Association of laboratory data and death within one month in cats with chronic renal failure

OBJECTIVES

To retrospectively compare the data taken at the first visit of 34 cats with chronic renal failure surviving more than one month (surviving group) and 16 cats dying within one month (non-surviving group).

METHODS

Records were collected on cats with chronic renal failure presented to a private veterinary practice in Nagoya, Japan, from March 1996 to March 2005. All cats with chronic renal failure diagnosed on the basis of case histories, clinical signs (such as, lethargy, anorexia, loss of bodyweight and vomiting) and a high plasma creatinine (>180 micromol/l) were included in the study.

RESULTS

Plasma creatinine, urea nitrogen, inorganic phosphate, packed cell volume and urine protein/creatinine ratio were significantly different between cats of the surviving and non-surviving groups. In the surviving group, survival statuses were recorded, and laboratory data was obtained within one month before death in 13 cats. In the 13 cats, plasma creatinine, packed cell volume and urine protein/creatinine ratio showed significant differences between the data taken within one month before death and that taken at first visit, and only urine protein/creatinine ratio exhibited a consistent alteration (increase) in relation to first visit data.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

These results indicated that plasma creatinine, urea nitrogen, inorganic phosphate, packed cell volume and urine protein/creatinine ratio were associated with death within one month and urine protein/creatinine ratio was most likely to be associated with mortality in cats with chronic renal failure.

Plasma leptin concentration in dogs: effects of body condition score, age, gender and breeds

Leptin is a cytokine produced by adipocytes, and plays a key role in the regulation of energy balance. In the present study, we measured plasma leptin concentrations of 166 normal and obese dogs visiting veterinary practices, and clarified the influence of age, gender and breed on plasma leptin levels in dogs. Leptin levels were higher in the dogs with higher body condition scores. There was no noticeable influence of age, gender and breed, but those in optimal puppies and obese Miniature Dachshund tended to be lower than those in corresponding groups. We conclude that plasma leptin is a reliable marker of adiposity in dogs regardless of age, gender and breed variations, and thereby useful as a blood biochemistry test for health examinations and treatment of obesity.

Multiple organ failure caused by end-stage liver disease successfully treated with living donor liver transplantation using perioperative percutaneous cardiopulmonary support: a case report

A 54-year-old female diagnosed with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) 10 years earlier was referred for a living donor liver transplant (LDLT). During her workup, she developed pulmonary edema and respiratory failure due to aspiration pneumonia, which required artificial ventilation. The PaO2/FiO2 (P/F) ratio at that time was 60. Although continuous hemodiafiltration (CHDF) and plasma exchange (PE) were initiated, improvement in the P/F ratio was limited to 133. As transplantation was the only approach to save this patient, we performed LDLT using a right lobe graft aided by percutaneous cardiopulmonary support (PCPS). The graft weight was 650 g and the graft weight/recipient weight ratio was 1.6%. During LDLT, the patient's cardiopulmonary function was stable with PCPS, and the surgical procedure was completed without complications. Following the surgery, she continued to have high-end inspiratory pressure and progressed to the chronic phase of adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We treated her with low-dose steroid therapy and she improved gradually. The patient was weaned off mechanical ventilation and was discharged approximately 25 weeks after LDLT. In the condition of cardiac or respiratory failure, cadaveric liver transplantation using plasmapheresis is contraindicated because of the associated high mortality rate. Our case suggests that if infections are controlled, a patient with multiple organ failure (MOF) due to end-stage liver disease might be successfully treated with LDLT aided by plasmapheresis and PCPS.

Effect of beam energy and filtration on the signal-to-noise ratio of the Dexis intraoral X-ray detector

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the Dexis charge-coupled device (CCD) intraoral X-ray detector, with special reference to the influence of beam energy and filtration.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Digital radiographic images were made of a nine-step dental aluminium step wedge using a Dexis intraoral detector. The X-ray generator was a GE 1000 operating at 10 mA with 2.7 mm aluminium filtration. The peak tube voltage settings applied were 50 kVp, 60 kVp, 70 kVp, 80 kVp and 90 kVp. Various exposure times were used at each beam energy and the exposures (in micro C kg(-1)) were determined in each case using a 3 cl beryllium-windowed ionization chamber. SNR was defined using the surrogate measure of mean pixel value (surrogate for signal) divided by the standard deviation of the pixel value (surrogate for noise). SNRs were measured at separate regions of interest (ROIs) at the centre and at both sides of the detector for each aluminium step as well as without the step.

