Exploring genetic variation in potential indicators of resilience in sheep using fibre diameter measured along the wool staple.

Production animals are increasingly exposed to a wide variety of disturbances that can compromise their productivity, health and well-being. As a result, there is a growing need to be able to select animals that are more resilient to environmental disturbances. Fibre diameter variation measured along a wool staple is expected to contain information about how resilient sheep are to the disturbances of their internal and external environment. This study aimed to develop potential resilience indicators from fibre diameter variation, estimate their genetic parameters and assess whether these traits are genetically correlated across three age stages. The study used 6 140 Merino sheep from the Sheep Cooperative Research Centre Information Nucleus Flocks recorded at yearling, 2 years old, and adult ages. Eight potential traits were defined based on theory, literature and exploratory analysis, which were suggested to capture the animal's ability to resist, respond and recover from potential disturbances. Genetic evaluation of the traits was conducted using pedigree-based animal models. The traits were shown to be low to moderately heritable (0.01-0.33) when examined at each of the three age stages. The potential indicators were generally well correlated with one another within age stages. Further, the genetic correlation between the same trait measured at different age stages was moderate to high between yearling and 2 years old (0.35-0.94) and between 2 years old and adults (0.18-0.70), while slightly lower between yearling and adult estimates (0.09-0.62). These results suggest that selection for resilience indicators from fibre diameter is possible; however, further studies are warranted to refine the trait definitions and validate these indicators against other measures of health, fitness and productive performance.

Implications of disparate uterine and ovarian development observed among heifers evaluated during the peripubertal period.

The incidence and implications of disparate ovarian and uterine development during the peripubertal period were evaluated in two experiments. In Experiment 1, two consecutive pre-breeding evaluations were performed on 469 heifers. In Experiment 2, data from 22,174 heifers were retrospectively analyzed. For heifers in both experiments, ovarian and uterine maturity were independently assessed via transrectal evaluation, and a two-digit reproductive tract score (RTS: first digit = ovarian; second digit = uterine) was assigned. Measures of the physical maturity of heifers were recorded at the time of pre-breeding evaluation. Heifers were subjected to 14-day progestin-based protocols for synchronization of estrus, and artificial insemination (AI) was performed. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed via transrectal ultrasonography. Incidence of disparate ovarian and uterine score was 33.7 % (158/469) in Experiment 1 % and 16.3 % (3622/22,174) in Experiment 2. Observations of disparate ovarian and uterine maturity were correlated with physical maturity. Heifers with RTS < 3-3 demonstrated poor reproductive performance, as lesser proportions of these animals conceived to the first AI service in Experiment 2 (P < 0.01) or throughout the breeding season in Experiment 1 (P = 0.03). Conception did not differ between heifers assigned congruent or disparate scores of greater than RTS = 3-3. Disparities in ovarian and uterine development are likely observed as the result of rapid, yet asynchronous growth of reproductive tissues during the peripubertal period and are not indicative of inherently reduced potential for fertility. Independent assessment of ovarian and uterine maturity may increase precision in characterizing physiologic maturity of mixed groups of prepubertal, peripubertal, and pubertal heifers.

Evaluation of the 7 & 7 Synch and 7-day CO-Synch + CIDR treatment regimens for control of the estrous cycle among beef cows prior to fixed-time artificial insemination with conventional or sex-sorted semen.

An experiment was conducted to compare the 7 & 7 Synch and 7-day CO-Synch + controlled internal drug release (CIDR®) treatment regimens before fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) of beef cows with conventional or sex-sorted semen. Cows (n = 1538) were blocked based on age and days postpartum (DPP) and randomly assigned to treatment regimen and semen type. Cows assigned to the 7-day CO-Synch + CIDR treatment regimen (n = 769) were administered gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and an intravaginal progesterone-releasing insert (CIDR) on Day - 10, and administration of prostaglandin F2α (PG) coincident with CIDR removal on Day - 3. Cows assigned to 7 & 7 Synch (n = 769) were administered PG and a CIDR device on Day - 17, GnRH on Day - 10, and PG coincident with CIDR removal on Day - 3. Cows were administered GnRH coincident with FTAI, which was performed 66 h after CIDR removal with conventional (20 × 106 cells) or sex-sorted (4 × 106 cells) semen. Expression of estrus was affected by treatment regimen (P = 0.01) and by treatment regimen × DPP (P = 0.0004), as a result of imposing the 7 & 7 Synch regimen; therefore, a greater percentage of cows expressed estrus (82% compared with 64%), particularly among cows with greater DPP. Pregnancy percentages resulting from FTAI were less (P < 0.0001) when using sex-sorted semen but greater among cows treated with 7 & 7 Synch (conventional semen: 72%; sex-sorted semen: 52%) compared with 7-day CO-Synch + CIDR (conventional semen: 61%; sex-sorted semen: 44%).

