Electrical Injuries in Animals: Causes, Pathogenesis, and Morphological Findings

Electrical injuries in animals occur most often accidentally. They comprise contact to various forms of currents, including alternating, rotary, or direct currents. Depending on various parameters of the current (including the type of circuit, voltage, current and duration of exposure) and conditions of the animal (such as wet or dry hair coat and pathway of current through the body), lesions may be absent or may include early or localized development of rigor mortis, signs of acute circulatory failure, or severe thermoelectrical burns. Such burns may present as external current marks, singed hair or feathers, metallization of the skin, or occasionally internal electroporation injury resulting in muscle necrosis, hemolysis, vascular damage with thrombosis, injury to brain and spinal cord, or skeletal fractures. Furthermore, lightning strikes occur regularly in grazing animals, which have greater risk of death from step potentials (ground current) in addition to direct strike and contact injury. Such cases may have no lesions, external signs of linear or punctate burns, keraunographic markings, or exit burns on the soles of the hooves or the coronary bands. Besides detailed information about the circumstances at the location where the animal was found, electrical injuries in animals require a thorough morphological workup, including additional investigations in conjunction with certain knowledge about the possible lesion spectrum.

Thermal Injuries in Veterinary Forensic Pathology

Localized thermal injuries in animals may be caused by exposure to fire and radiant heat, contact with hot items including hot liquids or steam, inhalation of hot air, and exposure to cold temperatures. In addition, animal fire victims may have intoxications caused by smoke gas. This article reviews the causes, pathogenetic aspects, morphological findings, additional investigations, differential diagnoses, and causes of death in various forms of thermal injuries. Since these cases do not occur frequently in diagnostic pathology, they represent a challenging task in general but also with respect to forensic or criminal aspects, such as whether a lesion represents an accidental or nonaccidental effect. Besides detailed information about the circumstances at the location, thermal injuries in animals require a thorough morphological evaluation, including additional investigations in conjunction with a profound knowledge about the possible lesion spectrum and suitable additional investigations.

Detection of a Novel Bovine Astrovirus in a Cow with Encephalitis

Encephalitis can be caused by several infectious agents, including bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses. In many cases, the causative agent cannot be identified, because the pathogens are unknown or detection methods are not routinely available. In our case, a 15-month-old cow developed central nervous disorders and died within 6 days after the onset of clinical signs. The histopathology revealed an acute encephalitis, predominantly in the brain stem, and a ganglionitis of the trigeminal ganglion with massive neuronal necroses in both the brain and the ganglion. However, a relevant panel of bacterial and viral infections of cattle could be routinely excluded. Therefore, a brain sample from the cow was analysed using a metagenomics approach with next-generation sequencing. A novel bovine astrovirus (BoAstV-BH89/14) could be identified using the analysis pipeline RIEMS, and the finding could be confirmed with a specific BoAstV RT-qPCR. The genome of the bovine astrovirus (BoAstV), belonging to the family Astroviridae in the genus Mamastrovirus, has a length of 6478 bp. Sequence identities between 71% to a sheep astrovirus and 69% to two recently described bovine astroviruses from the USA and Switzerland were ascertained. The latter were also connected to encephalitis cases in cattle. Like these, the new virus described here was detected in different brain sections using the specific BoAstV RT-qPCR and fluorescent in situ hybridization. In conclusion, while astroviruses so far were mainly found in relation to gastroenteritis in animals and humans, recently detected astrovirus infections were also related to encephalitis.

[Evaluation of interest in research among surgically active medical officers in the German Armed Forces]

BACKGROUND

Research in military medicine and in particular combat surgery is a broad field that has gained international importance during the last decade. In the context of increased NATO missions, this also holds true for the Bundeswehr (German Armed Forces); however, medical officers in surgery must balance research between their clinical work load, missions, civilian and family obligation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

To evaluate engagement with and interest in research, a questionnaire was distributed among the doctors of the surgical departments of the Bundeswehr hospitals by the newly founded working group Chirurgische Forschung der Bundeswehr (surgical research of the Bundeswehr). Returned data were recorded from October 2013 to January 2014 and descriptive statistics were performed.

