Development and progression of proteinuria in dogs treated with masitinib for neoplasia: 28 cases (2010-2019)

OBJECTIVES

To describe the incidence, severity and progression of proteinuria over the first 6 months of masitinib treatment in tumour-bearing dogs without pre-existing proteinuria. To describe the effect of treatment on urine protein:creatinine and renal parameters in patients with pre-existing proteinuria.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Records were reviewed from patients receiving masitinib for neoplasms between June 1, 2010, and May 5, 2019. Patients without pre-treatment and at least one urine protein:creatinine after ≥7 days treatment were excluded. Signalment, tumours and concurrent diseases, treatments, haematology, biochemistry and urinalysis results before, during and after treatment for up to 202 days were collected. Patient visits were grouped into six timepoints for analysis.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight dogs were included. Eighteen percent of dogs non-proteinuric at baseline (four of 22) developed proteinuria during treatment, all within 1 month of treatment initiation. One dog developed hypoalbuminaemia, none developed oedema or ascites, azotaemia or were euthanased/died due to proteinuria. Masitinib was immediately discontinued in both dogs in which urine protein:creatinine greater than 2.0 was detected and in both, proteinuria improved. Six dogs with pre-treatment proteinuria were treated with masitinib, significant worsening of proteinuria did not occur. Neither azotaemia nor severe hypoalbuminaemia occurred.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Proteinuria, when it occurs, tends to develop within 1 month of masitinib commencement and may progress rapidly. Weekly proteinuria monitoring should be considered for the first month and a urine protein:creatinine greater than 0.5 should prompt reassessment within 1 week. Masitinib treatment can be considered in patients with pre-treatment proteinuria and does not inevitably cause worsening of proteinuria.

Use of accelerometry to investigate physical activity in dogs receiving chemotherapy

OBJECTIVES

To perform a preliminary study to assess whether single-agent palliative or adjuvant chemotherapy has an impact on objectively measured physical activity in dogs.

METHODS

Fifteen dogs with neoplasia (treatment group) wore ActiGraph™ accelerometers for 5-day periods before, during and after receiving single-agent adjuvant or palliative chemotherapy. Mean 5-day total physical activity and time spent in three different intensities of activity (sedentary, light-moderate and vigorous) before, during and after receiving chemotherapy were compared to a group of 15 healthy dogs (control group). Results were also compared within the treatment group across time.

RESULTS

Prior to chemotherapy, treated dogs tended to be less active than control dogs. Treatment group dogs were slightly more active at restaging than they were prior to treatment but had similar activity levels to control dogs. Marked effects of chemotherapy on physical activity were not detected. Physical activity was slightly lower in treated dogs during chemotherapy when compared to control dogs but there was a slight increase in physical activity of treated dogs during chemotherapy when compared with pretreatment recordings. There was little change in the mean 5-day total physical activity between treated dogs during chemotherapy and at restaging but a mild decrease in time spent sedentary and increase in time spent in light-moderate activity at this comparison of time points.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Single-agent adjuvant or palliative chemotherapy had minimal impact on physical activity levels in dogs with neoplasia.

Epidemiological survey of Angiostrongylus vasorum in dogs and slugs around a new endemic focus in Scotland

The nematode parasite Angiostrongylus vasorum is an increasingly important cause of respiratory and other diseases in dogs. Geographical spread from previously limited endemic foci has occurred rapidly. This paper investigates parasite epidemiology around the location of the first reported case in Scotland in 2009: by detection of A vasorum-specific DNA in gastropod intermediate hosts, and in dogs circulating DNA and specific antibodies, and first stage larvae in faeces. Overall prevalence in gastropods was 6.7 per cent (16/240), with parasite DNA found in slugs in the Arion ater and Arion hortensis species aggregates and the snail Helix aspersa (syn. Cornu aspersum). Of 60 dogs presenting with clinical signs compatible with angiostrongylosis, none tested positive using PCR on peripheral blood or Baermann test on faeces, and none of 35 tested for circulating anti-A vasorum antibodies were positive. PCR prevalence in gastropods was highest (11 per cent) in the park frequented by the canine angiostrongylosis index case. Molecular survey for infection in gastropods is a potentially informative and efficient method for characterising the distribution of A vasorum and therefore local risk of canine infection. However, there appears to be a complex relationship between prevalence in gastropods and emergence of canine clinical disease, which requires further work to advance understanding of parasite transmission and geographical disease spread.

