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As the most successful crayfish invader and possible vector for infectious agents, signal crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus is among the major drivers of the native crayfish species decline in Europe. We describe histopathological manifestation and frequency of newly detected idiopathic necrotizing hepatopancreatitis along the invasion range of the signal crayfish in the Korana River in Croatia. Our results show extremely high prevalence of necrotizing hepatopancreatitis (97.3%), with 58.9% of individuals displaying mild and 31.5% moderate histopathological changes in the hepatopancreas, also reflected in the lower hepatosomatic index of analysed animals. Recorded histopathological changes were more frequent in the invasion core where population density is higher. Our preliminary screening of co‐occurring native narrow‐clawed crayfish Pontastacus leptodactylus showed lower incidence (33.3%) and only mild hepatopancreatic lesions, but potentially highlighted the susceptibility of native crayfish populations to this disease. Pilot analyses of dissolved trace and macro elements in water, sediment fractions and crayfish hepatopancreas do not highlight alarming or unusually high concentrations of analysed elements. Hepatopancreas microbiome analysis, using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, identified taxonomic groups that should be further investigated, along with impacts of the disease on health and viability of both invasive and native crayfish populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective/Context: In this study, we aim to evaluate the expansion of bilateralism. Indeed, the multilateralism-regionalism dichotomy fails to accurately account for the scopes of trade integration occurring in the past two decades. Methodology: In order to assess the rise of bilateralism, we methodologically choose to examine the protagonist role played by China and the US in the international integration scenario. Conclusions: Empirically, our results show that China and the US hold roughly the same number of FTAs in effect. Our results unveil three major discrepancies that stand out as distinguishing national strategies towards trade agreements. First, concerning profile policy - we show, confirming previous theoretical studies, that the US follows a standard trade strategy while China favors an idiosyncratic posture in the scope of its trade deals. Second, we find out that China shows a clear preference for making trade deals with neighboring countries, which ratifies China's strategy to consolidate its regional hegemony in Asia. Third, our hypothesis of political proximity proves to be more influential to Chinese trade authorities' initiatives. Originality: Our main contribution lies in comparing bilateral and regional/multilateral trade agreements regarding the scope of goods and services, the geopolitical context, and the degree of policy flexibility. Theoretically, we show that regionalism and bilateralism benefit its parties by negotiating profits and losses in trade deals; the latter allows for an even more tailored agreement via discretionary measures pertinent to the countries' needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infectious haemolytic anaemia (IHA) in dogs share similar clinical signs including fever, lethargy, icterus, paleness of mucous membranes and splenomegaly. Postmortal findings are similar and, without additional diagnostic methods, an accurate aetiological diagnosis is difficult to achieve. In order to investigate causes of lethal IHA in Croatian dogs, we performed a retrospective study on archived formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue blocks (FFPEB) from dogs that died due to haemolytic crisis, using microscopic and molecular diagnostic tools to determine the aetiological cause of disease. Molecular analysis was performed on kidney, lung, myocardium and spleen on FFPEB from all dogs. The originally stated aetiological diagnosis of B. canis or leptospirosis was confirmed in only 53% of the dogs. PCR and sequencing revealed that, in addition to the expected pathogens, B. canis and Leptospira interrogans , the presence of previously undiagnosed "new" pathogens causing anaemia including Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis and Anaplasma phagocytophilum. Furthermore, Theileria capreoli was detected for the first time in a dog with postmortal descriptions of lesions. Intensive extravascular hemolysis was noticeable as jaundice of the mucosa, subcutis and fat tissue, green or yellow discoloration of renal parenchyma caused by bilirubin excretion in the renal tubules and bile accumulation within the liver in 90% of the dogs. This work highlights the value of molecular diagnostics to complement traditional ante-mortem and post-mortem diagnostic protocols for the aetiological diagnosis of pathogens associated with IHA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The daily family life of a child with chronic disease changes according to the illness's demands. The siblings of these children may receive less