The BRCA2 c.156_157insAlu variant is a Portuguese founder mutation implicated in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC). This study aims to determine its occurrence and clinical implications in the northern interior region of Portugal. A retrospective study of 571 individuals referred for HBOC genetic counseling and testing between 2021 and 2024 was conducted. Genetic screening was performed using next-generation sequencing of 27 hereditary cancer genes, with confirmatory PCR for BRCA2 c.156_157insAlu. Pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants were detected in 19.8% of participants, with BRCA1/2 variants accounting for 5.4%. The BRCA2 c.156_157insAlu variant was identified in 6 individuals (25% of all BRCA2 pathogenic variants identified), including breast cancer patients and asymptomatic carriers. Clinically, it was associated with early onset and contralateral breast cancer. Cascade testing and genetic counseling were offered to at-risk relatives. The BRCA2 c.156_157insAlu variant remains a significant contributor to HBOC in northern Portugal. Its high local proportion among BRCA2 variants supports the implementation of targeted genetic testing strategies, enhancing early detection and personalized cancer risk management.

Feline mammary carcinoma (FMC) is an aggressive neoplasm with a poor prognosis. Clinical staging is crucial for risk assessment, yet the current WHO system lacks granularity, particularly in Stage III. Aligning this system with human breast cancer staging has the potential to improve prognostic accuracy. Additionally, prognostic factors such as tumor size, ulceration, lymph node metastasis, and lymphovascular invasion require further evaluation. This study retrospectively analyzed 75 female cats with FMC to assess the prognostic impact of clinicopathological factors and evaluate a novel staging system (new staging) adapted from the AJCC Cancer Staging Manual. Survival analyses included disease-free interval (DFI), and overall survival (OS). Tumor size >3 cm (p < 0.001), ulceration (p = 0.010), lymphovascular invasion (p < 0.001), lymph node metastasis (p < 0.001), WHO and new staging (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with shorter survival. The new staging refined Stage III into IIIA (T3N0M0), IIIB (T4N0M0), and IIIC (AnyTN1M0), improved prognostic differentiation. Stage IIIC cases had the worst survival (p < 0.001). Multivariate survival analysis identified lymphovascular invasion (HR = 2.834, 95% CI: 1.546–5.195, p = 0.001), histological Grade II (HR = 5.013, 95% CI: 1.122–22.397, p = 0.035) and III (HR = 9.894, 95% CI: 2.195–44.594, p = 0.003) and skin ulceration (HR = 2.462, 95% CI: 1.256–4.825, p = 0.009). These findings support the prognostic relevance of key clinicopathological factors in FMC and highlight the advantages of a refined TNM-based staging system, which may enhance risk stratification and therapeutic decision-making in veterinary oncology.

BACKGROUND/AIM:Clinical staging has become essential in veterinary oncology. It is crucial for creating effective treatment plans and predicting outcomes. Whole-body computed tomography (WBCT) can serve as a comprehensive staging examination, offering a detailed view of a patient's internal anatomy. This retrospective study aimed to assess the diagnostic yield of WBCT in diagnosing cancer in dogs and cats. PATIENTS AND METHODS:We reviewed medical records of cats and dogs that underwent a WBCT scan between January 2016 and May 2023. Only cases with a confirmed cytological or histological diagnosis of the primary tumor and complete medical records were considered. We collected data on histological diagnoses and diagnostic methods used. RESULTS:Our study included 57 animals that underwent WBCT for cancer-related reasons. Metastases were detected in 14 dogs, with four showing metastases in multiple locations, five in the lungs, three in the lymph nodes, one in the skeleton, and one in the liver, yielding a diagnostic rate of 31.8%. In cats, metastases were detected in six cases (five in the lungs and one in the lymph nodes), with a diagnostic yield of 46.2%. WBCT identified metastasis in over 35% of cases, including those outside the thoracic and abdominal cavities, indicating potentially greater accuracy than radiography and ultrasound. CONCLUSION:WBCT is an effective and safe method for tumor staging and oncological diagnosis in dogs and cats.

