Expression of ERCC1 and class III β-tubulin is associated with the survival of resected stage III non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with induction chemoradiotherapy using carboplatin-taxane

Several molecules have been proven to be associated with responsiveness to chemotherapy. A clinical study on the expression of excision repair cross-complementing (ERCC)-1 and class III β-tubulin was conducted in advanced stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. We investigated 34 resected stage III NSCLC patients treated with induction chemoradiotherapy using carboplatin-taxane. Immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate the intratumoral expression of ERCC1 and class III β-tubulin. Nineteen tumors (55.9%) were ERCC1-high and 11 (32.4%) were class III β-tubulin-high. There was no correlation between ERCC1 and class III β-tubulin expression (r=0.208). Regarding the pathological effect of induction therapy, the percentage of ERCC1-positive tumor cells was lower in tumors with a major response than in tumors with a minor response (P=0.0851). The percentage of class III β-tubulin-positive tumor cells was significantly lower in tumors with a major response than in tumors with a minor response (P=0.0105). Regarding patient survival, the overall survival was significantly higher in patients with ERCC1-low tumors than in those with ERCC1-high tumors (P=0.0034). The overall survival was also significantly higher in patients with class III β-tubulin-low tumors than in those with class III β-tubulin-high tumors (P=0.0185). Cox regression analysis also demonstrated that ERCC1 (P=0.0467) and class III β-tubulin statuses (P=0.0237) were significant prognostic factors. Co-evaluations of the intratumoral expression of ERCC1 and class III β-tubulin are clinically useful for identifying patient populations responsive to chemotherapy using carboplatin-taxane.

Cytopathological features of warty (condylomatous) carcinoma of the penis: a case report and distinction from other verruciform penile tumors

Warty (condylomatous) carcinoma (WC) is a rare specific variant of invasive squamous cell carcinoma that shows hybrid features of condyloma with invasive cell carcinoma. As compared with conventional squamous cell carcinoma, WC tends to run a less aggressive clinical course. A case is presented here in which squash smears of a penile foreskin tumor in a 65-year-old male revealed small cohesive clusters and sheets of tumor cells in papillary configurations. The neoplastic cells were polygonal to elongated and contained oval nuclei, coarse chromatin pattern, and distinct nucleoli. Nuclear pleomorphism and loss of nuclear polarity were observed. Characteristically, there were also many koilocytes demonstrating mild to moderate nuclear atypia and perinuclear cytoplasmic halos. A cytologic diagnosis of a verruciform penile tumor was suggested. Histologic examination of the tumor showed a hyper-parakeratotic arborizing papillomatous growth with thin fibrovascular cores and the tips were variably rounded or tapered. Obvious koilocytic cytopathic change, nuclear pleomorphism, and focal stromal invasion were observed. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells showed diffuse and strong membranous staining for cytokeratin (AE1/AE3) while the MIB-1 and p53 immunoreactive cells were confined to the basal areas of the papillae. No lymphovascular invasion was detected in D2-40 or elastic Van-Gieson stains. On the basis of the overall features, we confirmed a final diagnosis of penile WC. We demonstrated here for the first time the cytopathological features of penile WC with emphasis on differential diagnostic considerations.

Epidermoid cyst in an intrapancreatic accessory spleen: three case reports and review of the literatures

The development of an epidermoid cyst in an intrapancreatic accessory spleen is an extremely rare lesion, with only 17 cases being reported in the English literature. All such cases were located in the pancreatic tail, some of which showed carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) immunoreactivity in the lining of the epithelium. A few of them indicated an elevation of the serum CA19-9 level. Here we report three cases of an epidermoid cyst in an intrapancreatic accessory spleen. Cases 1 and 2 were 57-year-old and 70-year-old women, while case 3 was a 37-year-old man. All three cases were asymptomatic. Serum CA19-9 levels showed within normal limits (case 1), slightly elevated (case 2), and clearly elevated (case 3). They underwent a distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy (cases 1 and 2) and without splenectomy (case 3). Grossly, the surgical specimen was a well-demarcated, multiple (case 1) or solitary (cases 2 and 3) cystic mass in the pancreatic tail. A high level of fluid CA 19-9 was detected in case 1. Microscopically, the cystic walls were lined with squamous and cuboidal epithelium, which were surrounded by normal splenic tissue and hyalinized fibrous tissue. The lining squamous epithelium was revealed as nonkeratinizing (Cases 1 and 2) or keratinizing (Case 3). Immunohistochemically, CA19-9 was positive in the monolayer and surface layer of the cuboidal epithelium, but negative for the keratinizing squamous epithelium. As for the histogenesis, it is suggested that the cystic lining of the epithelium may derive from the pancreatic duct which protrudes into the accessory spleen.

