Triple Isomerism in 3D Covalent Organic Frameworks.

Isomerism in covalent organic frameworks (COFs) has scarcely been known. Here, for the first time we show 3D COFs with three framework isomers or polymorphs constructed from the same building blocks. All isomers were obtained as large (>10 µm) crystals; although their crystal shapes were distinctly different, they showed identical FT-IR and solid-state NMR spectra. Our structural analyses revealed unprecedented triple isomerism in 3D COFs (noninterpenetrated dia, qtz, and 3-fold interpenetrated dia-c3 nets). Furthermore, this Communication reports the first known COF with qtz topology for which the structure determination was based on Rietveld analysis. We achieved triple framework isomerism by reticulating a tetrahedral building block with a flexible junction and a linear building block with PEO side chains and by varying solution compositions. Our energy calculations, along with the discovery of interisomer transition, revealed that the isomer with qtz topology was a kinetic isomer. Thus, this simple yet little-explored concept of reticulating only flexible building blocks is an effective pathway to significantly broaden the diversity of 3D COFs, which have been proposed for a myriad of applications.

Evaluating the indicators of a heart rate variability analysis in dogs using Poincaré plots.

Heart rate variability analyses using Poincaré plots can be useful for evaluating the autonomic nervous system function. However, the interpretation of the quantitative indicators of Poincaré plots remains controversial. Thus, few studies have verified the effectiveness of the quantitative indicators in veterinary medicine. This study aimed to verify the reliability of Poincaré plot indicators using pharmacological models in dogs. Four healthy beagles were used in this study. Each dog was treated with propranolol, atropine, and propranolol-atropine to block the sympathetic, parasympathetic, and sympathetic-parasympathetic functions, respectively. The quantitative indicators of the Poincaré plots were calculated based on data from 300 electrocardiogram beats collected before and after the administration of each drug and statistically analysed. The quantitative indicators of the Poincaré plots, such as the standard deviation perpendicular to the major axis (SD1), standard deviation along the major axis (SD2), and SD1 × SD2, significantly decreased after the drug administration in both the parasympathetic and sympathetic-parasympathetic blockade models. However, no significant differences were observed in SD1/SD2 between the groups. The Poincaré plots reflected the changes in the autonomic nervous system of dogs. In dogs, SD1, SD2, and SD1 × SD2 can detect a state in which parasympathetic nerve activity is suppressed.

EBSTEIN ANOMALY IN THE TSUSHIMA LEOPARD CAT (PRIONAILURUS BENGALENSIS EUPTILURUS).

Ebstein anomaly is a rare congenital heart disease that has been described in domestic dogs, a meerkat, a pygmy goat, and a lion. An 11-mo-old Tsushima leopard cat presented to Osaka Prefecture University Veterinary Hospital for diagnosis and treatment of right-sided congestive heart failure. Echocardiography showed a dilated right atrium and ventricle with an enlarged tricuspid valve annulus and apical displacement of the tricuspid valve leaflets. The cat was diagnosed with Ebstein anomaly. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of this type of congenital heart disease in a Tsushima leopard cat.

Long Time CO2 Storage Under Ambient Conditions in Isolated Voids of a Porous Coordination Network Facilitated by the "Magic Door" Mechanism.

A coordination network containing isolated pores without interconnecting channels is prepared from a tetrahedral ligand and copper(I) iodide. Despite the lack of accessibility, CO2 is selectively adsorbed into these pores at 298 K and then retained for more than one week while exposed to the atmosphere. The CO2 adsorption energy and diffusion mechanism throughout the network are simulated using Matlantis, which helps to rationalize the experimental results. CO2 enters the isolated voids through transient channels, termed "magic doors", which can momentarily appear within the structure. Once inside the voids, CO2 remains locked in limiting its escape. This mechanism is facilitated by the flexibility of organic ligands and the pivot motion of cluster units. In situ powder X-ray diffraction revealed that the crystal structure change is negligible before and after CO2 capture, unlike gate-opening coordination networks. The uncovered CO2 sorption and retention ability paves the way for the design of sorbents based on isolated voids.

Genetic and phenotypic analyses of mcr-harboring extended-spectrum ß-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli isolates from companion dogs and cats in Japan.

