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Lentiviral vectors are vectors of choice for many gene therapy applications. Recently, efficient targeting of lentiviral vectors pseudotyped with the Measles virus (MV) glycoproteins has been reported. However, MV antibodies in patients might limit the clinical use of these vectors. We demonstrate here that lentiviral vectors can also be pseudotyped with the glycoproteins of Tupaia paramyxovirus (TPMV), the hemagglutinin (H) and fusion (F) protein. As this animal paramyxovirus has no known close relatives in humans, we do not expect TPMV antibodies in patients. Because TPMV normally does not infect human cells, 'detargeting' from natural receptors is unnecessary. Similar to the MV system, TPMV glycoproteins can mediate targeted cell entry by displaying different single-chain antibodies (scAb) directed against surface molecules on target cells on the viral hemagglutinin. We generated a panel of H and F proteins with truncated cytoplasmic tails and determined the variants that efficiently pseudotyped lentiviral vectors. The B-cell marker CD20 was used as a model antigen, and CD20-targeted TPMV vectors selectively transduced CD20-positive cells, including quiescent primary human B-cells. Lentiviral vectors pseudotyped with targeted TPMV envelope proteins might be a valuable vector choice when systemic application of targeted lentiviral vectors in humans is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With 3 figures Summary To document computed tomographic topography of salivary glands and their ducts in dogs, a retrograde filling with methylcellulose and iodinated contrast medium was performed in three cadavers. Demarcation of the parotid, mandibular and zygomatic glands was achieved. Surrounding structures were imaged without beam hardening artefacts. Landmarks for the parotid, mandibular and zygomatic glands were the external acoustic canal, the mandibular angle and the pterygopalatine fossa, respectively. Sialograms of the parotid, mandibular and zygomatic ducts were achieved, whereas neither the sublingual glands nor their ducts could be contrasted. The images provide a three-dimensional visualization of the salivary glands and their ducts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With 2 figures A curvilinear opacity of the seventh vertebral arch and an adjacent focal lucency of the seventh lumbar vertebral body were incidentally noted in routine radiographs. The aim of this study was to analyze this radiographic absorption pattern using a sample of 51 dogs. Images of the bony surface of three macerated lumbosacral junctions were compared to their laterolateral radiographs and computed tomographic (CT) scans. Additional 48 lateral radiographic projections were reviewed for presence or absence of L7 opacity and lucency, length of the L6 and L7 vertebral bodies, vertebral disc disease, osteochondrosis, or spondylosis. Retrieved data were compiled and statistically analyzed. Radiographs and CT scans of the macerated bones revealed that the L7 pedicle had thickened layers of compact bone and the adjacent vertebral notch varying depth and extension. Superimposition of the pedicle on the vertebral body resulted in a curvilinear opacity (L7 opacity), the vertebral notch caused the focal lucency (L7 lucency). These findings were present in 69% of the reviewed radiographs and were found to be significantly associated with L6–L7 length ratios of less than 0.86 ( P = 0.003). It is hypothesized that the changes correspond with normal anatomic morphology of the seventh lumbar vertebra plus adaptive bone remodelling. The importance of this study is that it could help avoid misinterpretation of this appearance as a pathologic condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To document normal lymph nodes on computed tomographic images, 102 scans were reviewed of dogs that had computed tomography (CT) of the head and upper cervical region. If lymph nodes were identified, symmetry, density, homogeneity, and size, as well as the relation to the surrounding fat tissue were noted. CT images with distinct asymmetric, enlarged, and obliterated lymph nodes were excluded. To improve the detailed anatomical topography, corresponding E12 plastinated-embedded sections of a dog were used. Compared with muscle tissue, normal lymph nodes were slightly hypodense and had a homogeneous parenchyma. Mandibular and retropharyngeal lymphocentres could be seen consistently and CT proved to be a useful method both to detect their presence and to assess their morphology. It was not possible to identify the parotid lymph node consistently because of the lack of tissue contrast at the lymph node-gland interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) findings of acute desmopathy of the lateral collateral sesmoidean (navicular) ligament (CSL) in a 13-year-old Hanoverian mare are presented. On admission to the clinic the horse showed a grade 5/6 left front-limb lameness at the walk, pain on coffin joint manipulation, and coffin joint effusion. Despite a positive palmar digital nerve block, radiographs and ultrasonography did not indicate reasons for the severe clinical signs. However, MRI revealed damage to the CSL and bone marrow oedema of the navicular bone (NB), whereas a focal bone defect of the NB at the CSL insertion zone was demonstrated best by CT. The horse was managed with complete box rest and a fibreglass cast for four weeks followed by a controlled exercise program. Follow-up examination revealed no lameness at the trot three