Characterisation of genome-wide structural aberrations in canine mammary tumours using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping assay.

Characterisation of copy number variation (CNV) and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) has pro- vided evidence for the relationship of this type of genetic variation with the occurrence of a broad spectrum of diseases, including cancer lesions. The role of CNVs and germinal or somatic LOHs in canine mammary tumours is still unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify CNVs and LOHs in canine mammary tumours. Forty-eight samples obtained from normal (n=24) and tumour (n=24) tissues of dogs were analysed. In the study, we used CanineHD BeadChip assay (Illumina) and OncoSNP software to identify copy number alternations in genomes of dif- ferent dog breeds and in different mammary cancer types occurring in this species. The analyses revealed that, in the case of CNV, the amplification-type variants were longer and more frequent than deletions. Based on the analysis of the frequency of different types of aberrations in the in- dividual parts of the genome, regions that are particularly susceptible to structural aberrations were indicated. The fraction of genes identified within these regions was associated with major processes of neoplastic transformation. Association analysis of such traits as tumour grading as well as the size and age of dogs demonstrated that structural aberrations were more frequent in dogs diagnosed with tumour malignancy grade II and III, in dogs with a larger body size, and in large dogs aged 7-8. The promising results of these pioneering investigations prompt continuation thereof to analyse other types of cancer.

Staphylococcus simulans associated with endocarditis in broiler chickens.

This report suggests a strong association between coagulase-negative Staphylococcus simulans and endocarditis in broiler chickens of a single flock. Clinical signs included increased mortality and lameness, and some dead chickens were found on their backs. Lesions included cauliflower-like, fibrinous vegetative lesions on the left atrioventricular valve; cream-coloured, necrotic foci of varying size in the liver; and necrosis of the femoral head. Histopathological examination of the heart revealed multifocal conglomerates of bacterial colonies attached to the valvular endocardium, threads of fibrin, and inflammatory cells with the presence of heterophils. S. simulans strains were first identified by API ID32, and then confirmed with Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry and by partial sequencing of the rpoB and dnaJ genes. These bacteria were resistant to methicillin but sensitive to vancomycin and characterized by slime production and protease activity.

Relevance of Molecular Changes in the ND4 Gene in German Shepherd Dog Tumours.

The aim of the study was to identify polymorphisms and mutations in the mitochondrial ND4 gene and to analyse the associations between the occurrence of molecular changes in mtDNA and phenotypic traits in tumours in German Shepherd dogs. Fifty samples obtained from blood and tumour tissues of German Shepherd dogs with diagnosed tumours were analysed. DNA extraction, amplification, and sequencing of the mtDNA ND4 gene, and bioinformatics, statistical, and in silico protein coding SNP analyses were performed. ND4 mutations and/or polymorphisms were noted in eleven nucleotide positions in nearly half of the examined dogs. All the changes were substitution mutations. A majority of the changes identified were homoplasmic. In one dog with osteosarcoma, blood heteroplasmy was detected. In two positions of the ND4 gene, presence of non-synonymous mutations leading to amino acid changes in the ND4 protein was reported. Analyses carried out to determine the deleterious effect of mutations indicated an almost 97 and 62% probability that a single amino acid substitution (p.G239V and p.I401T, respectively) in the protein has a negative impact on its function. The results of statistical analyses indicate a significant association between the occurrence of mutations in three loci of the ND4 gene and the location of tumours. The mutations identified may be a result of cell adaptation to the changes in the environment occurring during carcinogenesis. The high frequency of mutations in the tumours may indicate genetic instability of mtDNA, which may also play a role in carcinogenesis.

Systemic and local effects of intragastric administration of the habanero fruit (Capsicum chinense Jacquin c.v.) in rats.

The fruits of the habanero plant (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) are commonly used as spices. Their exceptionally hot flavour is the result of the substantial content of capsaicin that has among others the anticancer action. The experiments assess the impact of intragastric administration of a suspension of dried matter (dm) habanero fruit in peanut oil on the state of the digestive tract and parenchymal organs of rats. Habanero fruit with three different doses (0.08, 0.05 and 0.025 g of dry matter (d.m.) habanero fruit/kg b.w.) in 2 equal doses every 12 hours during 28 days was administered intragastrically in male rats. In day 8, 15 and 29 blood proofs were obtained to measure hematological parameters and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity, total bilirubin (BIL), total cholesterol (CHOL), glucose (GLUC), urea (U), and creatinine (CREA) content. Internal organs of rats were examined anatomopathologically. Between the study groups and control group there were no statistically significant differences in studied parameters. Post-mortem examinations as well as histological findings showed no pathological changes in the organs of rats. The study demonstrated a high level safety of the fruit habanero (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) administration in rats. There were no hematological, biochemical or post-mortem changes at doses that due to the amount of capsaicin can exhibit antitumor properties.

Haemorhagic enterotoxemia by Clostridium perfringens type C and type A in silver foxes.

Type C and type A of C. perfringens were detected in the seat of natural infections in silver foxes characterized by symptoms of haemorrhagic enterotoxemia. In all of the dead foxes characteristic changes were noted in the small intestine and parenchymatous organs. The production of alpha and beta toxins by isolated bacteria was confirmed by the bioassay using white mice and by PCR. The results of the drug sensitivity testing showed that isolated strains were highly susceptible to amoxicillin with clavulanic acid, metronidazole, doxycycline and penicillin with streptomycin.

Studies on histogenesis of mixed tumours of the mammary gland in bitches.

The aim of the study was the immunohistochemical assessment of the reactivity of mixed tumours in bitches with special regard to myoepithelial cells and cartilage. The materials for study were 20 mixed tumours collected during surgery or autopsy. Paraffin-embedded sections were routinely stained with hematoxylin and eosin and HID method was also used. Immunohistochemical assays were made using the AB-Complex method with the use of monoclonal antibodies against: cytokeratin MNF-116, cytokeratin 19, vimentin, actin and S-100 protein. On the basis of the reactions, 5 types of myoepithelial origin cells transformed during the formation of cartilage cells were diagnosed.