Arginine-stimulated copeptin in children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: Copeptin is secreted in isomolar amounts along with arginine vasopressin peptide (AVP) from the neurohypophysis. Its stability makes it a perfect candidate for the endocrine approach in the diagnosis of AVP deficiency (AVPD; cranial diabetes insipidus; CDI). However, pediatric reference values are lacking. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: This is a monocentric retrospective analysis of donated residual serum samples from 72 children and adolescents who underwent arginine or growth hormone-releasing hormone-arginine stimulation to test GH secretory capacity from 2018 to 2022. MEASUREMENTS: Copeptin was measured in baseline, 30-, and 60-min samples by BRAHMS Copeptin proAVP Kryptor immunofluorescence assay. RESULTS: Of the 72 patients, 4 suffered from complete AVPD (CDI). The baseline level of copeptin in the 68 non-AVPD (non-CDI) patients was highly variable (range: 1.3-44.4 pmol/L). The increase after arginine was moderate (30 min range: 1.6-40.4 pmol/L). The median baseline and peak copeptin levels were 5.6 and 8.0 pmol/L, respectively. The 2.5th percentile of the baseline and peak values of copeptin were 2.1 and 3.3 pmol/L, respectively. The increase and peak value of copeptin were inversely related to age (R = -.405; p = .011, and R = -.335; p = .0072, respectively) but not to gender, body mass index (standard deviation score) or GH secretion. In the four patients with AVPD (CDI), baseline or stimulated copeptin was below the 2.5th percentile of non-AVPD (non-CDI) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Stimulated copeptin is a promising parameter for the differential diagnosis of polyuria-polydipsia syndrome. However, the low copeptin increase after arginine and the high limit of quantification of the assay are problematic for use in paediatrics.

Patient-reported outcome measures compared to professional dental assessments of monolithic ZrO2 implant fixed dental prostheses in complete digital workflows: A double-blind crossover randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: This double-blind randomized controlled trial analyzed patient-reported outcome measures in terms of subjective patient satisfaction compared to objective dental evaluation of prosthetic treatment with 3-unit monolithic zirconium dioxide implant fixed dental prostheses (iFDPs) in 3 digital workflows. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty patients were restored with 3 iFDPs each on Straumann TL-implants with 2 completely digital workflows using different intraoral optical scanning systems with model-free fabrication of the restoration (Trios 3/3Shape [Test-1]; Virtuo Vivo/Straumann [Test-2]), and mixed analog-digital workflow with conventional impressions and digitized gypsum casts (Impregum/3M Espe [Control]). The order of impression-taking and the prosthetic try-in were randomly allocated. Sixty iFDPs were compared for patient satisfaction and dental evaluation using ANOVA. RESULTS: For iFDP evaluation, patients generally provided more favorable ratings than dental experts, regardless of the workflow. ANOVA revealed no significant difference for overall satisfaction when comparing Test-1, Test-2, or Control, either for patients (f-ratio: 0.13; p = 0.876) or dentist (f-ratio: 1.55: p = 0.221). Secondary, patients clearly favored the digital impression workflows over the conventional approach (f-ratio: 14.57; p < 0.001). Overall, the 3Shape workflow (Test-1) received the highest scores for all analyses. CONCLUSIONS: The different digital workflows demonstrated minor influence on the subjective and objective evaluation of the monolithic zirconium dioxide iFDPs in nonesthetic regions; however, the dentist may significantly increase patient satisfaction by choosing intraoral scanning instead of conventional impressions. The dentist has to consider individual patients' needs to fulfill their expectations for a personalized solution.

Clinical Burden of Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Hospitalized Children Aged ≤5 Years (INSPIRE Study).

