Characterization of Giardia lamblia genotypes in dogs from Tucson, Arizona using SSU-rRNA and ß-giardin sequences.

The objective of this study was to determine if human genotypes of Giardia lamblia could be found in canine companion animals from urban and peri-urban environments in Tucson, Arizona. Canine fecal samples collected from the Humane Society of Southern Arizona between July 2006 and April 2009 were screened for G. lamblia infection using immunofluorescent microscopy and confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Of the 672 samples screened, 196 were found positive by IFA and 185 of those positive were successfully amplified through PCR. Sequencing analysis showed samples were primarily of the C or D genotypes (n =154), or showing a mix of the C and D genotypes (n =10). One sample showed a mixed infection of a human genotype (A) and a dog-specific genotype (C). These data are consistent with previous studies showing dog specific genotypes to be dominant in environments where dog-to-dog transmission is likely to occur, and provides further evidence that multiple genes should be targeted for more accurate genotype characterization.

Eastern Canadian Colorectal Cancer Consensus Conference 2017.

The annual Eastern Canadian Gastrointestinal Cancer Consensus Conference 2017 was held in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, 28-30 September. Experts in radiation oncology, medical oncology, surgical oncology, and cancer genetics who are involved in the management of patients with gastrointestinal malignancies participated in presentations and discussion sessions for the purpose of developing the recommendations presented here. This consensus statement addresses multiple topics in the management of gastric, rectal, and colon cancer, including ■ identification and management of hereditary gastric and colorectal cancer (crc);■ palliative systemic therapy for metastatic gastric cancer;■ optimum duration of preoperative radiation in rectal cancer-that is, short- compared with long-course radiation;■ management options for peritoneal carcinomatosis in crc;■ implications of tumour location for treatment and prognosis in crc; and■ new molecular markers in crc.

Defining the role of corticotropin releasing factor binding protein in alcohol consumption.

The corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) exerts its effects by acting on its receptors and on the binding protein (CRFBP), and has been implicated in alcohol use disorder (AUD). Therefore, identification of the exact contribution of each protein that mediates CRF effects is necessary to design effective therapeutic strategies for AUD. A series of in vitro/in vivo experiments across different species were performed to define the biological discrete role of CRFBP in AUD. First, to establish the CRFBP role in receptor signaling, we developed a novel chimeric cell-based assay and showed that CFRBP full length can stably be expressed on the plasma membrane. We discovered that only CRFBP(10 kD) fragment is able to potentiate CRF-intracellular Ca2+ release. We provide evidence that CRHBP gene loss increased ethanol consumption in mice. Then, we demonstrate that selective reduction of CRHBP expression in the center nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) decreases ethanol consumption in ethanol-dependent rats. CRFBP amygdalar downregulation, however, does not attenuate yohimbine-induced ethanol self-administration. This effect was associated with decreased hemodynamic brain activity in the CRFBP-downregulated CeA and increased hemodynamic activity in the caudate putamen during yohimbine administration. Finally, in alcohol-dependent patients, genetic variants related to the CRFBP(10 kD) fragment were associated with greater risk for alcoholism and anxiety, while other genetic variants were associated with reduced risk for anxiety. Taken together, our data provide evidence that CRFBP may possess both inhibitory and excitatory roles and may represent a novel pharmacological target for the treatment of AUD.

Quantitative analysis of crude plasma extracts by ion trap tandem mass spectrometry.

The ion trap mass spectrometer is a tandem-in-time instrument that has promise as an extremely sensitive device for practical tandem mass spectrometry assays. An approach for the quantitative analysis of unknown drug levels in crude extracts, using combined capillary gas chromatography and the ion trap mass spectrometer in the tandem mode, is described. One-gram plasma samples were spiked with an anti-inflammatory drug at levels of 1-100 ng, and with 50 ng of a chemical analog internal standard. Crude extracts of the plasma samples are analyzed by using scan functions that utilize combined radiofrequency (rf) and de voltages. The need for combined rf- and de-voltage sequences for analysis of such extracts is demonstrated by comparison to attempted analyses using only rf voltages. Limitations of the method are: (1) the need for accurate calibration of ionization times to obtain linear calibration lines, and (2) the lack of automatic gain control for scans using combined rf and dc voltages to control and optimize parent ion populations and to allow a simpler analysis of "unknowns. "

Identification of epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factor-alpha, and epidermal growth factor receptor in surgically induced endometriosis in rats.

