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Background Menopausal symptoms are common among middle-aged women. Working women with severe menopausal symptoms are more likely to experience presenteeism—a condition where employees continue to work despite feeling unwell. However, it remains unclear as to which specific symptoms women experience during the menopausal transition and postmenopausal periods that primarily contribute to presenteeism. Aims To evaluate the associations between types of menopausal symptoms and presenteeism among Japanese women. Methods A cross-sectional study of 4000 women aged 40–59 years who were currently working was conducted in Japan in September 2022. We used an online self-administered questionnaire that included items on demographic characteristics, the Menopause Rating Scale for measuring menopausal symptoms and the Work Functioning Impairment Scale for measuring presenteeism. Logistic regression analysis was performed. Results Women with severe overall menopausal symptoms had 12.18-fold (95% confidence interval [CI] 9.09–16.33, P  < 0.001) increased odds of presenteeism compared with those without symptoms. Participants with psychological symptoms also had significantly higher presenteeism (severe: odds ratio: 9.18, 95% CI 6.60–12.78, P  < 0.001). However, after controlling for psychological symptoms, there were no significant associations between somatic and urogenital symptoms and presenteeism. Conclusions The results indicate that menopausal symptoms, especially psychological symptoms, have a significant impact on presenteeism among Japanese women. Organizations need to address menopausal symptoms in the workplace, with an emphasis on reducing work-related stress for women with menopausal symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Presenteeism is an important factor in workers' health. However, few studies have examined how variables such as socio-economic status, health status, workplace status and health literacy correlate with and affect presenteeism. Aims To assess the correlates of presenteeism with a focus on health-related factors, work-related factors and health literacy. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study of 2914 Japanese workers from one company. We used a self-administered questionnaire to assess socio-demographic characteristics, health status, work environment, presenteeism and health literacy. Results Forty-one per cent of participants were under 40 years of age and 70% were male. We found that 59% of the participants were at high risk of presenteeism. Presenteeism was associated with sex, age, household income, marital status, health-related factors (i.e. self-rated health status, dietary choices, exercise habits), work-related factors (i.e. workplace support, job demands, job control) and health literacy. Logistic regression analyses indicated that presenteeism was associated with self-rated health status, overtime hours, workplace support, job demands, job control and health literacy after adjusting for sex, age and income. Conclusions Health-related factors, work-related factors and health literacy are all associated with presenteeism. Improving the workplace environment, especially factors such as overtime working hours, workplace support, job demands and job control, and increasing health literacy may reduce presenteeism among general office workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Two major definitions exist for presenteeism: sickness presenteeism and impaired work function. The evidence for comparing previous studies on presenteeism is insufficient because of the different definitions of presenteeism used. Aims To assess the relationship between the two major definitions of presenteeism. Methods This cross-sectional study analysed secondary data on 5334 respondents to an employee survey administered in a construction company in Japan. Impaired work function was measured using the Work Functioning Impairment Scale (WFun). Multiple logistic regression was performed. Results A strong linear association was observed between the number of days of sickness presenteeism and impaired work function (all P < 0.001). In contrast, the number of days of sickness absence was only partially positively associated with impaired work function. All choices for most frequent health problem were positively associated with impaired work function, beginning with mental problems (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 20.45, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 14.94–28.01), followed by malaise (adjusted OR = 11.91, 95% CI: 9.08–15.62) and sleeping problems (adjusted OR = 8.62, 95% CI: 6.57–11.33). Conclusions A strong relationship was observed between the two major definitions of presenteeism, even after adjusting for a variety of chronic health conditions. Although a consensus on the definition of presenteeism is yet to be reached, this study provides insight on comparing existing studies on presenteeism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Paramedics need to be in good physical health to be able to respond to emergencies. We hypothesized that near misses by paramedics and unanticipated incidents that cause no harm may be associated with presenteeism during emergency rescues. Aims To examine the association between presenteeism and near misses among paramedics. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 254 paramedics using a self-administered questionnaire. Presenteeism was measured using the work functioning impairment scale (WFun). Results Twelve per cent of respondents experienced high work function impairment indicating presenteeism. The rate of near-miss experiences steadily increased with increasing work function impairment among paramedics (WFun score category: middle, odds ratio (OR) 3.62, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.62–8.11; high, OR 4.36, 95% CI 1.37–13.84; very high, OR 8.62, 95% CI 2.09–35.48). Conclusions This study demonstrated a positive relationship between impaired work function indicating presenteeism and near misses among paramedics. This suggests that presenteeism may be associated with errors that have the potential to cause serious accidents. Improved access to treatment for frequent health problems may reduce the number of incidents among paramedics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on a study which investigated interdiffusion between sputter-deposited thin Y-Ba-Cu-O films and Al[sub2]O[sub3] substrates using Rutherford backscattering spectrometry. Procedures for evaluating diffusivities; Results and discussion; Conclusion.