Cytopatholologic features of gliosarcoma with areas of primitive neuroepithelial differentiation of the brain in squash smears

Gliosarcoma with areas of primitive neuroepithelial differentiation (GSPNED) is an extremely rare neoplasm. A case is presented here in which squash smears of a left temporal lobe tumor in a 76-year-old male demonstrated two distinct and easily recognizable cellular populations, i.e., densely hyperchromatic cells of a primitive nature in a fibrillary background and pleomorphic spindle-shaped cells. Occasional pseudo-rosette formations and nuclear cannibalism suggestive of neuroendocrine differentiation were also found. A cytologic diagnosis of a malignant tumor was suggested, and histochemical and immunohistochemical studies were conducted on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded material. Reticulin stain highlighted increased intercellular collagen and reticulin deposition within the spindled regions, whereas nodules with primitive cells were reticulin-poor. There was a diffuse and strong reactivity to neuron specific enolase, synaptophysin and CD56 immunostains. A stain for glial fibrillary acidic protein and S-100 protein demonstrated a subset of tumor cells including elongated cytoplasmic processes. The spindled component was positive for vimentin and smooth muscle actin, whereas the primitive-appearing tumor cells were negative. The diagnosis of GSPNED was confirmed based on cytopathologic, histopathological and immunohistochemical results. The cytomorphologic features of this distinctive tumor are illustrated, and the adjunctival value of squash smears for frozen-section diagnosis is also discussed. This is the first presentation of a cytopathologic analysis that provides an important clue to an accurate diagnosis of GSPNED.

Adult extrarenal Wilms' tumor mimicking mixed epithelial and stromal tumor in the retroperitoneum: a case report with immunohistochemical study and review of the literature

We report an extremely rare case of adult extrarenal Wilms' tumor (WT) in a 52-year-old woman who presented with fever and abdominal distension. Computed tomography revealed a well-defined mass lesion measuring 15.0 cm in the right retroperitoneum and that was in contact with the right kidney. The mass and kidney were surgically removed. Grossly, the mass was well-defined, measuring 16.3 x 11.0 x 9.8 cm, and appearing grayish-white in color. The border between the mass and the kidney was well-defined. Histologically, the tumor showed a triphasic pattern consisting of stromal, epithelial and blastemal components. The stromal component was predominant in the tumor and consisted both of spindle cells and smooth muscle cells. The epithelial component showed a mature glandular structure. Immunohistochemically, the stromal component was positive for vimentin, smooth muscle actin and desmin. The blastemal component was positive for vimentin, while the epithelial component was positive for cytokeratin (CK) 18, CK7 and vimentin. WT-1 was negative in the all three components, and the Ki-67 proliferation index was low. The postoperative histopathological diagnosis indicated extrarenal WT arising in the retroperitoneum. Although not treated by either chemotherapy or radiation therapy, she was free from disease recurrence for 30 months after surgery. To the best of our knowledge, this report is only the fourth case of adult extrarenal WT arising in the retroperitoneum. Furthermore, the present case showed predominant smooth muscle differentiation and a mature glandular structure, mimicking a mixed epithelial and stromal tumor.

Wnt1 overexpression promotes tumour progression in non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

The Wnt gene family is involved in embryogenesis and tumourigenesis. We investigated the clinical significance of Wnt1 expression in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHOD

We studied 216 NSCLC patients. Immunohistochemistry was performed to investigate the Wnt1 expression in relation to the expression of beta-catenin and Wnt-targets, including c-Myc, Cyclin D1, VEGF-A and MMP-7. The Ki-67 proliferation index and the intratumoural microvessel density (IMD) were also evaluated.

RESULTS

The ratio of tumours with an aberrant beta-catenin expression was significantly higher in Wnt1-positive tumours than in Wnt1-negative tumours (p<0.0001). The Wnt1 expression significantly correlated with the expression of c-Myc (p<0.0001), Cyclin D1 (p<0.0001), VEGF-A (p=0.0160), MMP-7 (p<0.0001), the Ki-67 index (p=0.0048) and the IMD (p=0.0267). Furthermore, the Wnt1 status was a significant prognostic factor for NSCLC patients (p=0.0127).

CONCLUSIONS

The Wnt1 overexpression is associated with the expression of tumour-associated Wnt-targets, tumour proliferation, angiogenesis and a poor prognosis in NSCLCs.

E2F1 overexpression correlates with thymidylate synthase and survivin gene expressions and tumor proliferation in non small-cell lung cancer

PURPOSE

We investigated the clinical significance of E2F1 gene expression in relation to its target genes, thymidylate synthase (TS) and Survivin, in case of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

One hundred twenty-seven cases of resected NSCLC were analyzed. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR was done to evaluate the gene expression of E2F1, TS, and Survivin. Immunohistochemistry was done to investigate the protein expression of E2F1, TS, and Survivin. The Ki-67 proliferation index and the apoptotic index using the terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling method were also evaluated.

