Descriptive analysis and prognostic factors in cats with myeloma-related disorders: A multicenter retrospective study of 50 cases

BACKGROUND

Myeloma-related disorders (MRDs) are rare and poorly documented neoplasms of cats.

HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES

To describe clinical, clinicopathologic, and imaging findings, response to treatment, and survival time and to identify factors associated with shorter outcomes in cats with MRD.

ANIMALS

Fifty cats with a diagnosis of MRD.

METHODS

Cats with paraproteinemia confirmed by serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) and either intramedullary plasmacytosis >10%, marked cytonuclear atypia with intramedullary plasmacytosis that ranged between 5% and 10%, or cytologically or histologically confirmed visceral infiltration were retrospectively included from several veterinary referral centers.

RESULTS

Bone marrow plasmacytosis and splenic or hepatic involvement were present in 17/27 cats (63%), 36/42 cats (86%), and 27/38 cats (71%), respectively. Anemia was reported in 33/49 cats (67%) and thrombocytopenia in 16/47 cats (34%). Some of the treatments that the cats received included melphalan and prednisolone (n = 19), cyclophosphamide and prednisolone (n = 10), chlorambucil and prednisolone (n = 4), prednisolone (n = 4), or other (n = 4). The overall response rates to melphalan, cyclophosphamide, and chlorambucil in combination with prednisolone were 87%, 90%, and 100%, respectively. Adverse events to melphalan or cyclophosphamide occurred in 65% and 23% of cats, respectively. Median survival time was 122 days (range, 0-1403) and was not significantly associated with chemotherapy protocol. Anemia (hazard ratio [HR], 3.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0-9.8) and thrombocytopenia (HR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.2-6.0) were risk factors for shorter survival.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

Our study confirmed the guarded prognosis of MRD in cats and identified risk factors for shorter survival times.

Feline high-grade and large granular lymphocyte alimentary lymphomas treated with COP- or CHOP-based chemotherapy: A multi-centric retrospective study of 57 cases

Specific data regarding outcome of cats with high-grade and large granular lymphocyte alimentary lymphoma (HGAL and LGL, respectively) treated with multi-agent chemotherapy are scarce. The aims of this multi-centric, retrospective study were to describe the outcome of cats with HGAL and LGL treated with COP- or CHOP-based chemotherapy and to identify potential prognostic factors. Cats with a cytological or histological diagnosis of HGAL or LGL lymphoma treated with COP- or CHOP-based protocol as first-line chemotherapy were included. Data regarding diagnosis, staging, treatment and follow-up were collected. Fifty-seven cats treated with CHOP (n = 37) or COP (n = 20) protocols were included. Complete response (CR), partial response (PR), stable disease (SD) and progressive disease (PD) were observed in 20%, 22%, 36% and 22% of cats, respectively, for an overall response rate of 42%. Median progression-free interval (PFI) was 148 days and overall median survival time (OST) was 131 days. Cats achieving CR, PR or SD showed significantly longer PFI (p < .01) and OST (p < .015) compared with cats with PD. Other positive prognostic factors in multi-variate analysis were rescue treatment (p < .001) and absence of lymph node involvement (p < .03). Negative prognostic factors were diffuse infiltration of the gastrointestinal tract (p = .035) and infiltration of a non-haematopoietic organ (p < .01).

Incidentally detected retroperitoneal paraganglioma in a 10-year-old French bulldog

This article reports a case of a 10-year-old French bulldog initially seen for reluctance to move and episodes of pain. A magnetic resonance imaging study was undertaken in order to rule out a herniated disc. A large, retroperitoneal mass was visualized and cytological analysis suggested a neoplastic proliferation. The mass appeared to compress the caudal vena cava when viewed by abdominal CT scan. The mass was surgically removed. A nephrectomy was also carried out and aortic bleeding identified after dissection of adhesions. Despite these complications, the dog did well after the procedures. Postoperative checkups were normal. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses of the mass were compatible with a retroperitoneal paraganglioma. Key clinical message: This type of tumor is poorly described in the veterinary literature. As the behavior of this tumor type is not yet fully understood, each new description adds to our knowledge and should help in diagnosing and treating it more effectively in the future.

First Measurement of the Nuclear-Recoil Ionization Yield in Silicon at 100 eV

We measured the nuclear-recoil ionization yield in silicon with a cryogenic phonon-sensitive gram-scale detector. Neutrons from a monoenergetic beam scatter off of the silicon nuclei at angles corresponding to energy depositions from 4 keV down to 100 eV, the lowest energy probed so far. The results show no sign of an ionization production threshold above 100 eV. These results call for further investigation of the ionization yield theory and a comprehensive determination of the detector response function at energies below the keV scale.

Outcome of dogs treated with chemotherapy for mesothelioma: A retrospective clinical study on 40 cases and a literature review

Mesothelioma is an uncommon cancer in dogs for which there is no established standard of care. Chemotherapy is often suggested despite no definitive proof of efficacy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of chemotherapy on survival of dogs with mesothelioma. A retrospective multicentric study was carried out. To be included, dogs needed to present an evocative clinical evolution and a morphological diagnosis of mesothelioma. Exclusion of other cause of effusion and complete clinical follow-up were also required. Fourty dogs were included, 27 received chemotherapy (group 1) and 13 did not (group 2). Groups were heterogeneous regarding the proportion of animals undergoing surgery as part of their treatment (16 in group 1, 2 in group 2; p = .016) and homogeneous otherwise. Univariate analysis showed that dogs from group 1 survived significantly longer than dogs from group 2 (MST: 366 vs. 74 days; p < .001). Complete resolution of effusion after the first chemotherapy administration positively correlated with survival in group 1 (MST: 415 vs. 160 days; p < .01). All other variable tested had no significant impact on survival in univariate analysis, but dogs undergoing surgery and dogs having serous membranes' modification at medical imaging tended to survive longer. Multivariate analysis confirmed that chemotherapy was the sole variable independently associated with survival in our study (odds ratio 5.57-6.12; p < .01).

