Two Medicago truncatula growth-promoting rhizobacteria capable of limiting in vitro growth of the Fusarium soil-borne pathogens modulate defense genes expression.

MAIN CONCLUSION: PGPRs: P. fluorescens Ms9N and S. maltophilia Ll4 inhibit in vitro growth of three legume fungal pathogens from the genus Fusarium. One or both trigger up-regulation of some genes (CHIT, GLU, PAL, MYB, WRKY) in M. truncatula roots and leaves in response to soil inoculation. Pseudomonas fluorescens (referred to as Ms9N; GenBank accession No. MF618323, not showing chitinase activity) and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (Ll4; GenBank accession No. MF624721, showing chitinase activity), previously identified as promoting growth rhizobacteria of Medicago truncatula, were found, during an in vitro experiment, to exert an inhibitory effect on three soil-borne fungi: Fusarium culmorum Cul-3, F. oxysporum 857 and F. oxysporum f. sp. medicaginis strain CBS 179.29, responsible for serious diseases of most legumes including M. truncatula. S. maltophilia was more active than P. fluorescens in suppressing the mycelium growth of two out of three Fusarium strains. Both bacteria showed ß-1,3-glucanase activity which was about 5 times higher in P. fluorescens than in S. maltophilia. Upon soil treatment with a bacterial suspension, both bacteria, but particularly S. maltophilia, brought about up-regulation of plant genes encoding chitinases (MtCHITII, MtCHITIV, MtCHITV), glucanases (MtGLU) and phenylalanine ammonia lyases (MtPAL2, MtPAL4, MtPAL5). Moreover, the bacteria up-regulate some genes from the MYB (MtMYB74, MtMYB102) and WRKY (MtWRKY6, MtWRKY29, MtWRKY53, MtWRKY70) families which encode TFs in M. truncatula roots and leaves playing multiple roles in plants, including a defense response. The effect depended on the bacterium species and the plant organ. This study provides novel information about effects of two M. truncatula growth-promoting rhizobacteria strains and suggests that both have a potential to be candidates for PGPR inoculant products on account of their ability to inhibit in vitro growth of Fusarium directly and indirectly by up-regulation of some defense priming markers such as CHIT, GLU and PAL genes in plants. This is also the first study of the expression of some MYB and WRKY genes in roots and leaves of M. truncatula upon soil treatment with two PGPR suspensions.

Hantavirus Brno loanvirus is highly specific to the common noctule bat (Nyctalus noctula) and widespread in Central Europe.

Bat-associated hantaviruses have been detected in Asia, Africa and Europe. Recently, a novel hantavirus (Brno loanvirus, BRNV) was identified in common noctule bats (Nyctalus noctula) in the Czech Republic, but nothing is known about its geographical range and prevalence. The objective of this study was to evaluate the distribution and host specificity of BRNV by testing bats from neighbouring countries Germany, Austria and Poland. One thousand forty-seven bats representing 21 species from Germany, 464 bats representing 18 species from Austria and 77 bats representing 12 species from Poland were screened by L segment broad-spectrum nested reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) or by BRNV-specific real-time RT-PCR. Three common noctules from Germany, one common noctule from Austria and three common noctules from Poland were positive in the hantavirus RNA screening. Conventional RT-PCR and primer walking resulted in the amplification of partial L segment and (almost) complete S and M segment coding sequences for samples from Germany and partial L segment sequences for samples from Poland. Phylogenetic analysis of these nucleotide sequences showed highest similarity to BRNV from Czech Republic. The exclusive detection of BRNV in common noctules from different countries suggests high host specificity. The RNA detection rate in common noctules ranged between 1 of 207 (0.5%; Austria), 3 of 245 (1.2%; Germany) and 3 of 20 (15%; Poland). In conclusion, this study demonstrates a broader distribution of BRNV in common noctules in Central Europe, but at low to moderate prevalence. Additional studies are needed to prove the zoonotic potential of this hantavirus and evaluate its transmission within bat populations.

Cryptic SARS-CoV-2 lineage identified on two mink farms as a possible result of long-term undetected circulation in an unknown animal reservoir, Poland, November 2022 to January 2023.

