Evaluation of leukocyte ratios as survival prognostic markers in feline retrovirus infections.

The utility of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) as prognostic markers in Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) infections has not yet been investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate these leukocyte ratios in retrovirus-positive cats and to evaluate their prognostic value for survival. This retrospective case-control study included 142 cats, 75 FIV-Antibodies (Ab)-positive, 52 FeLV-Antigen (Ag)-positive, and 15 FIV-Ab+FeLV-Ag-positive, and a control population of 142 retrovirus-negative age-, sex-, and lifestyle-matched cats. Signalment, complete blood count at the time of serological testing, and outcome were recorded. Leukocyte ratios were compared within the same case-control population, among the three retrovirus-seropositive populations, and were related to survival time. No significant difference was found in NLR, MLR, or PLR between FIV-Ab-positive and FIV-Ab+FeLV-Ag-positive cats and their cross-matched controls. In the FeLV-Ag-positive population, MLR was significantly lower than in the control population (0.05 and 0.14, respectively, P=0.0008). No ratio discriminated among the three infectious states. No ratio was significantly different between survivors and non-survivors in the population of FIV-Ab-positive cats. MLR at diagnosis was significantly higher in FeLV-Ag-positive cats that died 1-3 years after diagnosis than in FeLV-Ag-positive cats still alive at 3 years (P=0.0284). None of the three ratios could predict retroviruses-positive cats that would survive to the end of the study. Overall the results indicate that NLR, MLR, and PLR are not significantly different among retrovirus statuses evaluated and had a very limited prognostic value for the survival time in retrovirus-positive cats.

Empowering knowledge generation through international data network: the IMeCCHI-DATANETWORK.

INTRODUCTION: The International Methodology Consortium for Coded Health Information (IMeCCHI) is a collaboration of health services researchers who promote methodological advances in coded health information. The IMeCCHI-DATANETWORK initiative focuses on developing a multi-purpose distributed data infrastructure and common data model (CDM) to enable cross-border data sharing and international comparisons. METHODS: IMeCCHI consortium partners from six different countries - Canada, Denmark, Italy, New Zealand, South Korea, and Switzerland - used a questionnaire to describe their original databases which differ in size, structure, content and coding systems. To standardize these data, they agreed on a CDM and mapped their population-based databases to meet the CDM specifications. At the end of this process, local data had a more homogenous content and structure, which made them syntactically and semantically interoperable. Data transformation was performed using a common data management software called TheMatrix. RESULTS: The CDM encompasses four tables of structured data (person characteristics, hospitalizations, outpatient prescription medication and death), linked at the individual level through a person identifier. It can be used to answer research questions across countries using locally converted databases, which facilitates study replication in a distributed fashion. As a proof-of-concept study, an initial research question was addressed using an agreed protocol. Local data were transformed in csv files in the CDM structure and TheMatrix was tested to transform the standardized data from each partner into local analytical datasets. This allowed results to be shared between countries, whilst maintaining local control over each region's data. CONCLUSION: The IMeCCHI-DATANETWORK, a model of a distributed data network, demonstrated that it is feasible to analyze international data using standardized analytical methods that enable independent analyses by regions, without relocating datasets thereby protecting local confidentiality obligations. The distributed data infrastructure can produce results that can be generalized to several countries, while facilitating cross-border data sharing and international comparisons. KEYWORDS: Common data model, international comparison, cross-border data sharing, interoperability, observational data.

Hematological, biochemical and microbiological evaluation of feline whole blood units collected using an open system and stored for 35 days.

