Cerebellar abiotrophy in an Icelandic horse

Background

Cerebellar abiotrophy (CA) is an uncommon hereditary neurodegenerative disorder affecting the cerebellar Purkinje cells. Equine CA has been reported in several breeds, but a genetic etiology has only been confirmed in the Arabian breed, where CA is caused by an autosomal recessive mutation.

Case presentation.

Clinical and histological findings consistent with CA are reported in an 8.5-month-old Icelandic filly. The filly showed a perceived sudden onset of marked head tremor, incoordination, ataxia, lack of menace response and a broad-based stance. Cerebrospinal fluid, hematological and biochemical findings were all within the normal range, ruling out several differential diagnoses. Post mortem histopathological examination revealed Purkinje cell degeneration accompanied by astrogliosis. Assessment of the filly’s pedigree revealed that its parents shared a common ancestor.

Conclusions

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report of CA in the Icelandic breed. The identification of a common parental ancestor makes autosomal recessive inheritance of CA in this filly possible, but this would need to be confirmed by further studies. Veterinarians and breeders working with Icelandic horses should be aware of this condition and report suspected cases in order to support genetic investigation.

Biomarkers of Kidney Disease in Horses: A Review of the Current Literature

Creatinine only allows detection of kidney disease when 60 to 75% of the glomerular function is lost and is therefore not an ideal marker of disease. Additional biomarkers could be beneficial to assess kidney function and disease. The objectives are to describe new equine kidney biomarkers. This systematic review assesses the available literature, including the validation process and reference values, following which the authors suggest recommendations for clinical use. SDMA may have some potential as equine kidney biomarker, but there is currently a lack of evidence that SDMA offers any advantage compared to creatinine in detecting Acute Kidney Injury (AKI). Cystatin C and podocin show potential as biomarkers for kidney disease (including detecting AKI earlier than creatinine) and should be studied further. NGAL has potential as a biomarker of kidney disease (including detecting AKI earlier than creatinine), and potential as an inflammatory marker. Literature on MMP-9 does not allow for conclusive statements about its potential as a biomarker for kidney disease. The future may show that NAG has potential. For all biomarkers, at this stage, available scientific information is limited or too scarce to support clinical use, and only SDMA can be measured for clinical purposes. In conclusion, there are multiple new biomarkers with the potential to diagnose kidney problems. However, there are only a few studies available and more data is needed before these biomarkers can be applied and recommended in our daily practice.

Wave chaos enhanced light trapping in optically thin solar cells

Enhancing the energy output of solar cells increases their competitiveness as a source of energy. Producing thinner solar cells is attractive, but a thin absorbing layer demands excellent light management in order to keep transmission- and reflection-related losses of incident photons at a minimum. We maximize absorption by trapping light rays to make the mean average path length in the absorber as long as possible. In chaotic scattering systems, there are ray trajectories with very long lifetimes. In this paper, we investigate the scattering dynamics of waves in a model system using principles from the field of quantum chaotic scattering. We quantitatively find that the transition from regular to chaotic scattering dynamics correlates with the enhancement of the absorption cross section and propose the use of an autocorrelation function to assess the average path length of rays as a possible way to verify the light-trapping efficiency experimentally.

Investigation into pathophysiology of naturally occurring palatal instability and intermittent dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP) in racehorses: Thyro-hyoid muscles fatigue during exercise

Exercise induced intermittent dorsal displacement of the soft palate (DDSP) is a common cause of airway obstruction and poor performance in racehorses. The definite etiology is still unclear, but through an experimental model, a role in the development of this condition was identified in the dysfunction of the thyro-hyoid muscles. The present study aimed to elucidate the nature of this dysfunction by investigating the spontaneous response to exercise of the thyro-hyoid muscles in racehorses with naturally occurring DDSP. Intramuscular electrodes were implanted in the thyro-hyoid muscles of nine racehorses, and connected to a telemetric unit for electromyographic monitoring implanted subcutaneously. The horses were recruited based on upper airway function evaluated through wireless endoscopy during exercise. Five horses, with normal function, were used as control; four horses were diagnosed as DDSP-affected horses based on repeated episodes of intermittent dorsal displacement of the soft palate. The electromyographic activity of the thyro-hyoid muscles recorded during incremental exercise tests on a high-speed treadmill was analyzed to measure the mean electrical activity and the median frequency of the power spectrum, thereafter subjected to wavelet decomposition. The affected horses had palatal instability with displacement on repeated exams prior to surgical implantation. Although palatal instability persisted after surgery, only two of these horses displaced the palate after instrumentation. The electromyographic traces from this group of four horses showed, at highest exercise intensity, a decrease in mean electrical activity and median power frequency, with progressive decrease in the contribution of the high frequency wavelets, consistent with development of thyro-hyoid muscle fatigue. The results of this study identified fatigue as the main factor leading to exercise induced palatal instability and DDSP in a group of racehorses. Further studies are required to evaluate the fiber type composition and metabolic characteristics of the thyro-hyoid muscles that could predispose to fatigue.

