1-year outcome after treatment of uterovaginal prolapse with a 6-point fixation mesh

Introduction

The aim of this study was to describe the safety and anatomical results of a surgical approach with a single‐incision 6‐point fixation vaginal mesh for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse at perioperatively and at 1‐year follow‐up.

Materials and Methods

This was a prospective observational study of patients who underwent operation receiving an InGYNious anterior transvaginal mesh. All patients with symptomatic stage II prolapse or higher were included in the study. Exclusion criteria were the unwillingness or inability to give written informed consent, neuromuscular disorders, malignant diseases, previous radiation in the pelvis, or chronic pain syndrome. Every patient completed a structured questionnaire and a full physical examination according to the IUGA‐ICS POP‐Q staging system before the operation and at 1‐year follow‐up.

Results

Two hundred fifty‐four patients (91%) were included in the study. The intraoperative complication rate was 7% with hemorrhage being the most common complication. Six patients (2.4%) had undergone reoperation for prolapse (four out of the six patients had reoperation in the posterior compartment) and were excluded from the objective outcome analysis. In the remaining 248 patients all POP‐Q measurements were significantly improved in the anterior and apical compartments. Similarly, urge urinary incontinence and voiding dysfunction improved significantly.

Conclusions

In this series, the objective outcome one year after the InGYNious mesh was good with low numbers of mesh‐related problems or reoperation for prolapse.

NMDA Receptor Signaling Mediates cFos Expression via Top2β-Induced DSBs in Glioblastoma Cells

The activation of Ca²⁺-permeable N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor channels (NMDARs) is crucial for the development and survival of neurons, but many cancers use NMDAR-mediated signaling as well, enhancing the growth and invasiveness of tumors. Thus, NMDAR-dependent pathways emerge as a promising target in cancer therapy. Here, we use the LN229 and U-87MG glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cells and immunofluorescence staining of 53BP1 to analyze NMDAR-induced DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), which represent an important step in the NMDAR signaling pathway in neurons by facilitating the expression of early response genes. Our results show that NMDAR activation leads to the induction of DSBs in a subpopulation of glioma cells. In a further analogy to neurons, our results demonstrate that the induction of DSBs in LN229 cells is dependent on the activity of topoisomerase IIβ (Top2β). Western blot analysis revealed that the inhibition of NMDARs, cAMP-responsive element binding transcription factor (CREB) and Top2β decreased the expression of the proto-oncogene cFos. Knockdown of Top2β with siRNAs resulted in a downregulation of cFos and increased the radiosensitivity of LN229 cells in clonogenic survival. We also observed impaired cFos expression upon NMDAR and Top2β inhibition in a primary GBM cell line, suggesting that NMDAR signaling may be widely used by GBMs, demonstrating the potential of targeting NMDAR signaling proteins for GBM therapy.

Bestimmung der Reichweite schneller schwerer Ionen in Festkörpern

The range of fast heavy particles in solids is determined by a sensitive method (removal of thin surface-layers by low energy sputtering) . The range distributions in various directions of copper single crystals are measured using Kr 85 ions of energies between 25 and 150 keV. The mean range in <111> fits the general range vs. energy relation given by LINDHARD and SCHARFF. In <100> and especially in <110>, the range distributions show long tails which increase the mean penetration of the krypton ions in these directions. These “super ranges” are caused by so-called stenons, i. e. ions which move in the structural “channels” of the f.c.c. lattice.

Molecular Structure, Quadrupole Coupling Tensor and Dipole Moment of Ethyl Cyanide

The microwave spectra of CD3CH2CN, 13CH3CH2CN, CH3 13CH2CN and CH3CH2C15N have been measured. In addition the spectrum of CH3CH2 13CN has been remeasured with greater accuracy. From these spectra and those previously reported - CH3CH2CN, CH3CD2CN, CH2DCH2CN (sym) and CH2DCH2CN (asym) - a complete rs-structure has been calculated by the equations of Kraitchman and Chutjian. r0-structure calculations were performed with different assumptions due to the symmetry of the molecule. A comparison between r0- and rs-structure was made and showed good agreement especially for the atoms of the frame.

The quadrupole coupling constants of the above mentioned isotopes of ethyl cyanide were obtained from the hyperfine structure of the spectra with the exception of CH3CH2C15N, which has no nucleus with quadrupole moment. The quadrupole coupling tensor in its principal axis system was determined from the constants of CD3CH2CN and CH3CD2CN using the angle e between their principal axes of inertia in the a-b-plane.

