Extracranial internal carotid artery-dissecting aneurysm having a re-entry tear and causing lower cranial nerve palsies treated with flow-diverting stent: A case report.

Background: Extracranial internal carotid artery (ICA)-dissecting aneurysms (DAs) rarely cause re-entry tears and lower cranial nerve palsies. The therapeutic strategies for these pathologies are not well established. This report presents a case of an extracranial ICA -DA with a re-entry tear that caused lower cranial nerve palsy. Case Description: A 60-year-old man presented with left neck pain, hoarseness, and dysphagia. Physical examination and laryngoscopy determined palsies of the left cranial nerves IX, X, and XII. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) revealed a DA in the left extracranial ICA, and three-dimensional DSA showed entry and re-entry tears in the intimal flap. Flow-diverting stents (FDSs) were placed on the lesion that covered the entry and re-entry tears because the symptoms did not improve after five weeks of conservative treatment. A post-procedural angiogram indicated flow stagnation in the DA. Symptoms improved remarkably immediately after the procedure, and the aneurysm was almost completely occluded six months later. Conclusion: Herein, an extracranial ICA -DA with a re-entry tear that caused lower cranial nerve palsy did not improve after five weeks of conservative treatment. FDS placement promptly resolved the aneurysm and symptoms. Thus, FDS placement may be an effective treatment option for extracranial ICA-DAs with re-entry tears or lower cranial nerve palsies.

Fungal symptomatic intracranial aneurysm treated with a flow diverting stent: A case report.

Background: Intracranial infectious aneurysms (IIAs) are very rare, and fungal aneurysms are infrequently reported. We report a case of an unruptured IIA caused by fungal rhinosinusitis and treated with a flow-diverting stent. Case Description: An 81-year-old woman visited the ophthalmology department with impaired eye movement and ptosis and was placed under follow-up. A week later, she also developed a headache; magnetic resonance angiography revealed an aneurysm measuring 2 mm in the C4 portion of the right internal carotid artery. A 3-week follow-up with contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging showed an increase in its size to 10 mm, and a contrast lesion was observed surrounding the right cavernous sinus. The patient started treatment with voriconazole and steroids on the same day. Ten weeks later, despite improvements in inflammation, the size of the aneurysm was unchanged; we, therefore, treated the aneurysm with a flow-diverting stent. Oculomotor nerve palsy improved, and the patient was discharged to a rehabilitation hospital 28 days after the placement, with a modified Rankin Scale of 4. A 1-year follow-up angiogram showed a partial decrease in the size of the aneurysm, with an O'Kelly-Marotta grading scale of B3. Conclusion: IIAs grow rapidly, and the risk of rupture is high due to the weakening of the aneurysmal wall. To reduce the risks of rupture and recurrence after treatment, the infection should be treated before inserting a flow-diverting stent. Flow-diverting stent placement may be an effective treatment for IIA once the original infection has been cured.

Endothelial cells regulate alveolar morphogenesis by constructing basement membranes acting as a scaffold for myofibroblasts.

Alveologenesis is a spatially coordinated morphogenetic event, during which alveolar myofibroblasts surround the terminal sacs constructed by epithelial cells and endothelial cells (ECs), then contract to form secondary septa to generate alveoli in the lungs. Recent studies have demonstrated the important role of alveolar ECs in this morphogenetic event. However, the mechanisms underlying EC-mediated alveologenesis remain unknown. Herein, we show that ECs regulate alveologenesis by constructing basement membranes (BMs) acting as a scaffold for myofibroblasts to induce septa formation through activating mechanical signaling. Rap1, a small GTPase of the Ras superfamily, is known to stimulate integrin-mediated cell adhesions. EC-specific Rap1-deficient (Rap1iECKO) mice exhibit impaired septa formation and hypo-alveolarization due to the decreased mechanical signaling in myofibroblasts. In Rap1iECKO mice, ECs fail to stimulate integrin ß1 to recruit Collagen type IV (Col-4) into BMs required for myofibroblast-mediated septa formation. Consistently, EC-specific integrin ß1-deficient mice show hypo-alveolarization, defective mechanical signaling in myofibroblasts, and disorganized BMs. These data demonstrate that alveolar ECs promote integrin ß1-mediated Col-4 recruitment in a Rap1-dependent manner, thereby constructing BMs acting as a scaffold for myofibroblasts to induce mechanical signal-mediated alveologenesis. Thus, this study unveils a mechanism of organ morphogenesis mediated by ECs through intrinsic functions.