Chaos: A new mechanism for enhancing the optical generation rate in optically thin solar cells

The photogenerated current of solar cells can be enhanced by light management with surface structures. For solar cells with optically thin absorbing layers, it is especially important to take advantage of this fact through light trapping. The general idea behind light trapping is to use structures, either on the front surface or on the back, to scatter light rays to maximize their path length in the absorber. In this paper, we investigate the potential of chaotic scattering for light trapping. It is well known that the trajectories close to the invariant set of a chaotic scatterer spend a very long time inside of the scatterer before they leave. The invariant set, also called the chaotic repeller, contains all rays of infinite length that never enter or leave the region of the scatterer. If chaotic repellers exist in a system, a chaotic dynamics is present in the scatterer. As a model system, we investigate an elliptical dome structure placed on top of an optically thin absorbing film, a system inspired by the chaotic Bunimovich stadium. A classical ray-tracing program has been developed to classify the scattering dynamics and to evaluate the absorption efficiency, modeled with Beer-Lambert's law. We find that there is a strong correlation between the enhancement of absorption efficiency and the onset of chaotic scattering in such systems. The dynamics of the systems was shown to be chaotic by their positive Lyapunov exponents and the noninteger fractal dimension of their scattering fractals.

Evaluation of updated sepsis scoring systems and systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria and their association with sepsis in equine neonates

Background

The original equine sepsis score provided a method of identifying foals with sepsis. New variables associated with sepsis have been evaluated, but the sepsis score has not been updated.

Objectives

To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of 2 updated sepsis scores and the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) criteria in regard to detecting sepsis in foals.

Animals

Two‐hundred and seventy‐three ill foals and 25 healthy control foals.

Methods

Historical, physical examination, and clinicopathologic findings were used to calculate the original sepsis score and 2 updated sepsis scores. SIRS criteria were also evaluated. Sepsis scores and positive SIRS scores were statistically compared to foals with sepsis.

Results

One‐hundred and twenty‐six foals were septic and 147 sick‐nonseptic. The original and updated sepsis scores were significantly higher in septic foals as compared to sick‐nonseptic and healthy foals. The sensitivity and specificity of the updated sepsis scores to predict sepsis were not significantly better than those of the original sepsis score. One‐hundred and twenty‐seven of 273 (46.5%) foals met the original SIRS criteria and 88/273 (32%) foals met the equine neonatal SIRS criteria. The original SIRS criteria had similar sensitivity and specificity for predicting sepsis as did the 3 sepsis scores in our study.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The updated sepsis scores did not provide improved ability in predicting sepsis. Fulfilling the original SIRS criteria provided similar sensitivity and specificity in predicting sepsis as the modified sepsis score and might serve as a diagnostic aid in identifying foals at risk for sepsis.

Abstract P1-09-05: Radiosensitization of androgen receptor (AR)-positive triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells using seviteronel (INO-464), a selective CYP17 lyase and AR inhibitor

Background: Increased rates of locoregional recurrence (LR) have been observed in TNBC despite chemotherapy and radiation (RT). A novel radiosensitizer screen nominated the AR as a promising target for treatment of radioresistant breast cancer, including TNBC. We assessed the activity of seviteronel (Sevi), a selective CYP17 lyase and AR inhibitor in Phase 2 clinical development for advanced breast and prostate cancer, as a potential radiosensitizer in AR+ TNBC model.

Methods: Clonogenic survival assays were used to determine the intrinsic RT sensitivity of 21 breast cancer cell (BCC) lines. IC50 values were determined for 130 clinically available compounds and correlation coefficients were calculated using IC50 values and SF-2Gy. Gene expression was measured using RNA Seq or qRT-PCR and protein expression was measured using RPPA arrays. AR function was assessed using functional inhibition with Sevi in MDA-MB-453, ACC-422, ACC-460, SUM-185 (all four AR+ TNBC), MDA-MB-231 (AR- TNBC), and T47D (AR- ER+) BCC lines. Double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) break repair was assessed with γH2AX foci counting. In vivo tumor growth was measured with varying control and treatment groups (16-20 tumors/group). Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to estimate local control. A Cox proportional hazards model and multi-variate analysis (MVA) were used to determine variables associated with LRF survival.

