Search

Intrinsic hand muscles play a fundamental role in tuning the fine motricity of the hand and may be affected by several pathologic conditions, including traumatic injuries, atrophic changes induced by denervation, and space-occupying masses. Modern hand surgery techniques allow to target several hand muscle pathologies and, as a direct consequence, requests for hand imaging now carry increasingly complex diagnostic questions. The progressive refinement of ultrasound technology and the current availability of high and ultra-high frequency linear transducers that allow the investigation of intrinsic hand muscles and tendons with incomparable resolution have made this modality an essential tool for the evaluation of pathological processes involving these tiny structures. Indeed, intrinsic hand muscles lie in a superficial position and are amenable to investigation by means of transducers with frequency bands superior to 20 MHz, offering clear advantages in terms of resolution and costs compared to magnetic resonance imaging. In addition, ultrasound allows to perform dynamic maneuvers that can critically enhance its diagnostic power, by examining the questioned structure during stress tests that simulate the conditions eliciting clinical symptoms. The present article aims to review the anatomy, the ultrasound scanning technique, and the clinical application of thenar, hypothenar, lumbricals and interossei muscles imaging, also showing some examples of pathology involving these structures.

Plantar intrinsic muscles play a pivotal role in posture control and gait dynamics. They help maintain the longitudinal and transverse arches of the foot, and they regulate the degree and velocity of arch deformation during walking or running. Consequently, pathologies affecting the plantar intrinsic muscles (for instance, acquired and inherited neuropathies) lead to foot deformity, gait disorders, and painful syndromes. Intrinsic muscle malfunctioning is also associated with multifactorial overuse or degenerative conditions such as pes planus, hallux valgus, and plantar fasciitis. As the clinical examination of each intrinsic muscle is challenging, ultrasound is gaining a growing interest as an imaging tool to investigate the trophism of these muscular structures and the pattern of their alterations, and potentially to follow up on the effects of dedicated rehabilitation protocols. The ten plantar intrinsic muscles can be dived into three groups (medial, central and lateral) and four layers. Here, we propose a regional and landmark-based approach to the complex sonoanatomy of the plantar intrinsic muscles in order to facilitate the correct identification of each muscle from the superficial to the deepest layer. We also summarize the pathological ultrasound findings that can be encountered when scanning the plantar muscles, pointing out the patterns of alterations specific to certain conditions, such as plantar nerves mononeuropathies.

Copyright of Equine Veterinary Journal is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Sarcoptic mange, caused by epidermal infection with Sarcoptes scabiei, negatively impacts the health, welfare, and local abundance of bare-nosed wombats (Vombatus ursinus) in Australia. Improved understanding of the host immune response to disease and its contribution to pathophysiology could be used to inform management actions for this species in and ex situ. To evaluate the immune response of bare-nosed wombats to sarcoptic mange, we validated three assays (haptoglobin, agarose gel electrophoresis, and micro-erythrocyte sedimentation rate) measuring non-specific markers of inflammation using serum samples from free-living wombats from Tasmania (n = 33). We then analysed correlations between the assay results for each non-specific marker of inflammation and wombat's sarcoptic mange scores, and performed histopathological examinations to investigate association of the acute phase response with systemic amyloidosis. We present evidence that haptoglobin and erythrocyte sedimentation rate increased, and albumin decreased, in association with sarcoptic mange scores. This research demonstrates links between the acute phase response and sarcoptic mange severity in bare-nosed wombats, highlighting the utility of non-specific markers of inflammation for aiding assessment of the systemic effects of mange. Showing the value of agarose gel electrophoresis, we also identified specific acute phase proteins warranting future evaluation and found evidence of an immunoglobulin response in mange-affected wombats, revealed by increasing γ-globulins in association with apparent disease severity. Meanwhile, owing to its relatively low resource requirements and rapidity, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate assay may be useful as a point-of-care test to support therapeutic decisions in the field. Our methods and findings are likely to be applicable to a range of other clinical and population health scenarios in captive and free-living wombats, and species impacted