Examines the time evolution of both Rutherford backscattering spectra and scanning electron microscope (SEM) images during annealing to investigate the interdiffusion properties between thin Y-Ba-Cu-O films of compositions near YBa[sub2]Cu[sub3]O[sub7-y] and MgO substrates. Preparation of single-crystal and amorphous Y-Ba-Cu-O films; SEM images of arsenic-deposited films.

In this study, plasma MMP-9 activity was evaluated in cats with lymphoma. Plasma samples were obtained from 26 cats with lymphoma before treatment. From 13 of the included 26 cats, plasma samples were obtained 4 weeks after the initiation of treatment. Plasma samples were also obtained from 10 healthy cats as a control. Plasma MMP-9 activity was examined by gelatin zymography and semi-quantitative value (arbitrary unit; a.u.) for each sample was calculated. Relatively high levels of MMP-9 were observed in cats with lymphoma compared with those in healthy control cats. MMP-9 quantification through zymography showed significantly higher activity in cats with lymphoma (median, 0.63 a.u.; range, 0.23-3.24 a.u.) than in healthy controls (0.22 a.u.; 0.12-0.46 a.u.; P < 0.01). MMP-9 activities were significantly different before (0.73 a.u.; 0.30-3.24 a.u.) and after treatment (0.50 a.u.; 0.14-1.32 a.u.; P = 0.017). Measuring plasma MMP-9 activity in cats with lymphoma may become an appropriate monitoring tool for feline lymphoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Decreased Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic phasic inhibitory transmission in the spinal cord is thought to be responsible for the development of neuropathic pain. However, the role of GABAergic tonic current in substantia gelatinosa (SG) neurons in neuropathic pain remains to be fully elucidated. In this study, we assessed GABAergic tonic currents of SG neurons in a sciatic nerve chronic constriction injury (CCI) mouse.Method: Whole-cell patch clamp recordings form lumbar spinal cord slices was performed to evaluate GABAergic currents. We also investigated the expression changes of GABAA receptor subunits which are considered to mediate tonic currents.Results: The percentage of SG neurons receiving GABAergic tonic currents decreased in CCI mice compared with Naïve mice. No significant change was observed in the mean amplitude of GABAergic tonic currents. RT-PCR and Western blot revealed that the expression of GABAA receptor δ subunits decreased following CCI.Conclusion: A reduction in the expression the δ subunit of the GABAA receptor and diminished GABAergic tonic current in SG neurons were observed after CCI in mice. GABAergic tonic current plays a key role in neuropathic pain. The GABAA receptor δ subunit may be a therapeutic target in neuropathic pain. WHAT DOES THIS STUDY ADD?: In spinal SG neurons, GABAergic inhibitory transmission operates through both phasic and tonic currents, but physiological role is largely unknown. In this study, we report dysregulation of GABAA receptor δ subunit-mediated tonic current in SG neurons may result in spinal disinhibition resulting in neuropathic pain in CCI mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Satellite for next generation mobile satellite communication service with small personal terminal requires onboard antenna with very large aperture reflector larger than twenty meters diameter because small personal terminal with lower power consumption in ground base requires the large onboard reflector with high antenna gain. But, large deployable antenna will deform in orbit because the antenna is not a solid dish but the flexible structure with fine cable and mesh supported by truss. Deformation of reflector shape deteriorate the antenna performance and quality and stability of communication service. However, in case of digital beam forming antenna with phased array can modify the antenna beam performance due to adjustment of excitation amplitude and excitation phase. If we can measure the reflector shape precisely in orbit, beam pattern and antenna performance can be compensated with the updated excitation amplitude and excitation phase parameters optimized for the reflector shape measured every moment. Softbank Corporation and National Institute of Information and Communications Technology has started the project "R&D on dynamic beam control technique for next generation mobile communication satellite" as a contracted research project sponsored by Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication of Japan. In this topic, one of the problem in vision metrology application is a strong constraints on geometry for camera arrangement on satellite bus with very limited space. On satellite in orbit, we cannot take many images from many different directions as ordinary vision metrology measurement and the available area for camera positioning is quite limited. Feasibility of vision metrology application and general methodology to apply to future mobile satellite communication satellite is to be found. Our approach is as follows: 1) Development of prototyping simulator to evaluate the expected precision for network design in zero order and first order 2) Trial measurement for large structure with similar dimension with large deployable reflector to confirm the validity of the