Therapeutic efficacy of 166Holmium siloxane in microbrachytherapy of induced glioblastoma in minipig tumor model

Glioblastoma is considered the most common malignant primary tumor of central nervous system. In spite of the current standard and multimodal treatment, the prognosis of glioblastoma is poor. For this reason, new therapeutic approaches need to be developed to improve the survival time of the glioblastoma patient. In this study, we performed a preclinical experiment to evaluate therapeutic efficacy of 166Ho microparticle suspension administered by microbrachytherapy on a minipig glioblastoma model. Twelve minipigs were divided in 3 groups. Minipigs had injections into the tumor, containing microparticle suspensions of either 166Ho (group 1; n = 6) or 165Ho (group 2; n = 3) and control group (group 3; n = 3). The survival time from treatment to euthanasia was 66 days with a good state of health of all minipigs in group 1. The median survival time from treatment to tumor related death were 8.6 and 7.3 days in groups 2 and control, respectively. Statistically, the prolonged life of group 1 was significantly different from the two other groups (p &lt; 0.01), and no significant difference was observed between group 2 and control (p=0.09). Our trial on the therapeutic effect of the 166Ho microparticle demonstrated an excellent efficacy in tumor control. The histological and immunohistochemical analysis showed that the efficacy was related to a severe 166Ho induced necrosis combined with an immune response due to the presence of the radioactive microparticles inside the tumors. The absence of reflux following the injections confirms the safety of the injection device.

Are severe adverse events commonly observed in dogs during cancer chemotherapy? A retrospective study on 155 dogs

Overall prevalence of severe adverse events (sAE) has been poorly studied in veterinary medicine and peer-reviewed studies mostly focused on a single protocol, making it difficult to have a general overview. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the frequency and risk factors of sAE secondary to various protocols of chemotherapy in dogs. Medical records of 155 dogs receiving chemotherapy between January 2013 and December 2018 were reviewed. Adverse events (AE) were graded according to Veterinary Comparative Oncology Group-common terminology criteria for AE (VCOG-CTCAE) grading system. Statistical analyses were performed to determine whether demographic, cancer type and chemotherapy protocol were associated with development of sAE and their consequences. AE were reported at least once in 124 (80%) dogs and sAE were observed in 50 (32.3%) dogs. Among them, 23 (14.8%) had gastro-intestinal and 31 (20.0%) had myelotoxic events. sAE led to hospitalisation in 37 (23.9%) dogs, to chemotherapy arrest in 12 (7.7%) dogs and to euthanasia or death in 9 (5.8%) dogs. Haematopoietic tumours were statistically associated with a higher frequency of sAE (p = .004), gastrointestinal sAE (p = .009) and hospitalisation (p = .004). A body weight over 10 kg was associated with less haematological sAE (p < .001). The use of a multi-agent protocol was highlighted as a risk factor for sAE (p = .038) and haematological sAE (p < .001). sAE following chemotherapy and leading to hospitalisation, chemo arrest or death were relatively common. A special attention during chemotherapy follow-up should be given to small dogs and those receiving multi-agent protocol or treated for haematopoietic tumours.

Constraints on Lightly Ionizing Particles from CDMSlite

The Cryogenic Dark Matter Search low ionization threshold experiment (CDMSlite) achieved efficient detection of very small recoil energies in its germanium target, resulting in sensitivity to lightly ionizing particles (LIPs) in a previously unexplored region of charge, mass, and velocity parameter space. We report first direct-detection limits calculated using the optimum interval method on the vertical intensity of cosmogenically produced LIPs with an electric charge smaller than e/(3×10^{5}), as well as the strongest limits for charge ≤e/160, with a minimum vertical intensity of 1.36×10^{-7}  cm^{-2} s^{-1} sr^{-1} at charge e/160. These results apply over a wide range of LIP masses (5  MeV/c^{2} to 100  TeV/c^{2}) and cover a wide range of βγ values (0.1-10^{6}), thus excluding nonrelativistic LIPs with βγ as small as 0.1 for the first time.

Light Dark Matter Search with a High-Resolution Athermal Phonon Detector Operated above Ground

We present limits on spin-independent dark matter-nucleon interactions using a 10.6 g Si athermal phonon detector with a baseline energy resolution of σ_{E}=3.86±0.04(stat)_{-0.00}^{+0.19}(syst)  eV. This exclusion analysis sets the most stringent dark matter-nucleon scattering cross-section limits achieved by a cryogenic detector for dark matter particle masses from 93 to 140  MeV/c^{2}, with a raw exposure of 9.9 g d acquired at an above-ground facility. This work illustrates the scientific potential of detectors with athermal phonon sensors with eV-scale energy resolution for future dark matter searches.

Limits on the Existence of sub-MeV Sterile Neutrinos from the Decay of ^{7}Be in Superconducting Quantum Sensors

Sterile neutrinos are natural extensions to the standard model of particle physics and provide a possible portal to the dark sector. We report a new search for the existence of sub-MeV sterile neutrinos using the decay-momentum reconstruction technique in the decay of ^{7}Be. The experiment measures the total energy of the ^{7}Li daughter atom from the electron capture decay of ^{7}Be implanted into sensitive superconducting tunnel junction (STJ) quantum sensors. This first experiment presents data from a single STJ operated at a low count rate for a net total of 28 days, and provides exclusion limits on sterile neutrinos in the mass range from 100 to 850 keV that improve upon previous work by up to an order of magnitude.

