Silvia Colombo - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Silvia Colombo

Veterinary Dermatology, 2015

Skin lesions in canine leishmaniosis (CanL) are diverse, including exfoliative, ulcerative, nodul... more Skin lesions in canine leishmaniosis (CanL) are diverse, including exfoliative, ulcerative, nodular and papular dermatitides. An uncommon pustular form has also been reported. We hypothesized that CanL infection can produce a pustular reaction pattern in the skin of dogs. The aim of this retrospective study was to describe the clinicopathological features of dogs with CanL infection and pustular dermatitis, and correlate them with response to therapy. Twenty two affected dogs. Retrospective review of medical records and examination of archived biopsy materials or previously processed glass slides was performed. Cytological examinations had been recorded for all cases. Specimens were available for histopathological examination in 17 of 22 cases and for immunohistochemical detection of Leishmania amastigotes in 13 of 22 cases. All dogs presented with multifocal to diffuse pustular dermatitis. CanL was diagnosed by IFAT serology (20 cases), bone marrow cytology (one case) or bone marrow PCR (one case). Cytological and/or histopathological examinations revealed acantholytic keratinocytes within pustules in 18 of 22 cases. Bacterial and fungal cultures were not performed. Leishmania amastigotes were identified by histopathology within the dermis in three cases; immunohistochemistry was positive in four cases. All dogs underwent concurrent anti-leishmanial and immunosuppressive therapy to control the pustular dermatitis, with favourable outcome in 11 of 22 cases. Due to the retrospective nature of this study it is not possible to either accept or reject the hypothesis that CanL is the direct cause of pustular dermatitis.

Veterinary dermatology, Jan 3, 2015

There is a lack of studies comparing topical antiseptics to systemic antibiotics in the treatment... more There is a lack of studies comparing topical antiseptics to systemic antibiotics in the treatment of canine superficial pyoderma. To compare the efficacy of topical chlorhexidine with systemic amoxicillin-clavulanic acid for the treatment of canine superficial pyoderma. A randomized controlled trial was conducted in dogs with superficial pyoderma. Group T (n = 31) was treated topically with 4% chlorhexidine digluconate shampoo (twice weekly) and solution (once daily) for 4 weeks. Group S (n = 20) was treated orally with amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (25 mg/kg) twice daily for 4 weeks. Bacterial culture and susceptibility testing were performed on clinical specimens collected before treatment. Severity of lesions and number of intracellular bacteria were evaluated using four-point scales to calculate a total pyoderma score for each dog. Pruritus was assessed by owners using a visual analog scale (range 0-10). Scores were analysed for statistical differences between groups T and S. Stap...

Veterinary Dermatology, 2015

Oclacitinib is a Janus kinase inhibitor that decreases pruritus and lesions in allergic dogs. In ... more Oclacitinib is a Janus kinase inhibitor that decreases pruritus and lesions in allergic dogs. In cats, it is able to inhibit interleukin-31-induced pruritus; no information is available on its clinical effectiveness. To evaluate the efficacy, ease of administration and tolerability of oclacitinib in feline nonflea-, nonfood-induced hypersensitivity dermatitis. Cats >12 months of age and >3 kg body weight with a diagnosis of nonflea-, nonfood-induced hypersensitivity dermatitis were treated with oclacitinib, 0.4-0.6 mg/kg orally (p.o.) twice daily for 2 weeks, then once daily for an additional 14 days. Clinical lesions were evaluated with the Scoring Feline Allergic Dermatitis (SCORFAD) system and pruritus was evaluated with a 10-cm-long visual analog scale (VAS) before and at the end of the study. Owners assessed global efficacy, ease of administration and tolerability with a four-point scale. Twelve cats were treated with a mean initial oclacitinib dose of 0.47 mg/kg p.o. twice daily. There was good improvement in SCORFAD and VAS pruritus scores in five of 12 cases, while the other cats were unchanged, deteriorated or dropped out due to treatment failure. Owners scored global efficacy as good/excellent in four of 12 cases and ease of administration and tolerability as good/excellent in 10 of 12. Oclacitinib at 0.4-0.6 mg/kg p.o. may be an effective and safe drug for some cats with nonflea-, nonfood-induced hypersensitivity dermatitis. Further studies are needed to identify the most effective dose range for this species.

IJC Heart & Vessels, 2014

In continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) recipients, little is known about the re... more In continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) recipients, little is known about the relative pump-and left ventricle-generated blood flow (PBF and LVBF, respectively) contribution to peak systemic perfusion during incremental exercise and about how PBF/LVBF interplay and exercise capacity may be affected by pump speed increase.

Journal of biological regulators and homeostatic agents

We investigated the relationship of the positivity for Chlamydophila pneumoniae (Cpn) and Mycopla... more We investigated the relationship of the positivity for Chlamydophila pneumoniae (Cpn) and Mycoplasma pneumonia (Mpn), inflammatory and metabolic markers, and mRNA expression and polymorphisms of the TLR2, TLR4, IL-6 and TNFA genes with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Two hundred and eighteen individuals (98 AMI and 120 non-AMI) were selected at two Clinical Centers. Blood samples were drawn to extract DNA and RNA and to measure laboratory variables including anti-Cpn IgM and IgG. Cpn and Mpn genomic DNA as well as TLR2, TLR4, IL-6 and TNFA mRNA expression were evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Gene polymorphisms were detected by PCR-HRM. AMI patients had higher positivity for Cpn-DNA (17.3%) than non-AMI group (6.7%, p=0.018). In addition, Cpn-DNA positivity was an independent predictor of risk for AMI (OR: 2.56, CI: 1.08 - 6.04, p=0.031). Positivity for anti-Cpn IgG and Mpn-DNA was similar between AMI and non-AMI (> 0.05). TLR4 mRNA expression was higher in AMI ...

Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, 1996

This paper reports the first isolation of a spotted fever group rickettsia from an Amblyomma coop... more This paper reports the first isolation of a spotted fever group rickettsia from an Amblyomma cooperi ixodid collected from a capybara (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris) in an endemic area of spotted fever in the County of Pedreira, State of São Paulo, Brazil. Isolation was performed in Vero cell culture and submitted to immunofluorescence, using antibody from Rickettsia rickettsii-positive human serum.

Veterinary Dermatology, 2005

There are anecdotal reports of increased effectiveness of allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) ... more There are anecdotal reports of increased effectiveness of allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) in dogs with doses of vaccine lower than that recommended by the manufacturers. However, no controlled studies have been carried out. The aim of this prospective, double-blinded study was to evaluate whether induction and maintenance with low dose (LD) ASIT resulted in a different success rate compared with the standard dose (SD). Twenty-seven dogs with confirmed atopic dermatitis were allocated by block randomization to two groups. One group (n = 13) received SD ASIT; the other group (n = 14) received LD ASIT (1/10 of the SD) following the same frequency protocol. Cases were graded at 0, 3, 6 and 9 months for clinical signs using a modified canine atopic dermatitis extent and severity index (mCADESI) and for pruritus using a 0-5 descriptor scale. There were no significant differences between the groups in the pruritus and mCADESI scores (P > 0.155) at the end of the study, and the changes in pruritus (P > 0.920) and mCADESI (P > 0.296) scores from the beginning to the end of the study were similar in both groups. Pruritus scores in both groups did not change during the study (P > 0.052). However, significant reductions in mCADESI scores were seen in both groups (P < 0.032). Six dogs achieved a final pruritus score of 0, six achieved a reduction in pruritus score and 15 did not improve or worsened. There was, therefore, no evidence that LD ASIT is more effective than the standard protocol.

Veterinary Dermatology, 2009

Dermatophytosis is a common zoonotic disease, and one of its clinical presentations in the dog is... more Dermatophytosis is a common zoonotic disease, and one of its clinical presentations in the dog is nodular dermatophytosis (kerion). Because the infection is located within the dermis, routine diagnostic tests such as a Wood's lamp examination, microscopic examination of hair shafts for fungal elements and fungal culture can yield negative results. In such cases, histopathological examination with routine and special stains (periodic acid-Schiff, Gomori methenamine silver) is required to confirm the diagnosis. Nodular dermatophytosis in 23 dogs of different breed, age and sex with single or multiple nodules is described. Twelve dogs had a single nodule, and 11 dogs showed multiple lesions. Wood's lamp examination was negative in all cases. Microscopic examination of plucked hairs showed arthrospores in 8 of 23 cases. Skin scrapings in mineral oil looking for arthrospores and/or hyphae were positive in 12 cases. Impression smears of exudates were diagnostic in 21 of 23 cases (91%), showing arthrospores within fragments of hair shafts or free among neutrophils and macrophages (pyogranulomatous inflammation). Histopathology was performed in two cases. Fungal culture was positive for Microsporum canis in 16 dogs and for Microsporum gypseum in one dog. In six cases, the causative agent was not identified by fungal culture. All dogs were treated with systemic antifungal therapy and in eight cases with concurrent antibiotic therapy. Nodular dermatophytosis resolved in all dogs with the prescribed treatments within 4 to 8 weeks. Transmission to people or other pets in the home was not found.

Veterinary Dermatology, 2011

A previously validated 15-item questionnaire on dogs' life quality (QoL1) and that of their owner... more A previously validated 15-item questionnaire on dogs' life quality (QoL1) and that of their owners (QoL2) was applied in a multicentre study to owners of 200 dogs with different dermatological conditions, together with a question on the owner-perceived disease severity (S). Factor analysis was applied to the whole questionnaire. The correlation of S with QoL1 and QoL2 scores was evaluated using Spearman's rank correlation tests. Owner sex, age, educational level and willingness to pay for a potential definitive cure of the disease were recorded, and compared with quality of life (QoL) scores. In 23 atopic dogs, CADESI-03, pruritus Visual Analogue Scale and QoL scores were obtained before and after therapy, and their correlation was evaluated with linear regression. Factor analysis revealed that three factors (S, QoL1 and QoL2) explained 75% of the variance. Owner-perceived severity correlated significantly with QoL1 and QoL2 (P = 0.002 and P = 0.015, respectively). The five diseases with the worst QoL scores were scabies, pododermatitis, complicated atopic dermatitis, pemphigus foliaceus and endocrine alopecia. Pruritic diseases did not give significantly higher QoL1 or QoL2 scores compared with nonpruritic diseases (P = 0.19, Kruskall-Wallis test). Owner sex, age or educational level did not influence QoL scores. Female sex, a younger age and a higher educational level were significantly associated with more willingness to pay. In atopic dogs, all the scores decreased after therapy, but post-treatment CADESI-03 and Visual Analogue Scale scores did not correlate with QoL1 and QoL2. Questions related to the burden of maintenance therapy showed the lowest improvements in score.