months later and the patient had fully recovered within six months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to identify and describe structures of the temporal bone in normal dogs that can be depicted using computed tomography (CT). Five normal dogs of different breeds and both sexes ranging from 0.5 to 8 years were used as the study material. CT images of 2 mm thickness without abnormalities in the temporal bone were reviewed and analysed in bone and soft tissue settings. All images were compared with corresponding E 12 plastic-embedded cross sections of 3 mm thickness, which were acquired from anatomic cross sections of frozen beagles. The sections were provided from the Department of Pathobiology (Institute of Anatomy). CT is able to image all relevant bony structures within the temporal bone. Concerning soft tissue structures, CT allows their localization by using bony markers, i.e. the internal acustic meatus for the cranial nerves VII and VIII or the canals for the internal carotid artery and the temporal sinus. The provided reference images are meant to improve orientation within the complex anatomy of the temporal bone. On condition that slice thickness is equal to or smaller than 2 mm and bony setting is supplied, CT is able to visualize all relevant structures within the temporal bone. However, in clinical settings the combined look on air, liquids and bone as well as the contrast enhancement of soft tissues might prefer magnetic resonance imaging to CT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autoimmune encephalitis (AE) is an important cause of encephalitis in humans and occurs at a similar rate to infectious encephalitis. It is frequently associated with antibodies against the extracellular domain of neuronal proteins. Among human AE, that with antibodies against leucine-rich glioma-inactivated 1 (LGI1) is one of the most prevalent forms, and was recently described in cats with limbic encephalitis (LE). In this study, we describe a large cohort (n = 32) of cats with AE, tested positive for voltage gated potassium channel (VGKC)-antibodies, of which 26 (81%) harboured LGI1-antibodies. We delineate their clinical and paraclinical features as well as long-term outcomes up to 5 years. Similar to human cases, most cats with LGI1-antibodies had a history of focal seizures (83%), clustering in the majority (88%), with interictal behavioural changes (73%). Among feline AE patients, there was no seizure type or other clinical characteristic that could distinguish LGI1-antibody positive from negative cats, unlike the pathognomic faciobrachial dystonic seizures seen in humans. Although six cats were euthanased in the first year for epilepsy-associated reasons, those attaining at least 1-year survival had good seizure control and quality of life with appropriate veterinary care and medication. Acute-phase immunotherapy (prednisolone) was given to the most severely unwell cases and its effect is retrospectively evaluated in 10 cats. Our data show LGI1-antibodies are an important cause of feline encephalitis, sharing many features with human AE. Further research should examine optimal therapeutic management strategies and the cause of LE in seronegative cats, building on paradigms established in the counterpart human disease. • Antibodies against leucine-rich glioma-inactivated 1 (LGI1) were studied. • They were associated with epileptic seizures and limbic encephalitis (LE) in cats. • Feline LE presented with focal seizures, often clustering, and behavioural changes. • Blood and cerebrospinal fluid analysis and brain imaging was often unremarkable. • Some cats were refractory to treatment but others attained good long-term outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fresh cadaveric lumbar spines of 20 adult large breed dogs were used to study the sixth and seventh lumbar spinal nerves along their course through their respective intervertebral foramen. The relationship between the periosteum lining the vertebral canal (endorhachis; peridural membrane) and the vessels inside the vertebral canal, and the relationship between the nerves and the wall of the intervertebral foramen and the extraspinal suspensory apparatus were investigated. Each intervertebral foramen contained a fibrous septum that divided it into two sub-compartments by connecting the fibrous capsule of the facet joints with the intervertebral disc and the adjoining vertebral body. The lumbar nerves and the main artery passed through the cranial sub-compartment and the main vein passed through the caudal sub-compartment. In all cases, there was a circumneural sleeve that connected the ventral branches of the lumbar nerves extraspinally with the fibrous capsule of the facet joints dorsally, the fibrous septum caudally, and the caudal vertebral notch and accessory process cranioven-trally. The deep layer of the circumneural sleeve was formed by the periosteum lining the vertebral canal pouching laterally through the intervertebral foramen; the superficial (lateral) layer was formed by the deep sheet of the thoracolumbar fascia. The deep sheet of the thoracolumbar fascia continued cranially and caudally to the circumneural sleeve to attach it to the vertebral body and the intervertebral disc. Regional and individual differences were noted in the composition and length of the circumneural sleeve. The potential biomechanical and clinical roles of these variations are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With 3 figures and 2 tables Summary This retrospective analysis documented