Editor—Familial testicular cancer has been extensively studied but its gene(s) locus is yet to be... more Editor—Familial testicular cancer has been extensively studied but its gene(s) locus is yet to be localised. This is probably related to the fact that the majority of these families are small with possibly reduced penetrance and genetic heterogeneity. Recently, an increase in CAG/CTG tract size was reported in five families examined and this germline transmission of expanded (CAG)n tracts was postulated to play a role in testicular tumorigenesis.1 Polycystic kidney disease is a genetically heterogeneous disease with at least three disease loci: one in chromosome 16 (PKD1), one in chromosome 4 (PKD2), and one or more yet to be determined.2 We describe here a family with familial testicular cancer and familial polycystic kidney disease (PKD1). The proband (fig 1, III.5) is a 50 year old white man with polycystic kidney disease and deteriorating …
Introduction Patients undergoing sleep studies can experience frequent and profound oxygen desatu... more Introduction Patients undergoing sleep studies can experience frequent and profound oxygen desaturation. Most hospitals have standard MET (Medical Emergency Team) call criteria which obligate a response to severe oxygen desaturation. At our tertiary institution this is “Pulse oximetry/oxygen saturation: < 90 despite oxygen administration”. For most sleep studies provision of oxygen overnight would not be appropriate. We sought to examine the proportion of our sleep study patients who would meet MET call criteria. Method We retrospectively examined the data of all sleep studies which were performed in our laboratory between 01/01/2021 and 30/04/2021. Demographic and pulse oximetry data was collected. Results We collected data from 448 studies (95 CPAP, 342 diagnostic, 9 Split, 2 other). Patients were 40% female, 49±15 (mean±SD) years old and had a median AHI of 10 events per hour. 290 (65%) patients had a nadir SpO2 of <90%. The percentage of patients below with nadir SpO2 of 8...
The effect of captopril on tumour growth was examined in a xenograft model of human renal cell ca... more The effect of captopril on tumour growth was examined in a xenograft model of human renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Inoculation of the human RCC cell line SN12K-1 (106 cells) under the left kidney capsule of severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice resulted in the growth of large tumours, with an increase in weight of the inoculated kidney of 3.69 ± 1.63-fold (mean ± s.d.) when compared with the contralateral normal kidney. In mice treated with captopril (19 mg kg-1 day-' or 94 mg kg-1 day-1 administered in the drinking water), there was a significant dose-related reduction in tumour development; the tumour bearing kidneys weighed 1.9 ± 0.42 and 1.55 ± 0.42 times the normal kidneys, respectively (P < 0.05 compared with untreated animals). In vitro, captopril at clinically achievable doses (0.1-10 ,UM) had no significant effect on the incorporation of [3H]thymidine into SN12K-1 cells. Thus, this highly significant attenuation by captopril of in vivo tumour growth does not appear to be due to a direct effect on the proliferation of the tumour cells. Further studies are required to determine the mechanism of inhibition of tumour growth by captopril, in particular to evaluate the role of angiotensin 11 in this process.
To estimate the proportion of canine tick-borne disease (CTBD) pathogens in dogs from northern st... more To estimate the proportion of canine tick-borne disease (CTBD) pathogens in dogs from northern states of Australia presenting with and without clinical signs/laboratory abnormalities suggestive of CTBD and to evaluate associated risk factors. Client-owned dogs presented to a general practice clinic in the Northern Territory (NT; n = 138) and five referral hospitals in south-east Queensland (SEQ; n = 100) were grouped into CTBD-suspect and -control groups based on clinical and laboratory criteria. Blood and sera were screened for haemotropic Mycoplasma spp., Babesia spp., Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp. and Hepatozoon spp. using microscopic examination, in-clinic ELISA testing and PCR assays. Dog-specific risk factors associated with the presence of CTBD pathogens were evaluated. Overall, 24.4% of the suspect group and 12.2% of the control group dogs were infected. The proportions of M. haemocanis, B. vogeli, A. platys, Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum, and C. Mycoplasma haemobos w...