Results: Our novel radiosensitizer screen identified the activity of anti-androgen therapy as a potentially effective strategy for radiosensitization in RT-resistant BCC lines (R2 =0.46, p-value < 0.01) (Speers et al, J Clin Oncol 35, 2017 (suppl; abstr e12102). Heterogeneity in AR expression was identified in human BCC lines and TNBC samples from patients (N=2098). There was a strong correlation between AR RNA expression and protein expression across all BC intrinsic subtypes. AR inhibition using Sevi induced radiation sensitivity in vitro with an enhancement ratio (ER) of 1.24-1.69 in four different AR+ TNBC lines. No such radiosensitization was seen in AR(-) TNBC or ER+, AR(-) BCC lines. Radiosensitization was at least partially dependent on impaired dsDNA break repair with significant delays in dsDNA break repair at 16 and 24 hours in all AR+ TNBC lines examined (p-value < 0.01). AR inhibition with Sevi significantly radiosensitized AR+ TNBC xenografts in mouse models and markedly delayed tumor-volume tripling time (TTT) and tumor growth (MDA-MB-453: median TTT 16.1 days for RT alone vs. not reached after 45 days for Sevi+RT, p-value <0.001). Similar delays were seen in tumor growth, weight, and tumor doubling. Clinically, TNBC patients whose tumors had higher than median expression of AR had higher rates of LR after RT (HR for LR ˜3, p-value <0.01, 2 independent datasets). In MVA, high AR expression was the variable most significantly associated with worse LR survival after RT in TNBC patients, outperforming all other variables (HR of 3.42; p-value < 0.01).

Conclusions: Our results implicate the AR as a mediator of radioresistance in breast cancer and support the rationale for developing Sevi as a novel radiosensitizing agent in AR+ TNBC.

Citation Format: Speers CW, Chandler B, Olsen E, Wilder-Romans K, Moubadder L, Nyati S, Rae J, Hayes DF, Spratt DE, Wahl DR, Eisner J, Feng FY, Pierce LJ. Radiosensitization of androgen receptor (AR)-positive triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells using seviteronel (INO-464), a selective CYP17 lyase and AR inhibitor [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2017 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2017 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-09-05.

The effects of oil spills on marine fish: Implications of spatial variation in natural mortality

The effects of oil spills on marine biological systems are of great concern, especially in regions with high biological production of harvested resources such as in the Northeastern Atlantic. The scientific studies of the impact of oil spills on fish stocks tend to ignore that spatial patterns of natural mortality may influence the magnitude of the impact over time. Here, we first illustrate how spatial variation in natural mortality may affect the population impact by considering a thought experiment. Second, we consider an empirically based example of Northeast Arctic cod to extend the concept to a realistic setting. Finally, we present a scenario-based investigation of how the degree of spatial variation in natural mortality affects the impact over a gradient of oil spill sizes. Including the effects of spatial variations in natural mortality tends to widen the impact distribution, hence increasing the probability of both high and low impact events.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with Chiari-like malformation and Syringomyelia have increased variability of spatio-temporal gait characteristics

BACKGROUND

Chiari-like malformation in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a herniation of the cerebellum and brainstem into or through the foramen magnum. This condition predisposes to Syringomyelia; fluid filled syrinxes within the spinal cord. The resulting pathology in spinal cord and cerebellum create neuropathic pain and changes in gait. This study aims to quantify the changes in gait for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with Chiari-like malformation and Syringomyelia.

METHODS

We compared Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with Chiari-like malformation with (n = 9) and without (n = 8) Syringomyelia to Border Terriers (n = 8). Two video cameras and manual tracking was used to quantify gait parameters.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

We found a significant increase in coefficient of variation for the spatio-temporal characteristics and ipsilateral distance between paws and a wider base of support in the thoracic limbs but not in the pelvic limbs for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels compared with the border terrier.

Abstract P1-10-02: A signature predictive of early vs. late recurrence after radiation treatment (RT) for breast cancer that may inform the biology of early, aggressive recurrences

Purpose: Unmet clinical needs in breast cancer (BC) management include the identification of patients (pts) at high risk to fail locally despite standard local therapy including RT and understanding the biology of these recurrences. We previously reported1 a RT response signature and here extend those studies to identify a signature predictive of timing of recurrence after completion of RT (before or after 3 years).

Methods: Two independent patient cohorts (treated with BCS) from non-randomized clinical trials were used for training and validation. The training cohort included 119 pts with in-breast tumor recurrence and the validation cohort had 25 pts with recurrences. Initial feature selection used Spearman's rank correlation correlating gene expression (14,806 genes) to recurrence time. Genes with sig. correlation (FDR <0.1) and large expression range (fold change >2) were used to train an elastic net penalized Poisson regression model. This model was locked and then applied to the validation dataset. Cox regression was used for both univariate and multivariable analyses (UVA and MVA). To identify biological-related concepts, Spearman's corr. coefficients of recurrence time to gene expression within the training cohort were used to generate a pre-ranked list upon which GSEA pathway analysis was performed.

