected. Heart rate (beats minute^-1), respiratory rate (breaths minute^-1), and paw withdrawal latency (onset of radiant heat until paw withdrawal/seconds) were measured prior (T⁰) and after (T⁵, T¹⁰, T¹⁵, T²⁰) intraplantar injection with saline solution 0,9% (group S), butorphanol 1 mg kg^-1 (group B), and tramadol 1 mg kg^-1 (group T). Shapiro-Wilk normality test and Friedman test were used to analyze the data expressed by median and range. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Statistical analysis of heart rate showed that there were significant differences between groups at different monitoring times. There were no significant differences in respiratory rate after intraplantar injection in any of the treatment groups. The paw withdrawal latency values at T5, T10, and T15 minutes after intraplantar injection in the group B were significantly higher compared to baseline value and to the values of the other groups. The paw withdrawal latency were no significant changes in the measurements of intragroup in S and T. Intraplantar administration of butorphanol provides a good analgesia and significantly increases paw withdrawal latency compared to tramadol. Intraplantar injection of butorphanol could be useful and safe and safe technique to achieve local analgesia for minor surgical procedures in rats.

Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) in a Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma of a Horse: Future Perspectives

Simple Summary

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one of the most common cancers in horses, and it can arise at any site on the skin and mucosae. Recent studies associated equine papillomavirus type 2 (EcPV2) infections with this type of cancers of the oral tract and genitals. Larynx and pharynx are frequently recognized as sites of SCC. In humans, squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx (SCCL) is a common cancer associated with papilloma virus (PV) infection and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT can occur under different biological conditions, upon the same programmed changes: embryogenesis and organ development fibrosis, wound healing, and cancer metastases. This work reports for the first time in a SCCL of a horse a wide immunohistochemical EMT characterization, by analyzing main epithelial markers (E-cadherin, β-catenin, and pan-cytokeratin AE3/AE1), main mesenchymal markers (N-cadherin and vimentin), and the main EMT-related transcription factors (TWIST-1, ZEB-1, and HIF-1α). This work illustrates an example of tumor cell adaptation during the metastatic process in the equine SCCL, taking also into consideration the potential influence provided by EcPV2 oncoproteins on the EMT process.

Abstract

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is one of the most frequent tumors of skin and muco-cutaneous junctions in the horse. Equine papillomavirus type 2 (EcPV2) has been detected in equine SCC of the oral tract and genitals, and recently also in the larynx. As human squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx (SCCL), it is strongly etiologically associated with high-risk papillomavirus (h-HPV) infection. This study focuses on tumor cells behavior in a naturally occurring tumor that can undergo the so-called epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). A SCCL in a horse was investigated by immunohistochemistry using antibodies against E-cadherin, pan-cytokeratin AE3/AE1, β-catenin, N-cadherin, vimentin, ZEB-1, TWIST, and HIF-1α. EcPV2 DNA detection and expression of oncogenes in SCC were investigated. A cadherin switch and an intermediate filaments rearrangement within primary site tumor cells together with the expression of the EMT-related transcription factors TWIST-1, ZEB-1, and HIF-1α were observed. DNA obtained from the tumor showed EcPV2 positivity, with E2 gene disruption and E6 gene dysregulation. The results suggest that equine SCCL might be a valuable model for studying EMT and the potential interactions between EcPV2 oncoproteins and the EMT process in SCCL.

Building material radon emanation and exhalation rate: Need of a shared measurement protocol from the european database analysis

In this paper the authors present a collection of radon emanation and exhalation rate data of about 2000 samples of building materials used in Europe. The data analysis highlighted some critical issues, such as the use of different units to express radon exhalation rate, the use of different measurement techniques and the general lack of information about density and thickness of samples. In many cases these differences of type and amount of information make difficult a reliable comparison of the obtained data. In the light of these considerations, the need arises to start, at both national and European level, a research activity aimed to develop a shared protocol for measuring the radon exhalation rate based on widely used and reliable measurement techniques. At European level, this protocol could support in forthcoming EU Member States national radon action plans, to take into account the contribution of building materials to the indoor radon concentrations.

