Multisession Anodal tDCS Protocol Improves Motor System Function in an Aging Population.

OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of this study was to investigate the effects of five consecutive, daily 20-minute sessions of M1 a-tDCS on motor learning in healthy, cognitively intact, aging adults. DESIGN: A total of 23 participants (51 to 69 years old) performed five consecutive, daily 20-minute sessions of a serial reaction time task (SRT task) concomitant with either anodal (n = 12) or sham (n = 11) M1 a-tDCS. RESULTS: We found a significant group × training sessions interaction, indicating that whereas aging adults in the sham group exhibited little-to-no sequence-specific learning improvements beyond the first day of training, reproducible improvements in the ability to learn new motor sequences over 5 consecutive sessions were the net result in age-equivalent participants from the M1 a-tDCS group. A significant main effect of group on sequence-specific learning revealed greater motor learning for the M1 a-tDCS group when the five learning sessions were averaged. CONCLUSION: These findings raise into prominence the utility of multisession anodal TDCS protocols in combination with motor training to help prevent/alleviate age-associated motor function decline.

Position paper: improving governance for effective veterinary services in developing countries--a priority for donor funding.

Livestock contributes significantly to the world economy. However, animal diseases and food safety are still major constraints on livestock-sector productivity, economic growth, the reduction of poverty and food security. Efficient and effective governance of Veterinary Services throughout the world is a fundamental requirement for addressing the global animal health and related public health threats. Recent work by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) through the application of the Tool for the Evaluation of Performance of Veterinary Services (PVS Tool) and related Gap Analysis (both of which form part of the PVS Pathway) has indicated that a significant proportion of the national Veterinary Services worldwide do not meet the essential requirements for good governance. This shortcoming poses a significant risk for many developing countries and their trading partners when considered in the context of the growing trade in animal-source foods, and the burgeoning global livestock population. Well-managed, transparent and credible Veterinary Services, in both the public and private sector, are essential for mitigating animal disease risks and ensuring sustainable incomes for vulnerable producers. They are also vital for limiting the public health risks posed by zoonotic diseases. This paper is intended to highlight the impact of governance on the delivery of veterinary services in a development context and the benefits generated by improving veterinary governance. It recognises 'global public good' elements embedded in the good governance of Veterinary Services, and it could also provide an operational development investment roadmap that builds on the OIE PVS Pathway, and innovative financing options based on government commitments supported by donor programmes.

Dilated cardiomyopathy in cats: survey of veterinary cardiologists and retrospective evaluation of a possible association with diet.

INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES: The objectives were to conduct a survey of cardiologists on their recent experiences with cats that have dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and to retrospectively review individual cases of feline DCM. ANIMALS, MATERIALS AND METHODS: Part one: A survey was distributed to cardiologists with questions regarding caseload and clinical management of cats with DCM diagnosed over the past two years. Part two: Cardiologists completing the survey were invited to submit data from cats recently diagnosed with DCM. Data on signalment, clinical signs, diet, echocardiographic measurements and outcome were recorded. RESULTS: Part one: From 52 completed surveys, many cardiologists responded that measuring and supplementing taurine and recommending a diet change in cats with DCM are common practices. Few (15%) cardiologists reported an increase in the number of feline DCM cases over the past two years, although some had cases that improved even if taurine deficiency was not present. Part two: Twenty of 37 (54%) cats ate low pea/lentil (low PL) diets, and 14/37 (38%) ate high PL diets at the time of diagnosis; three had incomplete diet information. Two of 13 cats (15%) in which taurine was measured had levels below the reference range. After adjusting for other variables, cats eating high PL diets that changed diets after diagnosis had a significantly longer survival time than that of cats eating high PL diets that did not change diets after diagnosis (P = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: Additional research is warranted to determine whether there could be a possible association between diet and DCM in cats.

Pigs expressing salivary phytase produce low-phosphorus manure.

To address the problem of manure-based environmental pollution in the pork industry, we have developed the phytase transgenic pig. The saliva of these pigs contains the enzyme phytase, which allows the pigs to digest the phosphorus in phytate, the most abundant source of phosphorus in the pig diet. Without this enzyme, phytate phosphorus passes undigested into manure to become the single most important manure pollutant of pork production. We show here that salivary phytase provides essentially complete digestion of dietary phytate phosphorus, relieves the requirement for inorganic phosphate supplements, and reduces fecal phosphorus output by up to 75%. These pigs offer a unique biological approach to the management of phosphorus nutrition and environmental pollution in the pork industry.

