The effectiveness of fascial closure with antimicrobial-coated sutures in preventing incisional surgical site infections in gastrointestinal surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy of fascial closure using antimicrobial-sutures specifically for the prevention of surgical site infections (SSIs) in gastrointestinal surgery, as part of the revision of the SSI prevention guidelines of the Japanese Society of Surgical Infectious Diseases (JSSI). We searched CENTRAL, PubMed and ICHUSHI-Web in May 2023, and included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing antimicrobial-coated and non-coated sutures for fascial closure in gastrointestinal surgery (PROSPERO No. CRD42023430377). Three authors independently screened the RCTs. We assessed the risk of bias and the GRADE criteria for the extracted data. The primary outcome was incisional SSI and the secondary outcomes were abdominal wall dehiscence and the length of postoperative hospital stay. This study was supported partially by the JSSI. A total of 10 RCTs and 5396 patients were included. The use of antimicrobial-coated sutures significantly lowered the risk of incisional SSIs compared with non-coated suture (risk ratio: 0.79, 95% confidence intervals: 0.64-0.98). In subgroup analyses, antimicrobial-coated sutures reduced the risk of SSIs for open surgeries, and when monofilament sutures were used. Antimicrobial-coated sutures did not reduce the incidence of abdominal wall dehiscence and the length of hospital stay compared with non-coated sutures. The certainty of the evidence was rated as moderate according to the GRADE criteria, because of risk of bias. In conclusion, the use of antimicrobial-coated sutures for fascial closure in gastrointestinal surgery is associated with a significantly lower risk of SSI than non-coated sutures.

Prognostic value of increased intraepithelial lymphocytes and lymphocytic clonality in dogs with chronic enteropathy or small-cell lymphoma

The clinical significance of severe infiltration of small intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) and the results of polymerase chain reaction for antigen receptor rearrangement (PARR) in dogs with chronic enteropathy (CE) and small-cell lymphoma (SCL) are controversial. This cohort study aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of the IEL and PARR results in dogs with CE or SCL. Although definitive diagnostic histopathological criteria for SCL in dogs have yet to be established, dogs with the histopathological findings of severe IEL infiltration were diagnosed with SCL in this study. One hundred and nineteen dogs were recruited, with 23 dogs classified as having SCL and 96 dogs as having CE. The positive rate of PARR was 59.6% (71/119) in the duodenum and 57.7% (64/111) in the ileum. Subsequently, three dogs with SCL and four dogs with CE developed large-cell lymphoma (LCL). The median overall survival (OS) of dogs with SCL was 700 days (range, 6-1410 days), and that of dogs with CE was not reached. In the log-rank test, shorter OS was observed in cases with histopathological SCL (P = 0.035), clonal TCRγ rearrangement in the duodenum (P < 0.012), and clonal IgH rearrangement in the ileum (P < 0.0001). The Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for sex and age showed that histopathological SCL (hazard ratio [HR] 1.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.83-3.65), duodenal clonal TCRγ rearrangement (HR, 1.80; 95% CI, 0.86-3.75), and ileal clonal IgH rearrangement (HR, 2.28; 95% CI, 0.92-5.70) could shorten overall survival, although their 95% CIs included 1.0. These results indicate that severe IEL infiltration could be a useful histopathological feature for diagnosing SCL, and clonality-positive results could be a negative prognostic factor in dogs with CE. Furthermore, the development of LCL should be carefully monitored in dogs with CE and SCL.

OP0128 DISTINCT FEATURES OF HLA-DR+ AND HLA-DR- PD-1HI CXCR5- T PERIPHERAL HELPER CELLS IN SEROPOSITIVE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background:

PD-1hi CXCR5- T peripheral helper (Tph) cells are newly identified pathogenic CD4+ helper T cells in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Since Tph cells have been emerged quite recently, the characteristics of Tph cells as a biomarker of RA are not fully understood.

Objectives:

The aim of the study is to evaluate how useful Tph cells in peripheral bloods are when compared to other immune cell subsets, and to clarify which Tph subset most accurately reflects the disease activity of RA.

Methods:

The RA patients who visited our rheumatology department between January 2000 and February 2017, and met the 2010 ACR/European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) classification criteria were included. We first assessed correlation with 40 immune cell subsets and the disease activity of RA. Next, the proportions of these immune cells were compared between RA and healthy controls (HCs). We also investigated the immune cell subsets which reflected the time course change of the disease activity after the methotrexate (MTX) treatment. The study protocol was approved by the ethics committee at Keio University School of Medicine.

Results:

Thirty-four seropositive RA, 12 seronegative RA and 34 HCs were included. The Immune cell subsets which showed correlation with DAS28-ESR (r> 0.2 or r> -0.2) were activated CD4 T cells (r= 0.31), HLA-DR+Th1 cells (r= 0.20), HLA-DR+Th1-17 cells (r= 0.25), Tfh1-17 cells (r= -0.25), HLA-DR+Tph cells (r= 0.22), CD3+CD8+naïve T cells (r= -0.25), CD3+CD8+effector memory T cells (r= -0.26), plasma cells (r= 0.40) and CD14++CD16+intermediate monocyte (r= 0.23). The proportions of HLA-DR+Th1 cells (2.3% vs. 5.7%), HLA-DR+Th1-17 cells (0.7% vs. 2.2%), Tfh1-17 cells (1.7% vs. 2.0%), HLA-DR+Tph cells (0.02% vs. 0.1%), CD3+CD8+effector memory T cells (16.6% vs 25.7%), plasma cells (0.04% vs. 0.17%) were statistically higher in the patients with RA compared to HCs. While the proportion of Tph cells showed weak correlation with DAS28-ESR (r= 0.18), that was extremely higher in RA (0.08% vs. 0.25%). Interestingly, when assessing the correlations with the disease activity in seropositive and seronegative RA separately, the proportions of Tph cells (r= 0.52) and HLA-DR+Tph cells (r= 0.50) were highly reflected in seropositive RA, but not in seronegative RA. Regarding the disease activity after the MTX treatment, the change of proportion of Tph cells between week 0 and 52 significantly reflected the change of DAS28-ESR (r= 0.75, p= 0.025), but not HLA-DR+Tph cells because of the non-specific reduction by the MTX treatment. Rather, HLA-DR-Tph cells significantly reflected the change of DAS28-ESR while receiving the MTX treatment (r= 0.76, p= 0.021).