by sarcoptic mange globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Laminitis associated with hyperinsulinaemia is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in horses with equine metabolic syndrome. The diagnosis and management of hyperinsulinaemia are therefore critical to prevent the development of laminitis. This review article aims to help primary care clinicians manage patients with hyperinsulinaemia by providing an overview of diagnostics, management strategies and new therapies that are available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Preliminary evidence indicates that ertugliflozin benefits horses and ponies (hereafter collectively referred to as horses) with hyperinsulinaemia and hyperinsulinaemia‐associated laminitis. The effects of ertugliflozin on the results of the oral sugar test used widely in the assessment of insulin dysregulation (ID), have not been reported. Objectives: To report the effects of ertugliflozin on responses to the oral sugar test (OST) in horses with ID. Study design: Retrospective case series. Methods: Clinical records were reviewed to identify horses with ID that had an OST (0.45 mL/kg Karo‐Light PO) performed before and after 4 days of treatment with 0.05 mg/kg ertugliflozin PO s.i.d. Pre‐ and post‐treatment insulin concentrations were compared using Wilcoxon sign‐ranked tests. Results: Ten horses with ID met the inclusion criteria. Significant reductions in plasma insulin concentration were identified at all time points after 4 days of treatment with ertugliflozin relative to pre‐treatment values. At T0 (prior to oral sugar), median insulin concentration reduced from 22.4 μu/mL (IQR: 6.5, 39) pre‐treatment to 4.8 μu/mL (IQR: 3.7, 9.2) at day 4 (p = 0.004). At T60 (60 min after oral sugar), median insulin concentration was 165 μu/mL (IQR: 61.2, 222) pre‐treatment and 78.1 μu/mL (IQR: 30.5, 137) at day 4 (p = 0.004). At T90 (90 min after oral sugar), median insulin concentration was 170 μu/mL (IQR: 88.6, 269) pre‐treatment and 84.7 μu/mL (IQR: 28.7, 122) at day 4 (p = 0.002). Serum triglyceride concentration increased from a median of 0.4 mmol/L (IQR: 0.2, 0.8) pre‐treatment to 0.9 mmol/L (IQR: 0.6, 2) at day 4 of ertugliflozin treatment (p = 0.006). Main limitations: A small heterogenous group of horses and ponies, some with PPID, were used in the absence of a control group. Conclusions: Four daily doses of ertugliflozin at 0.05 mg/kg was associated with lowering of insulin concentrations at baseline and in response to an OST in horses with ID; however, insulin levels did not return to normal in all horses. Increases in triglyceride concentrations were also observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Dopaminergic agonists are accepted as the most effective treatment for pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction. However, some horses are refractory to daily oral pergolide, the recommended registered treatment. Extended-release cabergoline (ERC) injection may offer an alternative. The objective of this retrospective case series was to describe clinical and endocrinological responses to ERC. Methods: Medical records of horses treated with weekly intramuscular injections of ERC (5  mg/mL, BOVA Aus) at either 0.01  mg/kg (high dose, HD) (n  =  10) or 0.005  mg/kg (low dose, LD) (n  =  30) were reviewed. Short-term ACTH responses were assessed at 5–8  days using a Wilcoxon signed ranked test. Longer-term ACTH responses (30 to 365  days) were assessed using generalised estimating equations. Results: Five to eight days after the first dose of LDERC, median adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) concentration was lower (p  =  0.001), changing from 153  pg/mL (IQR: 78, 331) to 57  pg/mL (IQR: 30, 102). With HDERC, median ACTH concentration was also 153  pg/mL (IQR: 96, 185) before and then 56  pg/mL (IQR: 29, 86) after 5–8  days of treatment (p  =  0.047). Over 12  months of treatment, ACTH concentration ranged from 14 to >1,250  pg/mL (median: 51  pg/mL) in horses treated with LDERC and 20 to 472  pg/mL (median: 50  pg/ mL) in horses treated with HDERC. Measurements remained above the seasonal reference range in 39.3 and 52.3% of horses treated with LDERC and HDERC, respectively. Clinical improvement was reported by owners in 78.3 and 100% of horses treated with LDERC and HDERC, respectively. Partial, self-limiting inappetence was reported in 30.0% of LDERC and 60% HDERC cases. Seven horses exhibited lethargy (5 LDERC, 2 HDERC). Insulin concentrations measured 30  days post-ERC treatment were no different from baseline. Discussion: Clinical and endocrinological responses were consistent with results of previous reports of oral pergolide treatment. Weekly injection of ERC may be an effective alternative to pergolide; the 0.005  mg/kg dose appeared to be as effective, with less risk of inappetence, than the 0.01  mg/kg dose that has been reported previously [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Miniature Schnauzer dogs (MSs) are predisposed to both