Background: The recent detection of Rickettsia felis DNA in dogs in Australia suggests that dogs ... more Background: The recent detection of Rickettsia felis DNA in dogs in Australia suggests that dogs are potential mammalian reservoir hosts for this emerging rickettsia. To date, there is no published report addressing the seroprevalence of R. felis in dogs in Australia. Methods: Antigens for R. felis were produced by inoculating confluent XTC-2 monolayer cell cultures with three pools of cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) homogenates. Infection was confirmed by real-time (qPCR), conventional or nested PCRs targeting the ompB, gltA, 17 kDa and ompA genes. Two hundred and ninety-two dogs from Southeast Queensland and the Northern Territory were tested for the presence of R. felis antibodies using a microimmunofluorescence (IF) test and the seroprevalence and associated risk factors for exposure were determined using both uni-and multi-variate analyses. Results: Rickettsia felis was successfully isolated in cell culture from all three cat-flea pools. One hundred and fortyeight dogs (50.7%) showed seropositivity with titres ≥64 and 54 (18.5%) with titres ≥128. At antibody titres ≥64, dogs with active ectoparasite control were less likely to be seropositive to R. felis (OR: 2.60; 95% CI: 1.20-5.56). Conclusions: This first reported isolation of R. felis in cell culture in Australia allowed for the production of antigen for serological testing of dogs. Results of this serological testing reflects the ubiquitous exposure of dogs to R. felis and advocate for owner vigilance with regards to ectoparasite control on domestic pets.
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1), an autosomal dominant disease characterized by neopla... more Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1), an autosomal dominant disease characterized by neoplasia of the parathyroid glands, anterior pituitary and endocrine pancreas, is rarely reported in Asian populations, The MEN 1 gene, mapped to chromosome 11 q 13 but yet to be cloned, has been found to be homogeneous in Caucasian populations through linkage analysis. Here, two previously unreported Asian kindreds with MEN I are described; linkage analysis using microsatellite polymorphic markers in the MEN1 region was carried out. The first kindred, of Mongolian-Chinese origin, is a multigeneration family with over 150 living members, eight of whom are affected to
Objective To report on the failure of thalidomide to inhibit tumour growth in an animal model of ... more Objective To report on the failure of thalidomide to inhibit tumour growth in an animal model of human renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Materials and methods An orthotopic xenograft model of human RCC was used in which tumour cells were implanted in the left kidney of male 'severe combined immunodeficient' mice. Thalidomide was administered by intraperitoneal injection and after 34 days the mice were killed. The extent of tumour growth was compared in treated and untreated mice. Total RNA was extracted from both tumour-affected and contralateral kidneys, and analysed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction for various genes implicated in angiogenesis and metastasis in RCC. Results Thalidomide failed to inhibit the growth of xenograft tumours. The expression of angiogenic genes, e.g. vascular endothelial growth factor and fibroblast growth factor type 2 (FGF-2) within normal and tumour-affected kidney tissue was not reduced by thalidomide. Intratumoral transcription of b 3-integrin, a critical component of angiogenesis, was significantly increased in response to thalidomide treatment (P<0.01). There was also a trend to increased expression of FGF-2 and tumour necrosis factor-a in thalidomide-treated tumours. Conclusions These findings suggest that RCC is capable of adapting to the inhibitory effects of thalidomide. The current uncertainty surrounding the action of thalidomide in vivo warrants caution about its use in humans. Further studies of thalidomide should be carried out in animal models, particularly to establish its safety and effectiveness as part of a combined therapeutic strategy.
To determine the prevalence of canine vector-borne diseases (CVBD: Babesia spp., Anaplasma spp., ... more To determine the prevalence of canine vector-borne diseases (CVBD: Babesia spp., Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., haemotropic mycoplasmas and Hepatozoon) in Australian dogs; namely, dogs from pounds in south-east Queensland and an indigenous Aboriginal community in the north-east of the Northern Territory. Blood samples were collected from 100 pound dogs and 130 Aboriginal community dogs and screened for the CVBD pathogens using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). All positive PCR products were sequenced for species confirmation. In total, 3 pound dogs and 64 Aboriginal community dogs were infected with at least one CVBD pathogen. Overall, B. vogeli was detected in 13 dogs, A. platys in 49, M. haemocanis in 23, Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum in 3 and C. M. haemobos in 1 dog. Co-infections were detected in 22 Aboriginal community dogs. This study found B. vogeli, A. platys and haemotropic mycoplasma infections to be common in dogs in subtropical and tropical areas of Australia. This study also reports for the first time the prevalence and genetic characterisation of haemotropic mycoplasmas in dogs in Australia.
