Unique genomic sequences in a novel Mycobacterium avium subsp. hominissuis lineage enable fine scale transmission route tracing during pig movement

Mycobacterium avium subsp. hominissuis (MAH) is one of the most prevalent mycobacteria causing non-tuberculous mycobacterial disease in humans and animals. Of note, MAH is a major cause of mycobacterial granulomatous mesenteric lymphadenitis outbreaks in pig populations. To determine the precise source of infection of MAH in a pig farm and to clarify the epidemiological relationship among pig, human and environmental MAH lineages, we collected 50 MAH isolates from pigs reared in Japan and determined draft genome sequences of 30 isolates. A variable number of tandem repeat analysis revealed that most pig MAH isolates in Japan were closely related to North American, European and Russian human isolates but not to those from East Asian human and their residential environments. Historical recombination analysis revealed that most pig isolates could be classified into SC2/4 and SC3, which contain MAH isolated from pig, European human and environmental isolates. Half of the isolates in SC2/4 had many recombination events with MAH lineages isolated from humans in East Asia. To our surprise, four isolates belonged to a new lineage (SC5) in the global MAH population. Members of SC5 had few footprints of inter-lineage recombination in the genome, and carried 80 unique genes, most of which were located on lineage specific-genomic islands. Using unique genetic features, we were able to trace the putative transmission route via their host pigs. Together, we clarify the possibility of species-specificity of MAH in addition to local adaptation. Our results highlight two transmission routes of MAH, one exposure on pig farms from the environment and the other via pig movement. Moreover, our study also warns that the evolution of MAH in pigs is influenced by MAH from patients and their residential environments, even if the MAH are genetically distinct.

The Pitfall of VA ECMO management in the Impella era

Introduction

VA ECMO is effective in cardiogenic shock, but complications of cardiogenic pulmonary edema due to increased afterload are problematic. The advent of percutaneous left ventricular assist devices (Impella) has enabled effective reduction of left ventricular intraventricular pressure and has avoided these complications, but differential hypoxia can still occur during VA ECMO + Impella (Ecpella) management, requiring conversion to V-AV ECMO. Cases may be experienced.

Purpose

Elucidate the frequency of differential hypoxia and its pathogenesis, which requires the transition from VA ECMO to V-AV ECMO.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 52 consecutive patients who underwent E-CPR from January 2017 through November 2021 in our institute. 8 patients who received ECMO alone were excluded, and 44 patients were recruited. 22 patients underwent VA ECMO with IABP (VA ECMO + IABP group) and 22 patients underwent VA ECMO with Impella (VA ECMO + Impella group). The 30-day survival rate and the rate of transition VA ECMO to VA-V ECMO, The date just before VA ECMO to V-AV ECMO were assessed.

Results

The 30-day all-cause mortality was no significant difference between the two groups. 2 patients (9%) in the VA ECMO + IABP group and 8 patients (36%) in the VA ECMO + Impella group were transferred to V-AV ECMO (P=0.025). At the time of addition of V-AV ECMO, SaO2 (right radial artery) was 87±7.1% and 91.3±1.9% (p=0.112) in the VA ECMO + IABP and VA ECMO + Impella groups, respectively, and the P/F ratio was 86±37.1 and 95±24.6 (p=0.685). Mean pulmonary artery wedge pressure was 23±1.4 mmHg in the VA ECMO + IABP group and 16.3±3 mmHg in the VA ECMO + Impella group (p=0.0193), significantly lower in the Impella group.

Conclusion

The Impella group was more likely to have hypoxia due to factors other than cardiogenic pulmonary edema. In cases of cardiopulmonary arrest requiring V-AV ECMO management, differential hypoxia due to causes other than cardiogenic pulmonary edema may become apparent earlier in the Impella group, suggesting that careful management, including the addition of V-AV ECMO, is required.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Genomic features of Mycobacterium avium subsp. hominissuis isolated from pigs in Japan

Mycobacterium avium subsp. hominissuis (MAH) is one of the most important agents causing non-tuberculosis mycobacterial infection in humans and pigs. There have been advances in genome analysis of MAH from human isolates, but studies of isolates from pigs are limited despite its potential source of infection to human. Here, we obtained 30 draft genome sequences of MAH from pigs reared in Japan. The 30 draft genomes were 4,848,678-5,620,788 bp in length, comprising 4652-5388 coding genes and 46-75 (median: 47) tRNAs. All isolates had restriction modification-associated genes and 185-222 predicted virulence genes. Two isolates had tRNA arrays and one isolate had a clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) region. Our results will be useful for evaluation of the ecology of MAH by providing a foundation for genome-based epidemiological studies.

Systemic amyloidosis derived from EFEMP1 in a captive Tsushima leopard cat

In animals, most cases of systemic amyloidosis are of amyloid A type, and the other types of systemic amyloidoses are rare. This study analyzed systemic amyloidosis in a 15-year-old female Tsushima leopard cat. Amyloid deposits strongly positive for Congo red staining were observed in the arterial walls as well as the interstitium in multiple organs. Mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis with laser microdissection of amyloid deposits identified epidermal growth factor-containing fibulin-like extracellular matrix protein 1 (EFEMP1) as a prime amyloidogenic protein candidate. Immunohistochemistry showed that the amyloid deposits were positive for the N-terminal region of EFEMP1. From these results, the present case was diagnosed as EFEMP1-derived amyloidosis. It is the first such case in an animal. EFEMP1-derived amyloidosis in humans has recently been reported as a systemic amyloidosis, and it is known as an age-related venous amyloidosis. The present case showed different characteristics from human EFEMP1-derived amyloidosis, including the amyloid deposition sites and the amyloidogenic region of the EFEMP1 protein, suggesting a different pathogenesis between Tsushima leopard cat and human EFEMP1-derived amyloidosis.

Onchocerca Flexuosa. sp. (Nematoda: Filarioidea) in Japanese Wild Sika Deer (Cervus Nippon): Pathological and Molecular Identification of Intradermal Worms.. [DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-469044/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0]

More than thirty species of the genus Onchocerca (Nematoda; Filarioidea) were responsible for onchocercosis (a vector-borne parasitic disease) of wild and domestic ungulates. “Between 2016 and 2017”, the presence of Onchocerca flexuosa (Wedl, 1856) was detected and investigated in 17 Japanese Sika deer (Cervus nippon) captured in Gifu and Shiga Prefectures, Japan. The worms were found within characteristics subcutaneous nodules dispersed in different regions of the body of all 17 deer. The all collected nodules were examined stereo-microscopically. The parasites were extracted from the nodules and identified through morphological and histopathological examinations. Molecular identification through sequencing of the following genes; internal transcribed spacer subunit 2 (ITS2)–28S ribosomal RNA (28S rRNA), cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and mitochondrially encoded NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (NAD2) were performed. The histopathological, molecular and phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that, the filarial nematode isolated from Gifu and Shiga Prefectures in Japan is O. flexuosa. This is the first report about presence of O. flexuosa in Japanese Sika deer (Cervus nippon) in Gifu and Shiga Prefectures.

