Combining gemcitabine and MSC delivering soluble TRAIL to target pancreatic adenocarcinoma and its stroma.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) still has a poor response to therapies, partly due to their cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Here, we investigate the synergistic impact of a combinatory approach between a known chemotherapy agent, such as gemcitabine (GEM), and gene-modified human mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) secreting the pro-apoptotic soluble (s)TRAIL (sTRAIL MSCs) on both PDAC cells and CAFs. The combo significantly impacts on PDAC survival in 2D and 3D models. In orthotopic xenograft models, GEM and sTRAIL MSCs induce tumor architecture shredding with a reduction of CK7- and CK8/18-positive cancer cells and the abrogation of spleen metastases. A cytotoxic effect on primary human CAFs is also observed along with an alteration of their transcriptome and a reduction of the related desmoplasia. Collectively, we demonstrate a promising therapeutic profile of combining GEM and sTRAIL MSCs to target both tumoral and stromal compartments in PDAC.

ACVR and ECVDI consensus statement for teleradiology.

Increased demand for the interpretation of diagnostic images by board-certified radiologists and profound advancements in technology have led to extremely rapid growth in the field of veterinary teleradiology over the past decade. The aim of this consensus statement is to provide a guideline for best practices for quality and safety in veterinary teleradiology. The statement addresses appropriate image acquisition and transmission, the creation of teleradiology submissions, quality control in teleradiology, and appropriate documentation of imaging reports, as deficiencies in any of these areas may directly affect the standard of patient care. The consensus statement may be used as a guide for radiologists, primary care veterinarians, technicians, and students for the use of teleradiology in practice.

Tactile stimulation of the perigenital region during manual bladder expression improved the urine stream in cats affected by upper motor neuron injury.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate whether the tactile stimulation of the perigenital region together with manual bladder expression (MBE) facilitated the urine stream in cats with acute or chronic upper motor neuron injury (UMNI). ANIMALS: 34 cats with UMNI having urinary retention. METHODS: All the cats had a complete neurologic examination, which determined the localization of the UMNI between T3 and L3. They were classified as chronic UMNI if the injury had occurred more than 3 days previously. The cats were divided equally into 2 groups: the M group (n = 17) managed with only MBE, and the MT group (17) managed with MBE and tactile stimulation. RESULTS: In both groups, all the cats affected by chronic UMNI resumed urination. The time required to obtain a urine stream in the chronic UMNI was 9.3 seconds in the M group and 3.1 seconds in the MT group (P < .05). In the cats affected by acute UMNI, a urine stream was achieved in 54% of the M group and 100% of the MT group (P < .05). The time to obtain a urine stream in the acute UMNI cats was 7.8 seconds in the M group and 3.75 seconds in the MT group (P < .05). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Adding tactile stimulation of the perigenital region to the MBE improved the urine stream in cats affected by UMNI.

High-Resolution Ultrasonographic Anatomy of the Carpal Tendons of Sporting Border Collies.

Recent literature has demonstrated that high-resolution ultrasonographic anatomy of the canine carpus is possible; however, only the structures of the dorsal face were described. The aims of this prospective study were: (1) to describe the normal ultrasonographic appearance of the carpal tendons in sporting Border Collies; (2) to measure the height, length, and thickness of the tendon at the radial ulnar notch level in order to create a baseline reference for the breed, and (3) to describe a standardised protocol to ultrasonographically evaluate the carpal faces and visible tendinous structures. A pilot study based on ten cadaveric front limbs was used to identify the structures. A subsequent clinical phase of the study using twenty-six Border Collies was recorded. The tendons of the Extensor Carpi Radialis, Extensor Digitorum Communis, and Extensor Digitorum Lateralis were identified and followed from the tenomuscular junction to the distal insertion on the dorsal face of the digits. On the lateral face, the tendon of the Extensor Carpi Ulnaris was recognised and followed. On the palmar face, the two heads of the Flexor Carpi Ulnaris tendon ending on the accessory carpal bone, the adjacent Flexor Digitorum Superficialis tendon, and the deep and medially located Flexor Digitorum Profundus tendon were seen and followed. The Flexor Carpi Radialis and the Abductor Pollicis Longus tendons were seen in the medial carpal face. The ulnar notch of the radius was used as the measurement and starting point of the ultrasonography. These data could be used as a standard reference in the case of chronic overuse and trauma-induced changes in the canine carpus.

Efficacy of Serial Ultrasonographic Examinations in Predicting Return to Play in Agility Dogs with Shoulder Lameness.