From Stark effect measurements the dipole moment of CH3CH2CN was reevaluated. To determine the direction of the dipole moment Stark effect measurements for CD3CH2CN and CH3CD2CN were carried out.

Notizen: A Contribution to the Microwave Spectrum of Dimethylether-D6 in Excited Torsional States

A number of rotational transitions of (CD3)2O in the excited torsional states ν̃=l1 and ν̃=l2 were recorded in the region from 8.0 to 40.0 GHz. The potential parameter V3 and the angle α between the axis of internal rotation and the b-axis were fitted to line splittings. The results are V3 = 2545 cal/mole and α = 60.8°.

Total protein measurement in canine cerebrospinal fluid: agreement between a turbidimetric assay and 2 dye-binding methods and determination of reference intervals using an indirect a posteriori method

BACKGROUND

In veterinary clinical laboratories, qualitative tests for total protein measurement in canine cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) have been replaced by quantitative methods, which can be divided into dye-binding assays and turbidimetric methods. There is a lack of validation data and reference intervals (RIs) for these assays.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the present study was to assess agreement between the turbidimetric benzethonium chloride method and 2 dye-binding methods (Pyrogallol Red-Molybdate method [PRM], Coomassie Brilliant Blue [CBB] technique) for measurement of total protein concentration in canine CSF. Furthermore, RIs were determined for all 3 methods using an indirect a posteriori method.

METHODS

For assay comparison, a total of 118 canine CSF specimens were analyzed. For RIs calculation, clinical records of 401 canine patients with normal CSF analysis were studied and classified according to their final diagnosis in pathologic and nonpathologic values.

RESULTS

The turbidimetric assay showed excellent agreement with the PRM assay (mean bias 0.003 g/L [-0.26-0.27]). The CBB method generally showed higher total protein values than the turbidimetric assay and the PRM assay (mean bias -0.14 g/L for turbidimetric and PRM assay). From 90 of 401 canine patients, nonparametric reference intervals (2.5%, 97.5% quantile) were calculated (turbidimetric assay and PRM method: 0.08-0.35 g/L (90% CI: 0.07-0.08/0.33-0.39); CBB method: 0.17-0.55 g/L (90% CI: 0.16-0.18/0.52-0.61). Total protein concentration in canine CSF specimens remained stable for up to 6 months of storage at -80°C.

CONCLUSIONS

Due to variations among methods, RIs for total protein concentration in canine CSF have to be calculated for each method. The a posteriori method of RIs calculation described here should encourage other veterinary laboratories to establish RIs that are laboratory-specific.

Anaplasmose in einem Milchviehbetrieb in Graubünden: Epidemiologische Ausbruchsuntersuchung

In summer of 2002, a case of severe clinical bovine anaplasmosis caused great losses in a dairy farm of an animal trader in Grisons. This article outlines the general approach of an outbreak investigation considering the case of anaplasmosis as an example. The goals of such investigations are to identify and eliminate the source of a disease outbreak in order to avoid additional cases. In addition, recommendations should be developed for preventing or limiting the magnitude of similar outbreaks in the future. In the outbreak presented, the causative agents were probably brought into the dairy farm by animal trade. Due to the large herd size, a missing quarantine for new animals and the coinfection with several pathogens, this case led to a high number of fatalities. The investigations of this outbreak demonstrated the importance of an universal and consistent identification of individual animals for the reconstruction of their movements. The veterinary practitioner should be reminded to act cautiously when facing strange clinical cases and to also consider "exotic diseases" as a possible cause.

[The influence of colostral antibodies on the postvaccination humoral immune response in neonatal calves]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of vaccination of young calves and to see whether maternal antibodies may influence the immunological response in calves. For this project 20 matched-pairs of cows and their offspring were selected. Of each pair, one cow received a placebo 8 and 4 weeks before term (group A) and the other was vaccinated against Feline Leucose Virus, FeLV, with Leucogen® (group B). All calves received colostrum from their respective mother shortly after birth and all calves were vaccinated with Leucogen® 10 days after birth. Blood samples from the cows and calves were taken during the whole study period (till four weeks after calf vaccination). An ELISA test was done in the lab to define the FeLV antibody concentration. 30 % of the vaccinated cows showed a seroconversion, 13 out of 20 vaccinated cows passed the antibodies onto their calves. 11 calves of group B did not convert in comparation of only 4 of group A. All seroconverted calves had low antibody concentration before their vaccination. Calves of group B with a low passive antibody level at the beginning showed a higher seroconversion as compared to calves with higher antibody concentrations of the same group. Two thirds of the calves without maternal antibodies reacted adequately to the vaccination. Therefore, an early vaccination of calves can be recommended.