Platelet-rich Plasma Combined With a Sterile 3D Polylactic Acid Scaffold for Postoperative Management of Complete Hoof Wall Resection for Keratoma in Four Horses

Keratoma is a nonmalignant horse tumor that grows in the space between the horn of the hoof and the distal phalanx. Keratoma causes lameness in the horse, and surgical excision is the treatment of choice. Four horses underwent removal of a keratoma by complete hoof wall resection. The remaining wound was treated with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) combined with a sterile three-dimensional polylactic acid scaffold. The PRP was applied at 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18 days postoperatively. The surgical site was cleaned with gauzes and swabs soaked in Ringer's lactate solution before applying PRP and the foot bandage. Healthy granulation tissue developed at 6-21 days postoperatively. The hoof wall defect was completely filled with new hoof wall within 6-8 months after surgery. All horses returned to their previous exercise level, and no recurrence of lameness was reported by the owner.

Combined laparoscopic ovariectomy and laparoscopic-assisted gastropexy versus combined laparoscopic ovariectomy and total laparoscopic gastropexy: A comparison of surgical time, complications and postoperative pain in dogs

The trend in laparoscopy is to develop easy and rapid techniques associated with reduced intraoperative complications and decreased postoperative pain. The aim of this study was to compare combined laparoscopic ovariectomy (OIE) and laparoscopic‐assisted incisional gastropexy (LAG) with combined laparoscopic OIE and total laparoscopic gastropexy (TLG) for surgical time, incidence of complications and postoperative pain. Twenty‐eight female dogs were randomly assigned to the LAG group (n = 14) or the TLG group (n = 14). All laparoscopic procedures were performed using a three‐port technique. The gastropexy was located 3 cm caudal to the 13th rib and 4 cm lateral to the rectus abdominis muscle. Surgical time (minutes [min]), intraoperative complications and postoperative complications were recorded. The Glasgow pain score (GPS) (short form) was calculated before surgery and at 1, 6, 12, 18 and 24 hr after extubation. Surgical time was significantly longer in the TLG group (48 ± 2 min) compared with the LAG group (39 ± 2 min). Minor postoperative complications occurred in both groups and included swelling (n = 2) and subcutaneous emphysema (n = 1). No significant differences regarding the GPS were recorded between groups. The GPS was significantly higher in both groups at 1 hr and 6 hr than before surgery. Two dogs in each group required rescue analgesia. Combined laparoscopic OIE and TLG require more time to perform than combined laparoscopic OIE and LAG. Neither procedure results in significant surgical complications. Postoperative pain for 24 hr was mild and comparable in both groups.

Mediterranean diet as a natural supplemental resource for athletes and physical activity

The WHO Global Action Plan on physical activity underlines the binomial "diet and physical activity" for the maintenance of well-being state. The adequate nutritional intake is required for sport and can be achieved by a well-adjusted diet without adding artificial food supplements, whose abuse can even represent a risk and appear as an antechamber of doping. Within a national doping prevention project, a peer education tool was realized in the form of a book and e-book, based on the principle of the Mediterranean Diet as an effective nutritional support in sport and physical activity. This health-literacy book contains recipes from all Italian regions revised for their capability to satisfy sport nutritional needs.

Spontaneous pneumothorax in two dogs undergoing combined laparoscopic ovariectomy and total laparoscopic gastropexy

Two dogs underwent a combined laparoscopic ovariectomy and total laparoscopic gastropexy. The intra-abdominal pressure and pulmonary compliance decreased, but the peak airway pressure increased at 20 min after the start of gastropexy with intracorporeal suturing. Right chest auscultation and percussion revealed reduced breath sounds and hyper-resonance. No abnormalities in the functioning of the instruments or diaphragmatic defects were detected. The tidal volume was reduced and a positive end-expiratory pressure of 5 cmH₂O was applied. The right chest of the two dogs was drained off: 950 mL (case 1) and 250 mL (case 2) of gas. After thoracentesis, the pulmonary compliance improved and surgery was completed successfully. The postoperative chest radiographs highlighted the residual right pneumothorax.

