Oxathiazinane derivatives display both antineoplastic and antibacterial activity: a structure activity study.

PURPOSE: The Oxathiazinane substance class is characterized by a high diversity of chemical structures yet to be fully investigated. Our research group recently proved that the 1.4.5-oxathiazine-4.4-dioxide, known as substance GP-2250, possesses antineoplastic properties as shown on pancreatic carcinoma. This current study aims to gain insights into the structure and activity relationship of a series of different Oxathiazinanes regarding their antineoplastic activity and the potential correlation with antibacterial activity. We investigated the newly synthesized Oxathiazinane derivatives: 2255, 2256, 2287, 2289, 2293 and 2296 in comparison to GP-2250. METHODS: The antineoplastic effect was evaluated in different cancer entities (breast, skin, pancreas and colon cancer cell lines) by viability, proliferation, and cell migration assays in vitro. Disc diffusion tests were performed on various bacteria strains to examine the antibacterial potential. Additionally, reactive oxygen species (ROS) assays were conducted to investigate mechanistic aspects. RESULTS: The substances GP-2250, 2293, 2289 and 2296 not only showed antineoplastic activity in four different cancer entities but also antibacterial effects, as tested on multiple bacteria strains including MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). Furthermore, these substances also induced high ROS levels up to 110% in the treated cancer cell lines compared to untreated control cells. These results indicate a correlation between an antineoplastic capacity and antibacterial properties of these derivatives. Both activities appear to be ROS driven. The Oxathiazinane derivatives 2255, 2256 and 2287 lacked both, antineoplastic and antibacterial activity. CONCLUSION: Thus, a comparable structure activity relationship became apparent for both the antineoplastic and antibacterial activity.

[Immunotherapy and tyrosine kinase inhibitors in first-line treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma-Which strategy when?] / Immuntherapie und Tyrosinkinaseinhibitoren beim metastasierten Nierenzellkarzinom in der First-line-Therapie ­ Wann welche Strategie?

Immunotherapies with checkpoint inhibitors have led to a paradigm shift in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) as they established a new standard in first-line treatment. In addition to the established monotherapy with tyrosine kinase inhibitors, the spectrum of first-line options has now become wider. Based on data from studies and current guideline recommendations, this article discusses possible factors for individual strategies in first-line treatment of mRCC. For this decision, the leading criterion is the patient's risk score. In addition, the efficacy and tolerability of the substances, tumor burden, patient age and preferences as well as considerations about sequence treatment can support the decision. Real-world data for the new combination treatment, biomarkers for personalized medicine as well as studies on optimal sequence treatment for mRCC are needed.

Angiostrongylosis in dogs with negative fecal and in-clinic rapid serological tests: 7 Cases (2013-2017).

BACKGROUND: Angiostrongylosis is considered as emerging disease in dogs in Belgium. Detection of first-stage larvae in feces using the Baermann method has an imperfect sensitivity. OBJECTIVES: Investigation of efficacy of noninvasive blood and fecal diagnostic tests in comparison with PCR on bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) material in a small series of coughing or dyspnoeic dogs naturally infected with Angiostrongylus vasorum. ANIMALS: Seven dogs with angiostrongylosis. METHODS: Retrospective study. Dogs with cough, exercise intolerance and dyspnea of 2- to 8-week duration. Diagnostic methods used included Baermann analysis, AngioDetect rapid assay, ELISAs for detection of circulating antigen and specific antibodies and qPCR on BAL material. RESULTS: Baermann analysis, AngioDetect rapid assay, antigen ELISA, antibody ELISA, and qPCR on BAL material were positive in 3/7, 2/7, 3/6, 6/6, and 7/7 dogs, respectively. ELISA for antibodies or qPCR on BAL material were essential for definitive diagnosis in 3 dogs. Relative sensitivities of AngioDetect rapid assay, Baermann analysis, and ELISA for antigen detection were lower than 50% compared with ELISA for antibodies or qPCR on BAL material. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: In this small clinical series, Baermann analysis and AngioDetect rapid assay failed to confirm the diagnosis in some dogs. Therefore, ELISA for antibody detection and qPCR on BAL material should strongly be considered in clinically suspected dogs when antigen detection methods (AngioDetect or ELISA) and Baermann analysis are negative.