Veterinarians' attitudes to chronic pain in dogs

Veterinary surgeons in the UK were invited to complete an internet survey concerning their attitudes to chronic pain in dogs. UK veterinary surgeons numbering 215 completed surveys in full along with 48 worldwide specialists in anaesthesia and 37 worldwide specialists in oncology. Osteoarthritis, dental and aural disease, vertebral and spinal cord conditions, neoplasia and skin conditions were considered important causes of chronic pain in dogs. UK practitioners used significantly fewer classes of analgesic drugs regularly than either category of specialist. The major barriers to adequate treatment of chronic pain were reported as difficulties with pain assessment, expense of drugs, and difficulties with owner compliance. Illustrations of six common neoplastic conditions were used and scored for pain according to prior experience by practitioners. All six conditions were consistently described as involving some degree of pain with primary bone tumour and oral tumour, causing severe pain and moderate to severe pain, respectively. Years since graduation and specialist status affected the pain scores attributed to the conditions. There was a significant correlation between the pain score attributed to the illustrated condition, and the tendency to administer analgesia.

[Medical research travel 100 years ago: the 14th German Medical Study Trip to North America and Canada in the year 1912]

Already before the First World War the North American medicine had developed within less years so far that it had an excellent reputation and that famous scientists and medicines from Europe came in the country for extensive study trips and congressional visits. Exactly 100 years ago the delegation biggest till then of German doctors visited in the course of the 14th German Medical Study Trip the United States of America. The very amicable relation between the doctors of both nations made easier the scientific exchange during this study trip and allowed a deep insight into the medicine of the USA to the participants. Even though the German doctors were very impressed with the developement in the USA and reported partly in their native country in detail about that, it didn't succeed in keeping pace with the rapid developement of the USA into the leading research nation in the following decades.

Adjusting roller settings based on kernel size increased ruminal starch digestibility of dry-rolled barley grain in cattle

Barley grain samples were dry-rolled using two different methods; multiple roller settings (MRS) vs. single roller setting (SRS). In the MRS method, samples were first separated through 4-, 6-, and 7-mm sieves and then dry-rolled with roller gap settings of 1.000, 1.194, and 1.487 mm, respectively. In the SRS method, samples were dry-rolled using a single roller gap setting of 1.194 mm. The MRS method increased in situ rate of starch disappearance (18.6 vs. 11.9% h-1; P < 0.01) compared with the SRS method. Screening to specific kernel sizes and adjusting roller settings accordingly could enhance the starch utilization of barley grain by ruminants.

A case of canine Angiostrongylus vasorum in Scotland confirmed by PCR and sequence analysis

This report describes the first recognised case of Angiostrongylus vasorum infection in a native Scottish dog and its diagnostic confirmation using polymerase chain reaction. The use of this technique to definitively diagnose canine angiostrongylosis confirms the presence of this epidemiologically significant case. The implications of the changing distribution of this parasite are discussed.

Detergent protease exposure and respiratory disease: case-referent analysis of a retrospective cohort

OBJECTIVES

To examine the relationship between protease exposure and respiratory disease in a cohort of detergent enzyme manufacturers.

METHODS

Case-referent analysis of a cohort of employees working in a European detergent factory between 1989 and 2002. Cases with new lower or upper respiratory disease were ascertained by examination of occupational health records and matched to referents on date of first employment. Personal exposures to airborne detergent protease were estimated, using a job exposure matrix, from >12,000 measurements taken in the factory during the period of study.

RESULTS

We found clear, monotonic relationships between estimated protease exposure and both lower and upper respiratory disease. After control for age, sex and smoking, the odds ratio of lower respiratory disease was significantly elevated (1.98, 95% CI 1.04 to 3.79) in those employees working in jobs in the highest quartile of protease exposure (geometric mean 7.9 ng x m(-3)). For employees with upper respiratory disease, the risk was significantly elevated at a lower level of estimated protease exposure (geometric mean 2.3 ng x m(-3)).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings provide strong evidence of an association between detergent enzyme exposure and the development of respiratory disease in an occupational setting. Using the routinely collected information on specific sensitisation and the close attention to workplace exposures that are characteristic of this industry, it should be possible to derive meaningful occupational exposure standards for most detergent enzymes.

