Comparative Study Of Five Techniques For The Diagnosis Of Canine Gastrointestinal Parasites

Differences in the efficacy of diagnostic techniques employed in the parasitological examination of feces are a limiting factor of this laboratory procedure in the field of Veterinary Parasitology. To verify advances in this type of examination in dogs, we conducted a study using a new technique (TFGII/Dog). Fifty naturally infected dogs were housed in individual stalls, and their feces were evaluated comparatively using this technique and four other conventional techniques. The TFGII/Dog showed high levels of sensitivity and efficiency, surpassing the diagnostic accuracy of the other techniques with a kappa concordance index of 0.739 (Substantial), as opposed to 0.546 (Moderate), 0.485 (Moderate), 0.467 (Moderate), and 0.325 (Fair) of the Spontaneous-Sedimentation, Centrifugal-Flotation in Saturated Zinc Sulfate Solution, Centrifugal-Flotation in Saturated Sugar Solution, and Spontaneous-Flotation in Saturated Sodium Chloride Solution techniques, respectively. The combination of positive results of all techniques comprises eight genera of parasites, with Ancylostoma spp. predominating among helminths, and Cystoisospora spp. among protozoa. The TFGII/Dog technique showed better diagnostic performance, and can therefore be considered an important tool for optimizing the results of laboratory routines and for the control of canine gastrointestinal parasites.24222322

Does the Evaluation of Coagulation Factors Contribute to Etiological Diagnosis of Pleural Effusions?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify the participation of the coagulation system in the differential diagnosis of pleural effusions. INTRODUCTION: Imbalance between immunologic and metabolic factors triggers a sequence of events resulting in pleural reactions and accumulation of fluid. The coagulation system, which is fundamental for the maintenance of homeostasis, contributes to the inflammatory process responsible for pleural effusions, and participates in cellular proliferation and migration as well as in the synthesis of inflammatory mediators. METHODS: We evaluated the laboratory profile of coagulation and fibrinolysis in 54 pleural fluids (15 transudates and 39 exudates). RESULTS: The coagulation system acts according to the pathophysiologic mechanisms involved in the development of pleural effusions. In inflammatory effusions (exudates), there is activation of coagulation with increased levels of fragment 1+2 and thrombin-antithrombin complex in addition to reduction of fibrinogen levels due to fibrinolysis and fibrin tissue incorporation. As a consequence, there is activation of the fibrinolytic system with increased levels of fibrin degradation products, including the D-dimer. These changes are not sufficient for differentiation of different subgroups of exudates. In transudates, these events were observed to a lesser degree. CONCLUSION: The coagulation system plays an important role in the development of pleural diseases. Coagulation tests show differences between transudates and exudates but not among exudate subgroups. Understanding the physiopathological mechanisms of pleural disorders may help to define new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches

Potential use of treated wastewater from a cattle operation in the fertigation of organic carrots

The use of treated effluents rich in nutrients and organic matter has intensified in agricultural crops, contributing to the demand for water and fertilizers. The goal of this work was to assess the effects of fertigation with treated dairy cattle wastewater, for the cultivation of carrot (Daucus carota) when applied in four different doses, under field conditions, on nutrient accumulation, productivity, and health quality in the carrot (D. carota). Wastewater from treated cattle (WTC) was treated in a pilot treatment unit (PTU). Cultivation was carried out in two beds, and the WTC applied by drippers. Nitrogen (N) was considered the base element for the dose calculation, and a 100% N dose was equivalent to 150 kg ha−1. WTC doses of 0, 100, 200, and 300% N were evaluated. Productivity was evaluated at 70 and 120 days after sowing, in the aerial part (fresh and dry mass and accumulation of nutrients), in the main roots (fresh and dry mass, accumulation of nutrients, diameter, length, and sanitary quality), and as the total productivity of the two organs. As a result, an increase in productivity was observed for all treatments with WTC and accumulation of Ca and Mg. The roots did not present contamination; therefore, the carrots were fit for human consumption. It was concluded that the application of WTC in organic cultivation of carrots is a viable alternative means of plant fertilization, providing higher root productivity than the national average, reaching 72.6 t ha−1 for a dose of 100% N, without compromising on sanitary quality and is suitable for human and animal consumption.A utilização de efluentes tratados, ricos em nutrientes e matéria orgânica, tem se intensificado nas culturas agrícolas, contribuindo para a demanda por água e fertilizantes. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos da fertirrigação com água residuária de gado leiteiro tratada para o cultivo da cenoura (Daucus carota), quando aplicada em quatro doses diferentes, em condições de campo, no acúmulo de nutrientes, produtividade e qualidade sanitária. As águas residuárias de bovinocultura (ARB) foram tratadas em uma unidade piloto de tratamento (UPT). O cultivo foi realizado em dois canteiros, sendo a ARB aplicada por gotejadores. O nitrogênio (N) foi considerado o elemento base para o cálculo da dose, e uma dose de 100% de N foi equivalente a 150 kg ha-1. Doses da ARB de 0, 100, 200 e 300% de N foram avaliadas. A produtividade foi aferida aos 70 e 120 dias após a semeadura, na parte aérea (massa fresca e seca e acúmulo de nutrientes), nas raízes principais (massa fresca e seca, acúmulo de nutrientes, diâmetro, comprimento e qualidade sanitária) e nas duas partes (produtividade total). Como resultado, observou-se aumento na produtividade para todos os tratamentos com ARB e acúmulo de N, Ca e Mg. As raízes não apresentaram contaminação, portanto as cenouras eram próprias para consumo humano. Concluiu-se que a aplicação da ARB no cultivo orgânico de cenoura é uma alternativa viável de adubação das plantas. Proporciona produtividade de raízes superior à média nacional, chegando a 72,6 t ha-1 para uma dose de 100% N, sem comprometer a qualidade sanitária do produto, que é adequado para consumo humano e animal

