161 COMPARISON OF DIFFERENT DIAGNOSTIC METHODS IN EQUINE ENDOMETRITIS

Prolonged endometritis is the most common cause of infertility in mares causing great economic impact. Many mares fail to be diagnosed with endometritis despite the availability of different diagnostic tests. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare endometrial swab, low-volume lavage (LVL) and endometrial biopsy as diagnostic methods for endometritis and to report the prevalence of this disease in a referral practice population. Fifty-one mares presenting for routine breeding or infertility work-up were examined by transrectal ultrasonography, before collecting samples for endometrial culture and cytology. Seven of the 51 mares had all the tests except endometrial biopsy. A mare was classified positive for endometritis if she demonstrated two or more of the following 5 criteria on a checklist (new gold standard; NGS): (1) abnormal clinical findings (any of uterine fluid on ultrasound, or excessive oedema for follicular size, or history of subfertility); (2) abnormal gross character of the LVL fluid: (cloudy, discolored, debris) before centrifugation; (3) positive endometrial cytology (≥1 neutrophil per high power field, or ≥1% (1 : 100) neutrophil to epithelial cell ratio on cytology); (4) bacterial growth on culture of the LVL pellet; and (5) histological evidence of inflammation (acute, chronic, and mixed) detected on endometrial biopsy. Data were analysed via kappa coefficient (k) and frequencies were calculated for sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) with biopsy being the gold standard and compared to the NGS. Endometritis was diagnosed in 35/44 (79.5%) mares by biopsy (5/35 had acute endometritis, 12/35 had chronic; 18/35 had a combination of acute and chronic endometritis). Based on the endometritis criteria (2/5 items on the checklist), 33/51 (64.7%) mares were diagnosed to have endometritis. All 11 of the barren mares were diagnosed by the checklist, while two of these 11 mares had no evidence of endometritis by biopsy, but had clinical signs or cloudy efflux. The character of the endometrial flush was 45% sensitive (k = 0.046), while culture was 22% sensitive, when compared to endometrial biopsy. When each criterion for endometritis was compared against the NGS, endometrial biopsy was the most sensitive diagnostic method (sensitivity = 86%). Abnormal clinical findings showed moderate agreement with the NGS (k = 0.4138), with a sensitivity of 62% and P = 0.0019. Positive endometrial cytology showed similar agreement (k = 0.3761), and sensitivity (sensitivity = 64%, and P = 0.0069). These studies have also shown the importance of using laboratory data in light of clinical findings, since they have shown that no test by itself is sensitive enough to diagnose a mare with subclinical endometritis, and that this disease might be under diagnosed. Since this study was performed in a referral hospital, there may have been a higher prevalence of endometritis than found in general clinical practice. An endometritis checklist could be used in cases where endometrial biopsies are not readily available.

Designing Endocrine Disruption Out of the Next Generation of Chemicals

A central goal of green chemistry is to avoid hazard in the design of new chemicals. This objective is best achieved when information about a chemical's potential hazardous effects is obtained as early in the design process as feasible. Endocrine disruption is a type of hazard that to date has been inadequately addressed by both industrial and regulatory science. To aid chemists in avoiding this hazard, we propose an endocrine disruption testing protocol for use by chemists in the design of new chemicals. The Tiered Protocol for Endocrine Disruption (TiPED) has been created under the oversight of a scientific advisory committee composed of leading representatives from both green chemistry and the environmental health sciences. TiPED is conceived as a tool for new chemical design, thus it starts with a chemist theoretically at "the drawing board." It consists of five testing tiers ranging from broad in silico evaluation up through specific cell- and whole organism-based assays. To be effective at detecting endocrine disruption, a testing protocol must be able to measure potential hormone-like or hormone-inhibiting effects of chemicals, as well as the many possible interactions and signaling sequellae such chemicals may have with cell-based receptors. Accordingly, we have designed this protocol to broadly interrogate the endocrine system. The proposed protocol will not detect all possible mechanisms of endocrine disruption, because scientific understanding of these phenomena is advancing rapidly. To ensure that the protocol remains current, we have established a plan for incorporating new assays into the protocol as the science advances. In this paper we present the principles that should guide the science of testing new chemicals for endocrine disruption, as well as principles by which to evaluate individual assays for applicability, and laboratories for reliability. In a 'proof-of-principle' test, we ran 6 endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that act via different endocrinological mechanisms through the protocol using published literature. Each was identified as endocrine active by one or more tiers. We believe that this voluntary testing protocol will be a dynamic tool to facilitate efficient and early identification of potentially problematic chemicals, while ultimately reducing the risks to public health.

