Multi-Criterial Model for Weighting Biological Risk Factors in Multiple Sclerosis: Clinical and Health Insurance Implications

The etiology of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) remains undetermined. Its pathogenic risk factors are thought to play a negligible role individually in the development of the disease, instead assuming a pathogenic role when they interact with each other. Unfortunately, the statistical weighting of this pathogenic role in predicting MS risk is currently elusive, preventing clinical and health insurance applications. Here, we aim to develop a population-based multi-criterial model for weighting biological risk factors in MS; also, to calculate the individual MS risk value useful for health insurance application. Accordingly, among 596 MS patients retrospectively assessed at the time of diagnosis, the value of vitamin D < 10 nm/L, BMI (Body Mass Index) < 15 Kg/m2 and >30 Kg/m2, female sex, degree of family kinship, and the range of age at onset of 20-45 years were considered as biological risk factors for MS. As a result, in a 30-year-old representative patient having a BMI of 15 and second degree of family kinship for MS, the major developmental contributor for disease is the low vitamin D serum level of 10 nm/L, resulting in an MS risk of 0.110 and 0.106 for female and male, respectively. Furthermore, the Choquet integral applied to uncertain variables, such as biological risk factors, evidenced the family kinship as the main contributor, especially if coincident with the others, to the MS risk. This model allows, for the first time, for the risk stratification of getting sick and the application of the health insurance in people at risk for MS.

ACVIM consensus statement guidelines on diagnosing and distinguishing low-grade neoplastic from inflammatory lymphocytic chronic enteropathies in cats

BACKGROUND

Lymphoplasmacytic enteritis (LPE) and low-grade intestinal T cell lymphoma (LGITL) are common diseases in older cats, but their diagnosis and differentiation remain challenging.

OBJECTIVES

To summarize the current literature on etiopathogenesis and diagnosis of LPE and LGITL in cats and provide guidance on the differentiation between LPE and LGITL in cats. To provide statements established using evidence-based approaches or where such evidence is lacking, statements based on consensus of experts in the field.

ANIMALS

None.

METHODS

A panel of 6 experts in the field (2 internists, 1 radiologist, 1 anatomic pathologist, 1 clonality expert, 1 oncologist) with the support of a human medical immunologist, was formed to assess and summarize evidence in the peer-reviewed literature and complement it with consensus recommendations.

RESULTS

Despite increasing interest on the topic for clinicians and pathologists, few prospective studies were available, and interpretation of the pertinent literature often was challenging because of the heterogeneity of the cases. Most recommendations by the panel were supported by a moderate or low level of evidence. Several understudied areas were identified, including cellular markers using immunohistochemistry, genomics, and transcriptomic studies.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

To date, no single diagnostic criterion or known biomarker reliably differentiates inflammatory lesions from neoplastic lymphoproliferations in the intestinal tract of cats and a diagnosis currently is established by integrating all available clinical and diagnostic data. Histopathology remains the mainstay to better differentiate LPE from LGITL in cats with chronic enteropathy.

Introgression of a synthetic sex ratio distortion transgene into different genetic backgrounds of Anopheles coluzzii

The development of genetically modified mosquitoes (GMM) and their subsequent field release offers innovative approaches for vector control of malaria. A non-gene drive self-limiting male-bias Ag(PMB)1 strain has been developed in a 47-year-old laboratory G3 strain of Anopheles gambiae s.l. When Ag(PMB)1 males are crossed to wild-type females, expression of the endonuclease I-PpoI during spermatogenesis causes the meiotic cleavage of the X chromosome in sperm cells, leading to fertile offspring with a 95% male bias. However, World Health Organization states that the functionality of the transgene could differ when inserted in different genetic backgrounds of Anopheles coluzzii which is currently a predominant species in several West-African countries and thus a likely recipient for a potential release of self-limiting GMMs. In this study, we introgressed the transgene from the donor Ag(PMB)1 by six serial backcrosses into two recipient colonies of An. coluzzii that had been isolated in Mali and Burkina Faso. Scans of informative Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) markers and whole-genome sequencing analysis revealed a nearly complete introgression of chromosomes 3 and X, but a remarkable genomic divergence in a large region of chromosome 2 between the later backcrossed (BC6) transgenic offspring and the recipient paternal strains. These findings suggested to extend the backcrossing breeding strategy beyond BC6 generation and increasing the introgression efficiency of critical regions that have ecological and epidemiological implications through the targeted selection of specific markers. Disregarding differential introgression efficiency, we concluded that the phenotype of the sex ratio distorter is stable in the BC6 introgressed An. coluzzii strains.

