Photodynamic therapy with paclitaxel-encapsulated indocyanine green-modified liposomes for breast cancer

Background

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) involves the administration of a photosensitizing agent and irradiation of light at an excitation wavelength that damages tumor cells without causing significant damage to normal tissue. We developed indocyanine green (ICG)-modified liposomes in which paclitaxel (PTX) was encapsulated (ICG-Lipo-PTX). ICG-Lipo-PTX accumulates specifically in tumors due to the characteristics of the liposomes. The thermal and photodynamic effects of ICG and the local release of PTX by irradiation are expected to induce not only antitumor effects but also cancer immunity. In this study, we investigated the antitumor effects of ICG-Lipo-PTX in breast cancer.

Methods

The antitumor effects of ICG-Lipo-PTX were examined in xenograft model mice subcutaneously implanted with KPL-1 human breast cancer cells. ICG-Lipo-PTX, ICG-Lipo, or saline was administered intraperitoneally, and the fluorescence intensity was measured with a fluorescence imaging system (IVIS). Intratumor temperature, tumor volume, and necrotic area of tumor tissue were also compared. Next, we investigated the induction of cancer immunity in an allogeneic transplantation model in which BALB-MC mouse breast cancer cells were transplanted subcutaneously in the bilateral inguinal region. ICG-Lipo-PTX was administered intraperitoneally, and PDT was performed on only one side. The fluorescence intensity measured by IVIS and the bilateral tumor volumes were compared. Cytokine secretory capacity was also evaluated by ELISPOT assay using splenocytes.

Results

In the xenograft model, the fluorescence intensity and temperature during PDT were significantly higher with ICG-Lipo-PTX and ICG-Lipo in tumor areas than in nontumor areas. The fluorescence intensity in the tumor area was reduced to the same level as that in the nonirradiated area after two times of irradiation. Tumor growth was significantly reduced and the percentage of necrotic area in the tumor was higher after PDT in the ICG-Lipo-PTX group than in the other groups. In the allograft model, tumor growth on day 14 in the ICG-Lipo-PTX group was significantly suppressed not only on the PDT side but also on the non-PDT side. In addition, the secretion of interferon-γ and interleukin-2 was enhanced, whereas that of interleukin-10 was suppressed, in the ICG-Lipo-PTX group.

Conclusion

The PDT therapy with ICG-Lipo-PTX may be an effective treatment for breast cancer.

A Novel Monochromatic Light to Detect Target Specimens Within Endoscopic Ultrasonography-guided Fine-needle Aspiration Biopsy Samples

BACKGROUND/AIM

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (EUS-FNB) enhances the diagnostic capabilities of EUS by providing additional pathological samples. However, detecting the target specimens within the collected samples can be challenging. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal wavelength of light for detection of target specimens within EUS-FNB samples in an animal experiment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

EUS-FNB pancreatic tissue samples were collected from a male beagle (weight, 10 kg), and the samples were illuminated with monochromatic light ranging from 430 to 700 nm in 5-nm intervals. The intensities of the target specimen and blood samples were analyzed using the densitometry of the images obtained through irradiation.

RESULTS

We found that transmitted monochromatic light of 605 nm most vividly enhanced the contrast between the target specimens and blood in the samples in the impression of appearance.

CONCLUSION

Thus, microscopical observations under transmitted light of 605 nm are optimal for target tissue identification within EUS-FNB samples.

Vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy with glucose-conjugated chlorin e6 for dogs with spontaneously occurring tumours

BACKGROUND

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) using photosensitisers is a minimally invasive treatment for malignant tumours. However, ideal photosensitisers are not yet established. Recently, we developed a new photosensitiser, glucose-conjugated chlorin e6 (G-Ce6).

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of vascular-targeted PDT (VTP), a type of PDT utilising a short drug-light interval, using G-Ce6 to treat spontaneously occurring tumours in dogs.

METHODS

Five dogs with spontaneously occurring tumours (malignant melanoma: three; haemangiopericytoma: two; and squamous cell carcinoma: one) were subjected to VTP. These dogs were intravenously injected with G-Ce6 at doses of 1-3 mg/kg 5 min before laser irradiation. Tumours were superficially or interstitially irradiated using a 677-nm diode laser.

RESULTS

Repeated VTP decreased tumour size, yielding complete remission in three dogs. Complications such as oedema surrounding normal tissues and fistulae were observed, and the oedema was self-limiting. The fistula was cured by debriding the necrotic tissues formed after VTP.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrate that VTP using G-Ce6 had antitumour effects in dogs with spontaneously occurring tumours.

Adherence to inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting β2-agonists in asthma: A MASK-air study

INTRODUCTION

Adherence to controller medication is a major problem in asthma management, being difficult to assess and tackle. mHealth apps can be used to assess adherence. We aimed to assess the adherence to inhaled corticosteroids+long-acting β2-agonists (ICS+LABA) in users of the MASK-air® app, comparing the adherence to ICS+formoterol (ICS+F) with that to ICS+other LABA.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We analysed complete weeks of MASK-air® data (2015-2022; 27 countries) from patients with self-reported asthma and ICS+LABA use. We compared patients reporting ICS+F versus ICS+other LABA on adherence levels, symptoms and symptom-medication scores. We built regression models to assess whether adherence to ICS+LABA was associated with asthma control or short-acting beta-agonist (SABA) use. Sensitivity analyses were performed considering the weeks with no more than one missing day.

RESULTS

In 2598 ICS+LABA users, 621 (23.9%) reported 4824 complete weeks and 866 (33.3%) reported weeks with at most one missing day. Higher adherence (use of medication ≥80% of weekly days) was observed for ICS+other LABA (75.1%) when compared to ICS+F (59.3%), despite both groups displaying similar asthma control and work productivity. The ICS+other LABA group was associated with more days of SABA use than the ICS+F group (median=71.4% versus 57.1% days). Each additional weekly day of ICS+F use was associated with a 4.1% less risk in weekly SABA use (95%CI=-6.5;-1.6%;p=0.001). For ICS+other LABA, the percentage was 8.2 (95%CI=-11.6;-5.0%;p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In asthma patients adherent to the MASK-air app, adherence to ICS+LABA was high. ICS+F users reported lower adherence but also a lower SABA use and a similar level of control.

Combined Exercise and Education Program: Effect of Smaller Group Size and Longer Duration on Physical Function and Social Engagement among Community-Dwelling Older Adults

Background

Exercise, education, and social engagement are critical interventions for older adults for a healthy life expectancy and to improve their physical function.

Objective

To conduct a combined exercise and education (CEE) program for improved social engagement and physical function of older adults.

Design

Based on a short-term program we conducted in our previous study, in this study, the program was conducted for half the number of participants of the earlier study but for a longer duration.

Setting

A community of older adults in Ami, Japan, was the setting of the study.

Participants

23 healthy older adults >65 years living in the community were the participants in the study.

Interventions

Five 80-minute sessions conducted once in two weeks comprised 60-min exercise instruction and 20-min educational lectures per session on health. We examined the improvement in physical and social engagement before and after participation. Physical function and health-related questionnaire data were collected before and after the program.

Results

Data analysis from 15 participants showed improved physical performance but no effect on social engagement.

Conclusions

A higher program frequency, rather than program duration, may be vital to improving exercise performance and social engagement and maximizing the effects of high group cohesion in small groups. Further studies are needed to develop more effective interventions to extend healthy life expectancy.