Evaluation of later timepoints for split-time artificial insemination when using sex-sorted semen among beef heifers following the 14-d CIDR®-PG protocol.

An experiment was designed to evaluate later timepoints for Split-Time AI (STAI), with the hypothesis that delaying AI may improve estrous response and pregnancy per AI when using sex-sorted semen. Timing of estrus was synchronized among 794 heifers using the 14-d CIDR®-PG protocol (1.38 g progesterone intravaginal insert from Day 0-14, followed by 25 mg dinoprost tromethamine on Day 30) with STAI performed based on estrous status. Heifers were blocked based on breed, source, sire, reproductive tract score (RTS), and BW and assigned within block to one of two approaches. In Approach 66, heifers that were estrual by 66 h after PG administration were inseminated at 66 h, and remaining heifers were inseminated 24 h later (90 h). In Approach 72, heifers that were estrual by 72 h were inseminated at 72 h, and remaining heifers were inseminated 24 h later (96 h). With both approaches, heifers that were non-estrual by the final timepoint were administered 100 µg gonadorelin acetate (GnRH). Within approach, heifers were pre-assigned to receive SexedULTRA 4M™ sex-sorted or conventional semen. The proportion of heifers estrual by the first timepoint was greater (P < 0.0001) with Approach 72 (76 %; 302/395) compared to Approach 66 (61 %; 242/399). The proportion of heifers pregnant as a result of AI differed (P = 0.0005) by semen type (59 % [240/404] for conventional compared with 48 % [187/390] for sex-sorted) but was not affected by approach or approach × semen type. In summary, pregnancy per AI of heifers receiving sex-sorted or conventional semen following the 14-d CIDR®-PG protocol did not differ when STAI was delayed 6 h. The proportion of estrual heifers prior to the first timepoint, however, was greater with later STAI.

Playing to live: outcome evaluation of a community-based psychosocial expressive arts program for children during the Liberian Ebola epidemic.

BACKGROUND: This paper reviews the efficacy of a community psychosocial arts program focused on building mental health capacity within post-Ebola Liberia. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the outcome effects of two groups using pre- and post-treatment data. We hypothesized that there would be a difference in symptoms pre- and post-treatment, and the longer program would yield more significant results. METHODS: There was a total of 870 child participants. Of 40 sites, 24 were selected for a 5-month treatment (TG1) while the remaining 16 sites received 3 months of treatment (TG2). Paired t tests and a mixed-model analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to analyse pre- and post-psychological stress symptoms (PSS) for samples from both groups. RESULTS: Separately, treatment group 1 (TG1) and treatment group 2's (TG2) paired t test yielded significant results (p < 0.001) for the decrease of PSS. The mixed-model ANOVA found that there were significant differences in total pre- and post-test PSS and a significant difference in PSS means over time. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicated that there was a statistically significant decrease in reported symptoms in both treatment groups pre- to post-intervention and a significant difference in total symptoms over time. However, the findings do not indicate that the longer programming was statistically different compared to the shorter programming. The study presented had gaps in data, largely due to limits in research during the crisis. However, this paper provides a unique case study for challenges that can be faced for project evaluation in emergency settings.

Mycobacterium chimaera infection following cardiac surgery in the United Kingdom: clinical features and outcome of the first 30 cases.