15-Hydroxyeicosatrienoic acid induces nasal congestion by changing vascular functions in mice.

BACKGROUND: Nasal congestion in allergic rhinitis (AR) is caused by vascular hyperpermeability and vascular relaxation of the nasal mucosa. We previously detected high levels of a lipoxygenation metabolite of dihomogammalinolenic acid, 15-hydroxy-8Z,11Z,13E-eicosatrienoic acid (15-HETrE) in the nasal lavage fluid of AR model mice. Here, we investigated the effects of 15-HETrE on vascular functions associated with nasal congestion. METHODS: We measured 15-HETrE levels in the nasal lavage fluid of ovalbumin-induced AR model mice and nasal discharge of patients with AR. We also assessed nasal congestion and vascular relaxation in mice. Vascular contractility was investigated using isolated mouse aortas. RESULTS: Five ovalbumin challenges increased 15-HETrE levels in AR model mice. 15-HETrE was also detected in patients who exhibiting AR-related symptoms. Intranasal administration of 15-HETrE elicited dyspnea-related behavior and decreased the nasal cavity volume in mice. Miles assay and whole-mount immunostaining revealed that 15-HETrE administration caused vascular hyperpermeability and relaxation of the nasal mucosa. Intravital imaging demonstrated that 15-HETrE relaxed the ear vessels that were precontracted via thromboxane receptor stimulation. Moreover, 15-HETrE dilated the isolated mouse aortas, and this effect was attenuated by K+ channel inhibitors and prostaglandin D2 (DP) and prostacyclin (IP) receptor antagonists. Additionally, vasodilatory effects of 15-HETrE were accompanied by an increase in intracellular cAMP levels. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that 15-HETrE, whose levels are elevated in the nasal cavity upon AR, can be a novel lipid mediator that exacerbates nasal congestion. Moreover, it can stimulate DP and IP receptors and downstream K+ channels to dilate the nasal mucosal vasculature.

Transient EDTA-dependent pseudothrombocytopenia and ulcerative colitis recurrence during chemotherapy: A case of misleading platelet count results attributable to a laboratory artifact.

Key Clinical Message: EDTA-dependent pseudothrombocytopenia as well as myelosuppression should be suspected when thrombocytopenia occurs in patients with autoimmune disease during chemotherapy. Abstract: A patient with pancreatic cancer and ulcerative colitis developed transient ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)-dependent pseudothrombocytopenia with exacerbation of ulcerative colitis during chemotherapy. Unfortunately, pseudothrombocytopenia could not be immediately detected because thrombocytopenia was masked by a reasonable time course of adverse events associated with chemotherapy and ulcerative colitis recurrence. When thrombocytopenia occurs during chemotherapy, especially in patients with autoimmune diseases, EDTA-dependent pseudothrombocytopenia and bone marrow suppression caused by anti-cancer agents should be suspected.

Enhancement of prostaglandin D2-D prostanoid 1 signaling reduces intestinal permeability by stimulating mucus secretion.

