Cervical intervertebral disc disease in 307 small-breed dogs (2000-2021): Breed-characteristic features and disc-associated vertebral instability.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the breed-characteristic features of cervical intervertebral disc disease (C-IVDD) and associated vertebral instability in small-breed dogs and to present the concept of intervertebral disc degeneration and associated instability stage, method of diagnosis, treatment and outcomes. ANIMALS: In total, 307 client-owned dogs with C-IVDD treated with spinal cord decompression with or without vertebral stabilization (2000-2021). METHODS: Information on age, sex, affected sites, stabilized sites, diagnostic methods for vertebral instability and outcomes were retrieved. The patient's age, affected sites (cranial vs caudal discs), and frequency of vertebral stabilization were compared in six CD and five NCD breed. Multivariable analyses of the chondrodystrophic (CD) vs non-CD (NCD) groups, and vertebral stabilization (dogs stabilized vs dogs not stabilized) were performed. RESULTS: In total, 222 (72.3%) and 77 (25.1%) were CD and NCD breeds, respectively. Vertebral instabilities were diagnosed based on the survey radiographs with computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (n = 2), dynamic myelography (n = 29), intraoperative spinal manipulation (n = 11) or second surgery in dogs with persistent postoperative paraspinal pain (n = 3). Of these dogs, 295 (96.1%) recovered (median follow-up: 8.5 [range, 1-119] months). Significant differences in age, affected sites and frequency of stabilization were noted among the breeds. Older age and frequent vertebral stabilization were the associated factors for the NCD breed dogs. Male dogs, caudal discs affected (C5-T1) and the NCD breed dogs were risk factors for the dogs with vertebral stabilization. CONCLUSION: Vertebral stabilization is indicated for small-breed dogs with cervical disc-associated vertebral instability.

Pth1r Signal in Gli1+ Cells Maintains Postnatal Cranial Base Synchondrosis.

Cranial base synchondroses are the endochondral ossification centers for cranial base growth and thus indispensable for proper skull, brain, and midfacial development. The synchondroses are composed of mirror-image growth plates that are continuously maintained from the embryonic to postnatal stage through chondrocyte differentiation. Several factors, including Pth1r signaling, are known to control fetal synchondrosis development. However, there are currently no reports regarding any role for Pth1r signaling in postnatal cranial base and synchondrosis development. Also, the mesenchymal cells that source Pth1r signaling for synchondroses are not known. Here, we employed an inducible mouse model, a hedgehog-responsive Gli1-CreERT2 driver, focusing on the postnatal study. We performed 2 inducible protocols using Gli1-CreERT2;Tomatofl/+ mice that uncovered distinct patterning of Gli1-positive and Gli1-negative chondrocytes in the synchondrosis cartilage. Moreover, we generated Gli1-CreERT2;Pth1rfl/fl;Tomatofl/+ mice to assess their functions in postnatal synchondrosis and found that the mutants had survived postnatally. The mutant skulls morphologically presented unambiguous phenotypes where we noticed the shortened cranial base and premature synchondrosis closure. Histologically, gradual disorganization in mutant synchondroses caused an uncommon remaining central zone between hypertrophic zones on both sides while the successive differentiation of round, flat, and hypertrophic chondrocytes was observed in control sections. These mutant synchondroses disappeared and were finally replaced by bone. Of note, the mutant fusing synchondroses lost their characteristic patterning of Gli1-positive and Gli1-negative chondrocytes, suggesting that loss of Pth1r signaling alters the distribution of hedgehog-responsive chondrocytes. Moreover, we performed laser microdissection and RNA sequencing to characterize the flat proliferative and round resting chondrocytes where we found flat chondrocytes have a characteristic feature of both chondrocyte proliferation and maturation. Taken together, these data demonstrate that Pth1r signaling in Gli1-positive cells is essential for postnatal development and maintenance in cranial base synchondroses. Our findings will elucidate previously unknown aspects of Pth1r functions in cranial biology and development.

Vertebral stabilisation for thoracolumbar vertebral instability associated with cranial and caudal articular process anomalies in pugs: Seven cases (2010-2019).