Veterinary Dermatology, 2004

A 13-year-old, thoroughbred mare was presented with an 8-year history of multifocal, generalized,... more A 13-year-old, thoroughbred mare was presented with an 8-year history of multifocal, generalized, noninflammatory alopecia and a 3-month history of alopecia, erythema and scaling of the white star on the forehead and muzzle. Histopathological examination of biopsy samples from multiple sites on the body (mane, neck, shoulder, flank and gluteal region) showed a subtle lymphocytic inflammatory infiltrate affecting and surrounding the anagen hair bulbs, consistent with a diagnosis of alopecia areata. The biopsy sample from the star on the forehead showed atrophic hair follicles with perifollicular and mural mononuclear folliculitis affecting the isthmus. Immunohistochemical staining with a CD3 marker confirmed the T-lymphocytic origin of the inflammatory infiltrate in all the samples. The concurrent presence of lymphocytic infiltration at the bulbar and isthmic level of the hair follicles in the same horse is unusual. This finding may represent a variation of the histological appearance of alopecia areata.

Veterinary Dermatology, 2009

The clinicopathological findings of perforating dermatitis in two young and two adult cats are de... more The clinicopathological findings of perforating dermatitis in two young and two adult cats are described. In all cases, the lesions were characterized by single or multiple papules and plaques, 0.5-3.0 cm in diameter, each containing a central, firm, exophytic, cone-shaped, yellow-orange keratotic plug, tightly adherent to the underlying skin. Removal of the protruding material was associated with bleeding and left the ulcerated surface exposed. In one case, the lesions showed a linear configuration and identical lesions occurred on the suture sites following biopsy. Histopathologically, the diagnosis was straightforward because of the presence of vertically orientated collagen bundles extruded from ulcerated, concave-shaped invaginations of the skin. In two cases, vitamin C administration failed to resolve the disease. In two cases, methylprednisolone acetate was used to manage relapsing episodes and vitamin C helped to reduce glucocorticoid requirements. In one case, treatment with methylprednisolone acetate only appeared to be curative. The fourth case was lost to follow-up immediately after the diagnosis.

Veterinary Dermatology, 2007

What is known about the topic of this paper • Malassezia spp. have been isolated from the skin an... more What is known about the topic of this paper • Malassezia spp. have been isolated from the skin and ear canals of healthy cats and cats with otitis. • In cats, Malassezia yeasts are uncommonly reported as complicating factors of dermatological and systemic diseases. What this paper adds to the field of veterinary dermatology • Different species of Malassezia can be isolated from the nail folds in healthy cats of various breeds. • In the Devon Rex, the finding of high numbers of yeasts and of different species seem to be more frequent compared to other breeds. • The finding of brown, greasy material in feline nail folds is suggestive of the presence of Malassezia yeasts. Abstract Malassezia spp. yeasts are commensal organisms of mammal and avian skin, but little is known about their presence on the skin of healthy cats. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of Malassezia spp. yeasts in feline nail folds and to identify the different species. Forty-six cats of different breeds were evaluated by cytological examination, and Malassezia spp. yeasts were seen in 61% of them. Yeasts were found in 100% of Devon Rex cats [mean 8.63/oil immersion field (high-power field -HPF)]. Conversely, only 42% of cats of other breeds (domestic short-haired and Persian) were positive (mean 0.59/ HPF). Twenty-one cats of different breeds were subsequently evaluated by fungal culture. Malassezia pachydermatis was isolated from 52%, M. furfur from 38%, and M. sympodialis from 9.5% of the cats. More than one species was observed in eight of 21 cats, six of which were Devon Rex. Malassezia spp. yeasts are common inhabitants of feline nail folds, especially in Devon Rex cats, and the presence of a high number of yeasts on cytology correlates with the clinical observation of brown, greasy material in the nail folds. M. pachydermatis and two lipid-dependent species were isolated from both Devon Rex cats and cats of other breeds.

Veterinary Dermatology, 2004

A maculopapular eruption with clinical and histological features similar to those previously desc... more A maculopapular eruption with clinical and histological features similar to those previously described in Sphinx cats under the name of urticaria pigmentosa is reported in five unrelated Devon Rex cats. Physical examination revealed erythematous, occasionally crusted papules, with a bilaterally symmetrical linear distribution on the latero-ventral trunk in two cases and a diffuse distribution on the ventral thorax in the other three cats. One cat also had a greasy seborrhoea on the head and dorsum. Pruritus and pigmented macules were present only in cats affected by secondary bacterial infection. Histological examination of papules in all cats and of the lesional skin of the cat affected by greasy seborrhoea revealed the presence of a perivascular to diffuse mastocytic and eosinophilic infiltrate in the dermis. The mean numbers of nondegranulated and degranulated mast cells per mm(2) were 303.2 and 451.6, respectively. The condition waxed and waned in all cats, and exacerbations were controlled with prednisolone or essential fatty acids.