idiopathic hypertriglyceridemia (iHTG) and hypercortisolism (HCort). To our knowledge, the lipoprotein profiles of MSs with iHTG have not been compared to those with HCort. We analyzed cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations and lipoprotein fractions in 4 groups of MSs: normotriglyceridemia (NTG) without concurrent disease (Healthy-NTG), HCort and NTG (HCort-NTG), HCort and HTG (HCort-HTG), and iHTG. Lipoprotein fractions were assessed by lipoprotein electrophoresis and compared between groups. Fifty-one plasma samples were analyzed. Twenty-five dogs had NTG (16 Healthy-NTG, 9 HCort-NTG) and 26 dogs had HTG (7 iHTG, 19 HCort-HTG). Dogs with iHTG or HCort-HTG had significantly higher cholesterol concentrations than Healthy-NTG dogs. Dogs with HCort-HTG had higher cholesterol than HCort-NTG dogs. There was a significantly higher low-density lipoprotein (LDL) percentage in iHTG and HCort-HTG dogs than HCort-NTG dogs. HCort-HTG dogs also had lower high-density lipoproteins (HDL) than HCort-NTG dogs. It was not possible to readily distinguish MSs with iHTG from MSs with HCort-HTG or Healthy-NTG using lipoprotein electrophoresis fractions. The diagnosis of iHTG remains a diagnosis by exclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the case of a 36-year-old primigravida who gave birth to a 3200 g baby by vacuum-assisted (Kiwi OmniCup™) operative vaginal delivery with mediolateral episiotomy. A "y"-shaped perineal tear with a grade IIIC obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI) was diagnosed and repaired. Two days after delivery, in the absence of suture dehiscence, she started experiencing complete anal incontinence. A decision was made in association with a proctologic surgeon for an early secondary repair. Before surgery, a Three-dimensional transperineal ultrasound (TPUS) was performed. The exam revealed a major defect of the external anal sphincter at the 11 o'clock position. This allowed for the reopening of only a circumscribed area of the perineal suture and repair of the sphincters using the end-to-end technique. The symptoms regressed completely, and follow-up TPUS demonstrated the gradual wound healing process. Anal incontinence, secondary to obstetric anal sphincter injury (OASI), has a severe negative impact on women's quality of life. TPUS is an effective method to detect sphincter defects and monitor the healing process. This report investigates the feasibility of identifying the sphincter tear in an incontinent puerperal patient without suture dehiscence in order to target early secondary repair while minimizing its extent. TPUS has proven a safe and effective tool to guide early secondary repair of symptomatic OASI complications while minimizing the invasiveness of the procedure. Multidisciplinary management is crucial to ensure the adequate standard of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Every cultural landscape requires documentation that satisfies the need to recognize and identify it, seeking to understand the multiple aspects that have shaped its conformation and persistence over time. The Sanctuary of Las Lajas in Colombia brings together various aspects related to potential exceptional universal values, which require a methodological approach that includes strategies to document both the tangible architectural and landscape heritage, as well as its intangible aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: This is the first report of biological variation data in guinea pigs for biochemical analytes (measurands) routinely measured during health screening. Information on biological variation provides an insight into whether the observed value for the biochemical analyte is significant or not for that individual. This information is also used to determine whether population-based reference intervals are appropriate to aid in interpreting blood biochemistry results. Biological variation is defined as the within-subject and between-subject random fluctuation around a homeostatic point. In this study, we have calculated the index of individuality, which helps to understand whether subject-based or population-based reference intervals are more appropriate, in order to better identify significant changes in the same subject over time (e.g., during the follow-up period). Our results show that population-based reference intervals should be used on their own only for creatinine and potassium. Individual reference intervals should be used only for glucose. All other markers will require an interpretation that considers both subject-based and population-based reference intervals. It is important to note that most of the biochemical results in the healthy guinea pigs enrolled in our study had biochemical results outside the published reference intervals; thus, information on biological variation helps clinicians and researchers with the interpretation of biochemical profiles. Biological variation (BV) describes the physiological random fluctuation around a homeostatic set point, which is a characteristic