Introduction: The intestinal barrier plays a crucial role in distinguishing foods from toxins. Prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) is one of the lipid-derived autacoids synthesized from cell membrane-derived arachidonic acid. We previously reported that pharmacological stimulation of PGD2 receptor, D prostanoid 1 (DP1) attenuated the symptoms of azoxymethane/dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis and ovalbumin-induced food allergy in mouse models. These observations suggested that DP1 stimulation protects the intestinal barrier. The present study aimed to uncover the effects of DP1 stimulation on intestinal barrier function and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Materials and methods: Intestinal permeability was assessed in mice by measuring the transfer of orally administered fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (40 kDa) into the blood. The DP1 agonist BW245C (1 mg/kg) was administered 10 min prior to dextran administration. The intestinal permeability was confirmed using the ex vivo everted sac method. Tight junction integrity was evaluated in vitro by measuring the transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) in the human intestinal epithelial cell line Caco-2. Mucus secretion was assessed by observing Alcian Blue-stained intestinal sections. Results: Pharmacological DP1 stimulation reduced intestinal permeability both in vivo and ex vivo. Immunohistochemical staining showed that DP1 was strongly expressed on the apical side of the epithelial cells. DP1 stimulation did not affect TER in vitro but induced mucus secretion from goblet cells. Mucus removal by a mucolytic agent N-acetyl-l-cysteine canceled the inhibition of intestinal permeability by DP1 stimulation. Conclusion: These observations suggest that pharmacological DP1 stimulation decreases intestinal permeability by stimulating mucus secretion.

Novel TRPS1 frameshift variant in tricho-rhino-phalangeal syndrome type I accompanied by zinc deficiency.

Tricho-rhino-phalangeal syndrome type I (TRPS1), caused by pathogenic variants in the transcriptional repressor GATA-binding 1 gene (TRPS1), is characterized by ectodermal and skeletal anomalies including short stature and sparse scalp hair during infancy. TRPS1 encodes a zinc finger protein transcription factor that contributes to bone homeostasis by regulating perichondral mineralization, chondrocyte proliferation, and apoptosis. Here, a male infant aged 14 months presented with sparse scalp hair, deformed nails, fused teeth, and postnatal growth retardation without neurodevelopmental disorder. As endocrinological measurements revealed low serum zinc levels, he was treated with zinc acetate hydrate, which improved his growth velocity and scalp hair. Whole-exome sequencing revealed that this patient harbored a novel pathogenic de novo heterozygous TRPS1 frameshift variant, c.2819_2822del, p.(His940Argfs*6). Zinc deficiency induces zinc finger protein dysfunction via effects on protein folding and assembly, affecting target gene transcription and apoptosis. The symptoms of TRPS1 are similar to those caused by inadequate levels of zinc, an essential trace element with important roles in tissue growth and repair. Accompanying zinc deficiency may have affected the function of important zinc finger proteins, resulting in phenotypic deterioration. Analysis of zinc metabolism in patients harboring TRPS1 variants will enhance understanding the variety of phenotypes of TRPS1.

Alleviation of allergic conjunctivitis by (±)5(6)-dihydroxy-8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z-eicosatetraenoic acid in mice.