Assessment of Lymphoid Molecular Clonality in Canine Thymoma.

The aim of this study was to document the molecular clonality of lymphoid cells in canine thymoma using polymerase chain reaction for antigen receptor rearrangement (PARR). Fifteen formalin-fixed and paraffin wax-embedded samples of canine thymoma were analyzed for T- and B-cell receptor clonality. Two of these 15 cases were excluded from the study due to insufficient DNA concentration. Twelve of the 13 remaining samples (92.3%) showed a polyclonal lymphoid component and in one case the lymphoid component was monoclonal (T-cell clonality). PARR could therefore be a useful tool for differentiating canine thymoma from canine mediastinal lymphoma.

Detection of specific bacterial agents by quantitative PCR assays in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of dogs with eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy vs. dogs with chronic bronchitis and healthy dogs.

In humans, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Bordetella pertussis infections are suggested to trigger or exacerbate asthma. Whether Mycoplasma or Bordetella are associated with chronic inflammatory bronchial diseases in dogs has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to assess detection rates of Mycoplasma canis (M. canis), M. cynos and Bordetella bronchiseptica (Bb), in dogs with eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy (EBP) and chronic bronchitis (CB), compared with healthy dogs. Specific quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis for M. canis, M. cynos and Bb were retrospectively performed on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) collected from 24 dogs with EBP, 21 dogs with CB and 15 healthy dogs. Possible associations between qPCR results and age, BALF cytology or clinical severity scores (CSS) in dogs with EBP were investigated. There was no difference in M. canis, M. cynos and Bb detection rates in dogs with EBP (n=6, n=2 and n=6, respectively) and dogs with CB (n=2, n=2 and n=2, respectively) compared with control dogs (n=4, n=2 and n=2, respectively). In dogs with EBP, the proportion that were qPCR-positive for Bb was higher in dogs with higher CSS (P=0.014) and BALF from Bb-positive dogs had higher percentage of neutrophils (P<0.001). Among dogs that were qPCR-positive for Bb, moderate to high loads were only detected in dogs with EBP. M. canis and M. cynos detection was not associated with EBP or CB; higher Bb loads were only present in dogs with EBP and high CSS. A possible cause and effect relationship between Bb infection or load and EBP remains unclear and requires further investigation.

[What Do (General/Abdominal) Surgeons Need to Know About Project Management?] / Was muss der (Allgemein-/Viszeral-)Chirurg von Projektmanagement wissen?

Clinical departments are constantly faced with complex and novel tasks, which have to be managed with suitable approaches. This article describes selected aspects of project management in this context. In particular, it concentrates on the advantages and limitations of project management methods that have been established in industrial companies when used in a clinical setting. Also it compares the daily reality in clinical departments and industrial companies and highlights possible associations between surgery and project management. Besides aspects such as project planning, role definitions within projects and their specific casting in clinics, the article also demonstrates key success factors for an effective implementation of projects and a general introduction to project management in clinics. The article combines theoretical approaches with practical experience and thought-provoking impulses.

Effect of culturally competent educational films about prenatal screening on informed decision making of pregnant women in the Netherlands.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of a culturally competent educational film (CCEF) on informed decision making (IDM) regarding prenatal screening (PS) in a study population consisting of multicultural pregnant women. METHODS: A cross-sectional study with 262 women in the control group and 117 in the intervention group. All counselled participants received a self-report questionnaire to obtain data on IDM and only the intervention group received the CCEF. Twenty two percent of the study population had an ethnic minority background and 52% had a low or medium educational level. RESULTS: After exposure to the CCEF, knowledge about the Fetal Anomaly Scan (FAS) was significantly increased in ethnic minority women and in 'medium' and 'highly' educated women. Among women in the intervention group who had the intention to participate in FAS, there was an increase of 11% in IDM and a decrease of 12% in uninformed decision making. CONCLUSION: CCEF leads to a significant increase in the level of knowledge in medium and highly educated groups as well as non-western ethnic minority groups. The increase in IDM among intentional participants in the FAS is promising as well. CCEF's are a valuable complement to counseling about PS.

