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- A Nationwide Seroepidemiologic Study on Q Fever Antibodies in Sheep of PortugalPublication . Cruz, Rita; Esteves, Fernando; Nóbrega, Carmen; Santos, Carla; Ferreira, Ana S.; Mega, Cristina; Coelho, Ana C.; Vala, Helena; Mesquita, JoãoIntroduction: Q fever is an almost global zoonotic disease caused by Coxiella burnetii. Human infections can produce acute and chronic disease that can lead to abortions and stillbirths in pregnant women, usually infected by the inhalation of C. burnetii-contaminated aerosols or through consumption of contaminated products. Sheep are one of the primary animal reservoirs with disease being associated with vast shedding of bacteria in placentas, feces, milk, and birth fluids. Although almost neglected in the past, recent outbreaks of sheep origin have alerted the public and the scientific community. Materials and Methods: An epidemiologic survey to estimate the seroprevalence of Q fever antibodies was performed in a representative number of sheep of all regions of continental Portugal (n = 1068), using a commercial ELISA (ID Screen Q Fever Indirect Multi-species Kit; IDvet, Montpellier, France). Results and Discussion: An anti-C. burnetii seroprevalence of 11.4% (95% confidence interval 9.6–13.5) was found, with a clear distinction between the Center region with highest seroprevalence, and the rest of the territory. Sheep traditional farming is widely present in Portugal and is part of the cultural and gastronomical background of the country. This close proximity to small ruminants may contribute to the zoonotic transfer to humans.
- Evaluation of renal injury caused by acute volume replacement with hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 or Ringer's lactate solution in pigsPublication . Ferreira, David A.; Cruz, Rita; Venâncio, Carlos; Faustino-Rocha, Ana I.; Silva, Aura; Mesquita, João; Ortiz, Ana L.; Vala, HelenaThis work aimed to evaluate the effects on renal tissue integrity after hydroxyethyl starch (HES) 130/0.4 and Ringer’s lactate (RL) administration in pigs under general anesthesia after acute bleeding. A total of 30 mL/kg of blood were passively removed from the femoral artery in two groups of Large White pigs, under total intravenous anesthesia with propofol and remifentanil. After bleeding, Group 1 (n =11) received RL solution (25 mL/kg) and Group 2 (n = 11) received HES 130/0.4 solution (20 mL/kg). Additionally, Group 3 (n = 6) was not submitted to bleeding or volume replacement. Pigs were euthanized and kidneys were processed for histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses. Minimal to moderate glomerular, tubular, and interstitial changes, as well as papillary necrosis, were observed in all experimental groups. Pre-apoptosis and apoptosis indicators were higher in pigs that received HES 130/0.4, indicating a higher renal insult. Both HES 130/0.4 and RL administration may cause renal injury, although renal injury may be more significant in pigs receiving HES 13/0.4. Results also suggest that total intravenous anesthesia with propofol and remifentanil may cause renal injury, and this effect can be dose related.
- Hepatic histopathological lesions in acute controled haemorrhage followed by volume replacement with a crystalloid or colloid solutionPublication . Vala, Helena; Pina, R.; Cruz, R.; Venâncio, C.; Esteves, Fernando; Silva, A.; Mesquita, João; Ortiz, A. L.; Ferreira, D.Introduction: severe hemorrhage remains the major cause of morbidity and mortality in trauma victims or surgical intervened animals, despite of all the advances in the therapeutic approach. The resulting injuries, or even death, are due to the deficit in intravascular volume and subsequent development of hypovolaemic fluid state, leading to poor tissue perfusion and consequent decreased oxygen delivery to the tissues, often with compromise of organ function. Objective: the aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of different intravenous solutions used for volume replacement following acute controlled haemorrhage, one crystalloid (RL) and one colloid (HES130/0.4) in the integrity of the hepatic tissue in a pig animal model. Material and methods: hepatic samples were collected from animals submitted to passive arterial blood bleeding and reperfusion with a crystalloid (RL) (G1) and with a synthetic colloid (HES 130/0.4) (G2). Samples were also collected from animals that were not subjected to acute bleeding nor volume replacement (G3, control group). All procedures were carried out under personal and project licenses approved by the Ethical Committee of the national regulatory office. Samples were collected and fixed in 10% neutral-buffered formalin, for a maximum of 24hours, embedded in paraffin wax and 3µm sections were stained for routine histopathology with haematoxylin and eosin. Results: the histopathological assessment revealed no statistically significant differences between the three groups. However, some lesions were more often expressed in some groups. More severe hepatocellular hydropic degeneration and hepatocellular steatosis was seen in G1, which is the only group in which haemorrhage was observed and within which oedema was not present. Hyperaemia was only observed in G2 and G3. Necrosis was not present in any of the groups. Conclusion: hepatic histopathological lesions following controlled bleeding and intravenous volume replacement with RL or HES130/0.4 were subtle. However, more pronounced hydropic degeneration and hepatocellular steatosis was seen in G1 (RL), which suggests that HES130/04 may be associated with better hepatic perfusion when used for intravenous volume replacement when compared to RL.