Proof-of-concept study: Evaluation of plasma and urinary electrolytes as markers of response to L-asparaginase therapy in dogs with high-grade lymphoma

Response to chemotherapy is one of the most important prognostic factors in dogs with lymphoma. The objective of this feasibility study was to evaluate if clinical responses to a specific cytotoxic agent (L-asparaginase) could be anticipated by measuring analyte concentrations in plasma and urine concentrations of lymphoma-bearing dogs. We hypothesized that potassium and phosphate concentrations in plasma and urine would be higher in dogs that completely responded to therapy. Plasma and urine samples of dogs with lymphoma were obtained before 12 and 24 hours after intramuscular L-asparaginase injections. Peripheral lymph node volumes were evaluated according to the Veterinary Cooperative Oncology Group standardized criteria. Plasma and urine electrolyte, calcium, phosphate, creatinine, urea, total protein, and albumin concentrations were measured, and the fractional excretions of each electrolyte were calculated. Statistical analyses compared complete vs partial responders using a linear regression model. Contrast analyses were also performed to differentiate the mean of each group, with adjustments made with the Benjamini-Hochberg procedure. Fourteen dogs were included, eight with complete responses, and six with partial responses. Plasma phosphate concentrations were significantly higher at 12 hours (P = .0003) and 24 hours (P = .009) after complete responses to therapy. This study demonstrates the potential use of plasma and urine analyte monitoring after chemotherapy induction. Plasma phosphate measurements represent a potential indicator of early responses to L-asparaginase therapy. Larger population studies are warranted to confirm these preliminary results.

Direct Measurement of the ^{7}Be L/K Capture Ratio in Ta-Based Superconducting Tunnel Junctions

We report a high-statistics measurement of the L/K orbital electron capture ratio in ^{7}Be embedded in cryogenic Ta. The thin Ta film formed part of a high-resolution superconducting tunnel junction radiation detector that was used to identify the signals from different decay channels. The measured L/K capture ratio of 0.070(7) is significantly larger than the only previous measurement of this quantity and the theoretical predictions that include in-medium effects. This value is a uniquely sensitive probe of the 1s and 2s orbital overlaps with the nucleus and is of relevance to nuclear and atomic physics, as well as Li production in novae and other astrophysical scenarios. This is the first experiment that uses superconducting tunnel junctions for nuclear-recoil detection, opening a new experimental avenue for low-energy precision measurements with rare isotopes.

Feasibility of intratumoral 165Holmium siloxane delivery to induced U87 glioblastoma in a large animal model, the Yucatan minipig

Glioblastoma is the most aggressive primary brain tumor leading to death in most of patients. It comprises almost 50-55% of all gliomas with an incidence rate of 2-3 per 100,000. Despite its rarity, overall mortality of glioblastoma is comparable to the most frequent tumors. The current standard treatment combines surgical resection, radiotherapy and chemotherapy with temozolomide. In spite of this aggressive multimodality protocol, prognosis of glioblastoma is poor and the median survival remains about 12-14.5 months. In this regard, new therapeutic approaches should be developed to improve the life quality and survival time of the patient after the initial diagnosis. Before switching to clinical trials in humans, all innovative therapeutic methods must be studied first on a relevant animal model in preclinical settings. In this regard, we validated the feasibility of intratumoral delivery of a holmium (Ho) microparticle suspension to an induced U87 glioblastoma model. Among the different radioactive beta emitters, 166Ho emits high-energy β(-) radiation and low-energy γ radiation. β(-) radiation is an effective means for tumor destruction and γ rays are well suited for imaging (SPECT) and consequent dosimetry. In addition, the paramagnetic Ho nucleus is a good asset to perform MRI imaging. In this study, five minipigs, implanted with our glioblastoma model were used to test the injectability of 165Ho (stable) using a bespoke injector and needle. The suspension was produced in the form of Ho microparticles and injected inside the tumor by a technique known as microbrachytherapy using a stereotactic system. At the end of this trial, it was found that the 165Ho suspension can be injected successfully inside the tumor with absence or minimal traces of Ho reflux after the injections. This injection technique and the use of the 165Ho suspension needs to be further assessed with radioactive 166Ho in future studies.

Erratum: First Dark Matter Constraints from a SuperCDMS Single-Charge Sensitive Detector [Phys. Rev. Lett. 121, 051301 (2018)]

This corrects the article DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.121.051301.

First Dark Matter Constraints from a SuperCDMS Single-Charge Sensitive Detector

We present the first limits on inelastic electron-scattering dark matter and dark photon absorption using a prototype SuperCDMS detector having a charge resolution of 0.1 electron-hole pairs (CDMS HVeV, a 0.93 g CDMS high-voltage device). These electron-recoil limits significantly improve experimental constraints on dark matter particles with masses as low as 1  MeV/c^{2}. We demonstrate a sensitivity to dark photons competitive with other leading approaches but using substantially less exposure (0.49 g d). These results demonstrate the scientific potential of phonon-mediated semiconductor detectors that are sensitive to single electronic excitations.

Implication, clinical and biological impact of vector-borne haemopathogens in anaemic dogs in France: a prospective study

OBJECTIVES

To prospectively describe the clinical and biological impact of vector-borne haemopathogens in anaemic dogs in France and occurrence of haemolysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective descriptive cohort study includes 134 client-owned dogs that were anaemic on admission at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of VetAgro Sup, Lyon, France. They underwent comprehensive screening with PCR to detect a panel of vector-borne haemopathogens, SNAP Leishmania and SNAP 4Dx Plus (IDEXX).

