Lung consolidation caused by Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae has a negative effect on productive performance and economic revenue in finishing pigs.

This study aimed to measure the impact of productivity and the consequent economic losses related to lung lesions caused by M. hyopneumoniae. Five-hundred 75 days-old pigs were selected and weighed at the beginning and at the end of the finishing phase to assess the average daily gain (ADG). These animals were evaluated at the slaughter, and samples were collected for laboratory analysis to confirm the presence of M. hyopneumoniae DNA. The lungs of each pig were examined and classified into groups based on the extension of macroscopic lung lesions. Four-hundred eighty-six lungs were examined and 68.5% (n = 333) had macroscopic lung lesions. All pigs with lesions were positive for M. hyopneumoniae in qPCR. Linear mixed regression models (proc Glimmix) were performed on SAS to estimate the effect of macroscopic lung lesion scores on the ADG of finishing pigs. All pairwise comparisons among lesion score groups were performed using p < 0.05. For each increase of one percent in the lesion area, there was a decrease of 1.8 g in the daily weight gain. All the groups had a numerically lower ADG when compared to Group 1 (no lesions). The economic analysis was performed by simulation on Excel to estimate and compare the financial performance of the different lung lesion score groups. The negative correlation found between the group with no lung lesions and the group with more than 15.1% of lesions, showed a statistical difference in ADG, which could mean an opportunity to gain up to $ 6.55 per pig at slaughter. The presence of lesions causes the animals to decrease their productive potential, causing financial loss and generating impacts on the production system.

Virome of crab-eating (Cerdocyon thous) and pampas foxes (Lycalopex gymnocercus) from southern Brazil and Uruguay.

Crab-eating (Cerdocyon thous) and Pampas foxes (Lycalopex gymnocercus) are wild canids distributed in South America. Domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) and wild canids may share viral pathogens, including rabies virus (RABV), canine distemper virus (CDV), and canine parvovirus 2 (CPV-2). To characterize the virome of these wild canid species, the present work evaluated the spleen and mesenteric lymph node virome of 17 crab-eating and five Pampas foxes using high-throughput sequencing (HTS). Organ samples were pooled and sequenced using an Illumina MiSeq platform. Additional PCR analyses were performed to identify the frequencies and host origin for each virus detected by HTS. Sequences more closely related to the Paramyxoviridae, Parvoviridae and Anelloviridae families were detected, as well as circular Rep-encoding single-stranded (CRESS) DNA viruses. CDV was found only in crab-eating foxes, whereas CPV-2 was found in both canid species; both viruses were closely related to sequences reported in domestic dogs from southern Brazil. Moreover, the present work reported the detection of canine bocavirus (CBoV) strains that were genetically divergent from CBoV-1 and 2 lineages. Finally, we also characterized CRESS DNA viruses and anelloviruses with marked diversity. The results of this study contribute to the body of knowledge regarding wild canid viruses that can potentially be shared with domestic canids or other species.

Antibodies against Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and influenza virus and their relationships with risk factors, clinical signs and lung lesions in pig farms with one-site production systems in Brazil.

A study was conducted on 21 pig herds using one-site production system in the southeast region of Brazil to assess the relationships among serological results for primary pathogens involved in respiratory diseases (Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, App; Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, Mhyo; and swine influenza virus, SIV), cough index, pneumonia index, pleuritis and herd characteristics. The prevalence of antibodies against Mhyo and SIV increased throughout the raising phases, with the highest prevalence in slaughtered pigs (> 40%), while pigs in 65% (14/21) of nurseries demonstrated marked seroprevalence of App that decreased until the day of slaughter. Pleuritis and pulmonary consolidations were recorded in 9.0 and 72.4%, respectively, of the 908 evaluated lungs. Histopathological analysis of the lung lesions revealed suppurative bronchopneumonia in almost half of the lungs (48.9%). Regression analyses were conducted to identify risk factors associated with the cough index; pleuritis; pulmonary consolidation; and App, Mhyo and SIV serological results. All-in-all-out management in nursery buildings reduced the seroprevalence of Mhyo in herds. App seroprevalence was associated with pleuritis, and the presence of cough episodes in growing pigs was associated with SIV seropositivity in nursery pigs.

Detection of atypical porcine pestivirus in Brazil in the central nervous system of suckling piglets with congenital tremor.

Atypical porcine pestivirus (APPV) has been detected in piglets with congenital tremor (CT) from three different continents including North America, Europe and Asia. Thirteen piglets from four farms in two different states in Brazil with CT were sampled. Viral RNA was detected by quantitative real-time PCR in the cerebellum or cerebellum and spinal cord in the 100% of the piglets with CT, and APPV was not detected in any tissue sample from clinically non-affected piglets with the exception of the cerebellum of one piglet from Farm A. Piglets with CT had an odds ratio of 99.0 (95% CI 3.4, 2823.8; p = .0072) compared to piglets without CT to test positive for APPV by qRT-PCR. A subset of positive samples was selected for sequencing of the NS3 gene. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Brazilian sequences of the NS3 formed an independent cluster and had the highest sequence identity with a sequence from the United States. This is the first identification of APPV infection in piglets with CT in South America.