Despite the increasing availability of feline blood, which is collected and stored for transfusion purposes, few studies have assessed the effect of storage on feline whole blood (WB) units. The purpose of this study was to investigate selected hematologic and biochemical changes during storage of feline WB units and to determine when they occurred. Data from a quality control program for WB units was used in this study. Twelve feline WB units, collected using an open system, were sampled every 7 days from the point of collection to the end of storage at 35 days (D0, D7, D14, D21, D28, and D35). Measurements at each time point were: (1) hematologic parameters; (2) percentage hemolysis; (3) morphologic index scored at 0-3, based on echinocyte transformation of the erythrocytes; and (4) selected biochemical parameters. Aerobic and anaerobic culture was performed at D0 and D35. Results were compared statistically to D0 (statistical significance set at <0.01). Storage did not result in statistically significant changes in measured hematological parameters. There were statistically significant increases in percentage hemolysis and morphologic index, starting from D21 (P=0.000 and P=0.004, respectively). Glucose decreased significantly from D21 (P=0.003); potassium increased significantly from D7 (P=0.001); and sodium increased significantly, starting from D28 (P=0.009). Bacteria were not isolated. Blood in feline WB units collected using an open system underwent some significant storage changes that were time-dependent. As these changes could affect the quality and the utility of stored WB used in feline transfusion medicine, further study is required to determine their clinical importance.

Dog erythrocyte antigens (DEA) 1, 4, 7 and suspected naturally occurring anti-DEA 7 antibodies in Italian Corso dogs.

We sought to determine the prevalence of dog erythrocyte antigen (DEA) 1, 4 and 7 and naturally occurring anti-DEA7 antibodies in Italian Corso dogs. In addition, we correlated DEAs with different epidemiologic variables, compared the prevalence of DEAs against other canine populations and assessed the risk of sensitisation and transfusion reactions (TRs) following unmatched transfusion. Blood samples from 100 Corso dogs were evaluated for DEA 1, 4, 7 and naturally occurring anti-DEA 7 antibodies. Seventy-one percent of samples were DEA 1-negative, 100% tested DEA 4-positive, and 95% tested DEA 7-negative. Suspected anti-DEA7 antibodies were found in 32% dogs. The DEA 1 and 7-negative phenotypes were significantly more common than in most canine populations. When a previously tested Italian canine population was considered as blood donors for Corso dogs, the risk of DEA 1 sensitisation using DEA 1 untyped blood was 29%, and of acute haemolytic TRs after a second untyped DEA 1-incompatible transfusion was 8%. The potential for delayed TRs between DEA 7-negative Corso dogs with suspected naturally occurring anti-DEA 7 antibodies receiving untyped DEA 7-positive blood was 11%. Conversely, when Corso dogs were blood donors for the same population, the risk of DEA 1 sensitisation was 17% and the risk of an acute haemolytic TR after a second DEA 1-incompatible blood transfusion was 3%. Corso dogs can be suitable blood donors. Additional studies are needed to clarify whether the high prevalence of naturally occurring anti-DEA 7 antibodies in this breed could increase their risk of delayed TRs when they are blood recipients.

Short communication: Relationship between urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and noninfectious pyuria in dogs.

Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a neutrophil-derived protein whose concentration increases in plasma and urine with ongoing renal damage. Urinary leucocytes can be a potential source of urinary NGAL. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of urinary neutrophil count and other urinary parameters on urinary NGAL values in urine with negative culture. Urinalysis, urine culture, and determination of urinary NGAL were performed on 33 clinically healthy nonproteinuric dogs with negative urinoculture. The median uNGAL concentration in dogs in this study population was 9.74 ng/mL (IQR 1.93-25.43 ng/mL). In samples with WBCs > 5 hpf (mean 15.9, 6-50 leucocytes/hpf), median uNGAL value was significantly higher than that in samples with WBCs < 5 hpf (mean 0.9, 0-3 leucocytes/hpf), (4.96 pg/mL (0.29-11.34) and 23.65 pg/mL (20.04-29.80), resp.; P = 0.0053). The severity of urinary pyuria and the UPC value were correlated with uNGAL concentration. The results of our study show that urinary NGAL concentration is correlated with WBCs number in urinary sediment of dogs with negative urinoculture. The present study suggests that noninfectious pyuria is significantly correlated with urinary NGAL values and might influence uNGAL values.

Effects of storage time on total protein and globulin concentrations in bovine fresh frozen plasma obtained for transfusion.