Veterinary Dermatology, 2013

Pili torti is a congenital or acquired human disease characterized by flattening and twisting of ... more Pili torti is a congenital or acquired human disease characterized by flattening and twisting of the hair shaft by 180 degrees. A similar condition has been previously reported in a litter of kittens with generalized hair loss, associated with systemic signs and followed by death at a young age. A 1-year-old castrated male domestic short-haired cat was presented for noninflammatory and nonpruritic symmetrical multifocal alopecia involving the head, pinnae, forelimbs, tail and chest. The cat was otherwise healthy. Microscopic examination of hair shafts revealed pili torti and a typical combination of anagen and telogen roots, occasionally spiral in shape, without evidence of mites or dermatophytes. Histopathological examination showed the same hair shaft abnormality, with normal epidermis, dermis, hair follicles and other adnexa. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed a hair shaft dysplasia characterized by pili torti, similar to that described in humans. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first case report of pili torti in a healthy young adult cat.

Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 2010

The highest power sustainable in VO2 and blood lactate steady-state conditions is named &... more The highest power sustainable in VO2 and blood lactate steady-state conditions is named "critical power" (CP) and marks the upper limit for prolonged aerobic exercise performance. CP is thus of particular interest for continuous aerobic training prescription, but no data are available as to CP in chronic heart failure (CHF) patients, that is, a population in which aerobic training is a widely accepted nonpharmacologic treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate CP in a group of CHF and in two groups of age-matched untrained (UT-N) and trained (TR-N) normal subjects. Fifteen untrained CHF, five UT-N, and five TR-N underwent one incremental and five very high/severe-intensity constant-power cardiopulmonary exercise tests (CPT). Power versus time to exhaustion data from CPT were fitted by a hyperbola, whose power asymptote is CP. Subsequently, all participants exercised at CP with blood lactate sampling every 2 min. CP was 80 ± 21, 129 ± 17, and 199 ± 35 W in CHF, UT-N, and TR-N, respectively (all comparisons P < 0.005). These values corresponded to 66% ± 6%, 66% ± 6%, and 74% ± 3% of peak power in CHF, UT-N, and TR-N, respectively (TR-N vs both CHF and UT-N, P < 0.05) and to 81% ± 26%, 91% ± 11%, and 83% ± 9% of HR reserve in CHF, UT-N, and TR-N, respectively (NS). All participants exercised for 30 min in VO2, blood lactate, ventilation, and HR steady-state conditions at CP but not at the lowest-power CPT (>CP ~ 10%). The upper intensity limit for prolonged aerobic exercise, that is, CP, is equal to 65% of peak power in CHF patients. This finding provides a physiologically meaningful reference for continuous aerobic training prescription in this population.

Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 1996

The effects of S-4-amino-5-[4,4-dimethylcyclohexyl)amino]-5-oxopentanoic acid (CR 2249), a new en... more The effects of S-4-amino-5-[4,4-dimethylcyclohexyl)amino]-5-oxopentanoic acid (CR 2249), a new entity selected from a new series of glutamic acid derivatives, has been investigated in different paradigms for screening nootropics.

Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 2013

Proliferative and necrotising otitis externa is a rare and recently described disease affecting t... more Proliferative and necrotising otitis externa is a rare and recently described disease affecting the ear canals and concave pinnae of kittens. This article describes a case of proliferative and necrotising otits externa in a young adult cat. In this case, the lesions did not affected the pinnae, but both ear canals were severely involved. Video-otoscopy revealed a digitally proliferative lesion, growing at 360° all around the ear canals for their entire length, without involvement of the middle ear. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis, and the cat responded completely to a once-daily application of 0.1% tacrolimus ointment diluted in mineral oil in the ear canals. Video-otoscopy findings, not described previously, were very peculiar and may help clinicians to diagnose this rare disease.

Genes and Immunity, 2013

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have successfully identified several loci associated with ... more Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have successfully identified several loci associated with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) risk. Pathway analysis complements conventional GWAS analysis. We applied the recently developed linear combination test for pathways to datasets drawn from independent PBC GWAS in Italian and Canadian subjects. Of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and BioCarta pathways tested, 25 pathways in the Italian dataset (449 cases, 940 controls) and 26 pathways in the Canadian dataset (530 cases, 398 controls) were associated with PBC susceptibility (P < 0.05). After correcting for multiple comparisons, only the eight most significant pathways in the Italian dataset had FDR < 0.25 with tumor necrosis factor/stress-related signaling emerging as the top pathway (P = 7.38 × 10 −4 , FDR = 0.18). Two pathways, phosphatidylinositol signaling and hedgehog signaling, were replicated in both datasets (P < 0.05), and subjected to two additional complementary pathway tests. Both pathway signals remained significant in the Italian dataset on modified gene set enrichment analysis (P < 0.05). In both GWAS, variants nominally associated with PBC were significantly overrepresented in the phosphatidylinositol pathway (Fisher exact P < 0.05). These results point to established and novel pathway-level associations with inherited predisposition to PBC that on further independent replication and functional validation, may provide fresh insights into PBC etiology.