The present immunohistochemical studies used polyclonal antibodies specific to epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha), and monoclonal antibodies to the extracellular binding domain of EGF receptor to elucidate their presence and cellular distribution in surgically induced endometriosis in the rat. Uterine segments were implanted in the mesenteric region adjacent to a blood vessel for a period of 4-6 weeks. During operative reexploration, the implanted tissues were intact, morphologically similar to the controls, and consisted of a cyst containing clear fluid and associated adhesion formation. All the uterine cell types immunostained with antibody to EGF. The highest immunostaining intensity was associated with inflammatory cells infiltrated among endometrial stromal cells, followed by luminal and glandular epithelial and stromal cells. The cysts consisted of an inner simple columnar epithelium, surrounded by several layers of smooth muscle and connective tissue. The cyst epithelial layer immunostained weakly, while the supporting wall stained moderately. The inflammatory cells found within the cyst cavity immunostained very intensely, comparable to those in the endometrium. The patterns of immunostaining for TGF-alpha and EGF receptor were similar to that observed for EGF. Myometrial smooth-muscle cells and endothelial and smooth-muscle cells of arterioles were also immunostained for EGF, TGF-alpha, and EGF receptor, but with lower intensity than that of the endometrium. These observations suggest that, like normal uterine tissue, endometrial implants produce EGF and TGF-alpha locally and contain receptors for EGF. These results imply a possible paracrine or autocrine role for growth factors in the establishment and/or maintenance of endometriotic tissue.

The pharmacology of CGRP-responsive receptors in cultured and transfected cells.

Historically, CGRP receptors have been classified as CGRP(1) or CGRP(2) subtypes, chiefly depending on their affinity for the antagonist CGRP(8-37). It has been shown that the complex between calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CRLR or CL) and receptor activity modifying protein (RAMP) 1 provides a molecular correlate for the CGRP(1) receptor; however, this does not explain the range of affinities seen for CGRP(8-37) in isolated tissues. It is suggested that these may largely be explained by a combination of methodological factors and CGRP-responsive receptors generated by CL and RAMP2 or RAMP3 and complexes of RAMPs with the calcitonin receptor.

Viral hepatitis in pregnancy.

Hepatitis A is usually a benign, self-limited infection. A chronic carrier state does not exist, and perinatal transmission does not occur. Hepatitis B may cause chronic infection, and infants delivered to infected mothers are at considerable risk of developing neonatal hepatitis. Passive and active immunization with HBIG and HBV is highly effective in preventing perinatal transmission. Hepatitis D typically occurs as a coinfection or superinfection with hepatitis B. Patients infected with both viruses are at high risk for chronic liver disease. Perinatal transmission of hepatitis D can be prevented by the immunoprophylaxis used for hepatitis B. Non-A, non-B hepatitis occurs in two distinct forms: parenterally transmitted hepatitis C and enterically transmitted hepatitis E. Perinatal transmission of hepatitis C can occur, particularly in women who are concurrently infected with the human immunodeficiency virus. Neonatal immunoprophylaxis is not yet available. Hepatitis E may be associated with high maternal mortality rates in developing nations. However, a chronic carrier state does not exist, and perinatal transmission does not occur. Table 2 summarizes the most important features of each form of viral hepatitis.

A modified prognostic index based upon nutritional measurements.

This paper describes a formula which, on solution, derives a prognostic index (PI) for predicting surgical complications using an anthropometric measurement and serum protein levels which may be obtained easily and rapidly. The formula was applied to three groups of patients, firstly 106 patients undergoing major surgical resection, secondly to 16 patients admitted for minor surgery to assess a normal range, and thirdly 10 patients undergoing total parenteral nutrition. In patients undergoing major surgical resection the prognostic index was significantly greater in those patients developing complications than in the control group and a good predictor of the risk of complications. The index uses nutritional measurements to predict complications rather than being a measurement of nutritional status and is therefore a poor monitor of the efficacy of nutritional therapy.

The potential for biofilm growth in water distribution systems.

Biofilms on pipe walls in water distribution systems are composed of bacteria in a polymeric matrix, which can lead to chlorine demand, coliform growth, pipe corrosion and water taste and odour problems. The majority of previous studies have been laboratory or pilot plant based and few results are available for field conditions. In this study, field observations of biofilm were made using biofilm potential monitors. The monitor results were compared with pipe samples taken from the distribution system and with laboratory pipe reactors. An empirical equation quantified the inhibitory effects of free chlorine and decrease of temperature on biofilm growth. With water having total organic carbon concentrations in the range 1.5-3.9mg/1 a free chlorine residual of 0.2 mg/l was needed to reduce biofilm concentration to below 50 pg ATP cm2. Pipe material influenced biofilm activity far less than chlorine with mean biofilm activity being ranked in the order glass (136 pg ATP/cm2) < cement (212 pg ATP/cm2) < MDPE (302 pg ATP/ cm2) < PVC (509 pg ATP/cm2).

Fixed and mobile facilities in dairy practice.

