Validation of single-step genomic BLUP random regression test-day models and SNP effects analysis on milk yield in French Saanen goats.

The shape of the lactation curve is linked to an animal's health, feed requirements, and milk production throughout the year. Random regression models (RRM) are widely used for genetic evaluation of total milk production throughout the lactation and for milk yield persistency. Genomic information used with the single-step genomic BLUP method (ssGBLUP) substantially improves the accuracy of genomic prediction of breeding values in the main dairy cattle breeds. The aim of this study was to implement an RRM using ssGBLUP for milk yield in Saanen dairy goats in France. The data set consisted of 7,904,246 test-day records from 1,308,307 lactations of Saanen goats collected in France between 2000 and 2017. The performance of this type of evaluation was assessed by applying a validation step with data targeting candidate bucks. The model was compared with a nongenomic evaluation and a traditional evaluation that use cumulated performance throughout the lactation model (LM). The incorporation of genomic information increased correlations between daughter yield deviations (DYD) and estimated breeding values (EBV) obtained with a partial data set for candidate bucks. The LM and the RRM had similar correlation between DYD and EBV. However, the RRM reduced overestimation of EBV and improved the slope of the regression of DYD on EBV obtained at birth. This study shows that a genomic evaluation from a ssGBLUP RRM is possible in dairy goats in France and that RRM performance is comparable to a LM but with the additional benefit of a genomic evaluation of persistency. Variance of adjacent SNPs was studied with LM and RRM following the ssGBLUP. Both approaches converged on approximately the same regions explaining more than 1% of total variance. Regions associated with persistency were also found.

Review: Genetic selection of high-yielding dairy cattle toward sustainable farming systems in a rapidly changing world.

The massive improvement in food production, as a result of effective genetic selection combined with advancements in farming practices, has been one of the greatest achievements of modern agriculture. For instance, the dairy cattle industry has more than doubled milk production over the past five decades, while the total number of cows has been reduced dramatically. This was achieved mainly through the intensification of production systems, direct genetic selection for milk yield and a limited number of related traits, and the use of modern technologies (e.g., artificial insemination and genomic selection). Despite the great betterment in production efficiency, strong drawbacks have occurred along the way. First, across-breed genetic diversity reduced dramatically, with the worldwide use of few common dairy breeds, as well as a substantial reduction in within-breed genetic diversity. Intensive selection for milk yield has also resulted in unfavorable genetic responses for traits related to fertility, health, longevity, and environmental sensitivity. Moving forward, the dairy industry needs to continue refining the current selection indexes and breeding goals to put greater emphasis on traits related to animal welfare, health, longevity, environmental efficiency (e.g., methane emission and feed efficiency), and overall resilience. This needs to be done through the definition of criteria (traits) that (a) represent well the biological mechanisms underlying the respective phenotypes, (b) are heritable, and (c) can be cost-effectively measured in a large number of animals and as early in life as possible. The long-term sustainability of the dairy cattle industry will also require diversification of production systems, with greater investments in the development of genetic resources that are resilient to perturbations occurring in specific farming systems with lesser control over the environment (e.g., organic, agroecological, and pasture-based, mountain-grazing farming systems). The conservation, genetic improvement, and use of local breeds should be integrated into the modern dairy cattle industry and greater care should be taken to avoid further genetic diversity losses in dairy cattle populations. In this review, we acknowledge the genetic progress achieved in high-yielding dairy cattle, closely related to dairy farm intensification, that reaches its limits. We discuss key points that need to be addressed toward the development of a robust and long-term sustainable dairy industry that maximize animal welfare (fundamental needs of individual animals and positive welfare) and productive efficiency, while also minimizing the environmental footprint, inputs required, and sensitivity to external factors.

Impact of oral galenic formulations of Lactobacillus salivarius on probiotic survival and interactions with microbiota in human in vitro gut models.

