S100A12 protein as a porcine health status biomarker when quantified in saliva samples.

The S100A12 protein was validated as a biomarker of health status in porcine saliva samples using a semi-quantitative approach based on Western blotting in four healthy and sixteen diseased animals, and in four animals with severe respiratory disease during three days of antibiotic therapy. Afterwards, a non-competitive sandwich immunoassay was then developed, validated, and used to quantify S100A12 in clinical porcine samples, using 14 healthy and 25 diseased pigs. Finally, the S100A12 concentrations in the saliva of ten pigs with respiratory disease were monitored during antibiotic therapy. Diseased animals showed higher concentrations of S100A12 than healthy animals, and the high concentrations of S100A12 in pigs with respiratory distress were reduced after antimicrobial therapy. The assay developed showed good precision and accuracy, as well as a low limit of detection of 3.19 ng/mL. It was possible to store saliva samples at -20 °C, or even at 4 °C, for two weeks before analysis without losing the validity of the results. The concentrations of S100A12 observed in serum and saliva samples showed a moderately positive association with a correlation coefficient of 0.48. The concentrations of the new validated biomarker S100A12 are highly associated with the novel salivary biomarker of inflammation, adenosine deaminase, and moderately to highly associated with the total oxidant status. The results reported in this study provide a new way of evaluating inflammatory diseases in pigs using saliva samples, which should be further explored for disease prevention and monitoring in the field.

Influence of the circadian cycle, sex and production stage on the reference values of parameters related to stress and pathology in porcine saliva.

BACKGROUND: The concentration of biomarkers in saliva could be influenced by several factors not related to the specific condition under analyses, which should be considered for proper clinical interpretation. In the present study, the circadian rhythm of C-reactive protein (CRP), haptoglobin (Hp), Pig-MAP, S100A12, Cu, Zn, Adenosine deaminase (ADA), total protein (TP), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), cortisol and α-amylase in saliva of 20 female and 20 male pigs was investigated. Moreover, the influence of sex and production phase (post-weaning, fattening and finishing) on the concentrations of biomarkers in a total of 414 healthy pigs was studied and the reference intervals for all salivary biomarkers were calculated accordingly. RESULTS: All parameters except Pig-MAP, OSI and α-amylase varied significantly along the daytime, and most of them peak around early afternoon (13-15 h). The cosinor analysis described the temporal dynamics of circadian rhythms for all parameters. The range values showed differences between male and female pigs in 8 out of the 13 biomarkers, with higher concentrations in females in comparison to male pigs. The influence of the production phase on the salivary concentrations was observed for all the biomarkers. The highest concentrations were observed for Pig-MAP, S100A12 and α-amylase in post-weaning animals, for TP in growing pigs and for OSI in finishing animals. Most of the sex-influenced biomarkers showed the highest concentrations at growing stages with some exceptions such as ADA or Hp that showed the peak at finishing and post-weaning stages respectively. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to establish the optimal daytime for routine saliva sampling to avoid circadian variations and for that end, the time interval between 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. is highly recommended. The factors sex and production phase influence the concentration of biomarkers and should be considered for proper biomarker interpretation. The reference intervals presented here for each salivary biomarker will help to correctly interpret the results of these analytes and contribute to the use of saliva as a non-invasive sample for the diagnosis and monitoring of the health status of swine farms.

[Preventive activities in women. PAPPS update 2022]. / Actividades preventivas en la mujer. Actualización PAPPS 2022.

