Preliminary study of plasma vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) during low- and high-dose radiation therapy of dogs with spontaneous tumors

High plasma vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) concentrations are associated with radiation resistance and poor prognosis. After an exposure to ionizing radiation in cell culture an early phase and a late phase of increased VEGF have been documented. The activation was dependent on the radiation dose. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to measure baseline plasma VEGF and changes in VEGF over the course of fractionated radiation therapy in dogs with spontaneous tumors. Dogs with tumors had a significantly higher pretreatment plasma VEGF than did dogs without tumors. Immediately after irradiation no increased plasma VEGF was observed. Over the course of radiation therapy there was an increased plasma VEGF in dogs treated with low doses per fraction/high total dose, whereas plasma VEGF remained stable in dogs irradiated with high doses per fraction/low total dose. The regulatory mechanisms are very complex, and therefore the value of plasma VEGF measurements as an indirect marker of angiogenesis induced by radiotherapy is limited.     

Mycobacterium fortuitum abortion in a sow

Two aborted Chester White pig fetuses were presented to a veterinary diagnostic laboratory in Illinois. Postmortem examination identified no gross abnormalities. Histologic evaluation revealed multifocal necrosis of chorionic epithelial cells, coalescing areas of mineralization in the placenta, and focal accumulations of viable and degenerate neutrophils in the lung. Intra- and extracellular acid-fast bacilli were identified in the lesions in both the placenta and lungs. Bacterial culture of stomach contents yielded heavy growth of Mycobacterium fortuitum, a rapidly growing nontuberculous mycobacterium (NTM), which was further confirmed through whole-genome sequencing. NTM are opportunistic pathogens commonly found in the soil and in contaminated water supplies. In animals, M. fortuitum is typically introduced through cutaneous wounds leading to infections limited to the skin, with systemic infection being uncommon. To our knowledge, abortion caused by M. fortuitum has not been reported previously.     

Proteomic profiling of plasma-derived small extracellular vesicles: a novel tool for understanding the systemic effects of tick burden in cattle

Cattle ticks pose a significant threat to the health and profitability of cattle herds globally. The investigation of factors leading to natural tick resistance in cattle is directed toward targeted breeding strategies that may combat cattle tick infestation on the genetic level. Exosomes (EXs), small extracellular vesicles (EVs) of 50 to 150 nm diameter, are released from all cell types into biofluids such as blood plasma and milk, have been successfully used in diagnostic and prognostic studies in humans, and can provide essential information regarding the overall health state of animals. Mass spectrometry (MS) is a highly sensitive proteomics application that can be used to identify proteins in a complex mixture and is particularly useful for biomarker development. In this proof of principle study, EXs were isolated from the blood plasma of cattle (Bos taurus) with high (HTR) and low tick resistance (LTR) (n = 3/group). Cattle were classified as HTR or LTR using a tick scoring system, and EXs isolated from the cattle blood plasma using an established protocol. EXs were subjected to MS analysis in data-dependent acquisition mode and protein search performed using Protein Pilot against the B. taurus proteome. A total of 490 unique proteins were identified across all samples. Of these, proteins present in all replicates from each group were selected for further analysis (HTR = 121; LTR = 130). Gene ontology analysis was performed using PANTHER GO online software tool. Proteins unique to HTR and LTR cattle were divided by protein class, of which 50% were associated with immunity/defense in the HTR group, whereas this protein class was not detected in EXs from LTR cattle. Similarly, unique proteins in HTR cattle were associated with B-cell activation, immunoglobins, immune response, and cellular iron ion homeostasis. In LTR cattle, unique exosomal proteins were associated with actin filament binding, purine nucleotide binding, plasma membrane protein complex, and carbohydrate derivative binding. This is the first study to demonstrate that MS analysis of EXs derived from the blood plasma of HTR and LTR cattle can be successfully applied to profile the systemic effects of tick burden.     

Assessing opportunity and relocation costs of marine protected areas using a behavioural model of longline fleet dynamics

Increasing use of spatial management tools in fisheries requires an understanding of fleet response, and in particular to where displaced fishing effort is likely to move. We develop a state‐dependent decision‐making model to address the spatial allocation of effort in an Australian tuna longline fishery. We assume that fishers have an economic objective in deciding where to fish, but that decisions in any period are also influenced by the remaining quota held at the time of the decision. Key features of the model include endogenous price dynamics, a moving stock and a competitive pool of different vessel types operating from different port locations. We utilize this model to illustrate fleet responses to marine reserves and limits on fishing effort. The results illustrate that the model framework provides advantages over statistically based models in that decisions made in response to the imposition of a reserve are not consistent with a proportional reallocation of effort. Rather, the stochastic dynamic model yielded an overall profit level of ～4% higher relative to scenarios with no reserve. Incorporating the opportunity cost of a quota into the model resulted in an optimal utilization of effort, in which effort was concentrated in time periods and locations yielding maximized profit. Under a low level of effort relative to the season length, the model indicated an overall profit level 43% greater than the highest obtained when the same level of effort was applied solely within any given quarter of the season.     

Successful treatment of mandibular squamous cell carcinoma in a Malayan sun bear (Helarctos malayanus).

An adult, female Malayan sun bear (Helarctos malayanus) was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the rostral mandible. Initial treatment included bilateral mandibulectomy rostral to the lingual frenulum followed by intra- and perilesional cisplatin injections. Recovery after the procedure was uneventful and the Malayan sun bear adapted well to a shortened mandible. Histopathology indicated incomplete surgical excision of the tumor; therefore, radiation therapy was instituted weekly for four treatments at 2 Gy in parallel opposed fields (total 4 Gy each treatment) with one additional cisplatin treatment. Two years after initial presentation, the animal showed no recurrence of neoplasia.     

Effects on plasma endotoxin and eicosanoid concentrations and serum cytokine activities in horses competing in a 48-, 83-, or 159-km endurance ride under similar terrain and weather conditions

OBJECTIVE: To determine plasma endotoxin concentration in horses competing in a 48-, 83-, or 159-km endurance race and its importance with regard to physical, hematologic, or serum and plasma biochemical variables. ANIMAL: 3 horses. PROCEDURE: Weight and rectal temperature measurements and blood samples were obtained before, during, and after exercise. Blood samples were analyzed for plasma endotoxin concentration; serum antiendotoxin antibody titers; thromboxane B2 (TxB2) and 6-keto-prostaglandin F1alpha (PGF1alpha) concentrations; tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) activities; WBC, plasma protein, lactate, serum electrolyte, and calcium concentrations; PCV; and creatine kinase activity. RESULTS: Detection of plasma endotoxin increased during exercise for horses competing at all distances but occurred more frequently in the 48- and 83-km groups. Plasma lactate concentration was significantly greater when endotoxin was concurrently detected. Endotoxin in plasma was not significantly associated with success of race completion. Plasma TxB2 and PGF1alpha concentrations and serum IL-6 activity significantly increased with exercise. Horses that had an excellent fitness level (as perceived by their owners) had greater decreases in serum antiendotoxin antibody titers during exercise than did horses perceived as less fit. In horses with better finish times, TxB2 and PGF1alpha concentrations were significantly greater and TNFalpha activity was significantly less than that of slower horses. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Endotoxemia developed during endurance racing, but was significantly correlated with increased plasma lactate concentration and not with other variables indicative of endotoxemia. Plasma TxB2 and PGF1alpha concentrations and serum TNFalpha activity may be associated with performance success.