Health benefits of probiotics in humans essentially depend on their ability to survive during gastrointestinal (GI) transit and to modulate gut microbiota. To date, there is few data on the impact of galenic formulations of probiotics on these parameters. Even if clinical studies remain the gold standard to evaluate the efficacy of galenic forms, they stay hampered by technical, ethical and cost reasons. As an alternative approach, we used two complementary in vitro models of the human gut, the TNO gastrointestinal (TIM-1) model and the Artificial Colon (ARCOL), to study the effect of three oral formulations of a Lactobacillus salivarius strain (powder, capsule and sustained-release tablet) on its viability and interactions with gut microbiota. In the TIM-1 stomach, no or low numbers of bacteria were respectively released from the capsule and tablet, confirming their gastro-resistance. The capsule was disintegrated in the jejunum on average 76 min after administration while the core of sustained-release tablet was still intact at the end of digestion. Viability in TIM-1 was significantly influenced by the galenic form with survival percentages of 0.003±0.004%, 2.8±0.6% and 17.0±1.8% (n=3) for powder, capsule and tablet, respectively. In the ARCOL, the survival of the strain tended to be higher in the post-treatment phase with the tablet compared to capsule, but gut microbiota composition and activity were not differently modulated by the two formulations. In conclusion, the sustained-release tablet emerged as the formulation that most effectively preserved viability of the tested strain during GI passage. This study highlights the usefulness of in vitro gut models for the pre-screening of probiotic pharmaceutical forms. Their use could also easily be extended to the evaluation of the effects of food matrices and age on probiotic survival and activity during GI transit.

False-positive fecal immunochemical test results in colorectal cancer screening and gastrointestinal drug use.

PURPOSE: The study aimed to determine the influence of drug treatments (proton pump inhibitors [PPIs] combined with other drugs) on the false-positive (FP) rate in the fecal immunochemical test (FIT). METHODS: Patients undergoing colonoscopy in the setting of a CRC screening program due to a positive FIT result were included prospectively. Demographic data and drug intake of PPIs, antiplatelet therapy (APA), anticoagulants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were collected. An FP FIT result was considered normal colonoscopy or with nonneoplastic pathology (NNP). Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the effect of these drugs on the rate of FP FIT results. RESULTS: We included 515 patients, and 59% (304/515) were males. The rate of FP FIT results was 48% (249/515). Study drug use was higher in patients > 60 years old and females than in those < 60 years old and males (p < 0.001 and p = 0.049, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that female sex (OR = 2.7 95% CI 1.9-3.9), NNP (OR = 1.5 95% CI 1.1-2.2), and the use of any of the study drugs (OR = 1.4 95% CI 0.9-2.0) were independent risk factors for FP FIT results. The risk of FP FIT results was significantly higher in PPI users than in nonusers (OR = 1.8 95% CI 1.1-2.9), specifically when PPIs were combined with other drugs (OR = 2.01 95% CI 1.1-3.6) only in men. CONCLUSION: Female sex, NNP, and PPIs combined with other drugs in males were identified as independent risk factors for FP FIT results.

[Normal childbirth: physiologic labor support and medical procedures. Guidelines of the French National Authority for Health (HAS) with the collaboration of the French College of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians (CNGOF) and the French College of Midwives (CNSF) -- Text of the Guidelines (short text)]. / Accouchement normal : accompagnement de la physiologie et interventions médicales. Recommandations de la Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS) avec la collaboration du Collège National des Gynécologues Obstétriciens Français (CNGOF) et du Collège National des Sages-Femmes de France (CNSF) ­ Texte des recommandations (texte court).