network design and instrumentation. In this report, the overview of this R&D project and the results of feasibility study of network design based on simulations on vision metrology and beam pattern compensation of antenna with very large reflector in orbit is discussed. The feasibility of assumed network design for vision metrology and satisfaction of accuracy requirements are discussed. The feasibility of beam pattern compensation by using accurately measured reflector shape is confirmed with antenna pattern simulation for deformed parabola reflector. If reflector surface of communication satellite can be measured routinely in orbit, the antenna pattern can be compensated and maintain the high performance every moment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:Sessile serrated adenomas/polyps (SSA/Ps) are a putative precursor of colon cancer with microsatellite instability (MSI). However, the developmental mechanism of SSA/P remains unknown. We performed genetic analysis and genome-wide DNA methylation analysis in aberrant crypt foci (ACF), SSA/P, and cancer in SSA/P specimens to show a close association between ACF and the SSA/P-cancer sequence. We also evaluated the prevalence and number of ACF in SSA/P patients.Methods:ACF in the right-side colon were observed in 36 patients with SSA/Ps alone, 2 with cancers in SSA/P, and 20 normal subjects and biopsied under magnifying endoscopy. B-RAF mutation and MSI were analysed by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and PCR-SSCP, respectively, in 15 ACF, 20 SSA/P, and 2 cancer specimens. DNA methylation array analysis of seven ACF, seven SSA/P, and two cancer in SSA/P specimens was performed using the microarray-based integrated analysis of methylation by isochizomers (MIAMI) method.Results:B-RAF mutations were frequently detected in ACF, SSA/P, and cancer in SSA/P tissues. The number of methylated genes increased significantly in the order of ACF

X-chromosome inactivation pattern (XCIP) analysis has been widely used to assess cell clonality in various types of human neoplasms. In this study, a polymerase chain reaction–based canine XCIP analysis of the androgen receptor (AR) gene was applied for the assessment of cell clonality in canine hematopoietic tumors. This XCIP analysis is based on the polymorphic CAG repeats in the AR gene and the difference of methylation status between active and inactive X chromosomes. We first examined the polymorphisms of 2 CAG tandem repeats in the AR gene in 52 male and 150 female dogs of various breeds. The 2 polymorphic CAG repeats contained 9 to 12 and 10 to 14 CAGs in the first and second CAG repeats, respectively. Of the 150 female dogs, 74 (49.3%) were heterozygous for the first and/or second polymorphic CAG tandem repeats, indicating the utility of XCIP analysis in these dogs. Canine XCIP analysis was then applied to clinical samples from female dogs with canine high-grade lymphoma, chronic myelogenous leukemia, acute myelogenous leukemia, and benign lymph node hyperplasia. Of 10 lymphoma cell samples, 9 (90%) showed skewed XCIPs, indicating their clonal origins, whereas all the nonneoplastic lymph node samples showed balanced XCIPs. Moreover, bone marrow specimen from a dog with acute myelogenous leukemia and peripheral leukocyte specimens from 2 dogs with chronic myelogenous leukemia showed skewed XCIPs. XCIP analysis was successfully employed to demonstrate the cell clonality of canine hematopoietic tumors in this study and will be applicable to evaluate the clonality in various proliferative disorders in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Context. In acute glufosinate poisoning, sudden respiratory arrest and convulsion can occur after a latent period of 4-60 h. There is still no factor that accurately predicts the occurrence of these symptoms. Objective. To elucidate the predictors of severe effects following acute glufosinate poisoning. Materials and methods. This study is a retrospective observational case series. The subjects were 16 patients who had acute glufosinate poisoning. They were divided into a group with respiratory arrest or convulsion during hospitalization (severe group) and a group without (non-severe group). The following characteristics (or predictors) were compared between the groups: age, sex, calculated amount of glufosinate (volume of ingested poison (glufosinate-containing herbicide) × glufosinate concentration of the product), time duration from poison ingestion to arrival at our hospital, use of gastric lavage, use of whole bowel irrigation, Glasgow Coma Scale, laboratory parameters, PaO2/FiO2 ratio (P/F ratio), shock index, and presence or absence of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) on arrival. Results. The P/F ratio was significantly lower in the severe group than in the non-severe group (median, 287.5 vs. 409.0; P = 0.049). