Chiropractors in Multidisciplinary Teams: Enablers of Colocation Integration in GP-Led Primary Healthcare.

The aim of this study was to explore and document the enablers and barriers of chiropractic care colocation in general practice at a large-scale private primary care centre in Australia. This study focused on the perceptions of healthcare professionals regarding this integration. The research setting was a large integrated primary care centre located in an outer metro, low-socioeconomic area in the City of Moreton Bay, Queensland, Australia. Participant inclusion criteria included general medical practitioners, practice nurses, and medical managers who self-reported interactions with the physically collocated and integrated chiropractic practice. Data was collected from 22 participants using face-to-face, qualitative, semi-structured interviews with an average duration of 32 min. The data collected included perceptions of chiropractic treatment, enablers to patient referral pathways, and views of the integrated chiropractic care model. A reflexive thematic analysis was conducted on the data set. All participants reported that this was their first exposure to the colocation of a chiropractor within a general medical practice. Four key enablers of chiropractic care integration were identified: (1) the practitioner [chiropractor], (2) the organisation [general practice], (3) consumer flow, and (4) the environment [shared spaces and tenant ecosystem]. The chiropractic integration enhanced knowledge sharing and interprofessional trust among healthcare providers. The formal reporting of patient outcomes and understanding of the chiropractor's scope of practice further enabled referrals to the service. Shared administrative and business processes, including patient records, booking systems, and clinical meetings, facilitated relationship development between the chiropractor and referring health providers. Colocation as part of a larger primary care centre created proximity and convenience for health providers in terms of interprofessional communication, and for patients, in terms of access to chiropractic services. Existing governance structures supported communication, professional education, and shared values related to the delivery of patient-centred care. Identified barriers included limited public funding for chiropractic services resulting in reduced access for patients of low-socioeconomic status. Additionally, scepticism or negativity towards the discipline of chiropractic care was identified as an initial barrier to refer patients. In most cases, this view towards the chiropractor was overcome by regular patient reporting of positive treatment outcomes to their GP, the delivery of education sessions by the chiropractor for the health providers, and the development of interprofessional trust between the chiropractor and referring health providers. This study provides preliminary evidence and a conceptual framework of factors influencing the successful integration of chiropractic care within an Australian large primary care centre. The data collected indicated that integration of chiropractic care into a primary care centre serving a low-socioeconomic region can be achieved with a high degree of health provider satisfaction.

The potential of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for addressing sleep difficulties in children with autism - A brief communication.

Sleep difficulties can co-occur with autistic traits and have been frequently reported in children diagnosed with autism. Thus, sleep difficulties may impact neural development, cognition, and behavioural functioning in children with autism. Interventions, such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), that target aberrant neural structures underpinning autistic traits and sleep difficulties in children could have beneficial effects. The rTMS effects on the pathophysiological pathways hypothesised to underpin autism and sleep difficulties are well-established in the literature; however, clinical evidence of its potential to improve sleep difficulties in children with autism is limited. While the preliminary data is promising, further robust rTMS studies are warranted to encourage its use in clinical practices.

Rapid IDH1-R132 genotyping panel utilizing locked nucleic acid loop-mediated isothermal amplification.

While the detection of single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) is important for evaluating human health and disease, most genotyping methods require a nucleic acid extraction step and lengthy analytical times. Here, we present a protocol which utilizes the integration of locked nucleic acids (LNAs) into self-annealing loop primers for the allelic discrimination of five isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 R132 (IDH1-R132) variants using loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). This genotyping panel was initially evaluated using purified synthetic DNA to show proof of specific SNV discrimination. Additional evaluation using glioma tumor lysates with known IDH1-R132 mutational status demonstrated specificity in approximately 35 min without the need for a nucleic acid extraction purification step. This LNA-LAMP-based genotyping assay can detect single base differences in purified nucleic acids or tissue homogenates, including instances where the variant of interest is present in an excess of background wild-type DNA. The pH-based colorimetric indicator of LNA-LAMP facilitates convenient visual interpretation of reactions, and we demonstrate successful translation to an end-point format using absorbance ratio, allowing for an alternative and objective approach for differentiating between positive and negative reactions. Importantly, the LNA-LAMP genotyping panel is highly reproducible, with no false-positive or false-negative results observed.

Automatic sleep spindles identification and classification with multitapers and convolution.

