A case of hydronephrosis due to intrarenal ureteral obstruction in a Japanese Black calf.

A 23-day-old Japanese Black female calf presented with distension of the lower abdomen. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed a cystic structure with fluid accumulation and moderate echoluminance in the right abdominal cavity. Ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed congenital hydronephrosis due to narrowing of the intrarenal ureter, and right kidney resection was performed. Blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine levels, which were within reference values preoperatively, peaked on the third postoperative day and gradually decreased afterward until reaching preoperative values on the tenth day. In bovine hydronephrosis, nephrectomy may provide a favorable prognosis if one kidney is intact. Moreover, this case suggests that blood tests immediately after surgery are not suitable for evaluating residual kidneys.

Aquaporin 3 is expressed in the basaloid cells of canine sebaceous glands.

The role of aquaporin proteins (AQPs) in tumor biology has attracted attention over the past 20 years. However, the expression profiles of AQPs in canine sebaceous gland tumors remain obscure. This study was performed to clarify the expression of AQP1, 3, 5, the most studied AQPs in tumor biology, in sebaceous adenoma and sebaceous epithelioma. Among these AQPs, only AQP3 was expressed in normal tissue and both tumor types and located to only undifferentiated sebocytes (basaloid cells). A cellular proliferation marker, Ki-67, was detected only in the area including basaloid cells in both tumor types. These findings suggest that AQP3 is useful for clarifying the origin of sebaceous gland tumors, and that AQP3 may be related to sebaceous gland development.

Hepatocellular carcinoma with lung metastasis showing hemochromatosis in an Egyptian fruit bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus).

After an Egyptian fruit bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus) in a zoo became emaciated and died, a necropsy revealed multiple nodules on the liver and lung surfaces. Microscopy revealed that the liver nodules consisted of neoplastic hepatocytes and showed metastasis in the lung lobes. Most of the neoplastic cells in the liver and lung showed positive labeling for HepPar-1, cytokeratin 19, glypican-3, and Ki-67. Hepatocellular degeneration and necrosis were diffuse in the liver parenchyma. Berlin blue staining revealed large amounts of iron in normal and neoplastic cells. Based on these pieces of evidence, this case was diagnosed as hepatocellular carcinoma with hemochromatosis. This is believed to be the first report of hepatocellular carcinoma in an Egyptian fruit bat that has been immunophenotypically examined in detail by pathological examination.

Expression patterns of aquaporins 1, 3, 5 in canine mammary gland carcinomas.

Aquaporins (AQPs) are water channel proteins, and the expression of AQPs in carcinoma cells has received much attention over the last 15 years. In the veterinary field, however, little is known about the expression of AQPs. In the present study using immunohistochemistry, we examined the expression of AQP1, AQP3, and AQP5 in canine mammary gland carcinomas. The 27 samples comprised 10 grade I, 12 grade II, and 5 grade III samples (See Materials and Methods section for grade classification method). AQP1 was expressed in only 2 of the grade III carcinomas, and the expression was limited to spindle-shaped cells in the solid structure and on the outside of the solid mass. AQP3-positive cells were observed in 20 of 22 grade I and II samples. On the other hand, among grade III carcinomas, AQP3 was expressed only in spindle-shaped cells in 1 sample. AQP5 was expressed in all grade I and II carcinomas but not in the grade III tumors. In addition, enhanced expression of basolateral AQP3 and apical AQP5 was observed in lobular hyperplastic cells. These results suggest that the expression patterns of AQP3 and AQP5 can be of help for judging the grading of canine mammary tumors and that AQP1 is likely to be involved in metastasis. Moreover, AQP3 and AQP5 might be relevant to lactation in female dogs.

Surgical management of a dermoid cyst with mandibular gland tissue in a Japanese Black calf.

A 131-day-old male Japanese Black calf presented with a swollen right cheek from birth. Imaging examination revealed a cyst under the right buccal area and debris-containing fluid inside the cyst, and puncture aspiration revealed a mildly cloudy fluid containing hair and tissue fragments. Histological examination of the excised cyst revealed stratified squamous epithelium with skin appendages in the cyst wall, which was diagnosed as a dermoid cyst. In addition, some submandibular gland tissue was found within the cyst wall. After removal of the cyst, there was swelling in the same area, which resolved with steroid administration. Surgical treatment of buccal dermoid cysts should be performed with caution to avoid damage to adjacent salivary gland tissue.