attention from both parents, as well as from the rest of the family, who may focus more on the sick child and not in a similar way on the healthy sibling. Objectives: To compile perceptions of siblings of children hospitalized due to chronic disease. Methodology: Siblings of children diagnosed with chronic diseases, aged between 8 and 16 years, participated in the study. We used open interviews, recording, transcribing, and submitting them to analysis. Results: We were able to interview only four siblings. In the interviews' analysis, four categories of results (Coping with the sibling's disease; Family restructuring; Experiences resulting from the sibling's hospitalization; and Experiences of exclusion) emerged. Conclusion: The siblings of children with chronic diseases live in a situation of vulnerability and exclusion, demonstrate difficulties in dealing with their perceptions and feelings, which proves it is essential to involve the sibling in the nursing process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Canine vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) are a group of globally distributed and rapidly spreading microorganisms transmitted by arthropods. In the present survey, we investigated Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia canis, Dirofilaria immitis and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato seroprevalence between three groups of dogs (asymptomatic, suspected and deceased) from continental and coastal regions of Croatia with the commercial point-of-care SNAP®4Dx®Plus for VBPs. The overall prevalence for tested pathogens in dogs was 6.1% with the highest prevalence detected for Anaplasma spp. (4.5%), while the remaining pathogens were found at a prevalence of less than 1% (E. canis 0.6%, B. burgdorferi s.l. 0.4%, D. immitis 0.6%). No statistically significant differences in VBP detection between dog cohorts could be found with the exception of D. immitis in the deceased group. Interestingly, no evidence of D. immitis could be found in the hearts of dogs in this group at necropsy, however. This study provides the first data on the seroprevalence of selected VBPs between dogs of different health statuses in Croatia. The results demonstrate that serological evidence of VBPs alone or in combination with co-infections were found just as frequently in asymptomatic dogs as those with suspected or confirmed evidence of VBP disease, raising questions about the pathogenic potential of these organisms in domesticated dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bacteria Anaplasma platys, Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Ehrlichia canis are tick-borne agents that cause canine vector-borne disease . The prevalence of these pathogens in South Eastern Europe is unknown with the exception of an isolated case of A. platys detected in a dog imported into Germany from Croatia. To gain a better insight into their presence and prevalence, PCR-based screening for these bacterial pathogens was performed on domesticated dogs from different regions of Croatia. Blood samples from 1080 apparently healthy dogs from coastal and continental parts of Croatia as well as tissue samples collected from 63 deceased dogs with a history of anaemia and thrombocytopenia were collected for molecular screening by an Anaplasmataceae-specific 16S rRNA conventional PCR. Positive samples were confirmed using a second Anaplasmataceae-specific PCR assay with the PCR product sequenced for the purpose of bacterial species identification. All sequenced isolates were georeferenced and a kernel intensity estimator was used to identify clusters of greater case intensity. 42/1080 (3.8%; CI 2.7-5.0) of the healthy dogs were PCR positive for bacteria in the Anaplasmataceae. Sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene amplified from these positive samples revealed the presence of A. platys in 2.5% (CI 1.6-3.4%, 27 dogs), A. phagocytophilum in 0.3% (CI 0-0.6%, 3 dogs) and a Wolbachia endosymbiont in 1.1% (CI 0.4-1.6%, 12 dogs) of dogs screened in this study. Necropsied dogs were free from infection. Notably, no evidence of E. canis infection was found in any animal. This survey represents a rare molecular study of Anaplasmataceae in dogs in South Eastern Europe, confirming the presence of A. platys and A. phagocytophilum but not E. canis. The absence of E. canis was surprising given it has been described in all other Mediterranean countries surveyed and raises questions over the regional vector capacity of the Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Classification of Babesia parasites has traditionally relied on morphological differentiation based on piroplasm size and shape. Molecular typing has subsequently revealed a more complex taxonomy for these piroplasms than previously thought. To evaluate the factors that influence the morphology of Babesia species upon microscopic examination and hence, their taxonomic classification, we performed detailed characterizations of piroplasms from archival and prospective collections of cytological samples of dogs with piroplasmosis before and after death. Merozoite morphology and