Sleep spindles are isolated transient surges of oscillatory neural activity present during sleep stages 2 and 3 in the nonrapid eye movement (NREM). They can indicate the mechanisms of memory consolidation and plasticity in the brain. Spindles can be identified across cortical areas and classified as either slow or fast. There are spindle transients across different frequencies and power, yet most of their functions remain a mystery. Using several electroencephalogram (EEG) databases, this study presents a new method, called the "spindles across multiple channels" (SAMC) method, for identifying and categorizing sleep spindles in EEGs during the NREM sleep. The SAMC method uses a multitapers and convolution (MT&C) approach to extract the spectral estimation of different frequencies present in sleep EEGs and graphically identify spindles across multiple channels. The characteristics of spindles, such as duration, power, and event areas, are also extracted by the SAMC method. Comparison with other state-of-the-art spindle identification methods demonstrated the superiority of the proposed method with an agreement rate, average positive predictive value, and sensitivity of over 90% for spindle classification across the three databases used in this paper. The computing cost was found to be, on average, 0.004 seconds per epoch. The proposed method can potentially improve the understanding of the behavior of spindles across the scalp and accurately identify and categories sleep spindles.

An Introduction to Relevant Immunology Principles with Respect to Oral Vaccines in Aquaculture.

Vaccines continue to play an enormous role in the progression of aquaculture industries worldwide. Though preventable diseases cause massive economic losses, injection-based vaccine delivery is cost-prohibitive or otherwise impractical for many producers. Most oral vaccines, which are much cheaper to administer, do not provide adequate protection relative to traditional injection or even immersion formulas. Research has focused on determining why there appears to be a lack of protection afforded by oral vaccines. Here, we review the basic immunological principles associated with oral vaccination before discussing the recent progress and current status of oral vaccine research. This knowledge is critical for the development and advancement of efficacious oral vaccines for the aquaculture industry.

A polydiolcitrate-MoS2 composite for 3D printing Radio-opaque, Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffolds.

Implantable polymeric biodegradable devices, such as biodegradable vascular stents or scaffolds, cannot be fully visualized using standard X-ray-based techniques, compromising their performance due to malposition after deployment. To address this challenge, we describe composites of methacrylated poly(1,12 dodecamethylene citrate) (mPDC) and MoS2 nanosheets to fabricate novel X-ray visible radiopaque and photocurable liquid polymer-ceramic composite (mPDC-MoS2). The composite was used as an ink with micro continuous liquid interface production (µCLIP) to fabricate bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS). Prints exhibited excellent crimping and expansion mechanics without strut failures and, importantly, required X-ray visibility in air and muscle tissue. Notably, MoS2 nanosheets displayed physical degradation over time in a PBS environment, indicating the potential for producing bioresorbable devices. mPDC-MoS2 is a promising bioresorbable X-ray-visible composite material suitable for 3D printing medical devices, particularly vascular scaffolds or stents, that require non-invasive X-ray-based monitoring techniques for implantation and evaluation. This innovative composite system holds significant promise for the development of biocompatible and highly visible medical implants, potentially enhancing patient outcomes and reducing medical complications.

Rhinoplasty with Concurrent Repair of Septal Perforation.

Concurrently performing septal perforation repair and rhinoplasty is challenging. Successful management of patients who require or desire these procedures performed simultaneously can be achieved with appropriate preoperative workup and optimization, thoughtful surgical planning, masterful execution, and diligent postoperative care. Consideration of perforation etiology and status of the perforation along with overall nasal health are the foundation upon which surgery may be planned. Preoperative evaluation to determine locations of obstruction, aesthetic goals, and feasibility of procedure is required. Rhinoplasty techniques and perforation closure techniques may share common maneuvers making concurrent surgery possible. Surgical techniques to achieve perforation closure often influence rhinoplasty considerations, and vice versa. Care must be taken to account and possibly even to capitalize on these influences. Perforation closure techniques that may be readily combined with rhinoplasty include interposition grafting and intranasal mucosal rotational advancement flaps, which may exert forces upon the nose with aesthetic or functional consequences. Rhinoplasty techniques targeting any third of the nose also can impact tension or available mucosa for perforation closure techniques. Combining these procedures can be very rewarding for the patient and provider but should be considered responsibly and thoughtfully.

Virtual Surgical Planning in Head and Neck Reconstruction.

