Evaluation of bilateral maxillary nerve block in dogs undergoing surgery for brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome

This retrospective study assessed the effect of an intraoral bilateral maxillary nerve block in dogs undergoing surgery for brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). Records of dogs that underwent BOAS surgery were retrieved. Cases were assigned to Group B or C if a preoperative bilateral maxillary nerve block was performed or not. Type and dose of local anesthetic, inhalant anesthetic minimum alveolar concentration multiples, intraoperative fentanyl and injectable anesthetic use, prevalence of intraoperative hypotension or bradycardia, and postoperative opioids administration, were compared between groups. Sixty-seven cases met the inclusion criteria: 33 were assigned to Group B and 34 to Group C. In Group C, 18 dogs required intraoperative fentanyl (P = 0.005), and 12 needed injectable anesthetic top-ups (P = 0.006). Hypotension, or bradycardia, were not different between groups. Bilateral maxillary nerve block reduces intraoperative fentanyl and injectable anesthetic requirement in dogs undergoing BOAS surgery.     

Use of different geometric morphometrics tools for the discrimination of phenotypic stocks of the striped clam Ameghinomya antiqua (Veneridae) in north Patagonia,Argentina

The striped clam (Ameghinomya antiqua (King, 1832)) metapopulation of the San José Gulf is a good model for phenotypic stocks studies based on the shell shape variation in different fishing grounds. These sites show differences in circulation, tidal currents, coastal topography, and bathymetry. Furthermore, it is known that the diverse environments produce differences in the growth rate of this species. In the current work, we study the shell shape changes in the striped clam from different fishing grounds of the San José Gulf through geometric morphometrics methods. Outlines and landmarks analyses were successful to determinate the provenance of the individuals, with almost the 90% of correct assignations for the most of the fishing grounds. The different methodologies showed variations in diverse morphological traits, and as a result different patterns of the shell shape among localities were evidenced. Moreover, each site presented a typical shell shape. Our results showed that the geometric morphometrics methods are powerful tools to identify and separate intra-specific groups. This approach is applicable to other exploited species with subtle shape variations.     

Volatile organic compounds (VOC) as biomarkers for detection of Ceratocystis platani

Ceratocystis platani causes canker stain of plane trees, and it represents a serious disease of Platanus spp. both in the United States and Europe. Current chemical or biological controls do not effectively manage C. platani, so new preventive methods need to be developed in order to limit this pathogen spreading. In this work, we have characterized the main volatile organic compounds (VOC) emitted in vitro from pure cultures of C. platani and other common pathogenic fungal species of hosts plants growing in the same ecosystems as plane trees. We found that C. platani emitted a similar blend of VOC compared with phylogenetically similar species C. populicola. In particular, C. platani was characterized by emission of isoamyl acetate and isobutyl acetate while C. populicola by ethyl acetate and isobutyl acetate, which were not released by any of the other out‐group fungal species grown on the same medium. Moreover, following a targeted approach based on the main VOC found in vitro, we have successfully validated in vivo that VOC uniquely emitted by C. platani (i.e. isobutyl acetate along with isoamyl alcohol) were released from the bark of plane trees following C. platani inoculation. Our results highlight the possibility to exploit VOC emitted specifically by C. platani as biomarkers to recognize Platanus x acerifolia plants infected by this pathogen.     

LAPAROSCOPIC SONOGRAPHY IN THE URINARY SYSTEM

This work reports the use of laparoscopic-transducer sonography for the examination of the urinary system in a swine model. Animals underwent a two-phase study. In the first phase, the urinary system was examined using laparoscopic sonography. In the second a partial ureteral obstruction was induced, and sonographic changes were recorded and evaluated. Sonography was used to evaluate kidneys, ureters, and bladder. Anatomic structures were evaluated and the following pathological findings were identified: renal cysts, one polycystic kidney, dilation of the renal pelvis, hydronephrosis, and one perirenal pseudocyst. Where necessary, contrast digital fluoroscopy (excretory urography and retrograde ureteropyelography) was also performed. Laparoscopic sonography mainly is used for evaluation prior to laparoscopic surgery to guide decisions relating to surgery. The quality of the images obtained laparoscopically is superior to that of percutaneous or transabdominal images, because artifacts are reduced and the contact surface of the transducer is placed directly over the study area. Laparoscopic sonography proved highly effective for studying renal and ureteral disorders prior to minimally invasive surgery.     

