Plasma hormone levels and semen quality in male cats during non-breeding and breeding seasons

Female cats are known to be seasonal breeders and male cats annual breeders. Despite this, there are limited data on the influence of breeding season (BS) on hormone concentration and semen quality in the male cat. This study compared plasma concentrations of LH and testosterone (T), and semen quality during the non-breeding season (NBS) and BS in five male cats subject to natural hours of daylight but a constant environmental temperature. Plasma LH and T concentrations were higher during the BS in 2/35 and 3/5 cats, respectively, although when comparing both hormones combined, values were higher during the BS than the NBS in all cats (p < 0.01). There were no significant differences in the percentage of abnormal sperm between the cats. Overall, semen quality was superior during the BS with larger semen volume in 2/5, sperm motility in 2/5 and sperm viability in 3/5 cats. Although there was a clear seasonal effect on hormone secretion and semen quality, during the NBS all cats were likely to have been fertile.

Effect of catalase and superoxide dismutase on motility, viability and acrosomal integrity of frozen-thawed cat spermatozoa

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of antioxidant catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in semen extender on motility, viability and acrosomal integrity of frozen-thawed cat spermatozoa. Semen was collected by using an artificial vagina from five domestic cats (two ejaculates/cat). Spermatozoa were diluted in egg yolk Ttris-fructose citrate solution (EYT-FC) without glycerol and cooled at 4 degrees C for 1 h, then diluted further with EYT-FC with glycerol (7% final concentration) and 400 IU/ml of CAT (treatment 1) or SOD (treatment 2) or without antioxidants (control). Before freezing using a styrofoam box, diluted spermatozoa filled in 0.25-ml straws were equilibrated for 1 h at 4 degrees C. After thawing, spermatozoa were assessed for motility, viability and acrosomal integrity. Cryopreservation significantly impaired sperm motility, viability and acrosomal integrity (p < 0.05). However, motility, viability and acrosomal integrity of frozen-thawed cat spermatozoa in the EYT-FC with CAT, SOD and without the antioxidants were not significantly different. The average percentages of spermatozoa motility after thawing compared between control, treatment 1 and treatment 2 group were 43.5 +/- 3.2, 42 +/- 4.1 and 38 +/- 4.5; for viability: 44.8 +/- 3.5, 50.6 +/- 5.7 and 47.1 +/- 4.1 and for acrosomal integrity: 45 +/- 3.5, 44.9 +/- 3.4 and 44.4 +/- 3.3, respectively. In conclusion, adding CAT and SOD to EYT-FC did not improve motility, viability and acrosomal integrity in cryopreserved cat spermatozoa.

Risk factors for regrowth of intracranial meningiomas after gamma knife radiosurgery: importance of the histopathological grade and MIB-1 index

INTRODUCTION

The influence of histopathological grade and MIB-1 index of intracranial meningioma on the results of its radiosurgical management is not clear. The objective of the present retrospective study was to make an evaluation of these factors along with an analysis of other variables associated with progression-free survival after gamma knife radiosurgery (GKR).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty-four intracranial meningiomas with known detailed histopathological diagnosis were analyzed. Tumors of WHO histopathological grades I, II, and III were diagnosed in 24, 3, and 7 cases, respectively. The median MIB-1 index was 1.3% (range: 0-31.9%). In 14 cases the MIB-1 index was 3.0% and more. In 26 cases the treatment was done at the time of tumor recurrence. Median volume of the neoplasm at the time of GKR was 4.1 mL (range: 0.4-43.1 mL). Median marginal dose was 12 Gy (range: 8-19 Gy). Median length of follow-up constituted 63 months (range: 19-132 months).

