Connective Tissue Infiltration Research Articles

Electrical impedance myography detects dystrophin-related muscle changes in mdx mice

BackgroundThe lack of functional dystrophin protein in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) causes chronic skeletal muscle inflammation and degeneration. Therefore, the restoration of functional dystrophin levels is a fundamental approach for DMD therapy. Electrical impedance myography (EIM) is an emerging tool that provides noninvasive monitoring of muscle conditions and has been suggested as a treatment response biomarker in diverse indications. Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of skeletal muscles has become a standard measurement in clinical trials for DMD, EIM offers distinct advantages, such as portability, user-friendliness, and reduced cost, allowing for remote monitoring of disease progression or response to therapy. To investigate the potential of EIM as a biomarker for DMD, we compared longitudinal EIM data with MRI/histopathological data from an X-linked muscular dystrophy (mdx) mouse model of DMD. In addition, we investigated whether EIM could detect dystrophin-related changes in muscles using antisense-mediated exon skipping in mdx mice.MethodsThe MRI data for muscle T2, the magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) data for fat fraction, and three EIM parameters with histopathology were longitudinally obtained from the hindlimb muscles of wild-type (WT) and mdx mice. In the EIM study, a cell-penetrating peptide (Pip9b2) conjugated antisense phosphorodiamidate morpholino oligomer (PPMO), designed to induce exon-skipping and restore functional dystrophin production, was administered intravenously to mdx mice.ResultsMRI imaging in mdx mice showed higher T2 intensity at 6 weeks of age in hindlimb muscles compared to WT mice, which decreased at ≥ 9 weeks of age. In contrast, EIM reactance began to decline at 12 weeks of age, with peak reduction at 18 weeks of age in mdx mice. This decline was associated with myofiber atrophy and connective tissue infiltration in the skeletal muscles. Repeated dosing of PPMO (10 mg/kg, 4 times every 2 weeks) in mdx mice led to an increase in muscular dystrophin protein and reversed the decrease in EIM reactance.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that muscle T2 MRI is sensitive to the early inflammatory response associated with dystrophin deficiency, whereas EIM provides a valuable biomarker for the noninvasive monitoring of subsequent changes in skeletal muscle composition. Furthermore, EIM reactance has the potential to monitor dystrophin-deficient muscle abnormalities and their recovery in response to antisense-mediated exon skipping.

Study of some detoxification properties of a sorbent based on silicon dioxide

Veterinary sorption preparations are medicinal substances and substances that absorb gases, solid and liquid substances on their surface by adsorption. The purpose of our research was to study the detoxification properties of a sorbent based on silicon dioxide (ADC) obtained from rice processing industry waste during heavy metal poisoning in rats. Mercury dichloride was used for experimental poisoning with heavy metals. Nonlinear rats from the nursery of the RAMS "Rappolovo" were used for the experiment. The live weight of the animals averaged 120 g. 3 groups of animals with 20 rats in each were formed. Group No. 1 received the basic diet, ADC and mercury dichloride, group No. 2 – the basic diet and mercury dichloride in the amount of 25 mg per head. Group No. 3 is a control group, which was fed only the basic diet. The experience lasted 14 days. The results were evaluated by the live weight of animals, clinical blood examination, leukogram examination, pathoanatomic autopsy and massometry of internal organs of rats. In study group No. 1, there was no decrease in the body weight of rats during the 14 days of the experiment, while in study group No. 2, where the sorbent was not used, the body weight of rats decreased by 13.79 g. At the end of the experiment, a pathoanatomical autopsy of the animals was performed. In group No. 1, hemorrhages were observed in the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines. In group No. 2, hemorrhages in the gastric mucosa, damage to the intestines, gallbladder and kidneys were noted, where serous infiltration of connective tissue, large spotty hemorrhages in the serous and mucous membranes were observed. There were no changes in the stomach, intestines, and kidneys in group No. 3. Based on the data obtained, it can be concluded that there are detoxifying properties of a veterinary sorption preparation based on silicon dioxide obtained from rice husks.