[MRI/TRUS fusion-guided prostate biopsy : Value in the context of focal therapy]. / MRT/TRUS-fusionierte Biopsiesysteme : Stellenwert bei der fokalen Therapie des Prostatakarzinoms.

BACKGROUND: Several systems for MRI/TRUS fusion-guided biopsy of the prostate are commercially available. Many studies have shown superiority of fusion systems for tumor detection and diagnostic quality compared to random biopsy. The benefit of fusion systems in focal therapy of prostate cancer (PC) is less clear. OBJECTIVES: Critical considerations of fusion systems for planning and monitoring of focal therapy of PC were investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic literature review of available fusion systems for the period 2013-5/2016 was performed. A checklist of technical details, suitability for special anatomic situations and suitability for focal therapy was established by the German working group for focal therapy (Arbeitskreis fokale und Mikrotherapie). RESULTS: Eight fusion systems were considered (Artemis™, BioJet, BiopSee®, iSR´obot™ Mona Lisa, Hitachi HI-RVS, UroNav and Urostation®). Differences were found for biopsy mode (transrectal, perineal, both), fusion mode (elastic or rigid), navigation (image-based, electromagnetic sensor-based or mechanical sensor-based) and space requirements. DISCUSSION: Several consensus groups recommend fusion systems for focal therapy. Useful features are "needle tracking" and compatibility between fusion system and treatment device (available for Artemis™, BiopSee® and Urostation® with Focal One®; BiopSee®, Hitachi HI-RVS with NanoKnife®; BioJet, BiopSee® with cryoablation, brachytherapy). CONCLUSIONS: There are a few studies for treatment planning. However, studies on treatment monitoring after focal therapy are missing.

Evaluation of Serum Aspergillus-Specific Immunoglobulin A by Indirect ELISA for Diagnosis of Feline Upper Respiratory Tract Aspergillosis.

BACKGROUND: Serological tests for diagnosis of aspergillosis in immunocompetent humans and animals are based on Aspergillus-specific IgG (As-IgG). In humans with chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, As-IgA may be detectable even if IgG titers are negative. Cats with upper respiratory tract aspergillosis (URTA) have detectable As-IgG, but their ability to mount an IgA response and its diagnostic utility are unknown. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether serum As-IgA can be detected in cats with URTA and evaluate its diagnostic utility alone or combined with As-IgG. ANIMALS: Twenty-three cats with URTA (Group 1), 32 cats with other respiratory diseases (Group 2), and 84 nonrespiratory controls (Group 3). METHODS: Serum As-IgA and As-IgG was measured by indirect ELISA. Optimal cutoff values were determined by receiver-operating curve analysis. Sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) for URTA diagnosis were determined. RESULTS: Serum IgA was detected in 91.3% of Group 1 cats. The Se of IgA detection was 78.3% and Sp was 96.9% for Group 2, 85.7% for Group 3 and 88.8% for Group 2 and 3 combined. Assay Se for IgG was 100% and Sp was 92.2%. Using combined IgA and IgG results at cutoffs optimized for Sp for IgA and Se for IgG and combined controls (Groups 2 and 3), Se for diagnosis was 100% and Sp was 91.4%. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Most cats with URTA have serum As-IgA antibodies that can be detected by ELISA. Paired measurement of serum As-IgA and IgG shows no benefit for diagnosis of feline URTA over IgG alone.

Palladium-gold catalyst for the electrochemical reduction of CO2 to C1-C5 hydrocarbons.