Background: Allergic conjunctivitis (AC) is a common ophthalmologic disorder that causes symptoms that often reduces a patient's quality of life (QOL). We investigated the effects of the eicosapentaenoic acid metabolite (±)5(6)-dihydroxy-8Z,11Z,14Z,17Z-eicosatetraenoic acid ((±)5(6)-DiHETE) on AC using a mouse model. Methods: BALB/c mice were sensitized with two injections of short ragweed pollen in alum, challenged fifth with pollen in eyedrops. The clinical signs and tear volume were evaluated at 15 min after the final challenge. Histamine-induced ocular inflammation model was prepared by instilling histamine onto the surface of the eye. Fifteen minutes after histamine application, tear volume was measured using the Schirmer tear test. Miles assay was performed to investigate vascular permeability. To cause scratching behavior 10 µg of serotonin was injected in the cheek. Results: Repeated topical application of pollen induced conjunctivitis, accompanied by eyelid edema and tearing in mice. Pollen application typically degranulates mast cells and recruits eosinophils to the conjunctiva. Intraperitoneal administration of 300 µg/kg of (±)5(6)-DiHETE significantly inhibited pollen-induced symptoms. The administration of (±)5(6)-DiHETE also attenuated mast cell degranulation and eosinophil infiltration into the conjunctiva. To assess the effects of (±)5(6)-DiHETE on the downstream pathway of mast cell activation in AC, we used a histamine-induced ocular inflammation model. Topical application of 4 µg/eye histamine caused eyelid edema and tearing and increased vascular permeability, as indicated by Evans blue dye extravasation. Intraperitoneal administration of 300 µg/kg or topical administration of 1 µg/eye (±)5(6)-DiHETE inhibited histamine-induced manifestations. Finally, we assessed the effects of (±)5(6)-DiHETE on itching. An intradermal injection of 10 µg serotonin in the cheek caused scratching behavior in mice. Intraperitoneal administration of 300 µg/kg (±)5(6)-DiHETE significantly inhibited serotonin-induced scratching. Conclusion: Thus, (±)5(6)-DiHETE treatment broadly suppressed AC pathology and could be a novel treatment option for AC.

Predictors of Middle Meningeal Artery-Related Vascular Diseases Associated with Blunt Head Trauma.

OBJECTIVE: Traumatic middle meningeal artery (MMA)-middle meningeal vein (MMV) fistula (MMA-MMV fistula) and MMA pseudoaneurysm are the 2 main MMA-related vascular diseases occurring after blunt head trauma. These are rare but known causes of delayed intracranial hemorrhage. This study investigated predictors that may aid in the diagnosis of these diseases. METHODS: In our department, screening digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is performed for patients with blunt head trauma accompanied by intracranial hemorrhage and skull or facial bone fracture. This study included 87 patients who underwent screening DSA without craniotomy from January 2019 to June 2023. The patients' clinical characteristics were retrospectively collected from the database. Statistical analysis was performed to examine the associations of various evaluation items with MMA-related vascular diseases. RESULTS: The first DSA examination revealed 34 MMA-MMV fistulas and 1 MMA pseudoaneurysm. The second follow-up DSA examination revealed 13 MMA-MMV fistulas and four MMA pseudoaneurysms. Temporal/parietal bone fracture (odds ratio, 5.33; P = 0.0005; 95% confidence interval, 1.95-14.60) was significantly associated with MMA-related vascular diseases. Endovascular treatments were performed in 9 patients. All procedures were successfully completed without complications; no delayed bleeding was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Temporal/parietal bone fracture in patients with blunt head trauma is a likely predictor of MMA-related vascular diseases. When initial head computed tomography reveals this pathology, we recommend careful imaging follow-up (e.g., DSA) and treatment as needed, while considering the possibility of MMA-related vascular diseases.

Roles of lipocalin-type and hematopoietic prostaglandin D synthases in mouse retinal angiogenesis.

Normal angiogenesis is essential for retinal development and maintenance of visual function in the eye, and its abnormality can cause retinopathy and other eye diseases. Prostaglandin D2 is an anti-angiogenic lipid mediator produced by lipocalin-type PGD synthase (L-PGDS) or hematopoietic PGD synthase (H-PGDS). However, the exact role of these PGD synthases remains unclear. Therefore, we compared the roles of these synthases in murine retinal angiogenesis under physiological and pathological conditions. On postnatal day (P) 8, the WT murine retina was covered with an elongated vessel. L-PGDS deficiency, but not H-PGDS, reduced the physiological vessel elongation with sprouts increase. L-PGDS expression was observed in endothelial cells and neural cells. In vitro, L-PGDS inhibition increased the hypoxia-induced vascular endothelial growth factor expression in isolated endothelial cells, inhibited by a prostaglandin D2 metabolite, 15-deoxy-Δ12,14 -PGJ2 (15d-PGJ2) treatment. Pericyte depletion, using antiplatelet-derived growth factor receptor-ß antibody, caused retinal hemorrhage with vessel elongation impairment and macrophage infiltration in the WT P8 retina. H-PGDS deficiency promoted hemorrhage but inhibited the impairment of vessel elongation, while L-PGDS did not. In the pericyte-depleted WT retina, H-PGDS was expressed in the infiltrated macrophages. Deficiency of the D prostanoid receptor also inhibited the vessel elongation impairment. These results suggest the endogenous role of L-PGDS signaling in physiological angiogenesis and that of H-PGDS/D prostanoid 1 signaling in pathological angiogenesis.