Stiff Skin Syndrome: Clinical Exploration, Pathophysiology and Therapeutic Advances in a Rare Connective Tissue Disease

Stiff Skin Syndrome, also known as "diffuse stiff skin syndrome" or "Scleroderma-like syndrome with focal contracture", is a rare and complex clinical entity in the spectrum of connective tissue diseases. This disorder is characterized by progressive and diffuse infiltration of connective tissue into the skin and underlying tissues, resulting in extreme skin stiffness and limited joint mobility. In addition to its cutaneous and joint manifestations, stiff skin syndrome can affect multiple internal organs, making it a clinical entity of great multidisciplinary relevance. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of stiff skin syndrome, addressing its epidemiology, clinical manifestations, etiopathogenesis, differential diagnosis, and current therapeutic options. Recent research that has shed light on the underlying molecular mechanisms and emerging therapies that are being developed to improve the quality of life of patients affected by this disease are highlighted. In addition, the importance of a comprehensive evaluation and an interdisciplinary therapeutic approach to optimize the clinical management of individuals with rigid skin syndrome is highlighted.

Effects of Wooden Breast Syndrome in Broiler Chicken on Sarcoplasmic, Myofibrillar, and Connective Tissue Proteins and Their Association with Muscle Fiber Area.

This study was conducted on chicken pectoralis major muscle with different wooden breast severity in combination with different sampling locations to investigate the effects of wooden breast syndrome on protein traits and total myofiber area, and their associations. Contents of sarcoplasmic, salt-soluble myofibrillar and salt-insoluble protein and proportion of total myofiber area significantly declined with increasing severity in the superficial part of muscle, whereas the amount of heat-soluble/insoluble collagen and protein denaturation as well as the area of degenerated myofibers, connective tissue and cellular infiltrates increased. Myofibril protein content indicators showed strong positive correlations to total myofiber area. Moreover, PCA results indicated that severe wooden breast is positively linked to muscle collagen content and to protein denaturation. Our results suggest that decrease in sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar proteins is associated with reduction of myofiber area. In turn, the muscle fibers are replaced by connective tissue, accompanied by excessive myofibrillar and sarcoplasmic protein denaturation.

NUT-CARCINOMA INVOLVING TRIGEMINAL NERVE - A CASE REPORT

NUT-carcinoma is a rare aggressive disease caused by BRD4/3‐NUT fusion that results in MYC upregulation. A 50-years-old male patient presented frontotemporal headache and paraesthesia, evolving with worsening headache, diplopia, ptosis and reduced visual acuity for at least 12 months. Clinical diagnosis was meningioma due to an expansive process in the right temporal fossa with hyperostosis and optic canal stenosis. Histological analysis revealed malignant neoplasm presenting cohesive blocks of basaloid cells with foci of abrupt keratinization and necrosis, with infiltration of dense connective tissue and bone marrow. Immunohistochemistry was positive for EMA, P63, INI1(retained), AE1/AE3, CK5/6, CK8-18, CD117 and NUT. In addition, Ki-67 was positive in 80% of the neoplasia. Therefore, the final diagnosis was NUT carcinoma. The patient is still alive at the last follow-up. This case highlights the importance of considering NUT-carcinoma in the provisional diagnosis for undifferentiated or poorly differentiated neoplasms and immunohistochemistry can aid diagnosis. NUT-carcinoma is a rare aggressive disease caused by BRD4/3‐NUT fusion that results in MYC upregulation. A 50-years-old male patient presented frontotemporal headache and paraesthesia, evolving with worsening headache, diplopia, ptosis and reduced visual acuity for at least 12 months. Clinical diagnosis was meningioma due to an expansive process in the right temporal fossa with hyperostosis and optic canal stenosis. Histological analysis revealed malignant neoplasm presenting cohesive blocks of basaloid cells with foci of abrupt keratinization and necrosis, with infiltration of dense connective tissue and bone marrow. Immunohistochemistry was positive for EMA, P63, INI1(retained), AE1/AE3, CK5/6, CK8-18, CD117 and NUT. In addition, Ki-67 was positive in 80% of the neoplasia. Therefore, the final diagnosis was NUT carcinoma. The patient is still alive at the last follow-up. This case highlights the importance of considering NUT-carcinoma in the provisional diagnosis for undifferentiated or poorly differentiated neoplasms and immunohistochemistry can aid diagnosis.

Histopathological Characterization of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms from Patients with Multiple Aneurysms Compared to Patients with a Single Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.

