The correlation between mast cells and some inflammatory mediators in the bovine endometrium.
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Animals↗
Biomedical subjects
C Castagnetti
Publications and source records attributed to C Castagnetti.
Vaginal and cervical anatomic modifications during the oestrus cycle in relation to transcervical catheterization in the domestic cat.
In a previous study we observed that it is possible to reach the cervix in all queens with a 1 mm diameter probe only. So, we developed both a new technique and a catheter (1 mm diameter) to allow transcervical insemination [Zambelli and Castagnetti 2001]. The aims of this study were to investigate vaginal and cervical anatomic modifications during the various stages of the oestrus cycle and to test the previously described technique of transcervical catheterization during the various stages of the oestrus cycle. In experiment 1, silicon impression moulds were obtained from the reproductive tracts of 21 queens' cadavers and vaginal and cervical measures were taken. The results showed that there are some significant anatomic modifications during the various stages of the oestrus cycle in vaginal and cervical anatomy, principally related to the dorsal medial fold increase induced by the follicular phase. In experiment 2, transcervical catheterization was attempted in 95 queens at various stages of oestrus cycle both during reproductive and non-reproductive season. After catheterization, methylene blue solution was injected through the cervical catheter. Successful catheterization was assessed during surgery, when colour was observed in the uterine horns. It was possible to perform transcervical catheterization during non-reproductive season in 16 of 20 anoestrus queens and in 12 of 15 induced oestrus queens; during reproductive season in nine of 21 interoestrus queens, in eight of 13 dioestrus/pregnancy queens, in four of 18 oestrus queens and in seven of eight queens in first oestrus during lactation.
Animals↗
Reduction of twin pregnancy in the mare by transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration.
Diagnosis and management of twin pregnancies in the mare are an ongoing challenge in equine reproduction. Early detection of twin and manual crush of one vesicle are the main steps in the management of twins. Few studies were carried out about the use of transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration (TUGA) for reduction of twins in the mare. In this study, the efficiency of TUGA for management of twin pregnancies was investigated. Reduction of unicornuate twins between 16 and 25 days of gestation gave a success rate of 70.0% (14 viable foals/20 twin pregnancies); when reduction was performed after day 40 of gestation, all mares (one unicornuate; three bicornuate) lost both. For those cases in which the window for early crush of a twin vesicle has been missed, TUGA can be successfully used to reduce twin pregnancy between 16 and 25 days of gestation.
Animals↗
Correlation between the age of the conceptus and various ultrasonographic measurements during the first 30 days of pregnancy in domestic cats (Felis catus).
We ultrasonographically evaluated the prenatal development in cats, from the early phases to Day 30 of pregnancy, subjecting a group of pregnant cats (n = 12) to a daily ultrasonographic exam. The ultrasonographic images allowed us to measure the minor diameter of the gestational sac and the crown-rump length of the embryo/fetus. Ten subjects underwent ovariohysterectomy at specific intervals during the pregnancy, with the aim of comparing the ultrasonographic data with real data; only two subjects brought their pregnancy to term. The earliest ultrasonographic observation of the gestational sac was on Day 10 after mating, while the embryo could be measured only beginning with Day 18. This study allowed to gather useful new data in order to clinically monitor the normal course of pregnancy in cats and to date the gestational age.
Animals↗
Cryopreservation of cat semen in straws: comparison of five different freezing rates.
The first pregnancies in domestic cats were obtained using semen frozen in pellets (Platz et al. 1978). Other freezing methods, vials (Lengwinant and Blottner 1994) or straws (Pope et al. 1991; Hay and Goodrowe 1993), have also been used. Pelleted freezing has often been the standard method (Howard 1986). Opinions about the freezing method are discordant; the best method for Pope et al. (1991) was using straws; in fact, the post-thaw motility and the percentage of normal acrosomes were of 44 +/- 4 and 62 +/- 3%, respectively, with straws and 11 +/- 3 and 26 +/- 4%, respectively, with pellets. According to Wood et al. (1993), there are no differences between the two methods, with a motility of 66.2% and a percentage of normal acrosomes of 28.6% for the pellet method and a motility of 67.0% and a percentage of normal acrosomes of 27.4% for the straw container. However, these two authors used two different freezing protocols. A high concentration of glycerol (i.e. 8%, vol/vol) damages cat semen (Zambelli 1994; Nelson et al. 1999), because of his toxicity to spermatozoa (Graham 1996); while a concentration of 4% is suggested (Zambelli 1994). Fast green FCF Bengal pink staining is often used to evaluate the acrosomal morphology (Wood et al. 1993; Zambelli et al. 1993). As there are no studies on the influence of freezing rate on motility and on acrosomal morphology, the aim of this study was to test five freezing rates in order to verify which is the best for the cryopreservation of cat semen in straws.
Acrosome↗
Neovascularized bone grafts: experimental investigation.