Virtual surgical planning is a revolutionary tool for the head and neck reconstructive surgeon. As with any tool, there are strengths and weaknesses. The strengths include shorter operative time, shorter ischemic time, streamlined dental rehabilitation, facilitation of complex reconstruction, non-inferior and possibly superior accuracy, and increased durability. The weaknesses are increased up-front costs, potential delays to operative management, limited flexibility on the day of surgery, and loss of familiarity with conventionally planned surgery.

Characterization of maternal immunity following vaccination of broodstock against IHNV or Flavobacterium psychrophilum in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchusmykiss).

Infectious hematopoietic necrosis (IHN) is a significant viral disease affecting salmonids, whereas Flavobacterium psychrophilum (Fp), the causative agent of bacterial coldwater disease (BCWD), remains one of the most significant bacterial pathogens of salmonids. We explored maternal immunity in the context of IHN and BCWD management in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) aquaculture. Two experimental trials were conducted where different groups of female broodstock were immunized prior to spawning with an IHNV DNA vaccine or a live attenuated F. psychrophilum (Fp B.17-ILM) vaccine alone, or in combination. Progeny were challenged with either a low or high dose of IHNV at 13 days post hatch (dph) and 32 dph or challenged with F. psychrophilum at 13 dph. Mortality following a low-dose IHNV challenge at 13 dph was significantly lower in progeny from vaccinated broodstock vs. unvaccinated broodstock, but no significant differences were observed at 32 dph. Mortality due to BCWD was also significantly reduced in 13 dph fry that originated from broodstock immunized with the Fp B.17-ILM vaccine. After vaccination broodstock developed specific or neutralizing antibodies respectively to F. psychrophilum and IHNV; however, antibody titers in eggs and fry were undetectable. In the eggs and fry mRNA transcripts of the complement components C3 and C5 were detected at much higher levels in progeny from vaccinated broodstock and showed a significantly increased and rapid response post-challenge compared with unvaccinated broodstock. After challenges pro-inflammatory cytokine expression was immediately and considerably elevated in the fry from vaccinated broodstock vs. unvaccinated broodstock, whereas adaptive immune genes were elevated to a lesser degree. Results suggest that maternal transfer of innate and adaptive factors at the transcript level occurred because development of lymphomyeloid organs is not complete in such young fry. In addition to documenting maternally derived immunity in teleosts, this study demonstrates that broodstock vaccination can confer some degree of protection to progeny against viral and bacterial pathogens.

Development of a monoclonal antibody specific to burbot (Lota lota) IgM and optimization of an ELISA to measure anti-Aeromonas sp. antibody titers following pathogen challenge.

Burbot (Lota lota) are an ideal candidate for cool or cold-water aquaculture and are gaining interest because of their high economic value, low temperature requirements, and fast growth rate. Limited information exists on the innate and adaptive immune systems of this species. This is partly due to the lack of species-specific tools to determine antibody responses following disease or vaccination or to characterize the immune response in general. An anti-IgM monoclonal antibody (mAb 27C) was developed and characterized via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot for species specificity, affinity to the heavy chain of burbot IgM, and cross-reactivity to other reagents used in the analysis. The 27C monoclonal antibody was further utilized to develop an ELISA protocol to measure the specific antibody response of burbot following exposure to two pathogenic strains of Aeromonas sp. (A141 and IR004). This ELISA confirmed that vaccinated burbot that survived the challenge with either strain developed statistically higher titers of anti-Aeromonas antibodies specific for the relative strain when compared to fish that were not vaccinated or challenged. Western blot analysis further demonstrated that burbot surviving challenge had serum IgM that recognized distinct antigens specific to the strain they were challenged with, A141 bound to antigens in the 50-250Kda range and IR004 bound to a distinct 150Kda antigen. Western blots further indicated that each strain shared antigenic regions regardless of experimental Aeromonas strain exposure. Finally, immunofluorescent staining confirmed that mAb 27C binds to membrane-bound IgM (presumably B cells) on burbot head kidney cells. Taken together, results from this study demonstrate that mAb 27C specifically recognized burbot IgM and will be an important tool to further characterize the adaptive and cellular immune responses of this fish species.

Implications of traumatic unilateral aryepiglottic fold injury on swallowing: A case series.