OBJECTIVES: To describe the diagnostic findings, surgical technique and outcomes in seven pugs with thoracolumbar vertebral instability due to articular process anomalies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records (2010 to 2019) of pugs with thoracolumbar vertebral instability associated with articular process anomalies that underwent decompressive laminectomy and vertebral stabilisation were reviewed. Data on preoperative and postoperative neurologic status, diagnostic findings, surgical techniques and outcomes were retrieved. RESULTS: Seven dogs were presented with ambulatory or non-ambulatory paraparesis. Caudal articular process anomalies (three dogs) and concomitant cranial and caudal articular process anomalies (four dogs) were noted. Myelography (six dogs) or magnetic resonance imaging (one dog) showed none to severe spinal cord compression. Dynamic myelography in six dogs demonstrated nine distinct sites of spinal cord dimension reduction positioned in extension and/or flexion (mean reduction: 16.0%, range: 8.5 to 24.0%). These dynamic compressions were located at sites with articular process anomalies (seven sites) and sites with no articular process anomalies (two sites). Vertebral instability was confirmed by intraoperative spinal manipulation in all dogs. All dogs remained ambulatory with improved (five dogs) or static (two dogs) neurological deficits at the last follow-up (median: 16 months; range: 1.5 to 66 months). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Dynamic myelography and/or intraoperative spinal manipulation demonstrated vertebral instabilities at sites with or without articular process anomalies on imaging. Decompressive laminectomy with vertebral stabilisation resulted in long-term neurological improvement in most dogs.

Incidence of Abnormalities of the Second and Third Cervical Vertebral Junction in Dogs with Atlantoaxial Instability: A Multicentre Study.

Objective To evaluate the occurrence and frequency of abnormalities at the second and third cervical vertebral junction (C2/3) in dogs with and without atlantoaxial instability (AAI). Study Design Retrospective multi-institutional case-controlled case series. Animals One hundred and seventeen dogs with AAI and 117 dogs without AAI. Methods Radiographs, together with computer tomographic images or magnetic resonance images or both, of the cranial cervical spine of dogs were reviewed for the presence or absence of intervertebral disc-related anomalies, osseous fusion of the vertebrae, spondylosis, or any other anomaly of the C2/3. Results The incidence of anomalies affecting the C2/3 in dogs with AAI was 38.46% (n = 45) and in the control group it was 11.97% (n = 14). The majority of the observed anomalies involved the intervertebral disc. In conjunction with AAI, intervertebral disc-related anomalies were noted in 33.34%, spondylosis in 2.56%, osseous fusion in 1.71% and a hypoplasia of the spinous process in 0.85% of the cases. Summarized under the term intervertebral disc-related anomalies, a morphological alteration of the intervertebral disc was noted in 10 cases with AAI, characterized by a spherical outer shape and a minimally reduced size and a dorsal positioning in the intervertebral space. Conclusion There is a significantly higher incidence of anomalies affecting the C2/3 in association with AAI. In conjunction with AAI, intervertebral disc-related anomalies are the most frequent pathological finding affecting the C2/3.

A drug formulation using an alginate hydrogel matrix for efficient oral delivery of the manganese porphyrin-based superoxide dismutase mimic.

In order for patients to avail of the therapeutic benefits of antioxidant drugs efficiently and conveniently, a robust oral delivery system needs to be developed. However, a common problem in oral drug delivery is ensuring that the drug remains functionally intact even after it has passed through the acidic environment of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. To protect drugs within the GI environment, we formulated a design based on encapsulating liposomal drugs by using an alginate matrix as a carrier. The liposomal drug was composed of manganese porphyrin (Mn-por), which has been developed as a mimic of superoxide dismutase (SOD), as the therapeutic agent based on the antioxidative effect, namely superoxide (O2˙(-)) inhibitory activity. A cytochrome c assay revealed that the O2˙(-) inhibitory activity of Mn-por could be maintained even after treatment with simulated gastric and intestinal fluids. We demonstrated that oral administration of the formulated drug significantly inhibited the growth of transplanted tumors in mice. The drug formulation presented in this study would be a good candidate for orally available systems, which can effectively deliver SOD mimics.