Vascularized bone grafts are standardized procedures in reconstructive surgery but there are some disadvantages: donor site morbidity, limited number of "natural" donor sites, and complex technique. In this study, we test the possibility of creating a "neovascularized" bone graft utilizing a vascular implantation procedure in a rabbit model. Sixteen New Zealand adult white rabbits were used. In each animal, two iliac crest bone grafts (7 x 7 x 10 mm) were harvested. Vascular implantation of the right superficial femoral vessels was performed in one of the two grafts, which was wrapped in a silicone envelope to avoid neovascularization from the surrounding tissues and positioned in a subcutaneous pocket in the right medial thigh. On the left side, the bone block, wrapped in the silicone envelope, was buried subcutaneously without vascular implantation. The operated animals were divided into two groups: Group I included eight rabbits explanted 4 weeks postoperatively and Group II included eight rabbits explanted 8 weeks postoperatively. Tetracycline injection was performed 72 hours preexplantation to evaluate new bone formation. Selective colloidal ink injection in the axial artery was performed to investigate the neovascularization before inclusion in poly-methyl-methacrylate (PMMA). Histological examination was performed in all explanted specimens comparatively. Histological examination 8 weeks after surgery showed a marked neovascularization, with normal bone cells. Tetracycline labeling showed new bone formation with a normal pattern. In all nonvascularized specimens, no viable cells or neovascularization and no bone formation were found. The vascular implantation procedure can induce a good neovascularization with new bone formation in a small bone graft. The possibility of neovascularization induction by the simple vascular implantation procedure has several clinical implications in reconstructive surgery.
Animals↗
Distal thumb reconstruction using a mini wrap-around flap from the great toe.
We have used a great toe mini wrap-around flap for reconstruction of the thumb at, or distal to, the interphalangeal joint. Our series included 12 patients with traumatic amputations. A flap including the entire nail and most of the distal phalanx of the great toe was used. Eleven of the grafts survived. Sensibility was good with an average of 10 mm static two-point discrimination (range, 5-15) and there were no complaints of cold intolerance. All patients were pleased with the appearance of the thumb and there was no significant morbidity at the great toe donor site. The great toe mini wrap-around flap is an excellent reconstruction technique for selected patients with distal thumb amputations.
Adolescent↗
Replantation of degloved skin of the hand.
The treatment of a degloving injury is one of the most difficult problems in hand surgery. Various reconstructive procedures have been adopted in the past years, all with poor results. Between 1988 and 1995, nine patients with degloving injuries of the hand and fingers were treated by microsurgical replantation. The injury involved the thumb in three patients, the ring finger in three patients, the little finger in one patient, and multiple fingers in two patients. Successful complete revascularization was obtained in seven patients. In one case a superficial necrosis of the replanted thumb skin occurred with good preservation of the subcutaneous layer. In one patient with a degloving injury involving multiple fingers, revascularization was achieved only in the middle finger, and the first ray was secondarily resurfaced by a free flap from the foot. In our experience revascularization of the degloved skin does represent the best solution and must be managed as an emergency procedure. Coverage obtained in this way offers the best cosmetic result and allows early mobilization with good recovery of joint movement. Reestablishing sensibility is more difficult. It is not always possible to suture the nerves damaged by the trauma, and even when a careful primary nerve anastomosis is performed, the results often are unsatisfactory, probably because of the avulsive mechanism of nerve injury.
Adult↗
Homodigital neurovascular island flaps with "direct flow" vascularization.
Pulp loss of the fingers is frequently observed. When local advancement flaps are not sufficient to repair the defect, the homodigital monopedicled island flaps with "direct flow" are a simple and current reconstructive solution. Between 1991 and 1995, 32 homodigital neurovascular direct flow island flaps were performed for fingertip defects. We used a modified triangular Venkataswami flap for oblique amputations (26 patients) and the Mouchet-Gilbert island flap for tangential defects (6 patients). Our results (with excellent skin quality and good sensory recovery) lead us to consider these flaps as the first-choice reconstructive solution in patients with extensive but not complete pulp defects (< 2 cm) of the fingers.
Adult↗
Ring avulsion injuries: microsurgical management.
Microsurgical treatment of ring avulsion injuries is often difficult, due to widespread intimal damage of the digital vascular bundles. Thirty-one patients with such injuries in varying degrees were treated during the period 1986 to 1992: of these, 15 underwent microsurgical revascularization. In addition to the traditional procedures applied in seven patients (arteriolysis, direct vessel suture, vein grafts), a technique consisting of vessel transfer from the middle finger was also employed. In five patients, the ulnar digital artery of the middle finger was transferred to the ring finger. In four patients, at least one vein was transferred from the dorsal aspect of the middle finger. Twelve of 15 microreconstructions were successful: with an average follow-up of 48.3 months, these patients showed very good functional (mean total active range of motion: 234 degrees and mean s2PD: 9.8mm) and cosmetic recovery. These results lead to the conclusion that, except for cases characterized by proximal amputation at the flexor superficialis tendon insertion, microsurgical treatment should always be carried out.
Adult↗
Degloving injuries of the hand and fingers.
