No abstract

We previously reported that allogeneic, intraperitoneally administered “Neo-Islets,” composed of cultured pancreatic islet cells co-aggregated with high numbers of immunoprotective and cytoprotective Adipose-derived Stem Cells, reestablished, through omental engraftment, redifferentiation and splenic and omental up-regulation of regulatory T-cells, normoglycemia in autoimmune Type-1 Diabetic Non-Obese Diabetic (NOD) mice without the use of immunosuppressive agents or encapsulation devices. Based on these observations, we are currently testing this Neo-Islet technology in an FDA guided pilot study (INAD 012–776) in insulin-dependent, spontaneously diabetic pet dogs by ultrasound-guided, intraperitoneal administration of 2x10e5 Neo-Islets/kilogram body weight to metabolically controlled (blood glucose, triglycerides, thyroid and adrenal functions) and sedated animals. We report here interim observations on the first 4 canine Neo-Islet-treated, insulin-dependent pet dogs that are now in the early to intermediate-term follow-up phase of the planned 3 year study (> 6 months post treatment). Current results from this translational study indicate that in dogs, Neo-Islets appear to engraft, redifferentiate and physiologically produce insulin, and are rejected by neither auto- nor allo-immune responses, as evidenced by (a) an absent IgG response to the allogeneic cells contained in the administered Neo-Islets, and (b) progressively improved glycemic control that achieves up to a 50% reduction in daily insulin needs paralleled by a statistically significant decrease in serum glucose concentrations. This is accomplished without the use of anti-rejection drugs or encapsulation devices. No adverse or serious adverse events related to the Neo-Islet administration have been observed to date. We conclude that this minimally invasive therapy has significant translational relevance to veterinary and clinical Type 1 diabetes mellitus by achieving complete and at this point partial glycemic control in two species, i.e., diabetic mice and dogs, respectively.

Reports of cystic thyroid and parathyroid masses in cats are uncommon. Herein, the authors describe a series of four cats with cystic ventral cervical lesions, among them thyroid cyst (n=1), thyroid cystadenoma (n=2), and parathyroid adenocarcinoma (n=1). Presentations ranged from completely asymptomatic cervical swellings to signs related to local compression of adjacent structures (e.g., trachea). Ultrasonographic evaluation was helpful in localization of the mass in two cases. Hormone analysis and concentration of cystic fluid were performed in one cat. Surgical excision was performed successfully in three cases. Histopathological examination was performed in all four cases. Long-term prognosis was excellent for those cases in which follow-up was available.

and the Rehabilitation Centre Bad Haring of the Austrian Workers Compensation Board (H.M., J.F., A.E.) Bad Haring, AustriaSix women and one man with complete (or almost complete) suprasacral lesions and with unbalanced reflex bladder and otherwise uncontrollable reflex incontinence received a radiolinked anterior sacral root stimulator using the intradural approach. At the same time the relevant posterior sacral roots were cut to abolish spontaneous reflex detrusor contractions. All patients were able to empty the bladder with physiologic detrusor pressure, with no or minimal residual urine, and they achieved urinary continence. R e -and postoperative urodynamic findings are given as well as the intra-operative details. The aims of this procedure, balanced voiding and urinary continence, were achieved in all seven patients; follow-up in this series ranged from 6 months to 2 years. Our findings confirm the excellent results reported by Brindley and others with 155 implantations of an anterior sacral root stimulator worldwide. In our series so far no technical problems-either with the implant or with the external stimulation unit-have occurred; exact setting of the electric stimulation parameters provides physiologic detrusor pressures, and although micturition is achieved by poststimulus voiding, no increase of trabeculation could be observed. Achievement of urinary continence depends on the effect of the rhizotomy of the relevant sacral posterior roots performed at the same time intradurally. Further observation time will be necessary to prove its effectiveness in the long run. Even with these arguments in mind the results so far justify the implantation of an anterior sacral root stimulator together with a posterior root rhizotomy, especially in female patients with unbalanced reflex bladder together with reflex urinary incontinence which cannot be managed otherwise.