BACKGROUND: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of hospitalizations in children (≤5 years of age); limited data compare burden by age. METHODS: This single-center retrospective study included children (≤5 years of age) hospitalized for >24 hours with reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-confirmed RSV infection (2015-2018). Hospital length of stay (LOS), intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, ICU LOS, supplemental oxygen, and medication use were assessed. Multivariate logistic regression analyses identified predictors of hospital LOS >5 days. RESULTS: Three hundred twelve patients had RSV infection (ages 0 to <6 months [35%], 6 to <12 months [15%], 1 to <2 years [25%], and 2-5 years [25%]); 16.3% had predefined comorbidities (excludes preterm infants). Median hospital LOS was 5.0 days and similar across age; 5.1% (16/312) were admitted to ICU (ICU LOS, 5.0 days), with those aged 0 to <6 months admitted most frequently (10/108 [9.3%]). Supplemental oxygen was administered in 57.7% of patients, with similar need across ages. Antibiotics were administered frequently during hospitalization (43.6%). Predictors of prolonged LOS included pneumonia (odds ratio [OR], 2.33), supplemental oxygen need (OR, 5.09), and preterm births (OR, 3.37). High viral load (RT-PCR RSV cycle threshold value <25) was associated with greater need for supplemental oxygen. CONCLUSIONS: RSV causes substantial burden in hospitalized children (≤5 years), particularly preterm infants and those aged <6 months.

Adult height after treatment of neurosecretory dysfunction and comparison to idiopathic GHD.

OBJECTIVE: Neurosecretory dysfunction (NSD) causes growth hormone deficiency (GHD). Data on adult height after recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) treatment are lacking. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: We collected treatment data of all patients with NSD seen between 1990 and 2017 at our outpatient department (tertiary centre) and measured adult height. For comparison, patients with idiopathic GHD were used. Diagnoses were based on short stature (<-2 standard deviation score [SDS]), continuously low height velocity (<25th percentile), delayed bone age (by >1 SD) and low serum IGF-1 concentration (<-2 SDS). NSD was defined by normal GH challenge results, but subnormal spontaneous GH secretion. Exclusion criteria were no information on adult height, underweight and other short stature disorders. RESULTS: Out of 67 patients diagnosed with NSD, six were still growing, 31 had test results exceeding validated GH cut-offs and three had other disorders causing short stature. Out of the 25 eligible patients with NSD, 21 could be recruited. These patients reached an adult height of -0.85 SDS (mean); 0.34 SDS below midparental height. Height gain during treatment was 2.01 SDS. This outcome was not different to 32 patients with idiopathic GHD. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term results suggest the viability of the diagnosis of NSD and the efficacy of rhGH treatment.

Cutaneous microRNA expression in healthy Labrador and Golden retrievers and retrievers with allergic and inflammatory skin diseases.

BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs (miRNA) are short, single-stranded RNA molecules that regulate gene expression in a post-transcriptional manner. Their expression is proposed to be tissue-specific and alterations in miRNA expression have been detected in many diseases. OBJECTIVE: To compare miRNA expression in the skin of healthy Labrador and golden retrievers, and those with allergic and nonallergic dermatitis. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) skin specimens from seven healthy Labrador and golden retrievers, and seven dogs with allergic skin disease were collected. A further mixed nonallergic inflammation group consisted of samples from five dogs with fungal infection, demodicosis and mast cell tumours. Total RNA was extracted and miRNA primer assays for 18 target miRNAs (miR-142, miR-363, miR-18b, miR-451, miR-146a, miR-124, miR-409, miR-193b, miR-223, miR-215, miR-155, miR-423a, miR-143, miR-1839, miR-21, miR-34b, miR-146b and miR-202) were performed, with RNU6-2 and SNORD95 as miRNAs for normalisation. The selection of miRNAs for investigation was based on reported data and a pilot study evaluating miRNA extraction from FFPE tissue specimens. RESULTS: In the two dogs with mast cell tumours, miRNA expression was undetermined for most miRNAs, so both were excluded from analysis. Although there were differences in the miRNA expression between healthy and inflamed skin, allergic and nonallergic inflammation showed similar expression patterns. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although the number of included dogs was small, based on this study, none of the evaluated miRNAs allowed differentiation of allergic dermatitis from other inflammatory skin diseases in retriever dogs.

Diagnosis of severe growth hormone deficiency in the newborn.