Comprehensive characterization of a transgene insertion in a highly repetitive, centromeric region of Anopheles mosquitoes

The availability of the genomic sequence of the malaria mosquito Anopheles gambiae has in recent years sparked the development of transgenic technologies with the potential to be used as novel vector control tools. These technologies rely on genome editing that confer traits able to affect vectorial capacity. This can be achieved by either reducing the mosquito population or by making mosquitoes refractory to the parasite infection. For any genetically modified organism that is regarded for release, molecular characterization of the transgene and flanking sites are essential for their safety assessment and post-release monitoring. Despite great advancements, Whole-Genome Sequencing data are still subject to limitations due to the presence of repetitive and unannotated DNA sequences. Faced with this challenge, we describe a number of techniques that were used to identify the genomic location of a transgene in the male bias mosquito strain Ag(PMB)1 considered for potential field application. While the initial inverse PCR identified the most likely insertion site on Chromosome 3 R 36D, reassessment of the data showed a high repetitiveness in those sequences and multiple genomic locations as potential insertion sites of the transgene. Here we used a combination of DNA sequencing analysis and in-situ hybridization to clearly identify the integration of the transgene in a poorly annotated centromeric region of Chromosome 2 R 19D. This study emphasizes the need for accuracy in sequencing data for the genome of organisms of medical importance such as Anopheles mosquitoes and other tools available that can support genomic locations of transgenes.

Appetite Stimulant and Anti-Emetic Effect of Mirtazapine Transdermal Ointment in Cats Affected by Lymphoma Following Chemotherapy Administration: A Multi-Centre Retrospective Study

Simple Summary

Feline cancer patients’ owners are increasingly willing to undertake oncologic treatment, such as chemotherapy. Concerns regarding worsening quality of life are common since chemotherapy could cause toxicities, such as vomiting, nausea, anorexia, and consequently weight loss. In humans, mirtazapine effectively prevents chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, improving the quality of life in people receiving chemotherapy. Recently, the use of mirtazapine transdermal ointment has been evaluated in cats with non-cancer diseases. This study describes the use of transdermal mirtazapine administration in cats diagnosed with lymphoma and receiving chemotherapy. Patients included in the study did not receive any prophylactic anti-emetics other than transdermal mirtazapine. Data regarding patients, type of chemotherapy, and incidence of weight loss and gastrointestinal toxicities were retrospectively evaluated. Transdermal mirtazapine was well tolerated, and substantial weight loss was not observed in the 14 days following chemotherapy administration. These results support further studies assessing the impact of mirtazapine in preventing chemotherapy-induced gastrointestinal toxicity in cats.

Abstract

In humans, mirtazapine can prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) and improve cancer patients’ quality of life (QoL). This drug is being increasingly used as an appetite stimulant in cats. The hypothesis of this retrospective study was that mirtazapine could reduce the incidence of CINV and weight loss in feline patients affected by lymphoma. The objectives were to report the use of mirtazapine transdermal ointment and assess the incidence of gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity and weight loss in cats diagnosed with lymphoma and receiving chemotherapy. Transdermal mirtazapine was topically administered to the inner surface of the pinna (2 mg/cat/daily) for 14 days following chemotherapy administration. Data recorded from 20 patients were collected. Different grades of GI toxicity were shown in 8/20 (40%) patients. Body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), and muscle condition score (MCS) improved in 12/20 (60%), 6/20 (30%), and 2/20 (10%) cats, respectively. Mirtazapine-induced adverse events (AEs) occurred in 4/20 (20%) cats and did not require mirtazapine discontinuation. Substantial weight loss was not encountered, suggesting that patients had an adequate food intake after chemotherapy administration. Transdermal mirtazapine ointment was considered safe and well tolerated.