Copper is a unique electrocatalyst for CO2 reduction, since it is one of the few catalysts able to produce methane, ethylene and ethane from CO2 with decent faradaic efficiencies. Here we report on the design and synthesis of a new non-copper-containing catalyst able to reduce CO2 to C1 to C5 hydrocarbons. This catalyst was designed by combining a metal that binds CO strongly, Pd, with a metal that binds CO weakly, Au, in an attempt to tune the binding energy of CO. We show that a mixture of C1-C5 hydrocarbons and soluble products are produced from an onset potential of -0.8 VRHE. We propose that the higher hydrocarbons are formed via a polymerization of -CH2 groups adsorbed on the catalyst surface.

Quantitative PCR and Cytology of Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid in Dogs with Bordetella bronchiseptica Infection.

BACKGROUND: The use of quantitative PCR (qPCR) for detection of Bordetella bronchiseptica in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and demonstration of bacteria adhering to ciliated epithelial cells in BALF or bronchial brushing fluid (BBF) has not been assessed in a series of affected dogs. Coinfections can worsen the clinical severity in bordetellosis, but the specific association with Mycoplasma cynos has not been evaluated. OBJECTIVES: To assess the utility of culture, qPCR and cytologic examination of cytospin preparations in the diagnosis of bordetellosis in dogs and the influence of coinfection by M. cynos on disease severity. ANIMALS: Twenty-four referred dogs with B. bronchiseptica infection and 10 healthy dogs. METHODS: Retrospective case series. qPCR (B. bronchiseptica and M. cynos) and culture results from BALF were recorded. Cytospin preparations from BALF and BBF were reviewed. qPCR on BALF from 10 healthy dogs were used as negative control. RESULTS: The BALF culture and qPCR detected B. bronchiseptica in 14/24 and 18/18 dogs, respectively. Coccobacilli were found adhering to ciliated epithelial cells in 20 of the 21 BALF cytologic preparations where epithelial cells were found, and 2/3 BBF cytologic preparations. Quantitative PCR detected a low level of B. bronchiseptica in one healthy dog. The frequency of detection of M. cynos was not significantly different in B. bronchiseptica (9/17 dogs) compared with healthy dogs (2/10 dogs) (P = .09). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Quantitative PCR detection of B. bronchiseptica in BALF appears to be a useful diagnostic tool. Cytologic examination of BALF or BBF, when positive, allows a rapid and reliable diagnosis.

Detection of Angiostrongylus vasorum by quantitative PCR in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in Belgian dogs.

OBJECTIVES: To describe Angiostrongylus vasorum infection in a series of clinical cases over a 12-month period, report the use of quantitative PCR on broncho-alveolar lavage fluid and investigate the -possibility of previously undiagnosed angiostrongylosis in a retrospective cohort of coughing and healthy dogs. METHODS: Pulmonary angiostrongylosis was diagnosed based on compatible clinical signs and positive quantitative PCR on broncho-alveolar lavage fluid and/or positive Baermann examination. Quantitative PCR was also performed retrospectively on broncho-alveolar lavage fluid from 65 dogs (55 coughing and 10 healthy dogs), examined between 2008 and 2014; results of Baermann examination were also available in 33 dogs. RESULTS: Seven young adult dogs from Southeastern Belgium with respiratory clinical signs were diagnosed with angiostrongylosis between March 2013 and April 2014. Positive broncho-alveolar lavage fluid quantitative PCR results and positive Baermann examination were obtained in 5/5 and 2/5 dogs, respectively. In the remaining two dogs, only Baermann analysis was performed. Among the retrospective cohorts, only one broncho-alveolar lavage fluid from a coughing dog was quantitative PCR-positive whereas all faecal samples were negative. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Until recently, canine angiostrongylosis was not reported in Belgium. It should now be included in the differential diagnosis of coughing Belgian dogs. Identification of affected dogs may be aided by quantitative PCR on broncho-alveolar lavage fluid.