The aim of this study was to investigate histopathological differences in abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) between patients with multiple and single arterial aneurysms, as we suspect that there are different underlying mechanisms in aneurysm formation. Analysis was based on a previous retrospective study on patients with multiple arterial aneurysms (mult-AA; defined as at least four, n = 143) and a single AAA (sing-AAA, n = 972) who were admitted to our hospital for treatment between 2006 and 2016. Available paraffin-embedded AAA wall specimens were derived from the Vascular Biomaterial Bank Heidelberg (mult-AA, n = 12 vs. sing-AAA, n = 19). Sections were analyzed regarding structural damage of the fibrous connective tissue and inflammatory cell infiltration. Alterations to the collagen and elastin constitution were assessed by Masson-Goldner trichrome and Elastica van Gieson staining. Inflammatory cell infiltration, response and transformation were assessed by CD45 and IL-1β immunohistochemistry and von Kossa staining. The extent of aneurysmal wall alterations was assessed by semiquantitative gradings and was compared between the groups using Fisher's exact test. IL-1β was significantly more present in the tunica media in mult-AA compared to sing-AAA (p = 0.022). The increased expression of IL-1β in mult-AA compared to sing-AAA indicates inflammatory processes play a role in aneurysm formation in patients with multiple arterial aneurysms.

Effects of boric acid on alveolar sockets filling after dental extraction in rats.

After extraction, dental alveolus filling aims to reduce bone loss and maintain the alveolus volume during patient rehabilitation. Boric acid (BA) is a boron-derived compound with osteogenic properties and an interesting candidate for alveoli filling. This study aims to investigate the osteogenic capacity of the local application of BA in dental socket preservation. Thirty-two male Wistar rats were submitted to upper right incisor extraction and randomly divided into four groups (n = 8): control group (no intervention), BA (8 mg/kg) socket filling, bone graft (Cerabone®, Botiss, Germany), and BA + bone graft socket filling. Animals were euthanized 28 days after dental extraction. MicroCT and histological analysis were performed to evaluate the newly formed bone on the dental alveolus. MicroCT analysis demonstrated that bone volume fraction (BV/TV), bone surface (BS), bone surface/bone volume ratio (BS/BV), bone surface density (BS/TV), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), total bone porosity (Po-tot), and total volume of pore space (Po.V(tot)) from BA and BA + bone graft rats were significantly different from the control group. Histological evaluation displayed a delayed bone repair in BA rats, with the presence of connective tissue and inflammatory infiltrate. However, the BA + bone graft group demonstrated histological aspects like the bone graft animals, with less organized osteoblasts, suggesting inferior bone repair. Osteogenic capacity did not depend on the BA local application after 28 days of dental extraction. The presence of inflammation in the BA group can represent toxicity induced by the substance dosage used.

English

Myiasis is the infestation of living tissues of human and animals with larvae of flies in the Order Diptera. This study determined the gross and histopathological lesions due to Cordylobia anthropophaga infestations of Dogs in Kitui County, Kenya. Four dogs identified and confirmed to have canine cutaneous myiasis (CCM) infestation were purchased for the study. All the study animals were clinically examined for skin lesions characteristic of CCM and euthanized for complete necropsy examination and histopathological sample collection. Tissue sections were collected from areas with lesions of CCM namely; skin, skeletal muscles and regional draining lymph nodes. They were preserved in 10% buffered formalin and were processed and analyzed using standard methods. Grossly, all dogs had poor body condition, patches of alopecia, emaciated and had the pathognomonic lesions for canine cutaneous myiasis (CCM) characterized by multifocal coalescent nodular lesions (harboring Cordylobia anthropophaga larvae) with 3 mm diameter central pore (furuncles) and erythematous base. Some had serous, hemorrhagic or purulent discharges from the furuncles that matted surrounding hairs. Lesions were distributed mainly on the ventral abdomen, axilla, flanks, legs, perineum and external reproductive organs. Examination of the skin revealed that the furuncular lesions extended throughout the skin thickness from epidermis to the sub-cutis and underlying pale skeletal muscles. There was regional lymphadenopathy in affected body regions. Histopathology confirmed the main lesions in all the dogs were parasitic granulomas, congested blood vessels in the surrounding tissues and eosinophilic lymphadenitis. The granulomas were located in the skin and the underlying skeletal muscles. The lesions were characterized by centrally located parasite, surrounded by connective tissue and heavy infiltration with inflammatory cells predominantly eosinophils. Draining lymph nodes had eosinophilic lymphadenitis. The reported pathological lesions resulted in unthriftiness, alopecia, lethargy and anorexia due to pain and stress resulting to emaciation and possible death. There is need to eradicate the etiological agent as it affects the wellbeing of dogs in the study area. Key words: Canine, Cordylobia anthropophaga, Myiasis, gross pathology, histopathology, Kitui County.