Conclusion:

Tph cells and HLA-DR+Tph cells highly reflected the disease activity of seropositive RA. However, after the treatment, the proportion of HLA-DR+Tph cells decreased independent from the disease activity, and that of HLA-DR-Tph cells more accurately reflected the change of the disease activity during the treatment.

References:

[1]Rao DA, et al. Pathologically expanded peripheral T helper cell subset drives B cells in rheumatoid arthritis. Nature. 2017;542:110-114.

Disclosure of Interests:

Hiroki Yamada: None declared, Takanori Sasaki: None declared, Katsuya Suzuki: None declared, Masaru Takeshita: None declared, Shuhei Tanemura Employee of: I am employed by Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Noriyasu Seki Employee of: I am employed by Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Hideto Tsujimoto Employee of: I am employed by Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Tsutomu Takeuchi Grant/research support from: Eisai Co., Ltd, Astellas Pharma Inc., AbbVie GK, Asahi Kasei Pharma Corporation, Nippon Kayaku Co., Ltd, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd, UCB Pharma, Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Mitsubishi-Tanabe Pharma Corp., Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Consultant of: Chugai Pharmaceutical Co Ltd, Astellas Pharma Inc., Eli Lilly Japan KK, Speakers bureau: AbbVie GK, Eisai Co., Ltd, Mitsubishi-Tanabe Pharma Corporation, Chugai Pharmaceutical Co Ltd, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, AYUMI Pharmaceutical Corp., Eisai Co., Ltd, Daiichi Sankyo Co., Ltd., Gilead Sciences, Inc., Novartis Pharma K.K., Pfizer Japan Inc., Sanofi K.K., Dainippon Sumitomo Co., Ltd.

Development of canine X-chromosome inactivation pattern analysis for the detection of cell clonality by incorporating the examination of the SLIT and NTRK-like family member 4 (SLITRK4) gene

X-chromosome inactivation pattern (XCIP) analysis can be used to assess the clonality of cell populations of various origin by distinguishing the methylated X chromosome from the unmethylated X chromosome. In this study, the utility of XCIP analysis was improved by incorporating the examination of AC dinucleotide repeats in SLIT and NTRK-like family member 4 (SLITRK4) gene into the previously reported CAG repeat examination of androgen receptor (AR) gene in dogs. The rate of heterozygosity when both genes were analysed (125/150, 83.3%) was higher than AR gene examination alone (86/150, 57.3%). Blood samples from heterozygous dogs in either AC-1 or AC-2 of SLITRK4 gene were examined for the corrected inactivation allele ratio (CIAR), resulting in the determination of a reference range of CIAR <3.8 in non-neoplastic cell/tissue samples. Using this analytical method, 49% (21/43) of neoplastic tissue samples from dogs showed a CIAR >3.8, indicating the presence of a clonal population. Through the present study, the availability of canine XCIP analysis was improved by incorporating the examination of the SLITRK4 gene, providing a highly useful laboratory examination system for the detection of the clonality of various cell/tissue samples in dogs.

IgA Antibodies Against Gliadin and Tissue Transglutaminase in Dogs With Chronic Enteritis and Intestinal T-Cell Lymphoma

Molecular clonality analysis of T-cell receptor (TCR) genes for diagnosing T-cell lymphoma is widely used in veterinary medicine. However, differentiating chronic enteritis (CE) from intestinal lymphoma is challenging because of the incompatibility between histopathologic and clonality analysis results. On the basis of findings that canine intestinal T-cell lymphoma and celiac disease share some common features, we conducted serologic examinations in combination with histopathologic and T-cell receptor clonality analyses in 48 dogs diagnosed with either CE or intestinal lymphoma. Immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against gliadin and tissue transglutaminase (tTG) were quantitatively measured using ELISA. The conditions were classified according to the histopathologic diagnosis, clonality analysis, and combined histopathologic/clonality analysis. Histopathologic analysis showed that dogs with intestinal lymphoma were likely to have high levels of serum IgA antibodies against gliadin and tTG, and serum IgG antibodies against tTG. No correlation between the diagnosed groups and control group was observed in the results of the clonality analysis and histopathologic/clonality analysis. It is interesting that dogs with intestinal lymphoma had a higher serum IgA titer against gliadin and tTG than did dogs with CE. These results suggest an association between repetitive inflammatory stimulation by gliadin peptides and subsequent intestinal lymphoma in dogs.

Analysis of serum corticosteroid-induced alkaline phosphatase isoenzyme in dogs with hepatobiliary diseases

OBJECTIVE

To reveal the relationship between canine corticosteroid-induced alkaline phosphatase isoenzyme activity and hepatobiliary diseases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective analysis of the relationship between serum corticosteroid-induced alkaline phosphatase activity and diagnosis, serum cortisol concentration and alanine transferase activity in dogs with hepatobiliary diseases. Dogs with a history of glucocorticoid administration were excluded.

RESULTS

Seventy-two dogs with hepatobiliary diseases were analysed. The serum corticosteroid-induced alkaline phosphatase concentration was increased in dogs with hepatobiliary diseases. There was no correlation between serum cortisol concentration and serum corticosteroid-induced alkaline phosphatase percentage or activity.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Dogs with hepatobiliary disease can exhibit high serum alkaline phosphatase activity even if the dogs have not been administrated glucocorticoids and the serum cortisol concentration is normal.