Veterinary Dermatology, 2015

Skin lesions in canine leishmaniosis (CanL) are diverse, including exfoliative, ulcerative, nodul... more Skin lesions in canine leishmaniosis (CanL) are diverse, including exfoliative, ulcerative, nodular and papular dermatitides. An uncommon pustular form has also been reported. We hypothesized that CanL infection can produce a pustular reaction pattern in the skin of dogs. The aim of this retrospective study was to describe the clinicopathological features of dogs with CanL infection and pustular dermatitis, and correlate them with response to therapy. Twenty two affected dogs. Retrospective review of medical records and examination of archived biopsy materials or previously processed glass slides was performed. Cytological examinations had been recorded for all cases. Specimens were available for histopathological examination in 17 of 22 cases and for immunohistochemical detection of Leishmania amastigotes in 13 of 22 cases. All dogs presented with multifocal to diffuse pustular dermatitis. CanL was diagnosed by IFAT serology (20 cases), bone marrow cytology (one case) or bone marrow PCR (one case). Cytological and/or histopathological examinations revealed acantholytic keratinocytes within pustules in 18 of 22 cases. Bacterial and fungal cultures were not performed. Leishmania amastigotes were identified by histopathology within the dermis in three cases; immunohistochemistry was positive in four cases. All dogs underwent concurrent anti-leishmanial and immunosuppressive therapy to control the pustular dermatitis, with favourable outcome in 11 of 22 cases. Due to the retrospective nature of this study it is not possible to either accept or reject the hypothesis that CanL is the direct cause of pustular dermatitis.

Veterinary dermatology, Jan 3, 2015

There is a lack of studies comparing topical antiseptics to systemic antibiotics in the treatment... more There is a lack of studies comparing topical antiseptics to systemic antibiotics in the treatment of canine superficial pyoderma. To compare the efficacy of topical chlorhexidine with systemic amoxicillin-clavulanic acid for the treatment of canine superficial pyoderma. A randomized controlled trial was conducted in dogs with superficial pyoderma. Group T (n = 31) was treated topically with 4% chlorhexidine digluconate shampoo (twice weekly) and solution (once daily) for 4 weeks. Group S (n = 20) was treated orally with amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (25 mg/kg) twice daily for 4 weeks. Bacterial culture and susceptibility testing were performed on clinical specimens collected before treatment. Severity of lesions and number of intracellular bacteria were evaluated using four-point scales to calculate a total pyoderma score for each dog. Pruritus was assessed by owners using a visual analog scale (range 0-10). Scores were analysed for statistical differences between groups T and S. Stap...

Veterinary Dermatology, 2015

Oclacitinib is a Janus kinase inhibitor that decreases pruritus and lesions in allergic dogs. In ... more Oclacitinib is a Janus kinase inhibitor that decreases pruritus and lesions in allergic dogs. In cats, it is able to inhibit interleukin-31-induced pruritus; no information is available on its clinical effectiveness. To evaluate the efficacy, ease of administration and tolerability of oclacitinib in feline nonflea-, nonfood-induced hypersensitivity dermatitis. Cats &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;12 months of age and &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;3 kg body weight with a diagnosis of nonflea-, nonfood-induced hypersensitivity dermatitis were treated with oclacitinib, 0.4-0.6 mg/kg orally (p.o.) twice daily for 2 weeks, then once daily for an additional 14 days. Clinical lesions were evaluated with the Scoring Feline Allergic Dermatitis (SCORFAD) system and pruritus was evaluated with a 10-cm-long visual analog scale (VAS) before and at the end of the study. Owners assessed global efficacy, ease of administration and tolerability with a four-point scale. Twelve cats were treated with a mean initial oclacitinib dose of 0.47 mg/kg p.o. twice daily. There was good improvement in SCORFAD and VAS pruritus scores in five of 12 cases, while the other cats were unchanged, deteriorated or dropped out due to treatment failure. Owners scored global efficacy as good/excellent in four of 12 cases and ease of administration and tolerability as good/excellent in 10 of 12. Oclacitinib at 0.4-0.6 mg/kg p.o. may be an effective and safe drug for some cats with nonflea-, nonfood-induced hypersensitivity dermatitis. Further studies are needed to identify the most effective dose range for this species.

IJC Heart & Vessels, 2014

In continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) recipients, little is known about the re... more In continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (LVAD) recipients, little is known about the relative pump-and left ventricle-generated blood flow (PBF and LVBF, respectively) contribution to peak systemic perfusion during incremental exercise and about how PBF/LVBF interplay and exercise capacity may be affected by pump speed increase.

Journal of biological regulators and homeostatic agents

We investigated the relationship of the positivity for Chlamydophila pneumoniae (Cpn) and Mycopla... more We investigated the relationship of the positivity for Chlamydophila pneumoniae (Cpn) and Mycoplasma pneumonia (Mpn), inflammatory and metabolic markers, and mRNA expression and polymorphisms of the TLR2, TLR4, IL-6 and TNFA genes with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Two hundred and eighteen individuals (98 AMI and 120 non-AMI) were selected at two Clinical Centers. Blood samples were drawn to extract DNA and RNA and to measure laboratory variables including anti-Cpn IgM and IgG. Cpn and Mpn genomic DNA as well as TLR2, TLR4, IL-6 and TNFA mRNA expression were evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Gene polymorphisms were detected by PCR-HRM. AMI patients had higher positivity for Cpn-DNA (17.3%) than non-AMI group (6.7%, p=0.018). In addition, Cpn-DNA positivity was an independent predictor of risk for AMI (OR: 2.56, CI: 1.08 - 6.04, p=0.031). Positivity for anti-Cpn IgG and Mpn-DNA was similar between AMI and non-AMI (> 0.05). TLR4 mRNA expression was higher in AMI ...

Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, 1996

This paper reports the first isolation of a spotted fever group rickettsia from an Amblyomma coop... more This paper reports the first isolation of a spotted fever group rickettsia from an Amblyomma cooperi ixodid collected from a capybara (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris) in an endemic area of spotted fever in the County of Pedreira, State of São Paulo, Brazil. Isolation was performed in Vero cell culture and submitted to immunofluorescence, using antibody from Rickettsia rickettsii-positive human serum.

Veterinary Dermatology, 2005

There are anecdotal reports of increased effectiveness of allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) ... more There are anecdotal reports of increased effectiveness of allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) in dogs with doses of vaccine lower than that recommended by the manufacturers. However, no controlled studies have been carried out. The aim of this prospective, double-blinded study was to evaluate whether induction and maintenance with low dose (LD) ASIT resulted in a different success rate compared with the standard dose (SD). Twenty-seven dogs with confirmed atopic dermatitis were allocated by block randomization to two groups. One group (n = 13) received SD ASIT; the other group (n = 14) received LD ASIT (1/10 of the SD) following the same frequency protocol. Cases were graded at 0, 3, 6 and 9 months for clinical signs using a modified canine atopic dermatitis extent and severity index (mCADESI) and for pruritus using a 0-5 descriptor scale. There were no significant differences between the groups in the pruritus and mCADESI scores (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 0.155) at the end of the study, and the changes in pruritus (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 0.920) and mCADESI (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 0.296) scores from the beginning to the end of the study were similar in both groups. Pruritus scores in both groups did not change during the study (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 0.052). However, significant reductions in mCADESI scores were seen in both groups (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.032). Six dogs achieved a final pruritus score of 0, six achieved a reduction in pruritus score and 15 did not improve or worsened. There was, therefore, no evidence that LD ASIT is more effective than the standard protocol.

Veterinary Dermatology, 2009

Dermatophytosis is a common zoonotic disease, and one of its clinical presentations in the dog is... more Dermatophytosis is a common zoonotic disease, and one of its clinical presentations in the dog is nodular dermatophytosis (kerion). Because the infection is located within the dermis, routine diagnostic tests such as a Wood&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s lamp examination, microscopic examination of hair shafts for fungal elements and fungal culture can yield negative results. In such cases, histopathological examination with routine and special stains (periodic acid-Schiff, Gomori methenamine silver) is required to confirm the diagnosis. Nodular dermatophytosis in 23 dogs of different breed, age and sex with single or multiple nodules is described. Twelve dogs had a single nodule, and 11 dogs showed multiple lesions. Wood&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s lamp examination was negative in all cases. Microscopic examination of plucked hairs showed arthrospores in 8 of 23 cases. Skin scrapings in mineral oil looking for arthrospores and/or hyphae were positive in 12 cases. Impression smears of exudates were diagnostic in 21 of 23 cases (91%), showing arthrospores within fragments of hair shafts or free among neutrophils and macrophages (pyogranulomatous inflammation). Histopathology was performed in two cases. Fungal culture was positive for Microsporum canis in 16 dogs and for Microsporum gypseum in one dog. In six cases, the causative agent was not identified by fungal culture. All dogs were treated with systemic antifungal therapy and in eight cases with concurrent antibiotic therapy. Nodular dermatophytosis resolved in all dogs with the prescribed treatments within 4 to 8 weeks. Transmission to people or other pets in the home was not found.

Veterinary Dermatology, 2011

A previously validated 15-item questionnaire on dogs' life quality (QoL1) and that of their owner... more A previously validated 15-item questionnaire on dogs' life quality (QoL1) and that of their owners (QoL2) was applied in a multicentre study to owners of 200 dogs with different dermatological conditions, together with a question on the owner-perceived disease severity (S). Factor analysis was applied to the whole questionnaire. The correlation of S with QoL1 and QoL2 scores was evaluated using Spearman's rank correlation tests. Owner sex, age, educational level and willingness to pay for a potential definitive cure of the disease were recorded, and compared with quality of life (QoL) scores. In 23 atopic dogs, CADESI-03, pruritus Visual Analogue Scale and QoL scores were obtained before and after therapy, and their correlation was evaluated with linear regression. Factor analysis revealed that three factors (S, QoL1 and QoL2) explained 75% of the variance. Owner-perceived severity correlated significantly with QoL1 and QoL2 (P = 0.002 and P = 0.015, respectively). The five diseases with the worst QoL scores were scabies, pododermatitis, complicated atopic dermatitis, pemphigus foliaceus and endocrine alopecia. Pruritic diseases did not give significantly higher QoL1 or QoL2 scores compared with nonpruritic diseases (P = 0.19, Kruskall-Wallis test). Owner sex, age or educational level did not influence QoL scores. Female sex, a younger age and a higher educational level were significantly associated with more willingness to pay. In atopic dogs, all the scores decreased after therapy, but post-treatment CADESI-03 and Visual Analogue Scale scores did not correlate with QoL1 and QoL2. Questions related to the burden of maintenance therapy showed the lowest improvements in score.