Algorithms for automated diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases based on ECG data: A comprehensive systematic review

The prevalence of cardiovascular diseases is increasing around the world. However, the technology is evolving and can be monitored with low-cost sensors anywhere at any time. This subject is being researched, and different methods can automatically identify these diseases, helping patients and healthcare professionals with the treatments. This paper presents a systematic review of disease identification, classification, and recognition with ECG sensors. The review was focused on studies published between 2017 and 2022 in different scientific databases, including PubMed Central, Springer, Elsevier, Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), IEEE Xplore, and Frontiers. It results in the quantitative and qualitative analysis of 103 scientific papers. The study demonstrated that different datasets are available online with data related to various diseases. Several ML/DP-based models were identified in the research, where Convolutional Neural Network and Support Vector Machine were the most applied algorithms. This review can allow us to identify the techniques that can be used in a system that promotes the patient’s autonomy.N/

Pimobendan improves clinical signs in short term compared to digoxin or placebo in dogs with heart failure due to chronic degenerative mitral valve disease

Background: Chronic degenerative mitral valve disease (CDMVD) continues to be the most common cause of heart failure (HF) in small breed dogs. Pimobendan (PIMO) is a mixed action drug with inotropic and vasodilator properties and is widely used to treat heart disease in dogs. Therefore, PIMO increases cardiac output, reduces both preload and afterload and increases myocardial contractility without increasing energy consumption and myocardial oxygen. Digoxin (DIG) is a cardiac glycoside acting through inhibition of the sarcolemmal Na+/K+ ATPase pump, hence increasing intracellular calcium. It exerts benefi cial effects on left ventricular function, symptoms and exercise tolerance. The purpose of this prospective, randomized, double blind clinical trial was to evaluate the clinical response and QoLQ in heart failure (HF) dogs treated with digoxin or pimobendan in addition to conventional therapy (furosemide and benazepril). Materials, Methods & Results: Inclusion criteria: dogs in class III or stabilized class IV (NYHA). Exclusion criteria: use of positive inotrope and antiarrhythmic, presence of atrial fi brillation, renal or hepatic disease or neoplasia. Thirty three dogs were included and randomly assigned to DIG (n = 11), PIMO (n = 14) and placebo (PL) (n = 8) and followed up weekly. Data was evaluated for days zero, 7, 14 and 28. Increasing score was assigned to each variable depending on worsening of clinical evaluation (history and physical exam, QoLQ and echocardiogram (echo).Three dogs died during treatment due to worsening of HF, one of PL group and two of DIG group; furthermore, one of PIMO group was censored due to worsening of heart failure. There was no signifi cant difference between and within groups for echo and radiography. PL and DIG groups did not show any signifi cant difference throughout the 28 days of treatment. PIMO group showed lower physical exam score and increased early mitral infl ow velocity on day 28. Serum creatinine increased on days 14 and 28 compared to baseline, but within normal limits. The groups were similar within each evaluation day. Discussion: This is the fi rst short term prospective randomized double blind study comparing PIMO to DIG or PL additionally to conventional therapy (ACEi and furosemide) for dogs with HF due to CDMVD. It was observed an early signifi cant clinical improvement in dogs receiving PIMO compared to those receiving DIG or PL. The increase in early mitral infl ow velocity (E-wave) on day 28 for PIMO group is suggestive of diastolic dysfunction improvement, but this is only one variable related to diastolic function. Creatinine concentration increased in PIMO group, although it remained within normal range. In the present study, although all the three groups received furosemide, only PIMO group showed increase in blood creatinine between baseline and days 7 and 28. This result must be explored in later studies. Regarding the exercise intolerance assessment in a QoLQ, it must be aware that the owner evaluation is strongly infl uenced by the level of exercise that the dog is regularly submitted. Considering that most of the times, small breed dogs in a more advanced age is probably more sedentary and this fact surely precludes the owner to assess the exercise capacity. A more objective evaluation of the exercise tolerance should be considered in further clinical trials. Probably because of the small number of animals included in this study, differences in other studied variables were not found. The short-term follow-up of these patients may also have infl uenced the lack of differences among groups. Considering that stronger clinical evidence is needed to guide clinical decisions, longer prospective studies are also needed to compare the effects of DIG and PIMO, as well as to consider the benefi ts of the use or not of DIG associated with PIMO for dogs in HF due to CDMVD.Funding. This project was fi nancially supported by FAPESP - São Paulo Research Foundation, process number 08/57620-2