Stem-loop structure in the 5' region of potato virus X genome required for plus-strand RNA accumulation.

Computer-generated thermodynamic predictions and solution structure probing indicated two stem-loop structures, stem-loop 1 (SL1; nt 32-106) and stem-loop 2 (SL2; nt 143-183), within the 5' 230 nt of potato virus X (PVX) RNA. Because the existence of SL1 was further supported by covariation analysis of several PVX strains, the functional significance of this structure was investigated by site-directed mutational analysis in a tobacco protoplast system. In general, mutations that reduced genomic plus-strand RNA accumulation similarly affected coat protein accumulation, indicating that subgenomic plus-strand RNA was also affected. In contrast, minus-strand RNA levels remained relatively unchanged. Mutational analysis of the stem C (SC) region of SL1 indicated that pairing was more important than sequence, which was consistent with the covariation analysis. Alterations that increased length and stability of either SC or stem D (SD) were deleterious to plus-strand RNA accumulation. The formation of internal loop C between SC and SD, as well as specific nucleotides within this loop, were also required. Several modifications were made to the terminal GAAA tetraloop, a motif known for enhanced RNA stability. Both GANA and GAAG motifs resulted in wild-type levels of RNA accumulation. However, a UUCG tetraloop was detrimental, indicating that the sequence of this element was important beyond just providing stabilization of the structure. These data indicate that multiple features of SL1 are critical for accumulation of PVX plus-strand RNA.

Prolongation of luteal lifespan in cows by intrauterine infusion of recombinant bovine alpha-interferon.

The infusion of recombinant bovine interferon-alpha I 1 into the uterus of cyclic cows from day 15.5 to 21 after estrus delayed luteolysis. Interferon-treated cows had a mean inter-estrous interval of 26.8 +/- 1.39 d, a length that was longer (P less than 0.02) than the inter-estrous interval for control cows (22.8 +/- 0.80 d). Measurements of circulating concentrations of progesterone confirmed that the longer inter-estrous intervals were due to an increase in corpus luteum lifespan following treatment with interferon. These results support the hypothesis that an alpha-interferon-like molecule could play a major role in establishment of pregnancy in cattle.

Development of antibodies for studying conceptus interferons in the cow.

Three synthetic peptides comprising amino acids 100-113, 131-140 and 152-172 of bovine trophoblast protein-1 (bTP-1) were synthesized, coupled to keyhole limpet hemocyanin and used for antibody production in rabbits. Of the resultant anti-peptide antibodies, the antibody directed towards the C-terminal of bTP-1 (152-172) was found effective for recognizing native bTP-1 in enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA), Western blotting and immunocytochemistry systems. By immunocytochemistry, anti-bTP-1(152-172) reacted with kidney and lung tissue, suggesting that the presence of other interferons in extra-embryonic tissues limits the specificity of the antibody. The other two anti-peptide antibodies showed low cross-reactivity to native bTP-1. None of the three peptides displayed antiviral activity or inhibited antiviral activity of bovine conceptus-conditioned culture medium. Of other anti-interferon antibodies tested, antiserum to human interferon-alpha and bovine interferon-alpha I 1 showed only slight cross-reactivity with bTP-1 and trophoblast protein-1 (oTP-1). A monoclonal antibody raised against oTP-1 also recognized bTP-1 and bTP-1(152-172), suggesting that it recognizes an epitope on the C-terminal region of oTP-1 and bTP-1. In summary, the C-terminal region of bTP-1 is antigenic and accessible to antibodies. Thus, antibodies directed against this region should prove useful for immunochemical studies of bTP-1.

Purification of bovine trophoblast protein-1 complex and quantification of its microheterogeneous variants as affected by culture conditions.