RESULTS

E2F1 gene expression significantly correlated with the Ki-67 proliferation index (r = 0.487; P < 0.0001), although no correlation was observed between E2F1 gene expression and the apoptotic index. With regard to E2F1 target genes, E2F1 gene expression significantly correlated with TS gene expression (r = 0.709; P < 0.0001) and Survivin gene expression (r = 0.403; P < 0.0001). The overall survival rate was significantly lower in patients with high-E2F1 tumors than in those with low-E2F1 tumors (P = 0.0027), especially among patients with stage II to III NSCLCs (P = 0.0188). A Cox regression analysis showed that the E2F1 status was a significant prognostic factor for NSCLC patients (hazard ratio, 2.052; P = 0.0261).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study revealed that E2F1 gene expression correlates with TS and Survivin gene expressions and tumor proliferation. During the progression of NSCLC, E2F1 overexpression could produce more aggressive tumors with a high proliferation rate and chemoresistance.

The clinical significance of lymphangiogenesis and angiogenesis in non-small cell lung cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis have been reported to affect malignant phenotype.

METHOD

We investigated 147 patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Immunohistochemistry using D2-40 was performed to evaluate lymphatic vessel density (LVD), including Micro-LVD (without lumen), Tubal-LVD (with lumen) and lymphatic vessel invasion (LVI). The intratumoural microvessel density (MVD) was evaluated by CD-34 immunostaining. The expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and VEGF-C were also studied.

RESULTS

Lymphangiogenesis was significantly associated with Micro-LVD (p=0.0003). The VEGF-C expression was significantly associated with the Micro-LVD (p=0.0057). In contrast, the VEGF-A expression was significantly associated with the MVD (p=0.0092). The survival was significantly lower in patients with Micro-LVD-high tumours than in patients with Micro-LVD-low tumours (p=0.0397). Survival was also significantly lower in patients with MVD-high tumours than in patients with MVD-low tumours (p=0.0334). A multivariate analysis demonstrated that the Micro-LVD (p=0.0363) and the MVD (p=0.0232) were independent prognostic factors for NSCLC patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Lymphangiogenesis, specifically Micro-LVD and angiogenesis are independently associated with a poor prognosis in NSCLC patients.

Generalized hyperkeratosis caused by Scopulariopsis brevicaulis in a Japanese Black calf

A 6-month-old Japanese Black female calf became gradually emaciated over a 40-day period and was humanely killed. At necropsy, hyperkeratotic nodules were seen to have spread over almost the entire body surface. Scopulariopsis brevicaulis was isolated from the skin and identified morphologically and by gene sequence analysis of the D1/D2 domain of large subunit ribosomal RNA. Numerous periodic acid-Schiff-positive, lemon-shaped conidia were detected histologically in the keratinized layer and the hair follicles. The distribution of the fungal elements in the skin corresponded to that of the hyperkeratotic lesions. This is the first report of a disease caused by S. brevicaulis in animals. Previously reported human infections have not included generalized hyperkeratosis.

Wnt1 overexpression associated with tumor proliferation and a poor prognosis in non-small cell lung cancer patients

The Wnt family genes encode multifunctional signaling glycoproteins that are involved in the regulation of a wide variety of normal and pathological processes including tumorigenesis. In order to clarify the clinical significance of the intratumoral Wnt1 expression in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), we performed an immunohistochemical study on the Wnt1 expression in NSCLCs in relation to the tumor proliferation. The intratumoral Wnt1 protein expression appeared in a cytoplasmic staining pattern. Of the 151 NSCLCs studied, 61 carcinomas (40.4%) were Wnt1-positive. Regarding the tumor biology of the intratumoral Wnt1 expression, the Ki-67 proliferation index was significantly higher in Wnt1-positive than in Wnt1-negative tumors (P=0.0062). Furthermore, regarding the expression of c-Myc, one of the proliferation-regulating Wnt targets, the percentage of c-Myc-positive tumor cells was significantly higher in Wnt1-positive than in Wnt1-negative tumors (P=0.0019). The Ki-67 proliferation index was significantly higher in c-Myc-positive than in c-Myc-negative tumors (P=0.0239). The overall survival was significantly lower in patients with Wnt1-positive NSCLCs than in patients with Wnt1-negative NSCLCs (P=0.0003). A Cox regression analysis demonstrated that the Wnt1 status was a significant prognostic factor for NSCLC patients (hazard ratio 1.983; P=0.0061). Our results revealed that the Wnt1 overexpression affects the tumor proliferation in NSCLCs, partly via the upregulation of c-Myc.