OBJECTIVE: Severe neonatal growth hormone deficiency (GHD) can cause recurrent hypoglycaemia. Early diagnosis is warranted. The aim of the study was to analyse the GH content in screening cards of 25 affected and 281 healthy newborns. PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS: A total of 110 screening cards from ill newborns were sent to us for measuring GH content by a highly sensitive GH ELISA. Clinical information was obtainable in 61 cases. Severe GHD was defined by the presence of recurrent hypoglycaemia with a significant pituitary malformation or two additional pituitary hormone deficiencies. Screening cards from 281 healthy newborns (34.0-37.9 weeks) were prospectively analysed. RESULTS: In 25 newborns (5 preterm), the definition of severe GHD was fulfilled based on recurrent hypoglycaemia in combination with malformation of the pituitary or midline structures in 21 cases and combined TSH and ACTH deficiency in four cases. The median GH concentration of those affected with severe GHD was 3.9 µg/L (range: 1.1-11.8), significantly below the previously reported reference range (P < .001). A GH concentration of 7 µg/L was confirmed as the cut-off for term newborns with the best accuracy (90.0% sensitivity and 98.7% specificity). The 95% reference range for healthy preterm newborns (n = 151) was 7.6-47.1 µg/L (median: 20.3 µg/L). CONCLUSIONS: A GH content <7.0 µg/L in the newborn screening card confirms severe GHD with high accuracy. In preterm newborns, the lower limit of the reference interval was 0.6 µg/L higher than in term newborns. The newborn screening card is a valuable source for the very early diagnosis of GH deficiency.

Clinical and virological predictors of sustained response with an interferon-based simeprevir regimen for patients with chronic genotype 1 hepatitis C virus infection.

Simeprevir plus peg-interferon/ribavirin (PR) is approved to treat chronic hepatitis C (HCV) genotype 1 (GT1) and GT4 infection. This study aimed to assess baseline and on-treatment the factors predictive of sustained virologic response 12-weeks post-treatment (SVR12) in patients receiving 12 weeks of simeprevir plus PR followed by 12 or 36 weeks of PR. Data from participants in four studies (QUEST-1, QUEST-2, ATTAIN and PROMISE) were pooled to examine the efficacy and safety of simeprevir+PR in HCV GT1 patients. The predictive power of baseline variables for SVR12 was assessed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models while the relationship between early (Week 4) on-treatment response and SVR12 was analyzed by GT1 subtype and treatment experience. Data for 1160 patients were analyzed (overall SVR12: 71%). Baseline factors predictive of SVR12 were: IL28B CC genotype, GT1a/Q80K-negative, treatment-naïve/prior relapser, no cirrhosis, HCV-RNA ≤2,000,000IU/mL, albumin >42g/L, platelets >200x109 /L. Patients with HCV GT1b (86%), IL28B CC genotype (87%), and treatment-naïve patients (83%) were predicted to achieve the highest SVR12 rates and rates of rapid virologic response. Week 4 early on-treatment response identified treatment-naïve and prior relapse patients likely to achieve SVR12. Patients likely to respond to simeprevir+PR can be identified using baseline factors. Early on-treatment response predicts treatment success.

Winogradskyella sediminis sp. nov., isolated from marine sediment.

A Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped, yellow-pigmented, gliding bacterial strain, designated S5-23-3T, was isolated from a sediment sample of the Yellow Sea in China. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain S5-23-3T was related to the genus Winogradskyella and had highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities with Winogradskyella arenosi JCM 15527T (97.6 %), Winogradskyella rapida CECT 7392T (97.4 %) and Winogradskyella undariae KCTC 32261T (97.2 %). The predominant cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 1 G, iso-C15 : 0 3-OH and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH. Strain S5-23-3T contained MK-6 as the predominant menaquinone. The polar lipid profile contained phosphatidylethanolamine, two aminolipids, one aminoglycolipid, one aminophospholipid, one unidentified phospholipid and seven unidentified polar lipids. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain S5-23-3T was 36.1 mol%. Combined data from phenotypic, chemotaxonomic, phylogenetic and DNA-DNA relatedness studies demonstrated that strain S5-23-3T is a representative of a novel species of the genus Winogradskyella, for which the name Winogradskyellasediminis sp. nov. (type strain S5-23-3T=LMG 28075T=DSM 28134T) is proposed.

Oceanihabitans sediminis gen. nov., sp. nov., a member of the family Flavobacteriaceae isolated from the Yellow Sea.