RESULTS

Answers were received from 87 out of 193 military surgeons (45 %). Of these 81 % announced a general interest in research with a predominance on clinical research in preference to experimental settings. At the time of the evaluation 32 % of the participants were actively involved in research and 53 % regarded it as difficult to invest time in research activities parallel to clinical work. Potential keys to increase the interest and engagement in research were seen in the implementation of research coordinators and also in a higher amount of free time, for example by research rotation.

CONCLUSION

Research can be regarded as having a firm place in the daily work of medical officers in the surgical departments of the Bundeswehr; however, the engagement is limited by time and structural factors. At the departmental level and in the command structures of the military medical service, more efforts are recommended in the future in order to enhance the engagement with surgical research. This evaluation should be repeated in the coming years as a measuring instrument and data should be compared in an international context.

Measurement of effective refractive index differences in multimode optical fibers based on modal decomposition

We demonstrate the nondestructive measurement of the effective refractive index difference of two arbitrary modes within a multimode optical fiber by utilizing a tunable fiber grating. We use a mechanical grating of variable period to couple the respective modes and measure the mode content at the fiber output based on the correlation filter technique. From the dependence of the coupling efficiency on the grating period, the effective index difference of the modes can be extracted with high accuracy.

A multiple sclerosis-associated variant of CBLB links genetic risk with type I IFN function

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the CNS, and autoreactive CD4(+) T cells are considered important for its pathogenesis. The etiology of MS involves a complex genetic trait and environmental triggers that include viral infections, particularly the EBV. Among the risk alleles that have repeatedly been identified by genome-wide association studies, three are located near the Casitas B-lineage lymphoma proto-oncogene b gene (CBLB). The CBLB protein (CBL-B) is a key regulator of peripheral immune tolerance by limiting T cell activation and expansion and hence T cell-mediated autoimmunity through its ubiquitin E3-ligase activity. In this study, we show that CBL-B expression is reduced in CD4(+) T cells from relapsing-remitting MS (RR-MS) patients during relapse. The MS risk-related single nucleotide polymorphism of CBLB rs12487066 is associated with diminished CBL-B expression levels and alters the effects of type I IFNs on human CD4(+) T cell proliferation. Mechanistically, the CBLB rs12487066 risk allele mediates increased binding of the transcription factor C/EBPβ and reduced CBL-B expression in human CD4(+) T cells. Our data suggest a role of the CBLB rs12487066 variant in the interactions of a genetic risk factor and IFN function during viral infections in MS.

Measurement of the orbital angular momentum density of Bessel beams by projection into a Laguerre-Gaussian basis

We present the measurement of the orbital angular momentum (OAM) density of Bessel beams and superpositions thereof by projection into a Laguerre-Gaussian basis. This projection is performed by an all-optical inner product measurement performed by correlation filters, from which the optical field can be retrieved in amplitude and phase. The derived OAM densities are compared to those obtained from previously stated azimuthal decomposition yielding consistent results.

Multidimensional scaling analysis identifies pathological and prognostically relevant profiles of circulating T-cells in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Antitumor immunity in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is hampered by highly dysfunctional T-cells. Although certain T-cell subsets have been reported to be of prognostic significance in this disease, their interplay is complex and it remains incompletely understood which of these subsets significantly drive CLL progression. Here, we determined immunological profiles of 24 circulating T-cell subsets from 79 untreated individuals by multiparametric flow cytometry. This screening cohort included healthy donors, patients with monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL), Rai 0 CLL and advanced CLL. We applied multidimensional scaling analysis as rigorous and unbiased statistical tool to globally assess the composition of the circulating T-cell environment and to generate T-cell scores reflecting its integrity. These scores allowed clear distinction between advanced CLL and healthy controls, whereas both MBL and Rai 0 CLL showed intermediate scores mirroring the biological continuum of CLL and its precursor stages. T-cell stimulation and suppression assays as well as longitudinal T-cell profiling showed an increasingly suppressive regulatory function initiating at the MBL stage. Effector function was impaired only after transition to CLL and partially recovered after chemoimmunotherapy. In an independent validation cohort of 52 untreated CLL cases, aberrant T-cell profiles were significantly associated with shorter time to treatment independently of other prognostic parameters. Random forest modeling predicted regulatory T-cell, gamma/delta and NKT-cells, as well as exhaustion of the CD8+ subset as potential drivers of progression. Our data illustrate a pathological T-cell environment in MBL that evolves toward a more and more suppressive and prognostically relevant profile across the disease stages.