Primary lung cancer is a relatively uncommon tumor in dogs, accounting for about 1% of all canine malignancies. Clinical signs in affected dogs can range from being asymptomatic to exhibiting chronic cough, and in rare cases, dyspnoea. Surgical excision of the primary tumor, along with resection of the affected locoregional lymph nodes is the preferred treatment option for most cases. Although chemotherapy, targeted therapy and radiation therapy have been employed, their effectiveness remain controversial. Dogs with stage T1 tumors can experience extended survival times of up to 2 years. However, the prognosis for dogs with advanced metastatic tumors is generally very poor. This review article discusses the etiology, clinical signs, diagnosis, staging, treatment options, and prognosis of primary lung carcinoma in dogs.

Peripheral complete blood cell count (CBC) and blood ratios, including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), neutrophil-to-red blood cell ratio (NRR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), have been used in the diagnosis and prognosis of several cancers; however, their relevance in canine splenic hemangiosarcoma (HSA) remains to be investigated. This study investigated whether CBC, NLR, NRR, and PLR could be diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in dogs with splenic HSA. Analyzing medical records of 154 dogs undergoing splenectomy from 2018 to 2022, we found that dogs diagnosed with splenic HSA (n = 63) had significantly higher neutrophil counts (14.9 ± 9.7 vs. 12.6 ± 9.6; p < 0.001), increased NRR (3.7 ± 2.6 vs. 2.7 ± 3.7; p < 0.001), lower platelet counts (145 ± 111 vs. 270 ± 213; p < 0.001), and reduced PLR (139.4 ± 160.0 vs. 259.9 ± 278.0; p < 0.001) compared to dogs with other splenic lesions. This study also identified a higher risk of relapse and mortality associated with increased NRR (p < 0.001 and p = 0.012, respectively) and an inverse relationship with PLR (p = 0.015 and p = 0.033, respectively), whereas NLR showed no significant association. The multivariate survival analysis identified NRR as an independent prognostic factor for DFI [hazard ratio (1.837); 95% confidence interval (1.147–2.942); p = 0.011], while for OS, the association did not reach statistical significance [hazard ratio (1.510); 95% confidence interval (0.985–2.314); p = 0.059]. These findings highlight the potential of NRR and PLR as biomarkers for assessing diagnosis and prognosis in canine splenic HSA, advocating for further validation in the future.

Osteosarcoma (OSA) in dogs poses a clinical challenge to veterinary practitioners across the globe. As knowledge evolves, so too do clinical practices. However, there remain uncertainties and controversies. There is value for the veterinary community at large in the generation of a contemporary wide-ranging guideline document. The aim of this project was therefore to assimilate the available published knowledge into a single accessible referenced resource and to provide expert clinical guidance to support professional colleagues as they navigate current OSA challenges and controversies. Primary bone tumors are common in dogs. The history and clinical signs relate to the anatomic site of the tumor. Most canine patients present with a sudden-onset lameness that can appear to improve temporarily in response to analgesia and rest. Most patients do not have detectable metastasis at the time of diagnosis, but most canine patients do develop metastasis within months without appropriate therapy. Surgical resection using wide margins is currently the mainstay of therapy for the local control of the primary tumor. Most commonly, this comprises limb amputation in dogs, but not all dogs are considered good candidates. Anti-metastatic therapy is vital in dogs if surgery is going to offer a good chance of achieving a durable benefit. While there are many limb-sparing and palliative therapy options for dogs with OSA, most have not been shown to achieve superior outcomes compared with amputation and adjuvant chemotherapy. There is a role for radiotherapy in the palliative treatment of OSA. Immunotherapy should be considered a developing treatment modality—multiple immunotherapeutic approaches have yielded positive results in dogs in small experimental studies. It is hoped that this document will serve as a useful resource to practitioners all over the world, to help them better understand this disease and provide the best options for patients to extend quality of life and survival, either within the primary care or referral hospital setting.