the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearance of normal salivary glands based on 101 studies in dogs with no detectable disease in the splanchnocranium. Surface, signal intensity, homogeneity, structure, symmetry and the relationship of glands to surrounding tissues were noted, and gland topography was assessed with E12 plastinated embedded sections. Signal intensity of salivary glands was isointense (7-40%) to hyperintense (60-90%) to muscle tissue on T1- and hyperintense on T2-weighted images. Salivary glands had an increased T1 signal after contrast medium was applied. Salivary gland structure appeared homogeneous in mandibular and major sublingual glands and heterogeneous in zygomatic and parotid glands. Consistent landmarks were the external auditory canal for parotid glands, the digastric muscle for mandibular and major sublingual glands, and the pterygopalatine fossa for zygomatic glands. The minor sublingual and ventral buccal glands could not be localized with low-field MRI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a high incidence of hereditary degenerative diseases of the central nervous system in purebred dogs. Cerebellar ataxia in Malinois puppies, caused by degenerative changes that predominate in cerebellar nuclei and the granular cell layer, is a hereditary disorder that is distinct from cerebellar cortical abiotrophies. Thirteen Malinois puppies with cerebellar ataxia. Retrospective study. Records of Malinois puppies with spongy degeneration of the cerebellar nuclei were analyzed including clinical signs, histopathological changes, and pedigree data. Signs of cerebellar dysfunction were observed in puppies of both sexes from 5 different litters (1995-2009) of phenotypically normal parents. Clinical signs started before the age of 2 months and resulted in euthanasia of all puppies by the age of 13 weeks. Histopathology disclosed marked bilateral spongy degeneration of the cerebellar nuclei and vacuoles in the granular cell layer and foliate white matter of the cerebellum. In some puppies, discrete vacuoles in gray and white matter were present in other parts of the brain. Furthermore, spheroids and dilated myelin sheaths were observed. Pedigree data and segregation frequency support an autosomal recessive hereditary disorder. Malinois suffer from a hereditary spongiform degeneration that predominates in the cerebellum and causes an early onset of clinical signs with unfavorable prognosis. Future efforts should increase awareness among veterinarians and breeders and aim to identify underlying metabolic mechanisms and the affected genes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gliomatosis cerebri is a rare tumourous disease of the central nervous system consisting of glial cells characterized by diffuse widespread infiltration and preservation of preformed brain structures. This report describes a case of gliomatosis cerebri in a 9-year-old, male, flat-coated retriever dog with central nervous symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain demonstrated ill-defined hyperintense zones of paramedian white matter within the right cerebral hemisphere, brainstem and cerebellum. Histological examination showed a proliferation of tumour cells in the brain structures mentioned. Glial fibrillary acidic protein-immunohistochemistry revealed a lot of fibres positively stained. Based on these findings, the alteration was diagnosed as gliomatosis cerebri. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the result of the study which assesses the effectiveness of ciclosporin in improving the survival time of dogs with granulomatous meningoencephalomyelitis (GME). The study was conducted to dogs administered with ciclosporin, while, another group was given corticosteroids and combination of both drugs. It was found that ciclosporin showed enhanced performance in treating the disease and was well tolerated compared to corticosteroids.

Quantitative computer tomographic analysis (qCTA) is an accurate but time intensive method used to quantify volume, mass and aeration of the lungs. The aim of this study was to validate a time efficient interpolation technique for application of qCTA in ponies. Forty-one thoracic computer tomographic (CT) scans obtained from eight anaesthetised ponies positioned in dorsal recumbency were included. Total lung volume and mass and their distribution into four compartments (non-aerated, poorly aerated, normally aerated and hyperaerated; defined based on the attenuation in Hounsfield Units) were determined for the entire lung from all 5 mm thick CT-images, 59 (55-66) per animal. An interpolation technique validated for use in humans was then applied to calculate qCTA results for lung volumes and masses from only 10,12, and 14 selected CT-images per scan. The time required for both procedures was recorded. Results were compared statistically using the Bland-Altman approach. The bias ± 2 SD for total lung volume calculated from interpolation of 10, 12, and 14 CT-images was -1.2 ± 5.8%, 0.1 ± 3.5%, and 0.0 ± 2.5%, respectively. The corresponding results for total lung mass were -1.1 ± 5.9%, 0.0 ± 3.5%, and 0.0 ± 3.0%. The average time for analysis of one thoracic CT-scan using the interpolation method was 1.5-2 h compared to 8 h for analysis of all images of one complete thoracic CT-scan. The calculation of pulmonary qCTA data by interpolation from 12 CT-images was applicable for equine lung CT-scans and reduced the time required for analysis by 75%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]