Molecular medicine and concepts of disease: the ethical value of a conceptual analysis of emerging biomedical technologies

Although it is now generally acknowledged that new biomedical technologies often produce new definitions and sometimes even new concepts of disease, this observation is rarely used in research that anticipates potential ethical issues in emerging technologies. This article argues that it is useful to start with an analysis of implied concepts of disease when anticipating ethical issues of biomedical technologies. It shows, moreover, that it is possible to do so at an early stage, i.e. when a technology is only just emerging. The specific case analysed here is that of ‘molecular medicine’. This group of emerging technologies combines a ‘cascade model’ of disease processes with a ‘personal pattern’ model of bodily functioning. Whereas the ethical implications of the first are partly familiar from earlier—albeit controversial—forms of preventive and predictive medicine, those of the second are quite novel and potentially far-reaching

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HISTOPATHOLOGICAL LESIONS AND MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI) IN DISEASES OF THE FOOT OF THE HORSE

Le nombre croissant d’études histopathologiques portant sur les tissus du pied a permis d’expliquer et de valider les variations des signaux obtenus par l’imagerie de résonance magnétique (IRM) dans la pratique équine clinique. En particulier, l’IRM a permis d’élucider les différents grades des anomalies histologiques et peut-être aussi les différentes étapes de la progression de la dégénérescence du tendon fléchisseur profond et de l’os naviculaire. Cependant, des travaux supplémentaires sont nécessaires pour continuer d’améliorer nos connaissances sur les différentes causes de boiterie du pied et leur pathogénie.Le nombre croissant d'études histopathologiques portant sur les tissus du pied a permis d'expliquer et de valider les variations des signaux obtenus par l'imagerie de résonance magnétique (IRM) dans la pratique équine clinique. En particulier, l'IRM a permis d'élucider les différents grades des anomalies histologiques et peut-être aussi les différentes étapes de la progression de la dégénérescence du tendon fléchisseur profond et de l'os naviculaire. Cependant, des travaux supplémentaires sont nécessaires pour continuer d'améliorer nos connaissances sur les différentes causes de boiterie du pied et leur pathogénie

Résultats cliniques, techniques chirurgicales, facteurs pronostiques de survie à court- et long-terme pour des chevaux avec hernie inguinale acquise: 98 cas (2005-2020).

peer reviewed[en] OBJECTIVE: To report findings, outcome and determine variables associated with survival in horses with acquired inguinal hernia (AIH). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: A total of 98 cases in 97 horses. METHODS: The medical records (2005-2020) of horses diagnosed with AIH were reviewed. Retrieved data included signalment, history, clinical variables, surgical aspects, postoperative complications, and short- and long-term outcomes. Logistic regression analyses were used to determine factors associated with short-term survival (p < .05). RESULTS: Manual reduction was attempted in a third of the cases (32/98, 33%) and emergency surgery to reduce the hernia was performed in 64 of 98 (65%) cases. Concurrent small intestinal (SI) volvulus was identified in 26 (26/98, 27%) cases. Castration was the most common technique used to prevent recurrence (64/94, 68%). Overall AIH recurrence rate was 11% (11/98). A total of 59 (59/98, 60%) cases survived to hospital discharge and 49 of 52 (94%) cases were still alive after 12 months. Cases admitted within 10 h of colic signs had increased odds of survival (72%) compared to those admitted after 10 h (26%; p < .001). Draft breeds (p = .021), high heart rate on admission (p = .001) and concurrent SI volvulus (p = .048) were associated with reduced survival to hospital discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Horses with AIH had a higher risk of concurrent SI volvulus and lower survival than reported. Draft breeds, high heart rate on admission and concurrent SI volvulus were associated with reduced short-term survival. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The results of this study should help in prognostication for horses with AIH