[Partial Nephrectomy in cT1 Renal Tumours: Conventional Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy Compared with LESS Partial Nephrectomy in SITUS Technique]. / Nierenteilresektion bei cT1 Nierentumoren: Vergleich der konventionellen laparoskopischen Nierenteilresektion mit der LESS Nierenteilresektion in SITUS-Technik.

BACKGROUND: Partial nephrectomy is the treatment of choice for clinical stage 1 renal tumours. Open partial nephrectomy is the standard operative technique. The use of minimally-invasive strategies such as laparoscopic, robot-assisted partial nephrectomy or laparoendoscopic single site (LESS) partial nephrectomy has increased in recent years. PATIENTS/MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, patients undergoing laparoscopic partial nephrectomy between December 2008 and November 2013 were evaluated. All patients presented with renal lesions suspicious for malignancy. Operations were performed as conventional laparoscopic transperitoneal partial nephrectomies (cLPN) or LESS partial nephrectomies (LESS-PN) in SITUS technique (single incision transumbilical surgery). The aim of the study was to compare perioperative outcome parameters such as duration of surgery, time of ischaemia, complications, need for transfusion, conversion rates, changes in renal function and duration of hospital stay in both groups. RESULTS: A total of 85 laparoscopic partial nephrectomies were performed in this study (72 cLPN and 13 LESS-PN). The average tumour size was 2.68±1.47 cm (cLPN) vs. 2.46±1.11 cm (LESS-PN). The mean duration of surgery was 175.17±50.026 min (cLPN) and 185.77±35.991 min (LESS-PN). 45 (62.5%) operations (cLPN) vs. 10 (76.9%) (LESS-PN) were performed in zero-ischaemia technique. There were no significant differences in perioperative outcome parameters between both groups. Postoperative complication rates (Clavien-Dindo≥3) were 11.1% (cLPN) vs. 7.7% (LESS-PN). CONCLUSIONS: LESS partial nephrectomy in SITUS technique is an attractive alternative to conventional laparoscopic and open partial nephrectomy.

[Implications of TCGA Network Data on 2nd Generation Immunotherapy Concepts Based on PD-L1 and PD-1 Target Structures]. / Implikationen der TCGA Netzwerkdaten für Zweit-Generations-Immuntherapiekonzepte auf Basis der PD-L1 und PD-1 Zielstrukturen.

The era of cytokines, given to patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) as part of an unspecific immunomodulatory treatment concept, seems to have ended with the introduction of targeted therapies. However, preliminary data from studies on treatment with checkpoint inhibitors (e. g. anti-PD-1 and anti-PD-L1) may point the way to second-generation immunotherapy. The rationale of such immunomodulatory treatment is to stop or interrupt the tumour from "escaping" the body's immune defence. Thompson et al. report that increased protein expression of PD-L1 (CD274/ B7-H1) in tumour cells and tumour-infiltrating immune cells (TILs; lymphocytes and histiocytes) is associated with unfavourable clinical pathological parameters as well as poor survival. In small pilot groups of mRCC patients it was found that increased PD-L1 protein expression in tumours and TILs may be correlated with the objective response to anti-PD-1 treatment. Sometimes, however, a very wide variety of response rates was observed, which raises the question if this can be explained by individual expression levels of PD-L1 (CD 274) or PD-1 (PDCD1).Recently published data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma (KIRC) Network now provide a genome-wide data base that allows us to review or validate the molecular results obtained in clear cell renal cell carcinomas (ccRCC) to date.In this study, we analysed the TCGA KIRC mRNA expression data for PD-L1 and PD-1 for a possible association with clinical pathological parameters and the survival of 417 ccRCC patients.The mRNA expression of PD-L1 in primary nephrectomy specimens revealed no significant association with unfavourable clinical parameters. Interestingly, though, a positive correlation with patient survival was found (HR=0,59, p=0,006).These results, which partly contradict the concept applied to date, point out the necessity to ascertain the characteristics of PD-L1 and PD-1 expression at mRNA and protein level in an appropriately sized patient population and evaluate the clinical significance.

[Follow-up of urological tumor treatment]. / Nachsorge urologischer Tumorbehandlungen.