ABSTRACT: Miranda’s donkey is an autochthonous asinine breed from northern Portugal classified as endangered by the Food and Agriculture Organization. Research on Miranda’s donkey in several scientific areas is important to standardize the breed and to assist the breed’s preservation. Reference values in clinical pathology are used to determine the health status of individuals and herds, and to control the evolution of diseases and their response to therapy. This review summarized the studies performed on Miranda’s donkey and evaluated the state of the art concerning studies performed in the clinical pathology field. Thirty-seven publications on Miranda’s donkey published between 2000-2023 in various scientific areas were found. In conclusion, research on Miranda’s donkey is scarce, and further studies are needed, especially in hematology and clinical biochemistry areas with respect to physiological and pathological changes that affect the breed, thus helping its conservation.

Sleep is a vital process that impacts biological functions such as cell renewal, bone regeneration, and immune system support. Disrupted sleep can interrupt erythropoiesis, leading to fewer red blood cells, reduced haemoglobin concentration, and decreased haematocrit levels, potentially contributing to haematological disorders. This is particularly concerning for shift workers for example firefighters. While previous studies have explored sleep’s adverse effects on various professions, research specific to firefighters is limited. This study investigates the relationship between sleep quality and haematological parameters among firefighters in Northeast Portugal. From a sample of 201 firefighters, variations in red blood cells, haemoglobin, and haematocrit values were linked to sleep quality. The study utilised non-parametric tests (Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney, Spearman’s correlation) to explore the connection between sleep quality and haematological profile. The impact of covariates on haematological parameters was assessed using non-parametric ANCOVA (Quade’s). A multiple regression analysis was employed to further understand how sleep quality and various confounding variables impact haematological levels. Findings suggest a negative link between sleep quality and haematological levels, meaning that as sleep quality deteriorates, there is a tendency for haematological levels to decrease, as indicated by Spearman’s correlation (rRBC = −0.157, pRBC = 0.026; rHb = −0.158, pHb = 0.025; rHCT = −0.175, pHCT = 0.013). As observed in scientific literature, the correlation found suggests a possible inhibition of erythropoiesis, the process responsible for red blood cell production. Despite firefighters presenting a haematological profile within the reference range (RBC: 5.1 × 106/mm3 (SD ± 0.4), Hb: 15.6 g/dL (SD ± 1.3), 47% (SD ± 1.0), there is already an observable trend towards lower levels. The analysis of co-variables did not reveal a significant impact of sleep quality on haematological levels. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of sleep quality in determining haematological parameters among firefighters. Future research should investigate the underlying mechanisms and long-term implications of poor sleep quality on firefighter health. Exploring interventions to enhance sleep quality is vital for evidence-based strategies promoting firefighter well-being.

Miranda’s donkey is an endangered, autochthone breed from Northern Portugal. Understanding the physiological and pathological conditions of Miranda’s donkey is crucial for the conservation of the breed. Our study aimed to establish reference intervals (RIs) for blood biochemistry parameters and to evaluate the influence of gender and age on these parameters. Blood samples from 75 clinically healthy animals were analyzed for 21 blood biochemistry parameters using Respons® 920 and Start® 4-Diagnostica-Stago. RIs were calculated according to the ASVCP guidelines, utilizing Reference Advisor software V. 2.1 and the statistical program SPSS version 29 to analyze the effects of gender and age. Significant gender-related differences (p < 0.05) were observed in cholesterol, chlorine, creatinine (CREA), glucose (GLU), sodium, and triglycerides (with higher values in females) and in aspartate aminotransferase, creatine phosphokinase (CK), gamma-glutamyl transferase, potassium, magnesium (Mg), and urea (with higher values in males). Age-related differences (p < 0.05) were noted for alkaline phosphatase, CK, fibrinogen, GLU, and phosphorus (higher in young animals) and for globulin, Mg, and total protein (higher in adults). The RIs described here are invaluable for assessing and monitoring the health status of individual animals and herds. Our study highlights the importance of considering gender and age in the interpretation of biochemical parameters, providing critical insights for the conservation and management of this endangered breed.