Veterinary Dermatology, 2004

A 13-year-old, thoroughbred mare was presented with an 8-year history of multifocal, generalized,... more A 13-year-old, thoroughbred mare was presented with an 8-year history of multifocal, generalized, noninflammatory alopecia and a 3-month history of alopecia, erythema and scaling of the white star on the forehead and muzzle. Histopathological examination of biopsy samples from multiple sites on the body (mane, neck, shoulder, flank and gluteal region) showed a subtle lymphocytic inflammatory infiltrate affecting and surrounding the anagen hair bulbs, consistent with a diagnosis of alopecia areata. The biopsy sample from the star on the forehead showed atrophic hair follicles with perifollicular and mural mononuclear folliculitis affecting the isthmus. Immunohistochemical staining with a CD3 marker confirmed the T-lymphocytic origin of the inflammatory infiltrate in all the samples. The concurrent presence of lymphocytic infiltration at the bulbar and isthmic level of the hair follicles in the same horse is unusual. This finding may represent a variation of the histological appearance of alopecia areata.

Veterinary Dermatology, 2009

The clinicopathological findings of perforating dermatitis in two young and two adult cats are de... more The clinicopathological findings of perforating dermatitis in two young and two adult cats are described. In all cases, the lesions were characterized by single or multiple papules and plaques, 0.5-3.0 cm in diameter, each containing a central, firm, exophytic, cone-shaped, yellow-orange keratotic plug, tightly adherent to the underlying skin. Removal of the protruding material was associated with bleeding and left the ulcerated surface exposed. In one case, the lesions showed a linear configuration and identical lesions occurred on the suture sites following biopsy. Histopathologically, the diagnosis was straightforward because of the presence of vertically orientated collagen bundles extruded from ulcerated, concave-shaped invaginations of the skin. In two cases, vitamin C administration failed to resolve the disease. In two cases, methylprednisolone acetate was used to manage relapsing episodes and vitamin C helped to reduce glucocorticoid requirements. In one case, treatment with methylprednisolone acetate only appeared to be curative. The fourth case was lost to follow-up immediately after the diagnosis.

Veterinary Dermatology, 2007

What is known about the topic of this paper • Malassezia spp. have been isolated from the skin an... more What is known about the topic of this paper • Malassezia spp. have been isolated from the skin and ear canals of healthy cats and cats with otitis. • In cats, Malassezia yeasts are uncommonly reported as complicating factors of dermatological and systemic diseases. What this paper adds to the field of veterinary dermatology • Different species of Malassezia can be isolated from the nail folds in healthy cats of various breeds. • In the Devon Rex, the finding of high numbers of yeasts and of different species seem to be more frequent compared to other breeds. • The finding of brown, greasy material in feline nail folds is suggestive of the presence of Malassezia yeasts. Abstract Malassezia spp. yeasts are commensal organisms of mammal and avian skin, but little is known about their presence on the skin of healthy cats. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of Malassezia spp. yeasts in feline nail folds and to identify the different species. Forty-six cats of different breeds were evaluated by cytological examination, and Malassezia spp. yeasts were seen in 61% of them. Yeasts were found in 100% of Devon Rex cats [mean 8.63/oil immersion field (high-power field -HPF)]. Conversely, only 42% of cats of other breeds (domestic short-haired and Persian) were positive (mean 0.59/ HPF). Twenty-one cats of different breeds were subsequently evaluated by fungal culture. Malassezia pachydermatis was isolated from 52%, M. furfur from 38%, and M. sympodialis from 9.5% of the cats. More than one species was observed in eight of 21 cats, six of which were Devon Rex. Malassezia spp. yeasts are common inhabitants of feline nail folds, especially in Devon Rex cats, and the presence of a high number of yeasts on cytology correlates with the clinical observation of brown, greasy material in the nail folds. M. pachydermatis and two lipid-dependent species were isolated from both Devon Rex cats and cats of other breeds.

Veterinary Dermatology, 2004

A maculopapular eruption with clinical and histological features similar to those previously desc... more A maculopapular eruption with clinical and histological features similar to those previously described in Sphinx cats under the name of urticaria pigmentosa is reported in five unrelated Devon Rex cats. Physical examination revealed erythematous, occasionally crusted papules, with a bilaterally symmetrical linear distribution on the latero-ventral trunk in two cases and a diffuse distribution on the ventral thorax in the other three cats. One cat also had a greasy seborrhoea on the head and dorsum. Pruritus and pigmented macules were present only in cats affected by secondary bacterial infection. Histological examination of papules in all cats and of the lesional skin of the cat affected by greasy seborrhoea revealed the presence of a perivascular to diffuse mastocytic and eosinophilic infiltrate in the dermis. The mean numbers of nondegranulated and degranulated mast cells per mm(2) were 303.2 and 451.6, respectively. The condition waxed and waned in all cats, and exacerbations were controlled with prednisolone or essential fatty acids.