OBJECTIVES: Mycobacterium chimaera infection following cardiac surgery, due to contaminated cardiopulmonary bypass heater-cooler units, has been reported worldwide. However, the spectrum of clinical disease remains poorly understood. To address this, we report the clinical and laboratory features, treatment and outcome of the first 30 UK cases. METHODS: Case note review was performed for cases identified retrospectively through outbreak investigations and prospectively through ongoing surveillance. Case definition was Mycobacterium chimaera detected in any clinical specimen, history of cardiothoracic surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass, and compatible clinical presentation. RESULTS: Thirty patients were identified (28 with prosthetic material) exhibiting a spectrum of disease including prosthetic valve endocarditis (14/30), sternal wound infection (2/30), aortic graft infection (4/30) and disseminated (non-cardiac) disease (10/30). Patients presented a median of 14 months post surgery (maximum 5 years) most commonly complaining of fever and weight loss. Investigations frequently revealed lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia, liver cholestasis and non-necrotizing granulomatous inflammation. Diagnostic sensitivity for a single mycobacterial blood culture was 68% but increased if multiple samples were sent. In all, 27 patients started macrolide-based combination treatment and 14 had further surgery. To date, 18 patients have died (60%) a median of 30 months (interquartile range 20-39 months) after initial surgery. Survival analysis identified younger age, mitral valve surgery, mechanical valve replacement, higher serum sodium concentration and lower C-reactive protein as factors associated with better survival. CONCLUSIONS: Mycobacterium chimaera infection following cardiac surgery is associated with a wide spectrum of disease. The diagnosis should be considered in all patients who develop an unexplained illness following cardiac surgery.

Canine recommended breed weight ranges are not a good predictor of an ideal body condition score.

Breed-specific ideal bodyweight range information is widely used by dog owners and breeders as a guideline to ensure animals are within a healthy weight range. Body Condition Scoring, a method used by veterinarians to assess an animal's overall shape with regard to weight is considered to be an excellent method to determine an animal's overall body condition; these values, however, do not always correspond to published weight ranges. Here, the weight, neuter status, age and a nine-point Body Condition Score of a population of 140 purebred dogs were recorded and subsequently analysed to determine whether bodyweight was an effective predictor for Body Condition Scores. This comparison indicated that published recommended, breed-specific body weight ranges are not a good predictor for an ideal BCS and as such, guidelines for owners and breeders need to be systematically reviewed.

Symbiont community stability through severe coral bleaching in a thermally extreme lagoon.

Coral reefs are threatened by climate change as coral-algal symbioses are currently living close to their upper thermal limits. The resilience of the algal partner plays a key role in determining the thermal tolerance of the coral holobiont and therefore, understanding the acclimatory limits of present day coral-algal symbioses is fundamental to forecasting corals' responses to climate change. This study characterised the symbiont community in a highly variable and thermally extreme (Max = 37.5 °C, Min = 16.8 °C) lagoon located in the southern Persian/Arabian Gulf using next generation sequencing of ITS2 amplicons. Despite experiencing extreme temperatures, severe bleaching and many factors that would be expected to promote the presence of, or transition to clade D dominance, the symbiont communities of the lagoon remain dominated by the C3 variant, Symbiodinium thermophilum. The stability of this symbiosis across multiple genera with different means of symbiont transmission highlights the importance of Symbiodinium thermophilum for corals living at the acclimatory limits of modern day corals. Corals in this extreme environment did not undergo adaptive bleaching, suggesting they are living at the edge of their acclimatory potential and that this valuable source of thermally tolerant genotypes may be lost in the near future under climate change.

Animal models to improve our understanding and treatment of suicidal behavior.