In the 2022 PAPPS update we present those specific preventive activities for women's health, except those related to cancer prevention (which are included in another document) and those aspects related to differential gender morbidity, a cross-cutting aspect for all working groups. Contraception is an essential preventive activity, considering basic the right to decide both the number of children and the time to have them. We must inform about the possible contraceptive methods, guaranteeing the monitoring of their safety, efficacy and effectiveness (tables are included on changing from one method to another to preserve contraceptive protection). We must inform about emergency contraception and propose it in the event of unprotected intercourse. All this will be done through opportunistic screening without requiring screening for thrombophilia or dyslipidemia, but for arterial hypertension. Pregnancy is an important life experience and the family doctor should not remain oblivious. We must be competent both in the preconception consultation (recommending the intake of folic acid, avoiding exposure to occupational and environmental risks, screening for certain pathologies and assessing the intake of drugs not indicated during pregnancy) and in the monitoring of pregnancy. Whether or not we monitor the pregnancy, we must not disregard its control, taking advantage of this period to promote healthy lifestyles and participating in the intercurrent processes that may occur. Menopause in general and osteoporosis in particular exemplify the strategy of medicalization of vital processes that has been followed from different instances and organizations. In our update we address the prevention and treatment of symptoms secondary to estrogen deprivation. We also propose the prevention of osteoporosis, including carrying out densitometry based on the risk of fracture in the next 10 years, and therefore densitometric screening is not recommended in women under 60 years of age. In risk assessment we recommend the use of the frax tool or better, the calibration of the risk of hip fracture with prevalence data from our setting. We linked the indication for treatment with the Z-Score (bone mineral density compared with women of the same age), as it is a condition associated with aging.

Avaliação diagnóstica na síndrome disfunção cognitiva canina / Diagnostic Evaluation of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o questionário observacional e os testes de reatividade como forma de triagem e diagnóstico da disfunção cognitiva em cães idosos. Foram estudados 10 cães acima de sete anos, que apresentavam queixas comportamentais. Foi utilizado questionário que abordava questões comportamentais, como desorientação, atividade, interação socioambiental, alterações no padrão do sono e casa-sujidade. As respostas foram convertidas em pontuações, cujo somatório classificou o cão com disfunção cognitiva canina (DCC), ou borderline (BL), ou sem alterações comportamentais (SAC). Logo depois, foram realizados, em todos os cães, os seguintes testes cognitivos: open field, curiosidade, interação com humano e com espelho. Pela avaliação do questionário, foi determinado que dois cães tinham DCC, três eram BL, cinco eram SAC. Os cães classificados com DCC tinham idade superior aos demais e apresentaram alterações em todos os testes de reatividade, enquanto os cães BL apresentaram alterações em dois testes de reatividade e os SAC não apresentaram alterações. Conclui-se que, com o aumento da expectativa de vida canina, o questionário observacional foi um instrumento de triagem para a identificação dos cães classificados com DCC, BL e SAC, e os testes de reatividade como um método inovador para identificar o verdadeiro estado cognitivo dos pacientes idosos.(AU)

The objective was to evaluate the observational questionnaire and the reactivity tests as a way of screening and diagnosis of cognitive dysfunction in elderly dogs. Ten dogs over seven years of age, with behavioral complaints, were studied. A questionnaire was used that addressed behavioral issues such as disorientation, activity, socioenvironmental interaction, changes in sleep pattern, and house-dirtiness. Responses were converted into scores, which summed the dog with canine cognitive dysfunction (DCC), or Borderline (BL) or without behavioral changes (SAC). Soon after, the following cognitive tests were performed on all dogs: open field, curiosity, interaction with human and with mirror. Through questionnaire evaluation, two dogs had CHD, three were BL, and five were SAC. The dogs classified with DCC were older than the others and presented alterations in all reactivity tests, while the BL dogs presented changes in two reactivity tests and CAD showed no alterations. With the increase in canine life expectancy, the observational questionnaire was a screening instrument for the identification of dogs classified with DCC, BL and SAC and the reactivity tests as an innovative method to identify the true cognitive status of the dogs elderly patients.(AU)

Purification and determination of C-reactive protein and inter-α-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain 4 in dogs after major surgery through generation of specific antibodies.

Inter-α-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain 4 (ITIH4) and C-reactive protein (CRP) have been isolated from acute phase dog sera by affinity chromatography with insolubilized polyclonal antibodies anti pig Major Acute phase Protein (Pig-MAP) and with p-Aminophenyl Phosphoryl Choline, respectively. Isolated proteins were used to prepare specific polyclonal rabbit antisera that have allowed quantifying their concentration in serum samples by single radial immunodifussion. Both proteins were quantified in sera from female dogs that had undergone ovariohysterectomy (OVH, n=9) or mastectomy (n=10). The observed increases in CRP concentrations showed that surgical traumas induced an acute phase response of a great magnitude in the dogs. In both surgeries a four-fold increase of ITIH4 concentrations was detected. It can be concluded that ITIH4 is a new positive acute phase protein in dogs, as reported in other species.