Follow-up of patients after curative treatment of urological cancer is an important component of the treatment of patients. The aim of the follow-up is to monitor the success of treatment and to identify local or distant recurrences early to be able to initiate further treatment. Investigations used for the monitoring should follow the principle "as much as necessary, as little as possible". The interval and method of follow-up investigations should be based on the risk of recurrence for the individual patient. In recent years follow-up schemes have been improved and, for example in testicular cancer, have been adjusted to the individual risk group. In contrast, for other tumors, such as metastatic bladder carcinoma, recommendations for follow-up do not seem to be individualized. This article therefore gives an overview on current recommendations and evidence for the follow-up of the most important genitourinary tumor types.

Detection of Aspergillus-specific antibodies by agar gel double immunodiffusion and IgG ELISA in feline upper respiratory tract aspergillosis.

Feline upper respiratory tract aspergillosis (URTA) is an emerging infectious disease. The aims of this study were: (1) to assess the diagnostic value of detection of Aspergillus-specific antibodies using an agar gel double immunodiffusion (AGID) assay and an indirect immunoglobulin G (IgG) ELISA; and (2) to determine if an aspergillin derived from mycelia of Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus can be used to detect serum antibodies against cryptic Aspergillus spp. in Aspergillus section Fumigati. Sera from cats with URTA (group 1: n = 21) and two control groups (group 2: cats with other upper respiratory tract diseases, n = 25; group 3: healthy cats and cats with non-respiratory, non-fungal illness, n = 84) were tested. Isolates from cats with URTA comprised A. fumigatus (n = 5), A. flavus (n = 1) and four cryptic species: Aspergillus felis (n = 12), Aspergillus thermomutatus (Neosartorya pseudofischeri, n = 1), Aspergillus lentulus (n = 1) and Aspergillus udagawae (n = 1). Brachycephalic purebred cats were significantly more likely to develop URTA than other breeds (P = 0.013). The sensitivity (Se) of the AGID was 43% and the specificity (Sp) was 100%. At a cut-off value of 6 ELISA units/mL, the Se of the IgG ELISA was 95.2% and the Sp was 92% and 92.9% for groups 2 and 3 cats, respectively. Aspergillus-specific antibodies against all four cryptic species were detected in one or both assays. Assay Se was not associated with species identity. Detection of Aspergillus-specific antibodies by IgG ELISA has high Se and Sp for diagnosis of feline URTA.

A disparate trace element metabolism in zebu (Bos indicus) and crossbred (Bos indicus × Bos taurus) cattle in response to a copper-deficient diet.

Copper deficiency is a commonly diagnosed problem in cattle around the globe. In Jimma, Ethiopia, 8 zebu (Bos indicus) and 8 zebu ×: Holstein Friesian cross (Bos taurus ×: Bos indicus) heifers were used in an 11-wk study to investigate breed type differences and effects of Cu deficiency on concentrations of trace elements in plasma and edible tissues as well as mRNA expression of Cu-related genes. Heifers were fed a grass diet (6.4 ± 0.2 [SEM] mg Cu/kg DM) supplemented with 1 mg Mo/kg DM in wk 1 to 4 and 2 mg Mo/kg DM in wk 5 to 11, with blood samples collected every 2 wk and tissue collection postmortem. Plasma, liver, kidney, and semitendinosus and cardiac muscle were analyzed for Zn, Cu, Fe, Se, Mo, Co, and Mn. Expression of mRNA Cu-related genes was measured in aorta (lysyl oxidase [LOX]), liver (Cu transporting ß-polypeptide [Atp7b], Cu chaperone for superoxide dismutase [CCS], cytochrome c oxidase assembly homolog 17 [Cox17], Cu transporter 1 homolog [Ctr1], and superoxide dismutase 1 [Sod1]), and duodenum (diamine oxidase [DAO] and metallo-thionein-1A [Mt1a]) as well as the Se-related glutathione peroxidase 1 (Gpx1). Zebu cattle maintained initial plasma Cu concentrations just below the threshold value for deficiency, whereas crossbred cattle gradually became severely Cu deficient over time (P < 0.001). In contrast, plasma Zn and Co were greater in zebu cattle at the onset of the trial but became similar to crossbred cattle towards the end of the trial (P < 0.001). Liver Cu (P = 0.002) and Fe (P ≤ 0.001), kidney Se (P < 0.001), and kidney and cardiac muscle Co (P ≤ 0.001) concentrations were greater in zebu than in crossbred cattle. Increased hepatic mRNA expression of the Cu regulatory genes Atp7b, Ctr1 (P = 0.02), CCS (P = 0.03), and Cox17 (P = 0.009) and Cu-related Sod1 (P = 0.001) as well as the Se-related Gpx1 (P ≤ 0.001) were greater in zebu than in crossbred cattle. However, duodenal mRNA expression of DAO (P = 0.8) and Mt1a (P = 0.2) and aortic expression of LOX (P = 0.8) were not different. Both the differences in Cu status indices (plasma and liver concentrations) and hepatic mRNA expression of Cu regulatory genes point to the possibility of a more efficient use of dietary Cu in B. indicus as compared to B. taurus ×: B. indicus cattle resulting in greater sensitivity to Cu deficiency in B. taurus crossbred cattle.