Editor—Familial testicular cancer has been extensively studied but its gene(s) locus is yet to be... more Editor—Familial testicular cancer has been extensively studied but its gene(s) locus is yet to be localised. This is probably related to the fact that the majority of these families are small with possibly reduced penetrance and genetic heterogeneity. Recently, an increase in CAG/CTG tract size was reported in five families examined and this germline transmission of expanded (CAG)n tracts was postulated to play a role in testicular tumorigenesis.1 Polycystic kidney disease is a genetically heterogeneous disease with at least three disease loci: one in chromosome 16 (PKD1), one in chromosome 4 (PKD2), and one or more yet to be determined.2 We describe here a family with familial testicular cancer and familial polycystic kidney disease (PKD1). The proband (fig 1, III.5) is a 50 year old white man with polycystic kidney disease and deteriorating …
Introduction Patients undergoing sleep studies can experience frequent and profound oxygen desatu... more Introduction Patients undergoing sleep studies can experience frequent and profound oxygen desaturation. Most hospitals have standard MET (Medical Emergency Team) call criteria which obligate a response to severe oxygen desaturation. At our tertiary institution this is “Pulse oximetry/oxygen saturation: < 90 despite oxygen administration”. For most sleep studies provision of oxygen overnight would not be appropriate. We sought to examine the proportion of our sleep study patients who would meet MET call criteria. Method We retrospectively examined the data of all sleep studies which were performed in our laboratory between 01/01/2021 and 30/04/2021. Demographic and pulse oximetry data was collected. Results We collected data from 448 studies (95 CPAP, 342 diagnostic, 9 Split, 2 other). Patients were 40% female, 49±15 (mean±SD) years old and had a median AHI of 10 events per hour. 290 (65%) patients had a nadir SpO2 of <90%. The percentage of patients below with nadir SpO2 of 8...
The effect of captopril on tumour growth was examined in a xenograft model of human renal cell ca... more The effect of captopril on tumour growth was examined in a xenograft model of human renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Inoculation of the human RCC cell line SN12K-1 (106 cells) under the left kidney capsule of severe combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice resulted in the growth of large tumours, with an increase in weight of the inoculated kidney of 3.69 ± 1.63-fold (mean ± s.d.) when compared with the contralateral normal kidney. In mice treated with captopril (19 mg kg-1 day-' or 94 mg kg-1 day-1 administered in the drinking water), there was a significant dose-related reduction in tumour development; the tumour bearing kidneys weighed 1.9 ± 0.42 and 1.55 ± 0.42 times the normal kidneys, respectively (P < 0.05 compared with untreated animals). In vitro, captopril at clinically achievable doses (0.1-10 ,UM) had no significant effect on the incorporation of [3H]thymidine into SN12K-1 cells. Thus, this highly significant attenuation by captopril of in vivo tumour growth does not appear to be due to a direct effect on the proliferation of the tumour cells. Further studies are required to determine the mechanism of inhibition of tumour growth by captopril, in particular to evaluate the role of angiotensin 11 in this process.
To estimate the proportion of canine tick-borne disease (CTBD) pathogens in dogs from northern st... more To estimate the proportion of canine tick-borne disease (CTBD) pathogens in dogs from northern states of Australia presenting with and without clinical signs/laboratory abnormalities suggestive of CTBD and to evaluate associated risk factors. Client-owned dogs presented to a general practice clinic in the Northern Territory (NT; n = 138) and five referral hospitals in south-east Queensland (SEQ; n = 100) were grouped into CTBD-suspect and -control groups based on clinical and laboratory criteria. Blood and sera were screened for haemotropic Mycoplasma spp., Babesia spp., Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp. and Hepatozoon spp. using microscopic examination, in-clinic ELISA testing and PCR assays. Dog-specific risk factors associated with the presence of CTBD pathogens were evaluated. Overall, 24.4% of the suspect group and 12.2% of the control group dogs were infected. The proportions of M. haemocanis, B. vogeli, A. platys, Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum, and C. Mycoplasma haemobos w...
