Use of s-100 and chromogranin a antibodies as immunohistochemical markers on detection of malignancy in aortic body tumors in dog

To define the characteristics of malignancy we performed routine histology and an immunohistochemical study on seventeen aortic body tumors in dogs. We essayed tumors using a panel of immunohistochemical markers: neuron specific enolase (NSE), chromogranin A (CrA) and S-100. Among 17 cases, the neoplastic cells were positive for NSE (17 cases, 100%), S-100 (9 cases, 53%), and CrA (8 cases, 47%), respectively. The sustentacular cells density and chief cell staining intensity were both inversely related to tumor grade. The most relevant data was consistent with a negative staining of S-100 correlated with absence or decreased number of sustentacular cells in tumors grade III. This report indicates that the immunohistochemical panel has utility for the diagnosis of chemodectoma and the negative staining to CrA and S-100 markers in tumors grade III expresses an indication of malignant behaviour of the tumor.     

A long-period, violently variable X-ray source in a young supernova remnant

Observations with the Newton X-ray Multimirror Mission satellite show a strong periodic modulation at 6.67 +/- 0.03 hours of the x-ray source at the center of the 2000-year-old supernova remnant RCW 103. No fast pulsations are visible. If genetically tied to the supernova remnant, the source could either be an x-ray binary, composed of a compact object and a low-mass star in an eccentric orbit, or an isolated neutron star. In the latter case, the combination of its age and period would indicate that it is a peculiar magnetar, dramatically slowed down, possibly by a supernova debris disc. Both scenarios require nonstandard assumptions about the formation and evolution of compact objects in supernova explosions.     

Preoperative immunosuppressive therapy and surgery as a treatment for anal furunculosis

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of combining preoperative immunosuppressive therapy with surgical excision for treatment of anal furunculosis (AF) in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: Dogs (n=25) with stages 1-4 AF. METHODS: Preoperative immunosuppressive therapy was either cyclosporine A (CyA) alone or in combination with ketoconazole (Group 1; n=18), or azathioprine combined with prednisolone (Group 2; n=7). Surgical excision of residual draining tracts, cryptectomy, and anal sacculectomy were performed. Only dogs with postoperative clinical follow-up exceeding 9 months were retained for the study. RESULTS: Both immunosuppressive protocols were effective in reducing progression of AF. Subsequent draining tracts excision, cryptectomy, and anal sacculectomy were bilateral (12 dogs) or unilateral (13 dogs of which 4 had bilateral anal sacculectomy). Postoperative recovery was uneventful, except for 2 dogs that had wound breakdown. Recurrence was not observed in any of the dogs that had bilateral surgical excision and or in 9 dogs that had unilateral excision. CONCLUSION: Preoperative immunosuppressive therapy, combined with bilateral surgical resection of affected tissue consistently, resulted in resolution of AF. Four dogs that had recurrence had unilateral excision despite initial bilateral involvement, suggesting that all diseased tissue should be excised. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These preliminary results suggest that immunosuppressive therapy before surgical excision for AF yields minimizes recurrence in dogs.     

Simultaneously mitigating near-term climate change and improving human health and food security

Tropospheric ozone and black carbon (BC) contribute to both degraded air quality and global warming. We considered ~400 emission control measures to reduce these pollutants by using current technology and experience. We identified 14 measures targeting methane and BC emissions that reduce projected global mean warming ~0.5°C by 2050. This strategy avoids 0.7 to 4.7 million annual premature deaths from outdoor air pollution and increases annual crop yields by 30 to 135 million metric tons due to ozone reductions in 2030 and beyond. Benefits of methane emissions reductions are valued at $700 to $5000 per metric ton, which is well above typical marginal abatement costs (less than $250). The selected controls target different sources and influence climate on shorter time scales than those of carbon dioxide-reduction measures. Implementing both substantially reduces the risks of crossing the 2°C threshold.     

Comment on "Productivity is a poor predictor of plant species richness"

Adler et al. (Reports, 23 September 2011, p. 1750) analyzed the standardized sampling data from 48 herbaceous-dominated plant communities and concluded that "Productivity is a poor predictor of plant species richness" at fine-scale. However, their method was biased toward site-number-dominated plant communities. They also failed to provide enough data for regional analysis and detailed information for within-site analysis.     

Mustelidae are natural hosts of Staphylococcus delphini group A

According to the current taxonomy, the Staphylococcus intermedius group (SIG) comprises of at least three distinct species. While S. intermedius and S. pseudintermedius are associated with specific hosts (pigeons and dogs, respectively), the natural host of S. delphini remains unclear. We analysed 158 SIG isolates from less studied animal species belonging to the order Carnivora, including mink (n=118), fox (n=33), badger (n=6) and ferret (n=1). Species identification was performed by nuc PCR in combination with sodA sequence analysis and pta PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). The results showed a consistent association between host and bacterial species. All isolates from minks, ferret and badgers belonged to S. delphini group A, whereas all fox isolates except one were identified as S. pseudintermedius. The remaining fox isolate belonged to S. delphini group A. The results indicate that Mustelidae such as minks, ferrets and badgers are natural hosts of S. delphini group A. This is in contrast with Canidae, which are primarily colonized and infected with S. pseudintermedius. These findings suggest that coagulase-positive staphylococcal species may have evolved and diverged through host adaptation.     

Canine and feline intracranial meningiomas: an updated review

Meningiomas are the most common primary brain tumours in dogs and cats. There are several morphological phenotypes of this extra-axial neoplasm and they show predilections for certain anatomical locations. There have been a number of attempts to apply the current World Health Organization (WHO) classification for human meningiomas to dogs and cats and to obtain a universal classification scheme for domestic animals. Recently, certain enzymes involved in tumour growth have been recognised as biological markers and have been related to degrees of malignancy. The secondary effects of meningiomas have also been investigated, and vascular endothelial growth factor and peritumoural oedema have been reported to reduce survival rate. Breed and age predisposition are recognised in both dogs and cats and the presenting clinical signs are quite consistent. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography are the techniques of choice for the presumptive diagnosis of meningiomas in domestic animals but advanced imaging techniques are constantly being developed and applied. Treatment methods for meningiomas involve a combination of de-bulking surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and detailed accounts of several treatment protocols have been reported.     

Risk factors for highly pathogenic H7N1 avian influenza virus infection in poultry during the 1999-2000 epidemic in Italy

In 1999-2000, Italian poultry production was disrupted by an H7N1 virus subtype epidemic of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). The objectives of the present study were to identify risk factors for infection on poultry farms located in regions that had the highest number of outbreaks (Veneto and Lombardia) and the impact of pre-emptive culling as a complementary measure for eradicating infection. A Cox regression model that included spatial factors, such as the G index, was used. The results confirmed the relationship between risk of infection and poultry species, production type and size of farms. The effectiveness of pre-emptive culling was confirmed. An increased risk of infection was observed for poultry farms located near an infected farm and those at altitudes less than 150m above sea level. The measures for the control and eradication of AI virus infection need to consider species differences in susceptibility, the types of production and the density of poultry farms in the affected areas.     

Campylobacter jejuni in the red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) population of Southern Italy

Rectal swab samples were collected from 60 red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) from July 2006 to April 2007 in Southern Italy. Samples were tested for Campylobacter jejuni and C. coli by culture methods and suspected colonies were then confirmed by polymerase chain reaction. C. jejuni was detected in 5/60 (8.3%) samples examined but infection status was not related to age or sex and C. coli was not isolated. This is believed to be the first report of C. jejuni infection in the red squirrel.