Complement activation and increased anaphylatoxin receptor expression are associated with cortical grey matter lesions and the compartmentalised inflammatory response of multiple sclerosis.

The extent of cortical pathology is an important determinant of multiple sclerosis (MS) severity. Cortical demyelination and neurodegeneration are related to inflammation of the overlying leptomeninges, a more inflammatory CSF milieu and with parenchymal microglia and astroglia activation. These are all components of the compartmentalised inflammatory response. Compartmentalised inflammation is a feature of progressive MS, which is not targeted by disease modifying therapies. Complement is differentially expressed in the MS CSF and complement, and complement receptors, are associated with demyelination and neurodegeneration. To better understand if complement activation in the leptomeninges is associated with underlying cortical demyelination, inflammation, and microglial activation, we performed a neuropathological study of progressive MS (n = 22, 14 females), neuroinflammatory (n = 8), and non-neurological disease controls (n = 10). We then quantified the relative extent of demyelination, connective tissue inflammation, complement, and complement receptor positive microglia/macrophages. Complement was elevated at the leptomeninges, subpial, and within and around vessels of the cortical grey matter. The extent of complement C1q immunoreactivity correlated with connective tissue infiltrates, whilst activation products C4d, Bb, and C3b associated with grey matter demyelination, and C3a receptor 1+ and C5a receptor 1+ microglia/macrophages closely apposed C3b labelled cells. The density of C3a receptor 1+ and C5a receptor 1+ cells was increased at the expanding edge of subpial and leukocortical lesions. C5a receptor 1+ cells expressed TNFα, iNOS and contained puncta immunoreactive for proteolipid protein, neurofilament and synaptophysin, suggesting their involvement in grey matter lesion expansion. The presence of products of complement activation at the brain surfaces, their association with the extent of underlying pathology and increased complement anaphylatoxin receptor positive microglia/macrophages at expanding cortical grey matter lesions, could represent a target to modify compartmentalised inflammation and cortical demyelination.

Self-healing hybrid hydrogels with sustained bioactive components release for guided bone regeneration

Guided bone regeneration (GBR) is widely used in treating oral bone defects to exclude the influence of non-osteogenic tissue on the bone healing process. The traditional method of GBR with a titanium mesh to treat large-area bone defects is limited by the deficiency of increased trauma and costs to patients. Herein, a bi-layered scaffold for GBR composed of a fiber barrier layer and a self-healing hydrogel repair layer is successfully fabricated. The barrier layer is a fibrous membrane material with specific porosity constructed by electrospinning, while the functional layer is a self-healing hydrogel material formed by multiple dynamic covalent bonds. The system can provide an osteogenic microenvironment by preventing the infiltration of connective tissue to bone defects, maintain the stability of the osteogenic space through the self-healing property, and regulate the release of bioactive substances in the dynamic physical condition, which is beneficial to osteoblast proliferation, differentiation, and bone regeneration. This study focused on exploring the effects of different crosslinkers and bonding methods on the comprehensive properties of hydrogels. and proved that the hybrid scaffold system has good biocompatibility, cell barrier function and can enhance bone regeneration activity. Thereby it could be a promising clinical strategy for bone regeneration.

Histopathological Inspection of the Occurrence of Lung Adenocarcinoma in Sheep in Tehran Province