Neutron resonance absorption imaging of simulated high-level radioactive waste in borosilicate glass

We performed a preliminary study of neutron resonance absorption imaging to investigate the spatial distribution of constituent elements in borosilicate glasses containing simulated high-level radioactive waste, in which elemental inhomogeneities affect the physical and chemical stabilities of the glass. Dips generated by the resonance absorptions of Rh, Pd, Na, Gd, Cs, and Sm were observed in the neutron transmission spectra of the glass samples. The spatial distributions of these elements were obtained from the neutron transmission images at the resonance energies. The distributions of Rh and Pd visualized the sedimentation of these platinum group elements. In contrast, the lanthanides (Gd and Sm) and Cs were uniformly dispersed. These results show that neutron resonance absorption imaging is a promising tool for characterizing borosilicate glasses and investigating the vitrification mechanism of high-level radioactive waste.

Gastrotomy approach for removal of an oesophageal foreign body in a dog

A 9-year-old castrated male Kaninchen dachshund dog weighing 4.18 kg was referred to our institution and presented with occasional vomiting and dysphagia. The radiographic examination revealed a long radiopaque foreign body located throughout the thoracic oesophagus. Endoscopic removal was attempted using laparoscopic forceps but was unsuccessful as the foreign body was too large to be grasped. A gastrotomy was therefore performed, and long paean forceps were gently and blindly inserted into the cardia of the stomach. The bone foreign body was grasped with the long paean forceps under fluoroscopy and withdrawn from the oesophagus while checking with an endoscope. A gastrotomy approach using long forceps, endoscopy and fluoroscopy should be considered for removal of oesophageal foreign bodies from patients in which an endoscopic approach has been unsuccessful.

Utility of 5-aminolaevulinic acid fluorescence-guided endoscopic biopsy for malignant mesothelioma in a cat and dog

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is uncommon in cats and dogs and can be challenging to diagnose. Adequate tissue sampling is required for superior diagnostic accuracy. Protoporphyrin IX, a metabolite of 5-aminolaevulinic acid (5-ALA), is a photosensitiser for photodynamic diagnosis (PDD). To the best of our knowledge, no study has reported the use of 5-ALA-PDD to detect MM in veterinary medicine. The present study describes the use of 5-ALA-PDD for MM diagnosis in a cat and dog, as well as the effectiveness of intracavitary chemotherapy. We evaluated the use of PDD with 5-ALA hydrochloride (5-ALA-PDD) in two cases of MM. A 12-year-old cat presented with a 1-month history of respiratory distress, and a 9-year-old dog presented with a 3-month history of mild abdominal distention. We endoscopically biopsied lesions in both the cases using 5-ALA-PDD. Histopathological examination revealed mesothelioma, and immunohistochemical staining was positive for calretinin. Both patients were treated with carboplatin. The cat died of respiratory failure. Although, the dog's condition improved 21 days after the first chemotherapeutic drug administration, the dog died on day 684 owing to cardiac-related issues. 5-ALA-PDD is thus, safe and feasible for the diagnosis of MM in veterinary medicine.

Comparison of Characterization in Two-Dimensional and Three-Dimensional Canine Mammary Gland Tumor Cell Models

Background

Canine mammary gland tumors can be used as predictive models for human breast cancer. There are several types of microRNAs common in human breast cancer and canine mammary gland tumors. The functions of microRNAs in canine mammary gland tumors are not well understood.

Methods

We compared the characterization of microRNA expression in two-dimensional and three-dimensional canine mammary gland tumor cell models. We evaluated the differences between two- and three-dimensional cultured canine mammary gland tumor SNP cells by assessing microRNA expression levels, morphology, drug sensitivity, and hypoxia.

Results

The expression of microRNA-210 in the three-dimensional-SNP cells was 10.19 times higher than that in the two-dimensional-SNP cells. The intracellular concentrations of doxorubicin in the two- and three-dimensional-SNP cells were 0.330 ± 0.013 and 0.290 ± 0.048 nM/mg protein, respectively. The IC₅₀ values of doxorubicin for the two- and three-dimensional-SNP cells were 5.2 and 1.6 μM, respectively. Fluorescence of the hypoxia probe, LOX-1, was observed inside the sphere of three-dimensional-SNP cells without echinomycin but not in two-dimensional-SNP cells. The three-dimensional-SNP cells treated with echinomycin showed weak LOX-1 fluorescence.

Conclusion

The present study showed a clear difference in microRNA expression levels in cells cultured in a two-dimensional adherent versus a three-dimensional spheroid model.

Rhinitis associated with asthma is distinct from rhinitis alone: The ARIA-MeDALL hypothesis

Asthma, rhinitis and atopic dermatitis (AD) are interrelated clinical phenotypes that partly overlap in the human interactome. The concept of "one-airway-one-disease", coined over 20 years ago, is a simplistic approach of the links between upper- and lower-airway allergic diseases. With new data, it is time to reassess the concept. This article reviews (i) the clinical observations that led to Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA), (ii) new insights into polysensitisation and multimorbidity, (iii) advances in mHealth for novel phenotype definition, (iv) confirmation in canonical epidemiologic studies, (v) genomic findings, (vi) treatment approaches and (vii) novel concepts on the onset of rhinitis and multimorbidity. One recent concept, bringing together upper- and lower-airway allergic diseases with skin, gut and neuropsychiatric multimorbidities, is the "Epithelial Barrier Hypothesis". This review determined that the "one-airway-one-disease" concept does not always hold true and that several phenotypes of disease can be defined. These phenotypes include an extreme "allergic" (asthma) phenotype combining asthma, rhinitis and conjunctivitis. Rhinitis alone and rhinitis and asthma multimorbidity represent two distinct diseases with the following differences: (i) genomic and transcriptomic background (Toll-Like Receptors and IL-17 for rhinitis alone as a local disease; IL-33 and IL-5 for allergic and non-allergic multimorbidity as a systemic disease), (ii) allergen sensitisation patterns (mono- or pauci-sensitisation versus polysensitisation), (iii) severity of symptoms and (iv) treatment response. In conclusion, rhinitis alone (local disease) and rhinitis with asthma multimorbidity (systemic disease) should be considered as two distinct diseases, possibly modulated by the microbiome, and may be a model for understanding the epidemics of chronic and auto-immune diseases.

14 EXAMINING THE IMPACT OF SAFETY MONITORING DEVICES ON CARE WORK AND PROCESSES IN JAPANESE NURSING HOMES

Background

Although the impact of new technology on the workplace has been discussed for many years, little has been reported regarding the effect of new technology in nursing homes. The aim of the research was to test the effect of a safety monitoring device on night-time work patterns.

Methods

A monitoring sensor with an infrared camera was installed in Tokyo-based residential nursing homes in April 2020. A pre/post intervention and observation study was conducted before and after the introduction of the device. Four care professionals worked each night in pairs (one person providing care, and the other observing and keeping minute-by-minute records of task and time allocated to each task. The tasks were divided into 33 items). The data were collected by two pairs at three different nights for pre-intervention and from two pairs at two nights for post-intervention. Ten care professionals participated in the study, and they were looking after 30 older adults (86.8 +/- 6.8 years old).

Results

The total time for executing various tasks marginally increased from 978 mins to 1033 mins. However, statistically significant changes were found mainly among items related to medical care and safety. While nurse call response time decreased significantly, the proportion of time allocated to personal care such as vital checks (from 1 to 2 percent) and mobility (from 4 to 9 percent) assistance doubled. Break time also increased significantly.