Expression of metastasis-associated gene products and liver metastases in pancreatic endocrine tumors

11089

Background: Outcomes in well-differentiated pancreatic endocrine tumors can be difficult to predict using pathologic criteria. We recently identified a novel set of 3 metastasis-associated genes by microarray: Palladin, p21, RUNX1T1. Our aim was to evaluate the potential for these markers, individually or in combination, to predict liver metastases as an indicator of adverse outcome. Methods: Palladin, p21, and RUNX1T1 immunostains were done on a tissue microarray of 39 resected primary pancreatic endocrine neoplasms, 14 of which had hepatic metastases. The Allred score was determined as the sum of stain intensity (scored 0–3) and % cells stained (scored 0–5). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to choose the cutpoint in Allred score (high vs low protein expression) to optimize sensitivity and specificity for predicting liver metastases. Results: Nearly all tumors with liver metastases showed high Palladin and p21 levels (Allred score > 3 and > 4, respectively), while protein expression was lower in the majority of non-metastatic tumors. In contrast, RUNX1T1 expression was low (Allred score < 4) in most tumors with liver metastases, but higher in all except one of the non-metastatic tumors. Individual test sensitivities for predicting liver metastases were 100% for high Palladin, 93% for high p21 and 85% for low RUNX1T1, while corresponding specificities were 63%, 75%, and 96%. Tumors were correctly classified as being metastatic or not (predictive accuracy) by Palladin, p21, or RUNX1T1 expression in 76%, 76%, and 92% of cases, respectively. If abnormal expression of even one of 3 proteins is considered a positive test (parallel testing), then sensitivity of all 3 together for predicting liver metastases was 100%, specificity 48%, and predictive accuracy 68%. Conclusions: 1) High Palladin, high p21, or low RUNX1T1 expression have good sensitivity and specificity for predicting liver metastases in pancreatic endocrine tumors. 2) Parallel testing with all 3 markers achieved 100% sensitivity but at a cost of reduced specificity. 3) Differential expression of these biomarkers may predict aggressive tumor behavior that warrants more aggressive management.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Retrospective review of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia over two decades

The aim of the study was to compare a retrospective case note review of all cases of Pneumocystis carinii (now Pneumocystis jirovecii) pneumonia (PJP) over the period 1997-2004 at North Manchester General Hospital with a previous audit covering the years 1986-1995. During 1986-1995, 777 patients were diagnosed with HIV. One hundred and eighty-one were also diagnosed with PJP. Of these, 11 patients required ventilation with a mortality rate of 100%. For the current review during 1997-2004, 210 patients were diagnosed with PJP, and 64 with severe PJP. Median age was 39 years (interquartile range [IQR] 22-61). Twenty-four patients had a prior diagnosis of HIV (median 43 months, IQR 6-72 months), and for 38 patients this was the presenting diagnosis of HIV. Median CD4 was 34 cells/L (IQR of 12-80 cells/L). Median viral load was 3.5 x 10(5) copies/mL (IQR 1-5.8 x 10(5) copies/mL). Eighteen patients required intubation during this period. Nine (50%) were alive at 30 days postextubation. We believe that the 50% reduction in mortality seen between 1997-2004 in intubated patients with severe PJP is due to the improvement in intensive care management of severe respiratory failure rather than changes in the specific management of PJP. The necessity of ventilation in HIV patients is no longer a mandatory death sentence.

Effect of Grains Differing in Expected Ruminal Fermentability on the Productivity of Lactating Dairy Cows

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of barley and corn grains differing in expected fermentability in the rumen on dry matter intake (DMI) and productivity of lactating dairy cows. Twenty-two multiparous and 9 primiparous lactating Holstein cows (94 +/- 29 d in milk; mean +/- SD) were used in a 3 x 3 Latin square design with 21-d periods. Experimental diets contained approximately 40% of dietary dry matter as steam-rolled barley, using a lot of cultivar Dillon or cultivar Xena, or a corn mixture (CM) containing 87.5% dry ground corn, 11.4% beet pulp, and 1.1% urea (dry matter basis). Starch concentration of the grain sources was 50.0, 58.7, and 60.4% and in vitro 6-h starch digestibility was 73.5, 78.0, and 71.0%, respectively, for Dillon, Xena, and CM. All diets were formulated to contain 19.4% crude protein and 25.3% forage neutral detergent fiber. Dry matter intake (23.6 vs. 21.6 kg/d) and yields of milk (40.4 vs. 37.4 kg/d), milk protein (1.20 vs. 1.12 kg/d), and milk lactose (1.85 vs. 1.74 kg/d) were higher for cows fed CM than for cows fed barley. Although DMI was similar for cows fed Xena and Dillon (21.9 vs. 21.4 kg/d), cows fed Xena had higher yields of milk (38.5 vs. 36.2 kg/d), milk protein (1.18 vs. 1.07 kg/d), and milk lactose (1.80 vs. 1.69 kg/d) than cows fed Dillon. However, milk fat concentration tended to be higher (3.47 vs. 3.23%) for cows fed Dillon than Xena. Plasma glucose and nonesterified fatty acid concentrations were not affected by treatment, but plasma insulin concentration was higher for cows fed Xena compared with those fed Dillon (8.50 vs. 5.91 microIU/mL). Greater milk production for cows fed CM can be attributed to greater DMI. Feeding barley that was lower in starch concentration and ruminal starch fermentability (Dillon) did not increase DMI compared with feeding barley that was higher in starch concentration and ruminal starch fermentability (Xena). Reducing ruminal starch degradation of barley grain may not improve the productivity of lactating dairy cows.