The western-European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus), in expanding its range towards human habitats, faces exposure to contaminants and biological agents, potentially leading to diseases associated with hematological and biochemical changes. As bioindicators of environmental pollution and carriers of zoonotic agents, hedgehogs play a crucial role in One Health studies, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of their clinical-pathological aspects. Exploring the blood reference values in healthy animals of this species is crucial for understanding and improving their well-being, and identifying possible diseases/pathogens that may affect its conservation and/or impact human health. This review is focused on analyzing the data available in the literature for Erinaceus europaeus blood reference intervals. A comprehensive literature review of the studies published in Europe is performed, highlighting their specificities, and emphasizing the need for continuous research in this field. Our final goal is to provide a crucial tool for assessing the health status of the species, and underscoring the significance of research in this specific domain.

Miranda’s donkey, originating in northern Portugal, is an autochthonous breed that is deeply intertwined with the region’s culture and economy. Knowledge of the physiological characteristics of the breed is important for its preservation, and several studies have been carried out, but none have focused on its coagulation profile. The aim of this study was to establish reference intervals (RIs) for coagulation in healthy Miranda’s donkey and to assess the influence of sex and age. Blood samples from 75 clinically healthy animals were analyzed for seven coagulation parameters: four using IDEXX ProCyte Dx and three using Start® 4-Diagnostica-Stago. The RI values were calculated following the ASVCP guidelines and with the Reference Advisor V.2.1 software. To analyze the influence of sex and age, SPSS version 29 was used. No significant differences were found between sexes (p > 0.05), but statistically significant differences were found between ages (p < 0.05) for platelet count and plateletcrit (both higher in young animals). The RIs described here can help monitor health and guide the diagnosis and treatment of diseased Miranda’s donkeys, contributing to their preservation. Our study encourages further research on coagulation in donkeys and the use of different methodologies to obtain information for veterinarians working with this species.

Background/Aim: This study aimed to investigate the influence of Western diet on mammary cancer in Wistar female rats, focusing on systemic responses and tumor development. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight Wistar female rats were acclimatized and divided into four experimental groups (n=7 each): Western diet (WD), Western diet with N-methyl-Nnitrosourea (MNU) administration (WD+MNU), standard diet (CTR), and standard diet with MNU administration (CTR+MNU). MNU was administered intraperitoneally at 50 mg/kg at seven weeks of age to induce mammary cancer. The 20- week experiment involved monitoring animal weight, food and water intake. At the end of the study, rats were euthanized, and blood samples and organs were collected for hematological and plasma biochemical analysis, oxidative stress, and histopathological and immunobiological evaluations of the tumors. Results: No significant differences were found in body weight, composition, or organ weights, but the WD group showed reduced food and water intake and lower cholesterol levels. Leptin and adiponectin levels were higher in the WD+MNU group, suggestive of changes in appetite regulation. Histopathological analysis showed malignant tumors in both MNU-induced groups. However, WD groups had fewer tumors compared to the CTR+MNU group. Conclusion: WD led to higher feed efficiency and increased visceral adipose tissue but decreased systemic cholesterol and triglyceride levels. While this diet resulted in lower tumor incidence, the volume and weight of the tumors were higher. Additionally, the WD decreased ER alpha and progesterone receptor immunoexpression, while Ki-67 immunoexpression was elevated.

Neural stem and progenitor cells (NSPCs) from extra-neural origin represent a valuable tool for autologous cell therapy and research in neurogenesis. Identification of proneurogenic biomolecules on NSPCs would improve the success of cell therapies for neurodegenerative diseases. Preliminary data suggested that follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) might act in this fashion. This study was aimed to elucidate whether FSH promotes development, self-renewal, and is proneurogenic on neurospheres (NS) derived from sheep ovarian cortical cells (OCCs). Two culture strategies were carried out: (a) long-term, 21-days NS culture (control vs. FSH group) with NS morphometric evaluation, gene expression analyses of stemness and lineage markers, and immunolocalization of NSPCs antigens; (b) NS assay to demonstrate FSH actions on self-renewal and differentiation capacity of NS cultured with one of three defined media: M1: positive control with EGF/FGF2; M2: control; and M3: M2 supplemented with FSH. In long-term cultures, FSH increased NS diameters with respect to control group (302.90 ± 25.20 μm vs. 183.20 ± 7.63 on day 9, respectively), upregulated nestin (days 15/21), Sox2 (day 21) and Pax6 (days 15/21) and increased the percentages of cells immunolocalizing these proteins. During NS assays, FSH stimulated NSCPs proliferation, and self-renewal, increasing NS diameters during the two expansion periods and the expression of the neuron precursor transcript DCX during the second one. In the FSH-group there were more frequent cell-bridges among neighbouring NS. FSH is a proneurogenic hormone that promotes OCC-NSPCs self-renewal and NS development. Future studies will be necessary to support the proneurogenic actions of FSH and its potential use in basic and applied research related to cell therapy.