Sheep pulmonary adenomatosis is a chronic respiratory disease with a long incubation period that many countries have long recognized. This disease is specific to sheep and most prominent in sheep over three years old. The cause of this disease in sheep is Beta Retroviruses (JSRV) which are transmissible among sheep. Since 1342, there have been reports of clinical cases of the disease in different regions of Iran. So far, histopathology has been one of the best diagnostic methods for this disease. The conducted research inspects the occurrence rate and pathological lesions of this disease in a slaughterhouse located in Tehran. All the studied sheep in this research were bred in the livestock farms of Tehran province and referred to the slaughterhouse. During routine inspections, the lungs that showed different macroscopic signs of pneumonia had been primarily identified and recorded; later, more thorough evaluations of macroscopic and microscopic examinations were performed. One hundred sheep lungs, which showed visible lesions of interstitial pneumonia, were selected for histopathological research. These lungs were generally heavy, edematous, had no signs of collapse, showed rib marks on the lung parenchyma, and appeared waterlogged in some cases. The affected areas were firm and light grey in some lungs. OPA histopathological lesions were observed and documented in 25 out of 300 suspicious lung samples. All twenty-five of the damaged lungs were almost similar in histopathological appearance and showed papillary protrusions consisting of short cuboid to columnar cells inside the ducts of alveoli and bronchioles, respectively. In the atypical form of the disease, which included all cases observed in the present study, infiltration of mononuclear cells and connective tissue was more substantial; large and foamy macrophages were also observed in the alveoli and bronchioles that were present in the vicinity of neoplastic lesions. The classical form of OPA, characterized by the infiltration of macrophages and lymphocytes and the formation of neutrophilic and fibrin molds, was observed in any of the cases.

Physiopathology of peri-implant diseases.

Peri-implant health is characterized by the absence of clinical signs of soft tissue inflammation. Peri-implant diseases are initiated by the presence of bacterial biofilms and share a similar etiology as that involved in the onset of periodontal diseases. To summarize available evidence on the physiopathology of peri-implant diseases with emphasis on similarities and differences with periodontal diseases. Evidence on the biologic mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis were explored in the recent scientific literature. Findings of studies in animals and in humans indicate that experimental peri-implant mucositis leads to a larger inflammatory connective tissue infiltrate and to a higher frequency of bleeding sites around implants compared with teeth. Tissue destruction at experimental peri-implantitis sites is more pronounced compared with that at experimental periodontitis sites. Although human periodontitis and peri-implantitis lesions share similarities with respect to etiology and clinical features, they represent distinct entities from a physiopathologic point of view. Diagnosis of peri-implant health requires a clinical examination to confirm absence of peri-implant soft tissue inflammation. In order to make a correct diagnosis and select the appropriate therapeutic steps to manage peri-implant diseases, knowledge of their pathogenetic mechanisms is required.

Chronic Ulcerative Stomatitis (CUS) as an Interdisciplinary Diagnostic Challenge: A Literature Review.

Chronic ulcerative stomatitis (CUS) is a rarely reported disease affecting the oral cavity, most often affecting middle-aged Caucasian females. The aim of the present study is to present the diagnosis, differentiation, and interdisciplinary treatment of this rare disease. CUS is characterized by the presence of an oral erosive or ulcerative lesion. The autoimmune pathogenesis of CUS includes affecting the antigen's activity by DNA-breaking and protein-hydrolyzing enzymes. The stratified epithelium-specific antinuclear antibodies (SES-ANA) are associated with CUS development. Clinically, the lesions presented in oral mucosa might resemble an erosive form of oral lichen planus, whereas gingival lesions seem to be similar to desquamative gingivitis related to dermatological diseases manifested in the oral cavity. Patients often report subjective symptoms related to oral mucosa and general symptoms. Histopathological presentation of CUS is often non-specific and includes sub-epithelial separation from underlying connective tissue, atrophic epithelium, and inflammatory infiltrate with an increased number of plasma cells and lymphocytes. Direct immunofluorescence (DIF) might be used in CUS diagnostics. CUS generally remains nonsusceptible to corticosteroid treatments; however, antimalarial drugs and calcineurin inhibitors are more effective. Further research should be conducted in order to implement a diagnostic protocol and observe the long-term results of CUS management.

Histomorphometrical and CBCT Evaluation of Tissue Loss Progression Induced by Consecutive, Alternate Ligatures in Experimental Peri-Implantitis in a Dog Model: A Pilot Study.