A Gram-stain-negative, rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated S9-10T, was isolated from a sediment sample from the Yellow Sea near China. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain S9-10T was a member of the family Flavobacteriaceaeand formed a distinct lineage. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain S9-10T was 34.2 mol%. The major respiratory quinone was MK-6. The predominant cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0 (21.1 %), iso-C15 : 1G (16.3 %) and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH (12.0 %). The polar lipid profile contained phosphatidylethanolamine, aminophospholipid, aminoglycolipid, two unidentified aminolipids and five unidentified polar lipids. On the basis of phenotypic, genotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic analyses, strain S9-10T represents a novel species of a novel genus of the family Flavobacteriaceae, for which the name Oceanihabitans sediminis gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Oceanihabitans sediminis is S9-10T (=DSM 28133T =LMG 28074T).

Adherence and cost in multiple sclerosis patients treated with IM IFN beta-1a: impact of the CARE patient management program.

BACKGROUND: Disease modifying treatments (DMT) for MS such as interferon beta (IFNß) have been shown to reduce the risk for disease progression. Therefore adherence to treatment is essential for treatment outcome.Here we want to evaluate if participation in a patient management program (PMP) improves adherence to DMT as well as health and cost outcomes associated with MS. METHODS: In this open-label multicentre prospective observational study, German MS patients treated with once weekly intramuscular (IM) IFNß-1a (Avonex), were offered participation in a PMP and followed for up to 12 months. The PMP included injection trainings, support and quarterly visits for up to 12 months after initiation of therapy. Utilisation of health care services was evaluated. The primary endpoint was to evaluate the direct and indirect cost associated with MS from payer, patient and societal perspective, in patients who participate in the PMP. Secondary endpoint was the clinical outcome in patients who participate in the PMP (differentiated in adherent versus non-adherent patients). RESULTS: In total 731 patients (mean age: 38.2, 73.7% female) were enrolled, 640 (88%) were observed for twelve months. After six months 34% of patients had participated in the PMP continuously and 21% temporarily; 39% had not participated. After twelve months, the proportions of participants were: 37% continuously and 19% temporarily; 40% had not participated. After 6 months, mean reduction in cost per patient in the participants group (€ 2151) was almost twice as high as the cost reduction amongst non-participants (€ 1131). After twelve months, the annual relapse rate was reduced by 58% compared to baseline in both the participant and non-participant groups. CONCLUSIONS: In a real-world-setting, participation in a patient management program was associated with improved medication adherence and lower total MS-related direct and indirect cost over time.

Interferon Beta-1a (AVONEX®) as a Treatment Option for Untreated Patients with Multiple Sclerosis (AXIOM): A Prospective, Observational Study.

The efficacy and safety of first-line disease-modifying therapies (DMT) for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) has been demonstrated in pivotal, randomized trials, but these studies do not reflect the routine care setting where treatment gaps or switches are common. The Avonex as Treatment Option for Untreated MS Patients (AXIOM) trial assessed the efficacy of newly-initiated intramuscular interferon beta-1a (IM IFNb-1a) after a treatment-free interval, with particular consideration of the previous course of disease and therapy. The AXIOM trial was an open, 12-month, observational, non-interventional study with a retrospective and a prospective part conducted in Germany. RRMS patients with a treatment-free interval of at least three months were included and treated with IFNb-1a for up to 12 months. Relapse rate, disability progression, injection-related parameters and quality of life observed during the prospective part were compared with retrospectively-collected data. Two hundred and thirty five RRMS patients participated in AXIOM. The mean relapse rate decreased from 1.1 in the three months before baseline to 0.2 per quarter during the twelve-month observational period; the Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite score improved during twelve months of IM IFNb-1a treatment, while the Expanded Disability Status Scale score did not change over the course of this study. Compared to previous DMTs (IM IFNb-1a, subcutaneous IFNb-1a (SC IFNb-1a), SC IFNb-1b, glatiramer acetate), the patients experienced less injection site reactions and flu-like symptoms, with a stated improved quality of life. IM IFNb-1a was effective and well accepted in RRMS patients with no or discontinued previous therapy. These results from the routine care setting may inform optimization of DMT treatment in RRMS, but need confirmation in further studies.

Nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP)-mediated calcium signaling and arrhythmias in the heart evoked by ß-adrenergic stimulation.