A Retrospective Study of Clinical and Histopathological Features of 81 Cases of Canine Apocrine Gland Adenocarcinoma of the Anal Sac: Independent Clinical and Histopathological Risk Factors Associated with Outcome

Canine apocrine gland anal sac adenocarcinoma (AGASAC) is a malignant tumour with variable clinical progression. The objective of this study was to use robust multivariate models, based on models employed in human medical oncology, to establish clinical and histopathological risk factors of poor survival. Clinical data and imaging of 81 cases with AGASAC were reviewed. Tissue was available for histological review and immunohistochemistry in 49 cases. Tumour and lymph node size were determined using the response evaluation criteria in the solid tumours system (RECIST). Modelling revealed tumour size over 2 cm, lymph node size grouped in three tiers by the two thresholds 1.6 cm and 5 cm, surgical management, and radiotherapy were independent clinical variables associated with survival, irrespective of tumour stage. Tumour size over 1.3 cm and presence of distant metastasis were independent clinical variables associated with the first progression-free interval. The presence of the histopathological variables of tumour necrosis, a solid histological pattern, and vascular invasion in the primary tumour were independent risk factors of poor survival. Based upon these independent risk factors, scoring algorithms to predict survival in AGASAC patients are presented.

SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Antibody Response in a Symptomatic Cat from Italy with Intestinal B-Cell Lymphoma

Since the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic was first identified in early 2020, rare cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in pet cats have been reported worldwide. Some reports of cats with SARS-CoV-2 showed self-limiting respiratory or gastrointestinal disease after suspected human-to-feline transmission via close contact with humans with SARS-CoV-2. In the present study, we investigated a cat with SARS-CoV-2 that was presented to a private animal clinic in Northern Italy in May 2020 in a weak clinical condition due to an underlying intestinal B-cell lymphoma. The cat developed signs of respiratory tract disease, including a sneeze, a cough and ocular discharge, three days after an oropharyngeal swab tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA using two real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) assays for the envelope (E) and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) gene. Thus, SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA was detectable prior to the onset of clinical signs. Five and six months after positive molecular results, the serological testing substantiated the presence of a SARS-CoV-2 infection in the cat with the detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (RBD) immunoglobulin (IgG) antibodies and neutralizing activity in a surrogate virus neutralization assay (sVNT). To the best of our knowledge, this extends the known duration of seropositivity of SARS-CoV-2 in a cat. Our study provides further evidence that cats are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 under natural conditions and strengthens the assumption that comorbidities may play a role in the development of clinical disease.

EZmito: a simple and fast tool for multiple mitogenome analyses

Complete mitochondrial genome data are frequently applied to address phylogenetic/phylogeographic issues at different taxonomic levels in ecology and evolution. While sample preparation/sequencing is becoming more and more straightforward thanks to dropping costs for next-generation sequencing (NGS), data preparation and visualization remains a manually intensive step that may lead to errors if improperly conducted. We have elaborated, and here introduce, EZmito, a simple and intuitive, freely accessible Web Server aimed at automating some of these tasks. EZmito is divided into three main tools: EZpipe that assembles DNA matrices for phylo-mitogenomic analyses; EZskew that calculates genome, strand, and codon nucleotide compositional skews and EZcodon which computes Relative Synonymous Codon Usage statistics as well as amino acid usage frequency over multiple mitogenomes. Output is produced in tabular format as well as publication-quality graphics.