The emergence of mcr plasmid-mediated colistin-resistant extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacterales among companion dogs and cats poses a risk of the animals acting as reservoirs for cross-species transmission. However, current knowledge of mcr-harboring ESBL-producing Enterobacterales in companion dogs and cats is still limited; thus, the genetic and phenotypic characteristics of the bacterial isolates and plasmids, in companion dogs and cats, remain to be elucidated. Here, we identified mcr gene-harboring ESBL-producing Escherichia coli isolates during whole-genome sequencing of ESBL-producing E. coli isolates from a dog and a cat in Osaka, Japan. Colistin-resistant MY732 isolate from a dog carried two plasmids: mcr-1.1-harboring IncI2 plasmid and blaCTX-M-14-harboring IncFIB plasmid. Conjugation assays revealed that both plasmids can be co-transferred even though the IncFIB plasmid lacked a conjugal transfer gene cassette. The other isolate MY504 from a cat harbored two bla genes and mcr-9 on the identical IncHI2 plasmid. This isolate was not resistant to colistin, which is likely to be due to deletion of the regulatory two-component QseBC system associated with the mcr-9 expression. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a colistin-resistant ESBL-producing E. coli isolate harboring mcr-1 from a companion dog in Japan. Given that the mcr gene-harboring IncI2 and IncHI2 plasmids in this study shared high homology with plasmids from human or animal-derived Enterobacterales, companion dogs and cats may act as important reservoirs for cross-species transmission of the mcr gene in the community, in Japan.

Successful management of nasopharyngitis caused by Schizophyllum commune in a captive cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus).

Herein, we describe the management of nasopharyngitis caused by Schizophyllum commune infection in a captive cheetah. Computed tomography revealed a nodule in the nasal cavity and pharynx, and an endoscopic biopsy was performed. As a result, the nodule was surgically resected because of a suspected carcinoma. However, the surgical specimen was histologically re-evaluated and a fungal granuloma was diagnosed. Sequence analysis of DNA from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples revealed S. commune infection. The cheetah was administered fluconazole orally for 73 days. However, the drug was ineffective and itraconazole was administered for 14 days. Symptoms such as nasal discharge and sneezing have completely resolved for 4 years.

Synthesis and luminescence properties of substituted benzils.

Photophysical properties of benzil (1,2-diphenylethane-1,2-dione) and its derivatives in the crystal state have recently attracted much attention. However, the study of substituted benzils has mostly been limited to para-substituted derivatives, which did not induce a significant effect on the emission wavelength compared to pristine benzil. The effects of ortho- and meta-substituents on the photophysical properties in the crystal state have not been investigated so far. Our recently developed organocatalytic pinacol coupling of substituted benzaldehydes allowed us to prepare various ortho-, meta-, and para-substituted benzil derivatives and to investigate their luminescence properties. Ortho- and meta-substituents affected the electronic states of benzils in the crystal state, resulting in differences in their luminescence properties. The luminescence wavelength and type, i.e., phosphorescence or fluorescence, were altered by these substituents. Fast self-recovering phosphorescence-to-phosphorescence mechanochromism by the para-CF3 substituent at room temperature was also discovered.

SLUG is upregulated and induces epithelial mesenchymal transition in canine oral squamous cell carcinoma.

SLUG, encoded by the Snai2 gene, is known to play a role in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which contributes to cell invasion and metastasis in some types of human carcinomas. However, the mechanisms and roles of EMT in canine squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) have not yet been elucidated. We have previously established canine oral SCC cell lines, including tonsillar SCC, and in this study, we evaluated the effects of SLUG on the phenotypes regarding EMT of canine SCC cells. First, immunohistochemical analysis revealed that SLUG is upregulated in canine oral SCC tissues compared to that in non-tumoural oral mucosa. Furthermore, gain-of-function and loss-of-function of SLUG revealed that SLUG partly contributed to migration and invasion of cells, as well as the upregulation of EMT markers such as vimentin and SNAIL. Thus, the current study suggests that SLUG promotes cell migration and invasion through EMT induction in canine oral SCC, as well as human cancers.

Mesenteric lymph node abscesses due to Escherichia coli in a cat.