To evaluate the effects of storage conditions on total protein (TP) and globulin fractions in fresh frozen bovine plasma units prepared and stored for transfusion, TP and globulin fractions were evaluated in fresh plasma and at 1 month and 6 and 12 months after blood collection in plasma stored at -20°C. Significant differences in concentrations were found in the median concentration of total protein (P=0.0336), between 0 months and 1 month (P=0.0108), 0 and 6 months (P=0.0023), and 0 and 12 months (P=0.0027), in mean concentration (g/dL) of albumin (P=0.0394), between 0 months and 1 month (P=0.0131), 0 and 6 months (P=0.0035), and 0 and 12 months (P=0.0038), and beta-2 fraction (P=0.0401), between 0 and 6 months (P=0.0401) and 0 and 12 months (P=0.0230). This study suggests that total gamma globulin concentration in bovine frozen plasma is stable for 12 months at -20°C. Total protein, ALB, and beta-2 fraction have significantly different concentrations (g/dL) when compared to prestorage. This study has shown IgG protein fraction stability in bovine fresh frozen plasma collected for transfusion; therefore, bovine fresh frozen plasma seems to be suitable for the treatment of hypogammaglobulinemia (failure of passive transfer) in calves when stored for 12 months at -20°C.

Characteristics of equine mesenchymal stem cells derived from amnion and bone marrow: in vitro proliferative and multilineage potential assessment.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: This is the first study comparing stemness features of equine mesenchymal progenitor cells derived from amniotic membrane and bone marrow. OBJECTIVES: To investigate an alternative and noninvasive stromal cell source for equine tissue engineering. STUDY DESIGN: In vitro experimental study of the characteristics of equine mesenchymal progenitor cells derived from amnion and bone marrow. METHODS: Cells isolated from amniotic membrane and bone marrow were analysed for proliferation (growth curve, doubling time, colony forming unit). Immunocytochemical detection of pluripotency markers and gene expression of stromal cell markers were also performed and these cells were studied for multilineage plasticity. RESULTS: Amniotic stromal cells (AMSCs) and bone marrow mesenchymal cells (BM-MSCs) both exhibited mature stromal cell-specific gene expression and immunocytochemical properties, but showed substantial differences in their proliferative and differentiation potential. The mean doubling time for AMSCs was significantly lower (P<0.05) than that observed for BM-MSCs (1.17 ± 0.15 vs. 3.27 ± 0.19 days, respectively). Compared to AMSCs, BM-MSCs also demonstrated a significantly (P<0.05) lower clonogenic capability (one fibroblast-like colony forming unit from a mean of 590.15 cells seeded for BM-MSCs vs. 242.73 cells seeded for AMSCs). BM-MSCs did not differentiate into glial cells, and the osteogenic differentiation process was longer than for AMSCs. CONCLUSIONS AND POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: The amniotic membrane could be a valuable source of MSCs to be used both for allogenic and/or autologous therapies. The noninvasive nature and low cost of collection, the rapid proliferation along with a greater differentiation potential and the 'off the shelf' preparation potential could make AMCs useful for cell therapy.

Protein profiling of microdomains purified from renal cell carcinoma and normal kidney tissue samples.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is representing about 3% of all adult cancers. A promising strategy for cancer biomarker discovery is subcellular comparative proteomics, allowing enriching specific cell compartments and assessing differences in protein expression patterns. We investigated the proteomic profile of a peculiar RCC subcellular compartment, plasma membrane microdomains (MD), involved in cell signalling, transport, proliferation and in many human diseases, such as cancer. Subcellular fractions were prepared by differential centrifugation from surgical samples of RCC and adjacent normal kidney (ANK). MD were isolated from plasma-membrane-enriched fractions after Triton X-100 treatment and sucrose density gradient ultracentrifugation. MD derived from RCC and ANK tissues were analyzed after SDS-PAGE separation by LC-ESI-MS/MS. We identified 93 proteins from MD isolated from RCC tissue, and 98 proteins from ANK MD. About 70% of the identified proteins are membrane-associated and about half of these are known as microdomain-associated. GRAVY scores assignment shows that most identified proteins (about 70%) are in the hydrophobic range. We chose a panel of proteins to validate their differential expression by WB. In conclusion, our work shows that RCC microdomain proteome is reproducibly different from ANK, and suggests that mining into such differences may support new biomarker discovery.

