A Remitting Seronegative Symmetrical Synovitis With Pitting Edema (RS3PE) Syndrome Patient With High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer: A Possible Pathogenesis of Tumor-Derived Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor.

A 65-year-old female was previously diagnosed with remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pitting edema (RS3PE) syndrome by internal doctors in our hospital nine years ago. Computed tomography revealed the presence of multiple disseminated peritoneal nodules with a large tumor mass. Histological analysis of the tumor and peritoneal nodules confirmed the diagnosis of high-grade serous ovarian cancer. The serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) level was highly elevated (1,223.9 pg/mL) (normal range: <38.3 pg/mL). One month after the first administration of docetaxel and cyclophosphamide chemotherapy, her peripheral edema decreased with a parallel reduction of serum VEGF (675.2 pg/mL). These findings suggest the correlation of VEGF with both RS3PE and ovarian cancer in this case.

Co-occurrence of Malignant Melanoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma on Burn Scars: A Case Report.

Tumors arising from burn scars are not rare but sometimes cause the rare co-existence of different tumors. However, detailed information on this topic remains largely unknown. We present a case of the co-occurrence of malignant melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma in a patient with a history of burn scars. A 73-year-old man presented with an erythematous plaque on his left lower leg that gradually turned into a tumor with ulceration. He also presented with scaly tumors at other sites within the same burn scar lesion. He had a history of burns on the left leg at the age of 20 years. After surgical resection of the tumors, histological analysis revealed that the posterior aspect of the largest tumor was malignant melanoma, and the remaining two tumors were squamous cell carcinomas, indicating the co-existence of different types of malignant skin cancers. Based on a literature review of previously published case reports, this is the first report to highlight the importance of complete skin grafts in reducing this risk.

Three Cases of Occupational Allergic Contact Dermatitis Where Causative Agents Were Identified Using Patch Test Panel S.

Identifying the causative substances of occupational contact dermatitis is challenging because of several chemicals and materials in the workplace that can cause contact dermatitis. We experienced three cases of intractable eczema identified as work-related contact dermatitis by Patch Test Panel S, which helped identify the possible substances. We experienced three cases of occupational allergic contact dermatitis, and their causative agents were identified by Patch Test Panel S. Although there are some limitations, Patch Test Panel S might be useful to determine the substrates to cause allergic contact dermatitis in occupational scenarios.

Ultrasonography-based diagnosis of hemorrhage syndrome in adipose tissues in the crest of the neck of heavy horse breeds.

Hemorrhage syndrome in adipose tissues in the crest of the neck (HSCN), specifically in hemorrhagic adipose tissues on the longitudinally sectioned surface of the neck fat at the dorsal nuchal ligament, is prevalent in heavy horse breeds. Herein, we aimed to establish an ultrasonographic method to successfully diagnose HSCN in heavy horse breeds and assess its efficacy. Horses with homogeneous echogenicity images were included in the control group, whereas those with linear high-echogenicity images were classified as having HSCN. Horses with confirmed linear high-echogenicity images exhibited pathological features and significantly higher percentages of adipose tissue with hemorrhage than those observed in horses with homogeneous echogenicity images (P<0.01). Our results suggest the effectiveness of ultrasonography in identifying and diagnosing HSCN.

Effect of platelet lysate on Schwann-like cell differentiation of equine bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells.

Currently, treatment for peripheral nerve injuries in horses primarily relies upon physical therapy and anti-inflammatory drugs. In humans, various treatments using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are being attempted. Therefore, in this study, Schwann-like cell differentiation cultures of equine MSCs were prepared using fetal bovine serum (FBS) and equine platelet lysate (ePL). ePL increased the platelet count to 1 × 106/µl, the optimal concentration for culture. In both groups, an elongated morphology at both ends, characteristic of Schwann cells, was observed under the microscope. Real-time PCR analysis of the expression levels of neuronal markers showed that the ePL group tended to express higher levels of Nestin, Musashi1, and Pax3 than the FBS group. p75 was expressed at low levels in both groups. Immunostaining results showed localization of Nestin in both groups of differentiated cells, but the positive cell rate was significantly higher in the ePL group than in the FBS group. Overall, the ePL gro showed good results for Schwann-like cell differentiation, which may be useful for future use in the treatment of equine motor neuron disease. This knowledge could be applied translationaly in the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in humans.Overall, the ePL group showed good results for Schwann-like cell differentiation, which may be useful for future use in the treatment of equine motor neuron disease and in the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in humans.