Overexpression of matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) correlates with tumor proliferation, and a poor prognosis in non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Matrix metalloporteinase-7 (MMP-7) is a member of the MMP family, and it has been reported to play an important role in tumorigenesis, invasion and metastasis. We performed a retrospective study on the MMP-7 expression in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) according to the clinical characteristics, biological markers and the Wnt1 expression.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

One hundred forty-seven postsurgical NSCLC patients were investigated. Immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate the MMP-7 expression, the Ki-67 proliferation index, tumor angiogenesis and the Wnt1 expression. The TUNEL method was performed to investigate tumor apoptosis.

RESULTS

Seventy-six carcinomas (51.7%) were MMP-7-positive. The MMP-7 expression was significantly higher in squamous cell carcinomas than in adenocarcinomas (P<0.0001). The Ki-67 proliferation index was significantly higher in MMP-7-positvie tumors than in MMP-7-negative tumors (P=0.0003). However, there was no difference in the MMP-7 expression in relation to apoptosis or angiogenesis. Regarding its regulation, the MMP-7 expression significantly correlated with the Wnt1 expression (r=0.426, P<0.0001). The overall survival was significantly lower in patients with MMP-7-positive NSCLCs than in those with MMP-7-negative NSCLCs (P=0.0018). A Cox regression analyses also demonstrated MMP-7 status to be a significant prognostic factor (hazard ratio, 2.187; P=0.0023).

CONCLUSIONS

The overexpression of MMP-7 was associated with tumor proliferation, and a poor prognosis in NSCLCs. In addition, Wnt1 may play a critical role in regulating the intratumoral MMP-7 expression.

Epithelioid Variant of Pleomorphic Liposarcoma in a Heifer

A case of epithelioid variant of liposarcoma in a 31-month-old Japanese Black heifer is described. The tumour mass, which formed in the subcutis of the left cheek, was excised surgically, but this was followed by recurrence and metastasis to lymph nodes. The primary tumour was composed of sheets of lipid-laden cells, and anaplastic larger cells with eosinophilic or amphophilic cytoplasm were occasionally seen. In addition to vimentin and S-100 protein expression in the majority of tumour cells, squamous and non-squamous cytokeratins (CKs) were present, mainly in the larger cells, which predominated in the metastatic lesions. The expression of CKs was considered to be evidence of epithelioid differentiation.

Adenosquamous carcinoma with cilium formation, mucin production and keratinization in the nasal cavity of a red fox (Vulpes vulpes schrencki)

A diagnosis of adenosquamous carcinoma was made in an 11-year-old red fox. The animal showed emaciation and purulent nasal discharge. Necropsy revealed diffuse thickening of the nasal mucosa and tumours on the soft palate, and there was an oronasal fistula contiguous with the tumours. The nasal and oral lesions were composed of adenocarcinomatous cells and squamous cells, the latter predominating in the oral lesions. The marrow of the palatine bone also contained neoplastic tissue, which consisted of cysts and keratin masses surrounded by well-differentiated squamous cells. Although inconspicuous in the oral cavity and marrow, ciliated cells with or without mucin were observed in the adenocarcinomatous and cystic elements. Neoplastic basal cells and less-differentiated adenocarcinoma cells, which were identifiable by immunolabelling for cytokeratin 5 (CK5) and CK18, were considered to be pluripotential. These cells, which lined tubular structures, were distinct from intermediate cells in mucoepidermoid carcinoma, which can differentiate into squamous and mucin-producing cells but have a nondescript appearance.

Natural killer-like T-cell lymphoma in a calf

A case of natural killer (NK)-like T-cell lymphoma in a 9-month-old female Holstein calf is described. The liver, spleen and lymph nodes were affected with lymphoma. The neoplastic cells showed not only epitheliotropism in the biliary epithelium and hepatic cords but also preferential homing to follicular centres of the lymph nodes. In the cytoplasm, there were eosinophilic granules of various sizes, which were positive with phosphotungstic acid haematoxylin and naphthol AS-D chloroacetate esterase. Erythrophagia by lymphoma cells was rarely detected. Immunohistochemically, the neoplastic cells expressed surface CD3, surface CD5 and CD57, and perforin expression was present in the cytoplasmic granules. The lymphoma described resembled feline NK-like T-cell lymphoma in epitheliotropism in the liver and phagocytic activity but differed in respect of follicular involvement and marked variation in granule size.