A novel and rapid diagnostic method for discriminating between feces of sika deer and Japanese serow by loop-mediated isothermal amplification.

Severe damages to natural vegetation, agriculture, and forestry caused by overpopulation of sika deer (Cervus nippon) have markedly increased in Japan in recent years. To devise a population management plan of sika deer, information on the distribution and population size of the animal in each region is indispensable. An easy and effective method to obtain this information is to count the fecal pellets in the field. However, the habitat of sika deer in Japan overlaps that of Japanese serow (Capricornis crispus). Additionally, it is difficult to discriminate between the feces of both animals. Here, we present a rapid and precise diagnostic method for discriminating between the feces of sika deer and Japanese serow using loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) targeting cytochrome b gene in the mitochondrial DNA. Our results showed that the LAMP can discriminate between the feces of sika deer and Japanese serow, and the method is simpler and more sensitive than the conventional molecular diagnostic method. Since LAMP method does not require special skills for molecular biology techniques, even the field researchers who have never done a molecular experiment can easily carry out the protocol. In addition, the entire protocol, from DNA extraction from fecal pellet to identification of species, takes only about 75 min and does not require expensive equipment. Hence, this diagnostic method is simple, fast, and accessible to anyone. As such, the method can be a useful tool to estimate distribution and population size of sika deer.

Ganglion cyst arising from the composite occipito-atlanto-axial joint cavity in a cat.

A four-year-old, female spayed Domestic Longhaired cat was referred for evaluation with a two month history of initial inability to jump progressing to ambulatory tetraparesis. Magnetic resonance imaging studies demonstrated a cystic lesion arising from the composite occipito-atlanto-axial joint cavity and extending to the region of the occipital bone and the axis. The lesion surrounded the spinal canal, causing moderate dorsal spinal cord compression at the atlanto-occipital joint. A dynamic myelographic study demonstrated attenuation of the dorsal contrast column at the atlanto-occipital joint when the cervical spine was positioned in extension. Partial excision of the cyst capsule by a ventral approach resulted in long-term (64 months) resolution of clinical signs. Histological evaluation was consistent with a ganglion cyst. An intra-spinal ganglion cyst arising from the composite occipito-atlanto-axial joint cavity may be considered as an uncommon differential diagnosis for cats with cervical myelopathy.

Hemilaminectomy and vertebral stabilization for thoracolumbar intervertebral disc associated dynamic compression in 11 dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the diagnostic findings, surgical technique and outcome in dogs with thoracolumbar intervertebral disc-associated dynamic compression. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: Client owned dogs (n = 11). METHODS: Medical records (2005-2010) of dogs with a stress myelographic diagnosis of spinal cord injury due to thoracolumbar intervertebral disc-associated dynamic compression with inconclusive compression in the neutral myelographic views that had hemilaminectomy and vertebral stabilization were reviewed. Data on pre- and postoperative neurologic status, diagnostic findings, surgical techniques and outcomes were retrieved. Follow-up clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed immediately, and at approximately one, two, and six months postoperatively as well as at annual follow-up examinations. RESULTS: The stress myelography demonstrated distinct ventral dynamic compression due to bulging of the disc and additional dorsal compression due to infolding of the ligamentum flavum in some cases. The median percentage of post-stress reduction in spinal cord height on the lateral view was 18.0% (9.8-27.2%). All dogs recovered after surgery and at follow-up examinations were still ambulatory (median: 45 months, range: 7 to 94 months). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Thoracolumbar intervertebral disc degeneration may result in disc-associated dynamic compression. Stress myelography was an effective means of diagnosing this condition and hemilaminectomy with vertebral stabilization was an effective treatment resulting in long-term neurological improvement in all dogs.

Cleft lip in oculodentodigital dysplasia suggests novel roles for connexin43.