RESULTS

Actuarial progression-free survival at 1, 3, 5, and 10 years constituted 100, 94, 83, and 58%, respectively. Histopathological grade II or III (p<0.0001), MIB-1 index 3% and more (p=0.0004), and non-skull base location (p=0.0026) of the tumor showed negative associations with progression-free survival in multivariate analyses. Actuarial progression-free survival at 5 years after GKR for benign and non-benign meningiomas constituted 100 and 45%, respectively (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Radiosurgery is a highly effective management option for benign intracranial meningiomas, but growth control of non-benign ones is significantly worse. It requires close neuroradiological follow-up and necessitates the search for modified treatment strategies.

Dynamics of metabolic changes in intracranial metastases and distant normal-appearing brain tissue after stereotactic radiosurgery: a serial proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy study

The present study evaluated the dynamics of metabolic changes in intracranial metastases and distant normal-appearing brain after stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). Forty neoplasms were evaluated with single-voxel proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H-MRS) both before and after treatment. From one to six examinations (median, 3) were done in each individual case during follow-up. At the time of each investigation additional (1)H-MRS was obtained from the normal-appearing brain distant from the radiosurgical target. Investigated metabolites included N-acetylaspartate (NAA), choline-containing compounds (Cho), creatine (Cr), and mobile lipids (Lip). Within the first month after SRS responded tumors showed a statistically significant increase in NAA/Cho ratio, and decrease of Cho content and Lip-to-normal brain Cr (nCr) ratio. By contrast, statistically significant metabolic alterations were not detected in stabilized tumors. Statistically significant volumetric and metabolic changes were not marked between three and 12 months after treatment in non-progressing lesions. Alternatively, decrease of NAA/Cho ratio, NAA content and Cr content, and increase in Lip/nCr ratio and Cho content were evident in progressive neoplasms, and subtle metabolic alterations could be revealed even before the increase in the lesion volume. Metabolic characteristics of normal-appearing brain distant from the radiosurgical target did not show statistically significant changes within the first year after treatment. In conclusion, additional use of serial (1)H-MRS during follow-up after SRS for intracranial metastases permits detailed evaluation of the metabolic tumor response and may be potentially helpful for early prediction of recurrence.

[Vacuum assisted closure for postoperative mediastinitis using a portable aspirator]

We report a case of successful treatment of a methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) mediastinitis by vacuum assisted closure (VAC) using SB VAC system as a portable aspirator. A 67-year-old male with intellectual disability and diabetes mellitus suffered from angina pectoris and underwent on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. He had a MRSA mediastinitis following the surgery. We started vancomycin administration and VAC. It was expected that using wall suction for VAC would be difficult because of his intellectual disability. So we performed VAC using SB VAC system as a portable aspirator. VAC therapy for mediastinitis after cardiac surgery is effective and SB VAC system can be used as a portable aspirator.

Association study between casein kinase 1 epsilon gene and methamphetamine dependence

Casein kinase 1 epsilon (CKIepsilon) is a component of the DARPP-32 in second-messenger pathway. CKIepsilon phosphorylates and activates DARPP-32, a key molecule in various complex signaling pathways, including dopamine and glutamine signaling, which have both been demonstrated to be main pathways in substance dependence. A recent clinical study showed that rs135745, a noncoding single nucleotide polymorphism of the 3'-untranslated region of the CSNK1E gene, was associated with the intensity of the subjective response to an oral amphetamine dose in normal volunteers. Differences in sensitivity to the drug should affect development of dependence to it. Hence, we genotyped rs135745 of the CSNK1E (MIM 600863) gene in 215 patients with methamphetamine dependence and 274 age- and gender-matched normal controls. No significant differences in genotype and allele frequencies were observed between the patients with methamphetamine dependence and controls. There was also no significant association between rs135745 and the clinical characteristics of methamphetamine dependence and co-morbid methamphetamine psychosis (e.g., age of first consumption, latency of psychosis, prognosis of psychosis after therapy, spontaneous relapse of psychotic symptoms, and poly-substance abuse status). The present findings suggest that having a genetic variant of the CSNK1E gene did not affect susceptibility to methamphetamine dependence or psychosis, at least in a Japanese population.

