Jaagsiekte Sheep Retrovirus Can Reach Peyer's Patches and Mesenteric Lymph Nodes of Lambs Nursed by Infected Mothers.

Ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA) is a contagious lung cancer of sheep caused by jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV). It is generally accepted that transmission by the respiratory route occurs under natural conditions. However recent studies strongly indicate that JSRV can also be transmitted to lambs perinatally via colostrum and milk (C/M). The aim of this work was to confirm that C/M can transmit JSRV infection to lambs under natural conditions and investigate the initial events associated with this transmission route. We have analyzed the presence of JSRV in C/M samples from 22 naturally infected, asymptomatic ewes throughout a lactation period, and in various tissues collected from a group of 36 of their lambs that were fed naturally. The lambs were euthanized at 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours and at 5 and 10 days after birth. We detected JSRV-provirus by PCR in the somatic C/M cells from 10/22 ewes (45.45%). The virus was also detected in 9/36 lambs (25%). JSRV-infected cells, with lymphoreticular-like morphology, were observed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and in situ hybridization (ISH) in Peyer's patches (PP) from the small intestine of the youngest lambs and in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) from lambs older than 72 hours. The virus was also detected by PCR in white blood cells (WBC) in 2/36 lambs (5.5%). These results confirm colostral transmission of JSRV to lambs under natural conditions. Infected lymphoreticular cells contained in C/M appear to be involved. These cells can cross the intestinal barrier of newborn lambs, reach the MLN and enter into circulation.

PFAS levels and determinants of variability in exposure in European teenagers - Results from the HBM4EU aligned studies (2014-2021).

BACKGROUND: Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are man-made fluorinated chemicals, widely used in various types of consumer products, resulting in their omnipresence in human populations. The aim of this study was to describe current PFAS levels in European teenagers and to investigate the determinants of serum/plasma concentrations in this specific age group. METHODS: PFAS concentrations were determined in serum or plasma samples from 1957 teenagers (12-18 years) from 9 European countries as part of the HBM4EU aligned studies (2014-2021). Questionnaire data were post-harmonized by each study and quality checked centrally. Only PFAS with an overall quantification frequency of at least 60% (PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS and PFNA) were included in the analyses. Sociodemographic and lifestyle factors were analysed together with food consumption frequencies to identify determinants of PFAS exposure. The variables study, sex and the highest educational level of household were included as fixed factors in the multivariable linear regression models for all PFAS and each dietary variable was added to the fixed model one by one and for each PFAS separately. RESULTS: The European exposure values for PFAS were reported as geometric means with 95% confidence intervals (CI): PFOS [2.13 µg/L (1.63-2.78)], PFOA ([0.97 µg/L (0.75-1.26)]), PFNA [0.30 µg/L (0.19-0.45)] and PFHxS [0.41 µg/L (0.33-0.52)]. The estimated geometric mean exposure levels were significantly higher in the North and West versus the South and East of Europe. Boys had significantly higher concentrations of the four PFAS compared to girls and significantly higher PFASs concentrations were found in teenagers from households with a higher education level. Consumption of seafood and fish at least 2 times per week was significantly associated with 21% (95% CI: 12-31%) increase in PFOS concentrations and 20% (95% CI: 10-31%) increase in PFNA concentrations as compared to less frequent consumption of seafood and fish. The same trend was observed for PFOA and PFHxS but not statistically significant. Consumption of eggs at least 2 times per week was associated with 11% (95% CI: 2-22%) and 14% (95% CI: 2-27%) increase in PFOS and PFNA concentrations, respectively, as compared to less frequent consumption of eggs. Significantly higher PFOS concentrations were observed for participants consuming offal (14% (95% CI: 3-26%)), the same trend was observed for the other PFAS but not statistically significant. Local food consumption at least 2 times per week was associated with 40% (95% CI: 19-64%) increase in PFOS levels as compared to those consuming local food less frequently. CONCLUSION: This work provides information about current levels of PFAS in European teenagers and potential dietary sources of exposure to PFAS in European teenagers. These results can be of use for targeted monitoring of PFAS in food.

[Quantitative classification of pivot-shift maneuver]. / Clasificación cuantitativa de la maniobra de pivot-shift.