Oxidative Stress and Modification of Renal Vascular Permeability Are Associated with Acute Kidney Injury during P. berghei ANKA Infection

Malaria associated-acute kidney injury (AKI) is associated with 45% of mortality in adult patients hospitalized with severe form of the disease. However, the causes that lead to a framework of malaria-associated AKI are still poorly characterized. Some clinical studies speculate that oxidative stress products, a characteristic of Plasmodium infection, as well as proinflammatory response induced by the parasite are involved in its pathophysiology. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the development of malaria-associated AKI during infection by P. berghei ANKA, with special attention to the role played by the inflammatory response and the involvement of oxidative stress. For that, we took advantage of an experimental model of severe malaria that showed significant changes in the renal pathophysiology to investigate the role of malaria infection in the renal microvascular permeability and tissue injury. Therefore, BALB/c mice were infected with P. berghei ANKA. To assess renal function, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and ratio of proteinuria and creatininuria were evaluated. The products of oxidative stress, as well as cytokine profile were quantified in plasma and renal tissue. The change of renal microvascular permeability, tissue hypoxia and cellular apoptosis were also evaluated. Parasite infection resulted in renal dysfunction. Furthermore, we observed increased expression of adhesion molecule, proinflammatory cytokines and products of oxidative stress, associated with a decrease mRNA expression of HO-1 in kidney tissue of infected mice. The measurement of lipoprotein oxidizability also showed a significant increase in plasma of infected animals. Together, our findings support the idea that products of oxidative stress, as well as the immune response against the parasite are crucial to changes in kidney architecture and microvascular endothelial permeability of BALB/c mice infected with P. berghei ANKA.State of Sao Paulo Foundation for Research Support (FAPESP)State of Sao Paulo Foundation for Research Support (FAPESP) [07/07139-3, 10/52180-4, 12/02270-2]CAPESCAPESBrazilian Council of Scientific and Technologic Development (International Associated Laboratory of Renal Immunopathology, CNPq/Inserm)Brazilian Council of Scientific and Technologic Development (International Associated Laboratory of Renal Immunopathology, CNPq/Inserm)Complex Fluids INCT (FAPESP/CNPq)Complex Fluids INCT (FAPESP/CNPq

III Diretriz Brasileira de Insuficiência Cardíaca Crônica

Universidade de São Paulo Faculdade de Medicina Hospital das ClínicasUniversidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul Hospital de Clínicas de Porto AlegreUniversidade de Pernambuco Faculdade de Ciências Médicas de PernambucoUniversidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Escola Paulista de MedicinaUniversidade Federal de Minas Gerais Faculdade de MedicinaFaculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio PretoFundação Universitária de Cardiologia do Rio Grande do Sul Instituto de CardiologiaRede Labs D'OrUniversidade Federal FluminenseUniversidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro Faculdade de Ciencias MédicasInstituto Dante Pazzanese de CardiologiaSanta Casa de MisericórdiaUniversidade de Pernambuco Pronto Socorro Cardiológico de PernambucoHospital Pró CardíacoHospital de MessejanaPontifícia Universidade Católica do ParanáUniversidade Federal de Goiás Faculdade de MedicinaUniversidade de São Paulo Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão PretoReal e Benemerita Sociedade de Beneficência PortuguesaFaculdade de Ciências Médicas de Minas GeraisUNIFESP, EPMSciEL

Photography-based taxonomy is inadequate, unnecessary, and potentially harmful for biological sciences

The question whether taxonomic descriptions naming new animal species without type specimen(s) deposited in collections should be accepted for publication by scientific journals and allowed by the Code has already been discussed in Zootaxa (Dubois & Nemésio 2007; Donegan 2008, 2009; Nemésio 2009a–b; Dubois 2009; Gentile & Snell 2009; Minelli 2009; Cianferoni & Bartolozzi 2016; Amorim et al. 2016). This question was again raised in a letter supported by 35 signatories published in the journal Nature (Pape et al. 2016) on 15 September 2016. On 25 September 2016, the following rebuttal (strictly limited to 300 words as per the editorial rules of Nature) was submitted to Nature, which on 18 October 2016 refused to publish it. As we think this problem is a very important one for zoological taxonomy, this text is published here exactly as submitted to Nature, followed by the list of the 493 taxonomists and collection-based researchers who signed it in the short time span from 20 September to 6 October 2016