Genetic and epigenetic aberrations of p16 in feline primary neoplastic diseases and tumor cell lines of lymphoid and non-lymphoid origins

The p16 gene acts as a tumor suppressor by regulating the cell cycle and is frequently inactivated in human and canine cancers. The aim of this study was to characterize genetic and epigenetic alterations of the p16 in feline lymphoid and non-lymphoid malignancies, using 74 primary tumors and 11 tumor cell lines. Cloning of feline p16 and subsequent sequence analysis revealed 11 germline sequence polymorphisms in control cats. Bisulfite sequencing analysis of the p16 promoter region in a feline lymphoma cell line revealed that promoter methylation was associated with decreased mRNA expression. Treatment with a demethylating agent restored mRNA expression of the silenced p16. PCR amplification and sequencing analysis detected homozygous loss (five tumors, 6.7%) and a missense mutation (one tumor, 1.4%) in the 74 primary tumors analyzed. Methylation-specific PCR analysis revealed promoter methylation in 10 primary tumors (14%). Promoter methylation was frequent in B cell lymphoid tumors (7/21 tumors, 33%). These genetic and epigenetic alterations were also observed in lymphoma and mammary gland carcinoma cell lines, but not detected in non-neoplastic control specimens. These data indicate that molecular alterations of the p16 locus may be involved in the development of specific types of feline cancer, and warrant further studies to evaluate the clinical value of this evolutionarily-conserved molecular alteration in feline cancers.

Two Cases of Feline Malignant Craniopharyngioma

Tumors at the cranial base in 2 cats (a 9 1/2-year-old, castrated male Chinchilla and a 7-year-old, castrated male American shorthair) were diagnosed as malignant craniopharyngioma. The tumor lesion was histopathologically divided into four parts: 1) a small acinus part, in which relatively large cells with a pale cytoplasm composed small acini; 2) a duct part, in which small cuboidal cells composed ducts; 3) a cyst part, in which there were large cysts lined with flat cells; and 4) a pavement part, in which large multiangular-shaped cells proliferated in a pavement pattern. The epithelial cells of some parts were positive for keratin by immunohistochemistry. Histopathologic findings of the present feline cases were identical to those of malignant craniopharyngioma in other animal species.

Changes in the Small Intestine of a Cat Associated with Barium Sulphate Following Contrast Radiography

A 7-year-old neutered male domestic short-haired cat that had undergone contrast radiography of the bowel with barium sulphate after acute episodes of vomiting 2 months previously, was presented with chronic vomiting, anorexia and weight loss. Abdominal radiography and ultrasonography revealed residual contrast enhancement and an obstruction of the small intestine. A contracted and stenosed ileum and distal jejunum were identified by exploratory laparotomy and surgically resected; subsequently, the clinical signs resolved. Histopathological examination of the ileum revealed mucosal ulceration with severe submucosal granulation tissue formation associated with scattered foreign crystalline material. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed that the crystals contained barium sulphate. This is the first report in animals of the rare complication of barium sulphate incorporation into the gastrointestinal mucosa after contrast radiography.

Pathologic Features of Colorectal Inflammatory Polyps in Miniature Dachshunds

The histopathologic characteristics of colorectal inflammatory polyps that formed in Miniature Dachshunds were compared with those of other colorectal proliferative lesions, including adenomas and adenocarcinomas. Fifty-three colorectal polypoid lesions were histopathologically classified into inflammatory polyps (26 cases), adenoma (18 cases), and adenocarcinoma (9 cases). All 26 dogs that were diagnosed with inflammatory polyps were Miniature Dachshunds, indicating that colorectal inflammatory polyps exhibit a marked predilection for this breed. The inflammatory polyps had complex histopathologic features and were classified into 3 stages based on their epithelial composition. In early stage (stage 1), the polyps tended to exhibit a thickened mucosa containing hyperplastic goblet cells, dilated crypts filled with a large amount of mucus, and mild lymphocyte and macrophage infiltration. In later stages (stages 2 and 3), more severe neutrophil infiltration, interstitial mucus accumulation, granulation tissue, and occasional osteoid tissue were seen. Also, a few small foci of dysplastic epithelial cells were detected. The hyperplastic goblet cells, which were a major component of the epithelium of the inflammatory polyps, were positive for cytokeratin 20 (CK20), while the dysplastic epithelial cells found in inflammatory polyps (stage 3) and the tumor cells of the adenomas and adenocarcinomas were negative for CK20. These CK20-negative epithelial cells exhibited cytoplasmic and nuclear immunoreactivity for beta-catenin. In addition, the epithelial cells in the inflammatory polyps demonstrated significantly higher cyclooxygenase 2 and fibroblast growth factor 2 expression than did those of the adenomas and adenocarcinomas, suggesting that the arachidonate cascade is involved in the development of colorectal inflammatory polyps in miniature dachshunds.

Preoperative chemoradiation therapy for esophageal cancer is a risk factor for the elevation of high mobility group box-1, leading to an increase in postoperative severe pulmonary complications

We herein clarified the time course of changes in the serum high mobility group box chromosomal protein-1 (HMGB-1) concentrations in esophageal cancer patients after esophagectomy, and investigated whether the perioperative serum HMGB-1 levels correlate with the administration of neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (NACRT) and the postoperative clinical course, especially the occurrence of pulmonary complications, in such patients. Sixty patients who underwent right transthoracic esophagectomy for esophageal cancer were enrolled in this study. The relationship between the perioperative serum HMGB-1 levels and NACRT, and the postoperative severe pulmonary complications were evaluated. Patients with severe pulmonary complications (n = 44) tended to have undergone NACRT more often than those without severe pulmonary complications (n = 16). The preoperative and postoperative day 7 serum HMGB-1 concentrations were significantly higher in patients with severe pulmonary complications than those in patients without severe pulmonary complications. In the univariate and multivariate analyses, the use of NACRT and the preoperative elevations in the serum HMGB-1 levels (>4.2 ng/mL) were found to be significantly associated with pulmonary dysfunction. Furthermore, the response to NACRT was found to be significantly associated with the preoperative serum HMGB-1 levels. The use of NACRT contributes to preoperative serum HMGB-1 elevation, and these were risk factors for the occurrence of severe postoperative pulmonary complications in patients with esophageal cancer after thoracic esophagectomy.