In late 2022 and early 2023, SARS-CoV-2 infections were detected on three mink farms in Poland situated within a few km from each other. Whole-genome sequencing of the viruses on two of the farms showed that they were related to a virus identified in humans in the same region 2 years before (B.1.1.307 lineage). Many mutations were found, including in the S protein typical of adaptations to the mink host. The origin of the virus remains to be determined.

PRIME EDITING - a new method of editing genes / PRIME EDITING - nowa metoda edycji genów.

The Prime Editing method introduces the expected manipulations within a given genome with a Cas9-nicase and pegRNA structure and a reverse transcriptase, which is responsible for the synthesis of the segment, which is then incorporated into the edited strand. This technique is based on the previously discovered CRISPR/Cas9 method. It differs from CRISPR/Cas9 in the absence of double cracks within the DNA helix, which is due to its complex structure, including the presence of additional elements, i. e. the reverse transcriptase and the matrix within the pegRNA. PE is used to modify the DNA double helix. The work deals mainly with the creation and improvement as well as testing of the modern Prime Editing method. Information on the structure and functioning of the system is provided, as well as the research carried out so far with the use of PE, carried out within the genomes of cells derived from plant, animal, and human organisms, is described. The paper also contains information on the potential benefits and hopes related to the use of this innovative method.

Hsp90 Activity Is Necessary for the Maturation of Rabies Virus Polymerase.

Mononegavirales is an order of viruses with a genome in the form of a non-segmented negative-strand RNA that encodes several proteins. The functional polymerase complex of these viruses is composed of two proteins: a large protein (L) and a phosphoprotein (P). The replication of viruses from this order depends on Hsp90 chaperone activity. Previous studies have demonstrated that Hsp90 inhibition results in the degradation of mononegaviruses L protein, with exception of the rabies virus, for which the degradation of P protein was observed. Here, we demonstrated that Hsp90 inhibition does not affect the expression of rabies L and P proteins, but it inhibits binding of the P protein and L protein into functional viral polymerase. Rabies and the vesicular stomatitis virus, but not the measles virus, L proteins can be expressed independently of the presence of a P protein and in the presence of an Hsp90 inhibitor. Our results suggest that the interaction of L proteins with P proteins and Hsp90 in the process of polymerase maturation may be a process specific to particular viruses.

Profiles of endogenous ABA, bioactive GAs, IAA and their metabolites in Medicago truncatula Gaertn. non-embryogenic and embryogenic tissues during induction phase in relation to somatic embryo formation.

MAIN CONCLUSION: During the 3-week-long induction phase, when M. truncatula cells leaf explants from non-embryogenic genotype (M9) and embryogenic variant (M9-10a) were forming the callus, biosynthesis and degradation of ABA, Gas and IAA proceeded at different levels. Induction of embryo formation is related to a lower ABA content, compared to the content of IAA and that of total bioactive GAs. Endogenous phytohormones are involved in the regulation of zygotic embryogenesis, but their role, especially of ABA, a plant growth inhibitor, in inducing somatic embryogenesis (SE) in angiosperms is still incompletely known. To arrive a better understanding of the ABA role in the process, we analyzed simultaneously and in detail changes in the contents of both ABA and five bioactive GAs (GA4, GA7, GA1, GA3, GA6) and IAA in M. truncatula non-embryogenic M9 (NE) and embryogenic M9-10a (E) genotypes. The initial leaf explants of both genotypes, and particularly NE, contained many times more ABA compared to the total bioactive GAs or IAA. In tissues during the entire 21-day induction all the hormones mentioned and their metabolites or conjugates were present; however, their contents were found to differ between the lines tested. The ABA level in primary explants of NE genotype was more than two times higher than that in E genotype. An even larger difference in the ABA content was found on the last day (day 21) of the induction phase (IP); the ABA content in E callus was over six times lower than in NE callus. In contrast, the IAA and GAs contents in primary explants of both genotypes in relation to ABA were low, but the contents of IAA and GAs exceeded that of ABA in the M9-10a tissues on the last day of IP. It is shown for the first time that endogenous ABA together with endogenous bioactive GAs and IAA is involved in acquisition of embryogenic competence in Medicago truncatula leaf somatic cells. These findings have a strong functional implication as they allow to improve the SE induction protocol.