OBJECTIVE: This retrospective case series examines the effect of traumatic unilateral aryepiglottic fold injury on swallowing and airway protection. It focuses on the longitudinal care of five pediatric patients to determine the dietary modifications required to maintain a safe, functional swallow. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of patients with a diagnosis of unilateral aryepiglottic fold injury was performed. Cases were clinically identified by pediatric otolaryngologists at a single quaternary care pediatric hospital upon operative endoscopic evaluation. Clinical swallow outcomes were measured with the Rosenbek Penetration Aspiration Scale. RESULTS: Average age at diagnosis was 10 months with mean follow-up of 30 months. Eighty percent of patients were female. All patients had right-sided aryepiglottic fold injuries. Four patients were intubated for an average of 3 months and a fifth patient had a traumatic intubation event. All currently take nutrition by mouth, albeit to varying degrees. Four patients adequately protect their airway from aspiration with all oral consistencies. Optimized delivery of thin liquids yielded a Rosenbek penetration aspiration scale (PAS) score of 1 in four patients and 4 in the remaining patient. Four patients required gastric tube placement during severe illness, and three remain partially dependent. Surgical correction was attempted for one patient without improvement. CONCLUSION: Based on a limited and somewhat heterogeneous case series, the data suggests that traumatic unilateral aryepiglottic fold injury does not prohibit oral intake in most cases. While the PAS score under optimized conditions is impressive, implications for a safely tolerated diet remain. There is sparse published literature upon this topic, and the longitudinal data presented may serve as a pilot study for future investigation by shedding light on the consequences of this airway injury.

Transforming Primary Care: Developing Health Precincts as Models for Sustainable Integrated Community-Based Healthcare.

Holistic healthcare precincts are an emerging service model to address the growing health service demands of ageing consumers and an increasing prevalence of chronic diseases. In Australia and similar countries with universal publicly funded Medicare systems, the first point of access to healthcare is provided by general medical practitioners. This case report focuses on successful components of a private, integrated, patient-centred primary care model located in a low socioeconomic population in North Brisbane, Queensland. Successful components included a focus on sustainability, general practice as an anchor tenant in the health precinct, the integration of multiple services, team-based care for shared clinical services, flexible expansion options, the use of MedTech, support for small businesses and a cluster structure. The Morayfield Health Precinct (MHP) offers appropriate, safe and individualised healthcare to residents across their life continuum. Its success was built on a foundation of pre-planning, to ensure the design/build, anchor tenant and collaborative ecosystem were sustainable in the long term. MHP planning was based on an adaptation of the WHO-IPCC framework supporting true patient-centred, integrated care. Its shared vision and collaborative care are supported by its internal governance structure, tenant selection, established and emerging referral networks and partnerships. Evidence-based and informed care is further supported by internal and external research and education partnerships.

Butyrate limits human natural killer cell effector function.

The gut microbiota regulates chronic inflammation and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a broad spectrum of disease including autoimmunity and cancer. Microbial short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) e.g., butyrate have demonstrated immunomodulatory effects and are thought to be key mediators of the host-microbiome interaction. Here, we investigated the effect of butyrate on effector functions of blood derived human NK cells stimulated for 18 h with a combination of IL-12/IL-15, a potent mix of cytokines that drive NK cell activation. We show that butyrate has a strong anti-inflammatory effect on NK cells. NK cells cultured in the presence of butyrate expressed lower levels of activating receptors (TRAIL, NKp30, NKp44) and produced lower levels of cytokines (IFNγ, TNF-α, IL-22, granzyme B, granzyme A, perforin) in response to IL-12/IL-15. Butyrate restricted NK cell function by downregulation of mTORC1 activity, c-Myc mRNA expression and metabolism. Using a shotgun proteomic approach, we confirmed the effect of butyrate on NK cell cytokine signaling and metabolism and identified BRD2, MAT2A and EHD1 as downstream mediators of these effects. This insight into the immunomodulatory activity of butyrate on human NK cell function might help to develop new ways to limit NK cell function during chronic inflammation.

3D Printing a Low-Cost Miniature Accommodating Optical Microscope.

This decade has witnessed the tremendous progress in miniaturizing optical imaging systems. Despite the advancements in 3D printing optical lenses at increasingly smaller dimensions, challenges remain in precisely manufacturing the dimensionally compatible optomechanical components and assembling them into a functional imaging system. To tackle this issue, the use of 3D printing to enable digitalized optomechanical component manufacturing, part-count-reduction design, and the inclusion of passive alignment features is reported here, all for the ease of system assembly. The key optomechanical components of a penny-sized accommodating optical microscope are 3D printed in 50 min at a significantly reduced unit cost near $4. By actuating a built-in voice-coil motor, its accommodating capability is validated to focus on specimens located at different distances, and a focus-stacking function is further utilized to greatly extend depth of field. The microscope can be readily customized and rapidly manufactured to respond to task-specific needs in form factor and optical characteristics.