RESULTS

For beam energies of 50 kVp and 60 kVp, the estimated SNR improved both with increased exposure and with increased filtration (thickness of the aluminium step), and image saturation did not occur within the exposure time range permitted by the Dexis software. At 70 kVp and above, the SNR was optimized in the middle of the exposure range: 4 micro C kg(-1) with 290:1 at the ninth step (13.5 mm Al) for 70 kVp; 3.5 micro C kg(-1) with 240:1 at the ninth step (13.5 mm Al) for 80 kVp; 3.5 micro C kg(-1) with 160:1 at the ninth step (13.5 mm Al) for 90 kVp. Saturation did occur at these beam energies within the exposure time range permitted by the Dexis software.

CONCLUSION

For the Dexis intraoral radiographic imaging system, estimated SNR improved both with higher filtration and with lower kVp. The Dexis detector was capable of generating acceptable images of the step wedge at a wide range of kVp settings.

An immunohistochemical study of endocrine cells in the pancreas of the Red-bellied frog (Bombina orientalis)

The regional distribution and frequency of pancreatic endocrine cells in the red-bellied frog, Bombina orientalis, were studied by the immunohistochemical peroxidase anti-peroxidase (PAP) method using five types of specific mammalian antisera to insulin, glucagon, somatostatin, bovine pancreatic polypeptide (PP) and secretin. The frequency was calculated as the mean number of each endocrine cell type/1,000 total cells (including exocrine and endocrine cells) using an automated image analysis process. The percentage of each immunoreactive (IR) cell species to the total IR cell population was also calculated. In the pancreas of the red-bellied frog, all five endocrine cell types were demonstrated. Insulin IR cells were located in the pancreas as single cells or islet-like clusters. The latter were localized in central regions. The insulin-IR cells showed a frequency of 65.40 plus/minus 14.56/1,000 cells. Glucagon IR cells were also detected as single cells or as clusters but in the case of clusters, two distributional patterns were detected - a central core type and a marginally distributed type. They showed an abundance of 32.70 plus/minus 7.32/1,000 cells. Somatostatin-IR cells were dispersed throughout the pancreatic parenchyma as single cells, three to four cells, or clusters. The clusters were located in the marginal regions. The somatostatin-IR cell frequency was 19.40 plus/minus 6.52/1000 cells. PP-IR cells were randomly distributed throughout the pancreatic parenchyma as single cells with a frequency of 14.70 plus/minus 4.92/1,000 cells. Secretin-IR cells were demonstrated as clusters or as single cells, and as clusters they occupied the central regions. They showed a frequency of 39.60 plus/minus 10.36/1,000 cells. This is the first report of the presence of secretin-IR cells in amphibian pancreatic endocrine cells. Overall, there were 37.20 plus/minus 6.84% insulin-, 21.90 plus/minus 5.55% glucagon-, 11.60 plus/minus 4.33% somatostatin-, 8.60 plus/minus 2.72% PP- and 23.40 plus/minus 4.45% secretin-IR cells.

Comparison of complementary metal oxide semiconductor and charge-coupled device intraoral X-ray detectors using subjective image quality

OBJECTIVE

To compare the subjective image quality of the newer generation Schick CDR detector employing complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology with images using the earlier generation charge-coupled device (CCD) Schick CDR detector.

METHODS

All radiographic images were made using the same formalin-fixed adult cadaver maxilla with surrounding natural soft tissues in place. The X-ray generator used was a Villa Sistemi Medicali Diamatic srl AP/Explor X operated at 70 kVp and 8 mA. The source-to-detector distance was set at 38 cm and an optical bench was used to ensure reproducible beam geometry. A range of exposures was applied for both detectors. A panel of nine dentists independently observed and evaluated images made at each exposure. For both detectors, the three images ranked highest were randomized for re-evaluation in panels of six images. Each image was repeated randomly a total of 10 times. Features chosen as observation points were: (1) proximal dental caries; (2) gingival soft tissues; (3) cortical bone; (4) root canal space; (5) root apices; (6) periodontal ligament space; and (7) endodontic instrument tip clarity. Comparisons were made by use of odds ratio analysis applying a 95% confidence level. Interrater and intrarater reliabilities were computed to assess consistency in observer ratings.

RESULTS

The CMOS sensor was rated as outperforming its CCD predecessor for depiction of cortical bone and root apices; the CCD detector was only rated superior for depiction of root canal space. No significant difference was found between the two detectors in perceived depiction of proximal dental caries, gingival soft tissues, periodontal ligament space or endodontic instruments. Combining rating scores from each of the tasks, CMOS and CCD detectors had a similar proportion of image ratings of excellent, acceptable and poor.

