Primary Corneal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a Dog: Clinical and Histopathological Evaluation

An 8-year-old male pug with a 12-month history of a progressive nonpainful mass on the left cornea was evaluated. Ocular examination showed a severe bilateral keratoconjunctivitis sicca, pigmentary keratitis, and an exophytic irregular pink mass occupying approximately 75% of the total corneal surface of the left eye. A squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was suspected on cytology, and clinical investigations showed no evidence of metastases. A transpalpebral enucleation was therefore performed, and the diagnosis of SCC was confirmed on histopathology. Immunohistochemical investigations showed that the neoplastic cells were pan-cytokeratin positive and vimentin negative. Additionally, nuclei immunoreactive to Ki-67 antigen were detected. Tumor cells were also negative to p53. Immunoreactivity to COX-2 was found in less than 10% of the neoplastic cells. No adjuvant therapies were instituted, and no evidence of local recurrence or distance metastasis was identified during the 24-month follow-up period

Indagine sulle lesioni da cinghiale nel cane

RIASSUNTO Gli autori hanno esaminato 118 cani che avevano riportato, in totale, 170 ferite da cinghiale (21 soggetti con ferite multiple). Lo scopo di questo studio clinico è stato di descrivere la localizzazione ed il tipo di lesione. Le ferite esaminate erano prevalentemente profonde (57%) e coinvolgevano, soprattutto, la regione della coscia e della spalla. Altro tipo di ferita riscontrata frequentemente è stata quella penetrante in torace. La caratteristica peculiare delle ferite da cinghiale è l’effetto “iceberg”. SUMMARY The authors examined 118 dogs with wild pig wounds, 170 lesions in total (21 of these with multiple wounds). The aim of this clinical study is to describe the localization and type of lesion. Most of the examined wounds were deep (57%) and, in particular, involving thigh and shoulder regions. Another type of wound frequently observed is the thoracic penetrating one. The main feature of wild pig wounds is the “iceberg” effect

Effects of rocuronium bromide on globe position and respiratory function in isoflurane-anesthetized dogs: a comparison between three different dosages.

Objective To evaluate the effect on globe position and respiration of three dosages of intravenous rocuronium in isoflurane-anesthetized dogs. Animal studied Thirty-two dogs anesthetized for ophthalmic procedures. Procedures The dogs were divided into four groups, each of eight animals (G1-G4). G1, G2, G3 received 0.075, 0.05, 0.03 mg/kg of IV rocuronium, respectively; G4 received 0.9% NaCl IV; all the treatments were administered when an end-tidal isoflurane of 1.1–1.2% was reached. Anesthesia was obtained with dexmedetomidine (2.5 mcg/kg IV), methadone (0.1 mg/kg IV), propofol (2 mg/kg IV), and isoflurane in oxygen. Neuromuscular function was assessed with acceleromyography by stimulation of the peroneal nerve using the train-of-four (ToF) and the ToF ratio (ToFR). Monitoring of cardiovascular and respiratory functions was performed. Changes in globe position were recorded. Results All three dosages of rocuronium produced centralization of the globe. Duration was 24.3 ± 4.2, 23.4 ± 3.6, and 8.7 ± 2.8 min, for G1, G2, and G3, respectively. The control group did not show globe centralization. No significant differences were found among the four groups in cardiovascular and respiratory parameters. Minute volume and ToFR were significantly lower in G1 compared with baseline values. Conclusions All doses of rocuronium resulted in globe centralization. The higher dose provoked a transient respiratory depression and some degree of skeletal muscular blockade detectable with ToFR. No alterations in respiratory activity were present when 0.05 mg/kg was used. The 0.03 mg/kg dosage could be useful for very short ophthalmic procedures

Lacrimal Secretion Variation and Menace Response Appearance in Healthy Standardbred Foals From Birth to Four Weeks of Age