Characterizing a stable methane-utilizing mixed culture used in the synthesis of a high-quality biopolymer in an open system

AIMS

To characterize a methane-utilizing poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate (PHB)-producing microbial community.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Three different approaches based on microbiology, analytical chemistry and molecular biology were used to determine the composition of the mixed culture. The dominant species, Methylocystis sp. GB25, represents more than 86% of the total biomass. Seven accompanying bacterial species are present in the mixed culture of which two are methylotrophic bacteria and five are utilizers of complex carbon sources. Both these groups were found to be present at the same ratio with respect to each other. Results of fatty acid analysis and PCR-DGGE fingerprints reflect the stability of the mixed-culture composition in the open system during multiple continuous growth and polymer formation processes throughout a period of 29 months. The consistently high quality of the accumulated polymer further corroborates this finding.

CONCLUSION

The methane-utilizing mixed culture has the potential of self-regulation resulting in a stable composition even under non-aseptic conditions.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Avoiding the necessity of sterile conditions, as demonstrated in this paper, is an important step towards the development of a viable large-scale process for the production of PHB using cheap substrates like methane from natural or renewable sources. This is the first report characterizing a bacterial mixed culture being used for the biotechnological production of a high-value product in an open system.

Occupational asthma caused by cellulase and lipase in the detergent industry

Three employees from two different detergent companies were investigated for occupational asthma, using skin prick tests, serum specific IgE, and specific bronchial challenge. Two were challenged with lipase and one with cellulase. All three cases had immunological evidence of sensitisation to the detergent enzymes with which they worked. Bronchial challenge in each provoked a reproducible dual asthmatic response, which reproduced their work related symptoms. These are the first reported cases of occupational asthma attributable to cellulase and lipase in the detergent industry. Four of the most common enzymes used in this industry have now been reported to cause occupational asthma; continued vigilance and caution are needed when working with these or other enzymes.

Third Ventriculostomy in Communicating Hydrocephalus in Adult Patients - The Role of Lumbar and Cranial Cerebrospinal Fluid Outflow Measurement

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the value of CSF outflow resistance testing as a criterion for endscopic treatment in case of communicating hydrocephalus.

METHODS

12 patients with communicating hydrocephalus were integrated in a prospective study from 1999 - 2001. Under the assumption of different hydromechanical properties of both spinal and cerebral CSF compartment the resorption capacity was measured. V.-p. shunting, ventriculostomy or conservative treatment were performed dependent on the results and clinical outcome was evaluated.

RESULTS

Six patients with pathological lumbar testing underwent primary ventriculo-peritoneal shunting. In 6 of the 12 cases the lumbar CSF resorption capacity was found to be normal and cerebral testing was accomplished. Two patients with normal spinal and cerebral resorption capacity were not operated. In the remaining 4 patients cerebral testing was found to be pathological and ventriculostomy was performed. An improvement of clinical symptoms was observed in patients operated with a v.-p. shunt and in the VCS group as well.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that there is a subgroup of patients with morphological communicating hydrocephalus that is characterized by a functional dissociation of hydromechanical properties of intracranial and spinal CSF compartment. In cases of regular CSF resorption but restricted CSF outflow from the ventricular system to the subarachnoid space ventriculo-peritoneal shunting may be an efficient therapy, but VCS was proved to be an efficient alternative.