CONCLUSIONS

Regarding subjective image quality, the Schick CMOS and CCD detectors were perceived to produce radiographic images of similar overall quality.

Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor protein prevents motor neuron loss of transgenic model mice for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Effects of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) were studied in transgenic (Tg) mice model for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. GDNF protein or vehicle was injected three times a week from 35 weeks of age into the right gastrocnemius muscle of Tg mice carrying mutant human Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase gene, and histological analysis was performed at 46 weeks. Clinical data showed a tendency of improvement, but was not significantly different between the two animal groups. In contrast, total number of and phospho-Akt (p-Akt) positive large motor neurons in the treated side was significantly more preserved in GDNF-treated group than in vehicle group (p < 0.05). Immunoreactivity of phospho-ERK and active caspases-3 and -9 showed no difference. These results indicate that the intramuscular injection of GDNF protein prevented motor neuron loss while preserving survival p-Akt signal and without affecting caspase activations, suggesting a future possibility for the therapy of the disease.

Intraoperative pulmonary embolism during spinal instrumentation surgery. A prospective study using transoesophageal echocardiography

Intraoperative pulmonary fat and bone-marrow embolism is a serious complication of bone and joint surgery. We have investigated the occurrence and incidence of intraoperative embolism in patients undergoing elective lumbar spinal surgery with or without instrumentation. Sixty adult patients with lumbar degenerative disease were examined by intraoperative transoesophageal echocardiography while undergoing posterior lumbar surgery. Of these, 40 underwent surgery with instrumentation and 20 without. Moderate to severe (grade 2 or 3 according to the grading scale of Pitto et al) embolic events were seen in 80% of the instrumented patients but in none of the non-instrumented patients (p < 0.001). The insertion of pedicle screws was particularly associated with large numbers of pulmonary emboli, while the surgical approach, laminectomy, disc removal and bone harvesting were associated with small numbers of emboli. We consider that, as in arthroplasty and intramedullary fixation of fractures, these embolic events are relevant to the development of potentially fatal fat embolism during spinal surgery.

Renal reabsorption of magnesium and calcium by cattle with renal tubular dysplasia

The concentrations of magnesium and calcium in the serum and urine and their rates of clearance were determined in cattle with renal tubular dysplasia, an autosomal recessive hereditary disease associated with a deletion of the paracellin-1 gene in Japanese Black cattle. There were no significant differences in the serum or urine magnesium concentrations between normal cattle and cattle which were heterozygous or homozygous for the condition. Serum calcium concentrations tended to be lower in the homozygous cattle, and the serum creatinine and urea nitrogen concentrations were significantly higher in the homozygous cattle. The ratio of magnesium:creatinine and the fractional excretion of magnesium were higher in cattle with the disease than in normal cattle. There were no significant differences in urine calcium concentration, the calcium:creatinine ratio, and fractional excretion of calcium between normal cattle and cattle which were homozygous or heterozygous for the condition. The creatinine clearance was significantly lower in the homozygous cattle than in normal cattle. The clearance, excretion rate, reabsorption rate and reabsorption rate:clearance ratio of magnesium in cattle with renal tubular dysplasia were significantly lower than in normal cattle. The clearance rate and reabsorption rate of calcium were also significantly lower in the affected cattle, but the excretion rate and reabsorption rate:clearance of calcium were not different between the normal cattle and the cattle homozygous for the condition. In cattle with the condition the rate of reabsorption of magnesium by the kidneys was low, but the rate of reabsorption of calcium was normal.

Adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor prevents motor neuron loss of transgenic model mice for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Effects of adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) were studied in transgenic (Tg) mice model for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Adenoviral vector containing GDNF gene (Ad-GDNF), E. coli lacZ (Ad-LacZ), or vehicle was injected once a week from 35 weeks of age into the right gastrocnemius muscle of Tg mice carrying mutant human Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) gene, and histological analysis was performed at 46 W. Clinical data showed a tendency of improvement, but was not significantly different among the three animal groups. In contrast, total number of and phospho-Akt (p-Akt) positive large motor neurons in the treated side was significantly preserved in Ad-GDNF-treated group than in vehicle- and Ad-LacZ-treated groups (*p < 0.05). Immunoreactivity of phospho-ERK (p-ERK) and active caspases-3 and -9 showed no difference. These results indicate that the Ad-GDNF treatment prevented motor neuron loss with preserving survival p-Akt signal and without affecting caspase activations, suggesting a future possibility for the therapy of the disease.