Proteopathic lesions in the brain of a super-aged chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes)

The brain of a chimpanzee estimated to be 68 years old, the oldest reported so far, has been examined. Pathological analyses revealed the formation of mild tau-positive neuritic clusters and cytoplasmic α-synuclein aggregates, in addition to severe cerebral amyloid angiopathy and diffuse plaques, but no tangle lesions were observed.

New Insights Into Potential Benefits of Bioactive Compounds of Bee Products on COVID-19: A Review and Assessment of Recent Research

The recent emergence of COVID-19 represents one of the biggest challenges facing the world today. Despite the recent attempts to understand the epidemiological pattern and pathogenesis of the disease, detailed data about the physiology and pathology of the disease is still out of reach. Moreover, the lack of a widespread vaccine prompts an urgent call for developing a proper intervention strategy against the virus. Importantly, identification of novel molecules that target replication of the virus represents one of the promising strategies for the control this pandemic crisis. Among others, honey bee products contain numerous bioactive compounds such as propolis and several phenolic compounds that possess a wide range of therapeutic properties for combating various pathological disorders and infectious agents. The intention of the present review is to highlight the stages of SARS-CoV-2 lifecycle, the molecular mechanisms explaining the health benefits of honey bee products on COVID-19 physiology and pathology and the possible limitations. Further future research is suggested to explore more about bee natural bioactive compounds as potential candidates against SARS-CoV-2.

Smooth muscle cell-specific SOCS3 deficiency promote pericardial fibrosis and diastolic dysfunction in aging mice

Background

Suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 (SOCS3) is a cytokine-inducible negative regulator of signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) signaling pathway. We have previously shown that cardiac-specific SOCS3 deficiency spontaneously develop cardiac dysfunction with advanced age. However, the role of SOCS3 in smooth muscle cells in cardiovascular pathophysiology remains elusive. In this study, we determined whether STAT3 and SOCS3 in smooth muscle cells would play a role in cardiovascular pathophysiology.

Methods and results

To target inactivation of the SOCS3 gene to smooth muscle cells, SOCS3-flox mice were bred with transgenic mice expressing Cre recombinase under control of the mouse SM22-α promoter (sm-SOCS3-KO mice). Left ventricular weight to body weight ratio was significantly increased in sm-SOCS3-KO mice compared with wild-type mice at 12 months of age (p<0.05). Echocardiographic analyses of smSOCS3-KO mice showed significantly increased left ventricular diastolic dysfunction compared with wild-type from 12 months of age (p<0.05). Sirius-red staining revealed that thickness of pericardium and cardiac interstitial fibrosis in sm-SOCS3-KO mice were markedly greater compared with wild-type mice at 12 months of age (p<0.05). Western blot analyses showed that phosphorylated STAT3 was significantly increased in sm-SOCS3-KO hearts compared with wild-type mice at 12 months of age (p<0.05), whereas no significant differences were observed at 2 months of age. To investigate the mechanism that gave rise to promoted cardiac fibrosis and diastolic dysfunction during aging in sm-SOCS3-KO, we conducted a real-time PCR array analysis for fibrosis. The expression of pro-fibrotic CTGF (connective tissue growth factor), PDGFb (platelet growth factor-b), and TGF (transforming growth factor) family genes including TGFb1, TGFb2, and TGFb3, were significantly higher in sm-SOCS3-KO hearts than those in wild-type at 6 months of age.

Conclusion

Thus, smooth muscle cell-specific SOCS3 deletion induces increased pericardial fibrosis, cardiac interstitial fibrosis, and increased diastolic dysfunction in aging mice, possibly through the augmentation of pro-fibrotic growth factors.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Grant JSPS KAKENHI

S-Methylcysteine (SMC) Ameliorates Intestinal, Hepatic, and Splenic Damage Induced by Cryptosporidium parvum Infection Via Targeting Inflammatory Modulators and Oxidative Stress in Swiss Albino Mice

Cryptosporidiosis has been proposed to be one of the major causes of diarrhoeal disease in humans worldwide that possesses zoonotic concern. Thereby, this study investigated the potential effects of s-Methylcysteine (SMC) on the parasite in vivo followed by the measurement of cytokines, oxidative stress parameters, and an investigation of the major histopathological changes. Sixty male Swiss albino mice weighing 20-25 g were allocated equally into five groups and orally administered saline only (control), SMC only (SMC50) (50 mg/kg b.w.), and 10⁴Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts per mouse via an esophageal tube (C + ve untreated). The fourth and fifth groups (C + SMC25, C + SMC50) administrated 10⁴C. parvum oocysts combined with SMC25 (low dose) and 50 (high dose) mg/kg b.w., respectively. At days 7 and 14 post-infection (PI), the feces was collected from each group in order to count C. parvum oocysts. After two weeks of treatment, the animals were euthanized and the serum was collected for biochemical analysis. Next, the intestinal, spleen, and liver sections were dissected for histopathological examination. The results revealed lower oocyst numbers in the C + SMC25 and C + SMC50 groups compared to the infected untreated group. Moreover, higher doses of SMC treatment significantly reduced the enteritis induced by C. parvum in a dose-dependent manner. The hepatic lesions were also mitigated as demonstrated in C + SMC25 and C + SMC50 groups unlike the infected group via lowering the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) enzymes and increasing albumin and globulin serum levels. SMC administration also reduced cytokines production (SAP, TNF-α, IL-6, and IFN-γ) mediated by Cryptosporidium infection in contrast to the infected untreated group. There were marked lymphoid depletion and amyloidosis observed in the infected untreated group, while the treated groups showed obvious increase in the lymphoid elements. Moreover, the scoring of intestinal parasites, hepatic, and splenic lesions in the SMC-treated groups exhibited significantly lower pathological lesions in different organs in a dose-dependent manner, compared to the infected untreated group. Our results also revealed a significant change in the malondialdehyde content with an elevation of glutathione and superoxide dismutase in the intestines collected from C + SMC25 and C + SMC50 mice relative to the untreated group. Taken together, our results indicated that SMC could be a promising effective compound for treating and declining C. parvum infestation via restoring structural alterations in different tissues, enhancing antioxidant enzymes, and suppressing the cytokines liberation.