INTRODUCTION: The diagnosis of ACL injury is established with the physical examination that includes the Lachman maneuver and the pivot-shift test since it has the highest positive predictive value. Imaging tests such as MRI are still used for confirmation of the same; so the quantification of clinical maneuvers is sought. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective clinical study in which the maneuvers of pivot-shift and Lachman are quantified for later classification. RESULTS: Of 36 patients, 64% found a range between 0 and 3 mm when subtracting the value of the affected knee from the value of the healthy knee. It was found that 28% of the patients recorded values of KT-1000 ranging between 4 and 6 mm of displacement. In 8% of the total patients, values of KT-1000 were found that exceeded 7 mm of displacement. The data obtained are normalized and classified into 3 degrees of injury: grade 1 with partial injury; grade 2 with complete anteromedial and partial injury in posterolateral bundle; grade 3 with complete injury of both bundles. CONCLUSION: A classification is proposed for the degrees of ACL injury with future application to a more personalized reconstruction.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El diagnóstico de lesión del ligamento cruzado anterior se establece con la exploración física que incluya la maniobra de Lachman y la prueba de pivot-shift, ya que cuenta con el mayor valor predictivo positivo. Aún se recurre a pruebas de gabinete como la RMN para la confirmación del mismo; por lo que se busca la cuantificación de maniobras clínicas. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio clínico prospectivo en el que se cuantifican las maniobras de pivot-Shift y Lachman para su posterior clasificación. RESULTADOS: De 36 pacientes, 64% se encontró un rango entre 0 y 3 mm al restar al valor de la rodilla sana el valor de la rodilla afectada. Se encontró que 28% de los pacientes, registraron valores de KT-1000, que oscilan entre los 4 y 6 mm de desplazamiento. En 8% del total de los pacientes se encontraron valores de KT-1000 que superaron los 7 mm de desplazamiento. Se normalizan los datos obtenidos y se clasifican en 3 grados de lesión: grado 1 con lesión parcial; grado 2 con lesión completa de haz anteromedial y parcial en haz posterolateral; grado 3 con lesión completa de ambos haces. CONCLUSIONES: Se propone una clasificación para los grados de lesión del LCA con futura aplicación a una reconstrucción más personalizada.

Effect of addition of soybean trypsin inhibitor to colostrum on immunological status in goat kids.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of soybean trypsin inhibitor (TI) on immunoglobulin G (IgG) serum levels and growth in neonatal goat kids. Twenty-four newborn kids were fed with natural colostrum (group A), and 24 kids received the same colostrum with 1 g of TI per litre (group B). Blood samples were obtained at birth and on days 1, 2 and 4 of life to analyze serum proteins, IgG and haematological parameters. There were no clinical signs of disease and no significant differences in body weight between the groups. Haematological parameters were not affected by treatment. The peak of serum IgG was reached at 24 h of life, but no effects of soybean TI was observed on serum IgG levels. The apparent efficiency of absorption of IgG was similar in both groups (group A 24.5% vs. group B 25.2%, p > 0.05). The addition of TI to colostrum did not change the concentration of serum proteins and their fractions in goat kids. The correlation between serum IgG and gamma-globulin was positive and significant (p < 0.01, r = 0.64) in group A, but not in group B (p > 0.05, r = 0.08), suggesting a negative influence of soybean TI on gamma-globulin absorption. These results show that addition of soybean TI to colostrum did not improve the performance or immunological status in goat kids.

Prevalence of dental and mandibular disorders in culled sheep in Spain.

At the slaughterhouse, 1465 culled sheep heads were studied in order to identify disorders of the mandibular cheek teeth. Of these, 227 (15.5%) had evidence of osteomyelitis. The lesional profile showed that the mandible was affected in a similar proportion on both sides (46.7% on the right side vs 50.7% on the left side), mainly in the middle region (55.3%) and with most of the lesions closed without fistulisation (89.4%). In addition, swelling was palpable, with an increase in thickness in the area of the affected body (2.65 ± 0.065 cm vs 1.74 ± 0.030 cm). In 78.6% of the animals, the regional lymph nodes were enlarged. Concerning the mandibular cheek teeth, more than half of the animals lacked at least one tooth (57.0%), with the first premolar being the most frequently missing tooth (34.8%) and the third molar the least (8.2%). The impaction of food around the teeth was very common with the posterior molars being more frequently affected. In the knowledge of the authors, this is the first study that analyses the prevalence of mandibular molar and premolar disorders in sheep, and these are revealed as an important condition affecting culled sheep.