Effects of trailer design on animal welfare parameters and carcass and meat quality of three Pietrain crosses being transported over a long distance.

This study aimed at evaluating the effects of trailer design on stress responses and meat quality traits of 3 different pig crosses: 50% Pietrain breeding with halothane (HAL)(Nn) (50Nn); 50% Pietrain breeding with HAL(NN) (50NN); and 25% Pietrain breeding with HAL(NN) genotype (25NN). Over a 6-wk period, pigs (120 pigs/crossbreed) were transported for 7 h in either a pot-belly (PB) or flat-deck (FD) trailer (10 pigs/crossbreed(-1)·trailer(-1)·wk(-1)). Temperature (T) and relative humidity (RH) were monitored in each trailer. Behaviors during loading and unloading, time to load and unload, and latency to rest in lairage were recorded, whereas a sub-population of pigs (4 pigs/crossbreed(-1)·trailer(-1)·wk(-1)) was equipped with gastro-intestinal tract (GIT) temperature monitors. Blood samples were collected at exsanguination for measurement of cortisol, creatine kinase (CK), lactate, haptoglobin, and Pig-MAP concentrations. Meat quality data were collected at 24 h postmortem from the LM and semimembranosus (SM) and adductor (AD) muscles of all 360 pigs. Greater T were recorded in the PB trailer during transportation (P = 0.006) and unloading (P < 0.001). Delta GIT temperature was greater (P = 0.01) in pigs unloaded from the PB. At loading, pigs tended to move backwards more (P = 0.06) when loaded on the FD than the PB trailer. At unloading, an interaction was found between trailer type and crossbreed type, with a greater (P < 0.01) frequency of overlaps in 50NN and 25NN pigs and slips/falls in 50Nn and 50NN pigs from the FD than the PB trailer. Cortisol concentrations at slaughter were greater (P = 0.02) in pigs transported in the PB than FD trailer. Greater lactate concentrations were found in 50Nn and 50NN pigs (P = 0.003) and greater CK concentrations (P < 0.001) in 50Nn pigs. As expected, 50Nn pigs produced leaner (P < 0.001) carcasses, with greater (P = 0.01) dressing percentages, as well as lower (P < 0.001) ultimate pH values and greater (P < 0.001) drip loss percentages in the LM and greater (P = 0.002) drip losses and a paler color (greater L* values, P = 0.02) in the SM than 50NN pigs. When used for long distance transportation under controlled conditions, the PB trailer produced no detrimental effects on animal welfare or pork quality. Pigs with 50% Pietrain crossbreeding appear to be more responsive to transport stress, having the potential to produce acceptable carcass and pork quality, provided pigs are free of the HAL gene.

Causes of anaemia other than acute blood loss and their clinical significance in dogs.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the causes of anaemia, other than acute blood loss, in dogs and to determine whether severity of anaemia provides clues to the diagnosis. METHODS: The veterinary medical database of the Veterinary Campus Hospital, Lyon was searched. Dogs with anaemia (packed cell volume <37%) were included and assigned to different disease groups. Dogs with acute blood loss were excluded. The case records were examined for weakness at presentation, the severity and regeneration of anaemia and the final diagnosis including tumour type if applicable. RESULTS: The case records of 456 dogs with low packed cell volume were included. Cancer-related anaemia and anaemia of inflammatory disease accounted for 33·1 and 28·5% of cases, respectively. Most dogs with cancer-related anaemia had solid tumours (73%). The prevalence of immune-mediated anaemia increased with severity of anaemia (5·3, 15·5, 41·2 and 56·2% for mild, moderate, severe and very severe anaemia, respectively), whereas the prevalence of anaemia of inflammatory disease decreased (36·7, 22·5, 2·9 and 0% for mild, moderate, severe and very severe anaemia, respectively). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Anaemia of inflammatory disease and cancer-related anaemia were the most frequently identified causes of anaemia in dogs. The percentage of dogs with immune-mediated anaemia increased with anaemia severity, whereas the percentage of dogs with anaemia of inflammatory disease decreased with anaemia severity. Thus, severity of anaemia may provide clues to the diagnosis.