The bovine trophoblast protein-1 complex (bTP-1) is a group of glycosylated interferon-alpha 11, molecules secreted by the bovine conceptus that plays a critical role in preventing luteolysis during early pregnancy. In the current studies, secretion of individual variant forms of bTP-1 was quantified under a variety of culture conditions that could affect yields of bTP-1 for preparative-scale production of bTP-1. Additionally, a purification scheme for bTP-1 was developed. Conceptuses from Day 17 produced 13 proteins in the molecular weight and pI range characteristic of bTP-1, with 4-5 isoforms (pI = 5.6-6.6) at each of three molecular weight classes (21, 23.2 and 25.8 kDa). The major forms of bTP-1 were two variants of 23.2 kDa having pIs of 6.2 and 6.6. The relative proportion of bTP-1 variants was generally unaffected by culture conditions. Cultured conceptuses secreted bTP-1 at a sustained rate for 3 days and gaseous environment was without major effect on bTP-1 secretion. Conceptuses from superovulated cows also produced bTP-1 at Day 17 of pregnancy, suggesting that superovulation might be a useful method for increasing total bTP-1 yield per cow. The purification scheme that was developed utilized ultrafiltration with Centricon devices to achieve rapid molecular weight fractionation, desalting and concentration of conceptus secretory proteins prior to purification of bTP-1 using anion-exchange and gel filtration HPLC. The resultant preparation of bTP-1 included 9 variant forms of bTP-1 as well as a slight amount of a 45-kDa contaminant. Purified bTP-1 possessed antiviral activity but the specific activity was apparently reduced when conceptus-conditioned medium used for purification was stored for prolonged periods.

Assessment of stallion spermatozoa viability by flow cytometry and light microscope analysis.

Viability of spermatozoa can be assessed by numerous methods, but many are slow and poorly repeatable, and subjectively assess only 100 to 200 spermatozoa per ejaculate. We collected two ejaculates from each of 4 stallions, and extended them to 50x10(6) sperm/mL in a nonfat dried milk solids glucose extender (EZ Mixin). Half the ejaculate was freeze-killed by immersing in liquid nitrogen for 10 min. Aliquots using appropriate volumes of live and freeze-killed spermatozoa provided the following ratios of live:dead spermatozoa: 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, 0:100. We determined the viability of each aliquot by 1) motility; 2) eosin-nigrosin staining; and 3) dual fluorescent staining. For the latter, aliquots incubated with SYBR-14 and propidium iodide had live and dead spermatozoa quantitated by fluorescent microscope (2 x 100 sperm/sample) and flow cytometry (10,000 sperm/sample). We found a linear relationship between the ratio of live:dead spermatozoa and the percentage of spermatozoa counted as live (P<0.0001). For fresh spermatozoa, correlation coefficients of the known live:dead ratio were high for all methods (eosin-nigrosin, r>0.75; fluorescent microscope, r>0.76; flow cytometry, r>0.75; motility, r>0.76). To determine viability of cryopreserved equine spermatozoa, we froze 17 fresh ejaculates from 6 stallions in a glycine extender. Each sample was thawed, extended 1:1 with EZ Mixin and evaluated as above. Cryopreserved spermatozoa assessed by flow cytometry tended to be less well correlated (r<0.68) with the other methods, and estimates were significantly higher with eosin-nigrosin staining (P<0.001). This study shows that different methods may equally estimate viability of fresh equine spermatozoa. However, evaluation by flow cytometry appears to be less precise with cryopreserved spermatozoa.

Effect of ambient temperatures during oocyte recovery on in vitro production of bovine embryos.

Recovery of oocytes from ovaries collected at slaughter was carried out at three ambient temperatures (25 degrees, 30 degrees and 35 degrees C) to assess the effect on subsequent embryonic production in vitro. Oocytes recovered at each temperature were thereafter maintained at temperatures > or =35 degrees C as they were subjected to in vitro maturation, fertilization and culture (IVM/IVF/IVC). The oocytes and resulting embryos within each temperature group were subsequently evaluated for their rates of fertilization, cleavage and development to blastocysts, as well as for the number of cells/blastocyst. The results demonstrate that exposure of cumulus-ocyte-complexes (COCs) to temperatures below 35 degrees C during oocyte recovery is detrimental to optimal embryo production. Although the fertilization and cleavage rates of oocytes recovered at temperatures below 35 degrees C were not significantly lower than that of the controls, the percentage of oocytes recovered at 35 degrees C that developed to the blastocyst stage following fertilization and culture (33.7%) was significantly greater than those from oocytes recovered at either 25 degrees C (22.4%) or 30 degrees C (19.5%). The mean numbers of blastomeres/embryo were significantly lower in embryos derived from oocytes collected at either 25 degrees or 30 degrees compared with those collected at 35 degrees C. The results of this study suggest that exposure of COCs to temperatures below 35 degrees C during oocyte recovery may significantly decrease both the quantity and quality of embryos produced by in vitro methods.