A New Online Hands-on Practical Training Method Suitable for COVID-19 Social Distancing Regulations.

Online classroom lessons for agricultural and livestock personnel and instructors (animal clinical veterinarians) have been established as alternative ways of learning to allow for the social distancing required to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) that emerged and expanded in 2020. However, significant issues remain in developing ways to effectively convey experimental and practical lessons to students. Some of these challenges have been addressed by developing and implementing a new online hands-on practical training method for various veterinary subjects. Currently, online training is limited to watching videos; however, this trial has the potential to provide novel hands-on training online. In our trial, students watched live or asynchronous videos of instructors using a capture board, from which they learned hands-on practices. The learning environment of the students was transmitted by a web camera attached to their PCs and displayed on a large screen visible to the instructor. This enabled the instructor to provide the students with online instructions. In the future, Yamaguchi University's animal welfare philosophy and newly developed alternative online learning methods can be applied to education in other fields.

Epidemiological survey, general blood biochemistry, and histological examination of slaughtered heavy horse breeds with hemorrhage in the adipose tissue in the crest of the neck.

Fifty-four slaughtered horses were classified into groups having adipose tissue in the crest of the neck with or without hemorrhage (AH and NH groups, respectively). Blood biochemical tests (Alb, TP, T-bil, GOT, GPT, LDH, T-cho, and BUN) and an epidemiological survey (age, gender, weight, origin, breed, BCS, CNS, and hoof disease) were performed. T-bil tended to be high, while the other parameters were normal. Weight, BCS, and CNS were higher in the AH group (P<0.05). GOT was lower in the AH group (P<0.05). It was suspected that the horses in the AH group had lipomatosis. It was assumed that the adipose tissue of the horses in the AH group contained damaged capillaries, and inflammation was confirmed based on evidence of macrophages and lymphocytes.

Multivariable Logistic Regression Models of X-Ray Thoracic Spinous Process Osseous Changes Findings and Body Measurement Factors Associated With Defined Over-riding of the Dorsal Spinous in Riding Horses.

Thoracic spinous process osseous changes in horses occur due to riding-induced back compression. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between the findings of thoracic spinous process osseous changes on radiographic imaging and conformation based on the difference in over-riding of the dorsal spinous processes in racing horses. This study included 55 sports horses. The hardness of the back muscles (the multifidus, longissimi, and latissimi collectively) was measured, and the horses were divided into two groups: low muscle hardness (n = 16) and high muscle hardness (n = 39). We confirmed the effectiveness of a muscle hardness tester in measuring the hardness of the back muscles. It was revealed that horses with a long length from the saddle (13th thoracic vertebra) to the sacral lumbar joint (fifth lumbar vertebra) had higher muscle hardness. Additionally, horses with high muscle hardness demonstrated spinous process osteosclerosis.

Leucoencephalopathy with Pigmented Glia in a Horse with Recurrent Convulsive Seizures.

A 7-year-old male Thoroughbred horse exhibited recurrent falls followed by convulsive seizures. The horse was clinically diagnosed with epilepsy and phenobarbital treatment was initiated. However, as seizure control was unsuccessful, the animal was euthanized. At necropsy, yellow-brown linear lesions were found extensively at the U-fibres and cingulate gyrus within the cerebral white matter. Histopathologically, linear demyelination and occasional cavitation were observed. Glial cells with yellow-brown pigment granules, which were autofluorescent, positive to the periodic acid-Schiff reaction and stained with Masson-Fontana and Schmorl's stains, were frequently found within these demyelinating lesions. The pigment granules did not stain with Berlin blue, Luxol fast blue or Sudan III stains. Haematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemistry of serial brain sections revealed that the pigmented glia were derived from glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive astrocytes. Based on these findings, the case was diagnosed as leucoencephalopathy with pigmented glia. This is the first report of the disease in any animal species.