Health related quality of life in patients with Cohn´s disease in remission.

BACKGROUND: Crohn's disease (CD) affects Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) especially in patients with clinical activity but their impact over the disease during periods of remission has not been sufficiently studied. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate HRQoL in CD patients in remission and to identify socio-demographic and clinical factors related. METHODS: We included patients with CD in remission for at least 6 months, defined as a CDAI < 150 and a CRP < 5 mg/L. Socio-demographic and clinical parameters were recorded. HRQoL was evaluated with Short Form 36 Questionnaire (SF-36) and the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ). Results were analyzed using multiple regressions with a confidence interval of 95%. RESULTS: Nine two patients (X = 37 +- 11.4 years, 52.2% men) were consecutively included. Two patients failed to fill correctly the questionnaire and were excluded. Scores on the SF-36 were lower than in the general population of similar age and sex. The most affected dimension in the SF-36 was General Health (47.98 +- 19.58) and the IBDQ Systemic Symptoms (5.15 +- 1.27). Age, colonic location and previous surgery was related with worse HRQoL, while higher educational status, more time since diagnosis, steroid-resistance and inflammatory behavior, was associated with better HRQoL. CONCLUSIONS: Despite being in remission, CD patients had affected their HRQoL, so we must continue working to achieve improvement in HRQL of these patients during these periods of the disease.

Ultrasonography criteria for differentiating ACTH dependency from ACTH independency in 47 dogs with hyperadrenocorticism and equivocal adrenal asymmetry.

BACKGROUND: Adrenal ultrasonography (US) in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism (HAC) is commonly used to distinguish adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-independent (AIHAC) and ACTH-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (ADHAC). To date, no cut-off values for defining adrenal atrophy in cases of adrenal asymmetry have been determined. Given that asymmetrical hyperplasia is sometimes observed in ADHAC, adrenal asymmetry without ultrasonographic proof of adrenocortical tumor such as vascular invasion or metastasis can be equivocal. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare adrenal US findings between cases of ADHAC and AIHAC in dogs with equivocal adrenal asymmetry (EAA), and to identify useful criteria for their distinction. ANIMALS: Forty dogs with EAA were included. METHODS: Ultrasound reports of HAC dogs with adrenal asymmetry without obvious vascular invasion or metastases were reviewed. Dogs were classified as cases of ADHAC (n = 28) or AIHAC (n = 19), determined by plasma ACTH concentration. The thickness, shape, and echogenicity of both adrenal glands and presence of adjacent vascular compression were compared between AIHAC and ADHAC groups. RESULTS: The maximal dorsoventral thickness of the smaller gland (SDV) ranged from 2.0 to 5.0 mm in AIHAC and from 5.0 to 15.0 mm in ADHAC. The 95% confidence intervals for estimated sensitivity and specificity of a SDV cut-off set at 5.0 mm in the diagnosis of AIHAC were 82-100 and 82-99%, respectively. Other tested US criteria were found to overlap extensively between the 2 groups, precluding their usefulness for distinction. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: In EAA cases, an SDV ≤5.0 mm is an appropriate cut-off for AIHAC ultrasonographic diagnosis.

Accuracy of an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) immunoluminometric assay for differentiating ACTH-dependent from ACTH-independent hyperadrenocorticism in dogs.