Conclusion

While the introduction of a safety monitoring system did not radically reduce the workload, it changed the patterns of caregiving during the night shift. Some behavioural changes were directly caused by functions of the system, while others were by-products. Staff’s break length also increased. The findings suggest that the introduction of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in nursing homes has the potential to release time to care.

Indocyanine green conjugated phototheranostic nanoparticle for photodiagnosis and photodynamic reaciton

BACKGROUND

Phototheranostics represents a highly promising paradigm for cancer therapy, although selecting an appropriate optical imager and sensitizer for clinical use remains challenging.

METHODS

Liposomally formulated phospholipid-conjugated indocyanine green, denoted as LP-iDOPE, was developed as phototheranostic nanoparticle and its cancer imaging-mediated photodynamic reaction, defined as the immune response induced by photodynamic and photothermal effects, was evaluated with a near-infrared (NIR)-light emitting diode (LED) light irradiator.

RESULTS

Using in vivo NIR fluorescence imaging, we demonstrated that LP-iDOPE was selectively delivered to tumor sites with high accumulation and a long half-life. Following low-intensity NIR-LED light irradiation on the tumor region of LP-iDOPE accumulated, effector CD8⁺ T cells were activated at the secondary lymphoid organs, migrated, and subsequently released cytokines including interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α, resulting in effective tumor regression.

CONCLUSIONS

Our anti-cancer strategy based on tumor-specific LP-iDOPE accumulation and low-intensity NIR-LED light irradiation to the tumor regions, i.e., photodynamic reaction, represents a promising approach to noninvasive cancer therapy.

Drug repositioning of tranilast to sensitize a cancer therapy by targeting cancer‐associated fibroblast

Cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a major component of the tumor microenvironment that mediate resistance of cancer cells to anticancer drugs. Tranilast is an antiallergic drug that suppresses the release of cytokines from various inflammatory cells. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of tranilast on the interactions between non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells and the CAFs in the tumor microenvironment. Three EGFR‐mutant NSCLC cell lines, two KRAS‐mutant cell lines, and three CAFs derived from NSCLC patients were used. To mimic the tumor microenvironment, the NSCLC cells were cocultured with the CAFs in vitro, and the molecular profiles and sensitivity to molecular targeted therapy were assessed. Crosstalk between NSCLC cells and CAFs induced multiple biological effects on the NSCLC cells both in vivo and in vitro, including activation of the STAT3 signaling pathway, promotion of xenograft tumor growth, induction of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), and acquisition of resistance to molecular‐targeted therapy, including EGFR‐mutant NSCLC cells to osimertinib and of KRAS‐mutant NSCLC cells to selumetinib. Treatment with tranilast led to inhibition of IL‐6 secretion from the CAFs, which, in turn, resulted in inhibition of CAF‐induced phospho‐STAT3 upregulation. Tranilast also inhibited CAF‐induced EMT in the NSCLC cells. Finally, combined administration of tranilast with molecular‐targeted therapy reversed the CAF‐mediated resistance of the NSCLC cells to the molecular‐targeted drugs, both in vitro and in vivo. Our results showed that combined administration of tranilast with molecular‐targeted therapy is a possible new treatment strategy to overcome drug resistance caused by cancer‐CAF interaction.

Expression of L-type amino acid transporter 1 in canine and feline intracranial tumors

L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) is upregulated in various malignant tumors in humans. LAT1 expression correlates with the grade of cancer and prognosis. LAT1 is responsible for the supply of many essential amino acids to cancer cells. Inhibition of LAT1 reduces the amino acids that enter the cell and inhibits cancer cell growth. Therefore, novel anticancer drugs targeting LAT1 have attracted much attention in recent years. In this study, to explore the applicability of using LAT1 expression in intracranial tumors as a prognostic factor and therapeutic target, we investigated the expression of LAT1 in surgically resected primary and secondary intracranial tumor tissues from dogs and cats. Immunohistochemical analysis of LAT1 was performed on intracranial tumor tissue from 14 dogs and 3 cats. Primary intracranial tumors were seen in 10 dogs and included meningiomas, histiocytic sarcomas, pituitary tumors, and gliomas, and 9 out of 10 cases were positive for LAT1. Primary intracranial tumors were seen in 2 cats and included meningioma and lymphoma; both cases were positive for LAT1. Secondary intracranial tumors were positive for LAT1 in 3 out of 4 cases in dogs and 1 out of 1 in cats. Since the majority of intracranial tumors in dogs and cats were positive for LAT1, immunostaining for LAT1 is expected to be a prognostic indicator and therapeutic target in the future.

Inhibitory Effects and Gene Expression Analysis of Chemotherapeutic Photodynamic Therapy by using a Liposomally Formulated Indocyanine Green Derivative

BACKGROUND

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) utilizes the enhanced permeability retention effect of photosensitizers and is less invasive and more selective than traditional chemotherapy. We constructed a chemotherapeutic PDT (chemo-PDT) nanoscale drug delivery system using a liposomally formulated indocyanine green derivative (ICG-Lipo) that encapsulated carboplatin and docetaxel (ICG-Lipo-C&D).

METHODS

The antitumor effect of chemo-PDT mediated by ICG-Lipo-C&D was evaluated in a murine colon 26 CDF1 mouse model. Gene expression in tumor tissues was analyzed by RNA sequencing.

RESULTS

Chemo-PDT using ICG-Lipo-C&D demonstrated an even stronger PDT-enhancing effect than did ICG-Lipo due to the synergistic effect of carboplatin and docetaxel. In addition, gene expression analysis showed that PDT with ICG-Lipo-C&D increased the expression of immune-related genes and decreased the expression of cytoskeleton-related genes.

CONCLUSIONS

Chemo-PDT using ICG-Lipo as a photosensitizer as well as a drug delivery system with an enhanced permeability retention effect may be a promising cancer therapy.

Case Report: Ultrasonography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Anterior Segment Dysgenesis in a Calf

This study includes diagnostic efficacy of the antemortem, combined use of ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the diagnosis of anterior segment dysgenesis. A 7-day-old male Holstein calf presented with progressive unilateral exophthalmos associated with enlargement of the right eyeball soon after birth. Ultrasonography of the enlarged right eyeball showed (1) a 2-cm-thick echogenic parenchymal lesion filling the anterior region of the right eyeball, (2) excess accumulation of the anechoic vitreous humor, and (3) absence of the lens structure. Antemortem examination using T2-weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery MRI revealed a thickened, hyperintense anterior lesion and absence of the lens structure. These imaging findings were suggestive of anterior segment dysgenesis. Antemortem imaging showed no abnormalities other than the abnormal structure and size of the right eyeball; therefore, enucleation of the right eye was performed, which allowed intact healing without suppuration. Ocular ultrasonography enhanced the diagnostic accuracy due to the characteristic ultrasonographic findings of a thickened anterior lesion and absence of the lens structure in the eyeball, suggestive of anterior segment dysgenesis.

Imaging findings and outcomes after traumatic cerebellar injury: a canine case report

Background

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a structural injury or physiological disruption of the brain induced by an external force. The cerebellum facilitates movement coordination and provides a sense of equilibrium; damage to this structure can cause a wide variety of symptoms, including ataxia or dystaxia, ocular motor dysfunction, and disequilibrium. TBIs localised to the cerebellum are rare in dogs, and the prognosis following this type of injury remains unclear.