Ultrasonographic differentiation between portal venous and parenchymal gas may be important for the prognosis of canine and feline hepatic emphysema: 37 cases

The aim of this retrospective, cross-sectional, study was to evaluate clinical findings and outcomes for different ultrasonographic patterns of hepatic emphysema in dogs and cats. Dogs and cats with an ultrasonographic diagnosis of hepatic emphysema and a known outcome, from January 2010 to January 2018, were enrolled. The following data were recorded from medical and ultrasonographic records: ultrasonographic patterns of hepatic emphysema (parenchymal, portal venous, biliary), clinical signs, laboratory findings, and outcomes (favorable, poor). A total of 33 dogs and four cats met the inclusion criteria. Among these, 23 cases were classified as hepatic portal venous gas, 10 as parenchymal emphysema, and four as biliary emphysema. Clinical diagnosis categories were as follows: infection/sepsis (9), gastro-intestinal disease (9), iatrogenic (9), trauma (5), and liver neoplasia (5). An increase in serum liver enzymes was significantly associated with parenchymal emphysema (P = .03). Other clinical and laboratory findings were not associated with the type of hepatic emphysema. Hepatic portal venous gas was mostly transient in patients with ultrasonographic follow-up. The overall mortality was 40.5%. A significant difference was found between mortality by portal venous gas (21.7%) and mortality by parenchymal emphysema (90%) (P = .003). In conclusion, the ultrasonographic differentiation of hepatic emphysema between hepatic portal venous gas and parenchymal emphysema may be important for the prognosis of hepatic emphysema. The presence of parenchymal emphysema may be a poor prognostic indicator, while hepatic portal venous gas may be more benign. However, ultrasound findings should be carefully evaluated in the context of clinical findings.

Ovarian remnant syndrome after laparoscopic ovariectomy in a cat

The first case of accidental implantation of ovarian tissue at the port site after laparoscopic ovariectomy in a cat was described. A 2-year-old, spayed female, domestic cat showed recurrent behavioral oestrus signs (vocalization, increased playfulness, and lordosis) four months after laparoscopic ovariectomy. Abdominal ultrasound revealed bilateral endometrial hyperplasia and an inhomogeneous mass attached to the abdominal wall at the port site of previous laparoscopic ovariectomy. Ovarian remnant syndrome was supposed. Diagnostic laparoscopy confirmed the presence of a mass that was 2 cm in diameter and macroscopically similar to ovarian tissue. Laparoscopy was converted to laparotomy to remove the abnormal tissue and the uterus. Histopathological findings showed follicles of various maturation stages in the mass, and confirmed endometrial hyperplasia. Histology underscored that ovarian remnant tissue resumed function. No clinical signs consistent with ovarian remnant syndrome were reported six months after removal of the abnormal tissue. In conclusion, removal of the ovaries through the laparoscopic port site may cause fortuitous ovarian tissue implantation at the abdominal wall in the cat. 

Meloxicam vs robenacoxib for postoperative pain management in dogs undergoing combined laparoscopic ovariectomy and laparoscopic-assisted gastropexy

OBJECTIVE

To compare meloxicam and robenacoxib for short-term postoperative pain management after combined laparoscopic ovariectomy and laparoscopic-assisted gastropexy.

STUDY DESIGN

Double-blind, prospective, randomised clinical trial.

ANIMALS

Twenty-six client-owned female dogs.

METHODS

Dogs undergoing combined laparoscopic ovariectomy and laparoscopic-assisted gastropexy were randomly divided into 2 groups. Before induction of anesthesia, 13 dogs received meloxicam (0.2 mg/kg subcutaneously), and 13 dogs received robenacoxib (2 mg/kg subcutaneously). Pain was scored with the Glasgow Composite Pain Scale (short form) before surgery and at 1, 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours after extubation. Rescue analgesia (tramadol, 3 mg/kg) was provided to dogs with a Glasgow pain score (GPS) ≥5. Glasgow pain scores were analyzed by ANOVA with treatment, age, and surgical time as fixed factors.

RESULTS

Glasgow pain scores were higher at 24 hours postsurgery in dogs treated with robenacoxib (2.18 ± 0.29) compared with those treated with meloxicam (0.68 ± 0.41, P = .04). Two dogs treated with meloxicam and 7 dogs treated with robenacoxib required rescue analgesia. Regardless of the treatment, the overall GPS was lower at 18 and 24 hours postsurgery when the surgical time was >40 minutes compared with surgical times ≤40 minutes, but surgical site inflammation was likely a confounding factor in this finding. Glasgow pain score was not affected by patient age.

