Transmission of canine transmissible venereal tumour between two dogs in the UK.

Canine transmissible venereal tumour (CTVT) is a contagious cancer spread by transfer of living cancer cells. Occasional cases are observed in the UK in dogs imported from endemic regions. Here, we report a case of imported canine transmissible venereal tumour that was transmitted to a second dog within the UK. Transmission of genital canine transmissible venereal tumour occurred despite neutered status of the second dog. The aggressive course of disease in both cases, which included metastasis, resistance to therapeutic interventions and ultimate euthanasia of both dogs, is described. The diagnosis of canine transmissible venereal tumour was made using a combination of cytology, histology, immunohistochemistry and PCR to detect the LINE-MYC rearrangement. Practitioners unfamiliar with canine transmissible venereal tumour are reminded of this disease of concern, particularly when imported dogs are placed in multi-dog households, irrespective of neuter status.

Estudio transversal de una base de datos sobre casos de COVID-19 y aplicación de indicadores epidemiológicos básicos bajo la modalidad de taller / Cross-sectional study of a COVID-19 cases data base and application of basic epidemiological indicators in a workshop modality

Introducción. La pandemia por COVID-19 ha evidenciado la importancia de la metodología epidemiológica, por lo que es significativo fortalecer su aprendizaje en todos los niveles formativos del área de ciencias de la salud. Objetivo. Aplicar metodología epidemiológica de carácter descriptivo y analítico para el estudio de una base de datos de casos COVID-19 en la República Mexicana. Material y métodos. Se realizó una búsqueda de bases de datos en sitios web oficiales sobre los casos de COVID-19, y se recuperó un archivo en formato Excel con la información de 65,536 casos al día 10 de abril del 2021 a las 01:14hrs. Posteriormente, se realizó análisis estadístico de las diferentes variables mediante el programa SPSS, versión 21 en español, consistente en cálculo de prevalencias, razón de productos cruzados (RPC) y medidas de asociación, en lo cual participaron alumnos del cuarto semestre de enfermería. Resultados. La prevalencia para el género masculino fue de 53 %, y para el femenino de 47 %, con una media aritmética de edad de 35 años. La Chi cuadrada entre género y resultado de laboratorio positivo fue de 6527.9, con un 99 % de probabilidad de que haya asociación entre las variables. Asimismo, para la relación hipertensión y resultado de laboratorio positivo la Chi cuadrada fue de 51.97. La RPC para diabetes y resultado de laboratorio positivo fue de 1.4. Conclusiones. La aplicación de indicadores epidemiológicos básicos representa una herramienta importante para el fenómeno epidemiológico COVID-19, pues establece una caracterización de la epidemia en nuestro país.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has evidenced the importance of epidemiological methodology, so it is significant to strengthen its learning at all educational levels in the area of health sciences. Objetive. Apply descriptive and analytical epidemiological methodology for the study of a database of COVID-19 cases in the Mexican Republic. Material and methods: A search of databases on official websites on COVID-19 cases was carried out, and an Excel format file was recovered with the information of 65,536 cases as of April 10, 2021 at 01:14 a.m. Subsequently, a statistical analysis of the different variables was carried out using the SPSS program, version 21 in Spanish, consisting of calculation of prevalence, ratio of cross products (RPC) and measures of association, in which fourth semester nursing students participated. Results: The prevalence for the male gender was 53%, and for the female 47%, with an arithmetic mean age of 35 years. The Chi square between gender and positive laboratory result was 6527.9, with a 99% probability of an association between the variables. Likewise, for the relationship between hypertension and a positive laboratory result, the Chi square was 51.97. The RPC for diabetes and positive laboratory result was 1.4. Conclusions: The application of basic epidemiological indicators represents an important tool for the epidemiological phenomenon COVID-19, since it establishes a characterization of the epidemic in our country.