The effect of bovine interferon-alpha I1 on pregnancy rate in heifers.

Bovine interferon-alpha I1 (bIFN-alpha) may be useful for enhancing fertility in sheep and cattle because it has extensive sequence homology with ovine and bovine trophoblast protein-1 and, like those proteins, extends corpus luteum lifespan. To test the effectiveness of bIFN-alpha to enhance fertility, several experiments were performed in which inseminated heifers were given i.m. injections of bIFN-alpha approximately at the time of embryo-mediated signals that result in maintenance of the corpus luteum. In Exp. 1, heifers given 20 mg of bIFN-alpha daily from d 14 to 17 tended (P less than .07) to have lower pregnancy rates at d 110 to 112 of gestation (36/75; 48% vs 43/72; 60%). Similar results were obtained in Exp. 2 when heifers received a single injection of 40 mg of bIFN-alpha or placebo at d 13 after estrus; pregnancy rates at d 42 were 39/104 (38%) for bIFN-alpha and 47/98 (48%) for placebo. In Exp. 3, heifers were given gradually increasing doses of bIFN-alpha or placebo from d 11 to 19, because such a regimen had been shown to reduce the number of heifers experiencing hyperthermia after bIFN-alpha injection. Pregnancy rates were 42/95 (44%) for bIFN-alpha and 62/111 (56%) for placebo. Across all three experiments, pregnancy rates were lower (P less than .01) for heifers treated with bIFN-alpha (117/274; 43%) than for heifers treated with placebo (152/281; 54%). In conclusion, these results demonstrate that, under the administration systems used, bIFN-alpha does not increase pregnancy rate, but rather tends to reduce it.

Effects of Ureaplasma diversum on bovine oviductal explants: quantitative measurement using a calmodulin assay.

Calmodulin (CAM) acts as an intracellular regulator of calcium, an important mediator of many cell processes. We used the CAM assay and electron microscopy to investigate the effects of Ureaplasma diversum on bovine oviductal explants obtained aseptically from slaughtered cows. A stock suspension of U. diversum (treated specimens) and sterile broth (controls) was added to replicates of cultured explants and incubated at 38 degrees C in an atmosphere of 5.5% CO2 for 48 hours. Explants were examined for ciliary activity, extracellular CAM loss, and for histological and ultrastructural changes. Explants and their culture media were examined for changes in CAM concentration. All experiments were replicated three times. In addition, U. diversum, medium and broth were assayed for CAM content. The concentrations of CAM in explants and media changed significantly (p < 0.05) in samples which were inoculated with U. diversum when compared to controls. The controls and infected specimens did not differ histologically or ultrastructurally, but U. diversum was seen to be closely associated with infected explant tissue. In view of this close affinity it is assumed the loss of CAM from the oviductal cells was causally related, but this was not proven. The failure to show cell membrane injury on light and electron microscopic examination was probably related to the short duration of the experiment and may only point out the sensitivity of the CAM assay in detecting early cell membrane injury. Compromise in characteristics of the medium to support both, the viability of oviductal cells and U. diversum limited the experimental time to 48 hours.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Cutaneous metastases in digestive cancers (author's transl)]. / Métastases cutanées des cancers digestifs.

Cutaneous metastases are seldom encountered in digestive cancers. The mechanism of their formation explains their low rate. The metastases spread mainly by the lymphatic system (especially in diffuse, spotty or pseudo-elephantiasic forms and in regional forms), however numerous lymph node filters found through out the lymphatic system limit the progression of neoplasic cells. On the contrary, metastases most often spread by retrograde involvement due to blocking of the lymphatic system. As for hematogenous metastases (generalized nodular forms or aberrant localizations), they are observed even less frequently than lymphatic ones; metastatic embolisms may effectively become blocked in capillaries, especially in the lungs and the liver, which constitutes a double barrier before the skin may be involved.

Agreement between survey data and Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) data with respect to the diagnosis of asthma and medical services use for asthma in children.