Evidence for strong environmental control on bacterial microbiomes of Antarctic springtails

Collembola are a key component of the soil biota globally, playing an important role in community and ecosystem dynamics. Equally significant are their associated microbiomes, that can contribute to key metabolic functions. In the present study, we investigated the bacterial community composition of four Antarctic springtail species to assess if and how the extreme Antarctic environment has shaped the collembolans’ microbiomes. Springtails were collected from two biogeographical regions, the maritime and the continental Antarctic. From each region, two endemic species, belonging to the genera Cryptopygus (Isotomidae, Entomobryomorpha) and Friesea (Neanuridae, Poduromorpha), were included. This experimental design allowed us to quantify the relative importance of ecological factors (different regions of occurrence) and/or phylogenetic divergence in the host (different Orders) in shaping the Collembola microbiome. The diversity and richness of springtail microbiomes was lower in the Antarctic taxa compared to published information from species from temperate regions. The microbiome composition was predominantly species-specific, with a limited core microbiome shared across the four species examined. While both geographic origin and host species influenced the associated microbiomes, the former was the prevalent driver, with closer similarity between springtails from the same bioregion than between those belonging to the same genus.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the springtail Allacma fusca, the internal phylogenetic relationships and gene order of Symphypleona

Symphypleona (sensu stricto) are a group of Collembola (=springtails) that, despite displaying some variation in gene order, have been poorly investigated under the phylomitogenomic perspective. How families and subfamilies of this taxon are evolutionary related is still partially unknown. For this reason we sequenced, and herein described, the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Allacma fusca (Sminthuridae). This sequence, alongside others from the literature, is here used to study the phylogenetic relationships among Symphypleona.

Evidence for Cryptic Diversity in the "Pan-Antarctic" Springtail Friesea antarctica and the Description of Two New Species

The invertebrate terrestrial fauna of Antarctica is being investigated with increasing interest to discover how life interacts with the extreme polar environment and how millions of years of evolution have shaped their biodiversity. Classical taxonomic approaches, complemented by molecular tools, are improving our understanding of the systematic relationships of some species, changing the nomenclature of taxa and challenging the taxonomic status of others. The springtail Friesea grisea has previously been described as the only species with a “pan-Antarctic” distribution. However, recent genetic comparisons have pointed to another scenario. The latest morphological study has confined F. grisea to the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia, from which it was originally described, and resurrected F. antarctica as a congeneric species occurring on the continental mainland. Molecular data demonstrate that populations of this taxon, ostensibly occurring across Maritime and Continental Antarctica, as well as on some offshore islands, are evolutionarily isolated and divergent and cannot be included within a single species. The present study, combining morphological with molecular data, attempts to validate this hypothesis and challenges the taxonomic status of F. antarctica, suggesting that two additional new species, described here as Friesea gretae sp. nov. and Friesea propria sp. nov., are present in Continental Antarctica.

The mitogenome of the jumping bristletail Trigoniophthalmus alternatus (Insecta, Microcoryphia) and the phylogeny of insect early-divergent lineages

The complete mitochondrial genome of the machilid Trigoniophthalmus alternatus (Silvestri 1904) is herein described and applied to phylogenetic analyses, inclusive of the most early-divergent lineages of hexapods. Both gene content and order generally conform with the organization of the arthropods’ mitochondrial genome. One gene translocation involving trnA is the autapomorphic character observed in this species. Another peculiar molecular feature is the long size of the A + T-rich region, due to the occurrence of repeat units. The phylogenetic analyses support the typical placement, along the hexapods’ tree, of Ectognatha, Monocondylia and Dicondylia, with Diplura as the adelphotaxon of all true insects.

The mitochondrial genome of the springtail Bourletiella arvalis (Symphypleona, Collembola)

The complete mitochondrial genome of the springtail Bourletiella arvalis (Fitch, 1863) is herein described and applied to a Bayesian phylogenetic analysis, inclusive of all the Collembola mitochondrial DNAs sequenced so far. The gene content and order, as well as the nucleotide composition, conform with the well-known features of hexapods’ mitochondrial genomes. The phylogenetic analysis supports the monophyly of Collembola, Poduromorpha, Entomobryomorpha and Symphypleona. However, no mtDNA from Neelipleona is available to date, therefore limiting the application of mitochondrial genomes to further investigate springtail systematics.