Objectives: Soft and hard tissue breakdown was histologically and radiologically assessed around implants with alternate, consecutively placed ligatures on the same edentulous dog hemimandible. The influence of ligatured implants (LI) on adjacent non-ligatured implants (NLI, as a possible naturally induced peri-implantitis) was also evaluated. Material and Methods: Three months after tooth extraction, five dental implants were placed in the dog hemimandible. Two months after abutment placement, ligatures were placed subsequently two months apart on alternate implants, while both intermediate implants were left without ligatures. Ligatures were kept in place during the entire experiment, and no plaque control measures were taken. Eleven months post-implantation, the animal was sacrificed. Undecalcified ground sections were cut, stained with Masson Goldner and MOVAT Pentachrome and evaluated by light microscopy. Soft and hard tissue loss was assessed using histomorphometric and CBCT parameters. Results: All NLI presented deep false peri-implant pockets on the oral aspect and pronounced vertical bone resorption on the buccal aspect. After 2, 4 and 6 months, during the breakdown period, more than 30% of the bone was lost in LI in all directions, while, despite immediate vicinity, NLI displayed less destruction. Intense inflammation, typical for induced peri-implantitis, was present, with similar intensity in LI as NLI, but in different parts of the lesions. Morphometry confirmed intense soft tissue inflammation, more bone resorption and higher amounts of infiltrated connective tissue in LI when compared with NLI. Conclusion: Within the limits of the present pilot study, the adequacy of the experimental dog model based on ligature-induced peri-implantitis was able to be successfully challenged by non-ligature models of spontaneously occurring peri-implant inflammation, while meeting the requirements for experimental designs with a very small numbers of animals. The influence of implants with severe peri-implantitis on adjacent implants resulted in less than expected tissue loss in the latter accession numbers.

Cellular expression of epigenetic markers and oxidative stress in periodontitis lesions of smokers and non-smokers.

ObjectiveTo evaluate differences in the cellular expression of epigenetic markers and oxidative stress in periodontitis lesions between current smokers and non‐smokers.BackgroundTobacco smoking is recognized as one of the major risk factors for periodontitis. However, the mechanisms by which smoking affects the progression of the disease remain to be determined.MethodsTwenty‐five current smokers and 21 non‐smokers with generalized severe periodontitis were included. From each patient, one soft tissue biopsy from a periodontitis site was harvested and prepared for histological analysis. The infiltrated connective tissue (ICT) was selected as the region of interest to assess the cellular expression of epigenetic markers and reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (RONS) by immunohistochemistry.ResultsAlthough the ICT of smokers and non‐smokers did not differ in size or in the expression of markers for DNA damage or oxidative stress, current smokers presented with significantly lower area proportions and densities of cells positive for the epigenetic markers DNMT1 and AcH3. In addition, periodontitis lesions in current smokers presented with a diminished antimicrobial activity, as indicated by significantly lower densities and area proportions of NOX2‐ and iNOS‐positive cells.ConclusionsComponents of the host response and epigenetic mechanisms in periodontitis lesions in smokers are downregulated as opposed to lesions of non‐smokers.

Analysis of bovine postmortem condemnation data in France: Contributions from a comprehensive and standardised information system at the slaughterhouse.

The condemnation of carcases and offal unfit for human consumption is a regulatory requirement at the slaughterhouse. Condemnation data, if comprehensive and standardised, can be a valuable source of information for risk-based inspection and decision making. The aim of this study was to analyse postmortem condemnation data that were recorded in all bovine slaughterhouses in mainland France from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2020 in a comprehensive and standardised information system. The rates of and reasons for condemnation, as well as factors influencing rate variation, were investigated through descriptive analysis and multivariable logistic regression models. The global, total and partial condemnation rates were 4.5%, 0.7% and 3.8% for adult cattle and 1.4%, 0.3% and 1.1% for calves, respectively. Reasons for condemnation varied with the animal category; for example, the three main reasons for total condemnation in adult cattle were serous infiltration of connective tissue (49% of condemned animals), congestive peritonitis (12.2%) and fibrinous peritonitis (10.9%), whereas the top three reasons for partial condemnation were unique abscess (21.9%), haemorrhagic infiltration (20.6%) and muscular sclerosis (17.4%). Condemnation rates were influenced by animal-related factors (sex, age, type of breed) and slaughterhouse-related factors (status, type, slaughter volume). Our findings could usefully contribute to the continuous improvement of the harmonisation of inspection decisions and support the risk manager's strategy in the modernisation of official controls at the slaughterhouse.