OBJECTIVE: The objective of these guidelines is to define for women at low obstetric risk modalities that respect the physiology of delivery and guarantee the quality and safety of maternal and newborn care. METHODS: These guidelines were made by a consensus of experts based on an analysis of the scientific literature and the French and international recommendations available on the subject. RESULTS: It is recommended to conduct a complete initial examination of the woman in labor at admission (consensus agreement). The labor will be monitored using a partogram that is a useful traceability tool (consensus agreement). A transvaginal examination may be offered every two to four hours during the first stage of labor and every hour during the second stage of labor or before if the patient requests it, or in case of a warning sign. It is recommended that if anesthesia is required, epidural or spinal anesthesia should be used to prevent bronchial inhalation (grade A). The consumption of clear fluids is permitted throughout labor in patients with a low risk of general anesthesia (grade B). It is recommended to carry out a "low dose" epidural analgesia that respects the experience of delivery (grade A). It is recommended to maintain the epidural analgesia through a woman's self-administration pump (grade A). It is recommended to give the woman the choice of continuous (by cardiotocography) or discontinuous (by cardiotocography or intermittent auscultation) monitoring if the conditions of maternity organization and the permanent availability of staff allow it and, after having informed the woman of the benefits and risks of each technique (consensus agreement). In the active phase of the first stage of labor, the dilation rate is considered abnormal if it is less than 1cm/4h between 5 and 7cm or less than 1cm/2h above 7cm (level of Evidence 2). It is then recommended to propose an amniotomy if the membranes are intact or an oxytocin administration if the membranes are already ruptured, and the uterine contractions considered insufficient (consensus agreement). It is recommended not to start expulsive efforts as soon as complete dilation is identified, but to let the presentation of the fetus drop (grade A). It is recommended to inform the gynecologist-obstetrician in case of nonprogression of the fetus after two hours of complete dilation with sufficient uterine dynamics (consensus agreement). It is recommended not to use abdominal expression (grade B). It is recommended to carry out preventive administration of oxytocin at 5 or 10 IU to prevent PPH after vaginal delivery (grade A). In the case of placental retention, it is recommended to perform a manual removal of the placenta (grade A). In the absence of bleeding, it should be performed 30minutes but not more than 60minutes after delivery (consensus agreement). It is recommended to assess at birth the breathing or screaming, and tone of the newborn to quickly determine if resuscitation is required (consensus agreement). If the parameters are satisfactory (breathing present, screaming frankly, and normal tonicity), it is recommended to propose to the mother that she immediately place the newborn skin-to-skin with her mother if she wishes, with a monitoring protocol (grade B). Delayed cord clamping is recommended beyond the first 30seconds in neonates, not requiring resuscitation (grade C). It is recommended that the first oral dose (2mg) of vitamin K (consensus agreement) be given systematically within two hours of birth. CONCLUSION: These guidelines allow women at low obstetric risk to benefit from a better quality of care and optimal safety conditions while respecting the physiology of delivery.

Chaos-assisted tunneling resonances in a synthetic Floquet superlattice.

The field of quantum simulation, which aims at using a tunable quantum system to simulate another, has been developing fast in the past years as an alternative to the all-purpose quantum computer. So far, most efforts in this domain have been directed to either fully regular or fully chaotic systems. Here, we focus on the intermediate regime, where regular orbits are surrounded by a large sea of chaotic trajectories. We observe a quantum chaos transport mechanism, called chaos-assisted tunneling, that translates in sharp resonances of the tunneling rate and provides previously unexplored possibilities for quantum simulation. More specifically, using Bose-Einstein condensates in a driven optical lattice, we experimentally demonstrate and characterize these resonances. Our work paves the way for quantum simulations with long-range transport and quantum control through complexity.

Estimation of genetic parameters for dairy traits and somatic cell score in the first 3 parities using a random regression test-day model in French Alpine goats.

Lactation curve shape can affect an animal's health, feed requirements, and milk production throughout the year. We implemented a random regression model for the genetic evaluation of lactation curve shapes of dairy traits in French Alpine goats for their first 3 parities. Milk, fat, and protein yields, fat and protein contents, somatic cell score, and fat/protein ratio were considered. The data consisted of test-day records from 49,849 first lactation Alpine goats during their first 3 lactations. The reference model used a Legendre polynomial of order 2 for each parity to describe the genetic and permanent environmental effects, and was compared with a model that combined the second and third parities. A rank reduction of the variance-covariance matrix was also performed using an eigenvalue decomposition for each parity from the 2 models. Genetic parameters were consistent between the models tested. With a reduction to rank 2 and combining the second and third parities, the first 2 principal components correctly summarized the genetic variability of milk yield level and persistency, with a near-nil correlation between the 2, and with a much shorter computation time than the reference model. A favorable correlation of +0.43 between milk yield persistency and fat/protein ratio persistency at the beginning of the lactation was found from buck estimated breeding values.

Diversity of dairy goat lactation curves in France.

A high level of production at the peak of lactation may be associated with animal health disorders, high feeding costs, and reduced milk supply throughout the year. The objective of this study was to typologize the lactation curves in French dairy goats and analyze the influence of environmental and genetic factors on these curves. The data set consisted of 2,231,720 monthly test-day records of 213,534 French Saanen and Alpine goats recorded between September 2008 and June 2012. First, principal component analysis classified the shape of the lactation curves into 3 principal components: the first component accounted for milk yield level throughout lactation, the second component accounted for lactation persistency, and the third component accounted for milk yield in mid-lactation. Then, from the principal component scores, the lactations were clustered into 5 different groups. Most lactations had a similar shape to the mean curve, except 30% of the lactations that fell into 3 clusters that had a high production level at the peak and then a different persistency according to cluster. Estimated breeding value for milk yield and home region of breeding were the factors most related to lactation production level. Month of kidding, breed, and gestation stage had the biggest effect on persistency. Month of kidding was the factor most strongly linked to mid-lactation production. A herd effect was observed on all 3 principal components.