RESULTS

Vector-borne haemopathogen-associated anaemia accounted for 17·2% (23/134) of anaemic cases. PCR for Babesia species, Mycoplasma species, Anaplasma platys or Ehrlichia canis and positive serology for Leishmania species, occurred in 11/23, 10/23, 2/23, 1/23 and 1/23 cases, respectively. Two dogs had positive PCR for both Babesia and Mycoplasma species. All dogs infected with Mycoplasma species alone had neoplastic disease. Vector-borne haemopathogens were the second most common cause of haemolysis (7/23, 30·4%). In the multivariable regression model, males were overrepresented ( OR : 2·82, P=0·03) and haemolysis ( OR : 3·31, P=0·01) was more frequent in dogs with vector-born haemopathogen-associated anaemia.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Vector-borne haemopathogens are a common cause of anaemia in this geographical region.

Evaluation of intraoperative fluorescence imaging-guided surgery in cancer-bearing dogs: a prospective proof-of-concept phase II study in 9 cases

The objective was to prospectively evaluate the application of intraoperative fluorescence imaging (IOFI) in the surgical excision of malignant masses in dogs, using a novel lipid nanoparticle contrast agent. Dogs presenting with spontaneous soft-tissue sarcoma or subcutaneous tumors were prospectively enrolled. Clinical staging and whole-body computed tomography (CT) were performed. All the dogs received an intravenous injection of dye-loaded lipid nanoparticles, LipImage 815. Wide or radical resection was realized after CT examination. Real-time IOFI was performed before skin incision and after tumor excision. In cases of radical resection, the lymph nodes (LNs) were imaged. The margin/healthy tissues fluorescence ratio or LN/healthy tissues fluorescence ratio was measured and compared with the histologic margins or LN status. Nine dogs were included. Limb amputation was performed in 3 dogs, and wide resection in 6. No adverse effect was noted. Fluorescence was observed in all 9 of the tumors. The margins were clean in 5 of 6 dogs after wide surgical resection, and the margin/healthy tissues fluorescence ratio was close to 1.0 in all these dogs. Infiltrated margins were observed in 1 case, with a margin/healthy tissues fluorescence ratio of 3.2. Metastasis was confirmed in 2 of 3 LNs, associated with LN/healthy tissues fluorescence ratios of 2.1 and 4.2, whereas nonmetastatic LN was associated with a ratio of 1.0. LipImage 815 used as a contrast agent during IOFI seemed to allow for good discrimination between tumoral and healthy tissues. Future studies are scheduled to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of IOFI using LipImage 815 as a tracer.

Phase-0/phase-I study of dye-loaded lipid nanoparticles for near-infrared fluorescence imaging in healthy dogs

Near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging using FDA-approved indocyanine green (ICG) has been the subject of numerous studies during the past few years. It could constitute a potentially exciting new paradigm shift in veterinary oncology, especially to develop in vivo fluorescence imaging diagnostics and surgery guidance methods. The objective of this study was to evaluate the pharmacologic and toxicological characteristics in healthy beagle dogs of LipImage™ 815, a formulation made of NIR-dye-loaded lipid nanoparticles. The initial dosage for the evaluation of biodistribution was extrapolated from data in mice and then adapted to define the more adapted dose (MAD) according to the fluorescence results obtained in 5 dogs using a Fluobeam® 800 imaging device (phase 0 study). A single dose acute toxicity study was then performed (3 dogs, phase I study). Before the systemic administration of LipImage™ 815, the dogs presented a very mild residual fluorescence, particularly in the liver and kidneys. After injection, the plasma fluorescence continuously decreased, and the signal was relatively homogeneously distributed throughout the different organs, though more pronounced in the liver and to a lesser extent in the steroid-rich organs (adrenal, ovaries), intestines, lymph nodes and kidneys. A MAD of 2.0μg/kg was found. No evidence of acute or delayed general, hepatic, renal or hematologic toxicity was observed at 1-fold, 5-fold or 10-fold MAD. The results of this phase-0/phase-I study showed that an optimal dosage of LipImage™ 815 of 2.0μg/kg allowed the achievement of a fluorescence signal suitable for surgery guidance application without any acute side effects.

Non-ocular melanomas in cats: a retrospective study of 30 cases

Objectives The aim of the study was to describe the clinical outcome of 30 cats with non-ocular melanomas and to evaluate the association between clinical or pathological parameters and overall survival time. Methods The database of the animal histopathological laboratory of the National Veterinary School of Nantes (Oniris, Nantes, France) was retrospectively searched to identify cases of feline non-ocular melanomas between December 2009 and April 2014. For each case, clinical data, including signalment, location of the primary tumour, staging, treatment and outcome, were collected from the medical records or via interviews with referring veterinarians. Histological and immunohistochemical evaluation included mitotic index, cytonuclear atypias, junctional activity, Melan A and S100 immunostaining, and surgical margins. Univariate analysis to test the prognostic value of the different variables was performed by the Kaplan-Meier product limit method using the log-rank test of significance. Results Thirty cats were included in the study. Eleven had a cutaneous non-auricular melanoma, six had a tumour located on the pinna and 13 had a tumour in the oral cavity. Cats with auricular melanomas were significantly younger than cats with tumours in other locations. Location and presence of clinical signs were not of prognostic significance, but the achromic phenotype was significantly associated with a poorer prognosis. Twenty cats were treated with surgery and survived significantly longer than cats that received only medical treatment or that did not receive any treatment. According to our data, mitotic index, cytonuclear atypias, junctional activity, Melan A or S100 expression, and surgical margins were not associated with survival. Conclusions and relevance We show for the first time, in a large series, that the auricular form of melanoma affected significantly younger cats than other extraocular forms. Most feline non-ocular melanomas are malignant and achromic tumours are associated with a poorer prognosis. According to this study, surgery should be considered as a priority.