Oculodentodigital Dysplasia (ODDD) is a rare syndrome involving anomalies in eye, tooth, and digit formation, caused by mutations in CX43/GJA1. In addition to classic dental features, ODDD includes oral and craniofacial accessory symptoms such as characteristic facial appearance and cleft palate. However, there have been no reports of ODDD accompanied by cleft lip. Herein we report, for the first time, a male, sporadic, Asian proband presenting bilateral cleft lip. By direct sequence analysis, our proband was diagnosed as having ODDD with a heterozygous mutation, codon 142 G>A in GJA1 and CX43E48K. We excluded the possibility of pathogenic mutations in B3GALTL, BMP4, TFAP2A, PVRL1, IRF6, and MSX1. To address how CX43/GJA1 is related to cleft lip, we performed immunohistochemistry using mouse and human mid-facial tissue. CX43 expression was detected in the nasal compartment and nasal and maxillary processes at murine developmental stage E12.5. Furthermore, CX43 expression was found in the epithelial tissue inside the human subepithelial cleft lip that completes epithelial fusion. Therefore, we suggest that CX43/GJA1 is involved in lip formation. Our case report of ODDD with a bilateral cleft lip suggests that CX43/GJA1 might be a novel candidate gene for syndromic cleft lip.

Nasolabial cyst in a patient with cleft lip and palate.

Nasolabial cysts are rare non-odontogenic cysts that occur beneath the ala nasi, and debate about their complicated, unique pathogenesis continues. It is widely accepted that these lesions originate from the anlage of the nasolacrimal duct; however, some still think that nasolabial cysts arise from fissural cysts. The authors report a patient with a nasolabial cyst who also had a unilateral cleft lip and palate. This unusual finding may indicate a different origin for nasolabial cysts than what has been accepted in the past.

An uncommon cleft subtype of unilateral cleft lip and palate.

The finding that the vomer plays a crucial role in maxillary growth suggests that the bilateral cleft configuration of unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP), in which the vomer is detached from the non-cleft-side secondary hard palate, negatively influences palatal development, and this hypothesis was tested. Sixty persons with complete UCLP, including those with the vomer detached from (n = 30, b-UCLP) and attached to (n = 30, u-UCLP) the secondary hard palate, were analyzed morphologically, with the use of cast models taken at 10 days, 3 mos, and 12 mos of age. The anterio-posterior palatal length at 12 mos of age in those with b-UCLP was significantly shorter than that in those with u-UCLP, by 8.7% (p < 0.05). In addition, palatal width development in the first year in those with b-UCLP was also significantly retarded. These results suggest that the uncommon bilateral cleft subtype in UCLP should be included in the cleft classification.

Tumor thickness and paralingual distance of coronal MR imaging predicts cervical node metastases in oral tongue carcinoma.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The presence of cervical lymph node metastases is an important prognostic factor for oral tongue cancer. The accurate preoperative assessment is essential for treatment. Several studies have suggested that histologic tumor thickness is related to the metastases. The aim of this study was to determine whether MR images of oral tongue tumor have the potential to predict cervical lymph node metastases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 43 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue were investigated. Tumor thickness, sublingual distance between tumor and sublingual space, and paralingual distance between tumor and paralingual space, as determined from coronal MR imaging, were preoperatively estimated. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent predictors of lymph node metastases. RESULTS: Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that T classification, N classification, and 3 measured MR imaging distances (millimeters) were significantly associated with lymph node metastases. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that tumor thickness (odds ratio, 1.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11-1.63; P < .005) and paralingual distance (odds ratio, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.35-0.82; P < .005) were significant predictors for lymph node metastases. The probability of metastases was estimated with these models. The preoperative decision (20% probability) as to whether to perform neck dissection could be based on tumor thickness of >9.7 mm and paralingual distance of <5.2 mm. CONCLUSION: MR images provide satisfactory accuracy for the preoperative estimation of the tumor thickness and the paralingual distance, which are valuable for predicting cervical lymph node metastases.

Spheric mass beneath the alar base: MR images of nasolabial cyst and schwannoma.

We report 2 cases of nasolabial cyst and a case of schwannoma beneath the alar base that required a differential diagnosis because of clinical features and MR images that resembled the nasolabial cyst. The morphologic analysis on MR images revealed the characteristic appearance of the nasolabial cyst, and the sagittal MR image may be most helpful for diagnosing this rare disease.