INTRODUCTION: The goal of this study was to assess the agreement between the results of a respiratory health survey conducted in Montréal on children aged 6 months to 12 years and the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ, Quebec health insurance board) database in terms of the diagnosis of asthma and medical services use. A secondary aim was to evaluate the effect of the survey method used (Internet-based survey or telephone survey). METHODS: We assessed whether a diagnosis of asthma was made for 7922 children. In addition, we compared the use of medical services for asthma (emergency department visits and hospitalizations) in the 12 months preceding the survey for the 402 children considered to have asthma, using 2 groups of respiratory diagnoses and 2 data linkage periods. The agreement between the 2 data sources was evaluated using the kappa statistic (κ) and sensitivity and specificity, as well as percentages of agreement, overreporting and under-reporting with respect to health services use. RESULTS: Moderate agreement was found between the 2 data sources (survey and RAMQ data) in terms of the diagnosis of asthma (κ = 0.54 and κ = 0.60 depending on the definition used). Specificity was high (93% and 96%), but sensitivity varied (50% and 65%). Respondents over-reported health services use, resulting in moderate kappa values (0.49 for emergency department visits and 0.48 for hospitalizations). However, when more diagnoses were included in the definition and when the linkage period was extended (15 rather than 12 months), the kappa values increased (0.59 for emergency department visits and 0.64 for hospitalizations) and sensitivity and specificity were high. Slightly higher agreement was obtained for the Internet-based survey relative to the telephone survey. CONCLUSION: The findings validate the use of survey data with respect to the diagnosis of pediatric asthma and major health services use for this disease.

TITRE: Concordance entre les résultats d'une enquête et les données de la Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) pour le diagnostic d'asthme et pour l'utilisation des services médicaux pour asthme chez les enfants. INTRODUCTION: L'objectif est d'évaluer la concordance, quant au diagnostic de l'asthme et à l'utilisation des services médicaux, entre les résultats d'une enquête réalisée à Montréal sur la santé respiratoire des enfants de 6 mois à 12 ans et la base de données de la Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). Nous avons voulu également évaluer l'effet du mode d'enquête (Internet ou téléphone). MÉTHODOLOGIE: On a mesuré l'existence d'un diagnostic d'asthme pour 7 922 enfants. On a comparé également l'utilisation des services médicaux pour asthme (visites à l'urgence et hospitalisations) dans les douze derniers mois précédant l'enquête pour les 402 enfants considérés comme asthmatiques, à l'aide de deux groupes de diagnostics respiratoires et deux périodes de couplage. La concordance entre les deux sources a été évaluée à l'aide du coefficient kappa de Cohen (κ), de la sensibilité etde la spécificité ainsi qu'enmesurant, pour l'utilisation des services, les proportions d'accord, de sur-déclaration et de sous-déclaration. RÉSULTATS: La concordance entre les deux sources (enquête et RAMQ) est modérée pour le diagnostic d'asthme (κ = 0,54 et κ = 0,60 selon la définition utilisée). La spécificité est élevée (93 % et 96 %) et la sensibilité variable (50 % et 65 %). Il y a une surdéclaration d'utilisation des services par les répondants, avec des coefficients kappa modérés (0,49 pour les visites aux urgences et 0,48 pour les hospitalisations), mais ces derniers augmentent lorsque l'on inclut davantage de diagnostics dans la définition et que l'on allonge (à 15 mois plutôt que 12) la période de couplage (0,59 pour les visites et 0,64 pour les hospitalisations). La sensibilité et la spécificité sont élevées. La concordance est légèrement plus élevée pour l'enquête par Internet que par téléphone. CONCLUSION: Ces résultats valident l'utilisation des données d'enquête concernant l'asthme pédiatrique et l'utilisation des services principaux en relation avec cette maladie.

Quebec Integrated Chronic Disease Surveillance System (QICDSS), an innovative approach.