In vivo induction of interferon gamma expression in grey horses with metastatic melanoma resulting from direct injection of plasmid DNA coding for equine interleukin 12

Whole blood pharmacokinetics of intratumourally injected naked plasmid DNA coding for equine Interleukin 12 (IL-12) was assessed as a means of in vivo gene transfer in the treatment of melanoma in grey horses. The expression of induced interferon gamma (IFN-g) was evaluated in order to determine the pharmacodynamic properties of in vivo gene transduction. Seven grey horses bearing melanoma were injected intratumourally with 250 µg naked plasmid DNA coding for IL-12. Peripheral blood and biopsies from the injection site were taken at 13 time points until day 14 post injection (p.i.). Samples were analysed using quantitative real-time PCR. Plasmid DNA was quantified in blood samples and mRNA expression for IFN-g in tissue samples. Plasmid DNA showed fast elimination kinetics with more than 99 % of the plasmid disappearing within 36 hours. IFN-g expression increased quickly after IL-12 plasmid injection, but varied between individual horses. Intratumoural injection of plasmid DNA is a feasible method for inducing transgene expression in vivo. Biological activity of the transgene IL-12 was confirmed by measuring expression of IFN-g.

Prevalence of dog erythrocyte antigen 1.1 in dogs in Switzerland evaluated with the gel column technique

Canine blood typing has become an established and essential laboratory test due to the rising demand for safe and efficient blood transfusions. The most immunogenic and clinically important blood type is DEA 1.1. Little is known about DEA 1.1 frequencies or special characteristics among different canine breeds. 304 dogs were tested for DEA 1.1. DEA 1.1-typing was performed using a commercial gel column technique (ID-Gel Test Canine DEA 1.1, DiaMed, Cressier, Switzerland). Fifty-three percent of all tested dogs reacted positive for DEA 1.1, whereas 49 % of the mixed breeds tested DEA 1.1-positive. All Bernese mountain dogs (n = 22) and Rottweilers (n = 9) tested positive for DEA 1.1, while all Boxers (n = 8), Flat-Coated Retrievers (n = 9), and Border Collies (6) tested negative for DEA 1.1. The prevalence of DEA 1.1 in dogs in Switzerland was found to be comparable to that reported from other countries. The tested breeds were found to differ considerably in the frequency of DEA 1.1. This knowledge is useful for selection of blood donors. However, DEA 1.1 blood typing of donor and recipient prior to transfusion and cross matching in sensitized dogs is unavoidable.

Housing and care of laboratory cats: from requirements to practice

Increased public awareness of the welfare and well-being of laboratory animals in biomedical research and related ethical considerations inspired us to review recent developments and recommendations for the care and housing of laboratory cats. The present review focuses on the practical requirements for maintaining domestic cats as laboratory animals - from the construction of animal shelters to the termination of an experiment. An excellent standard of housing and care will reduce the bias of experimental results due to stress. To provide cats with living conditions that best meet their natural physical requirements and permit natural social behaviour, laboratories should spare no effort to achieve high housing standards. Hence, the present report not only aims to be a practical reference for those who are involved in the care and husbandry of cats, but it also aims to motivate researchers to improve their knowledge in this field and to provide humane conditions for all cats kept for scientific purposes.

[FeLV infection in the cat: clinically relevant aspects]

The feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus of the domestic cat that was described almost 50 years ago. The FeLV-infection may lead to fatal diseases in domestic and small wild cats. The use of efficacious diagnostics assays and vaccines led to a reduction of the FeLV prevalence; however, FeLV still poses a problem for the cat presented with the infection. This article aims to describe recent developments in diagnostics and findings in the infection pathogenesis that are clinically relevant.