BACKGROUND: Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) determination has been used for 30 years to distinguish ACTH-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (ADHAC) from ACTH-independent hyperadrenocorticism (AIHAC) in dogs. However, the few studies that have evaluated its diagnostic accuracy, based in the majority of cases on older assays, have been associated with systematic, but highly variable proportions of misclassified or unclassified cases. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the accuracy of a validated ACTH immunoluminometric assay (ILMA) for differentiating between ADHAC and AIHAC. ANIMALS: One hundred and nine dogs with hyperadrenocorticism were included: 91 with ADHAC and 18 with AIHAC. METHODS: Retrospective study. Dogs displaying feedback inhibition after the dexamethasone suppression test, adrenal symmetry, or both were considered to have ADHAC. AIHAC was demonstrated by adrenal tumor histology. For each group, ACTH determination by ILMA was reviewed. RESULTS: In the ADHAC group, plasma ACTH measurements ranged between 6 and 1250 pg/mL (median, 30 pg/mL). In the AIHAC group, all ACTH concentrations were below the lower quantification limit of the assay (<5 pg/mL). The 95% confidence interval was 85-100% for sensitivity and 97-100% for specificity in AIHAC diagnosis. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: No overlap in ACTH concentrations was observed between dogs with ADHAC and dogs with AIHAC. The use of a new technique with high analytical sensitivity made it possible to use a low threshold (5 pg/mL), avoiding the misclassification of some ADHAC cases with low, but quantifiable concentrations of ACTH. The assessment of ACTH concentrations by ILMA is an accurate tool for differentiating between ADHAC and AIHAC.

Halogen atom effect on photophysical and photodynamic characteristics of derivatives of 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(3-hydroxyphenyl)porphyrin.

Brominated and iodinated derivatives of 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(3-hydroxyphenyl)porphyrin were synthesised directly from the corresponding aldehydes. Photophysical and photochemical properties, singlet oxygen formation quantum yields, photobleaching and log P were measured. Cellular uptake measurements and cytotoxicity assays on WiDr and A375 tumour cell lines were performed. 5,10,15,20-Tetrakis(2-bromo-5-hydroxyphenyl)porphyrin showed the best cytotoxicity with values of IC(50) of 113 nM over WiDr cells and 52nM over A375 cells.

Tritolylporphyrin dimer as a new potent hydrophobic sensitizer for photodynamic therapy of melanoma.

We report the synthesis, photochemical and photophysical properties and preliminary studies on biological effect of a new tritolylporphyrin dimer (T-D). Absorption and emission properties of T-D suggest its possible use in photodynamic therapy. T-D is capable of singlet oxygen production with 0.8 quantum yield. It also has a high photostability. The photodynamic properties of the dimer were examined following the growth of SKMEL 188 (human melanoma) cells irradiated with red light (cut off < 630 nm). The surviving fraction of the cells decreased about 3-fold (vs. non-irradiated cells) for an 81 J/cm dose. Our results suggest that tritolylporphyrine dimer T-D may be an interesting hydrophobic sensitizer for photodynamic therapy.

[The clinical response to interferon-gamma in a patient with chronic granulomatous disease and brain abscesses due to Aspergillus fumigatus]. / Respuesta clínica al interferón gamma, en paciente con enfermedad granulomatosa crónica y abscesos cerebrales por Aspergillus fumigatus.

Chronic granulomatous disease (CGD) is an heterogeneous inherited disorder where the microbicidal phagocytic properties of leukocytes are impaired. Patients with CGD are prone to severe ious with many microorganisms such as Aspergillus spp (1,2). Recently, interferon gamma (IFN-8) which significantly reduces the frequency of infections in these patients, has been proved useful (3,4). We present our experience with the clinical use of these cytoscine. A 26-year-old woman with CGD suffered recement multiple brain abscesses by Aspergillus fumigatus treated in many occasions with surgical drainage. Since treatment with IFN-8 was started, two years ago, she is well and asymptomatic until the moment.

Organochlorine pesticides in wolves from Galicia.

Levels of seven organochlorine pesticides (heptachlorepoxide, dieldrin, endrin, p,p'-DDE, o-p'-DDT, p,p'-DDT, and methoxychlor) and DDE/DDT ratios were determined in spleen, liver, muscle, kidney and suprarenal from 12 wolves from three provinces of Galicia (eight male and four female). Analysis was carried out by GC-ECD. Heptachlorepoxide was in found only 25% of samples, while p,p'-DDE was the most dominant of the organochlorine compounds analyzed. DDE/DDT ratios higher than 1 were found in liver and muscle.

Pig MAP/ITIH4 and haptoglobin are interleukin-6-dependent acute-phase plasma proteins in porcine primary cultured hepatocytes.