Nicotinic acid adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAADP) is the most potent Ca(2+)-releasing second messenger known to date. Here, we report a new role for NAADP in arrhythmogenic Ca(2+) release in cardiac myocytes evoked by ß-adrenergic stimulation. Infusion of NAADP into intact cardiac myocytes induced global Ca(2+) signals sensitive to inhibitors of both acidic Ca(2+) stores and ryanodine receptors and to NAADP antagonist BZ194. Furthermore, in electrically paced cardiac myocytes BZ194 blocked spontaneous diastolic Ca(2+) transients caused by high concentrations of the ß-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol. Ca(2+) transients were recorded both as increases of the free cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration and as decreases of the sarcoplasmic luminal Ca(2+) concentration. Importantly, NAADP antagonist BZ194 largely ameliorated isoproterenol-induced arrhythmias in awake mice. We provide strong evidence that NAADP-mediated modulation of couplon activity plays a role for triggering spontaneous diastolic Ca(2+) transients in isolated cardiac myocytes and arrhythmias in the intact animal. Thus, NAADP signaling appears an attractive novel target for antiarrhythmic therapy.

Oral and subcutaneous therapy of canine atopic dermatitis with recombinant feline interferon omega.

Canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) is a common allergic skin disease that has been treated with subcutaneously administered interferons (IFN). Recombinant feline IFN-ω (rFeIFN-ω) was reported to be efficacious for CAD. Whether dogs develop neutralizing antibodies against rFeIFN-ω during long-term treatment and whether orally administered IFNs are efficacious in CAD is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential development of antibodies against rFeIFN-ω in atopic dogs and to compare subcutaneous and oral IFN therapy. Twenty-six atopic dogs were randomly assigned to two groups. The first group (n=15) received eight subcutaneous injections of rFeIFN-ω (Virbagen® omega, Virbac, Carros, France) over four months, the second group (n=11) received rFeIFN-ω daily orally. Concurrent medication was permitted, except systemically acting glucocorticoids and cyclosporin, which had to be withdrawn at least two weeks prior to the study. Serum samples for antibody detection were collected before and after the study. On days 0, 60 and 120 skin lesions and pruritus were evaluated using a validated lesion score (Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index=CADESI) and a validated pruritus score. Concurrent medications were recorded. For every visit a total score, consisting of CADESI, pruritus score and medication score was created. For antibody detection an indirect ELISA, using Virbagen® omega as antigen, was performed. Comparison of pruritus scores, CADESI and total scores between days 0 and 120 showed improvement in both groups, however, significant improvement could only be detected in the oral group with CADESI and total scores (61%, P=0.04 and 36%, P=0.02 respectively). Serum antibodies against rFeIFN-ω could not be detected in any of the dogs. In this study antibody production could not be demonstrated. It suggests better efficacy with oral IFN administration, which should be further verified in larger, randomized, controlled studies.

How Does the Burden of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Compare to Influenza in Spanish Adults?

BACKGROUND: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza infections cause significant annual morbidity and mortality worldwide in at-risk populations. This study is aimed at assessing hospital burden and healthcare resource utilization (HRU) of RSV and influenza in adults in Spain. METHODS: Data were obtained from the Projected Hospitalisation Database of inpatient episodes (ages: younger adults 18-50 and 51-64 years; older adults 65-74, 75-84, and ≥ 85 years) during 2015, 2017, and 2018 in Spanish public hospitals. Incidence, mean hospitalization, and HRU assessments, including length of stay (LOS), intensive care unit (ICU) usage, and age-standardized mortality rates, were collected and stratified by age group, with analyses focusing on the adult population (≥ 18 years old). RESULTS: Mean hospitalization rate in the population across all years was lower in individuals with RSV versus influenza (7.2/100,000 vs. 49.7/100,000 individuals). ICU admissions and median LOS were similar by age group for both viruses. Age-standardized mortality was 6.3/100,000 individuals and 6.1/100,000 individuals in patients with RSV and influenza, respectively, and mortality rates were similar in older adults (≥ 65 years) for both viruses. CONCLUSIONS: RSV and influenza infection were associated with considerable HRU. There is a substantial disease burden for RSV infection in older adults ≥ 65 years. While RSV hospitalization rates in adults reported here appeared lower than influenza, RSV is still underdiagnosed in the hospital setting and its incidence might be similar to, or higher than, influenza.