Atomic origin of 3d(9)4 f(1) configuration in La(3+) solids

We have studied the excited electronic structure of LaBr3(Ce) scintillator by soft x-ray spectroscopy such as x-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) and x-ray emission spectroscopy (XES). The La 3d XAS and XES spectra of LaBr3(Ce) are compared with those of other La(3+) solids (LaF3, La2O3, and La metal). From this comparison, it turns out that the La 3d XAS and XES spectra from all the La(3+) solids considered here appear at almost the same energy, even though the corresponding binding energies of the 3d core holes determined by XPS (x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) are very different. As a result, we argue that the atomic nature of the 3d⁹4f¹ configuration created by 3d¹⁰4f⁰ → 3d⁹4f¹ x-ray absorption process in La(3+) solids is maintained via the localized 4 f (1) state, which screens the 3d core holes differently from one La(3+) solid to another.

Energy levels of the Ce activator relative to the YAP(Ce) scintillator host

The electronic structure of the cerium-activated yttrium aluminum perovskite [YAP(Ce)] scintillator has been studied by core level x-ray spectroscopy and first-principles calculations. X-ray absorption and emission spectra at the oxygen K-edge of YAP(Ce) and CeO2 have been measured and compared with the calculated partial density of states. With the known band gap of CeO2, the measured oxygen K-edge absorption and emission spectra are used to construct a fixed relation between the valence and conduction bands of YAP and CeO2. This allows us to determine the fundamental band gap of YAP to be 8.1 ± 0.3 eV. A comparison between the cerium M4,5-edges x-ray absorption spectra of the YAP(Ce) and Ce model compounds (CeO2, CeF3, and Ce foils) then shows that the Ce activator is in the desired Ce(3+), with a small fraction of Ce(4+) due to oxidization at the surface. Finally, we determine that the ground state 4f(1) energy level of the Ce(3+) activator lies 1.8 ± 0.5 eV above the top of the valence band of the host YAP.

Computed tomography or rhinoscopy as the first-line procedure for suspected nasal tumor: a pilot study

There are no evidence-based guidelines as to whether computed tomography (CT) or endoscopy should be selected as the first-line procedure when a nasal tumor is suspected in a dog or a cat and only one examination can be performed. Computed tomography and rhinoscopic features of 17 dogs and 5 cats with a histopathologically or cytologically confirmed nasal tumor were retrospectively reviewed. The level of suspicion for nasal neoplasia after CT and/or rhinoscopy was compared to the definitive diagnosis. Twelve animals underwent CT, 14 underwent rhinoscopy, and 4 both examinations. Of the 12 CT examinations performed, 11 (92%) resulted in the conclusion that a nasal tumor was the most likely diagnosis compared with 9/14 (64%) for rhinoscopies. Computed tomography appeared to be more reliable than rhinoscopy for detecting nasal tumors and should therefore be considered as the first-line procedure.

Imaging and histological characterization of a human brain xenograft in pig: the first induced glioma model in a large animal

The prognosis of glioblastoma remains poor despite significant improvement in cytoreductive surgery, external irradiation and new approach of systemic treatment as antiangiogenic therapy. One of the issues is the low concentration in the infiltrated parenchyma of therapeutic agent administered intravenously mainly due to the blood-brain barrier. An intracerebral injection is advocated to overpass this barrier, this kind of administration need a low flow and continuous injection. The development of sophisticated implanted devices for convection-enhanced delivery is a mandatory step to have a controlled released of a therapeutic agent in glioblastoma treatment. Before testing such a device in a clinical trial a serious preclinical studies are required, in order to test it in realistic conditions we have develop the first induced high grade glioma model in a non-rodent animal: the pig. 21 pigs have been implanted in the parietal lobe with human glioblastoma cell lineage under a chemical immunosuppression by ciclosporine. A MRI follow up was then realized. 15 pigs have been implanted with U87MG, 14 have presented a macroscopic significant tumor, with radiological and anatomapathological characteristics of high grade glioma. 6 pigs were implanted with G6, stem-like cells tumors of glioblastoma, 1 pig develops a macroscopic tumor. This is the first reproducible glioma model in a large animal described, it open the way to preclinical studies to test implanted devices in anatomic realistic conditions, without the ethical issues of a primate use.

Digital squamous cell carcinoma in dogs: epidemiological, histological, and immunohistochemical study

Squamous cell carcinoma represents 47.4% of all malignant canine digital lesions, but despite its frequency, there are few published studies available. Pathology submission records of 154 cases and follow-up of 49 animals were analyzed. On the 49 cases, histological evaluation was performed of the differentiation degree, mitotic index, presence of emboli, and immunohistochemical expression of vimentin and E-cadherin. The mean (SD) age of affected animals was 10.2 (2.3) years; no sex predisposition was recorded. Beauceron and Briard were 2 new overrepresented breeds. Dark-haired animals comprised 97 of 105 (92%); 94 dogs of 125 (75.2%) belonged to large and giant breeds. The forelimb was affected twice more than the hind limb. Probable metastases were observed in 4 dogs; new tumor development was recorded in 11 of 49 (22.4%). Epidemiologic factors, histological grade, mitotic index, and expression of immunohistochemical markers seemed not to be related to the clinical outcome.