Suppression of inflammatory genes expression in the injured host intestinal wall during Mesocestoides vogae tetrathyridium larvae migration

Mesocestoides vogae is a cestode parasite of the family Mesocestoididae (order Cyclophyllidea). Its larvae, tetrathyridium, are approximately 1 mm long and 300 μm wide and infect a wide range of host species including humans. Tetrathyridium migrate through the intestinal wall to invade the peritoneal cavity. Despite intestinal penetration by such a large-sized parasite, symptomatic intestinal disorders are not common during the migration period. In this study, the dynamics of tetrathyridia migration and their pathogenicity towards intestinal tissues were examined in mice infected orally with these parasites. Most tetrathyridia were found to migrate through the intestinal wall, moving into the peritoneal cavity or liver 24 to 48 hours after the oral infections. Next, the pathogenicity of tetrathyridium in the intestinal wall was histopathologically evaluated, and tissue injury from tetrathyridium migration was confirmed. Inflammatory foci were observed as tetrathyridium migration tracks from 48 hours after oral infection; however, the number of inflammatory foci had decreased by half more than 48 hours later. Therefore, we examined the gene expression levels of the macrophage driving cytokine, IL-1β, and the eosinophil recruiting chemokine, CCL11, by quantitative reverse-transcriptase PCR. The expression levels of these genes in the infected group were significantly lower than those of the non-infected group at 48 hours post-infection. Although the immunomodulating ability of the excretory-secretory products released from tetrathyridium has been previously shown by in vitro assays, the significance of this ability in their lifecycle has remained unclear. In this study, we discovered that tetrathyridium causes temporal inflammation in the intestinal wall during penetration and large-scale migration in this organ, but tetrathyridium simultaneously suppresses the host’s inflammatory gene expression, might to be a strategy that reduces inflammatory responses and increases survival of the parasite.

Excretory-secretory (ES) products are released by parasitic helminths into their migration sites and/or the intestinal regions they inhabit where parasite and host immune responses interact. ES products are release by a wide range of parasitic helminths, some of which are known to modulate the host’s immune system. Some ES products from some cestode parasites are known to reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines from artificially stimulated cells under in vitro conditions. However, the immunomodulatory properties of the ES products have only been observed with in vitro experimental models and the biological consequences of their potential ability to suppress the host’s immune system during the parasite’s lifecycle and how they affect host–parasite interactions await discovery. Our results show that tetrathyridium, the larval stage of the Mesocestoides vogae cestode, strongly inhibits the host’s inflammatory gene expression in the injured intestinal wall, and that the inflammatory hot-spots caused by larval migration disappear almost immediately after mice are orally infected with these parasites. The ability to suppress the host’s inflammatory gene expression when larvae migrate through and damage the host’s tissues is an effective survival strategy for M. vogae intestinal parasites.

Correlation of Immunomodulatory Cytokine Expression with Histopathological Changes and Viral Antigen in a Hamster Model of Equine Herpesvirus-9 Encephalitis

A group of hamsters (n = 25) was intranasally infected with equine herpesvirus-9 (EHV-9) and mRNA transcription levels of several proinflammatory (IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-6) and anti-inflammatory (IL-4, IL-10 and TGF-β) cytokines were investigated in brain tissue using RT-qPCR. These levels were correlated with the severity of sequential histopathological changes and intensity of immunohistochemical labelling of virus antigen in brain. Early and progressive upregulation of all the proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines investigated (P < 0.05) was correlated with increasing severity of encephalitis and viral antigen expression from 2 days post infection (dpi) with a peak at 4-5 dpi (P <0.05).

Comparative Study of the Pathogenesis of Rhinopneumonitis Induced by Intranasal Inoculation of Hamsters with Equine Herpesvirus-9, Equine Herpesvirus-1 strain Ab4p and Zebra-borne Equine Herpesvirus-1

Equine herpesvirus-9 (EHV-9), equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) and zebra-borne EHV-1 are members of the family Herpesviridae and cause encephalitis and rhinopneumonitis in a range of animal species. The aim of this study was to characterize and compare the rhinopneumonitis induced by experimental intranasal inoculation of groups of hamsters with EHV-9, EHV-1 strain Ab4p or zebra-borne EHV-1 viruses. Animals inoculated with EHV-9 had earlier and more severe neurological and respiratory signs than those inoculated with EHV-1 strain Ab4p or zebra-borne EHV-1. At 4-5 days post inoculation (dpi), hamsters inoculated with EHV-9 had significantly increased expression of open reading fame (ORF) 30, the viral gene encoding the DNA polymerase, in lung tissue. ORF 30 expression at these time points was higher in the hamsters infected with EHV-9 than in those inoculated with the other two viruses. Severe, mild or very mild rhinitis was seen in animals inoculated with EHV-1 strain Ab4p, EHV-9 and zebra-borne EHV-1, respectively. Viral antigen was detected in olfactory receptor neurons, inflammatory cells and desquamated epithelial cells in animals in all groups until 5 dpi. Tracheitis was also seen in all three virus-infected groups with viral antigen detected in tracheal epithelium. Inoculated hamsters developed interstitial pneumonia of increasing severity over the course of the experiment. Bronchopneumonia and vasculitis were also seen in all three infected groups. These results confirm that, in addition to their neurotropism, EHV-9 and zebra-borne EHV-1 are pneumotropic viruses. EHV-1 strain Ab4p caused more severe upper respiratory tract disease, but no significant differences were detected in the severity of pneumonia induced by each virus.

AA Amyloid Deposition in the Central and Peripheral Nervous Systems in Flamingos

AA amyloidosis is characterized by amyloid deposition in systemic organs, but amyloid deposition in the central nervous system (CNS) or peripheral nervous system (PNS) is rare. In this study, AA amyloidosis was observed in 31 of 48 flamingos that died at a Japanese zoo. Almost all cases developed AA amyloidosis secondary to inflammatory diseases such as enteritis. Affected flamingos had AA amyloid deposition around blood vessels in periventricular white matter of the brain and in peripheral nerves. In addition, cerebral Aβ amyloidosis was observed in one of the 31 cases with AA amyloidosis. In conclusion, flamingos in the zoo commonly developed systemic amyloidosis with frequent amyloid deposition in the CNS and PNS, which seems to be a unique distribution in this avian species. Comparative pathological analyses in flamingos may help elucidate the pathogenesis of amyloid neuropathy.

Avipoxvirus infection in two captive Japanese cormorants (Phalacrocorax capillatus)

Cormorant fishing is a traditional Japanese fishing method using captive Japanese cormorants (Phalacrocorax capillatus). Between June and July 2017, an avian pox outbreak was reported in captive cormorant populations throughout several distant cities in Japan. We examined the lesions obtained from two such affected cormorants, which were raised in distant cities. The affected cormorants were grossly characterized by the development of cutaneous nodules around the base of the beak. Histopathologically, these nodules consisted of marked epidermal hyperplasia with ballooning degeneration of spinous cells and eosinophilic intracytoplasmic inclusions (Bollinger bodies). The lesions displayed 4b core protein (P4b) of Avipoxvirus (APV) and DNA polymerase genes, which were detected by PCR. Moreover, the nucleotide sequences detected from both cormorants were found to be identical. No identical sequence was found in any international database. These findings suggest that both examined cormorants were infected with an identical APV, which has never been previously reported. According to the phylogenetic analysis, the detected sequences were observed to cluster in subclade A3, which consists mainly of the sequences detected from several marine birds, including other cormorant species. This observation suggests that the viruses might be maintained in Japanese cormorants in nature.