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted for the predictor of increasing severity based on the P/F ratio. The area under the curve was 0.714, and the optimal cutoff point for increasing severity was 374.0. The sensitivity was 75.0%, specificity of 71.4%, and accuracy of 75.0%. The shock index was significantly higher (median, 0.52 vs. 0.41; P = 0.031). Significantly more patients had SIRS in the severe group than in the non-severe group ( P = 0.015). Logistic regression analysis was performed with a backward elimination procedure. SIRS was selected as the independent predictor of increasing severity (odds ratio, 29.810; 95% confidence interval, 1.011-878.952; P = 0.049). Discussion and conclusion. Severe effects following acute glufosinate poisoning were associated with two positive SIRS criteria. A low P/F ratio may be useful for predicting the occurrence of respiratory complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims. We present the results of Suzaku observations of a nearby galaxy cluster, A76 at z = 0.0395. This cluster is characterized by extremely low X-ray surface brightness and is hereafter referred to as the LSB cluster. We investigate the nature and thermodynamic evolution of the LSB cluster by studying the physical properties of the hot intracluster medium in A76. Methods. We conducted two-pointed Suzaku observations of A76 and examined the global gas properties of the cluster by XIS spectral analysis. We also performed deprojection analysis of annular spectra and derived radial profiles of gas temperature, density, and entropy out to approximately 850 kpc (∼0.6r200) in A76 East and 560 kpc (∼0.4r200) in A76West. Results. The measured global temperature and metal abundance are approximately 3.3 keV and 0.24 solar, respectively. From the deprojection analysis, the entropy profile is found to be flat with respect to radius. The entropy within the central region (r < 0.2r200) is exceptionally high (∼400 keVcm2), a phenomenon that is not readily explained by either gravitational heating or preheating. The X-ray morphology is clumped and irregular, and the electron density is extremely low (10-4-10-3 cm-3) for the observed high temperature, suggesting that A76 is in the early phase of cluster formation and that the gas compression due to gravitational potential confinement is lagging behind the gas heating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim The annual incidence of colonic diverticular bleeding is increasing, but treatments are not yet well established. Here we aimed to identify the risk factors for early re-bleeding and to determine the associated duration of hospitalization. Method Records of 90 emergent patients with colonic diverticular bleeding between 1999 and May 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. They were divided into an early re-bleeding within 1 month group ( n = 24) and a no re-bleeding group ( n = 66) and we investigated the risk factors for early re-bleeding. In the former group, we calculated the time from the first haemostasis to early re-bleeding and the associated duration of hospitalization. Results Univariate analysis showed that there were significantly more patients with signs of shock ( P = 0.00055) and active bleeding on the first colonoscopy after admission ( P = 0.020) in the early re-bleeding group. Multivariate conditional logistic regression analysis using stepwise variable selection showed that signs of shock on admission (odds ratio, 5.23; 95% confidence interval, 1.84-14.90; P = 0.0019) remained statistically significant. All patients who re-bled without signs of shock ( n = 7) and 16 of 17 with signs of shock re-bled within 126 h (5.25 days) of initial hospitalization. Conclusion Shock was an independent risk factor for early re-bleeding. The associated duration of hospitalization was 6 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Although immunoglobulin A (IgA) plays a key role in regulating gut homeostasis, its role in canine inflammatory bowel disease ( IBD) is unknown. Hypothesis IgA expression may be altered in dogs with IBD, unlike that observed in healthy dogs and dogs with other gastrointestinal diseases. Animals Thirty-seven dogs with IBD, 10 dogs with intestinal lymphoma, and 20 healthy dogs. Methods Prospective study. IgA and IgG concentrations in serum, feces, and duodenal samples were measured by ELISA. IgA+ cells in duodenal lamina propria and IgA+ CD21+ peripheral blood mononuclear cells ( PBMCs) were examined by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry, respectively. Duodenal expression of the IgA-inducing cytokine transforming growth factor β ( TGF-β), B cell activating factor ( BAFF), and a proliferation-inducing ligand ( APRIL) was quantified by real-time RT- PCR. Results Compared to healthy dogs, dogs with IBD had significantly decreased concentrations of IgA in fecal and duodenal samples. The number of IgA+ CD21+ PBMCs and IgA+ cells in duodenal lamina propria was significantly lower in dogs with IBD than in healthy dogs or dogs with intestinal lymphoma. Duodenal BAFF and APRIL m RNA expression was significantly higher in IBD dogs than in the healthy controls. Duodenal TGF-β m RNA expression was significantly lower in dogs with IBD than in healthy dogs and dogs with intestinal lymphoma. Conclusions and Clinical Importance IBD dogs have decreased IgA concentrations in feces and duodenum and fewer IgA+ PBMCs, which might contribute to development of chronic enteritis in dogs with IBD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