Diagnostic utility and therapeutic impact of PET/CT [18F]F-Fluoromethylcholine -Choline in the biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer. / Utilidad diagnóstica e impacto terapéutico de la PET/TC con [18F]F-Fluormetilcolina en la recidiva bioquímica del cáncer de próstata.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the diagnostic capability of PET/CT with [18F]F-Fluoromethylcholine in prostate cancer (PC) with biochemical recurrence and its therapeutic impact. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included 108 patients, diagnosed with PC with biochemical criteria for recurrence. A PET/CT Choline scan was performed by dynamic pelvic and whole body study at 60min post-tracer injection. The relationship between the positive studies and the PSA value was analysed by classifying patients into three groups (<1.2/1.2-2/>2ng/ml), and the diagnostic capacity was assessed with respect to pelvic MRI and the impact on the therapeutic decision. RESULTS: The location of recurrence was identified in 85 of 108 patients (78.7%): 34 local, 47 pelvic lymph nodes and 58 distant lesions, including retroperitoneal, mediastinal lymph nodes and distant organ lesions (bone and lung). Second tumors were diagnosed in 4 patients. No significant differences were found in the percentage of positive studies depending on primary treatment. Patients with PSA>2ng/ml showed a higher percentage of disease detection than patients with a lower PSA level, with significant differences (p<0.0001). PET/CT [18F]F-Choline was able to detect local disease, not previously known from MRI, in 29.41% of patients. PET/CT Choline had an impact on therapeutic management in 67 of 108 patients (62%). CONCLUSIONS: PET/CT with [18F]F-Fluoromethylcholine is a useful tool in the detection of locoregional and disseminated disease of PC treated with suspicion of recurrence, providing a change in therapeutic management in 62% of patients.

Idiopathic sterile pyogranuloma in three domestic cats.

Pyogranulomatous inflammation has been extensively described in cats, in particular in cases of feline infectious peritonitis and also associated with Mycobacteria, Actinomyces, Nocardia, Rhodococcus and fungal infections. Idiopathic sterile pyogranulomatous dermatitis has also been described. In this case series we describe the clinical presentation, histopathology and outcome of three cases of feline idiopathic sterile steroid-responsive pyogranuloma with different presentation and different locations of the lesion, but with the common feature of having a mass with no superficial skin involvement.

Postoperative adjuvant and very early salvage radiotherapy after prostatectomy in high-risk prostate cancer patients can improve specific and overall survival.

PURPOSE: Adjuvant radiotherapy (ART) for biochemical relapse (BR) after radical prostatectomy (RP) showed increased disease-free survival (DFS) in three previous randomized trials. Retrospective phase II trials evaluated if early salvage RT (ESRT) is equivalent to ART. Our study aims to compare ART and ESRT to salvage RT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We compared RP plus ART and ESRT versus SRT. Indication for RT was made by PSA determination after RP: ART when PSA ≤ 0.2 ng/ml, ESRT when PSA ≤ 0.3 after PSA rise from 0.0 to SRT PSA ≥ 0.3. The cause of death of each patients was analyzed, DFS, cause-specific survival (CSS) overall survival (OS) and metastasis-free survival (MFS) in relation to RT intention. RESULTS: Between 1993 and 2008, 204 patients with a median age of 65 years (44-75) were treated. The median follow-up was 160 months (28.1-273.3). At diagnosis, 89.7% had localized clinical stages and 90.2% had Gleason (G) ≤ 7. The median PSA was 10 (range 4-101). The postoperative G was ≥ 7 in 66.2%; 56.4% had ≥ 2 positive margins; 29.4% received ART, 20% ESRT and 59.3% SRT. The DFS for ART, ESRT and SRT was 74, 56 and 39% with significant differences between the three groups (p < 0.001). ART + ESRT were combined versus SRT; for the DFS, the significant differences (p < 0.001) remained 67% versus 39%. Positive margins, pT3 and pre-RT PSA were significant factors on multivariate analysis. The CSS in the ART + ESRT group was 92 vs. 78% in the SRT group (p < 0.05). OS was 69% in ART + ESRT vs. 57% in SRT (p < 0.05). MFS was 82.7% in ART + ESRT vs. 67.4% in SRT. CONCLUSIONS: In this study the ART + ESRT presented benefits versus SRT in DFS, CSS, OS and MFS.

T Lymphocytes in Histiocytic Sarcomas of Flat-Coated Retriever Dogs.

Flat-Coated Retriever dogs are predisposed to the development of histiocytic sarcoma (HS), a poorly differentiated, highly malignant neoplasm. The authors have previously documented a significant lymphocytic infiltrate in such tumors. The objective of this study was to examine the presence and expression of regulatory T cells in HS tumor samples. Forty tumors were included in this study. All tumors were immunolabeled for CD3, CD79a, CD25, CD45RA, and FOXP3. The proportion of positive cells was compared between tumors presenting as a localized primary soft tissue mass (soft tissue origin HS) and disseminated HS affecting viscera, especially the spleen (splenic origin HS). By immunohistochemistry, 95% of infiltrating T cells were positive for Foxp3 in all sections, suggesting the presence of regulatory T cells. The proportion of cells positive for FOXP3 was higher in the tumors arising in soft tissues, whereas the proportion of CD45RA-positive cells was higher in the splenic origin HS. Canine HS has an aggressive clinical behavior and is uniformly fatal. The difference in the proportion of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes positive for these 2 markers in the 2 locations may represent differences in tumor microenvironment between the 2 sites.