Detection and Classification of Movements in Bed using Load Cells

The quality of our life is tied to the quality of our sleep. People with sleep deficits may experience impaired performance, irritability, lack of concentration, and daytime drowsiness. Increased mobility in bed can be a sign of disrupted sleep. Therefore, body movements in bed represent an important behavioral aspect of sleep. In this paper, we propose a method for detection and classification of movement that uses load cells placed at each corner of a bed. The detection of movements is based on short-term analysis of the mean-square differences of the load cell signals. Movement classification is based on features extracted from a wavelet-based tiresolution analysis (MRA) to classify the type of movement into two classes: small and large. A linear classifier is trained on each level of the MRA, and the decisions of the 4 classifiers are combined using a Bayesian combination rule. The method is evaluated on load cell data collected from 6 subjects. Each subject performed 5 trials composed of 20 pre-defined movements including small shifts of position to large movements of torso and limbs. The performance measure for the detection problem is the equal error rate (EER). We show that the detection method achieves a 2.9% EER and that the classification method has a classification error of 4%.

Disordered materials studied using neutron polarization analysis on the multi-detector spectrometer, D7

The technique of longitudinal neutron polarization analysis on a multi-detector neutron spectrometer (so-called `xyz'-polarization analysis) is presented. This technique allows the simultaneous and unambiguous determination of the nuclear, magnetic and nuclear spin-incoherent scattering cross sections as a function of both momentum transfer and energy transfer. The implementation ofxyz-polarization analysis on the recently upgraded D7 spectrometer at the Institut Laue–Langevin in Grenoble is described. Several examples of neutron polarization analysis studies of disordered systems on D7 are given, illustrating the valuable information which can be retrieved from the analysis of neutron diffraction patterns between the Bragg peaks.

The utility of HCC screening among cirrhotics

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Background: Screening known cirrhotics for hepatocellular cancer (HCC) has long been a contentious topic. Studies to date have failed to conclusively prove or disprove the validity of AFP and hepatic ultrasound as screening mechanisms for HCC among cirrhotics, particularly in the American population. It is not clear whether these screening mechanisms provide any benefit in terms of reduced morbidity and mortality. Methods: The study examined all cirrhotics who developed HCC at the Houston Veterans Affairs Medical Center between 1999 and 2005. Those who were screened with AFP and/or imaging (either ultrasound, triphasic liver protocol CT, or MRI) were compared to those patients who were not screened at all. The screened and unscreened patients were compared in terms of Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Stage (BCLC) at the time of diagnosis. Results: Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference between the screened and unscreened groups in terms of BCLC stage at diagnosis, with the unscreened group being diagnosed at later stages than the screened group. Of the 155 patients observed, 26 were appropriately screened, and 129 were not. The BCLC stages at diagnosis for the two groups are shown in the table . The different trend in the two groups was found to be statistically significant with a p-value of 0.004. Furthermore, among the screened group, no particular method of screening (AFP vs. imaging vs. combination) was shown to be superior to another. Conclusions: Screening for HCC among cirrhotics using AFP and/or imaging every 6 months does correlate with HCC diagnosis at an earlier BCLC stage, thus portending better treatment options and improved prognosis. Therefore, screening all known cirrhotics for HCC may lead to decreased mortality.

[Table: see text]

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Talactoferrin alfa may prolong progression-free survival in advanced renal carcinoma patients

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Background: Talactoferrin alfa (formerly known as recombinant human lactoferrin, rhLF) is a novel immunomodulatory 80 kD protein with demonstrated oral anti-tumor properties in animal models, and promising early results in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in Phase 1/2 trials. Methods: An open label Phase 2 study of Talactoferrin Oral Solution at 1.5 g talactoferrin alfa b.i.d. given up to a maximum of 4 cycles of 12 weeks on, 2 weeks off was conducted at 6 sites. Eligibility included predominantly clear cell histology, failure of at least one prior systemic therapy, tumor progression within the prior 9 months, a performance status of <2 (ECOG) and adequate organ function. The primary endpoints were the incidence of 14-week progression-free survival (PFS) and overall tumor response (by RECIST). The statistical plan specified an objective of 12.5% response rate or a progression-free survival rate of ≥40% at 14 weeks. Secondary endpoints included median PFS and median overall survival (OS). Results: Forty-four patients were enrolled. Eighteen patients (41%) were considered low risk and twenty-six (59%) considered intermediate risk based on the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) criteria. There were no talactoferrin-related Grade 3 or 4 adverse events or laboratory abnormalities. The most common related grade 1 or 2 adverse events were gastrointestinal symptoms. There was one unconfirmed tumor response and the 14-week PFS was 55%. The median PFS was 21 weeks (46 weeks and 9.4 weeks in the patients with low and intermediate risk prognostic factors, respectively). The median OS has not yet been reached. Conclusions: Talactoferrin alfa is well tolerated. The 14-week PFS met the pre-specified criteria for success (>40%). Due to the heterogeneity of tumor biology of RCC, any further evaluation of talactoferrin in this population should be in a larger randomized trial.