Behavioral changes of food allergic model mice during light and dark period.

Although an animal model of food allergy has been used to investigate its progression mechanism, most researcher could not assess its symptoms for long especially under dark environment. We assessed the behavioral changes of food allergic mice using an image analysis system to track a mouse under both light and dark environments. Mice were sensitized with intraperitoneal ovalbumin (OVA) injections and challenged ten times with oral OVA administration. The OVA challenges induced weight loss and diarrhea. We assessed their behavior and found that the OVA challenges decreased their total moving distance during the dark period. We also revealed that the OVA challenges increased the inactive time of mice during the dark period. Interestingly, these changes were not observed or very small during the light period. We next assessed the location of mice in the home-cage and found that the OVA challenges increased the time when mice stayed at corners and decreased the time at the center during the dark period. These observations suggest mental abnormality of mice. Indeed, the OVA challenges increased the immobility time of mice in the tail suspension test. Thus, food allergic mice exhibited reduced activity and might exhibit psychological symptoms during dark period.

Production profile of lipid mediators in conjunctival lavage fluid in allergic and infectious conjunctivitis in guinea pigs.

Introduction: Conjunctivitis is a major ocular disease classified into allergic or infectious. The pathological features of conjunctivitis are not fully understood despite its high morbidity rate; thus, its differentiation can be difficult. Materials and methods: We used ovalbumin-induced allergic conjunctivitis and lipopolysaccharide-induced infectious conjunctivitis models of guinea pigs. Both models showed conjunctival swelling. Histological studies revealed that numerous eosinophils infiltrated the conjunctiva in the allergic model, whereas neutrophils infiltrated the conjunctiva in the infectious model. We collected conjunctival lavage fluid (COLF) and comprehensively analyzed lipid production using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Results: COLF showed increase of 20 and 12 lipid species levels in the allergic and infectious models, respectively. Specifically, the levels of a major allergic mediator, prostaglandin D2 and its three metabolites and several cytochrome P450-catalyzed lipids increased in the allergic model. In the infectious model, the levels of prostaglandin E2 and 8-iso-prostaglandin E2 increased, indicating tissue inflammation. Moreover, the level of 12-oxo-eicosatetraenoic acid, a lipoxygenase metabolite, increased in the infectious model. Conclusion: These differences in lipid production in the COLF reflected the pathological features of allergic and infectious conjunctivitis.

Dexamethasone to prednisolone rotation relieved hiccups in colorectal cancer patient continuing teleworking during anticancer therapy.

We present a case of chemotherapy-induced hiccups that were alleviated by steroid rotation. Hiccups are often overlooked, but they have an impact on the patient's quality of life. In the COVID-19 era, web-based teleworking has become an important tool, hiccups during a teleconference should be noted as a concern for patients.

[The development of methods to evaluate experimental animal behavior using images].