Intermittent versus continuous androgen deprivation therapy to biochemical recurrence after external beam radiotherapy: a phase 3 GICOR study.

PURPOSE: We compared biochemical control and quality of life with intermittent (6 months) versus continuous (36 months) androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in a non-inferiority randomized phase 3 trial in patients with biochemical failure (BF) after external beam radical radiotherapy (EBRT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were stratified according to the Gleason score (GS) and were classified as low risk with a GS < 6 and 7 (3 + 4) and high risk with a GS of 7 (4 + 3) and >7. Patients were followed with PSA determinations and quality-of-life assessments (QLQ C-30 and QLQ PR-25) every 6 months for a period of 3 years. BF after radiation was defined as a PSA level of nadir +2 ng/ml. Disease progression (DP) after ADT was defined as PSA ≥4 ng/ml (BF) and/or metastases. RESULTS: Seventy-seven patients were included in this multicenter phase 3 trial from 2005 to 2009. Thirty-eight and 39 patients were included in the intermittent and continuous groups, respectively. The median follow-up for both groups was 48 months (40-68). DP after ADT in the intermittent group was seen in three patients (distant metastases in one patient) versus 0 in the continuous group. The QLQ-C30 and QLQ PR-25 scores did not show any statistically difference between the two ADT groups. CONCLUSIONS: No significant differences were seen in DP and QLQ between intermittent (6 months) and continuous (36 months) ADT in patients with BF after EBRT.

Expression of Fibroblast Activating Protein and Correlation with Histological Grade, Mitotic Index and Ki67 Expression in Canine Mast Cell Tumours.

Fibroblast activating protein (FAP) is a membrane serine protease expressed by activated fibroblasts, particularly tumour associated fibroblasts (TAFs). FAP expression has not been reported in canine mast cell tumours (MCTs). The objective of this study was to evaluate the expression of FAP in TAFs and its correlation with histological grade, mitotic index and Ki67 expression in canine MCTs. FAP expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in 30 canine MCTs. Twenty-eight (90%) of the MCTs expressed FAP in the stroma, 16 cases showed low to intermediate FAP score and 14 cases had a high FAP score. FAP was correlated positively with both Patnaik (P = 0.007) and Kiupel (P = 0.008) grading systems, mitotic index (P = 0.0008) and Ki67 expression (P = 0.009). High stromal FAP expression could be a potential negative prognostic factor in canine MCTs.

Evidence-based recommendations of postoperative radiotherapy in lung cancer from Oncologic Group for the Study of Lung Cancer (Spanish Radiation Oncology Society).

Locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a diversified illness in which postoperative radiation therapy (PORT) for complete resection with positive hiliar (pN1) and/or mediastinal (pN2) lymph nodes is controversial. Although several studies have shown that PORT has beneficial effects, randomized trials are needed to demonstrate its impact on overall survival. In this review, the Spanish Radiation Oncology Group for Lung Cancer describes the most relevant literature on PORT in NSCLC patients stage pN1-2. In addition, we have outlined the current recommendations of different national and international clinical guidelines and have also specified practical issues regarding treatment volume definition, doses and fractionation.

Loeffler's endocarditis and bicavity eosinophilic effusions in a dog with visceral mast cell tumour and hypereosinophilia.

A 9-year-old crossbred dog was presented with a 2-week history of diarrhoea and tachypnoea. Marked circulating eosinophilia was identified. Pleural and abdominal effusions were detected by radiography and ultrasonography and cytological examination of these fluids revealed a predominance of eosinophils. Splenic and hepatic cytology revealed mast cell neoplasia, which was confirmed as visceral mast cell tumour on post-mortem examination. Histological changes of myocardial inflammation, necrosis and fibrosis were found. These findings are consistent with Loeffler's endocarditis.

An immunohistochemical study of the expression of the hypoxia markers Glut-1 and Ca-IX in canine sarcomas.