Improvement in breast magnetic resonance imaging after a sentinel procedure for breast cancer with superparamagnetic tracers

The superparamagnetic iron oxide tracer Sienna+^® was introduced as an alternative to the radioisotope 99Tc Nanocoll to preoperatively mark sentinel lymph nodes in breast cancer. As previously reported, this tracer causes susceptibility artifacts on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), potentially hampering the diagnostic performance of follow-up breast MRI. This short report illustrates the temporal development of these artifacts in a patient who was followed up at 6, 12, and 18 months after administration of Sienna+^® with MRI systems of different magnetic field strengths (1.5 T and 3.0 T) and using an MRI protocol with sequences optimized for artifact reduction. Although the artifacts were severe and predominant at the higher magnetic strength in the early postoperative period, they diminished over time and the image quality could be further improved by adapting the sequences. These findings indicate the possible use of MRI even after administration of a superparamagnetic tracer for post-treatment monitoring in breast cancer.

Going Deeper into High and Low Phylogenetic Relationships of Protura

Proturans are small, wingless, soil-dwelling arthropods, generally associated with the early diversification of Hexapoda. Their bizarre morphology, together with conflicting results of molecular studies, has nevertheless made their classification ambiguous. Furthermore, their limited dispersal capability (due to the primarily absence of wings) and their euedaphic lifestyle have greatly complicated species-level identification. Mitochondrial and nuclear markers have been applied herein to investigate and summarize proturan systematics at different hierarchical levels. Two new mitochondrial genomes are described and included in a phylum-level phylogenetic analysis, but the position of Protura could not be resolved with confidence due to an accelerated rate of substitution and extensive gene rearrangements. Mitochondrial and nuclear loci were also applied in order to revise the intra-class systematics, recovering three proturan orders and most of the families/subfamilies included as monophyletic, with the exception of the subfamily Acerentominae. At the species level, most morphologically described species were confirmed using molecular markers, with some exceptions, and the advantages of including nuclear, as well as mitochondrial, markers and morphology are discussed. At all levels, an enlarged taxon sampling and the integration of data from different sources may be of significant help in solving open questions that still persist on the evolutionary history of Protura.

Unilateral renal cystadenocarcinoma and nodular dermatofibrosis in a mixed-breed dog carrying a FLCN gene mutation

BACKGROUND

Renal cystadenocarcinoma and nodular dermatofibrosis (RCND) is a rare inherited cancer syndrome observed predominantly in the German shepherd dog breed, known to be associated with dominant autosomal transmission of mutation H255R of the encoding folliculin gene (FLCN). The syndrome usually features bilateral, multifocal kidney tumours and skin nodules, consisting of dense collagen fibres, with previous reports showing a poor prognosis. Although historically nodular dermatofibrosis (ND) has been considered a paraneoplastic syndrome associated with renal cystadenocarcinoma; this hypothesis has been questioned.

OBJECTIVES

To report a case of unilateral renal adenocarcinoma in a dog with RCND syndrome, with 40-month follow-up.

ANIMAL

A neutered 5-year-old female, mixed-breed dog.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Nodular dermatofibrosis was confirmed with histopathological evaluation. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) supported a presumptive diagnosis of unilateral renal neoplasia and the kidney was removed.

RESULTS

Nodular dermatofibrosis with unilateral RC was confirmed by histopathological evaluation and DNA sequencing; this was positive for the heterozygous form for the H255R mutation in the FLCN gene. Follow-up at 40 months after nephrectomy showed progressive increase in the size and number of nodular lesions.

CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

This case supports the hypothesis that nodular dermatofibrosis is not a paraneoplastic syndrome associated with cystadenocarcinoma. It may be instead an independent dermatological feature of the same genetic disease, linked to the mutation of FLCN given that the cutaneous nodules in this dog increased in size and number after removal of the adenocarcinoma.