Mutation of p53 Gene and Its Correlation with the Clinical Outcome in Dogs with Lymphoma

Background

p53 plays a key role in the apoptotic event induced by chemotherapeutic agents. Mutation of p53 gene has been observed in various spontaneous tumors in humans and is associated with a poor prognosis. p53 abnormalities have been evaluated in several tumors in dogs; however, the association of p53 gene mutation with clinical outcome in dogs with lymphoma has not been documented.

Hypothesis/Objectives

The aim of this study was to examine p53 mutation in canine lymphoma cells and its association with the clinical outcome.

Animals

Forty‐three dogs with previously untreated high‐grade lymphoma referred to the University of Tokyo were included in this study.

Methods

Prospective cohort study. We examined p53 gene (exon 4–8) mutation in the tumor tissues from 43 dogs with lymphoma using PCR‐SSCP (polymerase chain reaction – single‐strand conformational polymorphism) analysis, followed by nucleotide sequencing of the abnormal bands.

Results

Of the 43 dogs, 7 dogs (16%) had p53 mutation, whereas 36 dogs (84%) were devoid of p53 mutation. Overall response rate after remission induction was significantly lower (33% versus 88%, P = .002) in dogs with lymphomas having p53 mutation than those with lymphomas devoid of p53 mutation. Overall survival time was significantly shorter (67 days versus 264 days, P = .004) in dogs with lymphoma with p53 mutation than those with lymphoma retaining wild‐type p53.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Mutations of p53 gene were detected in a proportion of canine lymphoma cells from untreated dogs and can be associated with a poor prognosis.

Changes in Foxp3-Positive Regulatory T Cell Number in the Intestine of Dogs With Idiopathic Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Intestinal Lymphoma

Although regulatory T cells (Tregs) play an integral role in immunologic tolerance and the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis, their involvement in canine gastrointestinal diseases, including idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and intestinal lymphoma, remains unclear. Here we show altered numbers of forkhead box P3 (Foxp3)-positive Tregs in the intestine of dogs with IBD and intestinal lymphoma. IBD was diagnosed in 48 dogs; small cell intestinal lymphoma was diagnosed in 46 dogs; large cell intestinal lymphoma was diagnosed in 30 dogs; and 25 healthy beagles were used as normal controls. Foxp3-positive Tregs in the duodenal mucosa were examined by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Duodenal expression of interleukin-10 mRNA was quantified by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The number of Foxp3-positive lamina propria cells and the expression of interleukin-10 mRNA were significantly lower in dogs with IBD than in healthy dogs and dogs with intestinal lymphoma. The number of Foxp3-positive intraepithelial cells was higher in dogs with small cell intestinal lymphoma. Some large cell intestinal lymphoma cases had high numbers of Foxp3-positive cells, but the increase was not statistically significant. Double-labeling immunofluorescence showed that CD3-positive granzyme B-negative helper T cells expressed Foxp3. In small cell intestinal lymphoma cases, the overall survival of dogs with a high Treg density was significantly worse than that of dogs with a normal Treg density. These results suggest that a change in the number of Foxp3-positive Tregs contributes to the pathogenesis of canine IBD and intestinal lymphoma by disrupting mucosal tolerance and suppressing antitumor immunity, respectively.

Detection of monoclonality in intestinal lymphoma with polymerase chain reaction for antigen receptor gene rearrangement analysis to differentiate from enteritis in dogs

The diagnosis of canine intestinal lymphoma by morphological examination is challenging, especially when endoscopic tissue specimens are used. The utility of detection of antigen receptor gene rearrangement by polymerase chain reaction (PARR) in canine lymphoma has been well established, but its usefulness to distinguish enteritis and intestinal lymphoma remains unclear. In this retrospective study we assessed clonality of 29 primary canine intestinal lymphoma, 14 enteritis and 15 healthy control cases by PARR analysis, using formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded full-thickness tissue specimens. We could detect monoclonal rearrangements in 22 of 29 canine intestinal lymphomas [76%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 56-90%] and polyclonal rearrangements in all of the enteritis and healthy control cases (100%; CI 88-100%). We revealed a predominance of T-cell phenotype compared to B-cell phenotype (85%; CI 65-96% and 15%; CI 4-35%, respectively). We showed that PARR analysis contributes to differentiation of canine intestinal lymphoma from enteritis and to phenotyping of lymphomas.

Recommendations on vaccination for Asian small animal practitioners: a report of the WSAVA Vaccination Guidelines Group