Results: Spearman's correlation identified 485 genes whose expression was significantly associated with recurrence time (early vs. late). Feature reduction further refined the gene list to 41 genes, which were retained within the signature and locked for further validation. In the training dataset the Spearman's correlation of the continuous score to recurrence time was 0.852 with a P-value of 1.3x10-34 and an AUC of 0.92. Application of this early vs late signature to an independent BC validation set accurately identifies pts with early vs. late recurrences (Spearman's corr.=0.537, p-value<0.007, AUC=0.74, sensitivity=0.71, specificity=0.73, PPV=0.77, NPV=0.67). In UVA and MVA the early vs. late recurrence signature remained the most significant factor associated with recurrence time. Although independent of intrinsic subtype, GSEA analysis of the 41 genes retained within the signature identifies proliferation and EGFR concepts associated with early recurrences and luminal and ER-signaling pathways associated with late recurrences. Knockdown of genes associated with the early and late recurrences is currently underway to assess phenotypic changes (proliferation and clonogenic survival as a measure of early and durable RT response) associated with the early and late recurrence-associated genes.

Conclusion: In this study we derive a BC-specific RT signature predictive of early vs. late recurrence with biologic relevance and validate this signature for prediction of timing of recurrence in an independent clinical dataset. By identifying pts with tumors likely to recur sooner vs. later this signature has the potential to allow for a furthered understanding of the biology underlying early and late recurrences and has a potential to personalize RT, particularly in patients for whom treatment intensification is needed.

1. Clin Cancer Res. 2015 Aug 15;21(16):3667-77.

Citation Format: Speers C, Chang L, Santola A, Liu M, Zhao SG, Chandler B, Olsen E, Bartelink H, Feng FY, Pierce LJ. A signature predictive of early vs. late recurrence after radiation treatment (RT) for breast cancer that may inform the biology of early, aggressive recurrences [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2016 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2016 Dec 6-10; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-10-02.

Charge Radii of Neutron Deficient ^{52,53}Fe Produced by Projectile Fragmentation

Bunched-beam collinear laser spectroscopy is performed on neutron deficient ^{52,53}Fe prepared through in-flight separation followed by a gas stopping. This novel scheme is a major step to reach nuclides far from the stability line in laser spectroscopy. Differential mean-square charge radii δ⟨r^{2}⟩ of ^{52,53}Fe are determined relative to stable ^{56}Fe as δ⟨r^{2}⟩^{56,52}=-0.034(13)  fm^{2} and δ⟨r^{2}⟩^{56,53}=-0.218(13)  fm^{2}, respectively, from the isotope shift of atomic hyperfine structures. The multiconfiguration Dirac-Fock method is used to calculate atomic factors to deduce δ⟨r^{2}⟩. The values of δ⟨r^{2}⟩ exhibit a minimum at the N=28 neutron shell closure. The nuclear density functional theory with Fayans and Skyrme energy density functionals is used to interpret the data. The trend of δ⟨r^{2}⟩ along the Fe isotopic chain results from an interplay between single-particle shell structure, pairing, and polarization effects and provides important data for understanding the intricate trend in the δ⟨r^{2}⟩ of closed-shell Ca isotopes.

Impact of Nuclear Mass Uncertainties on the r Process

Nuclear masses play a fundamental role in understanding how the heaviest elements in the Universe are created in the r process. We predict r-process nucleosynthesis yields using neutron capture and photodissociation rates that are based on the nuclear density functional theory. Using six Skyrme energy density functionals based on different optimization protocols, we determine for the first time systematic uncertainty bands-related to mass modeling-for r-process abundances in realistic astrophysical scenarios. We find that features of the underlying microphysics make an imprint on abundances especially in the vicinity of neutron shell closures: Abundance peaks and troughs are reflected in trends of neutron separation energy. Further advances in the nuclear theory and experiments, when linked to observations, will help in the understanding of astrophysical conditions in extreme r-process sites.

Lungeing on hard and soft surfaces: Movement symmetry of trotting horses considered sound by their owners

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY

Lungeing is often part of the clinical lameness examination. The difference in movement symmetry, which is a commonly employed lameness measure, has not been quantified between surfaces.

OBJECTIVES

To compare head and pelvic movement symmetry between surfaces and reins during lungeing.

STUDY DESIGN

Quantitative gait analysis in 23 horses considered sound by their owners.

METHODS

Twenty-three horses were assessed in-hand and on the lunge on both reins on hard and soft surfaces with inertial sensors. Seven movement symmetry parameters were quantified and used to establish 2 groups, namely symmetrical (n = 9) and forelimb-lame horses (n = 14), based on values from straight-line assessment. Movement symmetry values for left rein measurements were side corrected to allow comparison of the amount of movement symmetry between reins. A mixed model (P<0.05) was used to study effects on movement symmetry of surface (hard/soft) and rein (inside/outside with respect to movement symmetry on the straight).