The fixed and mobile facilities described in this article have worked well for a mixed (80 per cent dairy, 20 per cent small animal) practice in central Pennsylvania. Fixed facilities can be convenient and encourage a practice to accept more challenging medical and surgical cases. The facility is much less expensive and more functional if it can be practical rather than fancy. The mobile practice must be well enough equipped to handle routine farm calls as well as to project a positive image. The why, what, where, when, and how much expenditure considerations must be decided individually by each practice for either type of facility.

Nurse endoscopy in a district general hospital.

INTRODUCTION: This study describes the first full year of independent practice by a newly appointed nurse endoscopist in a district general hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients underwent either 'one stop' flexible sigmoidoscopy and barium enema or flexible sigmoidoscopy alone. Barium enema results, video photography, clinical follow-up, and histology were used to validate the results of the flexible sigmoidoscopy. One stop clinic: 161 endoscopies were performed, with 104 female patients (65%), and a mean age of 64 years. There was one failed endoscopy due to poor bowel preparation. Abnormalities were identified in 84% of endoscopies. Flexible sigmoidoscopy detected abnormalities not seen on the barium enema in 28 cases, all of which were polyps (18%). Barium enema identified one abnormality within reach of the flexible sigmoidoscope not identified at endoscopy (small polyp in sigmoid; 1%). Elective flexible sigmoidoscopy list: 121 endoscopies were performed, with 65 female patients (54%), and a mean age of 59 years. There were two failed endoscopy procedures, both attributed to poor bowel preparation. Two-thirds of patients had an abnormality on investigation. There were no complications in either group of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The nurse-led endoscopy service has been successfully initiated with a high completion rate for flexible sigmoidoscopies. All significant conditions were identified with 99% sensitivity. Nurse endoscopy is a safe, useful and practical procedure in the setting of this district general hospital.

Venous distension in the diabetic neuropathic foot (physical sign of arteriovenous shunting).

A new physical sign is described in the feet of a group of diabetic patients with ulcerating neuropathic problems, in which major venous distension of the veins on the dorsum of the foot and lower calf is seen. Elevation of the leg is required to an average height of 32.3 cm to cause collapse of these distended veins. It is suggested that this clinical sign indicates the presence of arteriovenous shunting in such neuropathic legs, and as such is a simple and useful measure of this abnormality.

Latex allergy alert.

Reports of children and adults having allergic reactions after latex exposure are appearing in the literature in increasing numbers. The reactions have ranged from rashes, hives and swelling to respiratory distress and even death. Unfortunately, although latex is a common component in many hospital and household products, many health care workers remain unaware of the potential implications of latex allergy on their work and on the health and safety of their patients.

Varenicline decreases ethanol intake and increases dopamine release via neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the nucleus accumbens.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Varenicline, a neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) modulator, decreases ethanol consumption in rodents and humans. The proposed mechanism of action for varenicline to reduce ethanol consumption has been through modulation of dopamine (DA) release in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) via α4*-containing nAChRs in the ventral tegmental area (VTA). However, presynaptic nAChRs on dopaminergic terminals in the NAc have been shown to directly modulate dopaminergic signalling independently of neuronal activity from the VTA. In this study, we determined whether nAChRs in the NAc play a role in varenicline's effects on ethanol consumption. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Rats were trained to consume ethanol using the intermittent-access two-bottle choice protocol for 10 weeks. Ethanol intake was measured after varenicline or vehicle was microinfused into the NAc (core, shell or core-shell border) or the VTA (anterior or posterior). The effect of varenicline treatment on DA release in the NAc was measured using both in vivo microdialysis and in vitro fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV). KEY RESULTS: Microinfusion of varenicline into the NAc core and core-shell border, but not into the NAc shell or VTA, reduced ethanol intake following long-term ethanol consumption. During microdialysis, a significant enhancement in accumbal DA release occurred following systemic administration of varenicline and FSCV showed that varenicline also altered the evoked release of DA in the NAc. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Following long-term ethanol consumption, varenicline in the NAc reduces ethanol intake, suggesting that presynaptic nAChRs in the NAc are important for mediating varenicline's effects on ethanol consumption.

Post-coital haemoperitoneum: a downside to intercourse.

We present the case of a 43-year-old multiparous female patient presenting with post-coital haemoperitoneum secondary to a ruptured uterine fibroid. This is a rare case demonstrating the need to elicit full gynaecological history in patients presenting with an acute abdomen.

Lifting the lid on GPCRs: the role of extracellular loops.

GPCRs exhibit a common architecture of seven transmembrane helices (TMs) linked by intracellular loops and extracellular loops (ECLs). Given their peripheral location to the site of G-protein interaction, it might be assumed that ECL segments merely link the important TMs within the helical bundle of the receptor. However, compelling evidence has emerged in recent years revealing a critical role for ECLs in many fundamental aspects of GPCR function, which supported by recent GPCR crystal structures has provided mechanistic insights. This review will present current understanding of the key roles of ECLs in ligand binding, activation and regulation of both family A and family B GPCRs.