Tumor hypoxia has been associated with increased malignancy, likelihood of metastasis, and increased resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy in human medicine. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) is a key transcription factor that is induced by tumor hypoxia and regulates the pathways involved in cellular response and adaptation to the hostile tumor microenvironment. HIF-1 induces transcription of different proteins, including Ca-IX and Glut-1, which are considered endogenous markers of chronic hypoxia in solid tumors in humans. In this study, sections from 40 canine sarcomas (20 histiocytic sarcomas and 20 low-grade soft-tissue sarcomas) were immunostained for these markers. Expression of Glut-1 was scored based on percentage of positive staining cells (0 = <1%; 1 = 1%-50%; 2 = >50%) and intensity of cellular staining (1 = weak; 2 = strong); Ca-IX was scored based on percentage of positive cells (0 = <1%; 1 = 1%-30%; 2 = >30%). Intratumoral microvessel density was measured using CD31 to assess intratumoral neoangiogenesis. Histiocytic sarcomas showed statistically significant higher Glut-1 immunoreactivity and angiogenesis than did low-grade soft-tissue sarcomas. Intratumoral microvessel density in histiocytic sarcomas was positively associated with Glut-1 immunoreactivity score. These findings suggest a potential role of hypoxia in the biology of these tumors and may provide a base for investigation of the potential prognostic use of these markers in naturally occurring canine tumors.

Metabolic intervention on lipid synthesis converging pathways abrogates prostate cancer growth.

One of the most conserved features of all cancers is a profound reprogramming of cellular metabolism, favoring biosynthetic processes and limiting catalytic processes. With the acquired knowledge of some of these important changes, we have designed a combination therapy in order to force cancer cells to use a particular metabolic pathway that ultimately results in the accumulation of toxic products. This innovative approach consists of blocking lipid synthesis, at the same time that we force the cell, through the inhibition of AMP-activated kinase, to accumulate toxic intermediates, such as malonyl-coenzyme A (malonyl-CoA) or nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate. This results in excess of oxidative stress and cancer cell death. Our new therapeutic strategy, based on the manipulation of metabolic pathways, will certainly set up the basis for new upcoming studies defining a new paradigm of cancer treatment.

Intentional marginal excision of canine limb soft tissue sarcomas followed by radiotherapy.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the outcome in a group of dogs treated with postoperative radiotherapy following intentional marginal excision of soft tissue sarcomas from their limbs and to assess parameters for prognostic significance. METHOD: Patients that had had intentional marginal excision of limb soft tissue sarcomas followed by radiotherapy were selected. A coarse fractionated protocol of four once weekly 8 to 9 Gy by 4 MV x-rays was used. The time to local recurrence was determined. Tumour grade, size, site, number of surgeries, surgeon and time from last surgery to radiotherapy were evaluated as potential prognostic indicators. RESULTS: Fifty-six cases were included. Minor surgical complications occurred in four patients (7%). Tumour recurred locally in 10 dogs (18%). Fourteen dogs died from tumour-related causes (25%). From Cox proportional hazard analysis time from surgery to radiotherapy was the only predictor of tumour recurrence (P=0·039); hazard ratio 8·63. Delaying radiotherapy beyond 4 weeks was associated with improved outcomes. Three dogs developed serious but non-life-threatening local complications; wound dehiscence, self-trauma and osteonecrosis of underlying bone. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Intentional marginal excision followed by hypofractionated radiotherapy is a viable option for canine limb soft tissue sarcomas, providing good long-term clinical outcomes and low morbidity.

Chronic hepatitis in the English springer spaniel: clinical presentation, histological description and outcome.

Medical records and liver histology of 68 English springer spaniels (ESS) with a histological diagnosis of CH were reviewed retrospectively. PCR was performed on liver tissue for canine adenovirus-1 (CAV-1), canine parvovirus, canine herpesvirus and pathogenic Leptospira species. Follow-up information was obtained to calculate survival times. Median age at presentation was three years seven months (range, seven months to eight years five months) and there were 48 female and 20 male dogs. Clinical signs were non-specific and five dogs were asymptomatic. All dogs had an increase in serum activity of one or more hepatobiliary enzymes. Histopathology demonstrated hepatocyte necrosis and apoptosis with varying amounts of fibrosis. A predominantly lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate throughout the hepatic parenchyma was found in all 68 dogs, but 45 of these dogs also had a neutrophilic component to the inflammatory infiltrate. There was no significant copper accumulation and no aetiological agent was identified by PCR. The median survival time was 189 days (range, 1 to 1211 days), 38 dogs died within three months and 12 dogs survived more than a year following diagnosis.

COX-2 expression and outcome in canine nasal carcinomas treated with hypofractionated radiotherapy.

The expression of cyclooxygenase isoform 2 (COX-2) in canine nasal carcinomas has been well documented. COX-2 expression has proven to be a prognostic factor in several human tumours. The aims of this study were to assess the correlation between immunohistochemical COX-2 expression and prognosis using rhinoscopic biopsies from 42 dogs with nasal carcinomas treated with hypofractionated radiotherapy, and to establish a replicable COX-2 scoring system. Ninety per cent of sections evaluated were COX-2 positive with a mean score of 6.6 (median 8.0; range 0-12). Neither COX-2 expression nor tumour type had a significant correlation with survival. There are likely to be many as yet unidentified variants which contribute to length of survival in dogs with nasal carcinomas. Immunohistochemical COX-2 expression appears unlikely to be of prognostic significance for canine nasal carcinoma.