Adenomyomatous uterine polyp in a Miniature Pinscher: histologic, immunohistochemical, and clinical aspects.

A 14-y-old Miniature Pinscher bitch was admitted to a veterinary clinic because of inappetence and a distended abdomen; ultrasound examination revealed a fluid-filled uterus with a single 1-cm hyperechoic nodule in its lumen. Ovariohysterectomy was performed. Grossly, the uterine horns were distended irregularly and asymmetrically, and the uterine lumen contained 200-300 mL of brown watery fluid. A single white polypoid 0.9-cm diameter nodule was present at the site of the distended uterine horn and arose from the endometrium with a narrow stalk. Histologically, the polyp consisted of dense, smooth muscle fascicles admixed with glandular components; its surface was covered by simple cuboidal epithelium with areas of squamous metaplasia. The myomatous cells expressed the myogenic markers smooth muscle actin and desmin. We interpreted the mass as an adenomyomatous uterine polyp, which is a rare variant of an endometrial polyp.

Production of granulomas in Mycoplasma bovis infection associated with meningitis-meningoencephalitis, endocarditis, and pneumonia in cattle.

Mycoplasma bovis, the most important primary pathogen in the family Mycoplasmataceae, causes pneumonia, arthritis, otitis media, and mastitis in cattle. Histopathologic pulmonary changes associated with M. bovis infection have been characterized as suppurative-to-caseonecrotic bronchopneumonia; infection in other organs has been reported in only a few studies that examined caseonecrotic endocarditis and suppurative meningitis. Granulomatous lesions associated with M. bovis infection have been reported only rarely. We studied the granulomatous inflammation associated with M. bovis infection in several organs of 21 Japanese Black cattle. M. bovis was detected by isolation and loop-mediated isothermal amplification methods; other bacteria were detected using culture on 5% blood sheep agar and a MALDI-TOF MS Biotyper. Tissues were examined by histopathology and by immunohistochemistry (IHC) using anti-M. bovis, anti-Iba1, anti-iNOS, and anti-CD204 antibodies. All 21 cases, which included 2 cases of meningitis-meningoencephalitis, 8 cases of endocarditis, and 11 cases of bronchopneumonia, had caseonecrotic granulomatous inflammation associated with M. bovis infection. The IHC for macrophages revealed a predominance of iNOS-labeled (M1) macrophages in the inner layer of the caseonecrotic granulomas associated with meningitis-meningoencephalitis, endocarditis, and bronchopneumonia in Japanese Black cattle naturally infected with M. bovis.

Neutrophil and M2-polarized Macrophage Infiltration, Expression of IL-8 and Apoptosis in Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae Pneumonia in Swine.

Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (Mhp) is the primary pathogen of porcine enzootic pneumonia (PEP). Consolidated lung tissue from the cranioventral lung lobes of 15 pigs with PEP was collected for quantitative polymerase chain reaction, histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Histopathology revealed the co-existence of bronchial-associated lymphoid tissue hyperplasia with intra-alveolar neutrophils and macrophage infiltration in lesions of suppurative bronchopneumonia. Immunolabelling of infiltrated macrophages with CD163/CD204 indicated the presence of M2-polarized macrophages. Mhp antigen was detected on respiratory epithelial cells and in phagocytosed neutrophils. The intensity of Mhp immunolabelling and number of CD163/CD204-positive macrophages were correlated with the Mhp load in lung tissue (r = 0.87, 0.56, P <0.05). IL-8 immunolabelling was mainly found in neutrophils and correlated with Mhp load, Mhp immunolabelling and histological lesion score (r = 0.70, 0.66, 0.64, P <0.05), respectively. Apoptosis was seen in intra-alveolar cells and was correlated with Mhp load (r = 0.62, P <0.05). It is postulated that IL-8 attracts neutrophils to the lesions, while M2-polarized macrophages are a major source of IL-10 and promote a Th2-type immune response.

Mycoplasma bovis May Travel Along the Eustachian Tube to Cause Meningitis in Japanese Black Cattle.

Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) is a common inhabitant of the upper and lower respiratory tracts of cattle and is considered to be the main aetiological agent of otitis media in calves. The eustachian tube appears to be the most common portal for pathogens to enter the middle ear. We investigated the transmission route of M. bovis causing otitis media that progressed to meningitis or meningoencephalitis in Japanese Black cattle. M. bovis was detected in 10 cases by a loop-mediated isothermal amplification method or by immunohistochemistry. One case of caseonecrotic granulomatous meningoencephalitis, one case of caseonecrotic granulomatous meningitis, one case of suppurative meningoencephalitis, eight cases of eustachitis, nine cases of tonsillitis and six cases of suppurative bronchopneumonia were identified by histopathological examination. M. bovis antigen was detected in the eustachian tubes of eight cases. In nine cases, M. bovis was also detected in tonsillar epithelial crypts and lumina, in intraluminal inflammatory cells and in the epithelial cells of minor salivary glands located around the eustachian tubes and tonsils. The results suggest that M. bovis can infect and colonize the tonsils and enter the eustachian tubes, causing otitis media, which, in cases of chronic infection, can progress to meningitis.

Three neoplasms in a Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra): malignant melanoma, trichoblastoma and mammary gland adenoma.

An eighteen-year-old female Eurasian otter became emaciated and died. Necropsy examination revealed nose and thoracic cutaneous masses, abdominal subcutaneous mass, and multiple nodules in the liver and lungs. Malignant melanoma was found in the nose cutaneous mass and to have metastasized to the liver, lungs, kidneys, adrenal glands, mammary glands and left mandibular lymph node. The neoplastic cells were labeled for vimentin, melanoma, and S100. The cutaneous mass in the thoracic area consisted of spindle shaped neoplastic epithelial cells and was diagnosed as trichoblastoma. Mammary gland adenoma was observed in the abdominal subcutaneous mass. This is the first report of primary three neoplasms of malignant melanoma, trichoblastoma and mammary gland adenoma in a Eurasian otter.

Immunohistochemical and Morphological Features of Bovine Granulosa Cell Tumours in Relation to Growth Pattern and Folliculogenesis.

Granulosa cell tumours (GCTs) are the most common type of bovine ovarian neoplasm. We describe the morphological and immunohistochemical features of GCTs (n = 26) and a thecoma (n = 1) using antibodies to cytokeratin AE1/AE3, vimentin, desmin, nectin-4, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), inhibin α, c-erbB-2 oncoprotein and proliferating cell nuclear antigen. The results indicate that, based on the expression similarity of AE1/AE3 and inhibin α, the macrofollicular growth pattern of GCTs derives from highly differentiated granulosa cells (GCs), the Graafian follicle or early atretic follicle. The trabecular growth pattern of GCTs is inferred to be derived from GCs of the atretic follicle in mature animals. AMH is a useful marker for diagnosing bovine sex cord-stromal tumours because it was expressed in all GCT cases and in the single case of thecoma.

Suppurative necrotizing bronchopneumonia caused by Nocardia cyriacigeorgica infection in a stranded striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) in Japan.

On a coastline in Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan, a wild subadult female striped dolphin was found dead. Necropsy revealed poor nutritional status and bilateral pneumonia, which was histologically diagnosed as severe suppurative necrotizing bronchopneumonia. Special staining detected numerous intralesional filamentous, branching bacteria, which was identified as Nocardia cyriacigeorgica by sequencing of 16S ribosomal RNA and gyrB genes. Other main histological findings included lymphoid depletion in the spleen and superficial cervical and pulmonary lymph nodes. Suppurative nocardiosis without a granulomatous reaction is uncommon, and it is assumed its pathogenesis was related to the host's immune status. This paper discusses the variable inflammatory response to nocardiosis and describes the first case of N. cyriacigeorgica infection in a wild striped dolphin in Japan.