This study assesses lacrimal secretion in healthy foals within 48 hours after birth and evaluates their variations in lacrimal secretion and menace response appearance during the first month of life. A total of 31 Standardbred foals were evaluated. Foals were housed with their dams in 4 × 4 m boxes throughout the study. A complete ophthalmic examination was performed for each animal enrolled in the study, including the foals’ dams which were used as a control group to compare the lacrimal secretion of foals at birth with that of adult horses. In foals, the Schirmer Tear Test I (STT I) and menace response were evaluated within 48 hours after birth (T0) and weekly for a total of four times (T1, T2, T3, and T4). In mares, the STT I was evaluated once, before delivery. The Schirmer Tear Test I results of 11 out of 31 dams were excluded because of signs of ocular adnexa inflammation which might otherwise have influenced lacrimal secretion. At T0 STT I values in foals (19.11 ± 2.49 mm/min) were lower than those of their dams (23.20 ± 1.83 mm/min). In addition, the mean STT I in foals decreased during the study period and reached its nadir at T3 (16.84 ± 2.33 mm/min). None of the foals showed a menace response at any observation point. In conclusion, within 48 hours after birth, healthy Standardbred foals show a lower lacrimal secretion than their dams, and tear secretion does not seem to increase during the first month of life. In this period, poor lacrimation associated with the absence of an evident menace response might be predisposing factors for developing corneal ulcers

Number and topographical distribution of retinal ganglion cells in diurnal and nocturnal raptors

Retinal Ganglion Cells (RGCs) in two diurnal raptors, the buzzard (Buteo buteo) and kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), and in two nocturnal raptors, the little owl (Athene noctua) and tawny owl (Strix aluco), were studied in order to highlight their topographical distribution, taking into account the soma size. Cell density (RGCs/mm2) and median soma area from histological radial sections in four retinal fields (dorsal, ventral, temporal and nasal) were recorded in order to identify specialized retinal vision areas. The results showed a different RGCs distribution between diurnal and nocturnal raptors related to the location of the foveas and shape of the horizontal streak, confirming the bibliographic data. In diurnal raptors, a higher cell density was found in the temporal and central retinal fields as revealed by the presence of a temporal and a central fovea which showed a “horizontal streak”. In nocturnal raptors the cell density was higher in the peripheral temporal field likely due to a temporal fovea. A peak in cell density observed in the ventral field, especially in the retina of little owls, might be linked to a more “radial visual streak”. Comparing the data obtained we highlighted that the morphology and the number of RGCs are closely linked to the habitat and to the type of predatio

Morphological study of the iris musculature in diurnal and nocturnal raptors

In literature it is established that the iris musculature consists of striate muscle fibers in birds while in mammals it consists of smooth muscles. Some authors report the presence of smooth muscle tissue also in the iris of some species of birds. In the present study we report on the iris muscle tissues (type of tissue, direction and mean diameter of muscle fibers or cells) in five species of Accipitriformes (diurnal raptors) and four species of Strigiformes (nocturnal raptors) because they show different way of life depending of their predatory behavior. This morphological study was carried out from raptors died or euthanized at the Wild Life Rescue Centre of Sea and Water birds in Livorno (Italy). From histological examination of iris serial radial sections we find both striated and smooth musculature even if with marked differences among analyzed species, not directly correlated with diurnal or nocturnal lifestyle. Striated fibers are always present, mainly with cross direction, throughout the iris stroma, while the histological differences concern the smooth cells. Indeed, harrier and sparrow hawk (Accipitriformes) and great horned owl and little owl (Strigiformes) show a compact layer of cross smooth muscle cells throughout the iris stroma. In the other species analyzed smooth muscle cells are slightly detectable as scattered or not detectable. Since the cross smooth muscle tissue allows to maintain a myotic state for extended periods of time, our results might be correlated more to the predatory behavior than the taxonomic order

Circulating endothelial progenitor cells and large artery structure and function in young subjects with uncomplicated Type 1 Diabetes

