An adult male dog was presented for hemorrhagic pericardial effusion. Echocardiography and computed tomography revealed nodule-like lesions on the pericardium. Cytology of pericardial effusion and excisional pericardial lesions indicated neoplastic effusion. Histopathology indicated an inflamed neoplasm with a primary differential diagnosis of hemangiosarcoma and malignant mesothelioma (MM). Immunohistochemistry showed that atypical cells were positive for cytokeratin and vimentin, but negative for CD31, strongly favoring pericardial MM. Postoperative NT-proBNP level remained increased, which led to the administration of epirubicin to minimize potential cardiotoxicity. During the 4 cycles of epirubicin treatment, a total cumulative dose of 108 mg/m ² was administrated and no effusion recurrence was observed. After a month post-completion of chemotherapy, however, pleural effusion was detected with cardiac masses. The owner requested no further diagnostic investigations and chemotherapy. Due to deteriorating conditions, the dog died 132 days after the first presentation. Our case is the first notable attempt to treat canine malignant mesothelioma with epirubicin, providing the clinicopathologic, diagnostic routine, and clinical course of the affected dog.

PURPOSE: Clinical features of peanut allergy can range from localized to systemic reactions. Because peanut and birch pollen have cross-reactivity, peanut can lead to localized allergic reaction in Fagales pollen-sensitized oral allergy syndrome (OAS) patients without peanut sensitization per se. The purpose of this study was to discriminate true peanut food allergy from cross-reactive hypersensitivity in birch-sensitized peanut allergy. METHODS: Birch-sensitized (n=81) and peanut anaphylaxis patients (n=12) were enrolled. Peanut-related allergic reactions and sensitization profiles were examined. Specific IgE to Fagales tree pollens (birch, oak), peanut, and their component allergens (Bet v 1, Bet v 2, Ara h 1, Ara h 2, Ara h 3, Ara h 8, and Ara h 9) were evaluated. Based on these specific IgEs and clinical features, the patients were classified into 4 groups: group 1 (Fagales pollen allergy without OAS), group 2 (Fagales pollen allergy with OAS), group 3 (OAS with peanut anaphylaxis), and group 4 (peanut anaphylaxis). RESULTS: After peanut consumption, one-third of OAS patients experienced oral symptoms not associated with peanut sensitization. Ara h 1 or Ara h 2 was positive in peanut anaphylaxis patients, whereas Ara h 8 was positive in OAS patients. There were 4 patients with both peanut anaphylaxis and OAS (group 3). Both Ara h 2 and Ara h 8 were positive in these patients. Foods associated with OAS in Korea showed unique patterns compared to Westernized countries. CONCLUSIONS: Ara h 2 and Ara h 8 may be important component allergens for discriminating peanut allergy.
Allergens* ; Anaphylaxis ; Arachis* ; Betula ; Food Hypersensitivity ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity ; Immunoglobulin E ; Korea* ; Peanut Hypersensitivity* ; Pollen ; Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal ; Trees

OBJECTIVE: The Ubiquitous Spaced Retrieval-based Memory Advancement and Rehabilitation Training (USMART) program was developed by transforming the spaced retrieval-based memory training which consisted of 24 face-to-face sessions into a self-administered program with an iPAD app. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of USMART in elderly subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). METHODS: Feasibility was evaluated by checking the satisfaction of the participants with a 5-point Likert scale. The efficacy of the program on cognitive functions was evaluated by the Korean version of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease Neuropsychological Assessment Battery before and after USMART. RESULTS: Among the 10 participants, 7 completed both pre- and post-USMART assessments. The overall satisfaction score was 8.0+/-1.0 out of 10. The mean Word List Memory Test (WLMT) scores significantly increased after USMART training after adjusting for age, educational levels, baseline Mini-Mental Status Examination scores, and the number of training sessions (pre-USMART, 16.0+/-4.1; post-USMART, 17.9+/-4.5; p=0.014, RM-ANOVA). The magnitude of the improvements in the WLMT scores significantly correlated with the number of training sessions during 4 weeks (r=0.793; p=0.033). CONCLUSION: USMART was effective in improving memory and was well tolerated by most participants with MCI, suggesting that it may be a convenient and cost-effective alternative for the cognitive rehabilitation of elderly subjects with cognitive impairments. Further studies with large numbers of participants are necessary to examine the relationship between the number of training sessions and the improvements in memory function.
Aged ; Alzheimer Disease ; Cognitive Therapy ; Computer User Training ; Dementia ; Education* ; Humans ; Learning ; Memory* ; Mild Cognitive Impairment ; Rehabilitation*

No abstract available.
Neurosecretory Systems

PURPOSE: This study was performed to investigate the availability of the serum HSP72 and HSP27 as serologic markers of cardiac allograft rejection through rat heterotopic heart transplatation model. METHODS: Inbred Lewis rats were randomly divided into three groups: the allograft heart transplant group, the isograft heart transplant group, and the sham-operated group. Six animals were studied in each group. In allograft heart tranplant group, the Brown Norway rats were used as donors and in isograft heart tranplant group, the Lewis rats were used as donors. The sera of the allograft heart transplanted rats, isograft heart transplanted rats, and sham- operated rats were collected at preoperative time, 3 days after operation and 6 days after operation, and analyzed for HSP72 and HSP27 by Western blots. Quantifications of band densities were carried out by laser densitometer and the results were expressed as % preoperative densities. RESULTS: The levels of serum HSP72 of 3 days and 6 days after heart transplantation significantly increased in the allograft heart transplant group than in the isograft heart transplant group, respectively (160.2+/-44.8% vs. 109.0+/-34.7%, 276.0+/-72.1% vs. 175.0+/-44.2%, P<0.05). The levels of seum HSP27 of 3 days and 6 days after heart transplantation significantly increased in the allograft heart transplant group than in the isograft heart transplant group, respectively (162.3+/-62.7% vs. 118.4+/-37.0%, 235.7+/-67.1% vs. 127.9+/-40.8%, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: It is concluded that serum HSP72 and HSP27 are useful markers to detect the cardiac allograft rejection.
Allografts ; Animals ; Blotting, Western ; Heart Transplantation ; Heart* ; Heat-Shock Proteins ; Humans ; Isografts ; Norway ; Rats* ; Rats, Inbred Lew ; Tissue Donors ; Transplantation