Near-infrared optical guided surgery of highly infiltrative fibrosarcomas in cats using an anti-αvß3 integrin molecular probe

We investigated how near-infrared imaging could improve highly infiltrative spontaneous fibrosarcoma surgery in 12 cats in a clinical veterinary phase. We used an RGD-based nanoprobe at different doses and times before surgery and a portable clinical grade imaging system. All tumours were labelled by the tracer and had an overall tumour-to-healthy tissue ratio of 14±1 during surgery. No false negatives were found, and the percentage of tumour cells was linearly correlated with the fluorescence intensity. All cats recovered well and were submitted to long-term follow-up that is currently on-going 1year after the beginning of the study.

A Morphological Study of 608 Cases of Canine Malignant Lymphoma in France With a Focus on Comparative Similarities Between Canine and Human Lymphoma Morphology

This study reports cytomorphological, histomorphological, and immunological characterization of 608 biopsy cases of canine malignant lymphoma, with epidemiological and clinical data, collected from 7 French veterinary pathology laboratories. It compares morphological characteristics of malignant lymphoma in canines, per the updated Kiel classification system, with those reported in humans, per the World Health Organization (WHO) classification system. Of tumors described, 24.5% and 75.5% were classified as low- and high-grade malignant lymphomas, respectively. Presenting clinical signs included generalized or localized lymphadenopathy (82.4%) and extranodal diseases (17.6%) involving the skin (12.34%) and other sites (5.26%). Immunohistochemistry confirmed 63.8% B-cell (CD3–, CD79a+), 35.4% T-cell (CD3+, CD79a–), and 0.8% null-cell (CD3–, CD79a–) lymphomas. Most B-cell cases (38.49%) were of high-grade centroblastic polymorphic subtype; most T-cell cases (8.55%), high-grade pleomorphic mixed and large T-cell lymphoma subtypes. Some B-cell tumors showed morphologic characteristics consistent with follicular lymphomas and marginal zone lymphomas per the Revised European American Classification of Lymphoid Neoplasms and WHO canine classification systems and the WHO human classification system. Unusual high-grade B-cell subtypes included an atypical high-grade small B-cell lymphoma (0.66%), Burkitt-type B-cell lymphoma (1.64%), plasmacytoid lymphoma (0.99%), and mediastinal anaplastic large B-cell lymphoma (0.16%). Unusual T-cell subtypes included a previously undescribed high-grade canine immunoblastic T-cell type (1.15%), a rare low-grade prolymphocytic T-cell lymphoma (0.16%), and a recently described high-grade canine T-cell entity—aggressive granulocytic large-cell lymphoma (0.16%). Marginal zone lymphomas were common (10.86%); follicular lymphomas were rare (0.49%). Canine primary cutaneous malignant lymphoma subtypes were present (11.84%). There was no significant difference between B- and T-cell malignant lymphoma in regard to canine age and sex. A significant overrepresentation of Boxers (24.19%) was found for T-cell lymphomas.

Genetic and environmental risk indicators in canine non-Hodgkin's lymphomas: breed associations and geographic distribution of 608 cases diagnosed throughout France over 1 year

BACKGROUND

The etiology of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL) is multifactorial. Environmental and genetic factors are frequently incriminated both in humans and dogs.

OBJECTIVES

Our purpose was to study the geographic distribution of canine NHL (CNHL) in France and to evaluate genetic and environmental influences.

ANIMALS

Six hundred and eight cases of CNHL, diagnosed throughout France over 1 year, were collected from 7 Veterinary Histopathologic Laboratories.

METHODS

Retrospective study. Breeds affected by lymphomas were compared with the national population and associations between breed and immunophenotype were studied. The distribution of CNHL and canine T-cell NHL per 100,000 dogs per department was compared with the distribution of waste incinerators, polluted sites, and radioactive waste.

RESULTS

The breeds significantly overrepresented among lymphoma cases were Boxer, Setter, and Cocker Spaniel (P < .001). There was a significant association between Boxer and T-cell NHL (P < .001), and between German Shepherd and Rottweiler and B-cell NHL (P < .01). The geographic distribution of CNHL and canine T-cell NHL indicated significant heterogeneity. Significant association between distributions of CNHL and waste incinerators (rho= 0.25, P < .05), polluted sites (rho= 0.36, P < .001), and radioactive waste (rho= 0.51, P < .001) was found.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

Influence of genetics in the development of CNHL was supported by the existence of an association between breed and immunophenotype. Waste incinerators, polluted sites, and radioactive waste could just be considered as risk indicators of CNHL, but not as risk factors. Case-control studies around critical sites are necessary to confirm the implication of those environmental factors in the development of CNHL.

Presumed primary muscular lymphoma in a dog

A case of presumed primary muscular lymphoma in an 8-year-old, intact, male Newfoundland dog is reported. The dog was presented for evaluation of an infiltrating ventral cervical mass, respiratory distress, and anorexia of 1-month duration. Fine-needle aspiration of the mass revealed anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Despite chemotherapy, health status declined and the animal was euthanized a few weeks later. At necropsy, the mass infiltrated the cervical muscles and extended ventrally to the left forelimb and cranially to the tongue and laryngeal musculature. Other muscles were infiltrated by the same neoplasm (diaphragm and intercostal, abdominal, and gluteal muscles) indicating a probable multicentric origin. Histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of anaplastic large cell lymphoma, which showed a strong muscular tropism. Immunohistochemical staining revealed neoplastic cell reactivity for cluster of differentiation 3 (CD3) and Ki-67 antigens (70% and 90%, respectively). The neoplastic cells were negative for CD79a. The presumed histological diagnosis in this dog was primary muscular anaplastic large T-cell lymphoma.