[C-reactive protein prior to radical cystectomy: preoperative determination of CRP]. / C-reaktives Protein vor radikaler Zystektomie : Präoperative Bestimmung von CRP.

BACKGROUND: Numerous studies have shown a positive correlation between elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) and systemic spread of malignancies. The goal of the current study was to assess the predictive significance of preoperative CRP in patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Preoperative CRP values were measured in 194 patients undergoing RC because of urothelial carcinoma between 1996 and 2005. Elevated CRP level was defined as ≥ 5 mg/l. RESULTS: Preoperative increased CRP values were detected in 89 (45.9%) patients and these patients were more likely to have advanced tumor stages (pT3-4), positive resection margins and positive lymph nodes. Advanced urinary diversions were more common in patients with normal CRP values. In multivariate analysis, CRP was identified as an independent prognostic indicator for poor cancer-specific survival. CONCLUSION: The results confirm previous reports that showed a prognostic significance of preoperative CRP elevation.

Measurement of IL-12 (p40, p35), IL-23p19, and IFN-γ mRNA in duodenal biopsies of cats with inflammatory enteropathy.

BACKGROUND: Dietary hypersensitivity and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are important causes of chronic vomiting and diarrhea in cats. IL-23 has been recently found to be a key factor in the immunopathogenesis of IBD in humans but the involvement in IBD has not been investigated in cats. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: Expression of genes encoding Il-12p35 and p40, IL-23p19, and IFN-γ may be up-regulated in duodenal biopsy specimens taken from cats with histologic evidence of inflammation. ANIMALS AND METHODS: Duodenal biopsy specimens were collected from control cats (n = 21) and cats with inflammatory enteropathy (n = 13). Routine histopathology, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and qRT-PCR were used to assess expression of MHC class II and to measure gene transcripts encoding the p35, p40, and p19 subunits of the IL-12 family of cytokines and IFN-γ. RESULTS: There were significant differences in expression of mRNA encoding IL-12p35 and IL-23p19 between healthy cats and cats with inflammatory enteropathy. IL-12p35 mRNA was lower in the duodenal mucosa of cats with inflammatory enteropathy compared with the mucosa of healthy cats (P = .001). In contrast, IL-23p19 mRNA expression was higher in duodenal biopsy specimens from cats with inflammatory enteropathy than in those from healthy controls (P = .001). There was no difference in expression of IL-12p40 and IFN-γ mRNA (P > .05). The majority of cats with inflammatory enteropathy had histologic evidence of moderate to severe colitis (score 2). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: The results of this preliminary study suggest that IL-23 plays a role in the pathogenesis of feline inflammatory enteropathy.