Flattened circadian cortisol rhythm in type 2 diabetes

INTRODUCTION

While altered cortisol concentrations have been observed in subjects with type 2 diabetes their circadian cortisol profile is unknown.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Using a cross-sectional design, we studied 63 ambulatory individuals with type 2 diabetes and 916 non-diabetic control subjects of the Cooperative Research in the Region of Augsburg (KORA)-F3 study. Circadian cortisol profiles were derived from saliva cortisol concentrations, determined on a regular weekday upon wake-up (F0), as well as ½ h (F½), 8 (F8) and 14 h (F14) after wake-up.

RESULTS

Diabetic subjects exhibited a flattened circadian cortisol profile (rm-ANOVA: F[3,654]=3.41, p=0.02), with lower morning and higher afternoon and evening cortisol concentrations.

CONCLUSION

We observed a flattened circadian cortisol rhythm in subjects with type 2 diabetes, providing evidence for a specific HPA system dysfunction.

Molecular investigation of transplacental and vector-borne transmission of bovine haemoplasmas

The present study was carried out in a herd with concurrent infections of Mycoplasma wenyonii and 'Candidatus M. haemobos', to investigate if transplacental and/or vector-borne transmission is possible for one or both bovine haemoplasma species. For this purpose blood samples were collected from 38 mother animals and their newborn calves; as well as from 17 uninseminated cows twice three months apart. In addition, 311 mosquitoes and blood-sucking flies (Diptera: Culicidae, Tabanidae, Muscidae) were cought near the animals. DNA was extracted from all samples, followed by real-time PCR analysis. In 10.5% of neonate calves, that were born to cows harbouring both haemoplasmas, M. wenyonii and/or 'Candidatus M. haemobos' positivity was detected. Copy numbers in positive samples from cows and their calves indicated that - in comparison with M. wenyonii - 'Candidatus M. haemobos'-bacteraemia had usually lower levels. In samples of uninseminated cows the rate of infection with the latter species decreased. These findings may explain why M. wenyonii was significantly more frequently detected in blood-sucking flies, than 'Candidatus M. haemobos'. In conclusion, molecular evidence is provided for the first time on the transplacental transmission of bovine haemoplasmas. Regarding their spread by blood-sucking arthropods, new potential vectors were identified, i.e. the horn fly (Haematobia irritans), the stable fly (Stomoxys calcitrans) and two species of horse flies (Tabanus bovinus, T. bromius).

Feline leukemia virus outbreak in the critically endangered Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus): high-throughput sequencing of envelope variable region A and experimental transmission

The Iberian lynx is the most endangered felid species. During winter/spring 2006/7, a feline leukemia virus (FeLV) outbreak of unexpected virulence killed about 2/3 of the infected Iberian lynxes. All FeLV-positive animals were co-infected with feline hemoplasmas. To further characterize the Iberian lynx FeLV strain and evaluate its potential virulence, the FeLV envelope gene variable region A (VRA) mutant spectrum was analyzed using the Roche 454 sequencing technology, and an in vivo transmission study of lynx blood to specified-pathogen-free cats was performed. VRA mutations indicated weak apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme and catalytic polypeptide-like cytidine deaminase (APOBEC) restriction of FeLV replication, and variants characteristic of aggressive FeLV strains, such as FeLV-C or FeLV-A/61C, were not detected. Cats exposed to FeLV/Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum-positive lynx blood did not show a particularly severe outcome of infection. The results underscore the special susceptibility of Iberian lynxes to infectious diseases.

Haemotropic mycoplasmas of cats and dogs: transmission, diagnosis, prevalence and importance in Europe

Haemotropic mycoplasmas (or haemoplasmas) are the causative agents of infectious anaemia in many mammalian species. They were previously known as Haemobartonella and Eperythrozoon species. The development of sensitive, specific PCR assays has expanded our knowledge of these agents and PCR is the method of choice to diagnose and differentiate haemoplasma infections. In felids, Mycoplasma haemofelis, 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis' have been described. They vary strongly in their pathogenic potential and co-factors may influence the disease severity. In dogs, Mycoplasma haemocanis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum' are known; clinical signs are mainly found in immunocompromised dogs. Transmission of haemoplasmas may occur via infected blood (aggressive interaction, transfusion) or blood-sucking arthropods. Infections can be treated with Doxycycline, although it is disputable whether the infection is completely eliminated. Feline haemoplasmas must be expected in cats all over Europe, while canine haemoplasmas are mainly encountered in dogs in Mediterranean countries but should also be considered in Swiss dogs with a travel history.