Production of a monoclonal antibody specific to sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria) IgM and its application in ELISA, western blotting, and immunofluorescent staining.

Sablefish (Anoplopoma fimbria) are an emerging aquaculture species native to the continental shelf of the northern Pacific Ocean. There is limited information on both innate and adaptive immunity for this species and new tools are needed to determine antibody response following vaccination or disease outbreaks. In this paper, a monoclonal antibody, UI-25A, specific to sablefish IgM was produced in mice. Western blotting confirmed UI-25A recognizes the heavy chain of IgM and does not cross react to proteins or carbohydrates in serum of four other teleost species. An ELISA was developed to measure Aeromonas salmonicida specific IgM in the plasma of sablefish from a previous experiment where fish were immunized with a proprietary A. salmonicida vaccine. UI-25A was used in Western blot analyses to identify immunogenic regions of A. salmonicida recognized by this specific IgM from vaccinated sablefish. Immunofluorescent staining also demonstrated the ability of UI-25A to recognize membrane-bound IgM and identify IgM + cells in the head kidney. These results demonstrate the usefulness of UI-25A as a tool to improve the understanding of antibody-mediated immunity in sablefish as well as to provide valuable information for vaccine development and expansion of aquaculture efforts for this fish species.

The soluble CD83 protein prevents bone destruction by inhibiting the formation of osteoclasts and inducing resolution of inflammation in arthritis.

Here we show that soluble CD83 induces the resolution of inflammation in an antigen-induced arthritis (AIA) model. Joint swelling and the arthritis-related expression levels of IL-1ß, IL-6, RANKL, MMP9, and OC-Stamp were strongly reduced, while Foxp3 was induced. In addition, we observed a significant inhibition of TRAP+ osteoclast formation, correlating with the reduced arthritic disease score. In contrast, cell-specific deletion of CD83 in human and murine precursor cells resulted in an enhanced formation of mature osteoclasts. RNA sequencing analyses, comparing sCD83- with mock treated cells, revealed a strong downregulation of osteoclastogenic factors, such as Oc-Stamp, Mmp9 and Nfatc1, Ctsk, and Trap. Concomitantly, transcripts typical for pro-resolving macrophages, e.g., Mrc1/2, Marco, Klf4, and Mertk, were upregulated. Interestingly, members of the metallothionein (MT) family, which have been associated with a reduced arthritic disease severity, were also highly induced by sCD83 in samples derived from RA patients. Finally, we elucidated the sCD83-induced signaling cascade downstream to its binding to the Toll-like receptor 4/(TLR4/MD2) receptor complex using CRISPR/Cas9-induced knockdowns of TLR4/MyD88/TRIF and MTs, revealing that sCD83 acts via the TRIF-signaling cascade. In conclusion, sCD83 represents a promising therapeutic approach to induce the resolution of inflammation and to prevent bone erosion in autoimmune arthritis.

Minimally Invasive Nasal Valve Treatment.

The objective of this article is to explore minimally invasive techniques to treat a poorly functioning nasal valve. It reviews the literature to introduce anatomy and examination, detail efficacy, instruct procedural protocols, and summarize utility. The article was composed based upon literature review and expert opinion. Nasal obstruction is a frequent problem managed by the facial plastic surgeon. It can occur at multiple sites, but commonly problematic regions are the nasal valves. A comprehensive nasal exam can elucidate the source of obstruction and validated obstruction measurements, such as the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation Instrument or the Standardized Cosmesis and Health Nasal Outcomes Survey for Functional and Cosmetic Rhinoplasty, can classify severity. Cartilage grafting and open septorhinoplasty techniques are invaluable for correcting nasal valve obstruction; however, the traditional methods may be neither possible nor optimal for all patients. Minimally invasive treatment modalities have emerged to offer an alternative to classical treatment algorithms. Minimally invasive techniques aimed at improving the nasal valve function include nasal dilators, suture suspension, lateral nasal wall bioresorbable implants, and cartilaginous radio frequency remodeling. Benefits of these methods include clinic-based intervention, avoidance of general anesthesia, use in previously operated noses, and minimally invasive nature. Publications with ranging levels of evidence support the efficacy of these interventions when patients with isolated nasal valve obstruction are examined. Limitations in the data, such as study power, source of funding, duration of follow-up, and longevity of response, warrant the need for further investigation; however, the efficacy of these techniques justifies implementation in proper patient populations into current practice. Minimally invasive nasal valve correction is a valuable tool in the armamentarium of the facial plastic surgeon. It cannot and should not replace traditional septorhinoplasty; however, the techniques are a valuable consideration for the appropriate patient population.