Background: The recent detection of Rickettsia felis DNA in dogs in Australia suggests that dogs ... more Background: The recent detection of Rickettsia felis DNA in dogs in Australia suggests that dogs are potential mammalian reservoir hosts for this emerging rickettsia. To date, there is no published report addressing the seroprevalence of R. felis in dogs in Australia. Methods: Antigens for R. felis were produced by inoculating confluent XTC-2 monolayer cell cultures with three pools of cat flea (Ctenocephalides felis) homogenates. Infection was confirmed by real-time (qPCR), conventional or nested PCRs targeting the ompB, gltA, 17 kDa and ompA genes. Two hundred and ninety-two dogs from Southeast Queensland and the Northern Territory were tested for the presence of R. felis antibodies using a microimmunofluorescence (IF) test and the seroprevalence and associated risk factors for exposure were determined using both uni-and multi-variate analyses. Results: Rickettsia felis was successfully isolated in cell culture from all three cat-flea pools. One hundred and fortyeight dogs (50.7%) showed seropositivity with titres ≥64 and 54 (18.5%) with titres ≥128. At antibody titres ≥64, dogs with active ectoparasite control were less likely to be seropositive to R. felis (OR: 2.60; 95% CI: 1.20-5.56). Conclusions: This first reported isolation of R. felis in cell culture in Australia allowed for the production of antigen for serological testing of dogs. Results of this serological testing reflects the ubiquitous exposure of dogs to R. felis and advocate for owner vigilance with regards to ectoparasite control on domestic pets.
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1), an autosomal dominant disease characterized by neopla... more Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1), an autosomal dominant disease characterized by neoplasia of the parathyroid glands, anterior pituitary and endocrine pancreas, is rarely reported in Asian populations, The MEN 1 gene, mapped to chromosome 11 q 13 but yet to be cloned, has been found to be homogeneous in Caucasian populations through linkage analysis. Here, two previously unreported Asian kindreds with MEN I are described; linkage analysis using microsatellite polymorphic markers in the MEN1 region was carried out. The first kindred, of Mongolian-Chinese origin, is a multigeneration family with over 150 living members, eight of whom are affected to
Objective To report on the failure of thalidomide to inhibit tumour growth in an animal model of ... more Objective To report on the failure of thalidomide to inhibit tumour growth in an animal model of human renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Materials and methods An orthotopic xenograft model of human RCC was used in which tumour cells were implanted in the left kidney of male 'severe combined immunodeficient' mice. Thalidomide was administered by intraperitoneal injection and after 34 days the mice were killed. The extent of tumour growth was compared in treated and untreated mice. Total RNA was extracted from both tumour-affected and contralateral kidneys, and analysed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction for various genes implicated in angiogenesis and metastasis in RCC. Results Thalidomide failed to inhibit the growth of xenograft tumours. The expression of angiogenic genes, e.g. vascular endothelial growth factor and fibroblast growth factor type 2 (FGF-2) within normal and tumour-affected kidney tissue was not reduced by thalidomide. Intratumoral transcription of b 3-integrin, a critical component of angiogenesis, was significantly increased in response to thalidomide treatment (P<0.01). There was also a trend to increased expression of FGF-2 and tumour necrosis factor-a in thalidomide-treated tumours. Conclusions These findings suggest that RCC is capable of adapting to the inhibitory effects of thalidomide. The current uncertainty surrounding the action of thalidomide in vivo warrants caution about its use in humans. Further studies of thalidomide should be carried out in animal models, particularly to establish its safety and effectiveness as part of a combined therapeutic strategy.
To determine the prevalence of canine vector-borne diseases (CVBD: Babesia spp., Anaplasma spp., ... more To determine the prevalence of canine vector-borne diseases (CVBD: Babesia spp., Anaplasma spp., Ehrlichia spp., haemotropic mycoplasmas and Hepatozoon) in Australian dogs; namely, dogs from pounds in south-east Queensland and an indigenous Aboriginal community in the north-east of the Northern Territory. Blood samples were collected from 100 pound dogs and 130 Aboriginal community dogs and screened for the CVBD pathogens using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). All positive PCR products were sequenced for species confirmation. In total, 3 pound dogs and 64 Aboriginal community dogs were infected with at least one CVBD pathogen. Overall, B. vogeli was detected in 13 dogs, A. platys in 49, M. haemocanis in 23, Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum in 3 and C. M. haemobos in 1 dog. Co-infections were detected in 22 Aboriginal community dogs. This study found B. vogeli, A. platys and haemotropic mycoplasma infections to be common in dogs in subtropical and tropical areas of Australia. This study also reports for the first time the prevalence and genetic characterisation of haemotropic mycoplasmas in dogs in Australia.
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