CONCLUSION

Meloxicam was more effective than robenacoxib at controlling pain in the population of dogs reported here.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Preoperative administration of meloxicam effectively controls pain for 24 hours after combined laparoscopic ovariectomy and laparoscopic-assisted gastropexy, but rescue analgesia may be required.

The effect of intramuscular dexmedetomidine-butorphanol combination on tear production in dogs

This study assessed the effects of a combination of dexmedetomidine and butorphanol on the Schirmer tear test I (STT I) values in dogs. Ninety-eight dogs were sedated with an intramuscular injection of a combination of dexmedetomidine, 5 μg/kg body weight (BW), and butorphanol, 0.2 mg/kg BW. The effects of dexmedetomidine were reversed by administering atipamezole at the end of the procedure. The combination of dexmedetomidine and butorphanol significantly decreased tear production 15 minutes after sedation. The STT I values 15 minutes after reversal of dexmedetomidine with atipamezole were significantly higher than the STT I values 15 minutes after sedation but were significantly lower than the STT I values before sedation. Gender, weight, duration of sedation, right or left eye did not affect STT I values after sedation. It is recommended that dogs sedated with a combination of dexmedetomidine and butorphanol be treated with a tear substitute to combat decreased tear production.

Updated database on natural radioactivity in building materials in Europe

The paper presents the latest collection of activity concentration data of natural radionuclides (²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th and ⁴ K) in building materials. This database contains about 24200 samples of both bulk materials and their constituents (bricks, concrete, cement, aggregates) and superficial materials used in most European Union Member States and some European countries. This collection also includes radiological information about some NORM residues and by-products (by-product gypsum, metallurgical slags, fly and bottom ashes and red mud) which can be of radiological concern if recycled in building materials as secondary raw materials. Moreover, radon emanation and radon exhalation rate data are reported for bricks and concrete.

The Definition of Health: Towards New Perspectives

The definition of health is not just a theoretical issue, because it has many implications for practice, policy, and health services. The current definition of health, formulated by the WHO, is no longer adequate for dealing with the new challenges in health care systems. Despite many attempts to replace it, no alternative definition has reached a wide level of consensus. Assuming an epistemological perspective, the need for a unique definition has to be rejected in favor of a plural approach in which cannot exist the best definition of health but many different definitions, more or less useful depending on the scope of application. Nevertheless, it should be noted that not all potential definitions of health are fit to pursue clinical scientific goals. Based on recent scientific debate, one can maintain that each definition of health should have at least 9 features to work well within the clinical scientific field. Moving from this perspective, a new definition has been developed for pursuing health, especially in the fields of chronic patients and older people.

Polymeric films loaded with cisplatin for malignant pleural mesothelioma: a pharmacokinetic study in an ovine model

BACKGROUND

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) continues to be a distressing tumor due to its aggressive biologic behavior and scanty prognosis. Several therapeutic approaches have been tested both in clinical and preclinical settings, being intrapleural chemotherapy one of the most promising. Some years ago, our interest focused on polymeric films loaded with cisplatin for the adjuvant intrapleural treatment of surgical patients. After in vitro and in vivo studies in a rat recurrence model of MPM, the aim of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of the polymeric films in a sheep model in view of further studies in a clinical setting.

METHODS

An ovine model was used. Animals were divided into four groups according to pharmacologic treatment: control group (three animals undergoing left pneumonectomy and saline-NaCl solution); intrapleural hyaluronate cisplatin films (HYALCIS) group (six animals undergoing left pneumonectomy and intrapleural application of polymeric films loaded with cisplatin); intrapleural cisplatin solution (six animals undergoing left pneumonectomy and intrapleural application of cisplatin solution); intravenous cisplatin (five animals undergoing left pneumonectomy and intravenous administration of cisplatin solution). The primary objective was the plasmatic and pleural concentration of cisplatin in the treatment groups. The secondary objective was the treatment-related toxicity evaluated by plasmatic analysis performed at prearranged time intervals and histological examinations of tissue samples collected during animal autopsy. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for statistical analysis. Bonferroni correction was applied for comparison between all groups.