of all blood measurands (analytes). That variation may impact the clinical relevance of the changes that are observed in the serial results for an individual. Biological variation is represented mathematically by the coefficient of variation (CV) and occurs within each individual (CVI) and between individuals in a population (CVG). Biological variation data can be used to assess whether population-based reference or subject-based reference intervals should be used for the interpretation of laboratory results through the calculation of the index of individuality (IoI). This study aimed to determine the biological variations, calculate the IoI and reference change values (RCV) of clinical chemistry analytes in an outbred strain colony of Hartley guinea pigs (GPs), and set the quality specifications for clinical chemistry analytes. Blood was collected from 16 healthy adult laboratory colony GPs via jugular venipuncture at weekly intervals over six weeks. All the samples were frozen and analyzed in a single run. Analytical, CVI, and CVG biological variations, together with the IoI and RCV, were calculated for each measurand. Based on the estimated BV, the calculated IoI was low for glucose, so individual reference intervals (RCV) should be used. The majority of the measurands should be interpreted using both population-based and subject-based reference intervals as the IoIs were intermediate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The digitisation of cultural heritage makes it possible to integrate bibliographic, iconographic and archival knowledge with the metric data obtained from the metric survey and provides a new support for the protection and management of assets where the need to reconcile the general interest of the community with the use and enjoyment of the private owner is encountered. In Piazza Maria Immacolata, an emblematic public space in Martina Franca, public and private cultural interests meet/clash. The need arises to identify new, flexible and contemporary legal forms to overcome this opposition between defence of the general vs. the private interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The GON size superficial to the obliquus capitis inferior, at the level of the trapezius fascia perforation, the occipital artery diameter at the crossing point over the GON, and the presence of GON alterations was recorded and compared with a sex- and age-matched healthy volunteer group. HRUS pathologic findings, such as nerve enlargement in the piercing point of the trapezius fascia or perineural fibrosis, were found in 50% of patients. I Purpose or Learning Objective: i (1) To evaluate if high-resolution ultrasonography (HRUS) can visualize the greater occipital nerve (GON) along its entire course; and (2) to identify pathologic nerve alterations in patients with migraine headache (MH) and candidates for surgery. [Extracted from the article]

I Purpose or Learning Objective: i To evaluate the occurrence of ultrasonography (US) signs of recurrent motor branch (RMB) neuropathy in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and thenar muscle denervation and to correlate imaging findings with clinical and electrophysiologic data. I Methods or Background: i Patients with electrophysiologic evidence of CTS and thenar muscle denervation and sex- and age-matched volunteers were recruited. In the patient cohort, US was able to detect definitive signs of RMB compression neuropathy. [Extracted from the article]

Thirteen (86.6%) patients with SSB/DMB neuropathy had already been examined with electrodiagnostic tests; US was requested due to the inconclusiveness of previous evaluations. US and MRI have great potential in the diagnostic work-up of SSB and DMB neuropathies because they are able to directly demonstrate these submillimetric branches along their entire course and to characterize specific pathologic conditions. I Purpose or Learning Objective: i Ulnar nerve (UN) neuropathy is the second most common upper limb neuropathy with an incidence of ~ 30 per 100,000 person-years. [Extracted from the article]

While clinical studies on acute phase proteins (APPs) have significantly increased in the last decade, and most commercial labs are now offering major APPs in their biochemical profiles, APP testing has not been widely adopted by veterinary clinical pathologists and veterinarians. Measurement of APP concentration is a useful marker for detecting the presence or absence of inflammation in cats with various diseases. APPs can also be reliably measured in different biological fluids (eg, effusions and urine) to improve their diagnostic utility. Measurement of APPs can be extremely beneficial in cats with feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) to discriminate between FIP and non‐FIP cats with similar clinical presentations. Additional benefits come from multiple and sequential measurements of APPs, particularly in the assessment of therapeutic efficacy. APPs are more sensitive than WBC counts for early detection of inflammation