Wound coverage after a complete degloving injury of the hand and fingers is 1 of the most difficult problems in hand surgery. Important structures such as tendons, nerves, and bones are exposed and will necrose if not covered adequately. The goal of treatment should be coverage with a pliable, sensitive, and cosmetically similar tissue that will allow early mobilization. The authors' experience has led them to adopt the following general guidelines: replantation of the avulsed structures whenever possible; early transfer of a free composite flap from the foot for a complete and irreparable degloving injury of the thumb; and selection of the radial forearm flap for multiple finger lesions. Between 1981 and 1993, 13 patients were treated for degloving injuries of the hand and fingers. Revascularization of the avulsed structures was possible in only 4 patients. In 6 patients with degloving injuries of the thumb in whom replantation was not possible, the thumb was reconstructed using a free wraparound flap from the big toe. In 3 patients with degloving injuries of the fingers, coverage was obtained as an emergency measure using an island radial forearm flap. In conclusion, replantation should be attempted when the degloved skin is available and the vessels are not damaged; secondary reconstruction should be done as early as possible to limit the time of tendon, bone, and joint exposure.
Adolescent↗
Transfer of vessels in the management of thumb and ring avulsion injuries.
The main problem in avulsion or degloving injury is the extensive damage to long segments of vessels which makes direct suture of the structures difficult. Various techniques have been proposed over the years to bypass the segment of an injured vessel. Many of these are difficult and often require the execution of several vascular anastomoses. The transfer of vessels from adjacent fingers, as proposed by Doi, is a valid alternative. During the 5-year period from 1988 to 1993, vessel transfer from adjacent fingers was carried out on 15 patients. Three patients suffered incomplete amputation and 5 patients suffered complete amputation of the thumb. In 5 cases these were severe crush injuries and in 3 cases they were avulsion injuries. Seven patients suffered ring avulsion injuries of various degrees. The simplicity and reliability of the method (one case was unsuccessful) make this an important technique in the treatment of crush and avulsion injuries of the thumb as well as of ring avulsion injuries.
Adolescent↗
A comparative study of the heterodigital neurovascular island flap in thumb reconstruction, with and without nerve reconnection.
41 heterodigital neurovascular island flaps were used to cover defects of the tactile pad of the thumb in 17 years. With an average follow-up of 75.5 months, 30 patients were reviewed. 17 were treated by the original Littler technique and 13 were treated with the same flap reconstruction but with division of the digital nerve innervating the flap and re-anastomosis of this nerve to the proximal nerve end of the ulnar digital nerve of the thumb. Good aesthetic and functional results were achieved in both groups. Sensory acuity did not appear to decrease with time. The nerve reconnection technique solves the "double sensibility" phenomenon (present in 41.1% of our cases treated by the original technique), but two-point discrimination is less than that achieved by the Littler technique. Most complaints were related to the donor site such as hypertrophic scarring or scar contracture and cold intolerance, but these did not cause any real functional impairment.
Adolescent↗
Dorsalis pedis flap with vascularized extensor tendons for dorsal hand reconstruction.
We describe three cases of combined loss of skin and tendons on the dorsum of the hand treated with the use of cutaneotendinous dorsalis pedis free flap. The functional and aesthetic results are excellent in the hand and aesthetically acceptable in the foot. This technique is the first choice when the treatment of these injuries requires three or four tendon grafts.
Adolescent↗
Transfer of vessels in the management of ring avulsion injury. Case report.
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Adult↗
Replantation and revascularization of large segments of the hand and forearm.
From November 1985 to July 1989, the authors performed replantation or revascularization surgery on 18 patients in whom a large segment of the upper limb between the elbow and the palm of the hand had been either completely severed (9 cases) or incompletely severed with ischemia (9 cases). The operation was successful in 16 cases, and the authors were able to clinically review 14 patients (average follow-up, 23 months). The results were analyzed using a protocol based on the following parameters: range of motion, sensation, muscle strength, cold intolerance, pain, return to work, cosmesis, and the patient's level of satisfaction. The final outcome was rated excellent in 2 cases, good in 6 cases, fair in 3 cases, and poor in 3 cases. The authors point out that recovery of sensory and motor function in replantation of large portions of the hand and forearm is often difficult. Nevertheless, the good cosmetic result, the lack of pain, and the high probability of returning to work made the patients quite satisfied with this kind of reconstructive surgery.
Adolescent↗
Neurovascular island flap by the disconnecting-reconnecting technique.
The authors report nine cases of hetero-digital neurovascular island flaps raised by the "disconnecting-reconnecting" technique for defects of the tactile pad of the thumb. At an average follow-up of 25 months, all cases had good restoration of sensibility without any "double sensibility" phenomenon and patients regained good dexterity. No tender neuromata developed and donor site complications were not troublesome.
Adolescent↗
Transfer in emergencies of the left ring finger to the right thumb. Case report.
The authors report a case of serious crushing of both hands treated in emergency situation with transfer of the left ring finger, which could not be replanted, to the right thumb, as well as revascularization of the four fingers of the right hand.
Adult↗