In vivo cellular reactions to different biomaterials-Physiological and pathological aspects and their consequences.

Biomaterials are widely used in guided bone regeneration (GBR) and guided tissue regeneration (GTR). After application, there is an interaction between the host immune system and the implanted biomaterial, leading to a biomaterial-specific cellular reaction. The present review focuses on cellular reactions to numerous biomaterials in vivo with consideration of different implantation models and microenvironments in different species, such as subcutaneous implantation in mice and rats, a muscle model in goats and a femur model in rabbits. Additionally, cellular reactions to different biomaterials in various clinical indications within the oro-maxillofacial surgical field were considered. Two types of cellular reactions were observed. There was a physiological reaction with the induction of only mononuclear cells and a pathological reaction with the induction of multinucleated giant cells (MNGCs). Attention was directed to the frequently observed MNGCs and consequences of their appearance within the implantation region. MNGCs have different subtypes. Therefore, the present review addresses the different morphological phenotypes observed within the biomaterial implantation bed and discusses the critical role of MNGCs, their subtypes and their precursors as well as comparing the characteristics and differences between biomaterial-related MNGCs and osteoclasts. Polymeric biomaterials that only induced mononuclear cells underwent integration and maintained their integrity, while polymeric biomaterials that induced MNGCs underwent disintegration with material breakdown and loss of integrity. Hence, there is a question regarding whether our attention should be directed to alternative biological concepts, in combination with biomaterials that induce a physiological mononuclear cellular reaction to optimize biomaterial-based tissue regeneration.

Multinucleated giant cells within the in vivo implantation bed of a collagen-based biomaterial determine its degradation pattern.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to characterize the cellular reaction to a xenogeneic resorbable collagen membrane of porcine origin using a subcutaneous implantation model in Wistar rats over 30 days. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ex vivo, liquid platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), a leukocyte and platelet-rich cell suspension, was used to evaluate the blood cell membrane interaction. The material was implanted subcutaneously in rats. Sham-operated rats without biomaterial displayed physiological wound healing (control group). Histological, immunohistological, and histomorphometric analyses were focused on the inflammatory pattern, vascularization rate, and degradation pattern. RESULTS: The membrane induced a large number of mononuclear cells over the observation period, including lymphocytes, macrophages, and fibroblasts. After 15 days, multinucleated giant cells (MNGCs) were observed on the biomaterial surface. Their number increased significantly, and they proceeded to the center of the biomaterial on day 30. These cells highly expressed CD-68, calcitonin receptor, and MMP-9, but not TRAP or integrin-ß3. Thus, the membrane lost its integrity and underwent disintegration as a consequence of the induction of MNGCs. The significant increase in MNGC number correlated with a high rate of vascularization, which was significantly higher than the control group. Physiological wound healing in the control group did not induce any MNGCs at any time point. Ex vivo blood cells from liquid-PRF did not penetrate the membrane. CONCLUSION: The present study suggests a potential role for MNGCs in biomaterial degradation and questions whether it is beneficial to accept them in clinically approved biomaterials or focus on biomaterials that induce only mononuclear cells. Thus, further studies are necessary to identify the function of biomaterial-induced MNGCs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Understanding the cellular reaction to biomaterials is essential to assess their suitability for specific clinical indications and outline the potential benefit of specific group of biomaterials in the respective clinical indications.

Development of a novel histological and histomorphometric evaluation protocol for a standardized description of the mid-palatal suture - An ex vivo study.