Systemic Besnoitiosis in a Juvenile Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus).

Herein, we report the first incidence of systemic besnoitiosis in a male juvenile roe deer Capreolus capreolus. The animal was found dead in an area where bovine besnoitiosis is endemic and showed cachexia and multiple skin erosions in the metacarpal and metatarsal areas. Moreover, round and elevated white structures suggestive of Besnoitia spp. tissue cysts were also present. Twenty-eight tissue samples from different anatomical locations were collected for microscopic lesion and parasite detection through histopathology and PCR. Immunohistochemistry was performed to confirm Besnoitia-positive reaction in the tissue cysts. In addition, the identity of Besnoitia spp. in PCR-positive tissue samples was also investigated using microsatellite (MS) markers, and the comparison of protein disulphide isomerase gene sequences (BbPDI) of B. besnoiti and B. tarandi isolated from cattle and reindeer, respectively. Besnoitia cysts were detected in the skin (several parts), respiratory and upper digestive tracts, eyes, kidney, liver, testicle, cardiac muscle and lymphoid tissue. Remarkably, the presence of tissue cysts in the brain confirmed the capacity of Besnoitia spp. to form tissue cysts in the central nervous system (CNS). Finally, the Besnoitia species detected showed the same MS genotype as B. besnoiti, and BbPDI sequences from roe deer and two B. besnoiti isolates were genetically identical throughout multiple sequence alignment. Thus, for the first time, there is evidence that roe deer might act as an intermediate host of B. besnoiti. Further molecular analyses and parasite isolations are needed to corroborate these findings.

Restoration of elbow and hand function in total brachial plexus palsy with intercostal nerves and C5 root neurotization. Results in 21 patients.

Consensus opinion is that active movement of the elbow is a priority in the surgical treatment of total brachial plexus injuries. But the indications and neurotization techniques used to restore motor function of the hand are the subject of discussion. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate, in adult patients with complete post-traumatic paralysis of the brachial plexus, the functional results of neurotization of four intercostal nerves on the musculocutaneous nerve and grafting of the C5 root by one strand on the nerve to the long head of triceps and three strands on the medial component of the median nerve. The cohort included 21 patients (mean age 21years). The average time between the trauma and surgical treatment was 4.8months. At a mean follow-up of 22months, 67% of patients achieved≥M3 elbow flexion, and 62% achieved≥M3 active elbow extension. Of the patients who had the required follow-up of 2years to assess motor recovery of the median nerve, 40% achieved function≥M3. Based on our results, use of the C5 root is suitable for surgically restoring elbow extension and finger flexion.

Endoscopic management of malignant biliary stenosis. Update and highlights for standard clinical practice.

The present review describes the various indications of biliary stent placement in patients with biliary malignancies. It deals in depth with biliary accesses and their effectiveness, as well as with the use of different stents according to lesion type and expected patient survival. For liver hilum lesions, which are somewhat more complex, the usefulness of and need for unilateral or bilateral drainage is assessed, as it is the most appropriate method. All in all, this is an up-to-date literature review that may help clinicians in their daily decision-making, as well as to improve and optimize patient outcomes.

Moodleando en posgrado: uso del campus virtual y Evaluación continuada / Moodle at prosgraduate level: virtual platform utilization and continuous assesment