RESULTS

In forelimb-lame horses, surface and rein were identified as significantly affecting all head movement symmetry measures (rein, all P<0.0001; surface, all P<0.042). In the symmetrical group, no significant influence of surface or rein was identified for head movement symmetry (rein, all P>0.245; surface, all P>0.073). No significant influence of surface or rein was identified for any of the pelvic movement symmetry measures in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

While more symmetrical horses showed a consistent amount of movement symmetry across surfaces/reins, horses objectively quantified as lame on the straight showed decreased movement symmetry during lungeing, in particular with the lame limb on the inside of a hard circle. The variation within group questions straight-line movement symmetry as a sole measure of lameness without quantification of movement symmetry on the lunge, ideally on hard and soft surfaces to evaluate differences between reins and surfaces. In future, thresholds for lungeing need to be determined using simultaneous visual and objective assessment.

Rater agreement on gait assessment during neurologic examination of horses

Background

Reproducible and accurate recognition of presence and severity of ataxia in horses with neurologic disease is important when establishing a diagnosis, assessing response to treatment, and making recommendations that might influence rider safety or a decision for euthanasia.

Objectives

To determine the reproducibility and validity of the gait assessment component in the neurologic examination of horses.

Animals

Twenty‐five horses referred to the Royal Veterinary College Equine Referral Hospital for neurological assessment (n = 15), purchased (without a history of gait abnormalities) for an unrelated study (n = 5), or donated because of perceived ataxia (n = 5).

Methods

Utilizing a prospective study design; a group of board‐certified medicine (n = 2) and surgery (n = 2) clinicians and residents (n = 2) assessed components of the equine neurologic examination (live and video recorded) and assigned individual and overall neurologic gait deficit grades (0–4). Inter‐rater agreement and assessment‐reassessment reliability were quantified using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC).

Results

The ICCs of the selected components of the neurologic examination ranged from 0 to 0.69. “Backing up” and “recognition of mistakes over obstacle” were the only components with an ICC > 0.6. Assessment‐reassessment agreement was poor to fair. The agreement on gait grading was good overall (ICC = 0.74), but poor for grades ≤ 1 (ICC = 0.08) and fair for ataxia grades ≥ 2 (ICC = 0.43). Clinicians with prior knowledge of a possible gait abnormality were more likely to assign a grade higher than the median grade.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Clinicians should be aware of poor agreement even between skilled observers of equine gait abnormalities, especially when the clinical signs are subtle.

Accuracy and precision of gait events derived from motion capture in horses during walk and trot

This study aimed to create an evidence base for detection of stance-phase timings from motion capture in horses. The objective was to compare the accuracy (bias) and precision (SD) for five published algorithms for the detection of hoof-on and hoof-off using force plates as the reference standard. Six horses were walked and trotted over eight force plates surrounded by a synchronised 12-camera infrared motion capture system. The five algorithms (A-E) were based on: (A) horizontal velocity of the hoof; (B) Fetlock angle and horizontal hoof velocity; (C) horizontal displacement of the hoof relative to the centre of mass; (D) horizontal velocity of the hoof relative to the Centre of Mass and; (E) vertical acceleration of the hoof. A total of 240 stance phases in walk and 240 stance phases in trot were included in the assessment. Method D provided the most accurate and precise results in walk for stance phase duration with a bias of 4.1% for front limbs and 4.8% for hind limbs. For trot we derived a combination of method A for hoof-on and method E for hoof-off resulting in a bias of -6.2% of stance in the front limbs and method B for the hind limbs with a bias of 3.8% of stance phase duration. We conclude that motion capture yields accurate and precise detection of gait events for horses walking and trotting over ground and the results emphasise a need for different algorithms for front limbs versus hind limbs in trot.

Landscape of two-proton radioactivity

Ground-state two-proton (2p) radioactivity is a decay mode found in isotopes of elements with even atomic numbers located beyond the two-proton drip line. So far, this exotic process has been experimentally observed in a few light- and medium-mass nuclides with Z≤30. In this study, using state-of-the-art nuclear density functional theory, we globally analyze 2p radioactivity and for the first time identify 2p-decay candidates in elements heavier than strontium. We predict a few cases where the competition between 2p emission and α decay may be observed. In nuclei above lead, the α-decay mode is found to be dominating and no measurable candidates for the 2p radioactivity are expected.