Redescription and neotype designation of the Antarctic springtail Folsomotoma octooculata (Collembola: Isotomidae)

The growing interest in Antarctic collembolan species has led us to re-evaluate both the morphological and molecular aspects of different species adapted to the extreme Antarctic environment. The genus Folsomotoma includes nine species mainly distributed in Antarctic and subantarctic areas and a few additionally from Australia and South America. We herein designate the neotype of Folsomotoma octooculata (Willem 1901) and redescribe its morphological characters with particular emphasis on the sensory and ordinary chaetotaxy. Furthermore, based on analyses of both our new and previously published morphological data for F. octooculata, we propose a systematic key of the species for the genus.

Prognostic significance of clinical presentation, induction and rescue treatment in 42 cases of canine centroblastic diffuse large B-cell multicentric lymphoma in the United Kingdom

Canine lymphoma is a heterogeneous group of diseases and many previous studies have evaluated the response of a mixed population of lymphoma cases to one specific treatment protocol. The aim of this retrospective study was to describe the outcome and prognostic factors in 42 cases of multicentric centroblastic diffuse large B-cell lymphoma treated with either a COP-type (35%) or CHOP-type (64%) induction chemotherapy. The objective response rate to induction therapy was 94%; entire dogs had a greater rate of complete vs partial remissions than neutered dogs (P = .017). Median progression-free survival for the first remission (PFS1) was 182 days; absence of anaemia at diagnosis (P = .002) and pretreatment neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio (NLR) below 9.44 (P = .015) were independently predictive of longer PFS1. Fifty-eight percent of dogs received rescue protocols with an objective response rate of 81%; 31% of dogs received further rescue protocols (up to a total of 5) and the median number of protocols administered were 2. Median overall survival (OS) was 322 days, the 1-year survival rate was 38% and the 2-year survival rate was 9%. Lymphocyte:monocyte ratio above 1.43 (P = .031), NLR below 11.44 (P = .009), the combination of induction and rescue therapy (P = .030) and the total number of doxorubicin doses used (P = .002) were independently predictive of longer OS. Use of a COP-type protocol induction compared with CHOP did not undermine OS providing doxorubicin was used as rescue therapy.

Gamma delta T-cell large granular lymphocyte lymphoma in a dog

A 2-year and 6-month-old female neutered Labrador Retriever with Horner syndrome, megaesophagus, and a mediastinal mass was referred to the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals of the Royal Veterinary College. A large granular lymphocyte (LGL) lymphoma was diagnosed on cytology; flow cytometric analysis revealed a γδ T-cell phenotype (CD3+, CD5+, CD45+, TCRγδ+, CD4-, CD8-, CD34-, CD21-). Chemotherapy was started with a combination of lomustine, vincristine, procarbazine, and prednisolone, followed by bleyomicin. Euthanasia was elected by the owners, due to progressive deterioration and lack of quality of life, 28 days after diagnosis. This is the first cytologic and immunophenotypic characterization of a canine γδ T-cell lymphoma with LGL morphology and probably of mediastinal origin. The role of chemotherapy in delaying the disease progression remains unknown.

Dissecting the regulatory microenvironment of a large animal model of non-Hodgkin lymphoma: evidence of a negative prognostic impact of FOXP3+ T cells in canine B cell lymphoma