Comorbidity profiles among adult patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: results of a biologic register.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to assess the prevalence of comorbidities in adult JIA and the impact of comorbidity on patients' perceived health state. METHODS: Self-reported comorbidity was studied in 344 adult JIA patients who have been included in the biologic register JuMBO. The comorbidity prevalence among the patients was compared to an age- and sex-matched reference group from the population. The correlation of comorbidity with clinical and demographic parameters was analysed by linear or logistic regression models. RESULTS: Sixty two percent of the JIA patients reported at least one comorbidity. Uveitis was the most common comorbid condition (17.7%), followed by allergic rhinitis (14.5%), migraine (8.7%), and atopic dermatitis (8.7%). The prevalence of cardiovascular disorders was 9.9%, which was not higher than that in the population. However, patients with a systemic onset of JIA (soJIA) had a substantially higher rate of cardiovascular diseases of 40.6% (p=0.033). Patients with soJIA also had the highest prevalence (80.0%) and the highest mean number (1.8) of comorbidities. Patients with at least one comorbid condition suffered more often from fatigue and pain, had a lower functional capacity (p<0.001, each), and a lower physical and mental health-related quality of life than those without comorbidities (p<0.001 and p=0.017, respectively). The presence of any comorbidity and the level of disease activity were independent predictors of a lower SF-36 score. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that comorbid conditions have a significant impact on the perceived health state in adult JIA. Among all JIA patients, those with systemic onset carry the highest risk for comorbidities, in particular for cardiovascular disorders.

Detection and comparison of microRNA expression in the serum of Doberman Pinschers with dilated cardiomyopathy and healthy controls.

BACKGROUND: Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the most common heart disease in Doberman Pinschers. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs playing important roles in gene regulation. Different miRNA expression patterns have been described for DCM in humans and might represent potential diagnostic markers. There are no studies investigating miRNA expression profiles in canine DCM. The aims of this study were to screen the miRNA expression profile of canine serum using miRNA microarray and to compare expression patterns of a group of Doberman Pinschers with DCM and healthy controls. RESULTS: Eight Doberman Pinschers were examined by echocardiography and 24-hour-ECG and classified as healthy (n=4) or suffering from DCM (n=4). Total RNA was extracted from serum and hybridized on a custom-designed 8x60k miRNA microarray (Agilent) containing probes for 1368 individual miRNAs. Although total RNA concentrations were very low in serum samples, 404 different miRNAs were detectable with sufficient signal intensity on miRNA microarray. 22 miRNAs were differentially expressed in the two groups (p<0.05 and fold change (FC)>1.5), but did not reach statistical significance after multiple testing correction (false discovery rate adjusted p>0.05). Five miRNAs were selected for further analysis using quantitative Real-Time RT-PCR (qPCR) assays. No significant differences were found using specific miRNA qPCR assays (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Numerous miRNAs can be detected in canine serum. Between healthy and DCM dogs, miRNA expression changes could be detected, but the results did not reach statistical significance most probably due to the small group size. miRNAs are potential new circulating biomarkers in veterinary medicine and should be investigated in larger patient groups and additional canine diseases.

In vitro effects of CpG oligodeoxynucleotides delivered by gelatin nanoparticles on canine peripheral blood mononuclear cells of atopic and healthy dogs - a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) oligodeoxynucleotides offer a novel promising immunotherapeutic approach for atopic dermatitis (AD) both in humans and animals. Gelatin nanoparticles (GNP) enhance and prolong CpG-associated immunomodulatory effects and minimize adverse effects both in vitro and in vivo. Information about the effects of this combination in dogs is lacking. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate immunological effects of CpG coupled to GNP on canine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in vitro. ANIMALS: Eight dogs with AD, diagnosed by standard criteria and with a concurrent immediate hypersensitivity to house dust mites were included. Control samples were taken from eight healthy, age-matched control dogs without history or evidence of cutaneous or systemic illness. METHODS: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells of healthy and allergic dogs were incubated with CpG-GNP and the uptake of CpG-GNP was demonstrated using confocal laser scanning microscopy. Cell culture supernatant concentrations of interferon gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6 and IL-10 were measured by Canine Cytokine Milliplex. RESULTS: No significant changes in IFN-γ and IL-4 were found when comparing PBMCs incubated with CpG and CpG-GNP with the negative controls in atopic and healthy dogs. Interleukin-6 was not detected in any of the groups. However, a statistically significant increase in IL-10 concentration was found after 24 h stimulation with CpG-GNP compared with CpG alone both in atopic and healthy dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: As IL-10 is considered an immunosuppressive cytokine playing a key role in peripheral tolerance; the reported CpG-GNP formulation could be a new approach in allergy treatment.