The hard palate and mid-palatal suture are highly important for orthodontic treatment. In cases of transverse maxillary deficiency, palatal expansion is the treatment of choice. As nowadays a growing number of adult patients receive orthodontic treatment, an understanding of suture development throughout life is important to derive tailored orthodontic treatment techniques for each age group. Histological, histochemical and immunohistochemical stains (haematoxylin & eosin, Azan, Movat pentachrome, Masson-Goldner trichrome, Sirius Red, CD 31, osteopontin and TRAP) and histomorphometric analyses were re-established to detect the structural conditions of the mid-palatal suture in human cadavers of three different age groups (20-39, 40-59 and 60-80 years). The mid-palatal suture of the selected age groups (total of n = 12; n = 4 in every group m = f) exhibited marked differences in sutural morphology and metabolism. A wide, interdigitated and well-vascularized suture was observed in younger specimens compared with straighter and smaller sutures with fewer vessels and lower bone density in the 60-80 year group. The fibre composition within the sutural gap differed between the three age groups. Delicate fibres were found in the 20-39 year group, and a tightly interwoven 3D fibre-network was observed in the 40-59 year group. Atrophy primarily characterized the fibres in the 60-80 year group. This evidence demonstrates differences between the evaluated groups. These results suggest that the staining methods used are suitable for the description and evaluation of the morphology and metabolism of mid-palatal sutures. Further investigation is necessary to provide an in-depth description of sutural maturation over a lifetime.

A low-speed centrifugation concept leads to cell accumulation and vascularization of solid platelet-rich fibrin: an experimental study in vivo.

Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is generated from the patients' own venous blood by a single centrifugation step without the additional use of anticoagulants. Based on the previously described LSCC (low-speed centrifugation concept), our group showed that modification of the centrifugation setting, that is, reducing the relative centrifugal force (RCF) and mildly increasing the centrifugation time, resulted in modified solid and liquid PRF-matrices with increased number of platelets, leukocytes, and growth factors' concentrations. The aim of this study was to determine whether RCF reduction might also result in different tissue reactions toward the two PRF-based matrices, especially vascularization and cell distribution in vivo. Two centrifugation protocols (PRF-high [719 g] and PRF-medium [222 g]) were compared in a subcutaneous implantation model of SCID mice at 5 and 10 days. Histological and histomorphometrical analyses were performed to quantify lymphocyte, neutrophil, human macrophage, and monocyte populations. CD31 was used to detect newly formed vessels, while all human cells were detected by using human vimentin as a pan-cellular marker. The results demonstrated that PRF-high elicited a dense and stable fibrin structure and prevented cellular penetration of the host tissue. By contrast, PRF-medium was more porous, had a significantly higher in vivo vascularization rate, and included significantly more human cells, especially at day 10, compared to PRF-high. These findings highlight the possibility of modifying the structure and composition of PRF matrices and thus selectively altering their regenerative potential in vivo. Clinical studies now must evaluate the different PRF matrices for bone and soft-tissue regeneration to validate possible benefits using personalized preparation protocols.

Sugar-based collagen membrane cross-linking increases barrier capacity of membranes.

OBJECTIVES: This study examines the permeability and barrier capacity of a sugar cross-linked resorbable collagen membrane ex vivo and in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In an ex vivo study, injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF), a peripheral blood-derived human leukocyte-and-platelet-rich plasma was used to analyze membrane permeability. in vivo subcutaneous implantation in Wistar rats (n = 4 per time point and group) was used to investigate the barrier capacity of the membrane. The induced in vivo cellular reaction was evaluated at 3, 15, and 30 days and compared to sham OP (control) without biomaterial using histological, immunohistochemical, and histomorphometric methods. RESULTS: Ex vivo, the membrane was impenetrable to leukocytes, platelets, and fibrin from peripheral human blood concentrate (PRF). In vivo, the membrane maintained its structure and remained impervious to cells, connective tissue, and vessels over 30 days. CD-68-positive cell (macrophage) numbers significantly decreased from 3 to 15 days, while from day 15 onwards, the number of multinucleated giant cells (MNGCs) increased significantly. Correspondingly, a rise in implantation bed vascularization from 15 to 30 days was observed. However, no signs of degradation or material breakdown were observed at any time point. CONCLUSION: Ex vivo and in vivo results showed material impermeability to cellular infiltration of human and murine cells, which highlights the membrane capacity to serve as a barrier over 30 days. However, whether the induced MNGCs will lead to material degradation or encapsulation over the long term requires further investigation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The data presented are of great clinical interest, as they contribute to the ongoing discussion concerning to what extent an implanted material should be integrated versus serving only as a barrier membrane.