Giant cell reparative granuloma of the proximal tibia: a case report

Giant cell reparative granulomas (GCRGs) are non-neoplastic inflammatory lesions, usually of the jaw or gingiva or small bones of the hands and feet. We report one such case in the right proximal tibia of a 45-year-old man. Radiological studies showed a lytic lesion with marginal sclerosis in the epiphysis and metaphysis. After open biopsy, a preliminary diagnosis of a benign giant cell tumour was made. One month after admission, the lesion was curetted and filled with cancellous bone and hydroxyapatite. Based on the histology of the curetted lesion, the diagnosis was changed to a GCRG. The patient had an uneventful postoperative course, with no evidence of local recurrence and metastasis. He died from gastric cancer 2 years later.

Decrease of 4,5,6,7-tetrachlorophthalide in paddy field soil after aerial application

Variation in the fungicide, 4,5,6,7-tetrachlorophthalide (phthalide), in paddy field soil was investigated in order to evaluate its decrease after aerial application by a radio-controlled helicopter. The maximum concentrations of phthalide were 309-320 microg/kg dry, which were 83%-96% of the applied phthalide. The organic carbon normalized soil sorption coefficient (K(oc)) was calculated to be 94-96 mL/g at 1 h after the application. The calculated K(oc) values increased to 620-1,300 mL/g from 1 through 9 days after the application and then 4,700-7,200 mL/g 14 days after the application. The half-life of the phthalide was calculated to be 20-31 days.

Intraoperative MRI for Brain Tumor Resection

Computer aided neurosurgery is now a highly advanced and essential technique, especially for the gliomas in the vicinity to the eloquent areas or deep inside of the brain. The intraoperative MRI (iMRI) is an important tool for the computer navigation system, considering brain shift under craniotomy. Real time navigation by the iMRI with brain mapping by subcortical stimulation and verbal confirmation by awake craniotomy can lead to the safe and precise tumor resection. The usefulness of an intraoperative low-field open MRI is defined for neuronavigation, especially for demonstration of the pyramidal tract in relation to the precise tumor location, considering brain shift during the operative procedure, to avoid tract injury.

Differentiation of High-Grade and Low-Grade Gliomas Using Pattern Analysis of Long-Echo Single-Voxel Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ((1)H-MRS)

The usefulness of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H-MRS) for glioma grading is not clear, particularly due to the absence of standard criteria for data analysis. Previously we had developed an original classification of the pathological (1)H-MRS spectra based on the identification of the predominant metabolite peak, N-acetylaspartate (NAA) for Type I, choline-containing compounds (Cho) for Type II, and mobile lipids (Lip) for Type III, and presence or absence of other metabolite peaks: lactate (Lac), Lip, or Cho. The present study evaluated the effectiveness of this classification in grading of previously non-treated gliomas. A total of 38 low-grade and 33 high-grade neoplasms were investigated. Four tumors had (1)H-MRS spectra Type I, and all of those were low-grade. Three tumors had (1)H-MRS spectra Type III, and all those were glioblastomas. Fifteen tumors with (1)H-MRS spectra Type II had a Lip/NAA ratio more than 1 (Type II C with moderate elevation of lipids), and 12 of those neoplasms were high-grade. The differences in distribution of high-grade and low-grade gliomas among another 49 gliomas with (1)H-MRS spectra Type II did not depend on the presence of Lac and/or Lip peaks, and in this subgroup NAA/Cho ratio was also evaluated. Inclusion of both characteristics (type of the (1)H-MRS spectrum and NAA/Cho ratio with defined cut-off level of 0.6) into the diagnostic algorithm yielded 72% diagnostic accuracy (95% confidence interval: 62%-82%) in discriminating high-grade and low-grade neoplasms. In conclusion, pattern analysis of the pathological (1)H-MRS spectra using the proposed classification along with evaluation of NAA/Cho ratio might be helpful for non-invasive glioma grading.