The acute-phase expression of pig MAP (major acute-phase protein)/ITIH4 (inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain 4) and haptoglobin were analysed in primary cultures of isolated pig hepatocytes in response to recombinant human (rh) cytokines: tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), as well as to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Analysis of pig MAP/ITIH4 and haptoglobin mRNAs was carried out by RT-PCR amplification. Secreted proteins from the cytokine-treated hepatocytes were quantified by immunochemical techniques. Time-course and dose-response experiments show that pig MAP/ITIH4 and haptoglobin belong to the type II acute-phase proteins, as they are specifically induced by rhIL-6 and not by rhTNF-alpha or rhIL-1. Stimulation of cultured pig hepatocytes with rhIL-6 for 48 h at doses of 1000 U.mL-1 showed a fourfold to fivefold increase in pig MAP/ITIH4 concentration in the medium, while the concentration of haptoglobin only increased twofold. A similar increase in the concentration of pig MAP/ITIH4 was also observed in media of LPS-treated hepatocytes with the simultaneous generation of IL-6 by the Kupffer cells present in the cultures. Albumin secretion decreased after stimulation with doses of 100 or 1000 U.mL-1 rhTNF-alpha, rhIL-1 or rhIL-6. Therefore, it can be concluded that pig MAP/ITIH4 behaves as a major acute-phase protein produced by porcine hepatocytes under the effect of inflammatory cytokines.

ITIH4 serum concentration increases during acute-phase processes in human patients and is up-regulated by interleukin-6 in hepatocarcinoma HepG2 cells.

The serum concentration of the inter-alpha trypsin inhibitor heavy chain 4 protein (ITIH4) increases (from 1.4-3 times) in male patients suffering of different acute-phase processes (myocardial infarction, unstable angina or programmed surgery). The concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP) in these samples ranged from 15 microg/ml to 133 microg/ml. Using the hepatocarcinoma HepG2 cell line we have observed up-regulation of ITIH4 mRNA expression upon dose-response treatments with interleukin-6 (IL-6). This effect correlates with the increase of radiolabeled ITIH4 in the cellular media of (35)S-labeled HepG2 cells treated with the cytokine. A similar effect was observed for haptoglobin mRNA, used as a control for acute-phase protein expression. IL-1beta, although up-regulating the expression of alpha(1)-acid glycoprotein in these cells, did not induce any effect in the expression of ITIH4. No changes were observed after TNF-alpha treatments. The results presented here indicate that ITIH4 is a type II acute-phase protein in humans.

A simple ultraviolet method for discriminating between polychlorobiphenyls and organochloride pesticides coeluting under gas chromatography with electron-capture detection.

Certain congeners of Aroclor 1260 coelute with o,p'-or p,p'-DDT under gas chromatography with electron-capture detection. We describe a simple ultraviolet irradiation method that allows qualitative and quantitative analyses of mixtures of these organochlorides in complex matrices. Detection limits are 0.20 and 0.22 microgram/kg dry mass for Aroclor 1260 and the two DDTs, respectively. The method is applied to six replicate pork liver samples, for which recoveries ranged from 72 to 90%.

Fumonisin levels in Uruguayan corn products.

A survey was conducted to evaluate fumonisins FB1 and FB2 in Uruguayan corn products. Sixty-four samples of different local brands were purchased from retail stores during a 15-month period and analyzed for FB1 and FB2 by methanol-water extraction, cleanup with a 1 mL. strong-anion-exchange solid-phase extraction column, and liquid chromatography with o-pthaldialdehyde-2-mercaptoethanol derivatization and fluorescence detection. Contamination levels for FB1 varied from 50 ng/g (detection limit) to 6342 ng/g. Values were highest in feed samples (up to 6342 ng/g), unprocessed corn kernel (up to 3688 ng/g), and milled products, which included polenta (up to 427 ng/g). They were lowest in processed corn kernel (up to 155 ng/g) and snacks (up to 314 ng/g). FB2 was determined in one-fourth of the total samples and detected at trace levels in only one feed sample. The data demonstrated the natural occurrence of fumonisins in corn products in Uruguay. Feed and polenta that contain fumonisins could be of concern because they are consumed in large amounts and are often the main nutrient source in Uruguay.