Accuracy and precision of equine gait event detection during walking with limb and trunk mounted inertial sensors

The increased variations of temporal gait events when pathology is present are good candidate features for objective diagnostic tests. We hypothesised that the gait events hoof-on/off and stance can be detected accurately and precisely using features from trunk and distal limb-mounted Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs). Four IMUs were mounted on the distal limb and five IMUs were attached to the skin over the dorsal spinous processes at the withers, fourth lumbar vertebrae and sacrum as well as left and right tuber coxae. IMU data were synchronised to a force plate array and a motion capture system. Accuracy (bias) and precision (SD of bias) was calculated to compare force plate and IMU timings for gait events. Data were collected from seven horses. One hundred and twenty three (123) front limb steps were analysed; hoof-on was detected with a bias (SD) of -7 (23) ms, hoof-off with 0.7 (37) ms and front limb stance with -0.02 (37) ms. A total of 119 hind limb steps were analysed; hoof-on was found with a bias (SD) of -4 (25) ms, hoof-off with 6 (21) ms and hind limb stance with 0.2 (28) ms. IMUs mounted on the distal limbs and sacrum can detect gait events accurately and precisely.

Flavor release of the tomato flavor enhancer, 2-isobutylthiazole, from whey protein stabilized model dressings

A tomato flavor enhancer, 2-isobutylthiazole (IBT), was added (5 mg/kg) to dressings emulsified with either a whey protein concentrate-80 (WPC-80), a WPC-80 hydrolysate or β-lactoglobulin at high pressure (70 MPa) at either 20 or 75 °C. The short (2-4 min), high-temperature treatment left the proteins essentially unchanged. IBT addition gave a dominant, green tomato flavor that masked the intrinsic odor of the WPC-80 hydrolysate but enhanced bitter flavor. The sensory IBT odor intensity was determined by oil level (5-30%) and pH; pH 4.0 gave higher IBT odor than pH 6.5. The green (IBT) odor release correlated with the sensory viscosity (p = 0.001) and with instrumentally determined complex modulus (p = 0.001), but not to the dressings' microstructure. The presence of small (<<1.5 µm) oil particles that were difficult to identify from images may explain why no correlation between green odor and microstructure was found. Headspace analysis significantly detected differences in the release of IBT from the different protein types: WPC-80 dressings released the most and β-lactoglobulin the least amounts of IBT into headspace. As this difference in release of IBT among proteins could not be verified by sensory analysis, it may bear no relevance for perception.

Increased incidence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections detected by laboratory-based surveillance in Denmark in 2010

In Denmark recurrent epidemics of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections have been described since the 1950s at intervals of approximately four to six years. The latest epidemic occurred in 2004/05 followed by two years of high incidence and more than three years of low incidence. Due to a recent increase in diagnosed cases since late summer 2010, we conducted a survey of positive M. pneumoniae PCR tests performed by clinical microbiology departments in Denmark, which indicated that a new epidemic may be underway.

Increased incidence of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections detected by laboratory-based surveillance in Denmark in 2010

In Denmark recurrent epidemics of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections have been described since the 1950s at intervals of approximately four to six years. The latest epidemic occurred in 2004/05 followed by two years of high incidence and more than three years of low incidence. Due to a recent increase in diagnosed cases since late summer 2010, we conducted a survey of positive M. pneumoniae PCR tests performed by clinical microbiology departments in Denmark, which indicated that a new epidemic may be underway.

Long-term treatment of CTCL with the oral PNP inhibitor, forodesine

8552

Background: Forodesine is a potent inhibitor of purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP) that leads to T-cell selective intracellular accumulation of dGTP, resulting in apoptosis. Methods: An open-label dose escalation study of oral forodesine (40–320 mg/m2 daily) for 4 wks with extended therapy was performed to determine the maximum tolerated and/or optimal biologic dose (OBD). Additional subjects were accrued at an OBD (80 mg/m2) to further assess safety and clinical efficacy. Subjects with refractory CTCL, stages IB-IV were eligible. The primary efficacy endpoint (objective response rate [ORR]) was defined as ≥ 50% improvement by a severity-weighted assessment tool (mSWAT). Results: The overall intent to treat response rate was 17 of 64 (27%) subjects or 14 of 36 (39%) at the OBD. As of October 2008, nine of 64 subjects (14%) have received forodesine treatment for >12 months. This cohort of 9 subjects is further examined. Six discontinued treatment (median time on treatment 440 days): 4 for progressive disease, 1 withdrew consent, and 1 due to an adverse event (Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma). Three are continuing on therapy for 416, 710, and 863 days. Median age was 68 years (range 42, 81), and all but one was ≥ stage III. They had received a median of 3 prior systemic therapies including 8 of 9 with prior bexarotene. Five of 9 subjects had a response (2 with complete response, 3 with partial response, and 4 with stable disease). Related AEs were experienced by 7 of 9 subjects. The most frequent were nausea (44%), fatigue, peripheral edema, dyspnea, and urinary casts (all 22%). Grade 3 or higher related AEs were experienced by 2 of 9 subjects (Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma as previously mentioned and peripheral edema). There were no hematologic or infection AEs related to forodesine. Grade 3 lymphopenia and CD4 count < 200 were noted in 8 of 9 and 4 of 9 subjects respectively. The risk of any infection AE regardless of cause in these 9 subjects was 15 per 100 person-months of forodesine exposure compared to 59 in all other subjects (n=55). Conclusions: Forodesine has an acceptable safety profile and efficacy in these CTCL subjects treated for 12 months or longer.

