Flat threshold and mid-frequency hearing impairment in a Dutch DFNA8/12 family with a novel mutation in TECTA. Some evidence for protection of the inner ear.

A novel TECTA mutation (c.5331G>A) was identified affecting alpha-tectorin just N-terminally of the zona pellucida domain in a Dutch family with nonsyndromic autosomal dominant sensorineural hearing impairment. The present mutation is clearly associated with a flat-threshold type of hearing impairment. Intriguingly, our results demonstrated that the present TECTA mutation had a significant protective effect against presbyacusis. Substantial protection against presbyacusis is a novel finding in a family with autosomal dominant hearing impairment.

[Regional metastases of head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma]. / Regionale metastasen van plaveiselcelcarcinoom van de huid in het hoofd-halsgebied.

Two patients, a woman aged 54 years and a man aged 76 years, developed regional metastases of head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (HNCSCC). In general, cutaneous SCC has a low metastatic potential. However these patients illustrate that this tumour may behave aggressively, metastasising to the regional lymph nodes in the neck or parotid gland. Certain clinical and histological features of the primary tumour are associated with a higher risk for nodal metastases. In patients at risk, a more rigorous investigation for nodal metastasis is warranted at diagnosis of SCC as well as during follow-up. The extent of treatment of lymph nodes in the neck region should be directed by the location of the primary tumour, which is an indicator of the most probable lymph drainage pattern. In the case of metastatic parotid involvement, elective treatment of the neck should be considered, even when there are no clinical signs of metastasis. Treatment consists of surgery and/or ipsilateral radiotherapy.

Effect of sodium bentonite on the performance and blood variables of broiler chickens intoxicated with aflatoxins.

1. This study was conducted to evaluate the protective effect of natural sodium bentonite (NaB) in the prevention of toxic effects of aflatoxins. Five hundred and twenty-eight 1-d-old Ross male broiler chickens were housed in pens (22 chickens per pen) for 42 d. There were 3 inclusion rates of NaB (0, 2.5, and 5 g/kg) and 2 of aflatoxins (0 and 3 mg/kg food). Each treatment had 4 replicates of 22 chickens. 2. All chickens treated with aflatoxin and without bentonite were adversely affected. NaB treatment at 5.0 g/kg improved body weights at 42 d of age by 31.3%, increased food intake by 23.8% and improved productive efficiency by 40.1%. Weights of liver, heart, pancreas and crop and biochemical variables were not affected by dietary NaB. However, serum phosphorous concentration was reduced by 30% compared with chickens that received aflatoxin. 3. NaB caused no adverse effects on chickens that did not receive aflatoxin. 4. It is concluded that NaB at pH 7.9 partially neutralises the effects of aflatoxins on broiler chickens when included at 5.0 g/kg in the diet.

Oxacillin residues in milk after drying off with Stapenor Retard TS.

Milk samples from 28 cows were analysed for residues of oxacillin after drying off with Stapenor Retard TS (oxacillin). Analysis was performed with an automated HPLC system consisting of an on-line solid-phase extraction and photochemical post-column derivatization with UV-detection at 300 nm. Although the time interval between treatment and parturition was less than the demanded 55 days, the maximum residue limit of 30 micrograms kg-1 was only exceeded in one case, in which the withdrawal time was 28 days.

Comparative analysis of cathepsin L, cathepsin D, and collagenase messenger RNA expression in synovial tissues of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, by in situ hybridization.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the expression of cathepsin L, cathepsin D, and collagenase messenger RNA (mRNA) in synovial specimens from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: The expression of cathepsins L and D as well as collagenase mRNA in synovial tissues from 8 patients with RA, 6 patients with OA, and 2 patients with noninflamed joints was evaluated using in situ hybridization with digoxigenin-labeled RNA probes. RESULTS: Both RA and OA synovial tissue expressed cathepsins L and D as well as collagenase mRNA. The expression of the cathepsins was markedly higher in interstitial regions and, to some extent, in perivascular infiltrates of RA synovial tissue compared with OA specimens. CONCLUSION: Cathepsins L and D mRNA are expressed differently in RA and OA synovial tissues, supporting the concept that these enzymes may contribute to the influx of mononuclear cells into RA synovium. Moreover, the data reveal that the expression of collagenase and cathepsins in RA and OA synovial lining is otherwise largely similar, and suggest that the adhesion of synovial cells to cartilage mediates the invasive destructive process in RA.

Detection of insulin-like growth factor I and II in synovial tissue specimens of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis by in situ hybridization.