[Table: see text]

Challenges and opportunities in the analysis of raffinose oligosaccharides, pentosans, phytate, and glucosinolates

In this paper, the status of the analytical technologies for assaying animal antinutritional compounds, such as raffinose oligosaccharides, pentosans, phytic acid, and glucosinolates, is reviewed in terms of selectivity, sensitivity, and sample throughput. The implementation of simplified sample preparation schemes, use of novel separation approaches, and alternate detector technologies are discussed. The challenges and opportunities posed by these assays are highlighted along with the recommendations for best analytical practices.

Analytical laboratory quality: Part II. Analytical method validation

The most important objective to be met by an analytical testing facility is to have confidence in the data it generates. Most laboratories devote considerable energy to insure that test methods are appropriate, instruments are operational, and the training of analysts is adequate. Experienced scientists will design suitable internal controls in each analysis to confirm the success of a test. Good laboratory managers will monitor the status of facility operations to detect negative trends in the routine performance of instruments, methods, or analysts. Validation, a study designed to insure that a system is suitable for its intended use, is another mechanism that a facility can utilized to enhance confidence that the methods and instruments being used are capable of generating valid results. Additionally, using a validation protocol as a training tool can serve as an excellent manager/mentor mechanism for each type of technology employed in the laboratory. Finally, the generic validation of representative (surrogate) materials allows ongoing assessment of performance attributes independently from the wide variety specific sample types seen by core facilities.

Chromatographic resolution of tryptophan enantiomers with L-Leu-L-Leu-L-Leu peptide effects of mobile phase composition and chromatographic support

Tryptophan enantiomers have been separated by zwitterion pair chromatography using L-leucine-L-leucine-L-leucine peptide as the zwitterion pairing agent. The peptide ligand is adsorbed onto an octadecylsilane support with excess ligand present in bulk solution. This article examines the roles of the hydrophobic matrix and the mobile phase components on tryptophan enantiomer binding and resolution. Capacity factors and enantioselectivites are given for both hydrophobic and hydrophilic matrices using mobile phases containing Leu-Leu-Leu peptide and/or salt. A decrease in selectivity upon the addition of mobile phase salt suggests that quadrupolar ion-pairing contributes to chiral recognition. Results indicate that binding is significantly reduced and separation is not achieved when Leu-Leu-Leu is coupled onto cross-linked or polymerized hydrophilic resins as well as onto macroporous polystyrene resin. However, resin-immobilized Leu-Leu-Asp-Leu-Leu-Leu, Leu-Leu-Glu-Leu-Leu-Leu, and Leu-Leu-Leu-Glu-Leu-Leu peptides, with ion-pairing sites designed to mimic the Leu-Leu-Leu-saturated C18 support, also do not resolve tryptophan enantiomers. This suggests the Leu-Leu-Leu structure is critical for enantiomer resolution. Because D- and L-tryptophan are separated in the absence of bulk Leu-Leu-Leu, chiral discrimination is believed to occur at the surface of the octadecylsilane support.

A negative SimpliRED D-dimer assay result does not exclude the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolus in emergency department patients

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To determine whether a negative SimpliRED D-dimer assay result excludes the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolus (PE) in emergency department patients.

METHODS

This prospective, institutional review board-approved, clinical trial enrolled consecutive adult ED patients with the suspected diagnosis of venous thromboembolism (VTE) (DVT or PE). Initial ED evaluation included the SimpliRED D-dimer assay (American Diagnostica Inc, Greenwich, CT). Physicians were blinded to assay results. The diagnosis of DVT was made with positive findings on lower-extremity ultrasonography. PE was confirmed by a high-probability ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) scan, a positive pulmonary angiogram, or a positive finding on lower-extremity ultrasonography. A presumptive diagnosis of VTE was made in patients who had VTE at follow-up or unexplained death during the study period.

RESULTS

One hundred ninety-eight patients were enrolled during the study period. Twenty-five patients were excluded from data analysis; 9 had no diagnostic testing and 16 were lost to follow-up. Of the 173 patients analyzed, 57 (33%) had VTE-16 of 48 evaluated for DVT and 41 of 125 for suspected PE. The SimpliRED assay had a sensitivity of 65% and a negative predictive value of 81% for detection of VTE. In patients evaluated for DVT alone, the sensitivity was 56% and the negative predictive value was 77%. For patients with suspected PE, the sensitivity and negative predictive value were 68% and 83%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In contrast to earlier reports on the SimpliRED D-dimer assay, a negative result failed to exclude the diagnosis of VTE in our ED population.