Evidence for new alleles in the protein kinase adenosine monophosphate-activated gamma(3)-subunit gene associated with low glycogen content in pig skeletal muscle and improved meat quality

Several quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting muscle glycogen content and related traits were mapped to pig chromosome 15 using a three-generation intercross between Berkshire x Yorkshire pigs. On the basis of the QTL location the PRKAG3 (protein kinase, AMP-activated, gamma(3)-subunit) gene was considered to be a good candidate for the observed effects. Differences in the PRKAG3 gene sequences of the founder animals of the intercross were analyzed. The RN(-) mutation previously reported was not present in the cross but three missense substitutions and a polymorphic short interspersed element (SINE) were identified. To confirm the hypothesis that at least one of these mutations was associated with differences in meat quality, >1800 animals from several unrelated commercial lines were genotyped for the candidate substitutions and an association study was performed. The results demonstrate the presence of new economically important alleles of the PRKAG3 gene affecting the glycogen content in the muscle and the resulting meat quality. Haplotype analysis was shown to resolve the effects of PRKAG3 more clearly than analysis of individual polymorphisms. Because of their prevalence in the more common commercial breeds, the potential implications for the pig industry and consumers are considerably greater than the original discovery of the RN(-) mutation. Furthermore, these results illustrate that additional alleles of genes involved in major mutations may play a significant role in quantitative trait variation.

Inhibition of store-operated Ca(2+) influx by acidic extracellular pH in cultured human microglia

The effects of extracellular acidification on Ca(2+)-dependent signaling pathways in human microglia were investigated using Ca(2+)-sensitive fluorescence microscopy. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) was used to elicit Ca(2+) responses primarily dependent on the depletion of intracellular endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stores, while platelet-activating factor (PAF) was used to elicit responses primarily dependent on store-operated channel (SOC) influx of Ca(2+). The duration of transient responses induced by ATP was not significantly different in standard physiological pH 7.4 (mean duration 30.2 +/- 2.5 s) or acidified pH 6.2 (mean duration 31.7 +/- 2.8 s) extracellular solutions. However, the time course of the PAF response at pH 7.4 was significantly reduced by 87% with external pH at 6.2. These results suggest that acidification of extracellular solutions inhibits SOC entry of Ca(2+) with little or no effect on depletion of ER stores. Changes of extracellular pH over the range from 8.6 to 6.2 during the development of a sustained SOC influx induced by PAF resulted in instantaneous modulation of SOC amplitude indicating a rapidly reversible effect of pH on this Ca(2+) pathway. Whole-cell patch clamp recordings showed external acidification blocked depolarization-activated outward K(+) current indicating cellular depolarization may be involved in the acid pH inhibition. Since SOC mediated influx of Ca(2+) is strongly modulated by membrane potential, the electrophysiological data suggest that acidification may act to inhibit SOC by cellular depolarization. These results suggest that acidification observed during cerebral ischemia may alter microglial responses and functions.

Producing poly-3-hydroxybutyrate with a high molecular mass from methane

Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) and other polyesters can be produced by various species of bacteria. Of the possible carbon sources, methane could provide a suitable substrate for the production of PHB. Methane is cheap and plentiful - not only as natural gas, but also as biogas. The methanotrophic strain Methylocystis sp. GB 25 DSMZ 7674 is able to accumulate PHB in a brief non-sterile process. The studies were carried out using a 7-l and a 70-l pressure bioreactor. Cultivation was performed in two stages: a continuous growth phase (dilution rate 0.17 h(-1)) and a PHB accumulation phase under deficiency conditions of an essential nutrient (ammonium, phosphorus or magnesium) in batch culture. The PHB content of biomass was as high as 51%; efficiency was highest during the first 5 h of the product formation process. The maximum PHB yield relative to the methane consumed was estimated to be 0.55 g g(-1). The PHB produced is of very high quality, having a high molecular mass of up to 2.5x10(6) Da.

A novel postsynaptic density protein: the monocarboxylate transporter MCT2 is co-localized with delta-glutamate receptors in postsynaptic densities of parallel fiber-Purkinje cell synapses