OBJECTIVE: To study the expression of insulin-like growth factor I and II (IGF I and II) in synovial tissue specimen of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: Synovial tissue sections were examined for the expression of IGF I and II by in situ hybridization using digoxigenin labeled antisense and sense RNA probes. RESULTS: The antisense probe of IGF I reacted with all specimens. IGF II mRNA was expressed in 7/7 RA and 4/5 OA tissues. Cells of the synovial lining and subsynovial layer bound both antisense probes, whereas inflammatory infiltrates of RA tissues were labeled rarely. CONCLUSION: The significant number of cells in the synovium that express IGF I and II mRNA suggests a role of IGF in repair mechanisms of articular cartilage in response to injury and effects on fibroblast growth within the synovium.

[Factors associated with the occurrence of influenza A virus infections in fattening swine]. / Mit dem Vorkommen von Influenza-A-Virusinfektionen bei Mastschweinen assoziierte Faktoren.

In August of 1989 sera from 2115 finishing pigs out of 214 herds in the north of Schleswig- Holstein (Germany) were tested for antibodies against three strains of Influenza A viruses by using the haemagglutination inhibition test. Seroprevalences of A/Swine/Nederland/25/80 (H1N1), A/Philippines/2/82 (H3N2), and A/Port Chalmers/1/73 (H3N2) on herd level were 23.4%, 20.6% and 5.1% respectively. The mean within herd prevalences were 9.6%, 14.7% and 0.6%, respectively. Antibodies against H1N1 and H3N3 strains were simultaneously found in 7.5% of the herds and in 1.6% of the pigs. In 485 (22.9%) of the pigs and in 83 (38.3%) of the herds at least one of the strains was prevalent. In 61 (73.5%) of those herds there was no evidence of a clinical outbreak before testing. A higher risk of infection with influenza virus was associated with high pig density (> or = 200 pigs per km2) and with management factors as greater herd size (> 300 finishing pigs), slatted floors (compared to straw bedding) and all in-all out system (compared to continuous purchase).

Overexpression of zinc-finger transcription factor Z-225/Egr-1 in synoviocytes from rheumatoid arthritis patients.

In rheumatoid arthritis (RA) the proliferation of synovial lining cells appears to be one of the initial pathologic changes that contributes to the destruction of articular joints. To understand the pathomechanisms involved in these functional changes, we analyzed the transcriptional regulation of the zinc-finger gene 225 (Z-225/Egr-1), a transcription factor expressed in the immediate early events of cellular activation. We found that Z-225 transcripts were significantly up-regulated in RA synoviocytes. In primary and long term culture Z-225 was spontaneously transcribed at elevated levels. In situ hybridization of zinc-finger probe showed characteristic Z-225 transcripts in RA synovial tissues. Identity of these signals to the Z-225 gene product were confirmed in freshly isolated synovial tissue by enzymatic amplification of cDNA by the PCR technique. Z-225 transcripts were also detected and characterized in a cDNA library established from a RA synovial explant. We therefore conclude that RA synoviocytes spontaneously produce Z-225 gene products at elevated levels. Because early growth response gene Z-225 is involved in the regulation of expression of other genes such as proto-oncogenes c-ras and c-sis, which are also up-regulated in the RA synovium, activation of Z-225 transcription in RA may represent a key event in articular joint destruction.

Cytokines and oncogenes in cellular interactions of rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic disorder of unknown etiology. Most of its debilitation sequelae are derived from progressive destruction of joints. The affected joints exhibit inflammation, abnormal immune responses and synovial hyperplasia. Although growth factors and cytokines derived from macrophages and endothelial cells contribute to the perpetuation of the inflammatory process, activated transformed-appearing synovial fibroblasts mediate cartilage and bone destruction. Based on the observation that synovial hyperplasia is associated with a transformed-appearing phenotype and an upregulated expression of protooncogenes and matrix degrading enzymes, the present studies are designed to explore the role of a heretofore unknown (retro) virus-like particle in the pathogenesis of RA.

A microtitre assay system for glucocorticoid receptors: decreased receptor concentration in myocardial infarction.

A major difficulty in determination of glucocorticoid receptor sites is the very complicated assay procedure. Therefore, we describe a microtitre assay system for glucocorticoid receptors which is a whole-cell competitive binding radioassay using [3H]-dexamethasone as radioligand. This modification of a previously described protocol simplifies and reduces laboratory work and allows assay reproducibility to be controlled more reliably. Thus enabled to perform the test on multiple blood samples in parallel, we investigated cardiac infarction patients over a 12-day period to test if glucocorticoid receptor binding is altered in this 'stressful' disease. On the first day of the disease, glucocorticoid receptor capacity was significantly decreased without alteration of the receptor-ligand affinity, whereas on days 4 and 12 the number of receptor sites was normal again. This result fits well into the general observation of stress-induced down-regulation of immune responses.

Plasmapheresis and subsequent pulse cyclophosphamide versus pulse cyclophosphamide alone in severe lupus: design of the LPSG trial. Lupus Plasmapheresis Study Group (LPSG).