Case presentation

A 10-year-old female Chihuahua/Dachshund-cross dog weighing 2.8 kg presented after a fall of approximately 1 m the preceding night. The dog exhibited paresis of all limbs and was recumbent with constant extensor rigidity with opisthotonos. The bilateral thoracic limb and right pelvic limb spinal reflexes were exaggerated, while the left pelvic limb spinal reflexes were normal. The menace response was decreased, and vertical nystagmus was observed. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a hyperintense lesion on T2weighted (W) images, fluid-attenuated inversion recovery, and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). Mannitol and prednisolone were administered, and the dog recovered. The bilateral pelvic limb postural reactions improved by Day 16. On Day 22, MRI revealed a decrease in the hyperintense area of the T2W images, and this lesion appeared isointense on DWI.

Conclusions

In this case report, a dog with localised injury to the cerebellum that comprised a post-tentorial lesion recovered with a favourable outcome. Moreover, similar to reports in humans, DWI can help diagnose and evaluate TBI in dogs.

Joint integrity evaluation of laser beam welded additive manufactured Ti6Al4V sheets

The feasibility of joining laser metal deposited Ti6Al4V sheets using laser beam welding was investigated in this article. The additive manufactured sheets were joined using a 3 kW CW YLS-2000-TR ytterbium laser system. The mechanical properties and microstructure of the welded additive manufactured parts (AM welds) were compared with those of the wrought sheets welded using the same laser process. The welds were characterized and compared in terms of bead geometry, microhardness, tensile strength, fractography, and microstructure. The differences in characteristics are majorly found in the width of the bead and tensile strength. The bead width of AM welds appear wider than the wrought welds, and the wrought welds exhibited higher tensile strength and ductility than the AM welds.

Lateral abdominal hernia associated with thin abdominal musculature in a calf

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical utility of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of a newborn calf presenting with extended swelling within its right flank, in addition to its therapeutic planning. Ultrasonograms of the bilateral flanks identified thinning of the external and internal oblique abdominal muscles in whole areas of the abdominal walls. A right lateral abdominal hernia associated with thin abdominal muscular structures was diagnosed ultrasonographically. The right flank abdominal hernia was successfully reconstructed through a modified Mayo mattress suture. This allowed the overlapping of the two very thin structures of the abdominal walls, resulting in the creation of a thicker structure of the right lateral abdominal walls. Reconstruction of the abdominal walls using this method could prevent re-protrusion of the viscera during calf growth.

Detection of squamous cell carcinoma of presumed pancreatic origin and its metastasis in a spotted seal (Phoca largha) using ultrasonography and computed tomography

A 21-year-old female spotted seal (Phoca largha), with a swollen abdomen, had a five-month history of anorexia and vomiting. Ultrasonography revealed an extended mass with central necrotic foci in the right cranial abdomen. Computed tomography revealed an abdominal mass with a low-density central lumen and a pulmonary nodular lesion. Cytology of an abdominal specimen collected through fine-needle aspiration indicated a malignant tumor with round, atypical cells with large nuclei. Three days after diagnosis, necropsy revealed a 10-cm large, solid, whitish mass in the pancreatic parenchyma and multiple small nodules in the liver, spleen, mesentery, lungs, and mediastinal lymph nodes. Histopathological analysis showed prolific neoplastic cells with marked atypia and occasional keratinization. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the neoplastic cells were positive for cytokeratin AE1/AE3 antibody. Thus, the seal was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma, of presumed pancreatic origin, which had metastasized to multiple organs.

Effects of ozonized glycerin on inflammation of mammary glands induced by intramammary lipopolysaccharide infusion in goats

Although ozone shows antimicrobial activity against mastitis-causing pathogens in ruminants, its anti-inflammatory effect on mammary glands remains unclear. The aim of this study was to examine the anti-inflammatory effects of ozonized glycerin (OG) on experimentally induced inflammation in the mammary glands of six Shiba and two Tokara lactating goats. We infused 1 μg lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into all udders on day -1. On day 0, post LPS infusion, OG (ozone group), and glycerin (control group) were infused into the right and left sides of the udders, respectively. Milk samples were collected once daily from days -1 to 7. The somatic cell count and lactoperoxidase (LPO) activity, along with the interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-8, IL-10, lactoferrin, and sodium ion concentrations in milk were measured. IL-8, IL-10, and lactoferrin levels after LPS infusion in the ozone group were significantly lower than those in the control group, and the LPO activity tended to be lower than that observed in the control group. This study showed that OG has anti-inflammatory potential against LPS-induced inflammation in the mammary glands.

Sterile inflammation through Ca2+/ Calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II signaling is essential for adverse cardiac remodeling

Introduction and hypothesis

Sterile inflammation is associated with cardiac remodeling in response to non-ischemic stress, but how it is initiated in the absence of cell death and how it is propagated are not well elucidated. We tested the hypothesis that activation of CaMKII in cardiomyocytes and macrophages in response to pressure overload initiates inflammatory responses leading to adverse cardiac remodeling.

Methods and results

Cardiomyocyte specific CaMKIIδ knockout (CKO) mice were subjected to transverse aortic constriction (TAC). CaMKII and NFkB activation were significantly increased in control fl/fl (CTL) but not in CKO hearts. Cardiac mRNA levels for pro-inflammatory cytokines also increased vs sham. These responses were significantly attenuated in the CKO mice. Activated NLRP3 inflammasome was shown by elevated caspase-1 activity in isolated cardiomyocytes of CTL while attenuated in CKO. Macrophage accumulation was attenuated in the CKO and NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 treated mice. Cardiac fibrosis and subsequent cardiac dysfunction were less impaired in the CKO vs CTL (ejection fraction 43±3% vs 33±5%). Upregulated NLRP3 gene expression, elevated CaMKII and caspase-1 activity were observed in neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes (NMCMs) in response to osmotic stretch. Increased caspase-1 activity was observed in macrophages cultured with media from osmotic-stretched NMCMs and it was attenuated by pretreatment of CaMKII inhibitor KN-93. Coincubation with stretched NMCMs induced inflammatory responses in isolated macrophages from wild-type mice but not in isolated macrophages from KN-93 pretreated mice.

Conclusions

Activated CaMKIIδ in response to pressure overload triggers inflammatory signals including NLRP3 inflammasome cascade in cardiomyocytes. CaMKII could also contribute amplification of inflammasome signal in macrophages leading fibrosis and consequent cardiac dysfunction. CaMKII in cardiomyocytes and macrophages could be a therapeutic target to prevent progression of non-ischemic heart failure.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Mechanism of Differential Susceptibility of Two (Canine Lung Adenocarcinoma) Cell Lines to 5-Aminolevulinic Acid-Mediated Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a clinically approved, minimally invasive treatment for malignant tumors. Protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), derived from 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) as the prodrug, is one of the photosensitizers used in PDT. Recently, we reported a significant difference in response to 5-ALA-mediated PDT treatment in two canine primary lung adenocarcinoma cell lines (sensitive to PDT: HDC cells, resistant to PDT: LuBi cells). This study aimed to examine the difference in cytotoxicity of 5-ALA-mediated PDT in these cells. Although intracellular PpIX levels before irradiation were similar between HDC and LuBi cells, the percentage of ROS-positive cells and apoptotic cells in LuBi cells treated with 5-ALA-mediated PDT was significantly lower than that in HDC cells treated with 5-ALA-mediated PDT. A high dosage of the NO donor, DETA NONOate, significantly increased the cytotoxicity of 5-ALA-mediated PDT against LuBi cells. These results suggest that the sensitivity of 5-ALA-mediated PDT might be correlated with NO.