Worldwide, suicide is a leading cause of death. Although a sizable proportion of deaths by suicide may be preventable, it is well documented that despite major governmental and international investments in research, education and clinical practice suicide rates have not diminished and are even increasing among several at-risk populations. Although nonhuman animals do not engage in suicidal behavior amenable to translational studies, we argue that animal model systems are necessary to investigate candidate endophenotypes of suicidal behavior and the neurobiology underlying these endophenotypes. Animal models are similarly a critical resource to help delineate treatment targets and pharmacological means to improve our ability to manage the risk of suicide. In particular, certain pathophysiological pathways to suicidal behavior, including stress and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysfunction, neurotransmitter system abnormalities, endocrine and neuroimmune changes, aggression, impulsivity and decision-making deficits, as well as the role of critical interactions between genetic and epigenetic factors, development and environmental risk factors can be modeled in laboratory animals. We broadly describe human biological findings, as well as protective effects of medications such as lithium, clozapine, and ketamine associated with modifying risk of engaging in suicidal behavior that are readily translatable to animal models. Endophenotypes of suicidal behavior, studied in animal models, are further useful for moving observed associations with harmful environmental factors (for example, childhood adversity, mechanical trauma aeroallergens, pathogens, inflammation triggers) from association to causation, and developing preventative strategies. Further study in animals will contribute to a more informed, comprehensive, accelerated and ultimately impactful suicide research portfolio.

Programmatic utility of tuberculosis cluster investigation using a social network approach in Birmingham, United Kingdom.

SETTING: Birmingham, United Kingdom, 2010-2014. OBJECTIVE: To investigate predictors for clustering of tuberculosis (TB) cases and cluster size and to evaluate the impact of cluster investigation using social network data. DESIGN: Retrospective observational cohort study. Prioritised cases linked using 24-locus mycobacterial interspersed repetitive units-variable number of tandem repeats (MIRU-VNTR) were interviewed using a social network approach to find epidemiological links. RESULTS: Of 2055 TB cases notified, 56% could be typed. Clustering was associated with younger age, UK birth, Black Caribbean ethnicity, social risk factors, pulmonary TB and negative human immunodeficiency virus status. Only UK birth and presence of more than one social risk factor were associated with larger cluster size, while drug resistance was associated with smaller cluster size. Social network data from 139/431 clustered cases found new epidemiological links in 11/19 clusters with ⩾5 members (undirected median network density 0.09, interquartile range 0.05-0.4). Ninety-eight additional contacts were assessed, with one case of active TB and 24 with latent tuberculous infection diagnosed. CONCLUSION: A social network approach increased knowledge of likely transmission events, but few additional TB cases were diagnosed. Obtaining social network data for all typed and untyped TB cases may improve contact tracing and reduce unexpected transmission detected from molecular data.

Symbiodinium thermophilum sp. nov., a thermotolerant symbiotic alga prevalent in corals of the world's hottest sea, the Persian/Arabian Gulf.

Coral reefs are in rapid decline on a global scale due to human activities and a changing climate. Shallow water reefs depend on the obligatory symbiosis between the habitat forming coral host and its algal symbiont from the genus Symbiodinium (zooxanthellae). This association is highly sensitive to thermal perturbations and temperatures as little as 1°C above the average summer maxima can cause the breakdown of this symbiosis, termed coral bleaching. Predicting the capacity of corals to survive the expected increase in seawater temperatures depends strongly on our understanding of the thermal tolerance of the symbiotic algae. Here we use molecular phylogenetic analysis of four genetic markers to describe Symbiodinium thermophilum, sp. nov. from the Persian/Arabian Gulf, a thermally tolerant coral symbiont. Phylogenetic inference using the non-coding region of the chloroplast psbA gene resolves S. thermophilum as a monophyletic lineage with large genetic distances from any other ITS2 C3 type found outside the Gulf. Through the characterisation of Symbiodinium associations of 6 species (5 genera) of Gulf corals, we demonstrate that S. thermophilum is the prevalent symbiont all year round in the world's hottest sea, the southern Persian/Arabian Gulf.

Gene regulation in S. mutans: complex control in a complex environment.

Dental caries is a chronic infectious disease of multifactorial etiology that derives from the interplay among cariogenic bacteria on the dentition, the host diet, and other environmental exposures. Streptococcus mutans proliferates as a biofilm on the tooth surface, where it obtains nutrients and metabolizes fermentable dietary carbohydrates. The accumulation of lactic acid as a by-product of fermentation results in acidification of the plaque biofilm and demineralization of tooth enamel, marking the onset of decay. The ability of S. mutans to respond to environmental stresses presented by salivary flow, acid pH, oxidative stress, and changes in carbohydrate source and availability is essential for its survival and predominance in caries lesions. Importantly, S. mutans has evolved a network of regulators to integrate its cellular response to environmental change. Herein we describe the latest insights into global gene regulation in S. mutans, including mechanisms of signal transduction, carbon catabolite repression, and quorum-sensing. An improved understanding of these regulatory networks can provide a basis for novel therapeutic applications aimed at treating and/or preventing caries.