time of parasite disappearance following imidocarb dipropionate was also investigated. Methods: The study was divided into a (i) review of archived cytological slides from confirmed cases of canine piroplasmosis and (ii) a prospective study of smears and tissue imprints from 15 recently necropsied dogs. The latter group could be further sub-divided into a non-treated group and an imidocarb dipropionate-treated group. Exact times of treatment before death were reviewed. Additional blood smears prepared from the live dogs and taken before therapy were also evaluated in the latter group. Parasite burden per each slide was determined in both studies. The shape and size of merozoites were described from blood smears taken while the dogs were alive and from different organs during necropsy. The results of all measurements were statistically analyzed. Results: The morphology and size of merozoites from live dogs corresponded to that of previously described 'large' Babesia. The morphology and size of merozoites were significantly different (P < 0.001) in postmortem samples, however and more consistent in shape and size with piroplasm cells previously referred to as 'small' Babesia. PCR and sequencing confirmed B. canis as the causative agent of disease in all investigated dogs, including in postmortem negative tissue imprints from dogs treated at least 24 h before death. Conclusions: Changes in the morphology of 'large' B. canis to 'small'-like Babesia observed by light microscopy appear to represent a common postmortem change. Classification of Babesia parasites into 'large' and 'small' Babesia using only microscopy of postmortem slides should be treated with caution. PCR-based methodologies for detection and molecular typing of Babesia spp. may prove valuable for investigating suspected cases of babesiosis following necropsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. are important emerging causes of disease in dogs. Alongside these domesticated hosts, there is increasing recognition that these piroplasms can also be found in a range of wild animals with isolated reports describing the presence of these pathogen in foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and captive grey wolves (Canis lupus). The prevalence and impact of these infections in free-ranging populations of canids are unknown. To gain a better insight into the epidemiology and pathogenesis of piroplasm infections in free-ranging grey wolves, pathological and molecular investigations into captive and free-ranging grey wolves in Croatia were performed. Results: The carcasses of 107 free-ranging wolves and one captive wolf were the subjects of post-mortem investigations and sampling for molecular studies. A blood sample from one live captured wolf for telemetric tracking was also used for molecular analysis. PCR amplification targeting the 18S RNA gene revealed that 21 of 108 free-ranging wolves and one captive animal were positive for Theileria/Babesia DNA. Subsequent sequencing of a fragment of the 18S RNA gene revealed that 7/22 animals were positive for Babesia canis while the other amplified sequence were found to be identical with corresponding 18S rDNA sequences of Theileria capreoli isolated from wild deer (15/22). Haematological and cytological analysis revealed the presence of signet-ring shaped or pear-shaped piroplasms in several animals with the overall parasite burden in all positive animals assessed to be very low. Pathological investigation of the captive animal revealed fatal septicemia as a likely outcome of hemolytic anaemia. There was little or no evidence of hemolytic disease consistent with babesiosis in other animals. Conclusion: Importantly, the presence of B. canis in free-ranging grey wolves has not been described before but has been reported in a single fox and domestic dogs only. That B. canis infections cause disease in dogs but have little impact on wolf health possibly suggests that the wolf is the natural and the domestic dog is a secondary host. Surprisingly, the frequent finding of Theileria capreoli in wolves suggests that this Theileria species is not restricted to ungulates (cervids) but commonly infects also this carnivore species. Nevertheless, the potential role that these asymptomatically infected animals may play in the dispersal of these pathogens to susceptible sympatric species such as domesticated dogs requires further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate lung maturity using ultrasound (US), comparing the subjective and gray-scale histogram (GSH) techniques. Methods: A total of 77 single pregnancies were evaluated and divided into the following two groups: 11 women of gestational age 28 to 35 + 6 weeks and 66 women ≥ 36 weeks. The women underwent to emergency or planned cesarean section, according to fetal-maternal indications. The US was performed on the mean sagittal plane of the fetal torso, in order to observe the lung and hepatic areas. Fetal lung maturity was evaluated subjectively and through GSH. After delivery, the incidence of respiratory distress in the newborn was evaluated. The analyses were considered to be correct or