Thymic changes due to leishmaniasis in dogs: An immunohistochemical study

BackgroundThe thymus is necessary for the differentiation of T cells, a process that is regulated by the type of antigens found in thymocytes, the environment of surrounding cells and the thymus architecture. There is evidence that infectious diseases may result in morphological changes in this organ, such as premature atrophy and decreased thymocyte proliferation, that can affect the immune response. ObjectivesWe characterised the morphology and tissue distribution of haematopoietic and stromal cells in the thymuses of dogs naturally infected with Leishmania infantum, with the aim to determine the changes that may contribute to the pathophysiology of the disease. MethodsThymus samples were collected from 15 animals (aged 6 months to 5 years) ELISA-positive for leishmaniasis and from 10 dogs from non-endemic regions for leishmaniasis whose death was not related to infectious causes. The samples were submitted to histological processing and staining with Haematoxylin-Eosin to assess thymic morphometry and histopathological changes. Masson's trichrome staining was used to quantify the connective tissue present (collagen). The immunohistochemical method was used to determine the cellular constitution of the thymus, using antibodies that aimed at marking T lymphocytes (anti-CD3), B lymphocytes (anti-CD79a), macrophages (anti- MAC387), mesenchymal cells (anti-vimentin), epithelial cells (anti-cytokeratin), cells in mitosis (anti-Ki67) and cells in apoptosis (anti-caspase-3). ResultsThe histopathological evaluation of infected dogs showed more signs consistent with thymus atrophy, including decreased parenchyma, infiltration of adipose and connective tissue near the capsule and between the lobules, lymphoid rarefaction mainly in the cortical region and loss of the cortical-medullary demarcation. In addition, we observed a decrease in the amounts of CD3 + T lymphocytes, macrophages (MAC387) and Ki67-positive cells and an increase in the number of cells positive for cytokeratin and CD79a (B lymphocytes). Finally, the parasite was detected in 46% of infected thymuses and may contribute for the observed changes. ConclusionsApparently, leishmaniasis, like other infectious diseases, causes atrophy of the thymus and depletion of thymocytes with a relative increase in thymus epithelial cells. These morphological changes in the normal organisation of the thymus by mechanisms not yet well known may result in the abnormal release of T cells, with consequent damage to the host's immune response.

Surgical treatment of experimental peri-implantitis using mechanical and chemical decontamination procedures: A pre-clinical in vivo study.

To evaluate the effect of surgical treatment of experimental peri-implantitis at implants with different surface characteristics using mechanical and chemical decontamination methods. Following extraction of mandibular premolars, four implants with two different surface characteristics (A, moderately rough and B, smooth) were placed in each side of the mandible of six dogs. Experimental peri-implantitis was induced. Surgical treatment of the peri-implantitis sites was carried out using four implant surface decontamination protocols: (i) deposition of a citric acid gel, (ii) mechanical cleaning using a rotating titanium brush, (iii) a combination of the mechanical and chemical procedures, and (iv) saline (control). Clinical and radiographic examinations were performed. Block biopsies were obtained 6months after therapy and prepared for histological analysis. Irrespective of the treatment group, treatment resulted in 0.63 ± 0.92 and 0.65 ± 0.67 mm radiographic bone gain around implants A and B, respectively. Histological analyses revealed that persisting soft tissue inflammation as assessed using an infiltrated connective tissue (ICT) score was significantly lower at implant type B than at implant type A for all treatment groups. The test decontamination procedures did not demonstrate better results regarding resolution of peri-implantitis lesions, as indicated by the ICT scores, than the control procedure. The control treatment resulted in significantly superior outcomes of resolution of peri-implantitis lesions than the citric acid regimen. It is concluded that decontamination procedures including citric acid gel or rotating titanium brush did not improve outcomes following surgical treatment of experimental peri-implantitis. Results were, however, influenced by the implant surface characteristics.