Ectopic hamartomatous thymoma: a case report with immunohistochemical study and review of the literature

Ectopic hamartomatous thymoma (EHT) is a rare benign tumor. We present a case of EHT, which was seen as subcutaneous mass on the left supraclavicular area in a 19-year-old man. The tumor consisted of spindle cells, epithelial cells, adipose cells, and a small amount of lymphocytes, as described previously. Immunohistochemically, spindle cells were positive for keratin, a-smooth muscle actin, CD34 and vimentin, but negative for desmin and S-100 protein. Lymphocytes were positive for CD45RO but negative for CD20, CD1a, and CD99. Approximately, 5% of cells were positive for MIB-1 and no cells stained for p53 and bcl-2. Recognition of EHT is important and needs to be differentiated from high-grade sarcomas such as synovial sarcoma or glandular malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor.

Composite mucinous and granulosa cell tumor of the ovary

A composite mucinous and granulosa cell tumor of the ovary in a 76-year-old woman is herein reported. At laparotomy this tumor proved to be a solid and cystic mass measuring 10 cm in greatest diameter. Many of the cysts were lined with a benign mucinous epithelium of the endocervical type, and solid areas contained a proliferation of granulosa cells. These two disparate components were intimately mixed. A theca cell component was also present in areas adjacent to the mucinous epithelium. The coexistence of mucinous and granulosa cell tumor is extremely rare and only four such cases have previously been reported in the literature, and the histogenesis of this tumor has not yet been elucidated. In the present case it is suggested that the granulosa cell element commenced as a reactive stromal hyperplasia in the wall of the pre-existing mucinous neoplasm and thereafter progressed to the point of producing a tumor-like mass or neoplastic changes.

Gastroinvasive Helicobacter Infection in an Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)

Highly invasive Helicobacter-like organisms were found in a 19-year-old female ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) with multiple ulcers in the fundic region of the stomach. The bacteria, resembling Helicobacter heilmannii, were located largely within canaliculi or in the cytosol of parietal cells. Except in the ulcerative lesions, parietal cells were hyperplastic, while chief cells and neck mucous cells were reduced in number. The term "gastroinvasive Helicobacter-like organism" was applied. It seems probable that this organism differs from other Helicobacter organisms in pathogenicity, and possible that its behaviour in vitro would help it to evade antibacterial treatment.

Pathological study of naturally occurring adenocarcinomas demonstrating differentiation in ducks

Case 1, a mucinous adenocarcinoma, was in the pancreas of a 5-year-old male mandarin duck. The tumour comprised a single layer of duct-like structures with abundant fibrous stroma. The neoplastic cells produced a large amount of mucin, and dense or moderately dense mucin granules were observed ultrastructurally. Case 2 was a 1-year-old male mandarin duck, which had a type II pneumocytoid carcinoma within the thoracic air sacs. Light microscopy revealed papillary growths composed of stratified neoplastic epithelium. At the ultrastructural level, the tumour cells had osmiophilic lamellar granules in the cytoplasm. Case 3, a ciliated cell adenocarcinoma with squamous metaplasia, was detected in the right lung of a 2-year-old male domestic duck (Anas platyrhynchos forma domestica). The neoplasm consisted of tubular structures with areas of squamous differentiation in places. The presence of cilia was confirmed by electron microscopy. The three adenocarcinomas appeared high-grade or moderate-grade malignant tumours in some aspects, but showed granules or cilia that are suggestive of their origin. The presence of cells retaining the capacity for differentiating into well-differentiated cells may be characteristic of sporadically occurring avian adenocarcinomas.

Invasive ability of Escherichia coli O18 isolated from swine neonatal diarrhea

Neonatal diarrhea occurred at two swine breeding farms in Hokkaido. Ten piglets aged 2 to 4 days were examined. Grossly, significant changes were confined to the small intestine. The mucous membrane was muddy and thickened. The intraluminal contents from the jejunum to the colon were liquid and yellow. In the small intestine, numerous Gram-negative bacilli preferentially adhered to the apex of villi. The mucosa was erosive with villous atrophy. There were bacilli also in the lamina propria and in the cytoplasm of degenerated enterocytes. Nonhemolytic Escherichia coli strains, belonging to serogroup E. coli O18 and possessing K88 fimbriae, were isolated from the small intestine. They could not be classified into any of the diarrheagenic E. coli groups because of the absence of genes of LT, STh, STp, VT1, VT2, eae, invE, and ipaH. After inoculation of the isolates on HEp-2 cells, some bacilli were engulfed by cytoplasmic projections resembling membrane ruffles and subsequently were localized in cytoplasmic vacuoles or free in the cytoplasm. These findings support the view that the present E. coli O18 is a new invasive strain enteropathogenic to piglets.