P1627Increased pericardial fibrosis and cardiac dysfunction in smooth muscle cell-specific SOCS3 deficient mice

Background

Suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 (SOCS3) is an intrinsic negative-feedback regulator of signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) signaling pathway. We have previously shown that myocardial SOCS3 plays an important role in cardiac hypertrophy and survival; however, the role of SOCS3 in smooth muscle cells in cardiovascular pathophysiology remains elusive. In this study, we determined whether STAT3 and SOCS3 in smooth muscle cells would play a role in cardiovascular pathophysiology.

Methods and results

To target inactivation of the SOCS3 gene to smooth muscle cells, SOCS3-flox mice were bred with transgenic mice expressing Cre recombinase under control of the mouse SM22-α promoter (sm-SOCS3-KO mice). Left ventricular weight to body weight ratio was significantly increased in sm-SOCS3-KO mice compared with wild-type mice at 52 weeks of age (p<0.05). Echocardiographic analyses of sm-SOCS3-KOmice showed significantly decreased cardiac function compared with wild-typefrom 52 weeks of age (p<0.05). Interestingly, Sirius-red staining revealed that thickness of pericardium in sm-SOCS3-KOmice was markedly greater compared with wild-typemice at 52 weeks of age (p<0.05). Cardiac interstitial fibrosis in sm-SOCS3-KOmice was also greater compared with wild-typemice (p<0.05). Western blot analyses showed that phosphorylated STAT3 was significantly increased in sm-SOCS3-KOhearts compared with wild-typemice at 52 weeks of age (p<0.05), whereas no significant differences were observed at 7 weeks of age. Immunostaining revealed that phosphorylated STAT3 positive cells were in thickened pericardial area in sm-SOCS3-KOhearts. Some infiltrated inflammatory cells were also found in thickened pericardial area in sm-SOCS3-KOmice hearts.

Conclusion

These results suggest that STAT3 and its negative-feedback regulator SOCS3 in smooth muscle cells play an important role in the pathogenesis of pericardial fibrosis and cardiac dysfunction.

P5374Genetic deletion of IL-22 increased cardiac rupture after myocardial infarction in mice

Background

Interleukin-22 (IL-22) is a member of the IL-10 cytokine family, which mainly targets epithelial cells and does not target immune cells. Recently, it has been reported that IL-22 play roles in tissue repair in the skin and the liver; however, role of IL-22 in the process of tissue repair after myocardial infarction (MI) is unknown. Here, we investigated the role of IL-22 in tissue repair process after MI.

Methods and results

First, we examined the expression of IL-22 and its receptor IL-22RA1 in the wild type (WT) mice by real-time PCR. The expression of IL-22 and IL-22RA1 in the hearts were significantly increased 3 days after MI (p<0.05). To clarify the role of IL-22 in the heart after MI, we produced MI model in the WT mice and IL-22 knockout (KO) mice. We found that the IL-22 KO mice had significantly higher mortality than the WT mice after MI (p<0.05). Approximately 80% of the IL-22 KO mice died with cardiac rupture after MI. The infarct size which was estimated by evans blue dye and triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining at 3 days after MI was comparable between the IL-22 KO mice and the WT mice. Next, we performed real time PCR and PCR array analysis for tissue fibrosis and repair genes. We found that alpha-smooth muscle actin (aSMA), NF-kB, TNF-a and MMP13 (also known as collagenase-3) were significantly increased in the infarct area of IL-22 KO mice compared to WT mice. Immunostaining showed that the myofibroblast marker aSMA positive cells in the border area after MI were markedly higher in the IL-22 KO mice compared with the WT mice (p<0.05). Approximately 70% of cardiac rupture after MI in the IL-22 KO mice were occurred in the infarct area adjacent to the border area. Furthermore, we found aSMA positive cells and MMP13 positive cells around the ruptured site of the heart.

Conclusion

Thus, IL-22 KO mice exhibit high mortality and increased cardiac rupture after MI. And expression of aSMA and MMP13 were highly expressed in the ruptured site after MI in the IL-22 KO mice. These results suggest that IL-22 may play an important role in the tissue repair process after MI.

Comparative Neuropathogenesis of Equine Herpesvirus 9 and its Mutant Clone (SP21) Inoculated Intranasally in a Hamster Model

The neuropathogenesis of equine herpesvirus 9 (EHV-9), a neurotropic herpesvirus, and its mutant clone (SP21) was studied experimentally in a hamster model. EHV-9-infected hamsters showed clinical signs of infection at 3 days post infection (dpi), while infection with SP21 resulted in clinical signs at 4 dpi. Clinical signs were more severe in the EHV-9-infected group than in the SP21-infected group. There was a significant difference in the time of anterograde transmission of EHV-9 and SP21 inside the brain. Viraemia was detected in the EHV-9-infected group at 4-5 dpi, while no viraemia was detected in the SP21-infected group. The serum concentration of tumour necrosis factor-α was significantly higher in EHV-9-infected animals than in those infected by SP21 group at 4-5 dpi, but there was no difference in the serum concentration of interferon-γ. The spatiotemporal profiles of viral replication and virus-associated histopathology were remarkably similar, were high in the olfactory bulb and cerebral hemispheres, and decreased progressively towards the medulla oblongata. The mean group scores of the histopathological changes for the entire brain were significantly higher in the EHV-9 group than in the SP21 group at all time points, starting from 3 dpi. These results suggest that the gene products of the open reading frame (ORF)19 and ORF14 play essential roles in the neuropathogenesis of EHV-9, as the two point-mutations detected in SP21 significantly altered the neuropathogenesis of the virus.

Poxvirus infection in a Steller's sea eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus)

A severely emaciated adult Steller’s sea eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus) was found dead with electrocution-induced severe wing laceration, and with multiple cutaneous pock nodules at the periocular regions of both sides nearby the medial canthi and rhamphotheca. Histopathological examination of the nodules revealed hyperplasia of the epidermis with vacuolar degeneration and intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies (Bollinger bodies). The proventriculus was severely affected by nematodes and was ulcerated. Nucleotide sequencing of a PCR-amplified product of Avipoxvirus 4b core gene revealed 100% identity to the sequence of Avipoxvirus derived from other eagle species. This report describes the first detection of Avipoxvirus clade A from a Steller’s sea eagle.