In life science and medicine, we have been conducting research using laboratory animals such as mice, rats and monkeys. However, it is impossible for humans to fully understand the feelings and conditions of experimental animals with whom we cannot communicate. In particular, investigators have recently focused on brain function and have created animal models to mimic human depression, pain, and dementia through behavioral tests such as tail suspension and mazes. These methods allow for some evaluation of the animal's condition. However, we cannot detect trivial behavioral changes that reflect the state of mind and body of the animals reproducibly and objectively. With improvements in imaging and information processing technology, it is now possible to photograph animals for extended periods of time and perform sophisticated analysis. Artificial intelligence (AI) can also perform learning and inference, or intelligent work (machine learning), for extended periods of time by processing higher levels of information and can find interpretations that humans are unaware of. To bring innovation to life science research using animals, it is necessary to integrate and utilize these technologies to digitize and extensively and deeply evaluate biological information and emotions of experimental animals. We have been developing some basic technologies for experimental animals by applying image analysis technology, AI, and mathematical analysis. In this review, we introduce the technologies we have developed, including the latest reports.

Grading of gliomas using 3D CEST imaging with compressed sensing and sensitivity encoding.

PURPOSE: We evaluated the usefulness of three-dimensional (3D) chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) imaging with compressed sensing and sensitivity encoding (CS-SENSE) for differentiating low-grade gliomas (LGGs) from high-grade gliomas (HGGs). METHODS: We evaluated 28 patients (mean age 51.0 ± 13.9 years, 13 males, 15 females) including 12 with LGGs and 16 with HGGs, all acquired using a 3 T magnetic resonance (MR) scanner. Nine slices were acquired for 3D CEST imaging, and one slice was acquired for two-dimensional (2D) CEST imaging. Two radiological technologists each drew a region of interest (ROI) surrounding the high-signal-intensity area(s) on the fluid-attenuated inversion recovery image of each patient. We compared the magnetization transfer ratio asymmetry (MTRasym) at 3.5 ppm in the tumors among the (i) single-slice 2D CEST imaging ("2D"), (ii) all tumor slices of the 3D CEST imaging (3Dall), and (iii) a representative tumor slice of 3D CEST imaging (maximum signal intensity [3Dmax]). The relationship between the MTRasym at 3.5 ppm values measured by these three methods and the Ki-67 labeling index (LI) of the tumors was assessed. Diagnostic performance was evaluated with a receiver operating characteristic analysis. The Ki-67LI and MTRasym at 3.5 ppm values were compared between the LGGs and HGGs. RESULTS: A moderate positive correlation between the MTRasym at 3.5 ppm and the Ki-67LI was observed with all three methods. All methods proved a significantly larger MTRasym at 3.5 ppm for the HGGs compared to the LGGs. All methods showed equivalent diagnostic performance. The signal intensity varied depending on the slice position in each case. CONCLUSIONS: The 3D CEST imaging provided the MTRasym at 3.5 ppm for each slice cross-section; its diagnostic performance was also equivalent to that of 2D CEST imaging.

Reduction of White Spot Defects in CMOS Image Sensors Fabricated Using Epitaxial Silicon Wafer with Proximity Gettering Sinks by CH2P Molecular Ion Implantation.

Using a new implantation technique with multielement molecular ions consisting of carbon, hydrogen, and phosphorus, namely, CH2P molecular ions, we developed an epitaxial silicon wafer with proximity gettering sinks under the epitaxial silicon layer to improve the gettering capability for metallic impurities. A complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor fabricated with this novel epitaxial silicon wafer has a markedly reduced number of white spot defects, as determined by dark current spectroscopy (DCS). In addition, the amount of nickel impurities gettered in the CH2P-molecular-ion-implanted region of this CMOS image sensor is higher than that gettered in the C3H5-molecular-ion-implanted region; and this implanted region is formed by high-density black pointed defects and deactivated phosphorus after epitaxial growth. From the obtained results, the CH2P-molecular-ion-implanted region has two types of complexes acting as gettering sinks. One includes carbon-related complexes such as aggregated C-I, and the other includes phosphorus-related complexes such as P4-V. These complexes have a high binding energy to metallic impurities. Therefore, CH2P-molecular-ion-implanted epitaxial silicon wafers have a high gettering capability for metallic impurities and contribute to improving the device performance of CMOS image sensors. (This manuscript is an extension from a paper presented at the 6th IEEE Electron Devices Technology & Manufacturing Conference (EDTM 2022)).