Miranda donkeys are an endangered autochthonous breed of Portugal. The HemoCue WBC DIFF and HemoCue Hb 201 portable analyzers, developed as a simplified alternative method for total and differential WBC count and hemoglobin measurement, respectively, may be relevant tools in veterinary practice. This study aimed to validate these instruments using Miranda donkey blood samples. For the HemoCue WBC DIFF, most parameters showed acceptable intra- and inter-assay precision with coefficients of variation (CV) below 5%, except for monocytes and eosinophils with higher CVs. The HemoCue Hb 201 showed CVs of 1.98% and 4.07%. Linearity correlation coefficients (r) ranged from 0.53 to 0.99 for HemoCue WBC DIFF and 0.99 for HemoCue Hb 201. Significant levels for neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and Hb measurements varied. Comparisons with ProCyte Dx showed an excellent correlation for WBC (rs = 0.96), neutrophils (rs = 0.91), lymphocytes (rs = 0.94), and eosinophils (rs = 0.90) but a poor correlation for monocytes and basophils. The HemoCue Hb 201 showed a correlation of rs = 0.96 with ProCyte Dx. In conclusion, both analyzers provided reliable results and are suitable for use in Miranda’s donkey breed for WBC counts and Hb measurements.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) stands as the second most prevalent skin cancer in dogs, primarily attributed to UV radiation exposure. Affected areas typically include regions with sparse hair and pale or depigmented skin. The significance of spontaneous canine cutaneous SCC as a model for its human counterpart is underscored by its resemblance. This study assesses the expression of key markers—Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR), Cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2), and Ki-67—in canine cutaneous SCC. Our objective is to investigate the association between their expression levels and classical clinicopathological parameters, unraveling the intricate relationships among these molecular markers. In our retrospective analysis of 37 cases, EGFR overexpression manifested in 43.2% of cases, while Cox-2 exhibited overexpression in 97.3%. The EGFR, Cox-2 overexpression, and Ki-67 proliferation indices, estimated through immunohistochemistry, displayed a significant association with the histological grade, but only EGFR labeling is associated with the presence of lymphovascular emboli. The Ki-67 labeling index expression exhibited an association with EGFR and Cox-2. These findings propose that EGFR, Cox-2, and Ki-67 hold promise as valuable markers in canine SCC. EGFR, Cox-2, and Ki-67 may serve as indicators of disease progression, offering insights into the malignancy of a lesion. The implications extend to the potential therapeutic targeting of EGFR and Cox-2 in managing canine SCC. Further exploration of these insights is warranted due to their translational relevance and the development of targeted interventions in the context of canine SCC.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1359426.].

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common and highly aggressive dog tumor known for its local invasiveness and metastatic potential. Understanding the molecular mechanisms driving the development and progression of OSCC is crucial for improving diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Additionally, spontaneous oral squamous cell carcinomas in dogs are an excellent model for studying human counterparts. In this study, we aimed to investigate the significance of two key molecular components, Cox-2 and EGFR, in canine OSCC. We examined 34 tumor sections from various dog breeds to assess the immunoexpression of Cox-2 and EGFR. Our findings revealed that Cox-2 was highly expressed in 70.6% of cases, while EGFR overexpression was observed in 44.1%. Cox-2 overexpression showed association with histological grade of malignancy (HGM) (p = 0.006) and EGFR with vascular invasion (p = 0.006). COX-2 and EGFR concurrent expression was associated with HGM (p = 0.002), as well as with the presence of vascular invasion (p = 0.002). These data suggest that Cox-2 and EGFR could be promising biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets, opening avenues for developing novel treatment strategies for dogs affected by OSCC. Further studies are warranted to delve deeper into these findings and translate them into clinical practice.