The clinical presentation and histopathologic-immunohistochemical classification of histiocytic sarcomas in the Flat Coated Retriever.

The Flat Coated Retriever is a breed at risk of development of histiocytic sarcoma (HS), but in contrast to the disseminated form of disease recognized in the Bernese Mountain Dog, most reports of HS in Flat Coated Retrievers describe a localized lesion affecting the musculature or fascia of limbs. The purpose of this study was to review data and material received though an ongoing Flat Coated Retriever tumor survey to better define the presentation of HS in the breed and to determine the utility of subclassification of tumors arising at different sites by histology and immunohistologic phenotyping. Data on 180 dogs bearing HS-like tumors were available for review, which showed that although the majority (101 lesions, 57%) were primary limb lesions, 47 dogs (26%) had visceral, mainly splenic lesions with no peripheral primary tumor. A detailed histologic and immunohistologic review of 20 limb tumors and 20 splenic tumors showed that 2 distinct phenotypic subtypes could be identified: a histiocytic subtype, most prevalent in the splenic tumors, and a histiocytic-spindle-pleomorphic subtype, mainly seen in the limb tumors. Despite their variable morphology, all tumors expressed major histocompatibility complex class II and the leukocyte antigen CD18, but only those tumors in the spleen consistently expressed CD11d. The majority of tumors also contained a mild to moderate infiltrate of T lymphocytes.

Borojó (Borojoa patinoi): fuente de polifenoles con actividad antimicrobiana / Borojó (Borojoa patinoi): source of polyphenols with antimicrobial activity

El fruto del borojó (Borojoa patinoi cuatrec.) es reconocido en la tradición popular por sus propiedades como conservante, posiblemente relacionadas con la presencia en él de compuestos fenólicos. En esta investigación se evaluó el contenido de polifenoles y su actividad antimicrobiana frente a patógenos como Escherichia coli y Staphylococcus aureus. El fruto del borojó tiene un contenido de polifenoles que oscila entre 600 y 800 mg ácido gálico/100gr, y actividad antimicrobiana frente a S. aureus y E. coli, determinada por halos de inhibición entre 12 y 9 mm respec ivamente. Estos resultados muestran el potencial que tiene este fruto de la familia de las Rubiaceae como posible agente antimicrobiano para ser utilizado enla industria agroalimentaria y cosmética.

According to popular belief, borojó (Borojoa patinoi cuatrec.) fruit is recognized for its preservative properties, possibly related to the presence of phenolic compounds. The content of polyphenols and their antimicrobial activity against pathogens as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were evaluated in this research. Borojó fruit has polyphenol content between 600 and 800 mg gallic acid/100gr, and antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and E. coli with inhibition halos between 12 and 9 mm respectively. These results showed the advantages that have this fruit from the Rubiaceae family as a potential antimicrobial agent in food and cosmetics industries.

Simple nonlinearity evaluation and modeling of low-noise amplifiers with application to radio astronomy receivers.

This paper describes a comparative nonlinear analysis of low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) under different stimuli for use in astronomical applications. Wide-band Gaussian-noise input signals, together with the high values of gain required, make that figures of merit, such as the 1 dB compression (1 dBc) point of amplifiers, become crucial in the design process of radiometric receivers in order to guarantee the linearity in their nominal operation. The typical method to obtain the 1 dBc point is by using single-tone excitation signals to get the nonlinear amplitude to amplitude (AM-AM) characteristic but, as will be shown in the paper, in radiometers, the nature of the wide-band Gaussian-noise excitation signals makes the amplifiers present higher nonlinearity than when using single tone excitation signals. Therefore, in order to analyze the suitability of the LNA's nominal operation, the 1 dBc point has to be obtained, but using realistic excitation signals. In this work, an analytical study of compression effects in amplifiers due to excitation signals composed of several tones is reported. Moreover, LNA nonlinear characteristics, as AM-AM, total distortion, and power to distortion ratio, have been obtained by simulation and measurement with wide-band Gaussian-noise excitation signals. This kind of signal can be considered as a limit case of a multitone signal, when the number of tones is very high. The work is illustrated by means of the extraction of realistic nonlinear characteristics, through simulation and measurement, of a 31 GHz back-end module LNA used in the radiometer of the QUIJOTE (Q U I JOint TEnerife) CMB experiment.