In 2012 and 2013, the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) Vaccination Guidelines Group (VGG) undertook fact-finding visits to several Asian countries, with a view to developing advice for small companion animal practitioners in Asia related to the administration of vaccines to dogs and cats. The VGG met with numerous first opinion practitioners, small animal association leaders, academic veterinarians, government regulators and industry representatives and gathered further information from a survey of almost 700 veterinarians in India, China, Japan and Thailand. Although there were substantial differences in the nature and magnitude of the challenges faced by veterinarians in each country, and also differences in the resources available to meet those challenges, overall, the VGG identified insufficient undergraduate and postgraduate training in small companion animal microbiology, immunology and vaccinology. In most of the countries, there has been little academic research into small animal infectious diseases. This, coupled with insufficient laboratory diagnostic support, has limited the growth of knowledge concerning the prevalence and circulating strains of key infectious agents in most of the countries visited. Asian practitioners continue to recognise clinical infections that are now considered uncommon or rare in western countries. In particular, canine rabies virus infection poses a continuing threat to animal and human health in this region. Both nationally manufactured and international dog and cat vaccines are variably available in the Asian countries, but the product ranges are small and dominated by multi-component vaccines with a licensed duration of immunity (DOI) of only 1 year, or no description of DOI. Asian practitioners are largely unaware of current global trends in small animal vaccinology or of the WSAVA vaccination guidelines. Consequently, most practitioners continue to deliver annual revaccination with both core and non-core vaccines to adult animals, with little understanding that "herd immunity" is more important than frequent revaccination of individual animals within the population. In this paper, the VGG presents the findings of this project and makes key recommendations for the Asian countries. The VGG recommends that (1) Asian veterinary schools review and increase as needed the amount of instruction in small animal vaccinology within their undergraduate curriculum and increase the availability of pertinent postgraduate education for practitioners; (2) national small animal veterinary associations, industry veterinarians and academic experts work together to improve the scientific evidence base concerning small animal infectious diseases and vaccination in their countries; (3) national small animal veterinary associations take leadership in providing advice to practitioners based on improved local knowledge and global vaccination guidelines; (4) licensing authorities use this enhanced evidence base to inform and support the registration of improved vaccine product ranges for use in their countries, ideally with DOI for core vaccines similar or equal to those of equivalent products available in western countries (i.e. 3 or 4 years). The VGG also endorses the efforts made by Asian governments, non-governmental organisations and veterinary practitioners in working towards the goal of global elimination of canine rabies virus infection. In this paper, the VGG offers both a current pragmatic and future aspirational approach to small animal vaccination in Asia. As part of this project, the VGG delivered continuing education to over 800 Asian practitioners at seven events in four countries. Accompanying this document is a list of 80 frequently asked questions (with answers) that arose during these discussions. The VGG believes that this information will be of particular value to Asian veterinarians as they move towards implementing global trends in small companion animal vaccinology.

Chapter 12 The rock coast of Japan

The Japanese islands, situated in a tectonically unstable region with a highly variable geology, are exposed to high wave energy and microtidal environments in most locations. Rocky coasts are common, most having a steep cliff with coastal recession being primarily driven by wave erosion. A fundamental relationship between recession and wave force is obtained through reanalysis of previous laboratory data. On the basis of this relation a model is constructed for the development of type B platforms, that is, horizontal or subhorizontal platforms that have a steep scarp at the seaward edge. The process of wave attenuation on this type of platform and weathering-induced strength reduction of rocks are incorporated into the model. The model is applied to the southwestern coast of the Kii Peninsula and a platform at Ebisu-jima of the Izu Peninsula. Long-term development rates of platforms in the former area are examined: the model indicates that the rate of erosion when platforms were initiated at 6000 years BP is two orders of magnitude greater than present. At the Ebisu-jima platform, wave-induced erosion processes are explored on a daily basis: the model provides a description of temporal variations in platform growth, although the result is not fully satisfactory.

Plasma matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity in cats with lymphoma

In this study, plasma MMP-9 activity was evaluated in cats with lymphoma. Plasma samples were obtained from 26 cats with lymphoma before treatment. From 13 of the included 26 cats, plasma samples were obtained 4 weeks after the initiation of treatment. Plasma samples were also obtained from 10 healthy cats as a control. Plasma MMP-9 activity was examined by gelatin zymography and semi-quantitative value (arbitrary unit; a.u.) for each sample was calculated. Relatively high levels of MMP-9 were observed in cats with lymphoma compared with those in healthy control cats. MMP-9 quantification through zymography showed significantly higher activity in cats with lymphoma (median, 0.63 a.u.; range, 0.23-3.24 a.u.) than in healthy controls (0.22 a.u.; 0.12-0.46 a.u.; P < 0.01). MMP-9 activities were significantly different before (0.73 a.u.; 0.30-3.24 a.u.) and after treatment (0.50 a.u.; 0.14-1.32 a.u.; P = 0.017). Measuring plasma MMP-9 activity in cats with lymphoma may become an appropriate monitoring tool for feline lymphoma.

Demonstration of the Cell Clonality in Canine Hematopoietic Tumors by X-chromosome Inactivation Pattern Analysis

X-chromosome inactivation pattern (XCIP) analysis has been widely used to assess cell clonality in various types of human neoplasms. In this study, a polymerase chain reaction–based canine XCIP analysis of the androgen receptor ( AR) gene was applied for the assessment of cell clonality in canine hematopoietic tumors. This XCIP analysis is based on the polymorphic CAG repeats in the AR gene and the difference of methylation status between active and inactive X chromosomes. We first examined the polymorphisms of 2 CAG tandem repeats in the AR gene in 52 male and 150 female dogs of various breeds. The 2 polymorphic CAG repeats contained 9 to 12 and 10 to 14 CAGs in the first and second CAG repeats, respectively. Of the 150 female dogs, 74 (49.3%) were heterozygous for the first and/or second polymorphic CAG tandem repeats, indicating the utility of XCIP analysis in these dogs. Canine XCIP analysis was then applied to clinical samples from female dogs with canine high-grade lymphoma, chronic myelogenous leukemia, acute myelogenous leukemia, and benign lymph node hyperplasia. Of 10 lymphoma cell samples, 9 (90%) showed skewed XCIPs, indicating their clonal origins, whereas all the nonneoplastic lymph node samples showed balanced XCIPs. Moreover, bone marrow specimen from a dog with acute myelogenous leukemia and peripheral leukocyte specimens from 2 dogs with chronic myelogenous leukemia showed skewed XCIPs. XCIP analysis was successfully employed to demonstrate the cell clonality of canine hematopoietic tumors in this study and will be applicable to evaluate the clonality in various proliferative disorders in dogs.