La adaptación al EEES ha implicado una reestructuración de los estudios universitarios promoviendo, entre otros, el uso de una evaluación continuada de los aprendizajes y de herramientas docentes virtuales en los nuevos grados. Estos cambios también pueden aplicarse en el posgrado, aunque hasta el momento, son pocas las experiencias al respecto. El presente trabajo muestra la opinión y los resultados obtenidos de los estudiantes de una asignatura de posgrado de un Máster Oficial Universitario URV-UB en el que se llevó a cabo evaluación continuada y se utilizó el Campus Virtual (CV) como herramienta de aprendizaje y participación activa. La aplicación del proyecto (2007PID/UB-14) se llevó a cabo en 4 fases: elaboración del aula, diseño de encuestas dirigidas a los estudiantes para obtener su opinión sobre la evaluación continuada y sus conocimientos en el uso de plataformas virtuales de forma previa al curso, gestión diaria del aula y seguimiento de las actividades propuestas y finalmente, evaluación del proyecto a través de indicadores cualitativos y cuantitativos derivados de las encuestas y de la propia aplicación virtual. Al inicio del curso la mayoría (93,75%) de los estudiantes prefería evaluación continuada y al final de éste el 100% estuvieron de acuerdo con el tipo de evaluación realizado. Respecto al CV, los estudiantes realizaron todas las actividades de autoevaluación voluntarias. La puntuación sobre la utilidad de todos los recursos del aula del CV fue muy elevada, siendo máxima la obtenida por los ejercicios de autoevaluación. En global, los estudiantes otorgaron al aula una puntuación de 8,1 sobre 10(AU)

The definition of new academic degrees according to the EHEA has promoted, among others, the utilization of graduate students learning by continuous evaluation, as well as the usage of virtual teaching tools. These changes can also be applicable for postgraduate students, although very few experiences exist in this sense. The present work shows the students’ opinion and results from a URV-UB EHEA Master’s subject in which continuous assessment and virtual teaching tools for active learning and participation have been used. The project (2007PID/UB-14) was performed in 4 steps: virtual material production, surveys to students designed to obtain information regarding continuous assessment and their knowledge about virtual platforms (VP), daily assessment of proposed activities, and finally, evaluation of the project by means of qualitative and quantitative indicators from surveys and from the virtual platform usage profiles. At the beginning of the course most of students (93.75%) preferred continuous assessment and at the end 100% agreed with the type of evaluation applied. With respect to the VP, the students performed all the voluntary activities. All virtual teaching tools were considered as very useful by the students, being the most useful for them the autoevaluation activities(AU)

Actividades de aprendizaje y evaluación a través del campus virtual. Experiencia en Fisiología y Fisiopatología I del Grado de Farmacia / A web-based learning platform for activities and assessment. An experiment in teaching physiology and pathophysiology in a degree course in Pharmacy

Nuestro objetivo consiste en fomentar, entre alumnos internos del Departamento de Fisiología, el autoaprendizaje, el trabajo autónomo y en equipo, espíritu crítico y habilidad para buscar y analizar información. A la vez se pretende iniciar a estos alumnos en los sistemas de transferencia de resultados de la investigación básica a la investigación aplicada.Para ello a los alumnos se les proporciona materiales que contienen información sobre las materias objeto de aprendizaje y enlaces a diferentes sitios webs de interés relacionados con el tema. En ellos se promueve la exposición de trabajos y la participación en jornadas especializadas.El uso de estos materiales bajo supervisión del profesorado, ha permitido la mejora del conocimiento en Fisiología y la creación de equipos especializados en diferentes aspectos de la Fisiología. Además, la transferencia de información entre alumnos, ha propiciado que puedan adquirir una visión clara y amplia sobre qué es un trabajo de investigación básica o un trabajo de investigación aplicada, así como la importancia del trabajo en equipo, lo que ha posibilitado que pudieran diseñar pequeños experimentos y estudiar su aplicabilidad.Al final del periodo de formación, los alumnos demostraron haber adquirido las competencias genéricas CG1, CG3, CG5, CG6, CG11, CG13 y CG15 incluidas en la ficha Verifica para el Grado en Farmacia, así como las competencias específicas para el módulo 5 (Medicina y Farmacología) CEM5.8, CEM5.9 y CEM5.11, concluyendo así que la aplicación de métodos de enseñanza basados en el autoaprendizaje (bajo supervisión de equipos docentes) constituye una excelente herramienta para la promoción de la adquisición de competencias generales y específicas en el Grado en Farmacia(AU)