Reduction of the relative centrifugal force influences cell number and growth factor release within injectable PRF-based matrices.

Platelet rich fibrin (PRF) is a blood concentrate system obtained by centrifugation of peripheral blood. First PRF matrices exhibited solid fibrin scaffold, more recently liquid PRF-based matrix was developed by reducing the relative centrifugation force and time. The aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the influence of RCF (relative centrifugal force) on cell types and growth factor release within injectable PRF- in the range of 60-966 g using consistent centrifugation time. Numbers of cells was analyzed using automated cell counting (platelets, leukocytes, neutrophils, lymphocytes and monocytes) and histomorphometrically (CD 61, CD- 45, CD-15+, CD-68+, CD-3+ and CD-20). ELISA was utilized to quantify the concentration of growth factors and cytokines including PDGF-BB, TGF-ß1, EGF, VEGF and MMP-9. Leukocytes, neutrophils, monocytes and lymphocytes had significantly higher total cell numbers using lower RCF. Whereas, platelets in the low and medium RCF ranges both demonstrated significantly higher values when compared to the high RCF group. Histomorphometrical analysis showed a significantly high number of CD61+, CD-45+ and CD-15+ cells in the low RCF group whereas CD-68+, CD-3+ and CD-20+ demonstrated no statistically significant differences between all groups. Total growth factor release of PDGF-BB, TGF-ß1 and EGF had similar values using low and medium RCF, which were both significantly higher than those in the high RCF group. VEGF and MMP-9 were significantly higher in the low RCF group compared to high RCF. These findings support the LSCC (low speed centrifugation concept), which confirms that improved PRF-based matrices may be generated through RCF reduction. The enhanced regenerative potential of PRF-based matrices makes them a potential source to serve as a natural drug delivery system. However, further pre-clinical and clinical studies are required to evaluate the regeneration capacity of this system.

Adsorption of Human Plasma Albumin and Fibronectin onto Nanostructured Black Silicon Surfaces.

The protein adsorption of two human plasma proteins-albumin (Alb) and fibronectin (Fn)-onto synthetic nanostructured bactericidal material-black silicon (bSi) surfaces (that contain an array of nanopillars) and silicon wafer (nonstructured) surfaces-was investigated. The adsorption behavior of Alb and Fn onto two types of substrata was studied using a combination of complementary analytical techniques. A two-step Alb adsorption mechanism onto the bSi surface has been proposed. At low bulk concentrations (below 40 µg/mL), the Alb preferentially adsorbed at the base of the nanopillars. At higher bulk concentrations, the Alb adsorbed on the top of the nanopillars. In the case of Fn, the protein preferentially adsorbed on the top of the nanopillars, irrespective of its bulk concentration.

First detection of bluetongue virus serotype 14 in Poland.

Here, we present the first detected cases of bluetongue virus (BTV) in native cattle from Poland. The virus was found in animals located near the Polish-Belarusian and Polish-Lithuanian borders. The positive animals were detected through an official epidemiological surveillance program. A combination of type-specific real-time RT-PCR and phylogenetic tests revealed the presence of BTV serotype 14 (BTV-14). This serotype is highly homologous to the vaccine strain and BTV-14 present in Russia, Lithuania, and Spain (from an animal imported from Lithuania). The most probable route of virus introduction to Poland was transmission through midges. All of the cases were subclinical.

Genetic characterisation of the rabies virus vaccine strains used for oral immunization of foxes in Poland to estimate the effectiveness of vaccination.

The main reservoir of rabies virus in Poland has been the red fox. To control rabies in wildlife, oral immunization of foxes was introduced in 1993. The vaccine is effective when it confers immunity against the virus circulating in the environment. To assess the above issue, a study of the molecular characteristics of 570-bp fragments of the N and G genes of vaccine strains SAD B19 and SAD Bern against street virus strains was performed. The results confirmed the similarity of the vaccine strains and rabies virus strains circulating in the environment and also demonstrate the genetic stability of vaccine strains that have been distributed in Poland for 20 years.