A group of clinics are collaborating in the Lupus Plasmapheresis Study Group (LPSG) to investigate whether repeated plasmapheresis prior to pulse cyclophosphamide improves the therapeutical results in severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The underlying rationale is the hypothesis that plasmapheresis 1) eliminates pathogenic autoantibodies and immune complexes and 2) induces compensatory lymphocyte activation via feedback mechanisms between circulating antibodies and their respective clones ("antibody rebound"). It should be possible to utilize this enhanced activity for increased clonal deletion if pulse cyclophosphamide is applied shortly after plasmapheresis. Accordingly, in a randomized study, the LPSG will be comparing the repeated application of pulse cyclophosphamide alone with a treatment involving repeated plasmapheresis prior to the cyclophosphamide pulses in severe SLE. A third arm of the study will be gathering experience with a more intensified procedure. This overview summarizes the most important details of the planned study.

[Morphologic changes in the intestine of swine after infection with verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli]. / Morphologische Veränderungen am Darm von Schweinen nach Infektion mit verotoxinbildenden Escherichia coli.

Spontaneous morphologic lesions are described in 12 of 66 pigs submitted for necropsy. All 12 pigs were culture positive for Verotoxin-producing E. coli (VTEC). 10 of them were weaned pigs, one a suckling piglet and one a fattening hog. In 6 cases E. coli serovar 0139:H1 and in one case each the serovars 0139:H40; 0138:H-; 0125ac:H27 and 0154:H- were isolated. From the fecal samples of 2 animals E. coli ONT (O-group non typable):H- were cultured. Macroscopically there were cyanosis, edema of the eye lids, catarrhal enteritis and/or colitis as well as edema of the mesentery, swelling of the mesenteric lymph nodes and congestion of the lung to varying degrees. Histopathologic examination of 5 animals was carried out. In 3 animals atrophy and edema of the villi in the jejunum and ileum were discovered. In one animal an additional infection with corona virus was confirmed electron microscopically. Furthermore there was disseminated necrosis of lymphocytes in Peyer's patches of the small intestine and in secondary follicles of the mesenteric lymph nodes. In one of the animals a hemorrhagic-necrotising ileitis, occurred characterized by necrosis of villi and thrombosis of blood vessels in the mucosa. The highest number of VTEC with seven out of twelve animals was found in weaned pigs in association with the E. coli serovar 0139.

[Case description of a congenital malformation in a calf, characterized by an ingrowth of the fetal membranes into the cranial cavity]. / Fallbeschreibung einer angeborenen Missbildung beim Kalb, charakterisiert durch Einwachsen der Eihäute in die Schädelhöhle.

It is reported on a congenital malformation at the head of a calf born dead, characterized by downgrowth of the fetal membranes into the cranial cavity. The outer appearance and the pathologic-anatomical observations are presented in pictures and the attempt of an interpretation is made.

[The sperm quality of 4 boars during the assimilation of mycotoxin-containing feed (ochratoxin A) amd after changing the feed--a case study]. / Beobachtungen zur Spermabeschaffenheit von 4 Ebern während der Aufnahme mykotoxinhaltigen Futters (Ochratoxin A) und nach Futterumstellung--Eine Fallstudie.

In December 1987 and January 1988 in a small station two of four boars showed a marked breakdown in the sperm quality. At the same time the mycotoxin ochratoxin A was identified in the feed at a concentration of about 8 ppb and in the bloodserum of 1 ppb. The relatively low toxin level seemed not to be due to the bad sperm quality, but considering the circumstances and the chronological course it might be an indicator for a higher toxic pressure, which may had happened a few weeks before. As other factors were not visible, most probably the feed must have caused a disturbed sperm production, which could be seen in all four boars. Whether ochratoxin A or other not identified mycotoxins can be hold responsible, could not be clarified. Therefore it is recommended to examine the effects of ochratoxin A on sperm quality of boars in future times.

[Animal welfare and disease control regulations for killing cattle, swine and sheep with the help of a transportable electric stunning facility (SCHERMER, type EC)]. / Tierschutz- und tierseuchengerechtes Töten von Rindern, Schweinen und Schafen mit Hilfe einer transportablen Elektro-Anlage zur Schlachttierbetäubung (SCHERMER, Typ EC).

Stamping-out of animals in case of infections diseases has to meet the requirements resulting from animal welfare, disease prevention, and practicability under conditions in practice. This is well qualified by application of electrical shock stunning with subsequent generation of ventricular fibrillation in cattle, swine and sheep. The scientific elements of the method, the procedure, and experiences in application of the method during the stamping-out of 340 cattle, 980 swine, 152 sheep and 18 goats are discussed in the paper.