Analgesic and cardiopulmonary effects of premedication with tramadol in calves anesthetized with the infusion of guaifenesin and thiamylal.

This study examined the analgesic and cardiopulmonary effects of intravenous (IV) tramadol during general intravenous anesthesia in calves. Calves were premedicated with diazepam (0.2 mg/kg, IV) with tramadol (2 mg/kg, IV) (group T) or saline (group S). Anesthesia was induced by thiamylal sodium (4 mg/kg, IV) and maintained with an infusion (2 ml/kg/hr) of 5% guaifenesin containing thiamylal sodium (2 mg/ml). Additional thiamylal sodium (1-2 mg/kg, IV) was administered when interference from the calves was observed during surgery. The total counts of additional thiamylal sodium administration, analgesia score using a visual analog scale, recovery time, and cardiopulmonary function in the different groups were assessed and compared. Group T showed significantly fewer counts of additional drug administration and a significantly higher analgesia score. Tramadol may provide adequate analgesia with minimal cardiopulmonary changes in calves during general anesthesia.

Retrospective study on the outcomes and risk factors of right paramedian abomasopexy for right abomasal disorders in 47 dairy cows.

Very few epidemiologic studies have verified the utility of the right paramedian abomasopexy (RPA) technique in cows with right abomasal disorders. This study aimed to investigate the outcomes and risk factors for non-survival in the herd within 30 days of surgery in cows with right abomasal disorders who underwent the RPA technique. Forty-seven Holstein cows with right abomasal disorders (25 with right abomasal displacement [RDA] and 22 with right abomasal volvulus [RAV]) were included. Twenty-two cows with RDA (22/25, 88.0%) and 10 cows with RAV (10/22, 45.5%) survived at 30 days post-surgery. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that hyponatremia, hypokalemia, and the presence of abomasal volvulus were the major risk factors associated with non-survival.

Association between periodontal bacteria and degenerative aortic stenosis: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: Although several reports have described the relationship between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease, information about the association between periodontal disease and the progression of degenerative aortic stenosis (AS) is lacking. Therefore, we performed a retrospective, single-center, pilot study to provide insight into this potential association. METHODS: Data from 45 consecutive patients (19 men; median age, 83 years) with mild or moderate degenerative aortic stenosis were analyzed for a mean observation period of 3.3±1.9 years. The total amount of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis and titers of serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) against periodontal bacteria and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were evaluated. Aortic valve area (AVA), maximal velocity (Vmax), mean pressure gradient (mean PG), and the Doppler velocity index (DVI) were evaluated. The change in each parameter per year ([ParameterLATEST-ParameterBASELINE]/Follow-up Years) was calculated from the retrospective follow-up echocardiographic data (baseline vs. the most recently collected data [latest]). RESULTS: No correlation was found between the concentration of periodontopathic bacteria in the saliva and AS status/progression. The anti-P. gingivalis antibody titer in the serum showed a significant positive correlation with AVA and DVI. Additionally, there was a negative correlation between the anti-P. gingivalis IgG antibody titer and mean PG. The hs-CRP concentration showed positive correlations with Vmax and mean PG. Meanwhile, a negative correlation was observed between the anti-P. gingivalis IgG antibody titer and ΔAVA/year and Δmean PG/year. The hs-CRP concentration showed positive correlations with Vmax and mean PG, and it was significantly higher in patients with rapid aortic stenosis progression (ΔAVA/year <-0.1) than in their counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that periodontopathic bacteria such as A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis are not directly related to the status/progression of degenerative AS. However, inflammation and a lower immune response may be associated with disease progression.

Effect of a novel rice fermented extract on gastric ulcers in horses.

Gastric ulcers cause appetite loss, poor body condition, and colic in horses. This study investigated the protective effect of a rice fermented extract on the gastric mucosa in 17 healthy Thoroughbreds. For one month, horses in the rice fermented extract (nine horses) and control (eight horses) groups were orally administered a rice fermented extract (100%; 0.2 ml/kg, SID) and tap water (0.2 ml/kg), respectively. Gastric endoscopic images were obtained before and one month after rice fermented extract administration. The gastric ulcer score was lower after administration (median, 1; maximum, 2; minimum, 1) than before administration (median, 4; maximum, 4; minimum, 3) in the rice fermented extract group (P<0.05). In conclusion, the administration of a rice fermented extract for one month improves gastric mucosal lesions in Thoroughbreds with gastric ulcers.