Computed tomographic morphology and clinical features of extrahepatic portosystemic shunts in 172 dogs in Japan

Canine extrahepatic congenital portosystemic shunts (EH-cPSS) are classified into several anatomical types, depending on the origin and termination of the shunt vessel. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the proportion and clinical features of each anatomical shunt type in a population of dogs presented to a veterinary teaching hospital in Japan. Dogs diagnosed with EH-cPSS using computed tomographic (CT) portography were included (n=172) and shunts were classified based on previous reports. Clinical data were collected from case records and analysed statistically. The most common anatomical type was the spleno-phrenic shunt (n=64), followed by the spleno-azygos (n=38), right gastric-caval (n=29), spleno-caval (n=21), right gastric-caval with caudal loop (n=9), right gastric-phrenic (n=6), colono-caval (n=3), spleno-phrenic and azygos (n=1), and porto-caval (n=1) shunts. Spleno-phrenic and spleno-azygos shunts were diagnosed more frequently in older dogs than right gastric-caval and spleno-caval shunts (P<0.05). The portal vein/aortic (PV/Ao) ratio was significantly larger in dogs with spleno-phrenic shunts than in dogs with spleno-azygos, right gastric-caval or spleno-caval shunts (P<0.05). The PV/Ao ratio was significantly larger in dogs with spleno-azygos shunts than in dogs with right gastric-caval shunts. Dogs with spleno-phrenic shunts had significantly lower serum alkaline phosphatase activities than those with right gastric-caval or spleno-caval shunts. Dogs with spleno-phrenic shunts had significantly lower fasting ammonia concentrations than those with spleno-caval shunts.

The association between gall bladder mucoceles and hyperlipidaemia in dogs: a retrospective case control study

The diagnosis of gall bladder mucoceles (GM) in dogs has become increasingly frequent in veterinary medicine. Primary breed-specific hyperlipidaemia is reported in Shetland Sheepdogs and Miniature Schnauzers, breeds in which GM are known to occur more frequently than in other breeds. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between GM and hyperlipidaemia in dogs. The study design was a retrospective case control study. Medical records of dogs diagnosed with GM at the Veterinary Medical Centre of The University of Tokyo between 1 April 2007 and 31 March 2012, were reviewed. Fifty-eight dogs with GM and a record of either serum cholesterol, triglyceride, or glucose concentrations were included in the study. Hypercholesterolaemia (15/37 cases; odds ratio [OR]: 2.92; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02-8.36) and hypertriglyceridaemia (13/24 cases; OR: 3.55; 95% CI:1.12-15.91) showed significant association with GM. Pomeranians (OR: 10.69), American Cocker Spaniels (OR: 8.94), Shetland Sheepdogs (OR: 6.21), Miniature Schnauzers (OR: 5.23), and Chihuahuas (OR: 3.06) were significantly predisposed to GM. Thirty-nine out of 58 cases had at least one concurrent disease, including pancreatitis (five cases), hyperadrenocorticism (two cases), and hypothyroidism (two cases). A significant association between GM and hyperlipidaemia was confirmed, suggesting that hyperlipidaemia may play a role in the pathogenesis of GM.

Decreased immunoglobulin A concentrations in feces, duodenum, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells of dogs with inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND

Although immunoglobulin A (IgA) plays a key role in regulating gut homeostasis, its role in canine inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is unknown.

HYPOTHESIS

IgA expression may be altered in dogs with IBD, unlike that observed in healthy dogs and dogs with other gastrointestinal diseases.

ANIMALS

Thirty-seven dogs with IBD, 10 dogs with intestinal lymphoma, and 20 healthy dogs.

METHODS

Prospective study. IgA and IgG concentrations in serum, feces, and duodenal samples were measured by ELISA. IgA(+) cells in duodenal lamina propria and IgA(+) CD21(+) peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were examined by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry, respectively. Duodenal expression of the IgA-inducing cytokine transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), B cell activating factor (BAFF), and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) was quantified by real-time RT-PCR.

RESULTS

Compared to healthy dogs, dogs with IBD had significantly decreased concentrations of IgA in fecal and duodenal samples. The number of IgA(+) CD21(+) PBMCs and IgA(+) cells in duodenal lamina propria was significantly lower in dogs with IBD than in healthy dogs or dogs with intestinal lymphoma. Duodenal BAFF and APRIL mRNA expression was significantly higher in IBD dogs than in the healthy controls. Duodenal TGF-β mRNA expression was significantly lower in dogs with IBD than in healthy dogs and dogs with intestinal lymphoma.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

IBD dogs have decreased IgA concentrations in feces and duodenum and fewer IgA(+) PBMCs, which might contribute to development of chronic enteritis in dogs with IBD.

Gametocidal genes in wheat and its relatives. IV. Functional relationships between six gametocidal genes

Gametocidal (Gc) genes in Aegilops species are known to cause gamete abortion and chromosome breakage when they are introduced into the wheat genetic background. Interactions of five Gc genes so far identified were investigated by analysis of wheat hybrids among lines carrying different gametocidal genes. As a result, the genes were classified into three functional groups. The first group includes two Gc genes of Ae. speltoides (Gc1a and Gc1b) and one gene (Gc-Sl3) on chromosome 2S1 of Ae. sharonensis. These genes were hypostatic to the genes (Gc-Sl1, Gc-Sl2) on chromosome 4S1 of Ae. longissima and Ae. sharonensis, which constitute the second group. In addition, plants carrying Gc genes of both the first and the second group produced progeny with higher frequencies of chromosome breakage than those found in the progeny of single gene carriers. It was concluded that there were specific interactions between these genes to enhance chromosome breakage. On the other hand, there was no interaction between the Gc gene (Gc-C) of Ae. triuncialis, the third group, and Gc genes belonging to the former two groups. These functional groups might be a reflection of the mechanisms by which Gc genes induce gamete abortion and chromosome breakage. Based on functional and local relationships, the symbols of the Gc genes were systematically redesignated.