Renal failure as a determinant of mortality after cardiac transplantation

INTRODUCTION

Patients with heart failure frequently develop renal failure, which increases the mortality rate among patients undergoing cardiac transplantation.

PURPOSE

To determine whether preoperative renal function influenced postoperative mortality in cardiac transplantation recipients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The measurements of plasma urea, plasma creatinine, and 24-hour creatinine clearance in patients who underwent cardiac transplantation were correlated with mortality at 30, 90, and 365 days after the procedure, using Student t test for continuous variables and the chi-square test for categorical variables.

RESULTS

All variables correlated with mortality, particularly plasma creatinine at 30, 90, and 365 days (P =.029,.003, and.0029, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Preoperative renal failure is a mortality indicator in cardiac transplantation recipients.

Prognostic significance of morphological subtypes in canine malignant lymphomas during chemotherapy

The aim of this study was to determine the response of different morphological subtypes of canine lymphoma to a standardized therapeutic protocol. Diagnosis of lymphoma was based on cytohistological analysis and immunophenotyping with antibodies against CD3 and CD79a of an enlarged lymph node or an extranodal mass. Fifty-seven cases were classified according to the updated Kiel classification adapted to the canine species, into 24 B-cell lymphomas (20 centroblastic polymorphic and four Burkitt-type subtypes), and 33 T-cell lymphomas (10 pleomorphic mixed, 10 lymphoblastic, eight unclassifiable high grade plasmacytoid, and five small clear-cell subtypes). All dogs were clinically staged at diagnosis. The protocol used l-asparaginase, vincristine, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone. First remission duration and overall survival time were evaluated. Although the T-cell phenotype was associated, on the whole, with a poor prognosis, as previously reported in veterinary and human medicine, the study showed significant prognostic differences between the B- and the T-cell subtypes of canine lymphoma and suggests that clinico-morphological characterization of the disease is justified in dogs, as in humans.

High-grade canine T-cell lymphoma/leukemia with plasmacytoid morphology: a clinical pathological study of nine cases

The aim of this study is to determine the clinical, morphological, and immunophenotypical presentation of 9 cases of a particular type of canine T-cell lymphoma/leukemia. The morphological presentation was a diffuse infiltration of small, medium-sized, or large blast cells with eccentric nuclei, hyperbasophilic cytoplasm, and a juxtanuclear, pale cytoplasmic area, giving a plasmacytoid appearance and suggesting a B-cell morphology. Surprisingly, all 9 cases were of T-cell phenotype (CD3+). Among the 7 immunophenotyped cases, 4 were CD4-/CD8+, 2 CD8+/CD4+, and 1 CD4+/CD8-. The median Ki-67 index was 65.7%, which placed this lymphoma in the high-grade group. This type of lymphoma/leukemia was found in dogs between 1 and 11 years of age, with a median age of 5.8. The male-female ratio was 0.8 for a reference population of 1.04. The most significant clinical findings were lymphadenopathy either generalized or localized in all cases, a mediastinal mass in 4 cases, bone marrow involvement in 7 cases, hypercalcemia in 4 cases, along with an aggressive clinical course and a poor response to chemotherapy in all cases, with a median disease-free survival time of 3 months.

[Evaluation of ventricular synchronization by fourier phase analysis in a radionuclide ventriculography]

INTRODUCTION

Radionuclide ventriculography (RNV) evaluates segmental and global ventricular contractility and also detects conduction abnormalities.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the temporal parameters of ventricular synchronization in the normal heart by a third harmonic (3H) Fourier phase analysis in a RNV and introduce this technique in our center.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty normal subjects (19 men and 11 women) were included. An equilibrium RNV was performed in 35 degree left anterior oblique projection with 10 degree caudal tilt. The onset (T0); mean time (T(m)); total contraction time (T(t)); final time (T(f)) and propagation time (T(p)) for right (RV) and left ventricle (LV); as well as total propagation time (T(TP)); interventricular time (T(RV-LV)) and septum-lateral wall conduction time (T(S-LW)) were measured on the 3H Fourier histogram of the time-activity curve.

RESULTS

Right ventricle contraction started 5 ms before that of the left ventricle (T(0RV) = 66 +/- 38 ms; T(OLV) = 71 +/- 30 ms), with a longer total contraction time (T(tVD) = 67 +/- 28 ms vs T(tVI) = 64 +/- 38 ms). Total propagation time (T(TP)) was 69 +/- 37 ms and the interventricular time (T(RV-LV)) was 2 +/- 25 ms. Contraction progressed from septum to lateral wall, with a septum-lateral wall conduction time (T(S-LW)) of 4 +/- 22 ms.

CONCLUSION

Simultaneous contraction of right and left ventricles can be quantified by RNV phase analysis, providing a useful tool for ventricular resynchronization assessment in multisite pacing.