Ameloblastomatous calcifying odontogenic cyst in the mandible.

Ameloblastoma is one of the well-known odontogenic tumours that can be associated with calcifying odontogenic cysts (COCs), but only a few reports include detailed clinical and radiographic features. In this paper we demonstrate a case of large ameloblastomatous COC in the mandible. The radiographic examination revealed the presence of a multilocular cystic lesion in the right posterior part of the mandible containing the impacted lower second molar with remarkable expansion toward both lingual and buccal side. This feature was different from the general findings of COC and rather resembled that of ameloblastomas.

Brain mast cells act as an immune gate to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in dogs.

Mast cells perform a significant role in the host defense against parasitic and some bacterial infections. Here we show that in the dog, degranulation of brain mast cells evokes hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal responses via histamine release. A large number of mast cells were found in a circumscribed ventral region of the hypothalamus, including the pars tuberalis and median eminence. When these intracranial mast cells were passively sensitized with immunoglobulin E via either the intracerebroventricular or intravenous route, there was a marked increase in the adrenal cortisol secretion elicited by a subsequent antigenic challenge (whether this was delivered via the central or peripheral route). Comp.48/80, a mast cell secretagogue, also increased cortisol secretion when administered intracerebroventricularly. Pretreatment (intracerebroventricularly) with anti-corticotropin--releasing factor antibodies or a histamine H(1) blocker, but not an H(2) blocker, attenuated the evoked increases in cortisol. These data show that in the dog, degranulation of brain mast cells evokes hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal responses via centrally released histamine and corticotrophin-releasing factor. On the basis of these data, we suggest that intracranial mast cells may act as an allergen sensor, and that the activated adrenocortical response may represent a life-saving host defense reaction to a type I allergy.

Novel carbon-carbon bond-forming reactions using carbocations produced from substituted propargyl silyl ethers by the action of TMSOTf.

Highly useful carbon-carbon bond forming reactions using stable allenyl, propargyl, or allyl-propargyl hybrid cations have been developed. These carbocations could be generated from silyl 1-(pi-donor)-substituted propargyl ethers by the action of trimethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate in dichloromethane at -78 degrees C to room temperature and could be attacked nucleophilically by electron rich arenes, allylsilanes, or enol silyl ethers, giving rise to allenes, alkynes, and their derivatives. A novel method for regio- and stereoselective synthesis of conjugated enynes utilizing allyl-propargyl hybrid cations has also been established.

Fibroblast growth factor inhibits chondrocytic growth through induction of p21 and subsequent inactivation of cyclin E-Cdk2.

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and its receptor (FGFR) are thought to be negative regulators of chondrocytic growth, as exemplified by achondroplasia and related chondrodysplasias, which are caused by constitutively active mutations in FGFR3. To understand the growth-inhibitory mechanisms of FGF, we analyzed the effects of FGF2 on cell cycle-regulating molecules in chondrocytes. FGF2 dramatically inhibited proliferation of rat chondrosarcoma (RCS) cells and arrested their cell cycle at the G(1) phase. FGF2 increased p21 expression in RCS cells, which assembled with the cyclin E-Cdk2 complexes, although the expression of neither cyclin E nor Cdk2 increased. In addition, the kinase activity of immunoprecipitated cyclin E or Cdk2, assessed with retinoblastoma protein (pRb) as substrate, was dramatically reduced by FGF-2. Moreover, FGF2 shifted pRb to its underphosphorylated, active form in RCS cells. FGF2 not only induced p21 protein expression in proliferating chondrocytes in mouse fetal limbs cultured in vitro but also decreased their proliferation as assessed by the expression of histone H4 mRNA, a marker for cells in S phase. Furthermore, inhibitory effects of FGF2 on chondrocytic proliferation were partially reduced in p21-null limbs, compared with those in wild-type limbs in vitro. Taken together, FGF's growth inhibitory effects of chondrocytes appear to be mediated at least partially through p21 induction and the subsequent inactivation of cyclin E-Cdk2 and activation of pRb.

Spontaneous eosinophilic granulated round cell tumors in rats.