RESULTS

Twenty female Sardinian sheep with a mean weight of 45.1 kg were studied. All animals survived the surgical procedures. The whole surgical procedure had a mean duration of 113 minutes. Cisplatin blood levels obtained from polymeric films application were low during the first 24 hours after the application; then, the cisplatin blood level increased gradually and progressively until it reached significantly higher plasmatic concentrations after 120 hours compared to intrapleural cisplatin solution (P=0.004) and intravenous administration (P=0.001), respectively. Considering cisplatin concentration at 168 hours after the application, animals treated with polymeric films had higher plasmatic values than animals treated with intrapleural cisplatin solution and intravenous cisplatin (P=0.001). Despite the high cisplatin plasmatic concentrations, treatment related-toxicity towards kidneys and liver was comparatively lower compared to the intravenous and intrapleural cisplatin administration and closer to the control levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Polymeric films loaded with cisplatin allowed to reach significantly higher intrapleural and plasmatic cisplatin concentrations compared to intrapleural and intravenous cisplatin solution, providing at the same time, a significant reduction of treatment related toxicity.

AN INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION BY USING AN ALL-ENCOMPASSING PASSIVE RADON MONITOR

The recently developed radon film-badge makes it possible to measure radon indoors, in soil, in water and/or in aqueous media (e.g. mud). As a result of its wide response linearity, this monitor has been successfully used to measure radon in-water with concentrations from 10 to ~10 000 Bq/L. By exploiting the unique characteristics of this badge, a mini-survey has been carried out by Health Canada in which radon in water was measured from 12 private wells, as well as in tap water originating from the Ottawa River. Due to the widespread interest of different laboratories in using these passive monitors, laboratories were provided with plastic films to construct their own badges by using in-house CR-39 detectors. Monitors were then irradiated by a known radon concentration at the National Institute of Radiation Metrology (ENEA)'s radon chamber and sent back to each laboratory for processing and counting. Even though these laboratories have been using different etching- and counting-procedures, the film-badge responses varied only within ~12%.

Radiological characterization of the ancient Roman tuff-pozzolana underground quarry in Orvieto (Italy): A natural laboratory to revisit the interactions between radionuclides and aerosols

Orvieto (Italy) has a large network of underground tunnels quarried to extract tuff and pozzolana by Etruscans and Romans. One of these tunnels was chosen as natural laboratory to compare different radiation measurement and dose assessment methods. Indeed, tuff and pozzolana are very rich in natural radioactivity and are interesting from the radiation protection point of view since they are still used as building materials. In order to characterize this site an in situ experimental procedure was followed. It consisted in measurements carried out with different instruments: two portable gamma ray spectrometers, two gamma dose rate meters, two radon monitors and one two channel working level monitor. Samples of tuff and pozzolana stones were also collected to be measured with gamma spectrometry in laboratory. Due to the high content of ²³⁸U, ²³²Th (more than 200 Bq kg^-1 for both radionuclides) and ⁴⁰K (more than 2000 Bq kg^-1) of tuff and pozzolana, elevated levels of exposure to natural radioactivity were found: indeed, with different instruments and approach, a gamma dose rate of about 1 μGy h^-1 and an average radon concentration of about 10,000 Bq m^-3, with a Potential Alpha Energy Concentration (PAEC) of 288 MeV cm^-3, were measured. The radiological characteristics of Orvieto underground quarry make it a perfect site for "in field" intercomparisons of different measurement and dose assessment methods.

Regenerative therapy for the management of a large skin wound in a dog

Extensive full-thickness skin wounds are quite common in domestic animals. In these report, following the failure of reconstructive surgery, adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells, and platelet-rich plasma were successfully used in a dog to improve speed and quality of skin tissue healing, avoiding suffering, and debilitating effects.

Clinical outcome of latissimus dorsi tendon transfer and partial cuff repair in irreparable postero-superior rotator cuff tear

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Irreparable rotator cuff tears are a common cause of pain in adult population, requiring in many cases a surgical treatment. Possible alternatives are debridement, partial repair, muscle transfers and joint replacement. We evaluated two groups of patients with irreparable rotator cuff tear treated surgically: one group received an arthroscopic-assisted latissimus dorsi tendon transfer (LDTT), and the other an arthroscopic rotator cuff partial repair. Aim of our study was to compare clinical results and quality of life in two groups of patients with massive irreparable rotator cuff tear: one receiving an arthroscopic LDTT and the other receiving an arthroscopic rotator cuff partial repair.