Keratometry in normal cats: a cross-sectional study in Japan using an automated handheld keratometer

Keratometry was performed in 73 domestic cats of varied signalment in Japan using an automated handheld keratometer. The mean corneal curvature radius was significantly lower for cats younger than 1 year than for those older than 2 years (8.04 mm vs. 8.80-8.99 mm, P<0.01). The radius was significantly greater in males than in females among the cats older than 11 years (9.22 mm vs. 8.84 mm, P=0.01), while the age distributions of the males and females were similar. Corneal astigmatism did not significantly differ across the gender and age groups. The predictability of the corneal curvature and astigmatism was approximately 41-43% and less than 3%, respectively, as a function of age and bodyweight. The results highlighted some age- and sex-related keratometric variations in domestic cats in Japan.

Genetic Characterization of CTX-M-2-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae and Klebsiella oxytoca Associated With Bovine Mastitis in Japan

CTX-M-2-producing Klebsiella oxytoca (K. oxytoca) has not received much attention in animal husbandry compared with Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae), a major reservoir of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) genes. Bacteriological examinations of 1,466 mastitic milk samples between October 2012 and December 2014 were conducted. Ninety-five K. pneumoniae isolates (total prevalence: 6.5%) and 81 K. oxytoca isolates (total prevalence: 5.5%) were obtained. Seventeen K. pneumoniae isolates obtained from 15 animals reared on 11 farms and 9 K. oxytoca isolates obtained from 9 animals reared on the same farm were phenotypically confirmed to be ESBL producers. All nine ESBL-producing K. oxytoca isolates were obtained from one farm between June and November 2013 and related to a significantly (p < 0.05) higher monthly prevalence of mild mastitis (in June, August, September, October, and November 2013). Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) patterns of ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae isolates were distinguished from each other by more than 6-band differences except for two isolates from two animals, whereas all nine K. oxytoca isolates showed an identical PFGE pattern. Transferability of the bla _CTX-M-2 gene was found in 14 K. pneumoniae and 9 K. oxytoca isolates by conjugation analysis. Of these isolates, the bla _CTX-M-2 gene was detected on plasmids belonging to the incompatibility (Inc) groups P and N derived from five K. pneumoniae and nine K. oxytoca isolates, respectively, although the plasmids from the remaining nine K. pneumoniae were untypeable. All the transconjugants exhibited elevated minimum inhibitory concentrations of ampicillin, cefotaxime, and ceftiofur compared with those in the wild-type, recipient strain. Restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis demonstrated that the IncN plasmids extracted from eight of nine transconjugants, which received resistance against β-lactams from K. oxytoca, showed an identical DraI digestion pattern. These results suggest that the CTX-M-2-producing K. oxytoca strain with the above-mentioned characteristics may have clonally spread within a farm, whereas the bla _CTX-M-2 gene in K. pneumoniae possibly disseminated among the farms through different plasmids. Thus, monitoring of ESBL genes, including the bla _CTX-M-2 gene, among causative agents of bacterial mastitis in cows can help to develop relevant treatments and control practices.

Maltotriose-Chlorin e6 Conjugate Linked via Tetraethyleneglycol as an Advanced Photosensitizer for Photodynamic Therapy. Synthesis and Antitumor Activities against Canine and Mouse Mammary Carcinoma Cells

Glycoconjugated chlorins represent a promising class of compounds that meet the requirements for the third-generation photosensitizer (PS) for photodynamic therapy (PDT). We have focused on the use of glucose (Glc) to improve the performance of the PS based on the Warburg effect-a phenomenon where tumors consume higher Glc levels than normal cells. However, as a matter of fact, Glc-conjugation has a poor efficacy in hydrophilic modification; thus, the resultant PS is not suitable for intravenous injection. In this study, a Glc-based oligosaccharide, such as maltotriose (Mal₃), is conjugated to chlorin e6 (Ce6). The conjugation is assisted by two additional molecular tools, such as propargyl amine and a tetraethylene glycol (TEG) derivative. This route produced the target Mal₃-Ce6 conjugate linked via the TEG spacer (Mal₃-TEG-Ce6), which shows the required photoabsorption properties in the physiological media. The PDT test using canine mammary carcinoma (SNP) cells suggested that the antitumor activity of Mal₃-TEG-Ce6 is extremely high. Furthermore, in vitro tests against mouse mammary carcinoma (EMT6) cells have been demonstrated, providing insights into the photocytotoxicity, subcellular localization, and analysis of cell death and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation for the PDT system with Mal₃-TEG-Ce6. Both apoptosis and necrosis of the EMT6 cells occur by ROS that is generated via the photochemical reaction between Mal₃-TEG-Ce6 and molecular oxygen. Consequently, Mal₃-TEG-Ce6 is shown to be a PS showing the currently desired properties.

Lipid bubbles combined with low-intensity ultrasound enhance the intratumoral accumulation and antitumor effect of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin in vivo

Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) is a representative nanomedicine that has improved tumor selectivity and safety profile. However, the therapeutic superiority of PLD over conventional doxorubicin has been reported to be insignificant in clinical medicine. Combination treatment with microbubbles and ultrasound (US) is a promising strategy for enhancing the antitumor effects of chemotherapeutics by improving drug delivery. Recently, several preclinical studies have shown the drug delivery potential of lipid bubbles (LBs), newly developed monolayer microbubbles, in combination with low-intensity US (LIUS). This study aimed to elucidate whether the combined use of LBs and LIUS enhanced the intratumoral accumulation and antitumor effect of PLD in syngeneic mouse tumor models. Contrast-enhanced US imaging using LBs showed a significant decrease in contrast enhancement after LIUS, indicating that LIUS exposure induced the destruction of LBs in the tumor tissue. A quantitative evaluation revealed that the combined use of LBs and LIUS improved the intratumoral accumulation of PLD. Furthermore, tumor growth was inhibited by combined treatment with PLD, LBs, and LIUS. Therefore, the combined use of LBs and LIUS enhanced the antitumor effect of PLD by increasing its accumulation in the tumor tissue. In conclusion, the present study provides important evidence that the combination of LBs and LIUS is an effective method for enhancing the intratumoral delivery and antitumor effect of PLD in vivo.

Potential of Photodynamic Therapy Based on Sugar-Conjugated Photosensitizers

In 2015, the Japanese health insurance approved the use of a second-generation photodynamic therapy (PDT) using talaporfin sodium (TS); however, its cancer cell selectivity and antitumor effects of TS PDT are not comprehensive. The Warburg effect describes the elevated rate of glycolysis in cancer cells, despite the presence of sufficient oxygen. Because cancer cells absorb considerable amounts of glucose, they are visible using positron emission tomography (PET). We developed a third-generation PDT based on the Warburg effect by synthesizing novel photosensitizers (PSs) in the form of sugar-conjugated chlorins. Glucose-conjugated (tetrafluorophenyl) chlorin (G-chlorin) PDT revealed significantly stronger antitumor effects than TS PDT and induced immunogenic cell death (ICD). ICD induced by PDT enhances cancer immunity, and a combination therapy of PDT and immune checkpoint blockers is expected to synergize antitumor effects. Mannose-conjugated (tetrafluorophenyl) chlorin (M-chlorin) PDT, which targets cancer cells and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), also shows strong antitumor effects. Finally, we synthesized a glucose-conjugated chlorin e6 (SC-N003HP) that showed 10,000-50,000 times stronger antitumor effects than TS (IC₅₀) in vitro, and it was rapidly metabolized and excreted. In this review, we discuss the potential and the future of next-generation cancer cell-selective PDT and describe three types of sugar-conjugated PSs expected to be clinically developed in the future.