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), indices of large artery stiffness and measures of endothelium function may be used as markers of early atherosclerosis in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). The aim of the present study was to compare the indices of large artery structure and function as well as endothelial function and regenerating capacity between adolescents with T1DM and healthy control of similar age. In addition, the associations of different vascular measures with endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), glyco-metabolic control and serum levels of advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs), soluble receptors for AGEs (sRAGE) and adiponectin were evaluated.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Sixteen uncomplicated young T1DM patients (mean age 18 ± 2 years, history of disease 11 ± 5 years, HbA1c 7.7 ± 1.1%) and 26 controls (mean age 19 ± 2 years) were studied. A radiofrequency-based ultrasound system (Esaote MyLab 70) was used to measure carotid IMT and wave speed (WS, index of local stiffness), applanation tonometry (PulsePen) was applied to obtain central pulse pressure (PP) and augmentation index (AIx), and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV, Complior) was used as index of aortic stiffness. Peripheral endothelium-dependent vasodilation was determined as reactive hyperemia index (RHI, EndoPAT). Circulating EPCs, glycometabolic profile, AGEs (autofluorescence method), sRAGE and adiponectin were also measured.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>After adjusting for age, sex and blood pressure, T1DM adolescents had significantly higher carotid IMT (456 ± 7 vs. 395 ± 63 μm, p < 0.005), carotid WS (p < 0.005), PWV (p = 0.01), AIx (p < 0.0001) and central PP (p < 0.01) and lower EPCs (p = 0.02) as compared to controls. RHI was reduced only in diabetic patients with HbA1c ≥7.5% (p < 0.05). In the overall population, EPCs were an independent determinant of carotid IMT (together with adiponectin), while fasting plasma glucose was an independent determinant of carotid WS, AIx and central PP.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Our findings suggest that young subjects with relatively long-lasting T1DM have a generalized preclinical involvement of large artery structure and function, as well as a blunted endothelium regenerating capacity. Hyperglycemia and suboptimal chronic glycemic control seem to deteriorate the functional arterial characteristics, such as large arteries stiffness, wave reflection and peripheral endothelium-dependent vasodilation, whereas an impaired endothelium regenerating capacity and adiponectin levels seem to influence arterial structure.</p

Tailored star poly (ε-caprolactone) wet-spun scaffolds for in vivo regeneration of long bone critical size defects

One of the most challenging requirements of a successful bone tissue engineering approach is the development of scaffolds specifically tailored to individual tissue defects. Besides materials chemistry, well-defined scaffold’s structural features at the micro- and macro-levels are needed for optimal bone in-growth. In this study, polymeric fibrous scaffolds with a controlled internal network of pores and modelled on the anatomical shape and dimensions of a critical size bone defect in a rabbit’s radius model were developed by employing a computer-aided wet-spinning technique. The tailored scaffolds made of star poly(ε caprolactone) or star poly(ε-caprolactone)– hydroxyapatite composite material were implanted into 20-mm segmental defects created in radial diaphysis of New Zealand white rabbits. Bone regeneration and tissue response were assessed by X-rays and histological analysis at 4, 8 and 12 weeks after surgery. No signs of macroscopic and microscopic inflammatory reactions were detected, and the developed scaffolds showed a good ability to support and promote the bone regeneration process. However, no significant differences in osteoconductivity were observed between star poly(ε-caprolactone) and star poly(ε-caprolactone)–hydroxyapatite scaffolds. Long-term study on implanted star poly(ε-caprolactone) scaffolds confirmed the presence of signs of bone regeneration and remodelling, particularly evident at 24 weeks

First narrow-band search for continuous gravitational waves from known pulsars in advanced detector data

Spinning neutron stars asymmetric with respect to their rotation axis are potential sources of continuous gravitational waves for ground-based interferometric detectors. In the case of known pulsars a fully coherent search, based on matched filtering, which uses the position and rotational parameters obtained from electromagnetic observations, can be carried out. Matched filtering maximizes the signalto- noise (SNR) ratio, but a large sensitivity loss is expected in case of even a very small mismatch between the assumed and the true signal parameters. For this reason, narrow-band analysis methods have been developed, allowing a fully coherent search for gravitational waves from known pulsars over a fraction of a hertz and several spin-down values. In this paper we describe a narrow-band search of 11 pulsars using data from Advanced LIGO’s first observing run. Although we have found several initial outliers, further studies show no significant evidence for the presence of a gravitational wave signal. Finally, we have placed upper limits on the signal strain amplitude lower than the spin-down limit for 5 of the 11 targets over the bands searched; in the case of J1813-1749 the spin-down limit has been beaten for the first time. For an additional 3 targets, the median upper limit across the search bands is below the spin-down limit. This is the most sensitive narrow-band search for continuous gravitational waves carried out so far