Foci of altered hepatocytes in a fox squirrel (Sciurus niger) with haemochromatosis

Numerous minute milky white foci were distributed throughout the dark brown liver in an adult male fox squirrel. Histologically, the hepatic focal lesions were composed of large eosinophilic granular hepatocytes, which were mostly positive for glutathione S-transferase mu antigen and proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Electron microscopy demonstrated an increased number of mitochondria. These features corresponded to those in the eosinophilic type of foci of altered hepatocytes. Berlin blue stain showed severe haemosiderin deposition in hepatocytes, except in the focal lesions. Since the fox squirrel is known to be liable to develop congenital porphyria, it is suggested that the hepatic anomalies described may be closely associated with the development of porphyria.

Nodal, uterine and meningeal gamma(delta) T-cell lymphomas in cattle

Three cases of bovine gamma(delta) T-cell lymphoma without skin involvement are described. Case 1 was a 17-month-old Holstein heifer with generalized lymphadenopathy. Case 2 was a 4-year-old Holstein cow that had multiple tumour masses in the uterine body and horns. Case 3, a 23-month-old Holstein bull was presented with generalized tremor, nystagmus and hyperesthaesia, and there were several tumour masses in the meninges. Cases 1 and 2 had epitheliotropic neoplastic infiltrates in the tonsillar epithelium and endometrial glands, respectively. Immunohistochemistry showed CD3+, WC1+, CD79a- lymphoma cells in all cases, and perforin was positive in two cases. Electron-dense granules were present in many neoplastic cells of all cases. These findings supported the cytotoxic gamma(delta) T-cell origin of the present lymphomas. Bovine gamma(delta) T-cell lymphoma may originate in a wide variety of anatomical sites and may be classified into several histological subtypes.

Morphological and populational characteristics of hemocytes of Ornithodoros moubata nymphs during the ecdysial phase

The ultrastructure and characteristics of hemocytes of argasid tick species, Ornithodoros moubata, during the ecdysdial phase are herein presented. Hemocyte classes/populations characterized based on their affinity with Giemsa stain and ultrastructural differences comprised the prohemocytes, nongranular cells (Nc), eosinophilic granular cells (Ec), basophilic granular cells (Bc), and unidentified cells. Significant changes/shift in the ratio of hemocyte classes/population was apparent in ticks before and after the ecdysial phase. The granule-scant basophilic granular cells (sBc) constituted the most abundant hemocyte population in the ecdysial phase. Nymphs in ecdysis showed increases in Nc and sBc and decrease in Ec, a phenomenon that was reversed in unengorged nymphs and adults ticks. The significant increase in total Bc population in ecdysis relative to nonengorged ticks clearly point to blastogenesis of Bc taking place during the ecdysial phase and Bc's important role in the process of tissue remodeling.

Mycoplasma bovis-associated suppurative otitis media and pneumonia in bull calves

Outbreaks of Mycoplasma bovis-associated otitis media and pneumonia occurred on four beef cattle farms in Hokkaido, Japan between 2000 and 2001. The morbidity and mortality were estimated at 8-40 and 30-100%, respectively. Eight calves with bilateral ear droop and exudative otitis media were examined bacteriologically and histopathologically. M. bovis was isolated post mortem from nasal swabs and from the ears, lungs, lymph nodes (cranial and pulmonary), brain and heart of all calves. At necropsy, suppurative exudates were observed in the tympanic bullae of all cases. Numerous abscesses were also found in the petrous portion of the temporal bone and lungs in seven cases. Histopathologically, the exudates within the tympanic bullae consisted of a mixture of neutrophils, necrotic cell debris and fibrin, and the tympanic mucosa was thickened with neutrophil and macrophage infiltration and proliferation of fibrous connective tissue. Pulmonary lesions included extensive foci of coagulative necrosis surrounded by numerous neutrophils. Hepatocytes or renal tubular epithelial cells were enlarged with hyaline cytoplasmic inclusions in four calves. Immunohistochemical labelling confirmed the presence of M. bovis antigen in the cytoplasm of the inflammatory cells in the middle ear, temporal bone and lungs, and was also demonstrated within the cytoplasmic inclusions of the hepatocytes and renal tubular epithelial cells. Ultrastructurally, mycoplasma-like organisms, 200-500 microm in diameter, were found within not only hepatocytes and renal tubular epithelia but also within axons of the facial nerves. The present results show that M. bovis spreads to multiple organs and is capable of invading various kinds of host cell. The intracellular localization may be favourable for evading host immune responses.

Differentiated basal cell carcinoma in a Cape clawless otter (Aonyx capensis)

Basal cell carcinoma with folliculoapocrine differentiation was diagnosed in a male Cape clawless otter (Aonyx capensis) aged >8 years. A tumour mass in the left submandibular region was removed surgically, but another tumour subsequently appeared on the left cheek. In addition, necropsy revealed a subcutaneous tumour mass at the excision site. Histologically, the tumours consisted of lobules or islands of basaloid cells, frequently with central keratinization and tubular structures. The presence of isthmic keratinization and apocrine differentiation was confirmed by immunolabelling for cytokeratins, and a few cytokeratin-positive tumour cells were found in a submandibular lymph node. The neoplasm, characterized by its metachronous and recurrent nature, metastasis to the local lymph node and amyloidosis, closely resembled human differentiated basal cell carcinoma, both clinically and pathologically.