INTRODUCTION: With the growing burden of chronic diseases, surveillance will play an essential role in improving their prevention and control. The Institut national de santé publique du Québec has developed an innovative chronic disease surveillance system, the Quebec Integrated Chronic Disease Surveillance System (QICDSS). We discuss the primary features, strengths and limitations of this system in this report. METHODS: The QICDSS was created by linking five health administrative databases. Updated annually, it currently covers the period from January 1, 1996, to March 31, 2012. The operational model comprises three steps: (1) extraction and linkage of health administrative data according to specific selection criteria; (2) analysis (validation of case definitions essentially) and production of surveillance measures; and (3) data interpretation, submission and dissemination of information. The QICDSS allows the surveillance of the following chronic diseases: diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, osteoporosis, osteoarticular diseases, mental disorders, Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. The system also lends itself to the analysis of multimorbidity and polypharmacy. RESULTS: For 2011-2012, the QICDSS contained information on 7 995 963 Quebecers with an average age of 40.8 years. Of these, 95.3% met at least one selection criterion allowing the application of case definitions for chronic disease surveillance. The actual proportion varied with age, from 90.1% for those aged 19 years or less to 99.3% for those aged 65 years or over. CONCLUSION: The QICDSS provides a way of producing population-based data on the chronic disease burden, health services and prescription drug uses. The system facilitates the integrated study of several diseases in combination, an approach rarely implemented until now in the context of population surveillance. The QICDSS possesses all the essential features of a surveillance system and supports the dissemination of information to public health decision-makers for future actions.

TITRE: Le Système intégré de surveillance des maladies chroniques du Québec (SISMACQ), une approche novatrice. INTRODUCTION: Avec l'accroissement du fardeau des maladies chroniques, la surveillance est fondamentale pour améliorer la prévention et la prise en charge de ces dernières. L'Institut national de santé publique du Québec a donc développé un système novateur de surveillance des maladies chroniques, le Système intégré de surveillance des maladies chroniques du Québec (SISMACQ), dont les principales caractéristiques, les forces et les limites sont présentées ici. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Le SISMACQ est le résultat du jumelage de cinq fichiers médicoadministratifs. Mises à jour annuellement, ses données couvrent actuellement la période du 1er janvier 1996 au 31 mars 2012. Trois étapes en caractérisent le modèle opérationnel : 1) l'extraction et le jumelage des données médico-administratives grâce à divers critères de sélection; 2) les analyses (principalement la validation des définitions) et la production des mesures de surveillance et 3) l'interprétation, le dépôt et la diffusion de l'information. Le SISMACQ permet actuellement l'étude des maladies chroniques suivantes : diabète, maladies cardiovasculaires, maladies respiratoires, ostéoporose, maladies ostéoarticulaires, troubles mentaux et Alzheimer et maladies apparentées. Il permet également l'analyse de la multimorbidité et de la polypharmacie. RÉSULTATS: Pour 2011-2012, le SISMACQ contenait des données sur 7 995 963 Québécois, et leur moyenne d'âge était de 40,8 ans. Parmi eux, 95,3 % répondaient à au moins un critère de sélection permettant l'application de définitions de cas pour la surveillance des maladies chroniques. Cette proportion variait avec l'âge : de 90,1 % chez les Québécois de 19 ans et moins à 99,3 % chez ceux de 65 ans et plus. CONCLUSION: Le SISMACQ permet la production de données, à l'échelle de la population, sur le fardeau de plusieurs maladies chroniques, sur l'utilisation des services de santé et sur la consommation de médicaments. Il rend possible l'étude intégrée de la combinaison de plusieurs maladies, une approche jusqu'à présent rarement mise en oeuvre dans un contexte de surveillance populationnelle. Le SISMACQ répond aux attributs essentiels d'un système de surveillance et aide à la diffusion de l'information auprès des décideurs en vue d'actions en santé publique.

Nontransmission of porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) by embryo transfer.

Two experiments were conducted to determine the association of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) with embryos and the risk of viral transmission by embryo transfer. In the first experiment, 240 embryos from uninfected donors were exposed to PCV2a 10(4)TCID50/mL in vitro before transfer to seronegative recipients; in the second experiment, 384 embryos recovered from infected donors, 10 days after donor inoculation with PCV2, were transferred to seronegative recipients. In total, 1120 embryos and/or ova were collected from 37 viral-free donors (experiment 1) and 1019 from 59 PCV2-infected donors (experiment 2) (P < 0.01). The washing and/or disinfection procedure recommended by the International Embryo Transfer Society was applied to embryos in both experiments. Transfer of embryos experimentally exposed in vitro to high titers of virus caused seroconversion of recipients (58%; N = 7/12) and their piglets (81%; N = 13/16). Postmortem, PCV2 DNA was detected in various organs of embryo transfer recipients and their embryo transfer-derived piglets. In contrast, the transfer of embryos recovered from infectious PCV2 donors did not result in the seroconversion of embryo recipients (N = 24) or their embryo transfer-derived piglets (N = 76). Neither PCV2 DNA nor infectious virus was detected in the tissues of either recipients or embryo transfer-derived piglets collected postmortem in the second experiment. The results obtained in this study indicate that the transmission of PCV2 from infected donors by embryo transfer is unlikely if the sanitary recommendations of the International Embryo Transfer Society are followed. In practical terms, this means that embryo transfer can be successfully used for the intentional elimination of PCV2 and to create virus-free offspring for the safe exchange of swine genetic materials.