incorrect, and comparisons were made using the McNemar test. In order to compare lung/hepatic echogenicity using GSH in groups with and without respiratory distress, the Student's t-test was used. Results: The subjective evaluation identified 41 cases (53.2%) correctly and 36 (46.8%) incorrectly, while GSH found 58 (75.3%) correctly and 19 (24.7%) incorrectly ( p = 0.006). There was a significant difference in mean lung/hepatic echogenicity between the groups with and without respiratory distress (1.05 versus 1.26; p = 0.002). In the group of 28 to 35 + 6 weeks, GSH presented sensitivity, specificity and accuracy in predicting respiratory distress of 61.9%, 89.1% and 81.6%, respectively. Conclusion: The evaluation of fetal lung maturity through GSH was more effective than the subjective method in predicting respiratory distress among newborns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the influence of hospital environment on aspects related to breastfeeding and communication on the mother/ newborn interaction during the breastfeeding process. Methods: This consisted on a cross-sectional study composed by 34 dyads: 18 in rooming-in care and 16 in intermediate/medium care units of a public hospital. Each dyad was observed at the time of breastfeeding, and data were analyzed considering the aspects standardized by UNICEF for breastfeeding. Verbal and nonverbal communication modes were observed. Results: Comparison of variables showed significant associations between hospital environment and the position of the mother in relation to the newborn and mother stimulation and vocalization to the neonate, with favorable percentage for the dyad that was in rooming. The other variables did not differ. Conclusion: Important conditions for the establishment of breastfeeding and communication between mother and newborn are influenced by the location of the dyad, especially the hospital environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Trichinella spiralis and Trichinella britovi are species that are frequently found in domestic pigs and various sylvatic animals in Croatia. During routine trichinoscopy, non-encapsulated larvae were detected in the muscle tissue of a domestic pig. Artificial digestion revealed a larvae burden of 602 muscle larvae per gram of tissue. Tissue section analysis confirmed the presence of non-encapsulated larvae. Multiplex PCR identified the larvae as T. pseudospiralis. This observation is consistent with the reports of a local veterinary inspector who described the presence of non-encapsulated Trichinella in four individual cases over the last 2 years. This is the first report of T. pseudospiralis in Croatia and one of very few cases of T. pseudospiralis infection described in domestic pigs. The detection of non-encapsulated larvae stresses the need for implementation of artificial digestion instead of trichinoscopy for the detection and identification of Trichinella infections. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of Trichinella infection in wolves (Canis lupus) in a 17,468km2 area in Croatia. Muscle samples were collected from 67 wolves between 1996 and 2007 and analyzed by artificial digestion. Muscle larvae were detected in 21 wolves (31%) and genotyped by multiplex PCR. Trichinella britovi was the predominant species confirmed in 90% (19 wolves) while Trichinella spiralis was detected in 9% (2 wolves). The presence of the so called “domestic”Trichinella species was a surprise since, to date, only T. britovi had been reported in wild animals in this region. The larval burdens in infected animals ranged from 0.3 to 45.9 larvae per gram. The prevalence of infected animals varied by geographic region; infected animals were found in the region of Gorski Kotar (20%) which has very similar environment to the region of Lika, where almost all wolves were found infected. Interestingly, this is the first report of infected wolves in Dalmatia. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Dirofilariosis is a parasitic mosquito-borne disease caused by members of the genus Dirofilaria, which includes Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens. Surveillance studies in Europe have revealed that D. immitis can also be detected in a range of wild carnivores, raising questions over the impact of infections on wild carnivore animal health but also whether these populations may act as a reservoir for infection of other species, including domestic dogs and humans. Methods: In the current study, we conducted surveillance for the presence of D. immitis in several wild carnivore species, including golden jackals (Canis aureus; n = 77), red foxes (Vulpes vulpes; n = 326), and European badgers (Meles meles;n = 28), collected during an annual rabies surveillance and control program from across continental and coastal regions of Croatia. Results: Macroscopic examination of the right chambers of the heart during a post-mortem examination resulted in the detection of filarial parasites in 6.5% (5/77) golden jackal carcasses. Morphological identification, confirmed by molecular screening, classified all parasites as D. immitis. No D. immitis