X-chromosome inactivation pattern (XCIP) analysis has been widely used to assess cell clonality in various types of neoplasms in humans. In the present study, a polymerase chain reaction–based feline XCIP analysis using the feline androgen receptor gene was developed. To construct the system of the analysis, polymorphism in CAG tandem repeats within the feline androgen receptor gene was explored using somatic DNAs from 50 male and 103 female cats. CAG tandem repeats in exon 1 of the feline androgen receptor gene were found to be polymorphic, containing 15 to 22 CAG repeats. Of the 103 female cats, 70 (68%) were heterozygous for the number of CAG repeats, indicating the possible usefulness of XCIP analysis in cats. Application of the feline XCIP analysis to 3 feline mammary gland adenocarcinoma cell lines revealed distinctly skewed XCIPs in these cell lines, indicating their clonal origins. Twelve (80%) of the 15 primary tissue/cell samples obtained from cats with various neoplastic diseases showed skewed XCIPs. Moreover, bone marrow samples from 3 cats with myelodysplastic syndrome were also found to have skewed XCIPs. The polymerase chain reaction–based XCIP analysis developed in this study can provide information on cell clonality in female cats, potentially facilitating the differential diagnosis of various disorders in cats. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Takeuchi, Y., Fujino, Y., Fukushima, K., Watanabe, M., Nakagawa, T., Ohno, K., Sasaki, N., Sugano, S., Tsujimoto, H. Biological effect of tyrosine kinase inhibitors on three canine mast cell tumor cell lines with various KIT statuses. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. 35, 97-104. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) can be important in the treatment of canine mast cell tumor (cMCT). Meanwhile, some TKIs have been identified as substrates for ABCB1. The inhibitory effect of four TKIs (axitinib, imatinib, masitinib, and vatalanib) for proliferation and phosphorylation of c-Kit receptor as well as the expression and function of ABCB1 were investigated in three cMCT cell lines (HRMC, VIMC1, and CMMC1). The IC50 values of the TKIs in HRMC, the only cell line with wild-type KIT, were clearly higher than those in CMMC1 and VIMC1. In HRMC and CMMC1, both the growth and phosphorylation of c-Kit receptor were suppressed proportionally by the TKIs. VIMC1 required higher concentrations for the inhibition of c-Kit receptor phosphorylation than those in cell growth. The treatment with cyclosporine increased the effects of the TKIs on VIMC1 since ABCB1 was expressed in VIMC1. The results indicated that cMCT cell lines harboring wild-type KIT had lower sensitivity to TKIs . The growth of VIMC1 was seemingly reduced by TKIs through the inhibition of other tyrosine kinases than c-Kit receptor. There was little influence of ABCB1 on TKI effects to the proliferation of VIMC1. These results will be helpful to understand the different sensitivity to TKIs in cMCT patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Vincristine induces gastrointestinal motility disorders in humans. Adverse gastrointestinal events are commonly observed in dogs receiving vincristine. Objectives To evaluate gastric motility after vincristine administration in dogs and the prophylactic effect of a prokinetic agent, mosapride. Animals Five healthy Beagle dogs. Methods Five dogs received vincristine IV at a dosage of 0.75 mg/m2. The motility index ( MI) of the antral contraction was ultrasonographically evaluated 30 minutes postfeeding before administration of vincristine and for 6 days after vincristine treatment. After a 6-week washout period, the dogs received vincristine with mosapride (2 mg/kg PO, q24h for 6 days), and the MI was re-evaluated. Adverse gastrointestinal events were evaluated according to the Veterinary Co-operative Group Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events ( VCOG- CTCAE). Results After vincristine administration, a significant decrease ( P < .05) in MI was observed on days 3 (6.64 ± 0.30) and 4 (8.02 ± 0.94), compared with pretreatment levels (10.00 ± 0.62). Gastrointestinal adverse events were observed in 4 dogs (grade 2 decreased appetite: 3 dogs; grade 1 vomiting: 2 dogs; and grade 1 diarrhea and grade 2 hematochezia: 1 dog). When mosapride citrate was administered with vincristine and for the next 5 days, no decrease in MI was observed. Furthermore, adverse gastrointestinal events occurred less frequently (grade 1 vomiting and grade 2 hematochezia in 1 dog each). Conclusions and Clinical Importance Vincristine (0.75 mg/m2) induces gastric hypomotility in dogs. Preventive administration of mosapride citrate (2.0 mg/kg PO, q24h) improves hypomotility and may decrease the adverse gastrointestinal effects of vincristine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the expression levels of genes that are related to hepatic fibrosis. Information on chronic hepatitis in dogs is provided together with hepatic fibrosis. Fifteen dogs that are diagnosed with canine chronic hepatitis/cirrhosis are presented along with the processes involved for ribonucleic acid (RNA) isolation, the quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis, and histologic procedures. Histopathologic evaluation is discussed highlighting the correlation between the degree of fibrosis and gene expression.