Our goal is to motivate students of physiology in the area of independent study, working alone and in groups, enabling them to develop a critical spirit and skills, and to be capable of seeking and analyzing information. At the same time, we seek to introduce these students to the systems of transferring results from basic to applied research. For this purpose, the students were provided with materials containing information on subjects appropriate for independent study, and links to various websites of interest related to the subject. The teaching staff promoted the presentation of students’ projects, and encouraged them to participate in specialized workshops. The use of these materials, under the teachers’ supervision, has led to the students acquiring greater knowledge of physiology, and to the creation of teams specialized in diverse aspects of the subject. Moreover, the transfer of information among students has made it possible for them to acquire a keen, broad-ranging view of what isinvolved in a basic or applied research project, and to understand the importance of working as part of a team. Thus, the students designed small-scale experiments and studied their applicability.By the end of this training period, the students showed they had acquired the generic skills 1, 3, 5, 6, 11, 13 and 15 required to be awarded a Degree in Pharmacy, as well as the specific skills necessary for Module 5 (Medicine and Pharmacology), numbers 5.8, 5.9 and 5.11. Accordingly, it can be concluded that the application of teaching methods based on independent study (under the supervision of teaching staff) constitutes an excellent tool for promoting students’ acquisition of general and specific skills as part of their studies for the Pharmacy Degree(AU)

Neospora caninum antibodies in wild carnivores from Spain.

Serum samples from 251 wild carnivores from different regions of Spain were tested for antibodies to Neospora caninum by the commercial competitive screening enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA) and confirmed by Neospora agglutination test (NAT) and/or by indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Samples with antibodies detected by at least two serological tests were considered seropositive. Antibodies to N. caninum were found in 3.2% of 95 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes); in 21.4% of 28 wolves (Canis lupus); in 12.0% of 25 Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus); in 16.7% of 6 European wildcats (Felis silvestris); in 6.4% of 31 Eurasian badgers (Meles meles); in 21.4% of 14 stone martens (Martes foina); in 66.7% of 3 pine martens (M. martes) and in 50% of 2 polecats (Mustela putorius). Antibodies to N. caninum in common genets (Genetta genetta) and Egyptian mongooses (Herpestes ichneumon) were only observed by c-ELISA but were not confirmed by IFAT and/or NAT. No antibodies were detected in 5 Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra) by any technique. Statistically significant differences were observed among species and among geographical areas. The highest seroprevalence of N. caninum infection was observed in the Cantabric Coastal region characterized by high humidity. To our knowledge, this is the first report of antibodies to N. caninum in free ranging wild carnivores, other than wild canids, in Europe. The existence of a possible sylvatic cycle could have important implications in both sylvatic and domestic cycles since they might influence the prevalence of infection in cattle farms in those areas.

Characterization of widespread canine leishmaniasis among wild carnivores from Spain.

Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) is an emerging zoonotic parasitic disease caused by Leishmania infantum in Mediterranean countries, with sand flies (Phlebotomus spp.) as vectors and dogs as the main domestic reservoir. The role of wild carnivores in the epidemiology of leishmaniasis is still controversial. In order to determine the prevalence of natural infection with L. infantum in wild carnivores from Spain, we analyzed 217 samples by PCR and western blotting and used restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) to compare the patterns present in wild carnivores with those of domestic dogs from the same areas. DNA of the parasite was detected in spleen or blood samples from 35 (16.12%) analyzed wild carnivores, including 8 of 39 (20.5%) wolves (Canis lupus), 23 of 162 (14.1%) foxes (Vulpes vulpes), 2 of 7 (28.6%) Egyptian mongooses (Herpestes ichneumon), 1 of 4 genets (Geneta geneta), and 1 of 4 Iberian lynxes (Lynx pardinus). No significant sex or age differences in prevalence were observed in wolves and foxes (P>0.05), but there was a significant difference among regions in foxes (P<0.05). A total of 12 PCR-RFLP patterns were found in foxes, 6 in wolves, 4 in dogs, 2 in Egyptian mongooses and 1 in lynx and genet. RFLP patterns differed between dogs and foxes in the two areas where they could be compared. This is the first study of canine leishmaniasis in wild canids and other carnivores from different regions of Spain by PCR. The prevalence of infection indicates the existence of natural infection in apparently healthy wild carnivore populations, and our results are suggestive of a sylvatic cycle independent of dogs.

Prevalence of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii in roe deer from Spain.

Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) is an important game animal in Spain. Sera from 278 roe deer from eight areas in mainland Spain were assayed for antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii by modified agglutination test (MAT). Titers of 1:25 or higher were found in 109 (39.2%) of 278 deer. No significant differences in antibody prevalence were found between sex or age categories. In contrast, significant differences in seroprevalence between locations were evident. Roe deer from the Northern coastal habitats (high humidity and roe deer density) had the highest prevalence, compared with low prevalence in Central Spain (arid areas and low roe deer density). There was a positive correlation between antibody prevalence and mean annual rainfall (r(s)=0.85, n=8, P<0.01). These findings have environmental and/or public health implications because venison can be an important meat source of T. gondii infections for humans and feral cats.

Prevalence of antibodies against canine distemper virus and canine parvovirus among foxes and wolves from Spain.

Viral diseases can influence the population dynamics of wild carnivores and can have effects on carnivore conservation. Hence, a serologic survey was conducted in an opportunistic sample of 137 foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and 37 wolves (Canis lupus) in Spain for 1997-2007 to detect antibodies against canine distemper virus (CDV) and against canine parvovirus (CPV) by indirect ELISA. Antibodies against CDV were detected in 18.7% of the analyzed animals and antibodies against CPV in 17.2%. There was no difference in antibody prevalence to CDV between both species, even in the same region (P>0.05), but there was a significant difference in antibody prevalence to CPV between foxes (5.1%) and wolves (62.2%) (P<0.05). In fox populations there was a significant difference in antibody prevalence to CDV between geographic areas (Aragón 26.4%, La Mancha 7.8%, P<0.05). In wolf populations there was significantly higher antibody prevalence against CPV (P<0.05) in Castilla y León (100%) than in the Cantabric region (53.3%). There was no significant sex or age-related difference in the antibody prevalence against CDV or CPV in foxes. These results indicate that contact with CDV is widespread among wild canid populations in Spain and that CPV is endemic in the Iberian wolf population. The implications of these results are briefly discussed.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in wild carnivores from Spain.

Serum samples from 282 wild carnivores from different regions of Spain were tested for antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii by the modified agglutination test using a cut-off value of 1:25. Antibodies to T. gondii were found in 22 of 27 (81.5%) of Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus), 3 of 6 European wildcats (Felis silvestris), 66 of 102 (64.7%) red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), 15 of 32 (46.9%) wolves (Canis lupus), 26 of 37 (70.3%) Eurasian badgers (Meles meles), 17 of 20 (85.0%) stone martens (Martes foina), 4 of 4 pine martens (Martes martes), 6 of 6 Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra), 4 of 4 polecats (Mustela putorius), 1 of 1 ferret (Mustela putorius furo), 13 of 21 (61.9%) European genets (Genetta genetta), and 13 of 22 (59.1%) Egyptian mongooses (Herpestes ichneumon). Serological results indicated a widespread exposure to T. gondii among wild carnivores in Spain. The high T. gondii seroprevalence in Iberian lynx and the European wildcat reported here may be of epidemiologic significance because seropositive cats might have shed oocysts.

[Evolution of lung cancer in the North of the province of Castellón, Spain, 1993-2002]. / Evolución del carcinoma broncopulmonar en el norte de la provincia de Castellón, 1993-2002.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changes in lung cancer incidence, histological type, and survival in patients in the north of the province of Castellón, Spain, during a follow-up period of 10 years, and to compare the findings with other national and international studies. PATIENTS AND METHOD: All patients diagnosed with lung cancer between January 1, 1993 and December 31, 2002 were included in this prospective, observational study. Disease was confirmed by biopsy or suspected from clinical, radiological, and/or bronchoscopic findings. RESULTS: In the study period, 271 patients were diagnosed with lung cancer (239 men and 32 women), with a mean (SD) age of 66.8 (11.8) years. The age-adjusted incidence rate standardized to the world population was 20.42 cases per 100,000 population. Smokers or ex-smokers comprised 88.1% of the study population, and 72.6% of patients were over 60 years old. Biopsy confirmation was obtained in 262 cases (96.7%). Squamous cell carcinoma predominated (46.5%) but the proportion of adenocarcinoma increased (23.6%). Surgery was possible in only 22% of the patients. Mean overall 5-year survival was 15.7 months. CONCLUSIONS: In the north of the province of Castellón, the incidence of lung cancer continues to increase in men but has decreased slightly in women. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type, but the incidence of adenocarcinoma has clearly increased. Overall, survival did not improve during the 10 years of follow up despite advances in treatment.