Confocal immunofluorescence microscopy showed strong monocarboxylate transporter 2 (MCT2) labeling of Purkinje cell bodies and punctate labeling in the molecular layer. By immunogold cytochemistry, it could be demonstrated that the MCT2 immunosignal was concentrated at postsynaptic densities of parallel fiber-Purkinje cell synapses. The distribution of MCT2 transporters within the individual postsynaptic densities mimicked that of the delta2 glutamate receptor, as shown by use of two different gold-particle sizes. The MCT2 distribution was also compared with the distributions of other monocarboxylate transporters (MCT1 and MCT4). The MCT1 immunolabeling was localized in the endothelial cells, while MCT4 immunogold particles were associated with glial profiles, including those abutting the synaptic cleft of the parallel fiber-spine synapses. The postsynaptic density (PSD) molecules identified so far can be divided into five classes: receptors, their anchoring molecules, molecules involved in signal transduction, ion channels, and attachment proteins. Here, we provide evidence that this list of molecules must now be extended to comprise an organic molecule transporter: the monocarboxylate transporter MCT2. The present data suggest that MCT2 has specific transport functions related to the synaptic cleft and that this transporter may allow an influx of lactate derived from perisynaptic glial processes. The expression of MCT2 in synaptic membranes may allow energy supply to be tuned to the excitatory drive.

In situ rumen degradation characteristics of sixty cultivars of barley grain

Our objectives were to determine the extent of genetic variability in the rate and extent of ruminal digestion among 60 cultivars of barley, and to evaluate the correlations between ruminal digestion characteristics and chemical composition and test weight of barley cultivars. Barley samples were ground through a 2-mm screen, and bags containing 1 g of ground grains were incubated in the rumen of three late-lactation Holstein cows with rumen cannulae for 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, and 24 h. The rate and extent of ruminal digestion were estimated. The insoluble DM fraction ranged from 33.4 to 56.4%, the degradable DM fraction ranged from 34.1 to 60.2%, and the rate of degradation of DM ranged from 0.200 h−1 to 0.624 h−1. Hulled barley cultivars had lower (P < 0.05) soluble and degradable fractions than hulless cultivars. The soluble fraction was positively correlated to starch content of barley cultivars (P = 0.01) and the degradable fraction was correlated to the test weight and CP content (P < 0.01). The observed variability in the ruminal digestion characteristics of barley cultivars indicates that genetic selection holds promise as a means of enhancing the nutritional quality of barley for ruminants. We also observed that 70% of the variation in digestibility could be explained by measures of bulk density, starch content, and kernel weight. Key words: Barley cultivars, in situ degradability

Anion channels modulate store-operated calcium influx in human microglia

Recent work from this laboratory has demonstrated that purinergic-mediated depolarization of human microglia inhibited a store-operated pathway for entry of Ca2+. We have used Fura-2 spectrofluorometry to investigate the effects on store-operated Ca2+ influx induced by replacement of NaCl with Na-gluconate in extracellular solutions. Three separate procedures were used to activate store-operated channels. Platelet activating factor (PAF) was used to generate a sustained influx of Ca2+ in standard physiological saline solution (PSS). The magnitude of this response was depressed by 70% after replacement of PSS with low Cl- PSS. A second procedure used ATP, initially applied in Ca2+-free PSS solution to deplete intracellular stores. The subsequent perfusion of PSS solution containing Ca2+ resulted in a large and sustained entry of Ca2+, which was inhibited by 75% with low Cl- PSS. The SERCA inhibitor cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) was used to directly deplete stores in zero-Ca2+ PSS. Following the introduction of PSS containing Ca2+, a maintained stores-operated influx of Ca2+ was evident which was inhibited by 77% in the presence of the low Cl- PSS. Ca2+ influx was linearly reduced with cell depolarization in elevated K+ (7.5 to 35 mM) suggesting that changes in external Cl- were manifest as altered electrical driving force for Ca2+ entry. However, 50 mM external KCl effectively eliminated divalent entry which may indicate inactivation of this pathway with high magnitudes of depolarization. Patch clamp studies showed low Cl-PSS to cause depolarizing shifts in both holding currents and reversal potentials of currents activated with voltage ramps. The results demonstrate that Cl- channels play an important role in regulating store-operated entry of Ca2+ in human microglia.

Prediction of composition and ruminal degradability characteristics of barley straw by near infrared reflectance spectroscopy

The usefulness of near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) for the prediction of the nutritive value of straw was examined with 195 samples of barley straw. Excluding lignin, NIRS technique explained 84 to 94% of the variation in chemical components in the validation set. From 69 to 84% of the variation in ruminal degradability characteristics, excluding rate of degradation, was explained by NIRS. With the exception of neutral detergent fiber, accuracies of prediction were not improved when NIRS calibrations were based upon calibration sets containing straw only in contrast with when barley hay and barley silage were included with straw in the calibration set. We conclude that near infrared reflectance spectroscopy is a useful method for predicting chemical composition of straw and estimating its ruminal degradability characteristics. Key words: Barley, straw, near infrared reflectance spectroscopy, in situ, degradability