Molecular epidemiology of rabies virus in Poland.

The paper describes a phylogenetic study of 58 Polish isolates of rabies virus collected between 1992 and 2010. Sequences of the nucleoprotein (N) and glycoprotein (G) genes approximately 600 bp long were compared with reference sequences (GenBank) of European rabies viruses from neighbouring countries. The study confirmed a very high level of homology (94.4-100 %) of the Polish rabies virus strains irrespective of the date of isolation. Two variants of rabies virus: NEE (Northeastern Europe variant) and CE (Central Europe variant), depending on the geographical place of isolation, were circulating in Poland from 1992 to 2010. The Polish rabies virus isolates showed high similarity to European RABV strains, especially those collected in Ukraine and Romania. They were clearly different from vaccine strains SAD B19 and SAD Bern, which have been used for oral vaccination of foxes against rabies in Poland since 1993.

Advanced platelet-rich fibrin: a new concept for cell-based tissue engineering by means of inflammatory cells.

Choukroun's platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is obtained from blood without adding anticoagulants. In this study, protocols for standard platelet-rich fibrin (S-PRF) (2700 rpm, 12 minutes) and advanced platelet-rich fibrin (A-PRF) (1500 rpm, 14 minutes) were compared to establish by histological cell detection and histomorphometrical measurement of cell distribution the effects of the centrifugal force (speed and time) on the distribution of cells relevant for wound healing and tissue regeneration. Immunohistochemistry for monocytes, T and B -lymphocytes, neutrophilic granulocytes, CD34-positive stem cells, and platelets was performed on clots produced from four different human donors. Platelets were detected throughout the clot in both groups, although in the A-PRF group, more platelets were found in the distal part, away from the buffy coat (BC). T- and B-lymphocytes, stem cells, and monocytes were detected in the surroundings of the BC in both groups. Decreasing the rpm while increasing the centrifugation time in the A-PRF group gave an enhanced presence of neutrophilic granulocytes in the distal part of the clot. In the S-PRF group, neutrophils were found mostly at the red blood cell (RBC)-BC interface. Neutrophilic granulocytes contribute to monocyte differentiation into macrophages. Accordingly, a higher presence of these cells might be able to influence the differentiation of host macrophages and macrophages within the clot after implantation. Thus, A-PRF might influence bone and soft tissue regeneration, especially through the presence of monocytes/macrophages and their growth factors. The relevance and feasibility of this tissue-engineering concept have to be proven through in vivo studies.

Determination of the rabies virus variants circulating in Poland in 2021-2023 and their phylogeny with analysis of the strains in the Mazowieckie and Podkarpackie voivodeships.

Introduction: Rabies is endemic in Europe and red foxes are the vector and reservoir of the rabies virus (RABV). Based on classification established in the early 1990s, four variants of the rabies virus have been distinguished in Europe. Rabies broke out in January 2021 in the Mazowieckie voivodeship in central north-eastern Poland. The virus spread rapidly, reaching the Swietokrzyskie voivodeship in the central southern part and the Lubelskie voivodeship in the eastern part in the next months. Nine rabies cases were reported in the Podkarpackie voivodeship in south-eastern Poland between 2021 and 2023, mainly in red foxes but also in dogs and wildcat. The aim of the study was the identification of RABV variants in wildlife and domestic animals in Poland between 2021 and 2023. Material and Methods: The study involved 157 animal brains tested positive for rabies using a fluorescent antibody test. From 10% w/v brain homogenates, RNA was isolated and full-length RABV genomes were high-throughput sequenced with an RABV-enriched approach. Complete genomes of RABV isolates were phylogenetically analysed and the variants were estimated. Results: Molecular and phylogenetic studies revealed 147 (93.6%) of the RABV strains out of 157 which had rapidly spread in the wildlife of the Mazowieckie, Swietokrzyskie and Lubelskie voivodeships to be Central European strains. Nine RABVs (5.7%) detected in foxes, a wildcat and a dog in the Podkarpackie voivodeship were identified as North-Eastern European. A vaccine-induced rabies case was detected in a red fox in the Lubelskie voivodeship in May 2023. Conclusion: Central European and North-Eastern European RABVs were circulating in Poland between 2021 and 2023.