Prevalence of and risk factors for adverse events in Alzheimer's patients receiving anti-dementia drugs in at-home care.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to clarify the types and prevalence of, and the risk factors for, the adverse events that occur in patients receiving anti-dementia drugs. METHODS: A questionnaire survey was conducted. The respondents were pharmacists who were dispensing anti-dementia drugs. The pharmacists responded to questions about patients who were receiving anti-dementia drugs delivered to them at home by the pharmacists. The survey questions included questions about whether or not the patients experienced adverse reactions to the drugs, about the patients' background characteristics, about the numbers of drugs the patients were taking when the pharmacists first visited the patients at home, and about the pharmacists' assessments of the appropriateness of the use of the anti-dementia drugs. RESULTS: Data were collected on 3712 patients from 1673 pharmacies in a nationwide survey. Anti-dementia drugs had been prescribed to 863 of these patients; and 801 (92.8%) of these 863 patients were 75 years of age or older, and. confirmed adverse events occurred in 170 (21%) of these 863 patients. The most common adverse event was excitation/anxiety, at 45.1%. A multivariate analysis found that polypharmacy (10 or more types of drugs per day) (P = 0.030), inappropriate use (P = 0.002), and irregular medication use (P = 0.034) were risk factors. INTERPRETATION: In order to avoid adverse events when using anti-dementia drugs, doctors and pharmacists should carefully examine the prescribing of multiple medications, assess the applicability of the use of anti-dementia drugs, and investigate how to best manage patients' drug use.

MicroRNA-766-3p Contributes to Anti-Inflammatory Responses through the Indirect Inhibition of NF-κB Signaling.

MicroRNA (miRNA) is small RNA of 20 to 22 nucleotides in length and is stably present in plasma. Regulating the expression of miRNA taken into cells has been suggested as a general therapeutic approach. We identified the novel anti-inflammatory miRNA hsa-miR-766-3p and investigated its biological function in human rheumatoid arthritis (RA) fibroblast-like synoviocyte MH7A cells. To verify the function of the miRNA present in the plasma of RA patients, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the miRNA expression during abatacept treatment and identified eight miRNAs with significantly altered expression levels. Among these eight miRNAs, miR-766-3p was found to have a clear function. The expression of inflammatory genes in response to inflammatory stimuli was suppressed in MH7A transduced with miR-766-3p. We showed that miR-766-3p indirectly reduced the activation of NF-κB and clarified that this mechanism was partially involved in the reduction of the mineralocorticoid receptor expression. In addition, the inflammatory responses were suppressed in other types of cells. These results indicate the novel function of miR-766-3p, findings that may aid in the development of therapies to suppress inflammation, not only in RA but also in other diseases.

Aortic Aneurysm as a Complication of Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis Successfully Treated with Prednisolone and Cyclophosphamide: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

A 57-year-old Japanese man was admitted to the hospital with back pain and fever, multiple lung nodules, and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Laboratory tests performed at admission showed an increased proteinase 3 anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (PR3-ANCA) level. Video-associated thoracoscopic lung biopsy was performed; pathologic examination showed granulation tissue with necrosis and multinucleated giant cells. The diagnosis of granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) was confirmed on the basis of the clinical presentation, laboratory findings, and lung biopsy. All symptoms were ameliorated, and the serum level of PR3-ANCA declined following treatment with prednisolone and cyclophosphamide. Although the association of GPA with AAA is rare, GPA may be included among the large vessel vasculitides that can give rise to aortic aneurysm.

Kinase inhibitors of the IGF-1R as a potential therapeutic agent for rheumatoid arthritis.

We have previously shown that the inhibition of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a potential therapeutic strategy against rheumatoid arthritis (RA). CTGF consists of four distinct modules, including the insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP). In serum, insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) bind IGFBPs, interact with the IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1 R), and regulate anabolic effects and bone metabolism. We investigated the correlation between IGF-1 and the pathogenesis of RA, and the inhibitory effect on osteoclastogenesis and angiogenesis of the small molecular weight kinase inhibitor of the IGF-1 R, NVP-AEW541, against pathogenesis of RA in vitro. Cell proliferation was evaluated by cell count and immunoblotting. The expression of IGF-1 and IGF-1 R was evaluated by RT-PCR. Osteoclastogenesis was evaluated using tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining, a bone resorption assay, and osteoclast-specific enzyme production. Angiogenesis was evaluated by a tube formation assay using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The proliferation of MH7A cells was found to be inhibited in the presence of NVP-AEW541, and the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and Akt was downregulated in MH7A cells. IGF-1 and IGF-1 R mRNA expression levels were upregulated during formation of M-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) and receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)-mediated osteoclast formation. Moreover, osteoclastogenesis was suppressed in the presence of NVP-AEW541. The formation of the tubular network was enhanced by IGF-1, and this effect was neutralized by NVP-ARE541. Our findings suggest that NVP-AEW541 may be utilized as a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment of RA.