Vibrio alginolyticus-associated wound infection acquired in British waters, Guernsey, July 2011.

In July 2011, a Vibrio alginolyticus infection was diagnosed in a woman from Guernsey in the Channel Islands, British Isles after sea bathing and application of a natural seaweed dressing to a pre-existing leg wound. Microbiological investigation confirmed Vibrio in the wound and the species of seaweed used for the dressing. The washing of open wounds in seawater and use of unsterilised seaweed dressings should be discouraged, particularly in individuals with underlying risk conditions.

Extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis in the UK: 1995 to 2007.

BACKGROUND: The emergence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDRTB) and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDRTB) is a threat to global tuberculosis control. Limited information is, however, available on the outcome of XDRTB cases. This study describes the susceptibility to second- and third-line antituberculosis drugs among MDRTB cases and treatment outcome of identified XDRTB cases. METHOD: The results of second-line antituberculosis drug susceptibility tests in the UK between January 1995 and December 2007 were retrospectively reviewed and clinicians contacted for treatment outcome of XDRTB cases. Participants included all 678 patients with culture-confirmed MDRTB in the UK. The main outcome measures were the proportion of isolates resistant to second-line antituberculosis drugs and treatment outcome for XDRTB cases. RESULTS: Among MDRTB isolates, levels of resistance to amikacin, capreomycin, ciprofloxacin, cycloserine, ethionamide and p-aminosalicylic acid (PAS) were 5.5, 3.4, 5.6, 5.1, 14.0 and 16.7%, respectively. Six XDRTB cases (0.9% of MDR cases) were identified during this period. Two further cases of XDRTB were reported in 2008. Five individuals with XDRTB died of tuberculosis within 3 years of diagnosis and three are still on treatment. CONCLUSION: Levels of MDRTB remain low, and those of XDRTB very low, in this high income country. The case fatality ratio among XDRTB cases was high despite low levels of HIV co-infection.

An IS6110-targeting fluorescent amplified fragment length polymorphism alternative to IS6110 restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis for Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA fingerprinting.

A rapid, simple and highly discriminatory DNA fingerprinting methodology which produces data that can be easily interpreted, compared and transported is the ultimate goal for studying the epidemiology of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. A novel TaqI fluorescent amplified fragment length polymorphism (fAFLP) approach to M. tuberculosis DNA fingerprinting that targeted the variable IS6110 marker was developed in this study. The new method was tested for specificity and reproducibility, and compared with the standard reference IS6110 restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) method for a panel of 78 isolates. Clustering conflicts between the two methods were resolved using mycobacterial interspersed repetitive unit-variable number tandem repeat (MIRU-VNTR) data. Comparison with an in-silico digestion of strain H37Rv showed that fAFLP-detected fragments were highly specific in vitro. The reproducibility of repeated digestions of strain H37Rv was 100%. Clustering results obtained by fAFLP and RFLP were highly congruent, with fAFLP allocating 97% of RFLP-clustered isolates to the same eight clusters as RFLP. Two single-copy isolates that had been clustered by RFLP were not clustered by fAFLP, but the MIRU-VNTR patterns of these isolates were different, indicating that the RFLP data had falsely clustered these isolates. Analysis by fAFLP will allow rapid screening of isolates to confirm or refute epidemiological links, and thereby provide insights into the frequency, conservation and consequences of specific transposition events.

Chest physicians' and microbiologists' awareness and demand for drug monitoring in the treatment of TB.

There is a role for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) to achieve the optimum therapeutic concentration of anti-tuberculous drugs. This work aimed to determine the current awareness of TDM in TB control among chest physicians and to estimate the demand for this service. Responses from a sample of chest physicians in the West Midlands revealed that 60% were aware of TDM and 33% had used it. Responses were received from half of a UK group of microbiologists who reported a median of nine requests in the past year. It appeared that more was known about services for rifampicin and streptomycin than other first-line drugs. There appears to be a need for both increased awareness among potential service users and for coordination of assay services.