Prevalence of Astroviruses in Different Animal Species in Poland.

Astroviruses (AstVs) are small RNA viruses characterized by a high mutation rate, the ability to recombine, and interspecies transmission, which allows them to infect a multitude of hosts including humans, companion animals, and farmed animals as well as wildlife. AstVs are stable in the environment, and their transmission is usually through the fecal-oral route or via contaminated water and food. Although direct zoonotic transmission was not confirmed, interspecies transmission events have occurred or have been indicated to occur in the past between wild and domestic animals and humans. They cause large economic losses, mainly in the poultry sector, due to gastroenteritis and mortality. In young children, they are the second most common cause of diarrhea. This study involved 166 intestine samples and pools of spleen, lymph node, and kidney samples collected from 352 wild animals, 52 pigs, and 31 companion animals. Astroviruses were detected in the intestine samples and were separately detected in pools of tissue samples prepared for individual animals using a heminested RT-PCR protocol. Amplicons were subjected to Sanger sequencing, and a phylogenetic analysis of 320 nt RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) fragments referring to known nt sequences of astroviruses was performed. Astroviral RNA was detected in the intestine samples and/or tissue pools of red foxes (nine positive intestines and six positive tissue pools), rats (two positive intestines and three positive tissue pools), a cat (one AstV detected in an intestine sample), pigs (eight positive tissue pools), and wild boars (two positive pools of spleens, kidneys, and lymph nodes). No astroviral RNA was detected in wild mustelids, dogs, or other small wild animals including rodents. A phylogenetic analysis revealed that the astroviruses detected during this study were mostly host-specific, such as porcine, canine, and rat astroviruses that were highly homologous to the sequences of reference strains. In one of two wild boars, an AstV distinct to porcine species was found with the highest nt identity to Avastroviruses, i.e., turkey astroviruses, which suggests potential cross-species transmission of the virus, as previously described. Here, we present the first detection of astroviruses in the population of wild animals, companion animals, and pigs in Poland, confirming that astroviruses are frequent pathogens circulating in animals in the field. Our study also suggests potential cross-species transmission of Avaastrovirus to wild boars; however, further molecular characterization is needed.

Fatal complications associated with caesarean section in the bitch: post-mortem investigation of 17 cases.

This case series describes the post-mortem findings in 17 bitches (Canis lupus familiaris) with a recent (<7 days) history of caesarean section, most (94%) of which had undergone conservative caesarean section with preservation of the uterus. Brachycephalic breeds accounted for 71% of all cases, with the French Bulldog (35%, n = 6), English Bulldog (18%, n = 3) and Boston Terrier (12%, n = 2) overrepresented. Eleven animals (65%) died between 4 and 48 h after surgery, whereas six (35%) died during the procedure. The most common cause of death was septicaemia (41%, n = 7) associated with Streptococcus canis (29%, n = 5) and/or Escherichia coli (24%, n = 4). Other causes of death included brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)-associated respiratory failure (24%, n = 4), haemorrhagic shock (18%, n = 3), inconclusive (12%, n = 2) and gastric dilatation and volvulus (6%, n = 1). Histopathological changes were seen in the uterus of 10 cases and included marked inflammation (60%, n = 6), marked haemorrhage (20%, n = 2) or both (20%, n = 2). Metritis was often characterized by fibrinonecrotic, neutrophilic to mixed inflammation, consistent with acute infection. However, prominent lymphohistiocytic infiltrates in two cases suggested that infection had been present prior to surgery. Peritonitis, myositis and panniculitis commonly (35%, n = 6) surrounded the incision sites. The presence of inflammation and bacterial colonies within multiple surgical sites suggested iatrogenic implantation of bacteria, potentially from the uterine lumen. Bacterial culture and isolation, as well as tape measurements for evaluation of conformational BOAS risk factors where applicable, are recommended as part of the routine post-mortem work-up for bitches that die shortly after caesarean section.