A 3-year-old, castrated male mixed-breed cat presented with an almost 2-year history of chronic loose stools. On radiography and ultrasound examination, there were two masses in the centre of the abdomen. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed that the masses were enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes with fluid accumulation. Percutaneous lesion drainage yielded pus-like fluid. Fluid cytology revealed numerous neutrophils and Gram-negative rods. Pus culture identified Escherichia coli as the causative organism. Consequently, mesenteric lymph node abscesses were definitively diagnosed. Since computed tomography showed that the abscesses adhered to the surrounding tissues, it was difficult to remove them surgically. With drainage and antimicrobial therapy, the mesenteric lymph nodes gradually decreased in size. However, loose stools persisted. The cat's diet was changed to a hydrolysed diet, and the clinical symptoms improved, suggesting food-responsive enteropathy. This may be an underlying disease of lymph node abscesses. Lymph node abscesses limited to the mesenteric lymph nodes rarely occur in veterinary medicine, and this is the first report in cats.

Retrospective evaluation of nimustine use in the treatment of feline lymphoma.

BACKGROUND: Nimustine, similar to lomustine, is an alkylating agent from the nitrosourea family. There have been some reports regarding lomustine treatment for tumour-bearing cats. However, information regarding nimustine treatment for tumour-bearing cats is limited. OBJECTIVES: To retrospectively evaluate adverse events and clinical outcomes in tumour-bearing cats receiving nimustine. METHODS: Information regarding diagnosis, treatment condition, adverse events, and clinical outcomes was collected in tumour-bearing cats receiving nimustine through reviews of medical records. RESULTS: Nine cats with lymphoma were treated with nimustine in the primary therapy (n = 2) and in the rescue therapy (n = 7). Median starting dose of nimustine was 25 mg/m2 (range: 20-30 mg/m2 ) with dosing interval of three weeks and 1-11 administrations. Adverse events were mild gastrointestinal toxicity (grade 1) including diarrhoea (n = 2) and vomiting (n = 2) and mild myelosuppression (grade 1 or 2) including thrombocytopenia (n = 3) and neutropenia (n = 1). No severe adverse events were observed. Progression-free survival durations among cats receiving nimustine in the primary therapy and in the rescue therapy were 274-688 days (median: 481 days) and 9-671 days (median: 102 days), respectively. Overall survival durations among cats receiving nimustine in the primary therapy and in the rescue therapy were 275-745 days (median: 510 days) and 14-671 days (median: 109 days), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Nimustine was well tolerated and showed clinical outcomes similar to lomustine in cats with lymphoma. These findings suggest that nimustine might be an alternative to lomustine in the treatment of feline lymphoma.

Dystrophin-deficient muscular dystrophy in a Toy Poodle with a single base pair insertion in exon 45 of the Duchenne muscular dystrophy gene.

A 10-month-old, intact male Toy Poodle was referred for a postural abnormality. Blood biochemical tests revealed a marked increase in plasma creatine phosphokinase (CPK) concentration. The isoenzyme test showed that 99% of serum CPK consisted of CPK-MM. Histopathological evaluation of muscle biopsy samples confirmed scattered degeneration and necrosis of myofibers. Immunohistochemistry for dystrophin showed an absence of staining in muscle cells. Based on these findings, the dog was diagnosed with dystrophin-deficient muscular dystrophy. Whole genome sequencing using genomic DNA extracted from blood revealed a single base pair insertion in exon 45 of the Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) gene. This is the first report on muscular dystrophy in Toy Poodles and identified a novel mutation in the DMD gene.

Whole-genome analyses of extended-spectrum or AmpC ß-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli isolates from companion dogs in Japan.

The emergence and global spread of extended-spectrum or AmpC ß-lactamase (ESBL/AmpC)-producing Enterobacteriaceae in companion animals have led to the hypothesis that companion animals might be reservoirs for cross-species transmission because of their close contact with humans. However, current knowledge in this field is limited; therefore, the role of companion animals in cross-species transmission remains to be elucidated. Herein, we studied ESBL/AmpC-producing Enterobacteriaceae, Escherichia coli in particular, isolated from extraintestinal sites and feces of companion dogs. Whole-genome sequencing analysis revealed that (i) extraintestinal E. coli isolates were most closely related to those isolated from feces from the same dog, (ii) chromosomal sequences in the ST131/C1-M27 clade isolated from companion dogs were highly similar to those in the ST131/C1-M27 clade of human origin, (iii) certain plasmids, such as IncFII/pMLST F1:A2:B20/blaCTX-M-27, IncI1/pMLST16/blaCTX-M-15, or IncI1/blaCMY-2 from dog-derived E. coli isolates, shared high homology with those from several human-derived Enterobacteriaceae, (iv) chromosomal blaCTX-M-14 was identified in the ST38 isolate from a companion dog, and (v) eight out of 14 tested ESBL/AmpC-producing E. coli isolates (i.e., ST131, ST68, ST405, and ST998) belonged to the human extraintestinal pathogenic E. coli (ExPEC) group. All of the bla-coding plasmids that were sequenced genome-wide were capable of horizontal transfer. These results suggest that companion dogs can spread ESBL/AmpC-producing ExPEC via their feces. Furthermore, at least some ESBL/AmpC-producing ExPECs and bla-coding plasmids can be transmitted between humans and companion dogs. Thus, companion dogs can act as an important reservoir for ESBL/AmpC-producing E. coli in the community.