Cardiovascular and renal effects of constant rate infusions of remifentanil, dexmedetomidine and their combination in dogs anesthetized with sevoflurane

We evaluated changes in cardiovascular and renal functions as well as arginine vasopressin (AVP) secretion, with remifentanil and dexmedetomidine administration alone or in combination in sevoflurane-anesthetized dogs. Six healthy adult Beagle dogs received one of the following four treatments in a randomized crossover study: saline (C), remifentanil alone at successively increasing doses (R; 0.15, 0.60, and 2.40 µg/kg/min), dexmedetomidine alone (D; 0.5 µg/kg intravenously for initial 10 min followed by a constant rate infusion at 0.5 µg/kg/hr), and a combination of remifentanil and dexmedetomidine at the above-mentioned doses (RD). Sevoflurane doses were adjusted to 1.5 times of minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) equivalent according to MAC-sparing effects with remifentanil and dexmedetomidine as previously reported. Cardiovascular measurements, renal function data, and plasma AVP concentrations were determined before and every 60 min until 180 min after drug administration as per each treatment. In the R, D and RD, heart rate significantly decreased and mean arterial pressure significantly increased from baseline or with C. Cardiac index significantly decreased and systemic vascular resistance index increased with D and RD. Oxygen extraction ratio, renal blood flow, and glomerular filtration rate were not affected. The plasma AVP concentrations significantly decreased in D and RD, but increased in R. Only in D, the natriuresis was elicited. The combination of remifentanil and dexmedetomidine in sevoflurane-anesthetized dogs was acceptable in terms of the hemodynamics, oxygenation, and renal function. Remifentanil may interfere with dexmedetomidine-induced diuresis and inhibition of AVP secretion.

Local fungus-specific Immunoglobulin E production in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps

BACKGROUND

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a heterogeneous disease, and its pathogenesis remains controversial. This study aimed to examine the involvement of fungi in CRSwNP pathogenesis.

METHODS

We enrolled 29 controls and 111 CRSwNP patients. We analyzed fungi in the nasal secretions, serum fungus-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, and nasal polyp (NP) IgE levels. Moreover, we evaluated the correlation between patients' IgE levels and computed tomography (CT) scores.

RESULTS

There was no difference in fungal detection rate between CRSwNP patients with and without asthma. Specific IgEs against various antigens were highly detectable in NPs of CRSwNP patients. In CRSwNP patients, fungus-specific IgE levels in NPs were correlated with CT scores. Serum fungus-specific IgEs became undetectable after operation in more than half of the CRSwNP patients without asthma but not in those with asthma. Other serum airborne antigen-specific IgEs did not become undetectable after operation.

CONCLUSIONS

Fungus-specific IgEs were highly detectable in NPs of CRSwNP patients, and NPs comprised a major region of specific IgE production. Fungi may therefore play an important role in CRSwNP pathogenesis by inducing Th2 immune responses, including IgE synthesis.

Triple nostrils in a calf

Background

Nasal abnormalities are rare in bovines. In humans, nasal deformities are mainly classified as proboscis lateralis or supernumerary nostrils. This report discusses the etiology of triple nostrils in a calf, based on computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and endoscopy.

Case presentation

A female Holstein calf presented with triple nostrils. The following abnormalities were observed: (1) formation of a small and flat blind-ended middle nostril between the right and left nostrils; (2) presence of a hair-bearing surface on the muzzle; (3) abnormal curvature of the nasal septum, resulting in a narrower right nasal cavity due to transformation of the nasal bones; and (4) formation of a bone-like structure within the nasal septum. These findings were similar to those of supernumerary nostrils in humans.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this represents the first description of a calf with triple nostrils. The use of imaging modalities is necessary for investigating the etiology of triple nostrils.

Overcoming epithelial-mesenchymal transition-mediated drug resistance with monensin-based combined therapy in non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key process in tumor progression and metastasis and is also associated with drug resistance. Thus, controlling EMT status is a research of interest to conquer the malignant tumors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A drug repositioning analysis of transcriptomic data from a public cell line database identified monensin, a widely used in veterinary medicine, as a candidate EMT inhibitor that suppresses the conversion of the EMT phenotype. Using TGF-β-induced EMT cell line models, the effects of monensin on the EMT status and EMT-mediated drug resistance were assessed.

RESULTS

TGF-β treatment induced EMT in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines and the EGFR-mutant NSCLC cell lines with TGF-β-induced EMT acquired resistance to EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor. The addition of monensin effectively suppressed the TGF-β-induced-EMT conversion, and restored the growth inhibition and the induction of apoptosis by the EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggested that combined therapy with monensin might be a useful strategy for preventing EMT-mediated acquired drug resistance.

Photohyperthermal therapy using liposomally formulated indocyanine green for feline nasal lymphoma: A case report

Our previous research has focused on the development of a novel cancer therapy by using photohyperthermal therapy (PHT) with indocyanine green (ICG) as an optical sensitizer. ICG-Lipo is a liposomally formulated ICG derivative in which ICG is tagged with an octadeca-alkyl chain to incorporate into liposome bilayers, and contains antitumor drugs such as carboplatin and paclitaxel within the inner membrane space. The present study reported a case of feline nasal lymphoma that was treated with combination therapy of PHT with ICG-Lipo. An antitumour effect was observed, and the patient entered remission. Complications from the radiation treatment included skin burns and bleeding from the irradiated hard palate. Serious side effects related to the drugs were not observed. This report suggested that PHT using ICG-Lipo enabled efficient and safe treatment of lymphoma, and that treatment with a liposomal drug delivery system was enhanced by PHT.

Correlation between work impairment, scores of rhinitis severity and asthma using the MASK-air® App

BACKGROUND

In allergic rhinitis, a relevant outcome providing information on the effectiveness of interventions is needed. In MASK-air (Mobile Airways Sentinel Network), a visual analogue scale (VAS) for work is used as a relevant outcome. This study aimed to assess the performance of the work VAS work by comparing VAS work with other VAS measurements and symptom-medication scores obtained concurrently.

METHODS

All consecutive MASK-air users in 23 countries from 1 June 2016 to 31 October 2018 were included (14 189 users; 205 904 days). Geolocalized users self-assessed daily symptom control using the touchscreen functionality on their smart phone to click on VAS scores (ranging from 0 to 100) for overall symptoms (global), nose, eyes, asthma and work. Two symptom-medication scores were used: the modified EAACI CSMS score and the MASK control score for rhinitis. To assess data quality, the intra-individual response variability (IRV) index was calculated.

RESULTS

A strong correlation was observed between VAS work and other VAS. The highest levels for correlation with VAS work and variance explained in VAS work were found with VAS global, followed by VAS nose, eye and asthma. In comparison with VAS global, the mCSMS and MASK control score showed a lower correlation with VAS work. Results are unlikely to be explained by a low quality of data arising from repeated VAS measures.

CONCLUSIONS

VAS work correlates with other outcomes (VAS global, nose, eye and asthma) but less well with a symptom-medication score. VAS work should be considered as a potentially useful AR outcome in intervention studies.

Ultrasonography of sudden swollen tongue in a calf

BACKGROUND

In cattle, the lingual diseases are primarily diagnosed postmortem by histopathological examination of the affected tongues obtained after the death or during necropsy. In humans, ultrasonography has been used to provide differential diagnoses, and for preoperative or intraoperative planning of glossectomy in various lingual diseases. This is a bovine clinical case report, in which ultrasonography for sudden swelling of the tongue, which was possibly caused by snake bite, was utilized as a preoperative indication to perform a glossectomy.