Veterinary Dermatology, 2013

Pili torti is a congenital or acquired human disease characterized by flattening and twisting of ... more Pili torti is a congenital or acquired human disease characterized by flattening and twisting of the hair shaft by 180 degrees. A similar condition has been previously reported in a litter of kittens with generalized hair loss, associated with systemic signs and followed by death at a young age. A 1-year-old castrated male domestic short-haired cat was presented for noninflammatory and nonpruritic symmetrical multifocal alopecia involving the head, pinnae, forelimbs, tail and chest. The cat was otherwise healthy. Microscopic examination of hair shafts revealed pili torti and a typical combination of anagen and telogen roots, occasionally spiral in shape, without evidence of mites or dermatophytes. Histopathological examination showed the same hair shaft abnormality, with normal epidermis, dermis, hair follicles and other adnexa. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed a hair shaft dysplasia characterized by pili torti, similar to that described in humans. To the best of the authors&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; knowledge, this is the first case report of pili torti in a healthy young adult cat.

Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 2010

The highest power sustainable in VO2 and blood lactate steady-state conditions is named &amp;... more The highest power sustainable in VO2 and blood lactate steady-state conditions is named &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot;critical power&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;quot; (CP) and marks the upper limit for prolonged aerobic exercise performance. CP is thus of particular interest for continuous aerobic training prescription, but no data are available as to CP in chronic heart failure (CHF) patients, that is, a population in which aerobic training is a widely accepted nonpharmacologic treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate CP in a group of CHF and in two groups of age-matched untrained (UT-N) and trained (TR-N) normal subjects. Fifteen untrained CHF, five UT-N, and five TR-N underwent one incremental and five very high/severe-intensity constant-power cardiopulmonary exercise tests (CPT). Power versus time to exhaustion data from CPT were fitted by a hyperbola, whose power asymptote is CP. Subsequently, all participants exercised at CP with blood lactate sampling every 2 min. CP was 80 ± 21, 129 ± 17, and 199 ± 35 W in CHF, UT-N, and TR-N, respectively (all comparisons P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.005). These values corresponded to 66% ± 6%, 66% ± 6%, and 74% ± 3% of peak power in CHF, UT-N, and TR-N, respectively (TR-N vs both CHF and UT-N, P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.05) and to 81% ± 26%, 91% ± 11%, and 83% ± 9% of HR reserve in CHF, UT-N, and TR-N, respectively (NS). All participants exercised for 30 min in VO2, blood lactate, ventilation, and HR steady-state conditions at CP but not at the lowest-power CPT (&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;CP ~ 10%). The upper intensity limit for prolonged aerobic exercise, that is, CP, is equal to 65% of peak power in CHF patients. This finding provides a physiologically meaningful reference for continuous aerobic training prescription in this population.

Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 1996

The effects of S-4-amino-5-[4,4-dimethylcyclohexyl)amino]-5-oxopentanoic acid (CR 2249), a new en... more The effects of S-4-amino-5-[4,4-dimethylcyclohexyl)amino]-5-oxopentanoic acid (CR 2249), a new entity selected from a new series of glutamic acid derivatives, has been investigated in different paradigms for screening nootropics.

Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 2013

Proliferative and necrotising otitis externa is a rare and recently described disease affecting t... more Proliferative and necrotising otitis externa is a rare and recently described disease affecting the ear canals and concave pinnae of kittens. This article describes a case of proliferative and necrotising otits externa in a young adult cat. In this case, the lesions did not affected the pinnae, but both ear canals were severely involved. Video-otoscopy revealed a digitally proliferative lesion, growing at 360° all around the ear canals for their entire length, without involvement of the middle ear. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis, and the cat responded completely to a once-daily application of 0.1% tacrolimus ointment diluted in mineral oil in the ear canals. Video-otoscopy findings, not described previously, were very peculiar and may help clinicians to diagnose this rare disease.

Genes and Immunity, 2013

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have successfully identified several loci associated with ... more Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have successfully identified several loci associated with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) risk. Pathway analysis complements conventional GWAS analysis. We applied the recently developed linear combination test for pathways to datasets drawn from independent PBC GWAS in Italian and Canadian subjects. Of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and BioCarta pathways tested, 25 pathways in the Italian dataset (449 cases, 940 controls) and 26 pathways in the Canadian dataset (530 cases, 398 controls) were associated with PBC susceptibility (P < 0.05). After correcting for multiple comparisons, only the eight most significant pathways in the Italian dataset had FDR < 0.25 with tumor necrosis factor/stress-related signaling emerging as the top pathway (P = 7.38 × 10 −4 , FDR = 0.18). Two pathways, phosphatidylinositol signaling and hedgehog signaling, were replicated in both datasets (P < 0.05), and subjected to two additional complementary pathway tests. Both pathway signals remained significant in the Italian dataset on modified gene set enrichment analysis (P < 0.05). In both GWAS, variants nominally associated with PBC were significantly overrepresented in the phosphatidylinositol pathway (Fisher exact P < 0.05). These results point to established and novel pathway-level associations with inherited predisposition to PBC that on further independent replication and functional validation, may provide fresh insights into PBC etiology.