Prevalence and Burden of Physical Problems in Female College Basketball Athletes: A 135-Day Prospective Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this prospective cohort study was to investigate the prevalence and burden of "any physical complaint" in college female basketball athletes using a daily questionnaire. METHODS: Fifty-four female college basketball players were recruited and followed up for 135 days using the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre questionnaire. RESULTS: The questionnaire response rate was 96.4% (95% confidence interval: 95.7-97.1). The average daily prevalence of any problem was 44.4%, whereas that of substantial problems was 16.0%. The anatomical areas found to be most frequently affected by physical problems were the ankle (average daily prevalence: 14.5%, 95% confidence interval: 13.4-15.7), lower back (14.4%, 95% confidence interval: 13.7-15.2), and knee (9.6%, 95% confidence interval: 9.0-10.2). The cumulative severity score, calculated by summing severity scores and dividing by number of respondents, showed that ankle, knee, and lower back problems exhibited greater relative burden. DISCUSSION: Injuries common in basketball athletes, such as ankle sprain, anterior cruciate ligament injury, overuse knee pain, and low-back pain, are reflected in the present data.

Comparison of intraoperative cardiorespiratory and behavioral responses to medetomidine combined with tramadol or butorphanol during standing laparoscopic ovariectomy in horses.

The purpose of this study was to assess the cardiorespiratory and behavioral responses to the combination of medetomidine and tramadol (M-T) or butorphanol (M-B) in standing laparoscopic ovariectomy in horses. One ovary was removed under M-T and the contralateral ovary was removed under M-B with at least 4 weeks between operations at random. Horses were sedated using intravenous medetomidine (5 µg/kg) followed by tramadol (1 mg/kg) or butorphanol (10 µg/kg) after 5 min. Sedation was maintained through the repeated injection of medetomidine (1 µg/kg) and tramadol (0.4 mg/kg) or medetomidine (1 µg/kg) and butorphanol (4 µg/kg) every 15 min. Cardiorespiratory function and behavioral responses, including, sedation, ataxia, and analgesia, were assessed during the surgery. There were no significant differences in cardiorespiratory values and sedation and analgesia scores between M-T and M-B. Ataxia scores were significantly lower in M-T than in M-B. This result suggests that M-T could maintain smooth and stable standing surgery with minimal cardiorespiratory changes in horses.

Fabrication of a T-Shaped Microfluidic Channel Using a Consumer Laser Cutter and Application to Monodisperse Microdroplet Formation.

The use of micrometer-sized droplets for chemical and biochemical analysis has been widely explored. Photolithography is mainly used to fabricate microfluidic devices, which is often employed to form monodisperse microdroplets. Although photolithography enables precise microfabrication, it is not readily available to biochemists because it requires specialized equipment such as clean room and mask aligners, and expensive consumables such as photoresist and silicon wafers. In this study, we fabricated a microfluidic device using a consumer laser cutter and applied it to droplet formation. Monodisperse microdroplets were formed by using an oil phase for droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as the continuous phase and phosphate-buffered saline or polyethylene glycol solution as the dispersed phase. The droplet size decreased as the flow rate of the continuous phase increased and approached a constant value. The method developed in this study can be used to realize microdroplet-based biochemical analysis with simple devices or to construct artificial cells.

Bead-based Padlock Rolling Circle Amplification under Molecular Crowding Conditions: The Effects of Crowder Charge and Size.

Bead-based padlock rolling circle amplification under molecular crowding conditions, which we have developed for ultrasensitive detection of DNA, is examined to improve the detection efficiency and sensitivity of the method as well as to gain insight into the mechanism of the method. Both non-magnetic and magnetic sepharose microbeads were employed. Biotinylated DNA had to be pre-immobilized onto the microbeads in order to obtain products on the magnetic beads. The optimal concentration of biotinylated DNA was found to be about 5 µM, above which the number of products decreased. The effect of the crowder charge was examined, and neutral polymers were found to be effective on ligation and the hybridization step, while charged polymers were only effective on the hybridization step and inhibited the ligation and primer extension. The effect of the molecular weight of neutral dextran on the number of products was investigated, and the number of products was found to be increased with an increase in the molecular weight of dextran.