were detected in the red foxes or European badgers examined. All infected golden jackals were adults aged from 2 to 7 years with a parasite load ranging from 2 to 7 nematodes per carcass. One animal was infected with a sexually mature pair, while a second harbored pre-mature parasites; the remaining positive jackals were infected with female parasites only. Notably, histological examination of cardiac and lung tissue revealed proliferative endarteritis in the jackal with the highest parasite burden. Conclusions: Further studies are required to establish whether golden jackals, as well as other wild carnivore hosts, may serve as competent definitive hosts of D. immitis and act as reservoirs for infection of other species including domestic dogs and humans. Histological changes in the cardiac tissue of at least one positive jackal were suggestive of infection with pathological consequences for the host. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Lipschütz ulcers (LU) were first described as rare vulvar ulcerations that affect adolescents without previous history of sexual contact. However, more LU patients have been identified in acute genital ulcers (AGU) services in Europe.Purpose: To review cases of AGU and analyze the occurrence of LU in the Ob/Gyn Emergency Department of a Brazilian private hospital, using the currently used diagnostic criteria.Methods: All female patients who sought our service with AGU complaints from January 2009 to July 2015 were selected and had their medical records reviewed, considering the clinical data and some diagnostic criteria, that included: < 20 years old, first AGU episode, sudden onset, absence of sexual contact 3 months before onset and the absence of immunodeficiency.Results: 273 patients eligible for analysis were identified according to the criteria and 12 (4.39%) of them were identified with the possible diagnosis of LU. By applying less restrictive criteria that allowed the inclusion of patients of any age and sexual status, 98 were identified (35.89%).Conclusions: Despite being described as a rare pathology, ours and previous results indicate a considerable number of AGU cases, suggesting that LU should be better known and considered for differential diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This creates a situation for undisturbed I D. repens i exposure to humans, development of mature male and female worms and microfilariae. To derive definitive conclusions, increased surveillance is required of human blood samples for screening by ELISA and molecular tests for the detection of I D. repens i (Mendoza-Roldan et al., 2021). Furthermore, the presence of gravid female I D. repens i in humans does not guarantee peripheral blood microfilaremia, yet, microfilariae may be limited to local tissues. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Hepatozoon spp. are tick-borne parasites causing subclinical to clinical disease in wild and domestic animals. Aim of this study was to determine Hepatozoon prevalence and species distribution among wild mammals and ticks in Europe. Methods: Samples of wild mammals and ticks, originating from Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Belgium and the Netherlands, were tested with PCR to amplify a ~ 670-bp fragment of the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene. Results: Of the 2801 mammal samples that were used for this study, 370 (13.2%) tested positive. Hepatozooncanis was detected in samples of 178 animals (3 Artiodactyla, 173 Carnivora, 1 Eulipotyphia, 1 Lagomorpha), H.martis in 125 (3 Artiodactyla, 122 Carnivora), H.sciuri in 13 (all Rodentia), Hepatozoon sp. in 47 (among which Hepatozoon sp. Vole isolate, all Rodentia) and H.ayorgbor in 4 (all Rodentia). Regarding origin, 2.9% (6/208) tested positive from Austria, 2.8% (1/36) from Bosnia and Herzegovina, 14.6% (173/1186) from Croatia and 13.9% (190/1371) from Belgium/the Netherlands. Of the 754 ticks collected, 0.0% (0/35) Hyalomma sp., 16.0% (4/25) Dermacentor spp., 0.0% (0/23) Haemaphysalis spp., 5.3% (24/50) Ixodes and 1.4% (3/221) Rhipicephalus spp. tested positive for Hepatozoon (4.2%; 32/754), most often H.canis (n = 22). Conclusions: Hepatozooncanis is most present in mammals (especially in Carnivora such as gray wolves and golden jackals) and ticks, followed by H.martis, which was found merely in stone martens and pine martens. None of the rodent-associated Hepatozoon spp. were detected in the ticks, suggesting the possible implication of other arthropod species or non-vectorial routes in the transmission cycle of the hemoprotozoans in rodents. Our findings of H.canis in ticks other than R.sanguineus add to the observation that other ticks are also involved in the life cycle of Hepatozoon. Now that presence of Hepatozoon has been demonstrated in red foxes, gray wolves, mustelids and rodents from the Netherlands and/or Belgium, veterinary clinicians should be aware of the possibility of spill-over to domestic animals, such as dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Orf virus (ORFV) is the prototype of the parapoxvirus genus and it primarily causes contagious ecthyma in