[Table: see text]

Unique antigenic determinants (idiotypes) used as markers in a patient with macroglobulinemia and urticaria. Similar idiotypes demonstrated in the skin and on peripheral blood lymphocytes

An antiserum was raised against a monoclonal IgMk macroglobulin isolated from serum of a patient with recurrent urticaria. The antiserum was made idiotype-specific through adequate absorptions. The anti-idiotype antiserum reacted only with the immunizing protein and its Fab fragments and not with other monoclonal proteins of IgM and IgA class or pooled IgG as assayed in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. IgM antibodies with the same idiotype as the monoclonal IgM protein were detected in the dermal/epidermal junction area of diseased skin. The similar idiotypic determinants could also be demonstrated on membrane-bound molecules of peripheral blood B and T lymphocytes using the immunofluorescence methods.

Front-Face Fluorescence Measurement of Photosensitizers and Lipid Oxidation Products During the Photooxidation of Butter

This paper shows that fluorescence spectroscopy can measure both degradation of photosensitizers and formation of lipid oxidation products in light-exposed butter. The photosensitizers were already notably degraded after 4 h of light exposure, whereas fluorescent lipid oxidation products were detected after 5 d. The fluorescence measurements were highly correlated with sensory assessments of acidic and rancid flavor. Photosensitizer degradation is therefore a promising indirect indicator of the onset of lipid oxidation in butter. Sensory analysis and measurement of peroxide value showed that the level of lipid oxidation was significantly higher for butter stored in air compared with butter stored in nitrogen (N2). This might be explained by the formation of singlet oxygen from direct photooxidation and type II photosensitized oxidation. Addition of the singlet oxygen quencher beta-carotene reduced the rancid flavor intensity in the air and N2 packages from 9.0 to 4.9 and from 6.5 to 4.7, respectively. Results indicate that lipid oxidation in the butter stored in N2 was mainly caused by type I photosensitized reactions, because addition of beta-carotene had little effect on the rancid flavor intensity.

Determinants of diagnostic investigation sensitivities across the clinical spectrum of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease

To validate the provisional findings of a number of smaller studies and explore additional determinants of characteristic diagnostic investigation results across the entire clinical spectrum of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), an international collaborative study was undertaken comprising 2451 pathologically confirmed (definite) patients. We assessed the influence of age at disease onset, illness duration, prion protein gene (PRNP) codon 129 polymorphism (either methionine or valine) and molecular sub-type on the diagnostic sensitivity of EEG, cerebral MRI and the CSF 14-3-3 immunoassay. For EEG and CSF 14-3-3 protein detection, we also assessed the influence of the time point in a patient's illness at which the investigation was performed on the likelihood of a typical or positive result. Analysis included a large subset of patients (n = 743) in whom molecular sub-typing had been performed using a combination of the PRNP codon 129 polymorphism and the form of protease resistant prion protein [type 1 or 2 according to Parchi et al. (Parchi P, Giese A, Capellari S, Brown P, Schulz-Schaeffer W, Windl O, Zerr I, Budka H, Kopp N, Piccardo P, Poser S, Rojiani A, Streichemberger N, Julien J, Vital C, Ghetti B, Gambetti P, Kretzschmar H. Classification of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease based on molecular and phenotypic analysis of 300 subjects. Ann Neurol 1999; 46: 224-233.)] present in the brain. Findings for the whole group paralleled the subset with molecular sub-typing data available, showing that age at disease onset and disease duration were independent determinants of typical changes on EEG, while illness duration significantly influenced positive CSF 14-3-3 protein detection; changes on brain MRI were not influenced by either of these clinical parameters, but overall, imaging data were less complete and consequently conclusions are more tentative. In addition to age at disease onset and illness duration, molecular sub-type was re-affirmed as an important independent determinant of investigation results. In multivariate analyses that included molecular sub-type, time point of the investigation during a patient's illness was found not to influence the occurrence of a typical or positive EEG or CSF 14-3-3 protein result. A typical EEG was most often seen in MM1 patients and was significantly less likely in the MV1, MV2 and VV2 sub-types, whereas VV2 patients had an increased likelihood of a typical brain MRI. Overall, the CSF 14-3-3 immunoassay was the most frequently positive investigation (88.1%) but performed significantly less well in the very uncommon MV2 and MM2 sub-types. Our findings confirm a number of determinants of principal investigation results in sporadic CJD and underscore the importance of recognizing these pre-test limitations before accepting the diagnosis excluded or confirmed. Combinations of investigations offer the best chance of detection, especially for the less common molecular sub-types such as MV2 and MM2.