Variation of the CD4, CD8, and MHC II cell population in granulomas of immunocompetent and immunosuppressed rabbits in Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection.

Encephalitozoon cuniculi (E. cuniculi) is a fungi-related, obligate, zoonotic, spore-forming intracellular eukaryotic microorganism. This emerging pathogen causes granulomas in brain and kidneys of infected individuals. The objective of this study was to detect the distribution of CD4, CD8 and MHCII-positive cells within granulomas in these organs in infected immunocompetent (group A) and infected immunosuppressed (group B) New Zealand white rabbits using immunohistochemistry. In brain, labeled CD4 immune cells were mainly located in the periphery of granulomas in group B. Kidneys of groups A and B, displayed CD4-positive in granulomas and were significant different when compared to brain. CD8 immune cells in brain and kidneys were disseminated in the granulomas in groups A and B; however, no significant difference was observed. MHCII-positive cells were more numerous in brain sections of group B and were significantly different when compared to kidney sections. Granulomas were not observed in control animals of group C and D. In conclusion, we identified CD4-positive cells in both the brain and kidneys of immunocompetent and immunosuppressed animals; CD8-positive cells were more numerous in brain of immunosuppressed rabbits and MHCII cells were more predominant in brain of immunocompetent rabbits. Apparently, the immunosuppression stimulated a change in the cellular phenotype of Th1- to Th2-like granulomas in brain and kidneys by an unknown mechanism. These results increase our understanding of CD4, CD8 and MHCII positive cells within the E. cuniculi granuloma microenvironment and will help in future microsporidian granulomas studies of both immunocompetent and immunosuppressed individuals.

A case of ovine female XY sex reversal syndrome not related to anomalies in the sex-determining region Y (SRY).

The human XY gonadal sex reversal is a rare disease. Primary amenorrhea, lack of secondary sexual characteristics and the possible existence of streak gonads are the most common signs of this syndrome. Five cases of this syndrome have been described in the last 42 years in bovines. However, to the knowledge of the authors, no similar descriptions are available in sheep. In the present report, we are presenting the case of a 4 year old ewe 2n = 54,XY showing primary sterility and total absence of masculinization signs. The promoter and the complete coding segment of the sex determining region Y (SRY) were sequenced and found to be absolutely normal. The presence of the testis-specific protein gene (TSPY) was also verified by means of PCR. Necropsy findings include short vagina, lack of uterus and complete absence of masculine remains. Streak gonads concordant with previous descriptions in humans were also found.

Mercury levels in blood, urine and hair in a nation-wide sample of Spanish adults.

Mercury (Hg) is among the top 10 environmental chemicals of major public health concern (WHO). The Minamata Convention on Mercury (United Nations Environment Program, 2017), commits signing countries to control anthropogenic mercury emissions and reduce human exposure. Human biomonitoring (HBM) programs, are the most straight-forward approaches to get information on the actual exposure levels in the population and assess over time. We report here the results of a HBM study in a nationwide cross-section of Spanish adults (18-65y) as baseline values obtained before the Minamata Convention entered into force. Subsequent follow-ups will show if the Convention has been successful. The study includes 1880 blood samples, 1704 urine samples and 577 hair samples from all Spanish regions collected and analysed under a strictly quality controlled and quality assured protocol. The EU-DEMOCOPHES project demonstrated that fish and seafood are the major sources of mercury exposure and that the Spanish as well as the Portuguese populations have higher levels than other European countries. The data from the present study confirms this pattern at national level and that inhabitants in coastal regions have higher values than from inland regions. The geometric mean (GM) for blood is 6.35 µg Hg/l, in urine is 1.11 µg Hg/l and for hair is 1.91 µg Hg/g. In an international comparison these values are not exceptional. Spanish concentrations fall into the group of Easter Mediterranean populations. Although information on gender, age, occupational sector, geographical area, sampling period and frequency of fish consumption is reported in the tables, the purpose of this paper has not been to analyse the determinants of exposure in detail but to provide baseline data for future assessments and for regional authorities.

[Comparative study of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction between the One Band and U-Two techniques]. / Estudio comparativo de reconstrucción de ligamento cruzado anterior entre las técnicas de Un Haz y U-Dos.