Experimental induction of chicken amyloid A amyloidosis in white layer chickens by inoculation with inactivated vaccines.

We investigated the amyloidogenic potential of inactivated vaccines and the localized production of serum amyloid A (SAA) at the injection site in white layer chickens. Hens in the treated group were injected intramuscularly three times with high doses of inactivated oil-emulsion Salmonella Enteritidis vaccine and multivalent viral and bacterial inactivated oil-emulsion vaccines at two-week intervals. Chickens in the control group did not receive any inoculum. In the treated group, emaciation and granulomas were present, while several chickens died between 4 and 6 weeks after the first injection. Hepatomegaly was seen at necropsy, and the liver parenchyma showed inconsistent discolouration with patchy green to yellowish-brown areas, or sometimes red-brown areas with haemorrhage. Amyloid deposition in the liver, spleen, duodenum, and at injection sites was demonstrated using haematoxylin and eosin staining, Congo red, and immunohistochemistry. The incidence of chicken amyloid A (AA) amyloidosis was 47% (28 of 60) in the treated group. In addition, RT-PCR was used to identify chicken SAA mRNA expression in the liver and at the injection sites. Furthermore, SAA mRNA was detected by in situ hybridization in fibroblasts at the injection sites, and also in hepatocytes. We believe that this is the first report of the experimental induction of systemic AA amyloidosis in white layer chickens following repeated inoculation with inactivated vaccines without the administration of amyloid fibrils or other amyloid-enhancing factors.

Intestinal perforation due to hemorrhagic Cytomegalovirus enteritis in a patient with severe uncontrolled lupus nephritis: a case and review of the literature.

A 31-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus and lupus nephritis was treated with prednisone and immunosuppressants. After her lupus nephritis symptoms worsened, both high-dose steroid and cyclophosphamide pulse therapy were administered. The patient developed an intestinal perforation, and laparoscopic Hartmann's surgery was performed on the sigmoid colon. Serum Cytomegalovirus (CMV) antigen C7HRP was detected, and the patient was diagnosed with CMV colitis and underwent a colon resection. Severe hematochezia continued despite ganciclovir administration, and the patient underwent laparoscopic total colectomy and partial ileostomy. CMV enteritis should be considered in patients treated with prednisone and immunosuppressants and those who have abdominal pain and hematochezia. Immunocompromised patients with intestinal perforation due to CMV enteritis have a poor prognosis. We report a case with along with the results of a literature review.

An atypical case of recurrent carotid body carcinoma in a young adult dog: Histopathological, immunohistochemical and electron microscopic study.

A 3.5-year-old female Chihuahua was presented with complaint of neck pain, intermittent cough and dysphagia. Physical examination and diagnostic imaging of neck region revealed a solid and highly vascularized mass involving the retropharyngeal region. Histologically, the mass showed an atypical zellballen pattern which comprised of high density of type I chief cells with high nuclear cytoplasmic ratio and separated by delicate fibrovascular stroma. Immunoreactivity for neuroendocrine markers was diffusely positive in cytoplasm of tumor cells. Disseminated tumor emboli in external jugular vein were detected 6 months after initial surgery. An electron microscopic study revealed numerous electron-dense intracytoplasmic neurosecretory granules. Based on these findings, carotid body carcinoma was diagnosed.

Hepatic Myelolipoma with systemic amyloidosis in a goose (Anser cygnoides domesticus).

We report here a case of hepatic myelolipoma with systemic amyloidosis in a goose (Anser cygnoides domesticus), which died suddenly following the short history of weakness and greenish diarrhea. At necropsy, multiple yellowish-white foci were observed on the surface of the prominently enlarged liver. Histologically, there were multiple foci of adipose tissue admixed with myeloid elements in various proportions in the liver as well as amyloid deposition in several organs including the liver, intestine, spleen, kidney, and ovary. Ultrastructurally, erythroblast-like cells and myelocytes, which showed various stages of differentiation, were observed in the foci of the liver. These findings shared characteristics of hepatic myelolipoma which is very rare in birds.