[Urinalysis in dogs and cats, part 1: physical and chemical urinalysis]. / Die Urinuntersuchung bei Hund und Katze, Teil 1: Physikalische und chemische Urinuntersuchung.

The urinalysis of dogs and cats is an important part of the diagnostic evaluation of urinary tract diseases as well as for the identification of systemic diseases. A routine urinalysis consists of a physical and chemical examination of the urine as well as an examination of the urine sediment. Various urine collection methods (free-catch, catheterization, cystocentesis) are available. Each method has multiple advantages and disadvantages. The appropriate method must be chosen individually for each patient depending on the emphasis of the examination. The urine should ideally be examined within 30 minutes of collection as it is prone to change due to time and storage. Physical examination of the urine consists of the determination of urine color, clarity, and specific gravity which provides information regarding the concentration of the urine. The latter is determined by refractometry and needs to be interpreted in the context of the hydration status of the patient. Chemical examination of the urine consists of the determination of the pH value and the presence of blood/hemoglobin/myoglobin, protein, glucose, bilirubin, urobilinogen, nitrite, and ketones. The use of commercially available urine dipsticks is common. These must be stored and used according to the manufacturer's instructions and when interpreting the results, veterinary aspects need to be taken into consideration. The physical and chemical examinations of the urine represent rapid and readily performable methods that provide important information for the diagnosis or the exclusion of numerous diseases.

[Feline and canine giardiosis: An Update]. / Ein Update zur felinen und caninen Giardiose.

Giardia duodenalis is a facultative pathogenic intestinal parasite. Giardiosis in dogs and cats may appear with or without clinical signs. Typical signs include diarrhea with or without vomiting. The prevalence in young animals is high and may amount to up to 50%. There are 8 different genotypes (A - H), which are called assemblages. Assemblages C and D are most common in dogs and assemblage F most frequent in cats. However, animals may also be infected with the zoonotically effective assemblages A and B or exhibit mixed infections. The immunofluorescence test (IFA), the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and fecal centrifugation using zinc sulphate solution are currently recommended as diagnostic methods. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) may be used to determine the corresponding assemblage. Approved treatments for giardiosis include fenbendazole and metronidazole. In addition, undertaking specific hygiene measures is warranted. Only animals showing clinical signs or those living in the same household with high-risk patients (e. g. immunosuppressed humans) are recommended to receive medication. The aim of treatment is clinical improvement of the diseased dogs and cats. Frequently, complete elimination of Giardia is not attained.

[Urinalysis in dogs and cats, part 2: Urine sediment analysis]. / Die Urinuntersuchung bei Hund und Katze, Teil 2: Urinsedimentanalyse.

Examination of the urine sediment is part of a routine urinalysis and is undertaken in order to identify insoluble particles in the urine. This procedure is mainly used in the context of diagnostic evaluation of urinary tract diseases, but may also be useful for the diagnosis of systemic diseases and intoxications. Analysis of fresh urine is recommended as changes in cell morphology, cell lysis and in vitro crystal formation may occur in the course of its storage. Manual urine sediment analysis is still performed in many veterinary practices. Native wet-mount preparations are suitable for the identification and quantification of urine sediment particles. The examination of stained wet-mount preparations or air-dried smears may be necessary to further differentiate cells and to identify bacteria. For several years, automatic urine sediment analyzers have been available in veterinary medicine. These save considerable time and staff resources, however verification of the automatically generated results by an experienced observer remains necessary. Urine sediment particles that are frequently identified and clinically relevant include red blood cells, white blood cells, different types of epithelial cells, crystals, and casts as well as bacteria. Furthermore, parasite eggs, fungal hyphae, lipid droplets, spermatozoa, fibres, hair, mucus, plant parts or environmental contaminations may be found in the urine sediment and result in a complication of the result interpretation.