Morphologic and histochemical characteristics were noted for three spontaneous tumors with eosinophilic cytoplasmic granules that occurred in aged Fischer 344 rats. Macroscopic lesions were widely distributed in the body, mainly involving the intra-abdominal adipose tissue, pancreas, and mesenterium. These lesions were generally hard swellings with nodular and sclerosing areas. Bloody ascites was a concomitant finding. Histologically, the tumor cells were round, from 9 to 30 microm in diameter with one or two round to oval nuclei, and characterized by eosinophilic granules (0.5-2.0 microm) that stained definitely to weakly positive with the periodic acid-Schiff reaction and demonstrated no metachromasia with toluidine blue stain. Furthermore, the granules were characterized by a positive reaction with lectin histochemistry for concanavalin A (Con A), wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), phaseolus vulgaris agglutinin (PHA-E4), lens culinaris agglutinin (LCA), and recinus communis agglutinin (RCA-I) in all tumors and for ulex europaeus agglutinin (UEA-I), peanut agglutinin (PNA), and soybean agglutinin (SBA) in one tumor. Positive reactions for anti-rat mast cell protease II and CD8 were not demonstrated immunohistochemically. Abundant glycogen was noted in the large tumor cells from one rat. With electron microscopy, the cytoplasmic granules were identified as electron-dense homogenous bodies bounded by a single unit membrane. These characteristics are similar to those of granulated metrial gland cells, but further study is needed to clarify the cell of origin for these tumors.

Overexpression of lymphangiogenic growth factor VEGF-C in human pancreatic cancer.

Vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) is a lymphangiogenic polypeptide that has been implicated in cancer growth. In this study, we characterized VEGF-C expression in cultured human pancreatic cancer cell lines and determined whether the presence of VEGF-C in human pancreatic cancers is associated with clinicopathologic characteristics. VEGF-C mRNA transcripts were present in all five tested cell lines (Capan-1, MIA-PaCa-2, PANC-1, COLO-357, and T3M4). Immunoblotting with a highly specific anti-VEGF-C antibody revealed the presence of VEGF-C protein in all the cell lines. Northern blot analysis of total RNA revealed an approximately 2.2-fold increase in VEGF-C mRNA transcript in the cancer samples compared with the normal pancreas. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the expression of VEGF-C and its receptor flt-4 in the cancer cells within the tumor mass. Immunohistochemical analysis of 51 pancreatic cancer tissues revealed the presence of strong VEGF-C immunoreactivity in the cancer cells in 80.4% of the cancer tissues. The presence of VEGF-C in these cells was associated with increased lymphatic vessels invasion and lymph node metastasis, but not with decreased patient survival. These findings indicate that VEGF-C and its receptor are commonly overexpressed in human pancreatic cancers and that this factor may contribute to the lymphangiogenic process and metastasis in this disorder.

Hedgehog proteins stimulate chondrogenic cell differentiation and cartilage formation.

Sonic hedgehog (Shh) and Indian hedgehog (Ihh) are important regulators of skeletogenesis, but their roles in this complex multistep process are not fully understood. Recent studies have suggested that the proteins participate in the differentiation of chondrogenic precursor cells into chondrocytes. In the present study, we have tested this possibility more directly. We found that implantation of dermal fibroblasts expressing hedgehog proteins into nude mice induces ectopic cartilage and bone formation. Immunohistological and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analyses revealed that the ectopic tissues derived largely if not exclusively from host cells. We found also that treatment of clonal prechondrogenic RMD-1 and ATDC5 cells in culture with Ihh or recombinant amino half of Shh (recombinant N-terminal portion of Shh [rShh-N]) induced their differentiation into chondrocytes, as revealed by cytoarchitectural changes, Alcian blue staining and proteoglycan synthesis. Induction of RMD-1 cell differentiation by Ihh or rShh-N was synergistically enhanced by cotreatment with bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) but was blocked by cotreatment with fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2). Our findings indicate that hedgehog proteins have the ability to promote differentiation of chondrogenic precursor cells and that their action in this process can be influenced and modified by synergistic or antagonist cofactors.