- Cuidados paliativos em oncologia veterináriaPublication . Garcia, Ana; Mesquita, João; Nóbrega, Carmen; Vala, HelenaA incidência de lesões oncológicas em animais de companhia tem vindo a aumentar nos últimos anos. Este aumento ocorre devido a um variado número de razões, sendo uma das principais a actual maior longevidade dos animais de companhia (Withrow, 2001). Apesar da evolução que a oncologia veterinária tem sofrido nos últimos tempos, sabemos que, aproximadamente metade dos pacientes oncológicos, acabará por ser vitimada por esta doença e, a maior parte, necessitará de terapia para controlo da sintomatologia e da dor (Page, 2001). Tal como no homem, um animal com doença oncológica não sofre apenas com o tumor e a sua localização, mas também com vários problemas subjacentes, designadamente as síndromes paraneoplásicas. Estas síndromes são alterações induzidas pelo tumor e provocam efeitos sistémicos significativos, conduzindo a uma redução da condição geral do paciente (Simon, 2006). A caquéxia é a síndrome paraneoplásica mais comum em oncologia veterinária (Robinson & Ogilvie, 2001; Wakshlag & Kallfelz, 2006). O cuidado compassivo do animal, actualmente relevado por uma extrema manifestação de carinho, com recurso aos conhecimentos científicos mais modernos, é um dos novos desafios da Enfermagem e da Medicina Veterinária, assumindo importância crescente em todas as fases de tratamento de pacientes oncológicos. Este tipo de cuidados surge como uma reposta directa ao reconhecimento da evolução que a relação entre o animal e o proprietário tem sofrido ao longo dos últimos anos (Ogilvie, 2003). Os avanços na área de saúde veterinária, aliados ao desenvolvimento de centros de tratamento avançado, resultaram na capacidade de tratar, cada vez melhor, os animais de companhia. O desenvolvimento da área dos cuidados paliativos pressupõe o reconhecimento de que cada doente pode ser ajudado, independentemente de problemas financeiros, do tempo e do diagnóstico subjacente, recorrendo a terapias de suporte, tratamento curativo ou terapia paliativa (Ogilvie, 2003). A manutenção da qualidade de vida dos animais é o principal objectivo deste tipo de cuidados (Page, 2001; Ogilvie, 2003; Simon, 2006).
- Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus circulating among sheep of Portugal: a nationwide serosurvey assessmentPublication . Mesquita, João; Cruz, Rita; Esteves, Fernando; Santos, Carla; Pousa, Humberto; Coelho, Catarina; Mega, Cristina; Nóbrega, Carmen; Vala, Helena; Peyrefitte, Christophe Nicolas; Nascimento, Maria São José; Barradas, Patrícia FerreiraCrimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is a widespread zoonotic pathogen that can cause mild to severe hemorrhagic disease in humans. CCHFV may be transmitted through direct contact with tissue or blood of viremic animals; however, the primary transmission route is through infected tick bites. CCHFV RNA has been detected in ticks feeding on domestic and wild animals in western Spain, suggesting an established circulation of CCHFV in Western Europe. Ruminants have been recognized as important CCHFV reservoirs and have been linked to human cases in endemic regions. Given the emergence of CCHF in neighboring Spain, and a report of two CCHFV seropositive humans in southern Portugal in 1985, we investigated the potential circulation of this virus in the country by performing a nationwide anti-CCHFV IgG serosurvey in sentinel sheep of Portugal. Sera (n = 459) randomly selected from widely distributed farms (n = 20) of Portugal were tested using a commercial double-antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, yielding an overall seroprevalence of 0.4% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.04-1.56%). Positive sheep were from the southern region of Portugal (Alentejo region), which raise the seroprevalence of this region to 0.74% (95% CI 0.09-2.66%). This is the first study reporting the presence of CCHFV antibodies in sheep of Portugal, thus suggesting a geographical expansion of CCHFV to this country. It seems likely that CCHFV may exist focally in southern Portugal.
- Inspecção do sistema nervoso central em pequenos ruminantesPublication . Vala, Helena; Mesquita, João; Esteves, Fernando; Pinho, FátimaO Scrapie é uma doença neurodegenerativa fatal que afecta ovinos e caprinos e é a forma mais comum das Encefalopatias Espongiformes Transmissíveis (EET's), que incluem a doença de Creutzfeldt – Jakob (CJD), em humanos, e a Encefalopatia Espongiforme Bovina (BSE). O Plano de Vigilância Activa do Scrapie, em aplicação na União Europeia desde 2002, permitiu determinar uma prevalência de Scrapie superior ao esperado. De forma a efectuar uma avaliação preliminar da incidência desta patologia em Portugal, foram recolhidos os troncos cerebrais e cerebelos de 4822 pequenos ruminantes abatidos num matadouro no centro de Portugal e, posteriormente, enviados para pesquisa laboratorial de EETs. Após análise laboratorial, detectaram-se 8 casos de Scrapie atípico em ovinos. A percentagem de casos positivos (0,17%) detectados em pequenos ruminantes com mais de 18 meses, durante o período de realização deste estudo, foi baixa e, segundo os resultados laboratoriais, enquadram-se no perfil de Scrapie atípico.