and to demonstrate an early remission or recurrence of the diseases. Given the potential utility of APPs, more studies are warranted, with a particular focus on the applications of APPs to guide the length of antimicrobial therapies, as suggested by the antimicrobial stewardship policy. New inflammatory markers have been discovered in human medicine, with a higher specificity for distinguishing between septic versus nonseptic inflammatory diseases. It is desirable that these new markers be investigated in veterinary medicine, to further test the power of APPs in diagnostic setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Cuadernos de Arte de la Universidad de Granada is the property of Universidad de Granada and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Iraqi Journal of Veterinary Medicine is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Low values of the ratio of plasmatic soluble blocking factor FMS-like tyrosine Kinase 1 and placental growth factor (sFlt-1/PlGF) are required for an adequate placental angiogenesis and function. It has been shown that patients affected by gestational diabetes (GD) and patients with pneumonia from SARS-CoV-2 are characterized by an increased sFlt-1/PlGF ratio. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the sFlt-1-PlGF ratio in pregnancies complicated by COVID-19 and GD. We compared the plasmatic sFlt-1/PlGF ratio among the following groups of pregnant women: COVID-19, GD patients; COVID-19, non-GD patients; non-COVID-19, GD patients; and non-COVID-19, non-GD controls. We enrolled 62 women in the present study, who were divided as follows: 14 COVID-19, GD patients; 12 COVID-19, non-GD patients; 11 non-COVID-19, GD patients; and 25 non-COVID-19, non-GD controls. The COVID-19, GD patients presented a higher pre-pregnancy BMI, a higher prevalence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy as a co-morbidity, and an increased need for medication for their diabetes. Neonatal data were similar between the groups. The controls showed a significantly lower sFlt-1/PlGF ratio compared to pregnancies complicated by GD and SARS-CoV-2 infection. The sFlt-1/PlGF ratio was higher in patients affected by both GD and SARS-CoV-2 infection; these subjects were characterized by a greater incidence of obesity and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GD) is characterized by glycemic and lipid metabolism alterations in an environment of low-grade inflammation. Our trial aimed to assess the effect of nutraceutical supplements (omega-3 fatty acids, anthocyanins, and alpha-cyclodextrins) in GD patients and evaluate the role of anthropometric, metabolic, and inflammatory parameters as biomarkers to identify subjects who require pharmacological hypoglycemic treatment during gestation. Pregnant women with GD at 24–28 weeks of gestation were enrolled in a double-blind trial and randomized to receive either nutraceutical supplements or a placebo for 12 weeks. No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in blood and urine measurements of metabolic, inflammatory, and antioxidant parameters. In the whole cohort, pre-pregnancy BMI and anthropometric measurements were significantly different in patients who required pharmacological intervention. These patients showed higher triglycerides, CRP, and insulin levels and gave birth to newborns with significantly higher weights. Subjects with a greater AA/EPA ratio had higher PAF levels and gave birth four days earlier. In conclusion, one-to-one nutritional coaching and poor compliance with nutraceutical supplementation might have outweighed the impact of this intervention. However, triglyceride concentration and the AA/EPA ratio seems to be a biomarker for higher inflammatory levels and GD candidates for pharmacological treatment. An adequate assumption of omega-3 in women with GD, either by a controlled diet or by nutraceutical supplementation, reduces the need for pharmacological therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Germ cell tumors (GCTs) are rare tumors that can develop in both sexes, peaking in adolescents. To understand the mechanisms that underlie germ cell transformation, we established a GCT mouse model carrying a germ-cell-specific BRafV600E mutation with or without heterozygous Pten deletion. Both male and female mice developed monolateral teratocarcinomas containing embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells that showed an aggressive phenotype and metastatic ability. Germ cell transformation started in fetal gonads and progressed after birth leading to gonadal invasion. Early postnatal testes showed foci of tumor transformation, whereas ovaries showed increased number of follicles, multi-ovular follicles (MOFs) and scattered metaphase I oocytes containing follicles. Our results indicate that MAPK (herein referring to Erk1/2) overactivation in fetal germ cells of both sexes can expand their proliferative window leading to neoplastic transformation and metastatic behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]