Aerossacolitis and Pneumonia in an Indian Peafowl Caused by Lactobacillus agilis

Background: The peafowl is an ornamental bird that has the habit of eating directly from the earthy soil, which makes this bird more susceptible to endoparasites. One important endoparasite is Eucoleus contortus, which leads to inflammatory processes that alter the local microbiota, potentializing disease. By the other way, a member of the bird’s microbiota there is the genus Lactobacillus, but when occurs some imbalance, these bacteria can overgrowth and even cause some infection. This report describes the pathological and microbiological findings of chronic necrotizing pneumonia and aerossacolitis caused by Lactobacillus agilis in a peafowl, associated with parasitism by E. contortus. Case: A peafowl (Pavo cristatus), adult, male, who lived on a farm with contact with other species of animal, was submitted to post-mortem examination due to sudden death. This animal lived in an extensive system on the property and was the only one of its species. During the gross evaluation, the air sacs were filled with solid yellowish crumbly material. The same material was observed forming well-defined nodules that occupied > 50% of the lung parenchyma. Histological analysis showed multiple parabronchi dilated and filled with caseous necrosis, characterized by abundant cellular debris and fibrin deposition. These areas were surrounded by the proliferation of fibrous connective tissue and inflammatory infiltrate of macrophages, giant cells, lymphocytes, and plasma cells. The air sacs parenchyma showed fibrin deposition and mixed inflammatory infiltrate. Multiple gram-positive bacilli were observed within the caseous foci in Gram-stained slides. In the crop and esophageal mucosa, cross-sections of filiform nematodes morphologically compatible with E. contortus were associated with chronic inflammatory infiltrate and epidermal hyperkeratosis. A lung section was submitted to Gram-Brown-Hopps and Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) stains for bacterial investigation, and Grocott's methenamine silver (GMS) stain for fungal investigation. Short gram-positive bacilli bacteria are observed within the caseous foci in Gram-stained slides. By the other way, no agents were identified on the ZN and GMS stains. Following the analysis, lung fragments were cultivated at aerobic and microaerophilic conditions on sheep blood agar and McConkey agar. All the microbial cultures were incubated at 37°C to 48 h. Pure culture, in microaerophilic condition, of Gram-positive bacilli, was observed. The isolated bacterium was identified by MALDI-TOF MS as L. agilis.Discussion: Although uncommon, L. agilis was the single bacterium identified and therefore, associated as a primary cause of necrotic pneumonia and aerossacolitis in the studied peafowl. The presence of E. contortus could induce the aspiration of regurgitated of little amount of material from the gastrointestinal tract with sufficient bacterial load to initiate an infection, but not enough to smother the animal. The gradual aspiration can induce a chronic inflammatory condition. Infections by bacteria from the host microbiota have been observed in animals and humans with immunodeficiency. In summary, both the parasitosis and the inflammation could be resulted by the parasite and the aspiration of gastric product, which probably interfered in the immune response and allowed the overgrowth of L. agilis. In the current case report, based on macroscopic, microscopic and bacteriological results, we have provided insights to understand how the parasitosis made possible a pneumonia from a bacterium from the host's microbiota. Finally, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of L. agilis as causal agent of fatal necrotic pneumonia and aerossacolitis in peafowl.Keywords: respiratory infection, ornamental birds, secondary infection, parasitosis.

Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside downregulates ligation-activated endoplasmic reticulum stress and alleviates induced periodontal destruction in rats

ObjectiveCyanidin-3-O-glucoside (C3G), a dietary anthocyanin, possesses various biological properties, including alleviating endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. This study examined the effect of C3G on periodontitis via ER stress in rats. DesignPeriodontitis was induced by placing silk sutures around maxillary second molars. C3G (0, 3, or 9 mg/kg) was fed on the day before ligation (10 rats/group). Further, 10 non-ligation control rats received deionized water. On day 8, gingivae were obtained to determine CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), phospho-JNK (p-JNK), and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) by immunoblotting. Periodontal destruction was evaluated using micro-computed tomography (μCT) and histology. ResultsGingival expression of CHOP, p-JNK/JNK, and NF-κB significantly increased in ligation rats (0 mg/kg C3G) than that in controls. However, protein expression in ligation groups presented a negative association with C3G concentration. By μCT, the distance of cemento-enamel junction to bone significantly increased in ligation groups; however, distances showed a negative association with C3G concentration. In the region of interest, bone volume and trabecular thickness and number significantly decreased in ligation groups but they were positively associated with C3G concentration. In terms of trabecular separation, opposite results were found. Histologically, infiltrated connective tissue (ICT) and periodontal destructions increased in ligation groups; however, they were negatively associated with C3G concentration. Moreover, ICT area is positively correlated with μCT- and histologically measured destructions and protein expression of CHOP, p-JNK/JNK, or NF-κB. ConclusionC3G promotes favorable modulation of ER stress and alleviates destruction of periodontitis, which may imply a new strategy.