The cancer microenvironment plays a pivotal role in oncogenesis, containing a number of regulatory cells that attenuate the anti-neoplastic immune response. While the negative prognostic impact of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the context of most solid tissue tumors is well established, their role in lymphoid malignancies remains unclear. T cells expressing FOXP3 and Helios were documented in the fine needle aspirates of affected lymph nodes of dogs with spontaneous multicentric B cell lymphoma (BCL), proposed to be a model for human non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Multivariable analysis revealed that the frequency of lymph node FOXP3⁺ T cells was an independent negative prognostic factor, impacting both progression-free survival (hazard ratio 1.10; p = 0.01) and overall survival (hazard ratio 1.61; p = 0.01) when comparing dogs showing higher than the median FOXP3 expression with those showing the median value of FOXP3 expression or less. Taken together, these data suggest the existence of a population of Tregs operational in canine multicentric BCL that resembles thymic Tregs, which we speculate are co-opted by the tumor from the periphery. We suggest that canine multicentric BCL represents a robust large animal model of human diffuse large BCL, showing clinical, cytological and immunophenotypic similarities with the disease in man, allowing comparative studies of immunoregulatory mechanisms.

Evaluation of low-dose metronomic (LDM) cyclophosphamide toxicity in cats with malignant neoplasia

Oral administration of low-dose cyclophosphamide in pets with spontaneously occurring malignant neoplasms has become a common practice in veterinary medicine. The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate toxicity events in cats with spontaneous malignancies receiving cyclophosphamide as a metronomic therapy for at least 1 month. The number and severity of clinical, haematological and biochemical adverse events were recorded according to the Veterinary Cooperative Oncology Group’s Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v1.1 classification scheme. Twenty-four cats were enrolled in the study with a total number of 27 neoplasms: 13 sarcomas, 12 carcinomas, one melanoma and one neuroendocrine tumour. Seventeen cats presented with macroscopic disease, while seven had microscopic disease. Seven cats (29%) had metastasis either to the regional lymph nodes and/or distant sites at the time of study enrolment. Additional medications, administered concurrently, included non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (17), toceranib (4) and thalidomide (7). Four cats showed grade I gastrointestinal toxicity during the first month of treatment, which was controlled with antiemetics. Overall, 2/24 cats (8%) showed grade I haematological toxicities and 1/24 (4%) showed grade I renal toxicity in the first 4 weeks. Median follow-up for all cats was 30 days (range 30–360 days). For the 15 cats with follow-up longer than 1 month the only additional toxicities observed were two grade III and one grade II azotaemia that occurred after 2 months of therapy. Low-dose cyclophosphamide seems to be a well-tolerated option for cats bearing primary or metastatic tumours. Evaluation of toxicity after long-term administration is still needed.

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour in the nasal cavity of a dog

A 4·5-year-old, female neutered Leonberger was presented with a 2-month history of sneezing, nasal discharge and epistaxis. A presumptive diagnosis of nasal aspergillosis was made based on a suspected (fungal) granuloma on rhinoscopic examination and fungal hyphae on cytological examination. A poor response to targeted therapy was observed and computed tomography 16 months after initial presentation revealed a progressive, locally invasive mass lesion. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis of deep surgical biopsies revealed a spindle cell population and a plasma cell rich inflammatory infiltrate, with diffuse expression of vimentin, supporting a diagnosis of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour. Complete resolution of the nasal discharge and reduced sneezing frequency was reported 9 months post-surgical debridement via rhinotomy. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of IMT in the nasal cavity of a dog. IMT should be considered when presented with a nasal mass lesion, particularly if histopathological features and clinical course are inconsistent.

[Erythropoietinin oncologic therapy -- what so we know about the risks?]

Erythropoietin is a glycoprotein predominantly produced in the kidney. It is an essential regulator of erythropoiesis in the bone marrow. Although cancer-associated anemia is caused by multiple factors, recombinant erythropoietin (rhuEpo) was widely used to treat and prevent this condition. Several clinical studies showed that the use of rhuEpo results in an efficient reduction of red blood cell transfusions in cancer-associated anemia. However, over the past twenty years, Epo and its receptor EpoR were found to be expressed also outside the hematopoietic system and in malignant tumors. This led to a discussion concerning potential risks associated with the application of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in oncology.