Lesions and Distribution of Viral Antigen in the Brain of Hamsters Infected With Equine Herpesvirus (EHV)–9, EHV-1 Strain Ab4p, and Zebra-Borne EHV-1

Encephalitis in hamsters, which was induced by equine herpesvirus (EHV)–9, EHV-1 strain Ab4p, and zebra-borne EHV-1, was investigated and compared to assess viral kinetics and identify the progression and severity of neuropathological findings. Hamsters were inoculated with EHV-9, EHV-1 strain Ab4p, and zebra-borne EHV-1 via the nasal route and euthanized at 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144, and 168 hours postinoculation (HPI). The inoculated hamsters had mild to severe neurological signs at 60 to 72, 96, and 120 HPI, and the mortality rate was 75%, 0%, and 0% for animals inoculated with EHV-9, EHV-1 strain Ab4p, and zebra-borne EHV-1 viruses, respectively. Inoculated hamsters had varying degrees of rhinitis and lymphoplasmacytic meningoencephalitis, as well as differences in the severity and distribution of cerebral lesions. Furthermore, the cellular distribution of viral antigen depended on the inoculated virus. Neuronal necrosis was widely detected in animals inoculated with EHV-9, while marked perivascular cuffs of infiltrating inflammatory cells and gliosis were detected in animals inoculated with EHV-1 strain Ab4p and zebra-borne EHV-1. In the present study, 3 viruses belonging to the herpesvirus family induced encephalitis after initial propagation in the nasal cavity. These viruses might travel to the brain via the olfactory pathway and/or trigeminal nerve, showing different distributions and severities of neuropathological changes.

Hepatic neuroendocrine carcinoma in a Japanese macaque (Macaca fuscata)

Primary neuroendocrine neoplasm of the liver is extremely rare in both humans and non-human primates. The present report describes the clinical and pathological findings of an aged Japanese macaque (Macaca fuscata) with hepatic neuroendocrine carcinoma. To our knowledge, this is the first report of hepatic neuroendocrine neoplasm in macaques.

Candida parapsilosis and Candida tropicalis infections in an Okhotsk snailfish (Liparis ochotensis)

An Okhotsk snailfish (Liparis ochotensis) kept at Nagoya aquarium exhibited sudden death. Microscopically, the fish showed multiple granulomatous foci in the gills, liver and kidney. Multiple yeast-like organisms as well as pseudohyphal elements were observed within granulomatous lesions. Immunohistochemically, the hyphae were negative for both Asperigullus and Mucor spp., and a weak positive for Candida sp. The seminated-PCR product was consistent with Candida parapsilosis and C. tropicalis. This is the first record of disseminated mycotic granulomatous lesion due to C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis infection in fish.

Infiltrative lipoma causing vertebral deformation and spinal cord compression in a dog

A 4-year-old, male Bernese mountain dog was evaluated for a 1-year history of right hemiparesis. Computed tomography revealed a large hypoattenuating mass severely deforming the C5 vertebral arch, invading the C6 spinal canal, and causing spinal cord compression. The signal characteristics of magnetic resonance imaging indicated a lesion composed of adipose tissue. The mass was removed via right hemilaminectomy, and histopathological examination confirmed it was an infiltrative lipoma. The compressive lesion remained unresolved, so the dog underwent a second operation, after which he regained some ambulatory function. Although postoperative adjunctive radiation therapy was performed, the dog died 201 days after the first operation.

Role of oxidative stress in the chemical structure-related genotoxicity of nitrofurantoin in Nrf2-deficient gpt delta mice

Despite its antimicrobial activity, nitrofurantoin (NFT) is a renal carcinogen in rats. Oxidative stress induced by reduction of the nitro group of NFT may contribute to its genotoxicity. This is supported by our recent results indicating that the structure of the nitrofuran plays a key role in NFT-induced genotoxicity, and oxidative DNA damage is involved in renal carcinogenesis. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) regulates cellular responses to oxidative stress. To clarify the role of oxidative stress in the chemical structure-related genotoxic mechanism of NFT, we performed reporter gene mutation assays for NFT and 5-nitro-2-furaldehyde (NFA) using Nrf2-proficient and Nrf2-deficient gpt delta mice. NFT administration for 13 weeks resulted in a significant increase in 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG; a marker of oxidative stress) and gpt mutant frequency only in the kidneys of Nrf2-/- mice. The mutation spectrum, characterized by increased substitutions at guanine bases, suggested that oxidative stress is involved in NFT-induced genotoxicity. However, NFA did not increase the mutation frequency in the kidneys, despite the increased 8-OHdG in NFA-treated Nrf2-/- mice. Thus, it is unlikely that oxidative stress is involved in the genotoxic mechanism of NFA. These results imply that nitro reduction plays a key role in the genotoxicity of NFT, but the lack of a role of oxidative stress in the genotoxicity of NFA indicates a potential role of side chain interactions in oxidative stress caused by nitro reduction. These findings provide a basis for the development of safe nitrofurans.

Mechanisms of oxidative stress-induced in vivo mutagenicity by potassium bromate and nitrofurantoin

Oxidative stress is well known as a key factor of chemical carcinogenesis. However, the actual role of oxidative stress in carcinogenesis, such as oxidative stress-related in vivo mutagenicity, remains unclear. It has been reported that 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), an oxidized DNA lesion, might contribute to chemical carcinogenesis. Potassium bromate (KBrO3) and nitrofurantoin (NFT) are known as renal carcinogens in rats. Our previous studies showed an increase in mutant frequencies accompanied by an increased level of 8-OHdG in the kidneys of rodents following KBrO3 or NFT exposure. Furthermore, KBrO3 and NFT induced different types of gene mutations. Thus, in the present study, we performed reporter gene mutation assays and 8-OHdG measurements following KBrO3 or NFT exposure using Nrf2-proficient and Nrf2-deficient mice to clarify the relationship between KBrO3- or NFT-induced oxidative stress and subsequent genotoxicity. Administration of 1,500 ppm of KBrO3 in drinking water resulted in an increase in deletion mutations accompanied by an increase in 8-OHdG level, and administration of 2,500 ppm of NFT in diet induced an increase in guanine base substitution mutations without elevation of the 8-OHdG level in Nrf2-deficient mice. These results demonstrated that the formation of 8-OHdG, which resulted from the oxidizing potential of KBrO3, was directly involved in the increase in deletion mutations, although factors related to oxidative stress other than 8-OHdG might be crucial for NFT-induced guanine base substitution mutations. The present study provides new insight into oxidative stress-related in vivo mutagenicity.

Brazilian green propolis suppresses acetaminophen-induced hepatocellular necrosis by modulating inflammation-related factors in rats

Propolis is a resin-like material produced by honey bees from bud exudates and sap of plants and their own secretions. An ethanol extract of Brazilian green propolis (EEBGP) contains prenylated phenylpropanoids and flavonoids and has antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. Acetaminophen (N-acetyl-p-aminophenol; APAP) is a typical hepatotoxic drug, and APAP-treated rats are widely used as a model of drug-induced liver injury. Oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions cause APAP-induced hepatocellular necrosis and are also related to expansion of the lesion. In the present study, we investigated the preventive effects of EEBGP on APAP-induced hepatocellular necrosis in rats and the protective mechanism including the expression of antioxidative enzyme genes and inflammation-related genes. A histological analysis revealed that administration 0.3% EEBGP in the diet for seven days reduced centrilobular hepatocellular necrosis with inflammatory cell infiltration induced by oral administration of APAP (800 mg/kg) and significantly reduced the area of necrosis. EEBGP administration did not significantly change the mRNA expression levels of antioxidant enzyme genes in the liver of APAP-treated rats but decreased the mRNA expression of cytokines including Il10 and Il1b, with a significant difference in Il10 expression. In addition, the decrease in the mRNA levels of the Il1b and Il10 genes significantly correlated with the decrease in the percentage of hepatocellular necrosis. These findings suggest that EEBGP could suppress APAP-induced hepatocellular necrosis by modulating cytokine expression.