Urinary lipid profile of patients with coronavirus diseases 2019.

The coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is ongoing. Over 490 million people have been infected with this virus worldwide. Although many patients present with lower respiratory symptoms, some may progress to acute respiratory distress syndrome and even multi-organ damage. Therefore, there is an urgent need to establish treatment and management methods for this infectious disease. Here, we comprehensively analyzed urinary lipid mediators and their metabolites to identify non-invasive biomarkers that reflect the disease status of COVID-19 patients. We diagnosed 16 patients by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis, who presented with mild-to-moderate symptoms, including fever and cough, between May and October 2020 in Japan, and collected their urine samples. Using mass spectrometry, we analyzed the lipid metabolites in these urine samples. In all the urine samples from the patients, 21 types of fatty acids and their metabolites were consistently detected in the samples among the 214 metabolites which were analyzed. Interestingly, urinary levels of fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid was increased by approximately 3-fold in patients with COVID-19 compared to those in healthy subjects. Metabolites of major proinflammatory lipid mediators, PGE2, TXA2, and PGF2α, were also detected at significantly higher levels in the urine of patients with COVID-19. These observations suggest that urinary lipids can reflect the inflammatory status of patients with COVID-19, which can be a useful index to manage this disease.

Urinary lipid production profile in canine patients with splenic mass.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), including arachidonic acid (AA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), are metabolized to various lipid mediators. The profile of these lipid metabolites excreted into the urine reflects inflammatory state of the body and disease conditions. In this study, we quantified 156 types of lipids in urine samples of dogs with splenic mass, using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. We found that metabolites of prostaglandin (PG) E2, F2α, and D2, 8-iso-PGF3α, lyso-platelet activating factor, and 14,15-leukotrien C4 significantly increased in urine samples of dogs with splenic mass compared to that of healthy dogs. These observations may reflect general inflammatory responses and will help better understanding of the canine splenic mass.

Automated scratching detection system for black mouse using deep learning.

The evaluation of scratching behavior is important in experimental animals because there is significant interest in elucidating mechanisms and developing medications for itching. The scratching behavior is classically quantified by human observation, but it is labor-intensive and has low throughput. We previously established an automated scratching detection method using a convolutional recurrent neural network (CRNN). The established CRNN model was trained by white mice (BALB/c), and it could predict their scratching bouts and duration. However, its performance in black mice (C57BL/6) is insufficient. Here, we established a model for black mice to increase prediction accuracy. Scratching behavior in black mice was elicited by serotonin administration, and their behavior was recorded using a video camera. The videos were carefully observed, and each frame was manually labeled as scratching or other behavior. The CRNN model was trained using the labels and predicted the first-look videos. In addition, posterior filters were set to remove unlikely short predictions. The newly trained CRNN could sufficiently detect scratching behavior in black mice (sensitivity, 98.1%; positive predictive rate, 94.0%). Thus, our established CRNN and posterior filter successfully predicted the scratching behavior in black mice, highlighting that our workflow can be useful, regardless of the mouse strain.

Comprehensive profiling of lipid metabolites in urine of canine patients with liver mass.

Fatty acids are an essential component of mammalian bodies. They go through different metabolic pathways depending on physiological states and inflammatory stimuli. In this study, we conducted a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based comprehensive analysis of lipid metabolites in urine of canine patients with liver mass. There were significant differences in quantity of some lipid metabolites that may be closely associated with the disease and/or general inflammatory responses, including increased metabolites of prostaglandin E2 and/or PGF2α. We demonstrated that our approach of profiling lipid metabolites in the urine is useful in gaining insights into the disease. These findings may also have an application as a screening test or a diagnosis tool for canine liver mass.