Clinical data from 488 cats (1979-2000) with histopathologically confirmed feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) and 620 comparable controls were evaluated retrospectively to assess the value of several diagnostic tests frequently used in the evaluation of cats with suspected FIP. Diagnostic utility of serum albumin to globulin ratio for the diagnosis of FIP was greater than of the utility of serum total protein and gamma-globulin concentrations. Diagnostic utility of these variables was higher when performed on effusion. On effusion, positive and negative predictive values of Rivalta's test, a test that distinguishes between exudates and transudates (0.86 and 0.97), anti-coronavirus antibody detection (0.90 and 0.79), and immunofluorescence staining of coronavirus antigen in macrophages (1.00 and 0.57) were investigated. The positive and negative predictive values of presence of anti-coronavirus antibodies were 0.44 and 0.90, respectively, antibody concentrations (1:1,600) were 0.94 and 0.88. presence of immune complexes measured by a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were 0.67 and 0.84, and detection of viral RNA by serum reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were 0.90 and 0.47. Effusion RT-PCR was performed in 6 cats; it was positive in all 5 cats with FIP and negative in the cat with another disease. Diagnostic assays on the fluid in cats with body effusion had good predictive values. Definitive diagnosis of FIP on the basis of measurement of various variables in serum was not possible. Serum tests can only be used to facilitate the decision for more invasive diagnostic methods.

Clinical data from 488 cats (1979-2000) with histopathologically confirmed feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) and 620 comparable controls were evaluated retrospectively to assess the value of several diagnostic tests frequently used in the evaluation of cats with suspected FIP. Diagnostic utility of serum albumin to globulin ratio for the diagnosis of FIP was greater than of the utility of serum total protein and gamma-globulin concentrations. Diagnostic utility of these variables was higher when performed on effusion. On effusion, positive and negative predictive values of Rivalta's test, a test that distinguishes between exudates and transudates (0.86 and 0.97), anti-coronavirus antibody detection (0.90 and 0.79), and immunofluorescence staining of coronavirus antigen in macrophages (1.00 and 0.57) were investigated. The positive and negative predictive values of presence of anti-coronavirus antibodies were 0.44 and 0.90, respectively, antibody concentrations (1:1,600) were 0.94 and 0.88. presence of immune complexes measured by a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were 0.67 and 0.84, and detection of viral RNA by serum reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were 0.90 and 0.47. Effusion RT-PCR was performed in 6 cats; it was positive in all 5 cats with FIP and negative in the cat with another disease. Diagnostic assays on the fluid in cats with body effusion had good predictive values. Definitive diagnosis of FIP on the basis of measurement of various variables in serum was not possible. Serum tests can only be used to facilitate the decision for more invasive diagnostic methods.

Impaired antioxidant function of HDL is independently associated with the development of premature AMI. The maintenance of HDL function might evolve into a significant therapeutic target, especially in patients with premature CAD.

No abstract

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide and demands more effective treatments. We sought to identify tumor selective CRC antigens and their therapeutic potential for cytotoxic T-cell targeting by transcriptomic and immunohistochemical analysis. LY6G6D was identified as a tumor selectively expressed CRC antigen, mainly in the microsatellite stable (MSS) subtype. A specific anti LY6G6D/CD3 T cell engager (TcE) was generated and demonstrated potent tumor cell killing and T cell activation in vitro. Ex vivo treatment of primary patient-derived CRC tumor slice cultures with the LY6G6D/CD3 TcE led to IFNγ secretion in LY6G6D positive tumor samples. In vivo, LY6G6D/CD3 TcE monotherapy demonstrated tumor regressions in pre-clinical mouse models of engrafted human CRC tumor cells and PBMCs. Lastly, 2D and 3D cocultures of LY6G6D positive and negative cells were used to explore the bystander killing of LY6G6D negative cells after specific activation of T cells by LY6G6D positive cells. LY6G6D/CD3 TcE treatment was shown to lyse target negative cells in the vicinity of target positive cells through a combined effect of IFNγ, TNFα and Fas/FasL. In summary, LY6G6D was identified as a selectively expressed CRC antigen that can be utilized to potently re-direct and activate cytotoxic T-cells to lyse LY6G6D expressing CRC using a TcE. This effect can be spread to target negative neighboring tumor cells, potentially leading to improved therapeutic efficacy.