METHODS

Forty patients were assigned to two groups: 20 patients to group TT treated with LDTT and 20 patients to group PR treated with a partial repair. The average follow-up duration was 2.8 years (1-5, SD 3). Pre- and postoperative modified UCLA shoulder score, ROM, measurement of the strength and the rotator cuff quality of life (RC-QOL) were used to asses the outcome.

RESULTS

LDTT showed significative improvements when compared to partial repair in UCLA score results, strength and RC-QOL questionnaire. No differences were found between the groups in pain relief.

CONCLUSION

Both techniques are effective in reducing patients' symptoms. We believe that in younger, high-demanding patients with no or mild osteoarthritis, the LDTT represents a valid treatment option with better modified UCLA score improvement and strength at our follow-up.

Expression of Bcl-2 in canine osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary malignancy of bone. It is responsible for 80-85% of the primary bone tumors affecting dogs and it is characterized by aggressive and invasive behavior, with a high metastatic potential. Several studies on cancer and related tumorigenesis, show an involvement of the mechanisms of programmed cell death and cell survival. Many signals seem to be involved in the related mechanism of autophagy and in particular, our interest is focused on the expression of a family of Bcl-2 that seems to be involved either in the control of biomolecular mechanisms like autophagy and apoptosis. In this study we investigated the expression of Bcl-2 in different cases of spontaneous canine osteosarcoma and the related preliminary results are described. We found Bcl-2 activity was increased in OS tissue compared to normal bone tissue. These results suggested that Bcl-2 activity may play an important role in the formation of OS and as a diagnostic for neoplastic activity. However, further research is needed to confirm the role of Bcl-2 activity in OS in canines.

A comparison of radon and its decay products' behaviour in indoor air

The inhalation of short-lived radon decay products (RDP) yields the greatest contribution to the natural radiation exposure. This paper deals with a study carried out to improve the knowledge of the behaviour of RDPs, their interaction with particulates and the plateout during the time. The tests confirmed that a high aerosol particle concentration increases the probability that an ion sticks to aerosol and remains long in the air, leading to both an increase of F and a decrease of fp, as reported in the literature. The same experimental protocol applied in a small radon chamber showed a strong reduction of the equilibrium factor (an average of ∼10 %), because in a small environment the plateout phenomenon prevails on the attachment to particulate.

Self-assembly of mono- and bidentate oligoarylene thiols onto polycrystalline Au

Four thiolated oligoarylene molecules (i) 4-methoxy-terphenyl-4″-methanethiol (MTM), (ii) 4-methoxy-terphenyl-3″,5″-dimethanethiol (MTD), (iii) 4-nitro-terphenyl-4″-methanethiol (NTM), and (iv) 4-nitro-terphenyl-3″,5″-dimethanethiol (NTD) were synthesized and self-assembled as monolayers (SAMs) on polycrystalline Au electrodes of organic field-effect transistors (OFETs). SAMs were characterized by contact angle and AC/DC electrochemical measurements, whereas atomic force microscopy was used for imaging the pentacene films grown on the coated electrodes. The electrical properties of functionalized OFETs, the electrochemical SAMs features and the morphology of pentacene films were correlated to the molecular organization of the thiolated oligoarylenes on Au, as calculated by means of the density functional theory. This multi-methodological approach allows us to associate the systematic replacement of the SAM anchoring head group (viz. methanethiol and dimethanethiol) and/or terminal tail group (viz. nitro-, -NO2, and methoxy, -OCH3) with the change of the electrical features. The dimethanethiol head group endows SAMs with higher resistive features along with higher surface tensions compared with methanethiol. Furthermore, the different number of thiolated heads affects the kinetics of Au passivation as well as the pentacene morphology. On the other hand, the nitro group confers further distinctive properties, such as the positive shift of both threshold and critical voltages of OFETs with respect to the methoxy one. The latter experimental evidence arise from its electron-withdrawing capability, which has been verified by both DFT calculations and DC electrochemical measurements.