INTRODUCTION: ACL injuries are found within the most common ligament injuries. This has led to the development of different surgical techniques to restore knee stability. MATERIAL Y METHODS: Clinical study, randomized, blind comparing ACL reconstruction techniques with One Band and «U-Two¼ using clinical scales and arthrometria with KT-1000 and Pivot Shift Meter. RESULTS: Of 36 patients, 52.94% was drawn for the One Band technique and 47.06% for «U-Two¼. 11.76% of patients had a displacement greater than 11mm in the affected knee with KT-1000. 8.82% showed an equal anterior displacement on both knees. One patient had a major previous displacement after reconstruction surgery with the one band technique, but with improvement on clinical scales. Pivot Shift measurements found a difference in displacement greater than 4,000 m/s on the X axis following the One Band technique compared to the healthy knee calculating integrals, while with U-Two the difference was less than 600 m/s. On the Y axis a difference of 3,500 m/s was found between the healthy and the injured leg, which decreases to less than 2,000 m/s after reconstruction using U-Two technique. CONCLUSIONS: Differences have been found throughout the study in patient evolution, indicating that repair using the U-Dos technique has better results in recovering the anteroposterior and rotational stability of the affected limb.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las lesiones del LCA se encuentran dentro de las lesiones ligamentarias más frecuentes. Esto ha llevado al desarrollo de diferentes técnicas quirúrgicas para recuperar la estabilidad de la rodilla. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio clínico, aleatorizado, ciego comparando técnicas de reconstrucción de LCA con Un Haz y «U-Dos¼ mediante escalas clínicas y artrometría con KT-1000 y Pivot Shift Meter. RESULTADOS: De 36 pacientes, 52.94% fue sorteado para la técnica de Un Haz y 47.06% para «U-Dos¼. En 11.76% de los pacientes se presentó un desplazamiento mayor a 11 mm en la rodilla afectada con KT-1000. En 8.82% se mostró un desplazamiento anterior igual en ambas rodillas. Un paciente presentó un desplazamiento anterior mayor posterior a la cirugía de reconstrucción con la técnica de Un Haz, pero con mejoría en las escalas clínicas. En las mediciones de Pivot Shift se encontró una diferencia en el desplazamiento mayor a los 4,000 m/s en el eje de las X tras la técnica de Un Haz en comparación con la rodilla sana calculando integrales, mientras que con U-Dos la diferencia fue menor de 600 m/s. En el eje de «Y¼ se encontró una diferencia 3,500 m/s entre la pierna sana y la lesionada, la cual disminuye a menos de 2,000 m/s tras la reconstrucción mediante técnica de U-Dos. CONCLUSIONES: A lo largo del estudio se han encontrado diferencias en la evolución de los pacientes que indican que la reparación mediante la técnica de U-Dos tiene mejores resultados al lograr recuperar la estabilidad anteroposterior y rotacional del miembro afectado.

Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography in the screening of persistent organohalogenated pollutants in environmental samples.

Separations of eight persistent organohalogenated classes of pollutants, organochlorinated pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs), polychlorinated terphenyls (PCTs) and toxaphene (CTT) by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC x GC) were evaluated. Columns with different polarity and selectivity, including ZB-5, HT-8, DB-17 and BP-10, were selected as first dimension and combined with columns of increasing polarity in the second dimension, i.e. HT-8, BPX-50 and Carbowax (or Supelcowax-10). In total nine column combinations were tested. Because the main interest of the study was fast screening of the test xenobiotic families in complex matrices, in all cases, attention was primarily focussed on group-type separation. Nevertheless, within-group separation was also considered, especially for those classes containing particularly toxic congeners, such as PCBs and PCDD/Fs. Although none of the assayed column sets allowed the simultaneous and complete separation of all pollutants classes, some column combinations provided satisfactory separations among selected families and the rest of pollutants investigated. That was, for instance, the case of HT-8 x BPX-50 for PBDEs and PCDD/Fs, DB-17 x HT-8 for PCNs and OCPs and BP-10 x BPX-50 for CTT, PCDD/Fs and PBDEs. The feasibility of the proposed approach for the fast screening of the target classes of pollutants in complex samples was illustrated by the analysis of food and marine fat samples prepared using simplified miniaturised sample treatment methods.