The aim of this study is to investigate the use of shoulder ultrasound as a method of predicting the likelihood of returning to competition in agility dogs with shoulder teno-muscular injuries after a standardised rehabilitation protocol. Thirty-two agility dogs with a clinical and ultrasonographic diagnosis of shoulder teno-muscular injury were included in a prospective study with physical and ultrasound examinations at the time of diagnosis (T0) and at two (T2), four (T4) and six (T6) months; during this period, the dogs received rehabilitation treatments. The endpoint of the study was to obtain information regarding participation in agility competitions 12 months after diagnosis, based on telephone interviews with the owners. The clinical lameness score (CLS) and the ultrasound lesion score (ULS) were used as outcome measurements. The CLS indicated partial recovery from a shoulder injury at T2 (78%), while the ULS indicated no satisfactory recovery at T2 in any patient. At 4 months, the CLS alone was not a valuable predictor of full recovery from a shoulder injury in agility dogs. Relative Risk indicated that, at T2, ultrasound was 23.8 times more valuable in identifying a shoulder lesion as compared to clinical lameness score (CLS), and it was 2.53 times more valuable at T4.

Ultrasonographic appearance and measurement of abdominal structures in healthy Capuchin monkeys (Sapajus spp.).

BACKGROUND: Previous ultrasonographic studies of Sapajus apella to determine the normal anatomy and physiology are incomplete. The aim of this study was to determine normal ultrasonographic appearance and measurements of all abdominal organs and structures of interest. METHODS: Twelve adult monkeys were recruited considered healthy on the basis of history, physical examination, and general blood work. To avoid additional anesthesia, the ultrasonographic examinations were performed during routine screening, annually scheduled by the Unit of Cognitive Primatology & Primate Center, CNR-Rome, where the animals were housed. Ultrasound data were processed offline by two experienced ultrasonographers. RESULTS: Topography, morphology and echostructure were described for almost all organs and descriptive statistics were provided. CONCLUSION: To the author's knowledge, this is the most complete ultrasonographic study in Capuchin monkeys.

A "spaghetti sign" in feline abdominal radiographs predicts spleno-systemic collateral circulation.

A well-defined, tortuous, and tubular soft tissue opaque structure has been observed within the left mid abdominal cavity in digital radiographs of some cats. Authors hypothesized that this radiographic "spaghetti sign" is a predictor for spleno-systemic collateral circulation. The purpose of this multicenter, retrospective, descriptive study was to further characterize radiographic "spaghetti signs" in a group of cats and compare these signs with results of ultrasonography or computed tomography (CT). A multiinstitutional database was reviewed for radiographic reports describing the presence of a tubular tortuous structure within the left abdominal cavity of feline patients. Patients were included if additional abdominal ultrasound or CT studies were available. Imaging studies and medical records were retrieved and reviewed by a board-certified veterinary radiologist, and characteristics were recorded. Eighteen cats met the inclusion criteria. The presence of a tortuous vessel consistent with spleno-systemic collateral circulation was observed by ultrasonography or CT examinations in all patients with a "spaghetti sign" on abdominal radiographs. All patients were spayed females. One cat showed ultrasonographic imaging features consistent with portal hypertension. In conclusion, findings supported the hypothesis that a radiographic "spaghetti sign" is a predictor of spleno-systemic collateral circulation in feline patients and should be distinguished from other signs such as focal loss of serosal detail or a space occupying lesion.

Clinical and histopathological features of a thymolipoma in a dog.

This study presents a case of a canine thymolipoma, which is a rare, slow-growing, benign tumor of the thymus composed of mature adipose tissue and thymic tissue. A 9-year-old spayed, female miniature pinscher presented with chronic cough and dyspnoea. Radiology revealed pleural effusion and a mediastinal mass with a fatty appearance. The mass was attached to, and silhouetted, the adjacent pericardium. Microscopically, the mass was composed of adipose tissue with numerous cords and nests of thymic tissue without corticomedullary arrangement. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first description of this uncommon neoplasm in a dog. The gross and histological findings are similar to those described for thymolipomas in humans. The possible histogenesis for this neoplasia in a dog is also discussed.

Use of ultrasound to diagnose diaphragmatic rupture in dogs and cats.

Twenty-one cats and six dogs that presented to a first-opinion clinic with signs of dyspnea and muffled cardiac auscultation received ultrasonography to look for signs of diaphragmatic rupture. The presence or absence of diaphragmatic rupture was subsequently determined on the basis of unequivocal radiographic signs, surgical findings, or necropsy. Consistent findings in animals with diaphragmatic rupture were irregular or asymmetric cranial aspect of the liver and abdominal viscera in the thorax. Accuracy of ultrasonography was 25/27 (93%). One false-negative result occurred in a cat with a chronic diaphragmatic rupture in which adhesions between the liver and lung simulated the appearance of an intact diaphragm. One false-positive result occurred in a dog with an abscess involving the left lung and pleural cavity, which was misinterpreted as the stomach. The results of this study support use of ultrasonography in animals with suspected diaphragmatic rupture.