goats, sheep, and other ruminants worldwide. In this paper, we described the sequence and phylogenetic analysis of the B2L gene of ORFV from two natural outbreaks: i) in autochthonous Croatian Cresbreed sheep and ii) on small family goat farm. Results: Sequence and phylogenetic analyses of the ORFV B2L gene showed that the Cro-Cres-12446/09 and Cro-Goat-11727/10 were not clustered together. Cro-Cres-12446/09 shared the highest similarity with ORFV NZ2 from New Zealand, and Ena from Japan; Cro-Goat-11727/10 was closest to the HuB from China and Taiping and Hoping from Taiwan. Conclusion: Distinct ORFV strains are circulating in Croatia. Although ORFV infections are found ubiquitously wherever sheep and goats are farmed in Croatia, this is the first information on genetic relatedness of any Croatian ORFV with other isolates around the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the main drivers of biodiversity loss in freshwater ecosystems are alien invasive species. In Europe, pathogen Aphanomyces astaci Schikora, 1906, is considered as one of the most problematic invasive species, as its introduction caused the severe decimation of the European freshwater crayfish stocks. The most affected are the populations of noble crayfish, keystone species native to European freshwaters. Unfortunately, even after decades of research, we do not understand the temporal dynamics of the noble crayfish immune response during Ap. astaci infection. Here, we studied the changes in the immune response of the noble crayfish during a time course challenge with a highly virulent strain of Ap. astaci. We recorded gross symptoms of the disease, changes in the total haemocyte count, gene expression profiles of putative immune response regulators and pathogen load. Additionally, we conducted a preliminary histological analysis of the pathogen dissemination in host tissues. Based on the occurrence of symptoms we propose three stages in the crayfish plague disease progression: asymptomatic stage, symptomatic stage, and finally death of infected individual. Furthermore, based on the qPCR analysis we could differentiate three Ap. astaci growth phases: initial lag phase, followed by exponential growth phase and finally sporulation phase. We observed that all measured immune response parameters were significantly correlated to the observed increase in the pathogen load (qPCR). Altogether, our results point to the absence of a successful immune response in the noble crayfish to a challenge with a highly virulent strain of Ap. astaci. The noble crayfish immune system was not able to suppress the growth of the intruding pathogen. In general, our observations have to be considered in the context of the specific combination of crayfish plague pathogen virulence and disease resistance of the challenged crayfish population, which defines the temporal dynamics of their interaction. • There are multiple stages in the progression of the crayfish plague disease in the noble crayfish. • Aphanomyces astaci growth within the challenged noble crayfish has multiple phases. • Measured host immune system parameters change based on the pathogen load. • Reduction in the total haemocyte count precedes the death of challenged noble crayfish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was performed to examine the adequacy of biological inert patches as a substitute material for the construction of urinary bladder replacement tissue. An animal model experiment was conducted in six sheep and six swine. In all animals partial resection of the urinary bladder was performed; round or oval-shaped, 5-6 cm in diameter. Patches of the same shape, 4-5 cm in diameter were used. Two types of patches, polytetrafluorethylene and small intestinal submucosa were tested in the experiment, sewn with an absorbable 4-0 polydioxanone suture. Following 16 weeks the animals were euthanized followed by autopsy and histologic analysis. All animals showed evidence of bladder regeneration at the replaced segment. The patches were found to be contracted to 12-20 mm in length and 8-10 mm in width, attached to the bladder mucosa with their smaller base and protruding into the bladder lumen. In some animals, no shrunk patches were found, suggesting they had been passed out by urine. Histologically, fibrous tissue completely replacing the substitute tissue was identified with endothelial-lined luminal surface and submucosal and serosal ingrowth of new blood vessels. The replacement tissue showed no evidence of muscle layer ingrowth. Bladder capacity was also measured and no significant decrease was recorded. Our experiment demonstrated the formation of replacement tissue at the site of graft implantation, which allows the resection of a larger portion of bladder without decreasing its capacity and thus constitutes a very good method for surgical treatment of urinary bladder tumours and other defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To analyze and to compare clinical repercussions of accidents involving legally and illegally commercialized household sanitizers in children under 7 years of age. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used to collect data from electronic database of a regional Poison Control Center during one year. Data were analyzed by means of descriptive non-parametric statistics and association tests. Results: The sample had 737 reported cases. Most of the accidents occurred with children under 3 years of age (median: 1 year of age; interquartile interval: 1-3 years of age), at home (92.9%), by ingestion (97.2%). Products involved were cleaning products with low toxicity and no caustic effects (38.9%); caustics (24.1%); hydrocarbons (19.3%); pesticides/rodenticides (16.6%), and other products (1.1%). Seventy accidents were due to exposures to illegal products, mainly caustics (n=47) and rodenticides (n=15). Among the 337 children presenting post-exposure clinical manifestations, the most frequent were vomiting (n=125), oral burns (n=74), cough (n=35), drooling (n=26), and abdominal pain (n=25). Clinical manifestations were significantly more frequent after illegal products exposure (55/70 versus 282/667, p<0.01). Nineteen children had to be hospitalized (caustics, n=17; illegal products, n=12; median time of hospitalization: 2 days), 22 were submitted to esophagogastroduodenoscopy (sodium hydroxide, n=14; illegal products, n=14); and 12 cases had endoscopic alterations (severe in 2). No deaths occurred. Conclusion: Toxic exposures owing to illegal household sanitizer products are associated with greater morbidity when compared with legal ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Testicular tumors are the most common genital neoplasms in male dogs, with Leydig cell tumors (LCT), seminomas (SEM), and Sertoli cell tumors (SCT) the most common forms. Human SEM are classified as classical (CSEM) or spermatocytic (SSEM). Intratubular germ cell neoplasia of undifferentiated origin (IGCNU) is another form of human testicular tumor. The aim of this study was to verify that CSEM/SSEM classification is valid in dogs and confirm the existence of canine IGCNU. Results Testicular tumors were found in 46% of dogs at necropsy and accounted for 7% of tumors biopsied. The median age of dogs with tumors at necropsy was 10.16 years; median age at positive biopsy was 10.24 years. The most common tumors, in decreasing order, were LCT, mixed tumors, SEM and SCT at necropsy, and SEM, SCT, mixed tumors, LCT, peripheral nerve sheath tumor, and teratoma in the biopsy group. IGCNU was found in 3% of testicles at necropsy and in 3% of biopsy samples. Two dogs had testicular tumor metastasis. Expression of c-KIT was most common in SEM and seminomatous components of mixed tumors. PLAP was mostly expressed in IGCNU, SEM, teratoma, and some mixed tumors. Cytokeratin was mainly expressed in SCT. CD30 expression was low in both groups. Conclusions The high tumor incidence at necropsy can be attributed to older age. Tumor incidence in biopsy samples, dog age, and histological classification were consistent with previous studies. The higher incidence of SEM and SCT in the biopsy group probably resulted from the obvious clinical expression of these tumor types. The low incidence of metastasis confirmed the predominance of benign tumors. Low CD30 expression confirmed the low incidence of testicular embryonal carcinoma. Cytokeratin helps differentiate stromal tumors, especially SCT, from germ cell tumors. Histology and c-KIT and PLAP expression indicate that IGCNU exists in dogs. Expression of c-KIT and PLAP confirmed that CSEM and SSEM classification is valid in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Babesiosis, the disease caused by tick-borne hematozoan parasites of the genus Babesia, is particularly common in dogs, and is caused by several “large” species of Babesia, as well as by an increasing number of “small” species of Babesia, some of which appear to be more closely related to members of the genus Theileria. In this work, blood samples were collected from 848 randomly selected, asymptomatic dogs and from 81 symptomatic dogs, microscopically positive for Babesia, and characterised by PCR and sequence analysis of a fragment of the ssrRNA gene. A prevalence of 3.42% (29 of 848) was found in asymptomatic dogs and sequence analysis revealed the presence of Babesia canis canis in 20 dogs (69%), Babesia gibsoni in six dogs (21%), Babesia canis vogeli in two dogs (7%) and Theileria annae in one dog (3%). In the group of symptomatic dogs, which were all positive by PCR, B. canis canis was the predominant species (78 dogs, or 96%), followed by single infections with B. canis vogeli, Babesia caballi and Theileria equi. Our study has confirmed that dogs are infected with a wide range of both large and small piroplasm species and subspecies, including B. caballi and T. equi, two parasites usually found in horses. The detection of the pathogenic species B. canis canis and B. gibsoni in asymptomatic dogs indicates that the relationship between parasite species/subspecies and clinical signs of infection in dogs deserves further investigation. Finally, the identities of the tick vectors transmitting T. annae and B. caballi remain to be elucidated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]