A national study of clinical and laboratory factors affecting the survival of patients with multiple drug resistant tuberculosis in the UK.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to describe the clinical, microbiological, molecular epidemiology and treatment of multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDRTB) cases in the UK and to determine factors associated with survival. METHODS: Ninety MDRTB cases were identified from 1 January 1996 to 30 June 1997; 69 were DNA fingerprinted. Date of diagnosis was determined and data were collated on key demographic factors, clinical, radiological and treatment details. Variables associated with survival were included in a Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: Most of the patients (72.4%) were male, born outside the UK (57.1%), were sputum smear positive (82.2%), and had entered the UK more than 5 years previously (61.9%). Thirty eight of 78 cases (48.7%) had prior TB. Sufficient data on 82 patients were available for survival analysis; 20/27 (74.1%) known to be dead at the end of the observation period had died of tuberculosis. Median survival time overall was 1379 days (95% CI 1336 to 2515) or 3.78 (95% CI 3.66 to 6.89) years (858 days (95% CI 530 to 2515) in immunocompromised individuals (n=32) and 1554 (95% CI 1336 to 2066) days in immunocompetent cases (n=48)). Median survival in patients treated with three drugs to which the bacterium was susceptible on in vitro testing (n=62) was 2066 days (95% CI 1336 to 2515) or 5.66 years, whereas in those not so treated (n=13) survival was 599 days (95% CI 190 to 969) or 1.64 years. CONCLUSIONS: Immunocompromised status, failure to culture the bacterium in 30 days or to apply appropriate three drug treatment, and age were significant factors in mortality. An immunocompromised patient was nearly nine times more likely to die, while application of appropriate treatment reduced the risk (risk ratio 0.06). Increasing age was associated with increasing risk of death (risk ratio 2.079; 95% CI 1.269 to 3.402)-that is, for every 10 year increase in age the risk almost doubled. Overall survival was lower than that reported in previous studies.

Chronic fatigue following infection by Coxiella burnetii (Q fever): ten-year follow-up of the 1989 UK outbreak cohort.

BACKGROUND: Some patients exposed to Q fever (Coxiella burnetii infection) may develop chronic fatigue. AIM: To determine whether subjects involved in the West Midlands Q fever outbreak of 1989 had increased fatigue, compared to non-exposed controls, 10 years after exposure. DESIGN: Matched cohort study comparing cases to age-, sex- and smoking-history-matched controls not exposed to Q fever. METHODS: A postal questionnaire was sent to subjects at home, followed by further assessment in hospital, including a physical examination and blood tests. RESULTS: Of 108 Q-exposed subjects, 70 (64.8%) had fatigue, 37 idiopathic chronic fatigue (ICF) (34.3%), vs. 29/80 (36.3%) and 12 (15.0%), respectively, in controls. In 77 matched pairs, fatigue was commoner in Q-exposed subjects than in controls: 50 (64.9%) vs. 27 (35.1%), p<0.0001. ICF was found in 25 (32.5%) of Q-exposed patients and 11(14.3%) of controls (p=0.01). There were 36 (46.8%) GHQ cases in Q-exposed subjects, vs. 18 (23.4%) controls (p=0.004). A matched analysis of those more intensively studied showed fatigue in 48 (66.7%) Q-exposed patients and 25 (34.7%) controls, (p<0.0001), ICF in 25 (34.7%) Q-exposed and 10 (13.9%) controls (p=0.004), and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) in 14 (19.4%) Q-exposed patients and three (4.2%) controls (p=0.003). Thirty-four (47.2%) Q-exposed patients were GHQ cases compared to 17 (23.6%) controls (p=0.004). DISCUSSION: Subjects who were exposed to Coxiella in 1989 had more fatigue than did controls, and some fulfilled the criteria for CFS. Whether this is due to ongoing antigen persistence or to the psychological effects of prolonged medical follow-up is uncertain.