Concurrent spirochaetal infections of the feet and colon of cattle in Japan

OBJECTIVE

To describe spirochaetal infections in the feet and colon of cattle affected with papillomatous digital dermatitis (PDD) and colitis respectively.

PROCEDURE

Eighty-two slaughtered animals were macroscopically examined for the presence of PDD. Tissues of two cattle affected with PDD were examined by histology, immunohistochemistry, electron microscopy and bacteriology for spirochaetal infection.

RESULTS

Two adult cattle (a 2-year-old beef bullock and 7-year-old Holstein dairy cow) were affected with PDD. Histologically, numerous argyrophilic and gram-negative filamentous or spiral spirochaetes were found deep in the PDD lesions. Epithelial and goblet cell hyperplasia and oedema of the lamina propria mucosa with macrophage and lymphocyte infiltration were observed in the caecum and colon in the cattle. Numerous spirochaetes were present in the crypts and some had invaded epithelial and goblet cells, and caused their degeneration. Immunohistochemically the organisms stained positively with polyclonal antisera against Treponema pallidum and Brachyspira (Serpulina) hyodysenteriae. Ultrastructurally, the intestinal spirochaetes were similar to the spirochaetes in PDD. They were 6 to 14 pm long, 0.2 to 0.3 pm wide and had 4 to 6 coils and 9 axial filaments per cell. Campylobacter species were isolated from the PDD and intestinal lesions, but spirochaetes were not.

CONCLUSION

Concurrent infections with morphologically similar spirochaetal organisms may occur in the feet and colon of cattle in Japan.

Nomogram for individualizing supplementary iron doses during erythropoietin therapy in haemodialysis patients

AIMS

An adequate iron supplement is crucial not only for prompt erythropoiesis but also for the restoration of tissue iron reserves in haemodialysis patients receiving recombinant human erythropoietin (r-HuEPO). An attempt was made to establish a comprehensive nomogram that allows individualization of intravenous (i.v.) iron doses according to patients' body weights, the initial status of tissue iron reserves and desired increases in haemoglobin levels.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Clinical and laboratory data retrieved from 95 haemodialysis patients who received r-HuEPO with or without iron supplements for at least 12 weeks were used to construct the nomogram. It was assumed that the administered iron was either incorporated into newly synthesized haemoglobin and tissue iron reserves or eliminated from the body at a constant rate. Tissue iron reserves of the patients were estimated by serum ferritin levels using van Wyck's equation (Kidney Int., 1989, 35, 712). The rate of iron loss in the patients was estimated by the data obtained from 15 of the above patients who exhibited stable haemoglobin levels but decreases in serum ferritin levels with no iron supplements. The validity of the equation was ascertained by comparing the measured serum ferritin levels at the end of r-HuEPO therapy and those predicted by the nomogram. The proposed nomogram was then validated prospectively in 24 haemodialysis patients to determine whether the nomogram-recommended iron doses would increase both haemoglobin and serum ferritin levels within 12 weeks.

RESULTS

The mean (+/-SD) iron loss of haemodialysis patients was calculated to be 10.5 +/- 7.4 mg/week. There was a significant correlation (r=0.77, P < 0.001) between the measured serum ferritin levels, an index of tissue iron reserves, at the end of r-HuEPO therapy and those predicted by the equations used for formulating the nomogram. The prospective study indicated that the nomogram-recommended supplementary iron doses attained haemoglobin and serum ferritin levels of > 95 g/L and >100 microg/L in 79 and 50% of the patients, respectively, within 12 weeks.

CONCLUSION

The present nomogram may be useful for individualizing supplementary i.v. iron doses for haemodialysis patients undergoing r-HuEPO therapy.

Sustained release of human growth hormone (hGH) from collagen film and evaluation of effect on wound healing in db/db mice

Collagen films containing human growth hormone (hGH) were prepared and the release of hGH from these films and their effect on healing of full-thickness wounds in db/db mice were evaluated. The release profiles of hGH from the collagen films varied with composition and preparation conditions. The film prepared by air-drying of the mixture of hGH and collagen solution released hGH continuously over 3 days both in vitro and in vivo. By application of collagen film containing 3 mg of hGH twice at an interval of 6 days to wounds, area of wounds on day 21 was significantly reduced compared with that of non-treated wounds. Application of hGH alone at the same dose had no significant effect on wound healing. The maximum serum hGH concentration after single administration of the hGH collagen film was lower than that with hGH alone, and hGH persisted in serum over 3 days. These results suggest that hGH collagen film may be a useful topical formulation for the treatment of wounds.