Preparation of the antibodies against recombinant human thymidylate synthase for the detection of its intratumoral levels and the application to sensitivity-study of 5-fluorouracil

Thymidylate synthase (TS) is a rate-limiting enzyme in de novo DNA biosynthesis and also a primary target for 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)-based chemotherapy. To estimate the con-elation between the expression of TS in the tumor, clinical response and prognosis in cancer patients treated with 5-FU, we have prepared recombinant human TS (rhTS) protein by culturing of E. coli transfected with the plasmid (pGEX-2TH) encoding the nucleotide sequence of hTScDNA and then obtained a highly purified polyclonal antibody against rhTS protein. Using this anti-TS antibody, it was revealed that the content of TS protein, as determined by Western blot analysis, correlated with the enzyme activity (gamma=0.973) and cytotoxicity of 5-FU, expressed as IC50 value (gamma=0.954) against human colon tumor cells, sensitive to and with acquired-resistance to 5-fluoropyrimidines and other cancer cells. On immunochemical evaluation, it was also confirmed that the tumor cells overexpressing TS proteins were strongly stained by the polyclonal antibody when compared to the cell lines expressing TS to lower extent both in vitro and in vivo conditions. These results indicate that this purified polyclonal antibody to rhTS is applicable to prospective and retrospective clinical studies on immunochemical TS expression in various tumors as a prognostic factor and 5-FU response-predicting parameter.

X-Chromosome Inactivation Pattern Analysis for the Assessment of Cell Clonality in Cats

X-chromosome inactivation pattern (XCIP) analysis has been widely used to assess cell clonality in various types of neoplasms in humans. In the present study, a polymerase chain reaction–based feline XCIP analysis using the feline androgen receptor gene was developed. To construct the system of the analysis, polymorphism in CAG tandem repeats within the feline androgen receptor gene was explored using somatic DNAs from 50 male and 103 female cats. CAG tandem repeats in exon 1 of the feline androgen receptor gene were found to be polymorphic, containing 15 to 22 CAG repeats. Of the 103 female cats, 70 (68%) were heterozygous for the number of CAG repeats, indicating the possible usefulness of XCIP analysis in cats. Application of the feline XCIP analysis to 3 feline mammary gland adenocarcinoma cell lines revealed distinctly skewed XCIPs in these cell lines, indicating their clonal origins. Twelve (80%) of the 15 primary tissue/cell samples obtained from cats with various neoplastic diseases showed skewed XCIPs. Moreover, bone marrow samples from 3 cats with myelodysplastic syndrome were also found to have skewed XCIPs. The polymerase chain reaction–based XCIP analysis developed in this study can provide information on cell clonality in female cats, potentially facilitating the differential diagnosis of various disorders in cats.

Effects of an immuno-enhanced diet containing antioxidants in esophageal cancer surgery following neoadjuvant therapy

Neoadjuvant therapy-induced immunological deterioration may be a key factor in postoperative morbidity in patients with esophageal cancer. This study aimed to determine the effects of perioperative feeding with an immuno-enhanced diet on immune competence in patients treated with neoadjuvant therapy followed by surgery. Because an immuno-enhanced diet that contained several antioxidants was used, perioperative oxidative stress and the effects of the immuno-enhanced diet on this stress were also investigated. Of 39 patients with esophageal cancer who underwent similar surgical procedures, 26 patients who received chemotherapy or chemoradiation therapy before surgery were randomly divided into two groups: group 1 (n= 14) was given an immuno-enhanced diet for 5 days before surgery, and group 2 (n= 12) received no enteral feeding products before surgery. Group 3 (n= 13) consisted of patients that did not receive neoadjuvant therapy and received no enteral feeding products before surgery. Several markers for coagulation and fibrinolysis were determined and immunological assessments were performed for each patient. To measure reactive oxygen metabolites and the total antioxidant capacity, diacron-reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) and OXY-adsorbent tests were performed using a free radical elective evaluator. Significant depression in lymphocyte numbers was observed in groups 1 and 2 before and early after surgery as compared to group 3. Numbers of B cells, CD4/CD8 ratio, and phytohemagglutinin-induced lymphocyte transformation tests were also significantly decreased in groups 1 and 2 on postoperative day 1. Fibrin and fibrinogen degradation products were significantly elevated in group 2 compared to group 1. d-ROMs and OXY-adsorbent test values were elevated before surgery and were decreased transiently early after surgery. Compared to groups 2 and 3, d-ROMs values were significantly lower in group 1 patients throughout the postoperative period, while OXY-adsorbent test values were significantly higher in group 2 patients. Oxidative index was significantly suppressed in group 1 compared to group 3. No significant intergroup differences were observed with regard to morbidity after surgery. Although the baseline levels of immunological function might have been different because of less-advanced cancer stages in group 3, neoadjuvant therapy significantly affected several immunological parameters. Preoperative administration of an immuno-enhanced diet did not significantly prevent neoadjuvant therapy-induced immunological deterioration prior to esophageal cancer surgery. Patients with esophageal cancer had elevated levels of oxidant and antioxidant activities before surgery, which were transiently decreased early after surgery. Although the underlying mechanisms for these perioperative changes are unclear, this study showed that an immuno-enhanced diet containing several antioxidants may reduce oxidative stress following esophageal cancer surgery. After these mechanisms are studied further, oxidative stress control may become another tool for perioperative management to reduce morbidity after esophageal cancer surgery.

Expression of fibrosis-related genes in canine chronic hepatitis

Molecular regulation of fibrosis in chronic canine hepatitis is poorly understood. The authors employed quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to determine the expression levels of genes reported to be related to fibrosis in other species (human, mouse, and rat) and to elucidate the relationship of these genes with the degree of fibrosis and the presence or absence of ascites and/or jaundice in dogs with hepatitis. Nine fibrosis-related genes were assayed: PDGFB, PDGFD, MMP2, TIMP1, THBS1, COL1A1, COL3A1, TGFB1, and TGFB2. Liver samples of 15 dogs with chronic hepatitis and 4 healthy control dogs were obtained via laparoscopic biopsy and subjected to histologic and quantitative PCR analyses. The expression of all 9 genes showed significant positive correlation (P<.01, r>.70) with the degree of fibrosis. Furthermore, the expression levels of all genes except TGFB1 were significantly higher (P<.05) in dogs with hepatic failure-related symptoms (ascites/jaundice). Results suggest that these 9 genes are integral to the development of fibrosis in canine chronic hepatitis.