The fine structure of the male genital organs of Allacma fusca (L.) (Collembola, Symphypleona)

The fine structure of the male reproductive system of Allacma fusca (L.) is described. The system consists of testes, deferent ducts, seminal vesicles, ejaculatory duct and accessory glands. The nature of each part is established. Secretions from the seminal vesicles are stored in the lumen of these organs, then flow into the ejaculatory duct and are used to produce spermatophores. The epithelium of this tract has secretory activity and osmoregulatory function. Secretions and spermatozoa are stored into two distinct parts of the ejaculatory duct, divided by a transverse cuticular septum.     

High-resolution NMR spectroscopy with a portable single-sided sensor

We report construction of a portable nuclear magnetic resonance sensor with a single-sided open probe design. The resulting magnetic field inhomogeneity is compensated by a pulse sequence that takes advantage of parallel inhomogeneity in the applied radio frequency field. We can thereby acquire fluorine-19 spectra of liquid fluorocarbons with 8 parts per million resolution, surmounting the long-standing obstacle of obtaining chemical shift information with open probe instruments.     

Effects of ecotrofin™ on milk yield,milk quality and serum biochemistry in lactating goats

A nutritional supplement (Ecotrofin™, by Vetoquinol Italia S.r.l) recommended in ruminants feeding to strengthen the physiological condition and improve digestive performance was tested in 20 pluriparae grazing goats divided in two groups (control and treated) to assess its possible effects on milk yield and quality and to assess eventual adverse effects. Animals from both groups also received 400 g/day of corn meal, and the treated group was supplemented with 20 g/head/day of the nutritional supplement. At the doses suggested by the manufacturer, despite a transient increase after 30 days of supplementation, Ecotrofin™ did not show significant effects on milk yield and, although some changes were found in the fatty acids profile, no significant improvement of MUFA and PUFA, as well as of omega-6:omega-3 ratio and CLA content were seen. Therefore, in our experimental conditions the supplementation of diet with Ecotrofin™ did not appear useful to improve goat's performance. A significant effect on kidney health markers (27 vs. 22.5 for urea and 0.83 vs. 0.76 for creatinine, p < 0.05) suggested a beneficial effect on renal function but, since levels fell in the normal ranges in both groups, such hypothesis would need further studies to be addressed.     

Ultrasound-guided parasternal injection in dogs: a cadaver study

ObjectivesTo describe the technique of performing an ultrasound-guided distal parasternal intercostal block and to determine the distribution of two volumes of methylene blue dye solution injected in canine cadavers.Study designProspective cadaver study.AnimalsA group of seven canine cadavers weighing 12–34 kg.MethodsThe space between the transversus thoracic and the internal intercostal muscles is a virtual cavity. Ultrasound-guided injections in the distal (parasternal) intercostal space were performed using dye solution at 0.05 mL kg^–1 in each intercostal space from the second to seventh (LV, low volume, six injections per dog) in one hemithorax, and 0.1 mL kg^–1 in the third, fifth and seventh intercostal spaces (HV, high volume, three injections in each dog) on the contralateral side. Anatomical dissection was carried out to describe dye spread characteristics and staining of intercostal nerves.ResultsThe ultrasonographic landmarks for injection were identified in each cadaver. In the LV group the solution was found in every intercostal space (36/36), whereas the HV injection stained six intercostal spaces in two dogs, five in two, and in two dogs the solution was found in four and three spaces, respectively, demonstrating multisegmental distribution. Intrapleural staining was observed after two injections.Conclusions and clinical relevanceUltrasound-guided injection of 0.05 mL kg^–1 at the distal intercostal space resulted in staining of the intercostal nerve in all dogs when performed in every space and may be an appropriate alternative to previously reported techniques. A single injection of 0.1 mL kg^–1 may anaesthetize more than one intercostal nerve, but not consistently. Clinical investigations are warranted to better characterize and to refine this locoregional technique.