Effects of food restriction on the expression of genes related to acetaminophen-induced liver toxicity in rats

It is well known that fasting substantially affects the metabolism of drugs and chemicals. Food restriction also affects drug kinetics, such as absorption, metabolism, and excretion, and therefore, it can potentially modulate the onset of chemical toxicity or drug-induced adverse reactions. In the present study, the expression of drug-metabolizing enzyme genes and total glutathione content in the liver, which are related to toxicity induced by overdose of the hepatotoxic drug acetaminophen (N-acetyl-p-aminophenol; APAP), were examined in rats reared under different feeding conditions: ad libitum feeding, 16-h fasting, and food restriction (fed 70% of the average intake of ad libitum feeding for 10 days) conditions. The rats under food restriction conditions as well as fasted rats showed significantly higher expression of Cyp2e1, the gene encoding the enzyme that metabolizes APAP to its toxic metabolite N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI). They also had lower levels of liver total glutathione, which detoxifies NAPQI. In contrast, the gene expression of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A6 (Ugt1a6), sulfotransferase 1A1 (Sult1a1), and glutathione S-transferase M1 (Gstm1) was not affected by food restriction or fasting. When APAP was administered (800 mg/kg), histopathological changes were not observed in rats fed ad libitum, while hepatocellular necrosis was observed in most of the rats treated with APAP after fasting or food restriction. Taken together, these results suggest that not only fasting but also food restriction exacerbate APAP-induced acute liver injury, probably by the induction of CYP2E1 and the reduction of liver glutathione contents, in rodents.

Inhibitory effect of propolis on the development of AA amyloidosis

In the several types of amyloidoses, participation of oxidative stresses in the pathogenesis and the effect of antioxidants on amyloidosis have been reported. Meanwhile, the relationship between oxidative stresses and pathogenesis of amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis is still unclear. In this study, we used an antioxidant, Brazilian propolis, to investigate the inhibitory effects on AA amyloidosis. The results showed that AA deposition was inhibited by administration of propolis. Increased expression of antioxidant markers was detected in molecular biological examinations of mice treated with propolis. Although serum amyloid A (SAA) levels were strongly correlated with the immunoreactive area of AA deposits in the control group, the correlation was weaker in the propolis-treated groups. In addition, there were no changes in SAA levels between the control group and the propolis-treated groups. The results indicate that propolis, an antioxidant, may induce inhibitory effects against AA amyloidosis.

Phylogenetic uniqueness of Mycobacterium avium subspecies hominissuis isolated from an abnormal pulmonary bovine case

Mycobacterium avium subspecies hominissuis (MAH) is an important cause of infection in human pulmonary and swine intestinal cases. Although MAH is isolated from environmental sources frequently, infections of other animals have rarely been analysed. Recently, we detected granulomatous inflammation in bovine lung as an abnormal postmortem inspection case. To ascertain its genetic profile, we conducted a variable numbers of tandem repeats (VNTR) analysis and genomic characterization using deep sequencing. The VNTR type was a unique profile that differed from reported genotypes, but it was assigned within a broad genotypic complex of isolates from human patients and bathrooms. Genomic comparison with 116 registered genome sequences of the subspecies revealed that the strain was separate from five major genetic population groups proposed previously. Although the infection source remains unclear, its isolation from various resources such as animal infection cases should be elucidated more extensively to reveal its genetic diversity and ecological context.

Isolation and Molecular Characterization of Novel Infectious Bronchitis Virus Variants from Vaccinated Broiler Flocks in Egypt

The present study aimed to determine the molecular characteristics of circulating infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) strains in vaccinated broiler flocks in the Giza and Fayoum governorates. Thirty-four isolates were collected, and egg propagation revealed their ability to induce typical IBV lesions after three to five successive passages. Three selected isolates were identified as IBV using a real-time reverse transcriptase-PCR assay targeted the nucleocapsid (N) gene and further characterized by partial spike (S) gene sequence analysis. Phylogenetic analysis revealed their clustering into two variant groups. Group I consisted of one variant (VSVRI_F3), which had 99.1% nucleotide sequence identity to the Q1 reference strain. Group II consisted of variants VSVRI_G4 and VSVRI_G9, which showed 92.8%-94.3% nucleotide identity with the Egyptian variants Eg/12120S/2012, Eg/12197B/2012, and Eg/1265B/2012. Regarding the deduced amino acid sequence, the three variants had 77.1%-85.2% similarity with the vaccine strains currently used in Egypt. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring the prevalence of IBV variants in vaccinated broiler flocks as well as adopting an appropriate vaccination strategy.

Lingual ganglioneuroma in a dog

A mass was found at the base of the dorsum linguae of a male 11-year-old Labrador retriever. The tumor comprised of ganglion cells and Schwannian cells with Verocay bodies. The ganglion cells were positive for neuron-specific enolase, S-100, nerve growth factor receptor, and beta III tubulin. The Schwannian cells were positive for neuron-specific enolase, S-100, nerve growth factor receptor, and glial fibrillary acidic protein. The lingual mass was diagnosed as a ganglioneuroma. To our knowledge, there has been no previous report of a lingual ganglioneuroma in a dog.

Uniaxial Magnetization Performance of Textured Fe Nanowire Arrays Electrodeposited by a Pulsed Potential Deposition Technique

Textured ferromagnetic Fe nanowire arrays were electrodeposited using a rectangular-pulsed potential deposition technique into anodized aluminum oxide nanochannels. During the electrodeposition of Fe nanowire arrays at a cathodic potential of - 1.2 V, the growth rate of the nanowires was ca. 200 nm s^-1. The aspect ratio of Fe nanowires with a diameter of 30 ± 5 nm reached ca. 2000. The long axis of Fe nanowires corresponded with the <200> direction when a large overpotential during the on-time pulse was applied, whereas it orientated to the <110> direction under the potentiostatic condition with a small overpotential. By shifting the on-time cathode potential up to - 1.8 V, the texture coefficient for the (200) plane, TC₂₀₀, reached up to 1.94. Perpendicular magnetization performance was observed in Fe nanowire arrays. With increasing TC₂₀₀, the squareness of Fe nanowire arrays increased up to 0.95 with the coercivity maintained at 1.4 kOe at room temperature. This research result has opened a novel possibility of Fe nanowire arrays that can be applied for a new permanent magnetic material without rare-earth metals.

Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of a virulent Marek's disease virus field strain in broiler chickens in Japan

Marek's disease is a lymphoproliferative disease causing a serious threat in poultry production. Field strains of Marek's disease virus (MDVs) are continuously re-emerging, causing great economical losses to the poultry industry worldwide in spite of the intensive vaccination and restrictive management policy used. Histopathological and molecular characterizations of MDVs are essential for monitoring the changes of viruses and evaluating the effectiveness of existing vaccines. During 2016, 190 visceral tumour tissues representing 30 vaccinated chicken flocks from the Gifu prefecture, Japan, were analysed. A pathological examination revealed the presence of lymphoproliferative lesions in the visceral organs. Polymerase chain reaction screening of tissue specimens using specific primers for avian leucosis virus, reticuloendotheliosis virus, and MDV was positive only for MDV. The polymerase chain reaction products of meq, pp38, virus-induced IL-8 homology, and glycoprotein MDV genes were sequenced and used for homology, phylogenetic, and similarity level analysis with the published reference of MDVs in the database. The results revealed high similarity between the field isolates, vv and vv+ strains of MDV from the USA and China. Several point mutations in the nucleotide sequence of the field isolates and their deduced amino acid sequences were detected in those genes. The present molecular analyses indicated that nucleotide and amino acid changes could be valuable criteria for differentiation and determination of the pathogenicity and oncogenicity of MDVs according to the Avian Disease and Oncology Laboratory pathotyping in vivo studies. Furthermore, the results suggest that development of a new vaccine must be considered to overcome this devastating avian oncogenic viral disease.

Effect of Mouse Strain on Equine Herpesvirus 9 Infection

The infectivity of equine herpesvirus (EHV)-9 has been studied in different animal models including immunocompromised animals. The current study focused on the infectivity of EHV-9 in different mouse strains (C3H, C57BL, DBA, BALB/c-nu/nu, BALB/c and ICR) by intranasal inoculation of 2 × 10⁶ plaque forming units (PFU). Various organs, including head and lungs, were collected 7 days post infection (dpi) to investigate microscopical lesions and the distribution of EHV-9 antigen. Immunopositivity of tissue sections was scored using ImageJ software. Open reading frame (ORF) 30 expression in lung tissues was quantified using quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Pathological examination revealed different degrees of rhinitis in the different mouse strains. Severe rhinitis was detected in C3H and BALB/c-nu/nu strains, moderate rhinitis was observed in C57BL and DBA strains and no lesions were detected in BALB/c mice. Immunopositivity for EHV-9 antigens was detected in the olfactory epithelium of C3H and BALB/c-nu/nu strains. Compared with C57BL, DBA, BALB/c-nu/nu, ICR and BALB/c strains, the C3H strain showed greater expression of EHV-9 antigens in the brain. The proportion of areas with high positive to positive immunoreactivity for EHV-9 were 7.57, 3.42, 3.12, 2.51, 1.79 and 0.03% for C3H, C57BL, DBA, BALB/c-nu/nu, ICR and BALB/c strains, respectively. The proportions of areas with low positive to negative immunoreactivity were 92.42, 96.70, 96.87, 97.48, 98.16 and 99.96%, respectively. The highest relative expression levels for EHV-9 ORF30 in the lungs were in C3H mice. No significant differences in the expression of ORF30 were observed in other strains. In conclusion, of the strains examined, C3H, C57BL, DBA, BALB/c-nu/nu and ICR were the most susceptible to EHV-9 infection, and the BALB/c strain was less susceptible.

Zebra-borne neurotropic equid herpesvirus 1 meningoencephalitis in a Thomson’s gazelle (Eudorcas thomsonii)

We describe the histopathologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular features of a case of meningoencephalitis in a Thomson’s gazelle ( Eudorcas thomsonii) naturally infected with zebra-borne equid herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1) and the implications for the molecular detection of zebra-borne EHV-1. A 4-y-old female Thomson’s gazelle was submitted for postmortem examination; no gross abnormalities were noted except for meningeal congestion. Microscopic evaluation demonstrated multifocal nonsuppurative meningoencephalitis with intranuclear eosinophilic and amphophilic inclusion bodies and EHV-9 antigen in neurons. PCR demonstrated the presence of a herpesvirus with a nucleotide sequence 99–100% identical to the corresponding sequences of zebra-borne EHV-1 and of EHV-9 strains. To determine whether EHV-1 or EHV-9 was involved, a PCR with a specific primer set for EHV-9 ORF59/60 was used. The sequence was identical to that of 3 recognized zebra-borne EHV-1 strains and 91% similar to that of EHV-9. This isolate was designated as strain LM2014. The partial glycoprotein G ( gG) gene sequence of LM2014 was also identical to the sequence of 2 zebra-borne EHV-1 strains (T-529 isolated from an onager, 94-137 from a Thomson’s gazelle). The histologic lesions of encephalitis and antigen localization in this gazelle indicate prominent viral neurotropism, and lesions were very similar to those seen in EHV-1– and EHV-9–infected non-equid species. Histologic lesions caused by EHV-9 and zebra-borne EHV-1 are therefore indistinguishable.

Hepatocellular carcinoma with intracranial metastasis in a Japanese macaque (Macaca fuscata)

BACKGROUND

A 23-year-old male Japanese macaque (Macaca fuscata) showed left ptosis, which progressed to exophthalmos.

METHODS

The macaque underwent a clinical examination, CT and MRI, and was euthanized. Necropsy and histopathological examination were performed after euthanasia.

RESULTS

The CT revealed and MRI confirmed an intracranial mass at the skull base with orbital extension. At necropsy, there were a large hepatic mass and an intracranial mass compressing the left temporal lobe of the brain. Histopathological and immunohistological examinations revealed that the masses were hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and a metastatic lesion. In both the primary and metastatic lesions, neoplastic hepatocytes were arranged mainly in a trabecular pattern. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for cytokeratin (AE1/AE3 and CAM5.2) and hepatocyte paraffin 1 and negative for cytokeratin 7 and 20 and vimentin.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the first case report of HCC with intracranial metastasis in a macaque.

Toxigenic Corynebacterium ulcerans isolated from a hunting dog and its diphtheria toxin antibody titer

Toxigenic Corynebacterium ulcerans is a zoonotic pathogen that produces diphtheria toxin and causes a diphtheria-like illness in humans. The organism is known to infect and circulate among dogs, which can then transmit it to humans. Furthermore, previous studies have found that C. ulcerans is carried by wild animals, including game animals. In the present study, we tested hunting and companion dogs for the presence of toxigenic C. ulcerans and succeeded in isolating the bacterium from a hunting dog. Moreover, several hunting dogs had serum diphtheria antitoxin titers that were higher than the titers required for protection in humans, suggesting a history of exposure to toxigenic Corynebacterium strains. Notably, ribotyping, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and tox gene sequencing demonstrated that the isolate from the hunting dog clustered with previously characterized C. ulcerans strains isolated from wild animals, as opposed to groups of isolates from humans and companion dogs. Interestingly, the wild animal cluster also contains an isolate from an outdoor breeding dog, which could have formed a bridge between isolates from wild animals and those from companion dogs. The results presented herein provide insight into the mechanism by which the zoonotic pathogen C. ulcerans circulates among wild animals, hunting and companion dogs, and humans.