Black fly salivary gland extract inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in murine splenocytes

Black flies are known to be vectors of pathogens including Onchocerca volvulus, which causes human onchocerciasis, and Vesicular Stomatitis Virus. Their salivary secretion has been shown to contain a complex cocktail of anti-haemostatic factors and immunomodulatory activities, which may contribute to efficient transmission of the pathogens. Black fly salivary gland extract (SGE) inhibits mitogen-stimulated mouse splenocyte proliferation, including proliferation of both CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells. The factor responsible for the inhibition was determined to be a protein (or protein complex) of a size larger than 50 kDa. Moreover, exposure to SGE results in activation of caspase 3 and characteristic morphological changes in CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells, suggesting that induction of apoptosis could, at least in part, be responsible for this inhibition.

Branched-chain amino acids supplementation attenuates the accumulation of blood lactate dehydrogenase during distance running

AIM

We investigated the effect of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) supplementation on tissue damage during distance running.

METHODS

Eight male distance runners (mean +/- standard deviation; age: 20.4+/-1.2 years, body weight: 58.4+/-4.2 kg) participated in a double blinded cross over designed study conducted during training camp. During each intervention period, the subjects were asked to participate in a 25-km run, and the blood BCAA and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level, an index of tissue damage, were measured pre- and post-run. Either a drink containing BCAA (0.4% BCAA in a 4% carbohydrate solution) or an iso-calorie placebo drink was provided to the subjects 5 times during the run without any restriction in the volume.

RESULTS

The total volume of the drink consumed by the subjects did not differ substantially between the trials: 591+/-188 (2.36 g BCAA) vs 516+/-169 mL in BCAA and placebo trial, respectively. During the run, the blood BCAA concentration was maintained in the BCAA trial. However, the blood BCAA concentration level tended to decrease in the placebo trial (P<0.1). The extent of the blood LDH increase in the BCAA trial was significantly less than that of the placebo trail (48% vs 58%, P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Maintaining the blood BCAA level throughout a long distance run contributes to a reduction in the LDH release and, therefore, the effect of BCAA supplementation is suggested to reduce the degree of muscle damage.

Molecular cytogenetic analyses of hexaploid lines spontaneously appearing in octoploid Triticale

Genome characterization of 14 hexaploid lines that spontaneously appeared in octoploid Triticales was carried out by sequential genomic in situ hybridization and fluorescence in situ hybridization, high molecular weight glutenin subunits and SSR marker analyses. All of the lines showed a chromosome constitution of complete A and B genomes, and a composite genome consisting of the chromosomes of D and R genomes. The composite genome of the 11 lines consisted of chromosomes 1R, 2D, 3R, 4R, 5R, 6R and 7R, that of the two lines were 1D, 2D, 3R, 4R, 5R, 6R and 7R, and that of one line was 1R, 2D, 3R, 4R, 5R, 6D and 7R. The incompatibility of the D and R genomes in common wheat genetic background, preferential retention of chromosome 2D and importance of these lines for the development of hexaploid Triticale are discussed in this report.

Variations in abundance of 2 repetitive sequences in Leymus and Psathyrostachys species

The Ns genome of the genus Psathyrostachys is a component of the polyploid genome in the genus Leymus. Using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), the occurrence and abundance of 2 tandem repetitive sequences from Leymus racemosus (Lam.) Tzvelev, pLrTaiI-1 (TaiI family) and pLrPstI-1 (1 class of 350-bp family), were assayed in 4 species of the genera Psathyrostachys and Leymus. The pLrPstI-1 sequence was absent in all 4 Psathyrostachys species. While P. fragilis and P. huashanica did not have the pLrTaiI-1 sequence, 15 accessions of P. juncea and 2 accessions of P. lanuginosa had pLrTaiI-1 sites ranging in number from 7 to 16 and from 2 to 21, respectively. The numbers of pLrTaiI-1 and pLrPstI-1 sites were 1-24 and 0-30, respectively, in L. ramosus; 2-31 and 5-36 in L. racemosus; 0-4 and 0 in L. mollis; 2-9 and 24-27 in L. secalinus. The FISH assay on pLrTaiI-1 was successfully converted to a sequence-tagged-site polymerase chain reaction (STS-PCR) test using a primer pair designed from the sequence of this repetitive DNA. Seventy-three accessions representing 27 Leymus species were assayed for the abundance of pLrTaiI-1 by STS-PCR. With a few exceptions of uniformity in some accessions, nearly all Leymus species observed were heterogeneous for the abundance of pLrTaiI-1 sequence and no Leymus species was totally devoid of this repetitive sequence. These findings may have significance for the understanding of phylogeny, nature of polyploidy, adaptive ranges, and breeding potential of Leymus species.

Genome size, karyotype, meiosis and a novel extra chromosome in Torenia fournieri, T. baillonii and their hybrid

Torenia is a suitable model plant to study plant fertilization because of its protruding embryo sac. However, information on the genomes and chromosomes of this species is limited. We determined the genome sizes of T. fournieri Linden and T. baillonii Godefr as 1.71 pg x 10(8) bp and 1.67 x 10(8) bp, respectively. The small genome size of these species suggests their superiority as the targets for molecular cloning studies. Furthermore, karyotypes of T. fournieri and T. baillonii were determined using FISH probed with 5S rDNA, 45S rDNA and species-specific centromere repetitive sequences. Although the two species have similar genome size, number of chromosomes, centromere repeats and 5S rDNA loci were varied. Observation of meiosis in the F(1) hybrid revealed that all chromosomes except one of T. fournieri paired well with the chromosomes of T. baillonii throughout the entire length of the chromosomes including species-specific centromeric regions. One exceptional chromosome of T. fournieri behaved as a univalent and was not always required for gametogenesis. The present results provide the basis for the molecular genetics in Torenia.