Genetic polymorphisms of twelve X-STRs of the investigator Argus X-12 kit and additional six X-STR centromere region loci in an Egyptian population sample

Recently, many researchers have focused on analysis of different X-chromosomal STRs as they bear the potential to efficiently complement the analysis of autosomal and Y-chromosomal STRs in solving special complex kinship deficiency cases. In the current study we examined a sample of 250 unrelated Egyptian males with the Investigator Argus X-12 kit (Qiagen GmbH, Hilden, Germany) which detects 12 X-STR markers distributed over the entire X-chromosome as four closely linked clusters. Microvariant off ladder alleles as well as null alleles have been detected in some loci. Furthermore, discordant results were observed between the Investigator Argus X-12 and the Mentype(®) Argus X-8 kits (Biotype AG, Dresden, Germany). New primers were designed for loci DXS10101, DXS10146 and DXS10148 to correct the allele drop outs observed in these loci with the Investigator Argus X-12 kit. Additionally, DNA sequence analysis revealed the polymorphisms responsible for the allele drop outs. Furthermore, six additional X-STRs (DXS10161, DXS10159, DXS10162, DXS10163, DXS10164 and DXS10165) located in the centromere region at Xp11.21-Xq11.1 were examined in a single multiplex reaction. Allele and haplotype frequencies as well as different forensic statistical parameters of the 18 X-STR loci tested indicated that they are highly informative in different forensic applications in the Egyptian population. However, some modifications still need to be performed on the Investigator Argus X-12 kit before its use in forensic casework is validated.

Antigen-specific tolerance by autologous myelin peptide-coupled cells: a phase 1 trial in multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a devastating inflammatory disease of the brain and spinal cord that is thought to result from an autoimmune attack directed against antigens in the central nervous system. The aim of this first-in-man trial was to assess the feasibility, safety, and tolerability of a tolerization regimen in MS patients that uses a single infusion of autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells chemically coupled with seven myelin peptides (MOG1-20, MOG35-55, MBP13-32, MBP83-99, MBP111-129, MBP146-170, and PLP139-154). An open-label, single-center, dose-escalation study was performed in seven relapsing-remitting and two secondary progressive MS patients who were off-treatment for standard therapies. All patients had to show T cell reactivity against at least one of the myelin peptides used in the trial. Neurological, magnetic resonance imaging, laboratory, and immunological examinations were performed to assess the safety, tolerability, and in vivo mechanisms of action of this regimen. Administration of antigen-coupled cells was feasible, had a favorable safety profile, and was well tolerated in MS patients. Patients receiving the higher doses (>1 × 10(9)) of peptide-coupled cells had a decrease in antigen-specific T cell responses after peptide-coupled cell therapy. In summary, this first-in-man clinical trial of autologous peptide-coupled cells in MS patients establishes the feasibility and indicates good tolerability and safety of this therapeutic approach.

Measurement of higher-order mode propagation losses in effectively single mode fibers

We present a direct and nondestructive measurement of the propagation loss of higher-order modes (HOMs) in effectively single-mode fibers. Lossy HOMs are excited by applying local stress at various points alongside a straight single mode fiber. The change of the HOM power as a function of the propagation distance is recorded at the fiber end by performing a modal decomposition with a correlation filter. The results for the HOM propagation loss are compared to simulations yielding very good agreement.