The First Isolation of Aspergillus allahabadii from a Cormorant with Pulmonary Aspergillosis

In this study, we report the first isolation of Aspergillus allahabadii from a Japanese cormorant with pulmonary aspergillosis. We performed molecular identification and antifungal susceptibility testing with the E-test. A 7-month-old male cormorant died because of uric acid deposition secondary to dehydration. Whitish nodular lesions were present on the caudal thoracic air sac in the right thoracic cavity. Histopathology revealed multifocal pyogranulomatous necrotic lesions with numerous fungal hyphae in the thoracic air sac. Identification of the etiologic agent was confirmed by comparative analyses of the sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and β-tubulin-encoding genes. According to the E-test, the minimum inhibitory concentrations of the isolate to amphotericin B, fluconazole, itraconazole, and voriconazole were 0.75 μg/ml, >256 μg/ml, 0.38 μg/ml, and 0.38 μg/ml, respectively.

Morphological and Immunohistochemical Features of Cryptosporidium andersoni in Cattle

Light and electron microscopic features and immunohistochemical features of Cryptosporidium andersoni ( C. andersoni) and host reaction in the mucosa were studied. Although the affected cattle demonstrated no apparent clinical signs, a severe infection of C. andersoni was observed in the abomasum. C. andersoni were round in shape, measured 6-8 μm in size and were mainly observed to be freely located in the gastric pits, being attached in occasional cases to the surface of the abomasum epithelium. Frequent inflammatory cells had infiltrated the lamina propria of the affected mucosa, and frequent mitotic figures were observed in epithelial cells at the dilated isthmus. To access the cell kinetics, the number of epithelial cells infected with C. andersoni were counted and compared with noninfected cattle. The number of gastric pit cells in infected cattle was significantly higher than that in the controls. The number of proliferative cells determined by the Ki-67 antigen in C. andersoni infected cattle was also significantly higher than that in the controls. Transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy revealed that the morphology of the C. andersoni organism was common to those of other Cryptosporidium spp. immunohistochemically, several commercial antibodies against Cryptosporidium spp. showed positive reactions at the wall of these oocysts or parasitophorous vacuoles. This report is possibly the first to discuss the prominent hyperplasia of the abomasum mucosa, as well as morphologic features of C. andersoni in cattle.

Amyloidosis enhancing activity of bovine amyloid A fibrils in C3H/HeN mice and cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis)

BACKGROUND

In experimentally induced cases of AA amyloidosis, the development of disease is enhanced by the administration of homogenous or heterogeneous amyloid fibrils. In recent years, cross-species transmission of animal amyloidosis into human has become of particular concern.

METHODS

Cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) and C3H/HeN mice were inoculated with bovine amyloid fibrils under acute inflammation.

RESULTS

Amyloid A deposits were not detected in any of the monkeys, but mild-to-severe AA deposits were found in all mice.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that unlike in rodents, cross-species transmission of AA amyloidosis is less likely to develop, at least during acute inflammation, in primates.

Japanese Wolves are Genetically Divided into Two Groups Based on an 8-Nucleotide Insertion/Deletion within the mtDNA Control Region

The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region (198- to 598-bp) of four ancient Canis specimens (two Canis mandibles, a cranium, and a first phalanx) was examined, and each specimen was genetically identified as Japanese wolf. Two unique nucleotide substitutions, the 78-C insertion and the 482-G deletion, both of which are specific for Japanese wolf, were observed in each sample. Based on the mtDNA sequences analyzed, these four specimens and 10 additional Japanese wolf samples could be classified into two groups- Group A (10 samples) and Group B (4 samples)-which contain or lack an 8-bp insertion/deletion (indel), respectively. Interestingly, three dogs (Akita-b, Kishu 25, and S-husky 102) that each contained Japanese wolf-specific features were also classified into Group A or B based on the 8-bp indel. To determine the origin or ancestor of the Japanese wolf, mtDNA control regions of ancient continental Canis specimens were examined; 84 specimens were from Russia, and 29 were from China. However, none of these 113 specimens contained Japanese wolf-specific sequences. Moreover, none of 426 Japanese modern hunting dogs examined contained these Japanese wolf-specific mtDNA sequences. The mtDNA control region sequences of Groups A and B appeared to be unique to grey wolf and dog populations.

Morphologic and molecular characteristics of Sarcocystis atraii n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Sarcocystidae) infecting the common coot (Fulica atra) from Egypt

A single morphologic type of Sarcocystis cysts found in two out of 43 examined common coots, Fulica atra, is considered to represent a new species for which the name Sarcocystis atraii n. sp. is proposed and its description is provided. Coots were hunted from the vicinity of Brolos Lake located at KafrElsheikh province, Egypt. The structural morphology of the revealed sarcocysts was described using light and transmission electron microscopy. Sarcocysts were found in the leg and thigh muscles. The cysts were microscopic and measured 165-850 μm in length × 50-85 μm in width. Histologically; the sarcocyst wall was wavy and had minute undulations. Ultrastructurally, it measured 1-3 μm in thickness and possessed many mushroom-like villar protrusions sometimes originating from other mushroom-like villar protrusions that measured approximately 0.5-2 μm in length and up to 2 μm in width, with the presence of electron dense ground substance of 300 nm to 1 μm thick. The bradyzoites were elongated, banana-shaped and measured 7.5-14 × 1.5-2.5 μm, with centrally or terminally located nuclei. The ultrastructural features of the cyst wall belonged to type 24. On the basis of sequencing and phylogenic analyses for 18S rRNA , 28S rRNA genes and ITS-1 region; S. atraii n. sp. is considered a genetically distinct species, being most closely related to avian Sarcocystis spp. whose definitive hosts are predatory mammals.

Immunohistochemical analysis of CD146 expression in canine skin tumours

CD146, a cell adhesion molecule, is overexpressed in a variety of carcinomas, including melanoma, prostate cancer, epithelial ovarian cancer, and breast cancer. The level of expression is directly correlated with tumour progression and metastatic potential. The most commonly affected organ for both neoplastic and non-neoplastic tumours is the skin. The objective of this study is to investigate the immunohistochemical expression of CD146 in canine skin tumours of epidermal or follicular origin in 53 squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), 9 squamous papillomas, 7 infundibular keratinizing acanthomas (IKA), 21 trichoepitheliomas, 13 trichoblastomas, and 3 pilomatricomas. Immunohistochemical results showed that SCCs (90.6%), squamous papilloma (33.3%), IKA (85.7%), trichoepithelioma (85.9%), trichoblastoma (30.8%) and pilomatricoma (100%), respectively, were positive for CD146. The significant expression of CD146 in SCCs supports its importance as a useful treatment target. CD146 could also be used in differentiation of trichoepithelioma and trichoblastoma.