Decreased serum zinc concentration in dogs with lymphocytic-plasmacytic enteritis, and its associations with disease severity and prognosis.

Human patients with inflammatory bowel disease may have poor prognosis with hypozincemia. However, there are limited data on zinc concentrations in the blood of dogs with lymphocytic-plasmacytic enteritis (LPE). The purpose of this study was to investigate the serum zinc concentration in dogs with LPE and its influence on disease severity and prognosis. Thirty-five dogs with LPE were recruited. Serum zinc concentration was measured using atomic absorption spectrometry. Hypozincemia was observed in 18/35 (51%) dogs with LPE. Serum zinc concentration was inversely correlated with histological and clinical severities. Overall survivals were significantly shorter in dogs with hypozincemia than in those without it. These findings suggest that serum zinc concentration is a useful biomarker for LPE severity and prognosis in dogs.

Diffuse leiomyomatosis with circumferential thickening of the gastrointestinal wall, resembling human diffuse leiomyomatosis, in a young miniature dachshund.

Leiomyoma is the most common mesenchymal tumor in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Leiomyomas usually have a single or multinodular mass of various sizes, and affected animals can develop alimentary symptoms depending on the location and size. A 3-year old female miniature dachshund died after a history of refractory rectal prolapse, esophagectasis and aspiration pneumonia. At necropsy, the GI wall at the gastroesophageal and anorectal junctions was circumferentially thickened. Histologically, both GI lesions were composed of bundles of well-differentiated smooth muscles without mass formation or invasive growth. The neoplastic cells had little cellular atypia and low proliferative activity, and were positive for α-smooth muscle actin. The lesions were diagnosed as diffuse leiomyomatosis with circumferential thickening of the GI wall and has not been described in the veterinary literature.

Establishing cell lines for canine tonsillar and non-tonsillar oral squamous cell carcinoma and identifying characteristics associated with malignancy.

Canine tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) shows a higher metastasis rate than non-tonsillar oral SCC (NTSCC). The mechanisms of metastasis for TSCC have been less studied, because both TSCC and NTSCC cell lines are few. In this study, 6 cloned TSCC (TSCCLN#1-#6), which were from a metastatic lymph node, and 2 cloned NTSCC (oSCC-1 and -4) cell lines, which were from the primary lesion, were established, and their characteristics were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Results showed that increased expression level of Vimentin in TSCC cell lines and increased expression levels of mesenchymal markers including Vimentin, Snail, and Slug in NTSCC cell lines corelated with the malignant phenotypes such as the cell growth and colony formation abilities in vitro. However, expression levels of mesenchymal markers and in vitro characteristics were unrelated to tumorigenic ability in nude mice. Additionally, the expression levels of E-cadherin and Vimentin were also evaluated by immunohistochemistry using the formalin-fixed paraffin embedded canine oral SCC tissues, and the results show that the expression level of Vimentin in TSCC was higher than in NTSCC. In conclusion, the cell lines established in this study might contribute to elucidating the mechanisms involved in TSCC metastasis.

Prognostic significance of midline shift of the olfactory or frontal lobes of the brain in canine nasal carcinomas treated by palliative radiotherapy: a pilot study.

Canine nasal carcinomas are often treated with radiotherapy. Presence of lysis of the cribriform plate by tumor invasion (stage 4 by modified Adams's staging system) is a well-known prognostic factor. In this study, dogs with stage 4 disease were divided into two subgroups based on the presence or absence of midline shift of the olfactory or frontal lobes of the brain (Stage 4a: without presence of midline shift. Stage 4b: with midline shift). The median survival time of dogs with midline shift was significantly shorter than that of dogs without midline shift (64 vs. 208 days). Our results indicate that the finding of a midline shift might have a prognostic significance in dogs with nasal carcinoma treated with radiotherapy.