Using 2H labeling with neutron radiography for the study of solid polymer electrolyte water transport properties.

A method combining (2)H labeling of different sources of H atoms (hydrogen, water vapor) with neutron imaging for the analysis of transport parameters in the bulk and at the interfaces of Nafion polymer electrolyte membranes is proposed. The use of different isotope compositions in the steady state allows evaluation of the relation between bulk and interface transport parameters, but relies on literature data for evaluating absolute values. By using transients of isotope composition, absolute values of these parameters including the self-diffusion coefficient of H can be extracted, making this method an attractive alternative to self-diffusion measurements using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), allowing measurements in precisely controlled conditions in real fuel cell structures. First measurements were realized on samples with and without electrodes and we report values of the self-diffusion coefficient of the same order of magnitude as values measured using NMR, although with slightly higher numbers. In our particular case, lower interfacial exchange rates for water transport were observed for samples with an electrode.

Prevalence of adverse food reactions in 130 dogs in Italy with dermatological signs: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of adverse food reactions (AFRs) in dogs with dermatological signs presented to the referral dermatological clinic of the University of Milan. METHODS: The medical records of dogs with dermatological signs were reviewed. Prevalence of AFRs was calculated. Owner and clinician pruritus scores were compared. Breed, sex and age predisposition were statistically tested, as was the association between AFR and selected clinical features. RESULTS: The prevalence of AFRs in dogs with dermatological signs was 12% (16 of 130). AFR was diagnosed in 26% of dogs with allergic disease and 48% of those subjected to a dietary trial. There was a significant association between AFRs and early onset of clinical signs (< 1 year) (OR=3.8; P=0.0221, 95% CI=1.27 to 11.16). There was a significant association between AFRs and both otitis externa (OR=5.9; P=0.0015, 95% CI=2 to 17.9) and perianal fistula (OR=26.1; P=0.0058, 95% CI=2.52 to 269.4), although all dogs with perianal fistulas were German shepherd dogs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The prevalence of AFRs in the study population was higher than most reported values. Further studies are warranted to investigate the true prevalence of AFR and its possible association with perianal fistula and other potential markers.

Narrowing the window for 'senile chorea': a case with primary antiphospholipid syndrome.

Several apparently idiopathic cases of so called 'senile chorea' have been recently redefined by the availability of brain MRI scan and the clinical introduction of genetic testing for Huntington's disease. Cases currently still regarded as idiopathic might yet be attributed to other medical conditions. Chorea as a unique manifestation of a primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS) has so far been described only in young and middle-aged subjects. Here, we report a typical case of 'senile chorea' associated with PAPS, thus expanding the potential underlying etiologies and further narrowing the window of primary 'senile chorea'.

Steady state and transient photoluminescence in poly-p-phenylene vinylene films and nanofibers.

We report in this paper experimental data on steady state and transient photoluminescence of poly-p-phenylene vinylene in the form of nanofibers prepared with a template method and converted at 110 degrees C. Results are compared to those obtained from films of different thicknesses converted at the same temperature. Data are analyzed by a model of bimodal distribution of conjugation lengths and the photoluminescence band shapes, evaluated in the framework of this model, are also presented.

Observation of the 3n evaporation channel in the complete hot-fusion reaction 26Mg + 248Cm leading to the new superheavy nuclide 271Hs.

The analysis of a large body of heavy ion fusion reaction data with medium-heavy projectiles (6 < or = Z < or = 18) and actinide targets suggests a disappearance of the 3n exit channel with increasing atomic number of the projectile. Here, we report a measurement of the excitation function of the reaction (248)Cm ((26)Mg,xn)(274-x)Hs and the observation of the new nuclide (271)Hs produced in the 3n evaporation channel at a beam energy well below the Bass fusion barrier with a cross section comparable to the maxima of the 4n and 5n channels. This indicates the possible discovery of new neutron-rich transactinide nuclei using relatively light heavy ion beams of the most neutron-rich stable isotopes and actinide targets.