Diagnostic laparoscopy, serum CA125, and peritoneal metastasis in gastric cancer

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Peritoneal metastasis is a crucial factor for the prognosis in gastric cancer, but its diagnosis is difficult before laparotomy. We report on the utility of laparoscopy and its indications in the detection of peritoneal metastasis in gastric cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 39 patients with gastric cancer underwent laparoscopy and peritoneal cytology investigation in our department, between April 1992 and April 2000. Laparoscopic diagnosis for peritoneal metastasis (LP-P) was determined through macroscopic, pathological and cytological diagnoses. All the patients underwent diagnostic imaging with computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound before laparoscopy. Carcinoembryonic antigen, carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19-9, and CA125 levels in serum and peritoneal fluid were measured using enzyme immunoassay.

RESULTS

Laparoscopic diagnosis for peritoneal metastasis gave negative results in 21 patients and positive results in 18. All the patients with negative LP-P findings underwent surgery; 18 of the 21 patients showed no peritoneal metastasis, but three were diagnosed as having peritoneal metastasis, one at the pouch of Douglas and two at the mesentery. The diagnosis of all the patients with positive LP-P findings was finally confirmed as correct. The specificity, sensitivity, and accuracy of laparoscopy for peritoneal metastasis were 100 % (18/18, 95 % CI 0.82 - 1), 86 % (18/21, 95 % CI 0.64 - 0.97), and 92 % (36/39, 95 % CI 0.79 - 0.98), respectively. The specificity, sensitivity, and accuracy of diagnostic imaging for peritoneal metastasis were 100 % (18/18, 95 % CI 0.82 - 1), 38 % (8/21, 95 % CI 0.18 - 0.62), and 67 % (26/39, 95 % CI 0.50 - 0.81), respectively. All of the 11 patients showing high levels of serum CA125 (equal to or more than 35 U/ml) had peritoneal metastasis whereas 17 of the 26 patients with low levels of serum CA125 (less than 35 U/ml) did not ( P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The sensitivity of laparoscopy for peritoneal metastasis was much higher than that of diagnostic imaging. Laparoscopy and serum CA125 level both predicted peritoneal metastasis, but the degree, volume, or distribution of peritoneal metastasis was disclosed only by laparoscopy. Laparoscopy is a useful way of detecting peritoneal metastasis in gastric cancer, and patients with an elevated level of serum CA125 are the best candidates for laparoscopy.

Pathological changes of renal tubular dysplasia in Japanese black cattle

Pathological studies were conducted on 91 Japanese Black cattle with a hereditary disease which induced growth retardation, long hooves and renal failure. In calves one to two months old, no gross abnormalities were observed in the kidneys, but microscopical examinations revealed immature epithelia which were arranged irregularly and not attached to the basement membranes in some proximal tubules. In animals three to 36 months old, the kidneys had shrunk perceptibly and had grey-white radial streaks; microscopically they showed severe interstitial fibrosis with round-cell infiltration in the outer zone of the medulla and cortex, and reductions in the numbers of glomeruli and tubules. In the fibrotic areas there were immature epithelia with an irregular arrangement, and the basement membrane of the tubules was thickened. It was concluded that renal tubular dysplasia was the primary lesion of the disease, and that interstitial fibrosis and reductions in the numbers of nephrons were secondary lesions.

Syntheses and physical properties of quasi-one-dimensional halogen-bridged Cu(II)(-)Pt(IV) mixed-metal complexes [Cu(chxn)(2)][PtX(2)(chxn)(2)]X(4)