Comparative analysis of numerical methods for the mode analysis of laser beams

We present a comparative study of four numerical methods to detect the mode content of a laser beam from, at most, two intensity images. The techniques are compared regarding temporal effort, stability, and accuracy, using the example of three multimode optical fibers that differ in the number of supported modes.

Abstract 357: Branched-Chain Amino Acid Metabolic Reprogramming in Heart Failure

Metabolic remodeling is an integral part of heart failure. Current studies are largely focusing on glucose and fatty acid metabolism, while little is known about the changes in amino acid homeostasis during heart failing process. Branched chain amino acids (BCAAs), including leucine, isoleucine, and valine, serve as not only essential building blocks for protein synthesis, but also important energy source and signaling molecules that have significant effects on cell growth and function. In this study, we demonstrated that the BCAA catabolic intermediate branched-chain keto acid (BCKA) accumulated in both mouse and human failing heart. BCAA catabolic genes were selectively and significantly down-regulated at both mRNA and protein levels in failing heart in mice, mimicking a similar expression pattern observed in neonatal heart. Using both in vitro and in vivo models, we established that BCAA catabolic genes were regulated by Krüppel-like factor 15 (KLF15), a key transcriptional regulator for glucose, fat, and amino acid nutrient homeostasis, suggesting that the KLF15-mediated BCAA catabolic regulation is part of the metabolic remodeling during heart failure. Genetic ablation of PP2Cm, a key regulator of BCAA catabolism, led to a significant impairment of BCAA catabolic activities and accumulation of BCKA in cardiac tissue. Importantly, PP2Cm deficiency accelerated heart failure under pressure overload. PP2Cm deficiency or elevated BCKA induced oxidative stress in cardiomyocytes and impairment of oxygen consumption and ATP production of mitochondria. Antioxidant treatment ameliorated the heart failure progression in PP2Cm deficient animals. Taken together, our data established for the first time that BCAA catabolic reprogramming is an integral component of metabolic remodeling during heart failure, and this remodeling can significantly contribute to heart failure progression.

Reconstruction of laser beam wavefronts based on mode analysis

We present the reconstruction of a laser beam wavefront from its mode spectrum and investigate in detail the impact of distinct aberrations on the mode composition. The measurement principle is presented on a Gaussian beam that is intentionally distorted by displaying defined aberrations on a spatial light modulator. The comparison of reconstructed and programmed wavefront aberrations yields excellent agreement, proving the high measurement fidelity.

Dual roles of the transcription factor grainyhead-like 2 (GRHL2) in breast cancer

Using a retrovirus-mediated cDNA expression cloning approach, we identified the grainyhead-like 2 (GRHL2) transcription factor as novel protooncogene. Overexpression of GRHL2 in NIH3T3 cells induced striking morphological changes, an increase in cell proliferation, anchorage-independent growth, and tumor growth in vivo. By combining a microarray analysis and a phylogenetic footprinting analysis with various biochemical assays, we identified the epidermal growth factor receptor family member Erbb3 as a novel GRHL2 target gene. In breast cancer cell lines, shRNA-mediated knockdown of GRHL2 expression or functional inactivation of GRHL2 using dominant negative GRHL2 proteins induces down-regulation of ERBB3 gene expression, a striking reduction in cell proliferation, and morphological and phenotypical alterations characteristic of an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), thus implying contradictory roles of GRHL2 in breast carcinogenesis. Interestingly, we could further demonstrate that expression of GRHL2 is directly suppressed by the transcription factor zinc finger enhancer-binding protein 1 (ZEB1), which in turn is a direct target for repression by GRHL2, suggesting that the EMT transcription factors GRHL2 and ZEB1 form a double negative regulatory feedback loop in breast cancer cells. Finally, a comprehensive immunohistochemical analysis of GRHL2 expression in primary breast cancers showed loss of GRHL2 expression at the invasive front of primary tumors. A pathophysiological relevance of GRHL2 in breast cancer metastasis is further demonstrated by our finding of a statistically significant association between loss of GRHL2 expression in primary breast cancers and lymph node metastasis. We thus demonstrate a crucial role of GRHL2 in breast carcinogenesis.