Target burn-up corrected specific activity of 177Lu produced via 176Lu(n, gamma) 177Lu nuclear reactions.

Nuclear transformation of the target material is considered as an essential parameter for the specific activity of (177)Lu produced via (176)Lu(n, gamma)(177)Lu nuclear reactions. It is shown that (176)Lu burn-up has to be taken into account to estimate the (177)Lu specific activity related to the total mass or amount of lutetium in the system.

Evidence of temperature dependent charge migration on conjugated segments in poly-p-phenylene vinylene and single-walled carbon nanotubes composite films.

We present new results of temperature dependence of photoluminescence spectra carried out on poly-p-phenylene vinylene (PPV) and on PPV composite films with single-walled carbon nanotubes. By performing studies at different temperatures (87 and 300 K), we show that a distribution of conjugated PPV segments is needed to interpret experimental data. At the microscopic scale, such a distribution corresponds to the morphological picture of poorly packed short chain segments and well-packed ordered long chain segments. Within this scheme, a new interpretation emerges for explaining the specific behavior of the photoluminescence bands. In particular, the two most intense components of the photoluminescence spectra of PPV thermally converted at 300 degrees C (2.23 and 2.43 eV at 300 K) change drastically their relative intensity when the observation temperature decreases. This effect is interpreted as due to the inhibition of charge migration to longer segments and to radiative recombination occurring mainly on n = 5 conjugated segments.

[Possible interaction of environment and genetic factors in work-related diseases: the case of hypertension]. / La possibile interazione tra ambiente e fattori genetici nelle malattie lavoro-associate: il caso dell'ipertensione.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases are the most important cause of death and invalidity during the course of working life. The major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases is arterial hypertension, a typical example of multifactorial and polygenic disease, involving genetic, environmental, and demographic factors. OBJECTIVES: A review of studies performed sofar on hypertension which can be also defined as a work-related disease. METHODS: Several studies on association or linkage analysis showed an association between genetic polymorphisms and increased risk of hypertension. RESULTS: Till now no studies have identified one or more "major" candidate genes involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension. Recently the interaction between genetics and environment have attracted much interest since the genotypes predisposingfor hypertension have different effects according to the patient's environment and life style. CONCLUSIONS: It is likely that the aspects covered in this review will, in the near future, be studied more extensively. The identification of any correlations between genes and environment will also be influenced by the accuracy in measuring environmental exposure, where the occupational physician will play a significant role.

The possible influences of B2A2 and B3A2 BCR/ABL protein structure on thrombopoiesis in chronic myeloid leukaemia.

The Philadelphia chromosome, t(9;22)(q34;q11) gives rise more frequently, in chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), to two BCR/ABL chimeric transcripts differing only by the absence of 75 nucleotides and defined as b2a2 and b3a2 types, encoding two 210-kDa tyrosine kinase proteins differing only by the absence of 25 amino acids coded by the b3 exon. In the present study the two transcripts, detected by RT-PCR in 88 consecutive unselected CML patients, were correlated with haematological findings at diagnosis and with the megakaryocyte size and frequency by morphometric evaluation of 45 bone marrow biopsies. The secondary structure prediction and hydrophobicity of the b2a2 and b3a2 type BCR/ABL protein were also obtained. The prediction results for the b3 exon amino acids using GOR IV and NnPredict methods showed a short beta strand corresponding to the hydrophobic portion of the peptide. Significantly higher values were found in the platelet count of patients carrying b3a2 transcripts. The megakaryocyte size and frequency in bone marrow biopsies did not show significant differences between the two groups of patients. Stratifying the patients on the basis of white blood cell (WBC) count below or above 100x10(9)/l we still had, in both groups, a significant difference in the platelet count between the b2a2 and b3a2 patients. The possible relationships between the structure of b2a2 and b3a2 types of BCR/ABL fused protein and thrombopoiesis are discussed.