Vorinostat (suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid, SAHA) is clinically active in advanced cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL): Results of a phase IIb trial

7500

Background: Vorinostat is a histone deacetylase inhibitor that has demonstrated clinical activity at tolerable dose levels in patients (pts) with advanced CTCL in phase I and IIa trials. Methods: Open-label, single-arm, nonrandomized phase IIb trial of oral vorinostat 400 mg daily until disease progression or intolerable toxicity. Eligibility: advanced CTCL; ≥ 2 prior systemic therapies which must have included bexarotene unless unable to tolerate; adequate hematologic, hepatic and renal function. Planned sample size: ≥ 50 evaluable pts with clinical stage ≥ IIB. Primary endpoint: objective response rate (OR = CR + PR) as measured by a modified skin severity weighted assessment tool. The study would be positive if OR in ≥ stage IIB pts was ≥ 20%. Secondary endpoints: assessment of response duration (DOR), time to progression (TTP), time to response (TTR), pruritus relief and safety. Results: Seventy-four pts (median age, 60 y [range, 39–83]; median 3 prior systemic therapies) were enrolled (61 pts ≥ stage IIB) from 9/04 to 5/05 at 18 centers. Data cut-off was 11/05 with a median follow-up of 4 months. Efficacy data are shown in Table 1 . The OR was 29.5% (18 PR including 1 with later CR) in ≥ stage IIB pts. Median TTP was 148 d for all pts and 203.5+ d for responders. The most common drug-related adverse experiences (AE) were diarrhea (49%), fatigue (46%), nausea (43%) and anorexia (26%), and were mostly ≤ Grade 2. Drug-related ECG changes were Grade 1 in 5 pts (7%) and Grade 2 in 1 pt (1%), but not associated with cardiac symptoms. Seven pts discontinued and 10 had dose modification due to drug-related AE. Drug-related AE ≥ Grade 3 included fatigue (5%), pulmonary embolism (5%), nausea (4%) and thrombocytopenia (4%). Twenty-five pts discontinued due to progressive disease. Causes of the 3 deaths on study were: unknown (d 2), ischemic stroke (d 227) and disease progression (d 52). Conclusion: Oral vorinostat is effective in the treatment of advanced CTCL with an acceptable safety profile.

[Table: see text]

[Table: see text]

Development of a computed tomographic calibration method for the determination of lean meat content in pig carcasses

Sixty left sides of pig carcasses were scanned by spiral computed tomography (CT) to measure lean meat weight and percentage. The carcasses were fully dissected and scanned to develop a calibration protocol. Different image analyses were performed on the basis of anatomically defined scans, direct volumetric estimation, body- and grey-scale ranges and using Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression of data provided by CT. The R2 values of the calibrations for lean meat weight were 0.874, 0.976, 0.983 and 0.992, respectively, depending on the method applied. The PLS proved to be the best approach with a calibration RSD of 232 g. When changing from lean meat weight to percentage, the statistical goodness drops-to a very small extent (R2 = 0.988, RSD = 0.56). According to the results, the CT method can be recommended as a reference for determining the lean meat content of pig carcasses.

Serum amyloid A isoforms in serum and synovial fluid in horses with lipopolysaccharide-induced arthritis

The aim of the study was to determine the intraarticular serum amyloid A (SAA) response pattern in horses with inflammatory arthritis. Inflammatory arthritis was induced by injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into the radiocarpal joint of four horses. Serum and synovial fluid (SF) samples were collected before and at 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 144 h after injection. Concentrations of SAA were measured by immunoturbidometry, and expression of SAA isoforms was visualized by denaturing isoelectric focusing and Western blotting. The LPS injection caused systemic and local clinical signs of inflammation. Serum amyloid A appeared in serum and SF within 8h after LPS injection. Isoelectric focusing showed three major SAA bands with apparent isoelectric points (pI) of 7.9, 8.6, and >9.3 in serum and SF. Synovial fluid contained two additional isoforms with highly alkaline apparent pI values (apparent pI value extrapolated from standard curve=10.0 and 10.2), which were not present in any of the serum samples. In conclusion, intraarticular injection of LPS induced systemic and local inflammatory responses in the horses. By demonstrating SF-specific SAA isoforms the results of the present study suggest that SAA is synthesized locally in the equine inflamed joint, similar to what has been demonstrated in humans previously. The marked local SAA synthesis suggests an important pathophysiological role in inflammatory arthritis.