["Medicinarn aspernari impietas est."--On the relationship of the Reformation and academic medicine in Wittenberg]

Philipp Melanchthon's university reform at Wittenberg which was due to Reformation mainly concerned the Arts faculty, but also affected the medical education. Influenced by Melanchthon's orations about medical subjects and by his textbooks on natural philosophy and anthropology, Wittenberg medicine was taught within the theological framework of evolving Protestantism. This was particularly true for the anatomical education: In the context of the protestant distinction between gospel and law anatomy was considered as part of the law. Anatomical knowledge was therefore regarded necessary for all students, not only for those becoming physicians. Furthermore it seems that the adoption of new anatomical findings (e.g. Vesal's corrections of Galen) was more promoted than hindered by the theological context of Wittenberg anatomy.

Factors influencing composition and ruminal degradability of barley straw

Chemical composition and in situ ruminal degradability characteristics for 25 and 40 genotypes of barley straw were measured for crops grown in 1994 and 1995, respectively. Straw from semidwarf genotypes contained more crude protein and less neutral detergent fiber (NDF) than that from genotypes with medium straw length and effective ruminal degradability was 9% higher (P < 0.01). Straw from two-row genotypes contained 19% more crude protein (4.4 vs. 3.7%) and 3% less NDF (75.2 vs. 77.6%) than that from six-row genotypes and effective ruminal degradability was 6% higher (P < 0.01) when genotypes with medium-length straw only were considered. Genotypes with smooth awns had higher rates of degradation but contained less of the slowly degraded fraction than straw with rough awns when straws of medium straw length were compared (P < 0.05). Straw from hulless genotypes contained more (P = 0.006) NDF than that from covered varieties. Both ambient and soil temperature were positively related (P < 0.05) to effective ruminal degradability of straw, possibly because of associated greater leafiness when temperatures were higher and there was more light. It was concluded that it is possible to select barley genotypes that have superior straw nutritive value for ruminant animals. Key words: Barley, straw, degradability, cattle, genotype, environment

Effect of the estrogen receptor locus on reproduction and production traits in four commercial pig lines

We investigated the effect of the estrogen receptor (ESR) gene on growth and reproductive traits in four Large White-based commercial pig lines. A total of 9,015 litter records from 4,262 sows genotyped at the ESR locus were analyzed to determine whether ESR influenced total number born (TNB) or number born alive (NBA). Teat number (TN), test ADG, ADFI, feed:gain ratio (F/G), and ultrasonic backfat (BF) were also analyzed to determine effects of ESR. The TNB and NBA were increased per favorable allele of ESR (P < .01) with additive effects of .42 (.31) and .39 (.31) pigs/litter in the first parity (later parities), respectively. Dominance effects were near zero in parity one, but they were .16 and .14 pigs for TNB and NBA, respectively, in later parities (P < .05). A favorable additive pleiotropic effect was detected for BF (P < .001; -.11 mm per copy of the favorable litter size allele). There were no detectable effects on ADG or F/G (P > .10), although ADF was reduced 18 g/d per copy of the favorable litter size allele (P < .05). Average TN was 13.1 for pigs carrying the favorable litter size allele vs 13.2 for noncarriers (P < .05). Marker-assisted selection using ESR is warranted to increase litter size in the Large White-based lines considered here and will be of considerable economic value to pork producers.

Regeneration of diaphyseal bone defects using resorbable poly(L/DL-lactide) and poly(D-lactide) membranes in the Yucatan pig model

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effects of tubular resorbable polymer membranes on the healing of a segmental diaphyseal bone defect.

DESIGN

A randomized prospective study using the minipig model. Animals were evaluated with in vivo roentgenograms on a biweekly basis until explanted at twelve weeks.

SETTING

After surgery, animals were allowed unrestricted activity and weight bearing between twenty-four and forty-eight hours.

ANIMALS

Fifteen yearling Yucatan minipigs.

INTERVENTION

A 2.5- to 3.0-centimeter mid-diaphyseal defect was created in the middle third of the radius. Animals were assigned in groups of three to receive the following implants: (a) poly(L/DL-lactide), (b) poly(L/DL-lactide)-CaCO3, (c) poly(D-lactide), (d) poly(D-lactide)-CaCO3, and (e) an untreated defect. No adjunctive internal or external fixation was used as the ulna was left intact.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The limbs were studied with in vivo anterior-posterior and lateral radiographs at biweekly intervals for the presence and pattern of bone formation. All limbs were explanted at twelve weeks postimplantation for methyl-methacrylate embedding and histologic and microradiographic study.