Canine T-cell lymphomas: a morphological, immunological, and clinical study of 46 new cases

The aim of this study is to report 46 new cases of canine T-cell lymphomas among a series of 140 lymphomas studied by immunophenotyping (incidence 32.8%). According to the updated Kiel classification adapted to the canine species, 13 were classified as low-grade and 33 as high-grade lymphomas. Among the low-grade lymphomas, five were small clear-cell lymphomas, three were pleomorphic small-cell lymphomas, and five mycosis fungoides. Among the high-grade cases, there were 11 pleomorphic mixed-, small-, and large-cell lymphomas, 6 pleomorphic large-cell lymphomas, 11 lymphoblastic lymphomas, and 5 unclassifiable high-grade plasmacytoid lymphomas. The cytohistologic features were highly suggestive of a T-cell phenotype on the basis of cell morphology (irregular nuclei and clear cytoplasms) (30/46 cases), a T-cell zone pattern, and the presence of hyperplastic postcapillary venules (22/46 cases). All 46 cases were CD3+ CD79a-, and among 34 cases investigated for CD4 and CD8 expression, 13 were CD4+CD8-, 13 were CD8+CD4-, and 8 were CD4CD8 double positive or double negative. The pleomorphic mixed lymphomas were mainly CD4+CD8- (6/7) and the lymphoblastic lymphomas were double positive or double negative (6/8). The main clinical, hematologic, and biochemical features were generalized (28/46) or regional lymphadenopathy (16/46), hepatosplenomegaly (15/46), extranodal involvement (11/46), mediastinal mass (9/46), and leukemia (8/46), which were mainly present in cases of lymphoblastic lymphomas and hypercalcemia (16/46).

First report of the genus Retortamonas (Sarcomastigophora: Retortamonadidae) in birds

In studies carried out on the parasites infecting ostriches (Struthio camelus) in Spain, trophozoites of Retortamonas sp. have been found in the intestinal contents of 28 out of 146 slaughtered ostriches. The species infecting ostriches could not be determined from the morphological data available. However, these findings are important as they constitute the first report of the genus Retortamonas in birds.

Death-associated protein 3 (Dap-3) is overexpressed in invasive glioblastoma cells in vivo and in glioma cell lines with induced motility phenotype in vitro

PURPOSE

To discover the genetic determinants of glioma invasion in vivo, we compared the mRNA expression profiles of glioblastoma cells residing at the tumor core versus those at the invasive rim of a human tumor resection.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

From a single glioblastoma specimen, 20,000 individual cells from each region (core and invasive rim) were collected by laser capture microdissection and analyzed by mRNA differential display. Differential expression of gene candidates was confirmed by laser capture microdissection and quantitative reverse transcription-PCR in additional glioblastoma multiforme specimens, and the role in migration was further evaluated in glioma cell lines in vitro.

RESULTS

Reproducible overexpression the death-associated Protein 3 (Dap-3) mRNA (NM 004632, GenBank; also reported as human ionizing resistance conferring protein mRNA, HSU18321, GenBank) by invasive cells was identified. Although the full-length Dap-3 protein has been described as proapoptotic, the NH(2)-terminal fragment can act in a dominant negative way resulting in protection from programmed cell death. In glioma cell lines T98G and G112 with an induced motility phenotype, Dap-3 was up-regulated at the mRNA and protein level as assessed by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR, cDNA microarray, and Western blot analysis. These cells showed an increased resistance to undergo camptothecin-induced apoptosis, which was overcome by effective Dap-3-antisense treatment. Antisense treatment also decreased the migration ability of T98G cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Dap-3 is up-regulated in invasive glioblastoma multiforme cells in vivo and in glioma cells with an induced motility phenotype in vitro. When migration is activated, Dap-3 is up-regulated and cells become resistant to apoptosis. These findings suggest that Dap-3 confers apoptosis-resistance when migration behavior is engaged.

Entamoeba sp. (Sarcomastigophora: Endamoebidae) from ostriches (Struthio camelus) (Aves: Struthionidae)

The first case of Entamoeba of the 1-nucleate mature cyst group in birds is described. Trophozoites and cysts of Entamoeba have been found in ostriches (Struthio camelus) from farms located all over Spain. The cysts are large (13.47microm mean diameter); they possess one nucleus when mature, with a large endosome and peripheral chromatine arranged in small granules; chromatoid bodies, when present, are large and elongated. Trophozoites are large (19. 88microm mean diameter), with a clear differentiation between ecto- and endoplasm, this containing numerous vacuoles; the nucleus is large and diffuse. The characteristics of this amoeba resembles but do not completely fulfill those of E. suis and E. chattoni; also, these species are from mammals.

Enhanced detection of reversible myocardial hypoperfusion by technetium 99m-tetrofosmin imaging and first-pass radionuclide angiography after nitroglycerin administration

BACKGROUND

Reversal of ischemia after myocardial infarction by revascularization is worthwhile only if viability exists in a sufficiently large portion of the left ventricle.

METHODS AND RESULTS

To determine myocardial hypoperfusion reversibility and its influence on segmental and global function, we studied 50 patients after myocardial infarction. Three technetium 99m-tetrofosmin scintigraphies were performed: 1 at rest, 1 after 0.6 mg sublingual nitroglycerin (NTG), and 1 after injection at peak stress. First-pass multigated radionuclide angiography was obtained at rest and after NTG. Each patient also underwent a stress redistribution-reinjection thallium-201 scintigraphy. During stress 99mTc-tetrofosmin, 104 segments had normal uptake, 51 showed moderately reduced uptake, and 186 had severely reduced uptake. Of these 186 segments, 33 (18%) improved at rest, and 41 (22%) improved only after NTG. Fifty-nine (79%) of these segments with improved uptake were also found to have reversible defects on 201TI imaging. In the 26 patients with ventricular dysfunction, a 73% agreement was found between the functional and 99mTc-tetrofosmin uptake post-NTG improvement, whereas a 69% agreement was found with thallium reinjection. No significant differences were seen between 99mTc-tetrofosmin and 201T1 imaging.

CONCLUSION

Nitroglycerin administration during 99mTc-tetrofosmin scintigraphy improves the detection of myocardium with reversible hypoperfusion in patients with a previous myocardial infarction.