CASE PRESENTATION

An eight-month-old female Japanese black calf presented with sudden swelling of the tongue with well-defined discoloration in the cranial region. A 10-MHz linear probe on a portable-type ultrasound machine (MyLabOne VET, Esaote Co., Genova, Italy) was applied to the ventral surface of the tongues in the affected case, and also in five healthy calves under sedation to observe normal tongues. Ultrasonography of the swollen tongue in this case revealed that the ventral lingual muscular layers were severely thickened compared with those of normal tongues. However, the muscle layers were regularly aligned with the echogenic muscular fibers. This resembled the lingual muscular architectures of normal tongues. Color-flow Doppler ultrasonography revealed that blood flow was weakened in the small peripheral vessels in the spaces between the lingual muscular structures, and was lacking in the deep lingual artery between the apex and base of the tongue. This finding was very different than that of normal tongues, which exhibited weakened or rich blood flows. Based on ultrasonographic findings, this case was treated with glossectomy. After recovery, the calf grew up normally with a normal appetite and rumination, and did not exhibit mouth pain behavior. Histopathologically, hemorrhagic necrotic changes, together with focal formation of fibrin thrombus in the lingual blood vessels in the affected tongue, were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

To the best of our knowledge, the present report is the first description of lingual ultrasonography performed in cattle. In this case, ultrasonography enabled visualization of decreased vascularity, which might be associated with hemorrhage or formation of fibrin thrombus in the suddenly swollen tongue presented.

Photodynamic detection of a feline meningioma using 5-aminolaevulinic acid hydrochloride

Case summary

The present study describes the case of a feline meningioma that was detected using 5-aminolaevulinic acid hydrochloride (5-ALA)-induced protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) fluorescence at surgery. An extra-axial mass in the temporoparietal region was observed by MRI. Following craniectomy and durotomy, photodynamic detection (PDD) was performed for detection of the tumour. Intratumour PpIX was detected using fluorescence spectrum evaluation and high-performance liquid chromatography. PDD revealed bright fluorescence of PpIX induced by 5-ALA, facilitating fluorescence-guided resection of the tumour tissue. Postoperative examination demonstrated an intratumour PpIX protein concentration of 16.8 nmol/g, and based on histopathological findings we diagnosed the mass as meningioma.

Relevance and novel information

PDD using 5-ALA has been used to identify the surgical margins during resection of primary human brain tumours. Recently, we have reported post-mortem PDD using 5-ALA for a canine glioblastoma. To our knowledge, this technique has not been previously used for the detection and resection of feline brain tumours. Our findings suggest that PDD using 5-ALA is useful for intraoperative fluorescence-guided resection of malignant meningioma in cats.

Characterising keratometry in different dog breeds using an automatic handheld keratometer

Background

Keratometry is clinically important and is routinely performed as part of human ophthalmic examination. In veterinary ophthalmology, little is known about keratometry in dogs, and its practical application has been limited. The present study aimed to describe keratometry in some dog breeds popular in Japan using a handheld keratometer.

Methods

Client-owned dogs of various signalment were enrolled prospectively in the keratometry examination. Interbreed variations in mean corneal curvatures (R1R2avg) and corneal astigmatism (Δ(R1−R2)) were evaluated statistically with respect to their bodyweight based on the data which fulfilled the predetermined inclusion criteria. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

On examination of 237 dogs from 16 different breeds, R1R2avg (mean±sd) ranged from 7.54±0.30 mm in Pomeranians to 9.28±0.19 mm in golden retrievers. Δ(R1−R2) (mean±sd) ranged from 0.22±0.11 mm in miniature schnauzers to 0.57±0.30 mm in French bulldogs.

Conclusion

The present study successfully described keratometry in 16 dog breeds. The study revealed considerable interbreed variations in both R1R2avg and Δ(R1−R2), which did not necessarily correlate with bodyweight. These results are useful both clinically in fitting contact lenses in the management of corneal diseases and non-clinically in optometric studies in dogs.

Attenuated relationship between salivary oxytocin levels and attention to social information in adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorder: a comparative study

BACKGROUND

Previous research studies have assessed the relationship between attention to social information and peripheral (e.g., plasma and salivary) oxytocin (OT) levels in typically developing (TD) children and children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A relationship between them was observed in TD children, but not in children with ASD. However, this relationship remains unexamined in other age groups. To clarify whether this lack of association is maintained throughout development in individuals with ASD, we aimed to assess the relationship between salivary OT levels and attention to social information in adolescents and adults with and without ASD.

METHODS

We recruited male adolescents and adults with ASD (n = 17) and TD participants (n = 24). Using the all-in-one eye-tracking system Gazefinder, we measured the percentage fixation time allocated to social information. We also measured the salivary OT levels and Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) of participants. Subsequently, we confirmed group differences and conducted a correlation analysis to investigate the relationships between these three measures.

RESULTS

Salivary OT levels did not show any significant difference between the ASD and TD groups and were negatively correlated with the AQ in the whole-group analysis, but not in within-group analysis. Individuals with ASD had significantly lower percentage fixation times than did TD individuals for eye regions in human faces with/without mouth motion, for upright biological motion, and for people regions in the people and geometry movies. The percentage of fixation for geometric shapes in the people and geometry movies was significantly higher in the ASD than in the TD group. In the TD group, salivary OT levels were positively correlated with percentage fixation times for upright biological motion and people and negatively correlated with inverted biological motion and geometry. However, no significant correlations were found in the ASD group.

CONCLUSIONS

Our exploratory results suggest that salivary OT levels in adolescents and adults with ASD are less indicative of attention to social stimuli than they are in TD adolescents and adults. It is suggested that their association is slightly weaker in adolescents and adults with ASD and that this attenuated relationship appears to be maintained throughout development.

Diagnostic efficacy of imaging and biopsy methods for peritoneal mesothelioma in a calf

Background

Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare abdominal disease; that occasionally occurs congenitally in younger calves. Cytologic examination of peritoneal effusion (PE) was utilized to diagnose this disease, and was not diagnostic. Diagnostic accuracy has been elevated by recent use of ultrasonography (US), despite most diagnoses have been obtained post-mortem in slaughter houses or during clinical necropsy. In humans, ante-mortem diagnosis is highly associated with clinical use of computed tomography (CT) and laparoscopy together with imaging-assisted biopsy. The present report evaluates the diagnostic applicability of CT and laparoscopy as well as US via the practical application of these imaging modalities in an affected calf, and compares the cytologic and histologic findings among in PE, and specimens obtained from fine-needle aspiration and core-needle biopsy. In addition, the present results were reviewed in comparison with those of previous bovine and human reports.

Case presentation

A 58-day-old male Japanese black calf presented first with scrotal swelling, followed by progressive abdominal distention. Abnormalities of the case included: 1) accumulation of anechoic PE inside the swollen scrotum and abdomen; 2) formation of multiple echogenic nodules within the peritoneal membrane based on US images; 3) presence of hyper-dense spots (suspected calcification) along the margins of the nodules; 4) anatomic connections between intra-abdominal nodular lesions and the swollen tunica vaginalis via the inguinal region based on CT images; 5) serosanguineous-colored and less-turbid characteristics of PE; and 6) formation of multiple nodules over all of the serosa of the rumen as well as the peritoneal wall based on laparoscopic views. Fine-needle aspiration and core-needle biopsy were successfully performed under US and laparoscopic observations, respectively. Histology findings of the core-needle biopsy specimen appeared more indicative (characterization of tubular structures comprised of cubical or columnar abnormal mesothelial cell linings) diagnostically of peritoneal mesothelioma than did findings of the fine-needle aspiration specimen.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this report is the first description of clinical applications of CT and laparoscopy to diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma in a calf. Laparoscopy enhanced the diagnostic accuracy due to clear gross visualization of the intra-abdominal abnormalities and applicability to imaging-guided core-needle biopsy.