RESULTS

The bone defects covered with membranes were completely reconstituted by six to eight weeks. Untreated defects healed with less bone formation and in a more disorganized pattern. Histologic evaluation of the implants demonstrated that the entire lumen of the implant was filled with bone, with some periosteal bone formation occurring on the outer surface of the membrane. There was direct apposition of bone onto the membrane surface or minimal fibrous tissue interposition between membrane and new bone. There was no foreign body or adverse reaction to the membrane. Untreated defects showed woven bone formation with clefts and irregularly shaped margins occupied by fibrous tissues or surrounding muscle tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

This study supports the concept that a membrane enhances bone defect healing by excluding nonosseous tissues from a defect and providing structural scaffolding for periosteal and endosteal bone regeneration.

Open trial of intravenous immune serum globulin for chronic sinusitis in children

BACKGROUND

Chronic sinusitis in children is a complex clinical problem. Some patients do not improve with medical therapy and some fail surgery as well.

OBJECTIVE

A therapeutic trial of intravenous immune serum globulin (IVIG) was given to children whose sinus disease was recalcitrant to the usual therapeutic modalities. The objective of IVIG administration was to modulate the inflammatory process contributing to the chronicity of the sinusitis.

METHODS

Six patients were given a 12-month trial of monthly (400 mg/kg) IVIG infusions. Entry criteria included persistence of sinusitis after 3 months of full course antibiotics, or two episodes of sinusitis within a 3-month period while on prophylactic antibiotics. All patients had abnormal sinus CT (computerized tomography) scans at entry. Three of the six patients remained symptomatic despite prior sinus surgery. Patients with primary immune deficiencies were excluded. Each patient served as his own control based on their previous 12-month history and clinical course. Four of the 6 patients were atopic as demonstrated by prick skin testing; however, all patients had nasal eosinophilia.

RESULTS

Full course antibiotic use decreased in five of the six patients (183 to 84 days); correspondingly, the episodes of sinusitis decreased (average 9 to 4 per year). In addition, sinus CT scans showed significant improvement.

CONCLUSION

This preliminary open-trial of IVIG suggests its usefulness as adjunct therapy to medical management in selected patients with chronic sinus disease. The mechanism(s) by which IVIG may be helpful is probably not based on the concept of replacement therapy, but more likely as an immune or inflammatory modulating agent.

Integration of the PiGMaP and USDA maps for porcine chromosome 14

In order to align two previously published genetic linkage maps, a set of four of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) microsatellite linkage markers was mapped in the International Pig Gene Mapping Project (PiGMaP) reference families. Two-point linkage analysis was used between these USDA markers and the set of genes and markers previously mapped on the PiGMaP chromosome 14 map. Markers with threshold lod scores of three or greater were used for multipoint map construction. The USDA and PigGMaP linkage maps of chromosome 14 were aligned using the four USDA microsatellite markers along with three markers that are common to both maps. The PiGMaP genetic linkage map order for chromosome 14 was confirmed and the map was expanded to 193 cM with addition of the new markers.

In situ degradabilities of barley grain cultivars

Differences in in situ dry matter degradabilities occurred at all incubation times when 22 cultivars of barley gram grown at three locations were examined. Rapidly and slowly degradable fractions ranged from 25 to 40% and from 49 to 65%, respectively. Rates of degradation ranged from 23 to 35% h−1 (P = 0.03). Key words: Barley, cultivars, in situ, degradability, location

Cloning, sequencing and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of a porcine cDNA for OCT2

A full-length pig cDNA for the POU-domain protein OCT2 has been isolated and sequenced. The 478 amino acid-long reading frame in pig OCT2 is 97% identical to human OCT2A, indicating strong conservation of function for this immunoglobulin regulatory protein. To investigate the potential use of this cDNA for mapping and identifying linkage of OCT2 to economic traits, restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis was used to identify a TaqI polymorphism. A population of 60 unrelated animals, as well as multigenerational families, were typed for this RFLP and showed variability in several American and Chinese breeds. The TaqI polymorphism was also detected by a non-POU-domain OCT2 probe, demonstrating that this RFLP is located in the OCT2 gene. This result suggests that OCT2 is likely to be a single-copy gene in swine as seen in other mammals.