Quasi-one-dimensional halogen-bridged Cu(II)-Pt(IV) mixed-metal complexes of the form [Cu(chxn)(2)][PtX(2)(chxn)(2)]X(4), where chxn = 1R,2R-diaminocyclohexane and X is either Cl or Br, have been synthesized. The crystal structures of these compounds have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The Cl-bridged compound crystallizes in the space group I222 with dimensions a = 24.237(1) A, b = 5.103(1) A, c = 6.854(1) A, and V = 847.7(1) A(3) and with Z = 1. The Br-bridged complex crystallizes in the space group I222 with dimensions a = 23.700(8) A, b = 5.344(5) A, c = 6.978(8) A, and V = 883.8(8) A(3) and with Z = 1. These structures are isomorphic to each other and to homometal [Pt(chxn)(2)][PtX(2)(chxn)(2)]X(4) complexes. In these complexes, the planar [Cu(chxn)(2)] and the octahedral [PtX(2)(chxn)(2)] groups are stacked alternatively with the axial bridging halogen ions, forming linear chain structures. The neighboring [Cu(chxn)(2)] and [PtX(2)(chxn)(2)] moieties along the chains are linked by hydrogen bonds between amino hydrogens and the counteranions (X). Moreover, there are hydrogen bonds among the neighboring chains that form a two-dimensional hydrogen-bonded network parallel to the bc plane. Therefore, the Cu(II) and Pt(IV) units are two-dimensionally ordered. The b axes correspond to the Cu(II)-Pt(IV) separations, which are shorter than those of [Pt(chxn)(2)][PtX(2)(chxn)(2)]X(4) due to the smaller ionic radius of the Cu(II) ions. In the XP spectra, the Pt(IV) 4f(7/2) and Pt(IV) 4f(5/2) binding energies in homometal [Pt(chxn)(2)][PtX(2)(chxn)(2)]X(4) are lower than those of [Cu(chxn)(2)][PtX(2)(chxn)(2)]X(4) (X = Cl and Br), indicating that the electron-phonon interaction in Cu(II)-Pt(IV) compounds is stronger than that in Pt(II)-Pt(IV) compounds. In the Raman spectra, nu(Pt(IV)(-)X) of the homometal Pt(II)-Pt(IV) complexes is lower than that of the Cu(II)-Pt(IV) complexes, indicating again that the electron-phonon interaction in Cu(II)-Pt(IV) compounds is stronger than that of Pt(II)-Pt(IV) compounds. The temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibilities of the Cu(II)-Pt(IV) complexes show weak antiferromagnetic interactions between Cu(II) components along the chain axes.

Enhanced invasiveness of pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells stably transfected with cationic trypsinogen cDNA

Various studies have described increased expression of cationic trypsinogen in malignant tumor cells. To explore the role of secreted cationic trypsinogen in invasion by cancer cells, we introduced cationic trypsinogen cDNA into Panc-1, a pancreatic adenocarcinoma-derived cell line that lacks expression of endogeneous trypsinogen. Four independent clones (designated Panc-1-Try-7, -9, -11 and -24) stably expressing cationic trypsinogen mRNA were isolated and processed for further study. In a zymographic analysis, gelatinolytic activity for cationic trypsinogen was detectable in serum-free conditioned media obtained from all 4 transfectants but not in media from mock-transfected or parental Panc-1 cells. A Matrigel invasion assay revealed that all trypsinogen-expressing transfectants acquired significantly greater invasive ability than that shown by mock-transfected and parental Panc-1 cells. In addition, enhanced invasiveness of the transfectants was suppressed by FUT-175, a serine protease inhibitor, to the level seen in parental cells. These results provide direct evidence that cationic trypsinogen can increase the invasive ability of carcinoma cells.

A novel inhibitor of ceramide trafficking from the endoplasmic reticulum to the site of sphingomyelin synthesis

Ceramide produced at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is transported to the lumen of the Golgi apparatus for conversion to sphingomyelin (SM). N-(3-Hydroxy-1-hydroxymethyl-3-phenylpropyl)dodecanamide (HPA-12) is a novel analog of ceramide. Metabolic labeling experiments showed that HPA-12 inhibits conversion of ceramide to SM, but not to glucosylceramide, in Chinese hamster ovary cells. Cultivation of cells with HPA-12 significantly reduced the content of SM. HPA-12 did not inhibit the activity of SM synthase. The inhibition of SM formation by HPA-12 was abrogated when the Golgi apparatus was made to merge with the ER by brefeldin A. Moreover, HPA-12 inhibited redistribution of a fluorescent analog of ceramide, N-(4,4-difluoro-5,7-dimethyl-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene-3-pentanoyl)-d-erythro-sphingosine (C(5)-DMB-Cer), from intracellular membranes to the Golgi region. Among four stereoisomers of the drug, (1R,3S)-HPA-12, [corrected] which resembles natural ceramide stereochemically, was found to be the most active, although (1R,3S)-HPA-12 [corrected] did not affect ER-to-Golgi trafficking of protein. Interestingly, (1R,3S)-HPA-12 [corrected] inhibited conversion of ceramide to SM little in mutant cells defective in an ATP- and cytosol-dependent pathway of ceramide transport. These results indicated that (1R,3S)-HPA-12 [corrected] inhibits ceramide trafficking from the ER to the site of SM synthesis, possibly due to an antagonistic interaction with a ceramide-recognizing factor(s) involved in the ATP- and cytosol-dependent pathway.