A new convergent route to conduritols A-F from a common chiral building block

A diastereocontrolled route to conduritols A-F has been developed starting from a common chiral building block containing an oxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane framework.

A case of sigmoid sinus dural arteriovenous fistula after treated cavernous dural arteriovenous fistula

SUMMARY

Transvenous embolization has been recommended recently as the primary treatment for symptomatic cavernous dural arteriovenous fistula (dural AVF). We present a case of sigmoid sinus dural AVF which developed after transvenous embolization of cavernous dural AVF. A 43-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of left conjunctivill chemosis, exophthalmus and abducens nerve palsy. Cerebral angiograms showed left cavernous dural AVF fed by the bilateral internal and external carqtid arteries and draining into the enlarged left superior ophthalmic vein. Transfemoral approach in the cqvernous sinus via inferior petrosal sinus (IPS) was difficult because of the occlusive change of IPS. Then, direct canulation of the left superior ophthalmic vein and transvenous embolization using interlocking detachable coils (IDC) were performed. Dural AVF and clinical symptoms were disappeard rapidly after embolization. Six months later, follow-up cerebral angiograms showed development of a dural AVF in the left sigmoid sinus. The pathogenesis of dural AVF remains unclear. We suggest that injury to the sinus wall during endovascular procedures may have provoked the development of dural AVF in our case. Clinical and angiographical follow-up are important.

Bovine nasal eosinophilic, granuloma with blood eosinophilia caused by Nocardia species

OBJECTIVE

To describe a case of nocardial nasal granuloma in a Holstein heifer.

CLINICAL FEATURES

The heifer showed laboured respiration and occasional coughing with granulomatous excrescences on the bilateral nasal mucosa, and a marked leucocytosis with eosinophilia. NECROPSY: Severe granulomatous inflammation with eosinophils, epithelioid cells, giant cells and Nocardia sp obstructed both nasal passages completely.

CONCLUSION

This lesion resulted from chronic infection with Nocardia sp and is distinct from other forms of bovine nasal granuloma, also called atopic rhinitis or chronic granular rhinitis, which we propose should be classified as bovine allergic granular rhinitis. The most appropriate name for the present disease is bovine nasal eosinophilic granuloma.

gammadelta T-cell lymphoma with tropism for various types of epithelium in a cow

A 2-year-old Holstein cow developed multiple cutaneous masses, up to 10 cm in diameter, over the neck and trunk. The animal also had neoplastic lesions in internal organs, and epitheliotropism was observed not only in the skin but also in the conjunctiva, mammary glands, trachea, abomasum, small intestine, gall bladder, uterus and urinary bladder. Moreover, the neoplastic cells showed preferential homing to T-zones of lymphatic tissues. Because the lymphoma cells were positive for CD3 but not CD79a, and a few were CD2- or WC1-positive, this lymphoma was thought to be of gammadelta T-cell origin. Helicobacter -like organisms, found in the abomasum and small intestine, were considered to be associated with the severe neoplastic involvement of these organs, on the basis of the intense immunolabelling for major histocompatibility complex class II in the epithelial cells, and the presence of increased numbers of apparently normal intraepithelial T lymphocytes.

Delineating developmental and metabolic pathways in vivo by expression profiling using the RIKEN set of 18,816 full-length enriched mouse cDNA arrays

We have systematically characterized gene expression patterns in 49 adult and embryonic mouse tissues by using cDNA microarrays with 18,816 mouse cDNAs. Cluster analysis defined sets of genes that were expressed ubiquitously or in similar groups of tissues such as digestive organs and muscle. Clustering of expression profiles was observed in embryonic brain, postnatal cerebellum, and adult olfactory bulb, reflecting similarities in neurogenesis and remodeling. Finally, clustering genes coding for known enzymes into 78 metabolic pathways revealed a surprising coordination of expression within each pathway among different tissues. On the other hand, a more detailed examination of glycolysis revealed tissue-specific differences in profiles of key regulatory enzymes. Thus, by surveying global gene expression by using microarrays with a large number of elements, we provide insights into the commonality and diversity of pathways responsible for the development and maintenance of the mammalian body plan.

Functional annotation of a full-length mouse cDNA collection

The RIKEN Mouse Gene Encyclopaedia Project, a systematic approach to determining the full coding potential of the mouse genome, involves collection and sequencing of full-length complementary DNAs and physical mapping of the corresponding genes to the mouse genome. We organized an international functional annotation meeting (FANTOM) to annotate the first 21,076 cDNAs to be analysed in this project. Here we describe the first RIKEN clone collection, which is one of the largest described for any organism. Analysis of these cDNAs extends known gene families and identifies new ones.