- A case of vascular tumour mimicking lymphangiomaPublication . Vala, Helena; Mega, Cristina; Santos, C.; Cruz, Rita; Santos, M.; Esteves, Fernando; Nóbrega, Carmen; Mesquita, JoãoIntroduction Sarcomas, particularly vascular tumours, can mimic other neoplastic conditions or even inflammatory diseases. Objectives The authors describe an unusual case of vascular tumour, histologically overlapping with benign lymphangioma and liposarcoma. Medical History A 8 year old Shar Pei male dog was presented with a subcutaneous nodule in the chest, measuring 3x2 cm. Material and Methods The sample was fixed in 10 % buffered formalin solution and processed for routine histopathological diagnosis with Haematoxylin and Eosin. A standard Streptavidin-Biotin Complex technique for immunohistochemical evaluation was also performed, using a Polyclonal Rabbit Anti-Human Von Willebrand Factor. Results Macroscopic examination revealed a well circumscribed nodule with homogeneous and brownish appearance and moderate consistency on a cut surface. Microscopic examination revealed clefts and variably-sized vascular spaces, lined by a single layer of spindle cells, with round-to-oval nuclei, small or indistinct nucleoli, small amount of eosinophilic cytoplasm, with endothelial appearance – areas like hemangiosarcoma, interspersed with areas, where these cells appeared to grow directly on thick bundles of dermal collagen, occasionally with erythrocytes – areas like lymphangioma. The stroma was also interspersed with vacuolar cells – areas like liposarcoma. No mitotic figures were seen, however, the presence of very rich cellular areas, with more prominent cells revealing pleomorphism and anisocariosis, were more favour to malignancy Conclusion The authors suggested the diagnosis of vascular neoplasia with unusual features, based on the histopathological diagnosis and immunohistochemistry results, and submit to the discussion, especially for assessment of histological grade and prognosis.
- Epidemiology and Emergence of Schmallenberg Virus Part 1: Origin, Transmission and Differential DiagnosisPublication . Esteves, Fernando; Mesquita, João; Nóbrega, Carmen; Santos, Carla; Monteiro, António; Cruz, Rita; Vala, Helena; Coelho, Ana CláudiaSchmallenberg virus (SBV) is a novel Orthobunyavirus causing mild clinical signs in cows and malformations in aborted and neonatal ruminants in Europe. SBV belongs to the family Bunyaviridae and is transmitted by biting midges. This new virus was identified for the first time in the blood samples of cows in the city of Schmallenberg in NorthRhine-Westphalia in November 2011. Since then the virus spread to several European countries. Here we describe the origin and emergence, as well as the transmission and the differential diagnosis of this virus, now known to be a serious threat to Veterinary Public Health.
- The influence of Ringer's lactate or HES 130/0.4 administration on the integrity of the small intestinal mucosa in a pig hemorrhagic shock model under general anesthesiaPublication . Ortiz, Ana Liza; Vala, Helena; Venâncio, Carlos; Mesquita, João; Silva, Aura; Gonzalo-Orden, Jose Manuel; Ferreira, DavidTo determine the effect of fluid resuscitation with 2 different physiological solutions, Ringer's lactate (RL) and hydroxyethyl starch (HES) 130/0.4, on histological lesions of the small intestinal mucosa in anesthetized pigs subjected to severe acute bleeding.
- Occupationally Acquired Q Fever in Shepherds and Sheep Milk CheesemakersPublication . Cruz, Rita; Santos, Carla; Esteves, Fernando; Ferreira, Ana Sofia; Nóbrega, Carmen; Mega, Cristina; Albuquerque, Carlos; Teixeira-de-Lemos, Edite; Coelho, Ana Cláudia; Vala, Helena; Mesquita, JoãoQ fever is a zoonosis caused byCoxiella burnetii, and transmission to humans is often associatedwith contact with ovine and caprine livestock. Those exposed to sheep are particularly at high risk of infection.Recent studies show that Q fever is increasing in sheep farms in Portugal raising alerts on spillover to humans.We detected anti-C. burnetiiIgG in shepherds and sheep milk cheesemakers (27 [28.1%] in a total of 96; 95%confidence interval [CI] 19.4–38.2%) and in controls (21 [8.1%] in a total of 260; 95% CI 5.1–12.1%), pointingto an increased risk ofC. burnetiiinfection (P= 0.0001), with an odds ratio foranti-C. burnetiiof 4.45 (95% CI2.4–8.4%;P= 0.0001), in individuals with occupational contact with sheep in Portugal.
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