This paper discusses the development of bridge monitoring in Japan. Firstly, the background of the development of bridge monitoring is described. The need for monitoring was originally influenced by geographical conditions. Due to the fact that Japan is prone to natural disasters and has a severe environment for deterioration; monitoring of the environment and loading conditions with respect to natural hazards has been conducted for several decades. In the last decade, bridge monitoring has extended its function as an instrument for an efficient stock management. Based on the accumulation of bridge stock and concentrated construction in former years, many bridges in Japan are expected to have serious deterioration problems within the next decade. The second part of the paper describes the concept of bridge monitoring as an essential part of risk reduction. To improve bridge safety, monitoring technologies for risk and vulnerability are implemented. In this concept, structural health monitoring serves as a tool for vulnerability monitoring. The third part of the paper outlines strategies implemented for bridge monitoring in Japan. They are categorised into three main groups according to the purpose of monitoring: natural hazard and environment condition, effective stock management, and failure prevention. Examples of bridge monitoring systems that implement these strategies and the lessons learned from monitoring experiences are also presented in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We developed previously a minimal residual disease (MRD) monitoring system in dogs with lymphoma by exploring a highly sensitive real-time PCR system. To identify the change in MRD before clinical relapse in dogs with lymphoma that achieved complete remission after chemotherapy. Twenty dogs with multicentric high-grade B-cell lymphoma. MRD levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were measured by real-time PCR amplifying the rearranged immunoglobulin heavy chain gene. MRD measurement and clinical assessment were performed every 2-4 weeks for 28-601 days after completion of chemotherapy. An increase in MRD was defined as an increase by more than 0.5, calculated by log[copy number of MRD per 10 PBMCs], based on the uncertainty level observed in a canine lymphoma cell line. During the follow-up period, 15 dogs relapsed in 28-320 days (median, 120 days) after completion of chemotherapy. An increase in MRD was detected 2 weeks or more before relapse in 14 of the 15 dogs, but an increase in MRD before relapse could not be detected in the remaining 1 dog. The time from increased MRD to clinical relapse was 0-63 days (median, 42 days). In contrast, no increase in MRD was detected in 5 dogs that did not experience clinical relapse. An increase in MRD can be detected before clinical relapse in dogs with lymphoma. Application of early reinduction therapy based on an increase in MRD before clinical relapse may improve treatment outcome in canine lymphoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cytoreductive efficacy of the individual components of multidrug chemotherapy for canine lymphoma is difficult to evaluate after complete remission. To compare the cytoreductive efficacy of vincristine (VCR), cyclophosphamide (CPA), and doxorubicin (DXR) in dogs that received a 6-month modified version of the University of Wisconsin-Madison chemotherapy protocol (UW-25). Twenty-nine dogs with high-grade B-cell multicentric lymphoma. Rearranged immunoglobulin heavy chain gene fragments from lymphoma cells were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequenced to prepare clone-specific primers and probes for real-time PCR. The number of lymphoma cells in peripheral blood was measured from diagnosis to week 11 of UW-25. The number of lymphoma cells after the 1st administration of VCR, CPA, and DXR in weeks 1-4 was decreased in 29/29 (100%), 15/29 (51.7%), and 26/27 (96.3%) dogs, respectively. The cytoreductive efficacy of CPA was less than that of VCR and DXR. VCR, CPA, and DXR administered in weeks 6-9 were effective in 5/26 (19.2%), 5/20 (25.0%), and 14/19 (73.7%) dogs, respectively, indicating the sustained cytoreductive efficacy of DXR. CPA nonresponders were heavier and exhibited a shorter 1st remission than CPA responders. When using UW-25 for treatment of canine lymphoma, CPA was found to have less cytoreductive efficacy than VCR and DXR. Real-time PCR-based quantification of tumor cells is an objective marker of the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]