Porphyromonas gingivalis Administration Induces Gestational Obesity, Alters Gene Expression in the Liver and Brown Adipose Tissue in Pregnant Mice, and Causes Underweight in Fetuses.

Preventing adverse pregnancy outcomes is crucial for maternal and child health. Periodontal disease is a risk factor for many systemic diseases including adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth and low birth weight. In addition, the administration of the periodontopathic bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis exacerbates obesity, glucose tolerance, and hepatic steatosis and alters endocrine function in the brown adipose tissue (BAT). However, the effects of having periodontal disease during pregnancy remain unclear. Thus, this study investigates the effect of P. gingivalis administration on obesity, liver, and BAT during pregnancy. Sonicated P. gingivalis (Pg) or saline (Co) was injected intravenously and administered orally to pregnant C57BL/6J mice three times per week. Maternal body weight and fetal body weight on embryonic day (ED) 18 were evaluated. Microarray analysis and qPCR in the liver and BAT and hepatic and plasma triglyceride quantification were performed on dams at ED 18. The body weight of Pg dams was heavier than that of Co dams; however, the fetal body weight was decreased in the offspring of Pg dams. Microarray analysis revealed 254 and 53 differentially expressed genes in the liver and BAT, respectively. Gene set enrichment analysis exhibited the downregulation of fatty acid metabolism gene set in the liver and estrogen response early/late gene sets in the BAT, whereas inflammatory response and IL6/JAK/STAT3 signaling gene sets were upregulated both in the liver and BAT. The downregulation of expression levels of Lpin1, Lpin2, and Lxra in the liver, which are associated with triglyceride synthesis, and a decreasing trend in hepatic triglyceride of Pg dams were observed. P. gingivalis administration may alter lipid metabolism in the liver. Overall, the intravenous and oral administration of sonicated P. gingivalis-induced obesity and modified gene expression in the liver and BAT in pregnant mice and caused fetuses to be underweight.

Porphyromonas gingivalis impairs glucose uptake in skeletal muscle associated with altering gut microbiota.

Skeletal muscles have a high metabolic capacity, which play key roles in glucose metabolism. Although periodontal disease increases the risk of metabolic syndrome, the relationship between periodontal bacterial infection and skeletal muscle metabolic dysfunction is unclear. We found that anti-Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) antibody titers positively correlated with intramuscular adipose tissue content (IMAC), fasting blood glucose, and HOMA-IR in metabolic syndrome patients. In C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet, recipients of oral Pg (HFPg) had impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, and higher IMAC compared to recipients of saline (HFco). The soleus muscle in HFPg mice exhibited fat infiltration and lower glucose uptake with higher Tnfa expression and lower insulin signaling than in HFco mice. Gene set enrichment analysis showed that TNFα signaling via NFκB gene set was enriched in the soleus muscle of HFPg mice. Moreover, TNF-α also decreased glucose uptake in C2C12 myoblast cells in vitro. Based on 16S rRNA sequencing, Pg administration altered the gut microbiome, particularly by decreasing the abundance of genus Turicibacter. Microbial network of the gut microbiome was dramatically changed by Pg administration. Our findings suggest that infection with Pg is a risk factor for metabolic syndrome and skeletal muscle metabolic dysfunction via gut microbiome alteration.

Mechanistic investigation of bead-based padlock rolling circle amplification under molecular crowding conditions.

We present a mechanistic investigation of bead-based padlock rolling circle amplification (RCA) under molecular crowding conditions, a sensitive and selective DNA detection method we have developed. Several important points to optimize the method were clarified: (i) the increase in the number of RCA products is proportional to the excluded volume of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), (ii) PEG facilitates ligation of padlock probe to form circular concatemers and monomers, both of which may act as a template for RCA, and (iii) hybridization of detection probe to the products may be facilitated at higher PEG concentrations.