Calculations of pKa Values for a Series of Naturally Occurring Modified Nucleobases.

Modified nucleobases are found in functionally important regions of RNA and are often responsible for essential structural roles. Many of these nucleobase modifications are dynamically regulated in nature, with each modification having a different biological role in RNA. Despite the high abundance of modifications, many of their characteristics are still poorly understood. One important property of a nucleobase is its pKa value, which has been widely studied for unmodified nucleobases, but not for the modified versions. In this study, the pKa values of modified nucleobases were determined by performing ab initio quantum mechanical calculations using a B3LYP density functional with the 6-31+G(d,p) basis set and a combination of implicit-explicit solvation systems. This method, which was previously employed to determine the pKa values of unmodified nucleobases, is applicable to a variety of modified nucleobases. Comparisons of the pKa values of modified nucleobases give insight into their structural and energetic impacts within nucleic acids.

Assessment of Flavobacterium psychrophilum-associated mortality in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis).

Salmonid diseases caused by infections of Flavobacterium psychrophilum, the causative agent of bacterial coldwater disease, remain difficult to manage as novel, pathogenic strains continue to emerge in aquaculture settings globally. To date, much of the research regarding treatment options and vaccine development has focused on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), but other inland-reared salmonids are also impacted by this Gram-negative bacterium. As such, Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) were injection-challenged with a variety of previously reported F. psychrophilum strains isolated from disease diagnostic cases in salmonids, as well as a standard and well-studied F. psychrophilum strain (CSF 259-93) known to be virulent in rainbow trout. In three separate virulence assessments (Trials A, B and C), strains US063 (isolated from lake trout; Salvelinus namaycush) and US149 (isolated from Atlantic salmon) caused a significantly higher cumulative per cent mortality (CPM) relative to other strains in Atlantic salmon (p <.001 for all trials), with US149 causing significantly greater mortality than US063 in Trials A (CPM 97% vs. 65%, p =.008) and B (CPM 96% ± 2.3% vs. 81.33% ± 4.8%, p =.014). Trial C used a lower dose (1.86 × 108  CFU/mL) for US149, resulting in a lower mortality (78.67% ± 9.33%) relative to Trials A and B. CSF259-93 did not cause significant mortality in any trials. In brook trout, the strain 03-179 (originally isolated from steelhead trout; Oncorhynchus mykiss) was significantly more virulent than any other (CPM 100% ± 0%, p <.001), followed by US063 (73% ± 3.8%) and US149 (40% ± 6.1%,) respectively. Again, CSF259-93 did not cause significant mortality relative to a mock challenge treatment. Results provide information about the applicability of strain selection in F. psychrophilum virulence testing in Atlantic salmon and brook trout, demonstrating the high virulence of US063 and US149 for these salmonid species. This information is applicable for the development of therapeutics and vaccines against F. psychrophilum infections and demonstrates the reproducibility of the experimental challenge model.

Isolation and experimental challenge of cultured burbot (Lota lota maculosa) with Flavobacterium columnare and Aeromonas sp. isolates.

Burbot (Lota lota maculosa) are a potential new species for commercial aquaculture. As burbot culture expands, there is a need to further define pathogen susceptibility and characterize aspects of the burbot immune response in an effort to assess fish health. A recent clinical diagnostic case from juvenile burbot reared at a commercial production facility resulted in the isolation and identification of Flavobacterium columnare along with several Aeromonas spp. The F. columnare isolate was assigned to genetic group 1 via multiplex PCR, a genetic group commonly associated with columnaris disease cases in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Virulence of the F. columnare isolate was assessed in vivo in both juvenile burbot and rainbow trout. Additionally, several of the Aeromonas sp. case isolates were identified via sequencing (16S rRNA, gyrB and rpoD) and a putative A. sobria isolate (BI-3) was used to challenge burbot, along with a known virulent Aeromonas sp. (A141), but BI-3 was not found to be virulent. Burbot were refractory to F. columnare when challenged by immersion, and it is likely that this is a secondary pathogen for burbot. Although refractory in burbot, the identified F. columnare isolate (BI-1) was found to be virulent in rainbow trout.