Variation of daily warm season mortality as a function of micro-urban heat islands.

BACKGROUND: Little attention has been paid to how heat-related health effects vary with the micro-urban variation of outdoor temperatures. This study explored whether people located in micro-urban heat islands are at higher risk of mortality during hot summer days. METHODS: Data used included (1) daily mortality for Montreal (Canada) for June-August 1990-2003, (2) daily mean ambient outdoor temperatures at the local international airport and (3) two thermal surface images (Landsat satellites, infrared wavelengths). A city-wide temperature versus daily mortality function was established on the basis of a case-crossover design; this function was stratified according to the surface temperature at decedents' place of death. RESULTS: The risk of death on warm summer days in areas with higher surface temperatures was greater than in areas with lower surface temperatures. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that measures aimed at reducing the temperature in micro-urban heat islands (eg, urban greening activities) may reduce the health impact of hot temperatures. Further studies are needed to document the variation of heat-related risks within cities and to evaluate the health benefits of measures aimed at reducing the temperature in micro-urban heat islands.

[Psychiatrist's opinion on surgical sterilization]. / L'opinion du psychiatre sur la stérilisation chirurgicale

PIP: The author describes at length his personal indecision, anguish, and confusion as a psychiatrist consulted on whether tubal sterilization is indicated or contraindicated. He related 6 case histories (single, multiparas, poverty, alcoholism, and mental illness among them). He depicted the consultation as a demand for approval by the physician, social worker, or patient's family for an overwhelmed woman of limited intelligence who usually was unaware of why she was being interviewed. He said that no matter whether a psychiatrist is inclined to consider the woman's total environment, or only her inner motives, he is still tortured about consenting to an unnatural act against his own convictions.^ieng

1971 Medicare amendment: reflections on the passage of the end-stage renal disease Medicare program.

In this article I reflect on events between 1968 and 1972 that influenced the enactment of the End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Amendment to Public Law 92-603.

The microbial environment of marine deposit-feeder guts characterized via microelectrodes.

Microbial viability and growth in animal guts are dependent upon conditions influenced by both the physiological activities of the animal and the activities of the microbes themselves. To examine the relative contribution of these influences, the guts of Molpadia intermedia (a subtidal holothuroid) and a variety of other marine deposit feeders from diverse habitats were probed with mini- or microelectrodes to measure oxygen, Eh, and pH. In general, bulk oxygen and pH conditions of the gut mimicked those of ambient sediments, revealing nearly neutral pH and zero oxygen in sub- and intertidal animals, with more oxygen in bathyal animals ingesting oxygenated sediments. Eh in guts of subsurface deposit feeders that likely subduct and aerate sediments before ingestion did not mimic sediments. Axial Eh profiles, in contrast to those of pH and oxygen, revealed significant changes along the gut. In most deposit feeders, values decreased from mouth to midgut, suggesting high rates of microbial metabolism within the gut. Increases in Eh were observed in the most distal portion of guts, however, likely due to anal intake of aerated water, and throughout the guts of terebellid polychaetes that feed on highly reducing sediments. This addition of a strong oxidant by the animal may be necessary to avoid sulfide poisoning and may provide access to organic products by stimulating chemoautotrophy. Radial profiles of the gut revealed sharp gradients of Eh and oxygen. In general, steep redox gradients stimulate bacterial metabolism and may lead to exceptionally high respiratory rates. Radial diffusion calculations made using oxygen profiles surrounding the gut reveal that, as predicted by digestion theory, oxygen consumption rates are rapid and are higher in the hindgut, where the digestive products of the animal are available to microbes, than in the foregut.