Reliability of ultrasonographic measurements of bovine sole structures in relation to sole horn thickness, measured by computed tomography, and sole horn hardness

The goal of the present study was to determine the effect of sole horn thickness (SHT) and sole horn hardness (SHD) on ultrasonographic visualization of sole structures in the inner and outer claws of 150 Holstein-Friesian cows, and to evaluate different ultrasound frequencies for this purpose. Ultrasonographic views of the sole structure were considered complete when 3 echogenic lines, representing the ventral surface of the sole horn, the borders of the sole horn and soft-tissue layer, and the ventral surface of the distal phalanx, were seen. The proportion of complete ultrasonographic views of the sole structures, designated as the ultrasonographic visualization proportion (UVP), and the measurement errors of SHT were evaluated by comparing images from computed tomography (CT) and ultrasonography. The latter images were generated using 3 different probes, frequencies of 6.5 and 5.0 MHz, and 2 different ultrasound machines (#1 and #2) to assess the apex, middle, and heel regions of the claws. The UVP were 60.8 to 77.9% for the 6.5-MHz probe in ultrasound machine #1 (probe A), which were lower than those (>90%) for both the 5.0-MHz probe in ultrasound machine #1 (probe B) and the 5.0-MHz probe in ultrasound machine #2 (probe C). The UVP was significantly lower in claws with an SHD ≥50 units than in claws with an SHD <40 or 40 to <50 units (UVP: 77.1% compared with 93.7 and 91.4%, respectively) when measured with probe B. In claws with an SHT <10 mm, the UVP was significantly lower when SHD was ≥50 units compared with <40 or 40 to >50 units; the values were 69.0% versus 91.3 and 85.9%, respectively, for probe A, and 89.7% versus 100 and 100%, respectively, for probe B. When SHT were measured by either probes A or B in ultrasound machine #1, the proportions of claws in which ultrasonographic values were within a ±1 mm range compared with the values obtained by CT were 84.9 to 91.3% for CT-determined SHT <5 mm, 66.7 to 71.9% for CT-determined SHT 5 to <7 mm, 28.9 to 51.2% for CT-determined SHT 7 to <10 mm, and 6.2 to 19.7% for CT-determined SHT ≥10 mm. The data indicated that increased SHT was associated with a decrease in ultrasonographic measurement accuracy. In claws with an SHT <5 mm, the high proportion of ultrasonographic values that were accurate within a ±1 mm range suggests that this imaging modality would be useful in cows with thin soles.

Sonodynamic Therapy With Anticancer Micelles and High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound in Treatment of Canine Cancer

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) is a minimally invasive anticancer therapy involving a chemical sonosensitizer and high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). SDT enables the reduction of drug dose and HIFU irradiation power compared to those of conventional monotherapies. In our previous study, mouse models of colon and pancreatic cancer were used to confirm the effectiveness of SDT vs. drug-only or HIFU-only therapy. To validate its usefulness, we performed a clinical trial of SDT using an anticancer micelle (NC-6300) and our HIFU system in four pet dogs with spontaneous tumors, including chondrosarcoma, osteosarcoma, hepatocellular cancer, and prostate cancer. The fact that no adverse events were observed, suggests the usefulness of SDT.

Guidance to 2018 good practice: ARIA digitally-enabled, integrated, person-centred care for rhinitis and asthma

Aims

Mobile Airways Sentinel NetworK (MASK) belongs to the Fondation Partenariale MACVIA-LR of Montpellier, France and aims to provide an active and healthy life to rhinitis sufferers and to those with asthma multimorbidity across the life cycle, whatever their gender or socio-economic status, in order to reduce health and social inequities incurred by the disease and to improve the digital transformation of health and care. The ultimate goal is to change the management strategy in chronic diseases.

Methods

MASK implements ICT technologies for individualized and predictive medicine to develop novel care pathways by a multi-disciplinary group centred around the patients.

Stakeholders

Include patients, health care professionals (pharmacists and physicians), authorities, patient’s associations, private and public sectors.

Results

MASK is deployed in 23 countries and 17 languages. 26,000 users have registered.

EU grants (2018)

MASK is participating in EU projects (POLLAR: impact of air POLLution in Asthma and Rhinitis, EIT Health, DigitalHealthEurope, Euriphi and Vigour).

Lessons learnt

(i) Adherence to treatment is the major problem of allergic disease, (ii) Self-management strategies should be considerably expanded (behavioural), (iii) Change management is essential in allergic diseases, (iv) Education strategies should be reconsidered using a patient-centred approach and (v) Lessons learnt for allergic diseases can be expanded to chronic diseases.

Photo-immune therapy with liposomally formulated phospholipid-conjugated indocyanine green induces specific antitumor responses with heat shock protein-70 expression in a glioblastoma model

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant brain tumor, and infiltrates into the surrounding normal brain tissue. Induction of a tumor-specific immune response is one of the best methods to obtain tumor-specific cytotoxicity. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is known to effectively induce an antitumor immune response. We have developed a clinically translatable nanoparticle, liposomally formulated phospholipid-conjugated indocyanine green (LP-iDOPE), applicable for PDT. This nanoparticle accumulates in tumor tissues by the enhanced permeability and retention effect, and releases heat and singlet oxygen to injure cancer cells when activated by near infrared (NIR) light. We assessed the effectiveness of the LP-iDOPE system in brain using the rat 9L glioblastoma model. Treatment with LP-iDOPE and NIR irradiation resulted in significant tumor growth suppression and prolongation of survival. Histopathological examination showed induction of both apoptosis and necrosis and accumulation of CD8+ T-cells and macrophages/microglia accompanied by marked expressions of heat shock protein-70 (HSP70), which was not induced by mild hyperthermia alone at 45° C or an interleukin-2-mediated immune reaction. Notably, the efficacy was lost in immunocompromised nude rats. These results collectively show that the novel nanoparticle LP-iDOPE in combination with NIR irradiation can efficiently induce a tumor-specific immune reaction for malignant gliomas possibly by inducing HSP70 expression which is known to activate antigen-presenting cells through toll-like receptor signaling.

Hair growth-promoting activities of chitosan and surface-deacetylated chitin nanofibers

In this study, the effects of chitosan and surface-deacetylated chitin nanofibrils (SDACNFs) on hair growth were evaluated. In human follicle dermal papilla cells in vitro, chitosan and SDACNFs were shown to increase cell growth on day 3 after the initiation of treatment, together with an increase in the production of fibroblast growth factor-7 (FGF-7) by these cells on day 3. Furthermore, in an in vivo study in mice, chitosan and SDACNF application promoted hair growth. The number of anagen follicles significantly increased compared with that in the control group, whereas the number of telogen follicles significantly decreased in the chitosan and SDACNF groups. In the chitosan and SDACNFs groups, moreover, the expression levels of FGF-7 and Sonic hedgehog were significantly upregulated in hair follicles. Overall, our results demonstrated that chitosan and SDACNFs promoted hair growth and therefore may have applications as novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of hair loss in patients.