3D conformal radiation therapy for palliative treatment of canine nasal tumors

We evaluated the response of 38 dogs treated with a coarsely fractionated, palliative radiation protocol based on CT-based 3D treatment planning. Dogs with histologically confirmed malignant nasal tumors were studied. Treatment prescriptions consisted of 3-4 x 8 Gy, 4-5 x 6 Gy, or 10 x 3 Gy fractions. Selected patient and tumor factors were evaluated for an effect on outcome. Resolution of clinical signs was reported after irradiation in all dogs. Acute toxicities were mild and short lived. Thirty-seven of 38 dogs died or were euthanized due to tumor-related disease. Overall median progression-free interval (PFI) was 10 months. Tumor stage affected response, with modified stage 1 patients having a median PFI 21.3 months vs. a median PFI of 8.5 months for modified stage 2 patients (P = 0.0006). Modified stage was the only factor significantly related to outcome. Based on these findings, a palliative radiation prescription based on computerized treatment planning may be justified in some canine nasal tumor patients.

Hypoxia and expression of the proapoptotic regulator BNIP3 in cervical cancer

Hypoxia plays a major role in the malignant progression of tumors. Here, we investigate the expression of Bcl-2/adenovirus E1B 19 kd-interacting protein 3 (BNIP3), a proapoptotic Bcl-2 family member, and its relationship to hypoxia in cervical cancer cell lines and clinical samples of cervical cancer. Cervical cancer cell lines were grown under hypoxia or normoxia, and BNIP3 mRNA expression was examined by Northern blot analysis. In 50 patients with cervical cancer, intratumoral oxygen measurement with the Eppendorf electrode and needle biopsies of the tumor were performed. The obtained tissue was subsequently analyzed by immunohistochemistry with an anti-BNIP3 antibody. Cervical cancer tissue collected upon surgery was used for Northern blot analysis of in vivo BNIP3 mRNA expression. BNIP3 mRNA is strongly induced under hypoxic conditions in all cervical cancer cell lines investigated. Furthermore, Northern blot analysis revealed that BNIP3 mRNA is expressed in cervical cancer tissue. Using immunohistochemistry, we demonstrated that BNIP3 protein is expressed in 82% of the investigated cervical cancers and that more advanced tumor stages showed significantly stronger BNIP3 expression. However, we observed no correlation between BNIP3 expression and intratumoral hypoxia. In conclusion, BNIP3 is expressed in different cervical cancer cell lines as well as in clinical samples of cervical cancer. Although BNIP3 is clearly hypoxia-inducible in vitro, our results suggest additional mechanisms of BNIP3 regulation in vivo. Our findings therefore highlight a discrepancy between in vitro models of tumor hypoxia and the complexity of human cancer.

Different T-cell Receptor (TCR) Zeta Chain Expression in Cervical Cancer and its Precursor Lesions

OBJECTIVE

Cervical cancer is associated with infection of epithelial cells with the human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 and HPV18. A functional signalling machinery in T-cells is required in order to successfully fight and eradicate HPV16+ transformed epithelial cells. One of the key signalling molecules associated with the T-cell receptor (TCR) is the homodimeric zeta chain molecule.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

28 formalin fixed und paraffin embedded samples of cervical tissue with cervical intraepithelial lesions CIN I (n = 3), CIN III (n = 7), invasive cervical carcinoma (CC) (n = 13) and normal cervical tissue (n = 5) has been evaluated for HPV-PCR und zeta chain immunohistochemistry. For immunohistochemistry a monoclonal IgG1 anti TZR zeta chain-antibody (mAb) has been used (clone 6B 10.2, Santa Cruz, Heidelberg, Germany). According to the performed Western-Blot analysis on peripheral blood monocytes (PBMCs) the used mAb has specifically recognized TCR zeta chains.

RESULTS

We show reduced protein zeta chain expression associated with invasive cervical cancer, but not with pre-invasive HPV16-positive lesions or HPV16-negative normal cervix tissue.

CONCLUSIONS

Thus, reduced TCR zeta chain expression is not necessarily linked to a chronic viral infection, nor to the presence of transformed cells, but rather to the stromal invasion of the cancer lesion.