Variation of 4,5,6,7-tetrachlorophthalide in water after aerial application to rice cultivation area

Variation in the fungicide, 4,5,6,7-phthalide, in water was investigated in order to evaluate the runoff of the fungicide after aerial application to paddy fields by a radio-controlled helicopter. The survey was conducted for 4 months after the application. The average and maximum concentrations of phthalide were 3.7-4.4 microg/L and 30.5-33.8 microg/L in the paddy fields, 0.37-0.64 microg/L and 2.7-7.5 microg/L in the drainage channels, and 0.18 and 0.83 microg/L in a river, respectively. The runoff ratios of the aerially applied phthalide from the paddy fields into the drainage channels were calculated to be 1.7-2.4%.

Metabolic characteristics of intracranial metastases, detected by single-voxel proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, are seemingly not predictive for tumor response to gamma knife radiosurgery

Metabolic characteristics of intracranial metastases, detected with proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) have known associations with clinical predictors of tumor response to radiosurgery. Therefore, it can be suspected that the metabolic profile of the neoplasm by itself might have some prognostic significance for the outcome after irradiation. Twenty-six intracranial metastases, which underwent metabolic evaluation with single-voxel 1H-MRS before gamma knife radiosurgery (GKR) and were followed for at least 3 months after treatment, were selected for retrospective analysis. The tumors most frequently originated from the lungs (9 cases), breast (7 cases), colon and rectum (5 cases). The average volume of the investigated intracranial neoplasm was 5.4+/-2.0 mL. The average marginal irradiation dose was 18.6+/-2.3 Gy. The mean follow-up after GKR constituted 8.0+/-5.5 months. Tumor response to GKR was identified in 13 cases on average 2.2+/-1.8 months after treatment. Local recurrence was marked in 10 cases on average 8.7+/-4.1 months after treatment. None of the investigated 1H-MRS metabolic parameters of intracranial metastases showed a statistically significant association with the outcome after GKR. The negative results of the present study make doubtful the predictive value of metabolic characteristics of intracranial metastases, detected with single-voxel 1H-MRS, for the outcome after radiosurgery.

Usefulness of intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging for glioma surgery

BACKGROUND

Radical resection of gliomas can increase patient's survival. There is known concern, however, that aggressive tumour removal can result in neurological morbidity. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the usefulness of low magnetic field strength (0.3 Tesla) open intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) for complete resection of glioma with emphasis on functional outcome.

METHODS

From 2000 to 2004, 96 patients with intracranial gliomas underwent tumour resection with the use of iMRI in Tokyo Women's Medical University. There were 50 men and 46 women; mean age was 39 years. Tumour volume varied from 1.2 ml to 198 ml (median: 36.5 mL). Resection rate and postoperative neurological status were compared between control group (46 cases, operated on during the initial period after installation of iMRI), and study group (50 most recent cases, in whom surgery was done using established treatment algorithm and improved image quality).

FINDINGS

Overall, mean resection rate was 93%, and medial residual tumour volume was 0.17 ml. Total tumour removal was achieved in 44 cases (46%). Compared to control group, resection rate in the study group was significantly higher (91%, vs. 95%; P < 0.05), whereas residual tumour volume was significantly smaller (1.7 mL vs. 0.025 mL; P < 0.001). Nine patients in the control group (20%) and 24 in the study group (48%) experienced temporary postoperative neurological deterioration (P < 0.01), however, the rate of permanent morbidity evaluated 3 months after surgery did not differ significantly between the groups investigated (13% vs. 14%).

CONCLUSIONS

Use of iMRI during surgery for intracranial gliomas permits to attain aggressive tumour resection with good functional outcome. Nevertheless, surgical experience with the iMRI system, establishment of treatment algorithm, and improvement of image quality are of paramount importance for optimal results.