IMAGING: RADIOGRAPHY—1

This is the first article in a series on imaging. An overview of principles involved in imaging by survey radiography, contrast radiography, and fluoroscopy is presented. Anatomic and functional information available by these imaging modes are compared. Survey radiography is convenient and relatively inexpensive but often provides limited anatomic and functional information. Contrast radiography often increases anatomic information and, when used with sequential exposures, enhances functional assessment of various organs. Fluoroscopy provides a continuous but non-permanent image used in evaluation of organ motion or as a localizing tool. Permanent records are obtained by spot radiographs, spot film cameras, cine fluorography, and/or video tape/ disc systems.     

El Desarrollo del Estómago del Vacuno: Análisis desde el Prisma Morfológico y Morfométrico Parte III: Reconstrucción Espacial y Morfometría

This work represents a summary of the study presented in parts I and II, previously published in this journal. The data collected in those studies is presented in three dimensional reconstructions of the stomach of the developing calf.     

State‐of‐the‐Art‐Review: Immunomodulatory effects of opioids

Objective – To review the immunomodulatory effects of opioids. Data Sources – Original research publications and review articles using the PubMed search engine with the following keywords – opioids, morphine, immuomodulation, and immunosuppression. Veterinary and Human Data Synthesis – Opioids have been shown to modulate the immune system in animal models by affecting both the acquired and innate arms of the immune system. Natural killer cell activity, T‐cell proliferation, antibody production, phagocytic cell function, and cytokine production have all been shown to be affected by opioids. Many of these effects are reversed by opioid antagonists. Opioids have also been shown to induce sepsis in laboratory animals. Opioid administration alters immune parameters in healthy humans at analgesic doses and may increase the risk of infection in some patient populations. Conclusions – While opioids remain the most powerful and widely used analgesics available, their negative effects on the immune system are well established in the laboratory setting. Thoughtful consideration should be given to the use of certain opioids in critically ill patients, especially those with pre‐existing immunocompromise.     

Malformaciones congénitas en la oveja: Ciclocéfalos

A case of cyclopia in the sheep is described with anatomic malformations associated. We suggest the possible causes of the congenital defects.     

El Desarrollo del Estomago del Vacuno: Análisis Desde el Prisma Morfológico y Morfométrico Parte II: Observaciones Morfogénicas Asociadas al Bloque Omaso-Abomásico

This study represents a continuation of part 1 of a study of the development of the bovine stomach. Material and methods are more fully described in part i of the study. In this part 2 of the study further developmental stages and morphometric analysis is presented.