Relationship between transportation stress and polymorphonuclear cell functions of bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus.

Dolphins in a captive environment are exposed to various kinds of stresses. Handling and transportation are stressful events for terrestrial mammals, and such stress may affect immune system function and increase susceptibility to infectious diseases. The same phenomenon could occur in dolphins, however, few studies have reported this in dolphins. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between stress and polymorphonuclear (PMN) cell function of dolphins during transportation. Four bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) were transported for 6 hr by truck. Serum cortisol levels, leukograms, phagocytosis, and superoxide production of PMN cells were evaluated during handling and transportation compared to resting values. The mean serum cortisol level was significantly increased during handling and transportation (p<0.05) when compared with the resting values. White blood cell (WBC) counts, eosinophil counts, phagocytosis, and superoxide production of PMN cells during handling and transportation stages decreased significantly in comparison with the resting stage (p<0.05). The concentration of serum cortisol was significantly correlated with the results of the WBC counts, eosinophil counts, superoxide production, and phagocytosis (p<0.01, p<0.05, p<0.05, and p<0.001, respectively). The present results indicate that handling and transportation are stressful events for dolphins and could affect their PMN cell functions, thereby leading to the impairment of the immune system.

Expression patterns of the BRCA1 splicing variants in canine normal tissues and mammary gland tumors.

Human BRCA1 is familial breast cancer susceptibility gene. Recently, decreased BRCA1 mRNA and protein expression has been identified in sporadic breast tumors. In the reported human BRCA1 splicing variants, delta11b lacks the majority of exon11 and is suspected to have a distinct function in normal tissues. The splicing variants display a variety of expression pattern in breast cancer samples. Although mammary gland tumor is important disease in dog, there are few reports for BRCA1 in the canine tumors. In this study, we examined the relative amounts of BRCA1 splicing variants mRNA in canine normal and mammary tumor samples by RT-PCR to investigate whether there is the altered expression of variant mRNAs in the canine tumor as reported in human. The exon11b-defecting RT-PCR products were observed in all the normal tissues examined and the nucleotide sequence was quite similar to that of human BRCA1 delta11b. In some tumor samples, we did not detect the products targeted for exon10-13 and exon14-15, while these products were observed in all the normal samples examined. Especially, the relative amounts of the exon11-defecting products were remarkably decreased in most of the tumors (11/16).

Pleomorphic adenoma of the labial gland, characterized by reticular pattern of myoepithelial cells in a dog.

An 11-year-old female golden retriever dog had a mass at the right corner of the upper lip, which gradually increased in size and protruded into the oral cavity. The mass was removed surgically. The cut surface of the mass was smooth, whitish and solid, and covered by the oral mucosal membrane. Histopathologically, the mass consisted mainly of reticular pattern of short spindle cells that stained positively for cytokeratin AE1/AE3, α-smooth muscle actin and p63, suggestive of a myoepithelial cell phenotype. Between the neoplastic cords, there was myxoid or edematous connective tissue. Additionally, neoplastic cells with luminal epithelial and basal cell phenotypes were arranged in ducts and small islands, respectively. Based on the diverse histological and immunohistochemical features, the tumor was diagnosed as pleomorphic adenoma of the labial gland. To our knowledge, the reticular proliferation pattern of myoepithelial cells has not been described in salivary gland tumors of domestic animals.

Synovial sarcoma of the tendon and tendon sheath in a dog.

A 19.5-year-old male mongrel dog developed a progressive lameness and swelling around the right carpus. A tumor (6 x 3 x 3 cm) was found in the caudal of distal antebrachium of the right forelimb, including tendons of the superficial digital flexor muscle and deep digital flexor muscle. No joint destruction was observed. The tumor consisted of round and spindle cells arranged in a compact sheet. There were occasional slit-like spaces or lumina, and areas rich in collagen fibers giving an appearance of tendon tissues. Neoplastic cells gave a positive immunoreaction to vimentin, but negative reactions to antibodies against S-100 protein, cytokeratin and myoglobin. Based on these findings, this tumor was diagnosed as a synovial sarcoma generating from the tendon and tendon sheath, which is very uncommon in dogs.