Detection of atypical porcine pestivirus in semen from commercial boar studs in the United States.

Atypical porcine pestivirus (APPV) has recently been identified as a cause of congenital tremor (CT) in pigs and has been detected in semen and preputial swabs from boars that were known to be clinically affected with CT. Accordingly, the objectives of this study were to 1) detect the presence of APPV in semen, preputial fluids and preputial swabs from adult boars by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) and 2) genetically characterize a subset of positive samples to better understand the ecology of APPV in commercial boar studs and the potential risk of transmission of APPV via semen. A total of 597 samples of semen, preputial fluid and preputial swabs each representing a different boar were obtained from four commercial boar studs located in three different states in the United States. Viral RNA was detected by qRT-PCR in 90 samples (15.08%; 90/597), with the greatest per cent positive from preputial swabs (23.81%; 5/21) followed by preputial fluid (22.81%; 26/114) and semen (12.91%; 59/457). The mean cycle quantification (Cq) between sample types was similar while eleven semen samples had Cq values lower than 27.0 corresponding to approximately 2 × 106  copies/ml. Based on phylogenetic analysis of the Npro gene, different viral strains can be on the same farm at the same and different times. This is the first report of detection of APPV in semen from commercial boar studs. Studies investigating the role of semen in the transmission of APPV and production of CT are needed.

Assessment of fetomaternal hemorrhage by Kleihauer-Betke test, flow cytometry and α-fetoprotein after invasive obstetric procedures.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the passage of fetal red blood cells to the maternal circulation, after invasive obstetric procedures, through the Kleihauer-Betke test, flow cytometry and by measurement of maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein level. METHODS: This prospective descriptive study with patients submitted to amniocentesis, cordocentesis, chorionic villus sampling (CVS), amnioreduction and ventriculoamniotic shunt was performed for karyotype analysis, treatment of hydrocephalus and polyhydramnios and to assess fetal lung maturity. Maternal blood samples were collected before and 60 minutes after the invasive obstetric procedure to search for fetal erythrocytes using the Kleihauer-Betke test, flow cytometry and serum alpha-fetoprotein measurement. RESULTS: Ten invasive obstetric procedures were performed. The mean age of the patients was 29.2 years and the mean gestational age was 29.6 weeks. The procedures were: five amniocenteses, two cordocenteses, one CVS, one ventriculo-amniotic shunt and one amnioreduction with cephalocentesis. The indications for the procedures were: karyotype analysis in five patients, fetal lung maturity assessment in two patients, amnioreduction in one patient, fetal hydrocephalus shunt in one patient and polyhydramnios related to hydranencephaly in one patient. Regarding the path of puncture, three procedures were accomplished through the placenta and seven apart from it. All punctures were successful at the first attempt. There was no significant increase of fetal erythrocyte quantity in maternal blood samples using the Kleihauer-Betke test. After cordocentesis, a significant increase of fetal erythrocytes was detected by flow cytometry and serum alpha-fetoprotein measurement. CONCLUSION: Invasive obstetric procedures during prenatal care are safe when performed by experienced professionals using adequate techniques, with minimal chance of passage of fetal erythrocytes from the fetal compartment.

PP146. Psychological assessment of renal transplant recipients during pregnancy.

INTRODUCTION: Although many centers have reported their experience on maternal and perinatal outcomes in renal transplant recipients. Very few information can be found about the psychological aspects that may rise for these patients during pregnancy. Considering the importance of the psychological concerns for this kind of patients, we have developed a protocol to better assist renal transplant recipients during pregnancy and here we show what we have learnt. OBJECTIVES: To understand how the maternal concerns are seen from renal transplant recipients in terms of psychological aspects. METHODS: Fifteen pregnant kidney transplanted women with an average age of 27.5years were included in the study. All patients have been investigated beyond the 20th week of pregnancy to delivery. The study is cross-sectional, qualitative, and participation is based on developed phenomenological method. Final data analysis will be done through thematic analysis and hermeneutics of meaning. The only exclusion criteria were the current presence of psychiatric disorders or use of drugs that could influence cognitive and emotional aspects during the psychological evaluation. RESULTS: During the last two years we have observed in these women that all of them are aware of the risks of pregnancy after transplantation. Qualitative aspects were: Pregnant with kidney transplantation show: in relation to pregnancy, the desire to be mothers, to give a son to her husband, to become a healthy person again; they believe that conception is God's will, they have fear of pregnancy, ambivalence of feelings (fear and happiness). In relation to the graft, they reported fear of baby malformations, fear and anguish of graft loss, still consider it worth the risk of having the baby, and some women name the graft, if it were another infant. In relation to delivery, state anxiety and anguish at the proximity of labor (fear of labor pain, anesthesia, cesarean section, vaginal delivery and the "psychic pain"). CONCLUSION: Pending the final results of this study, we still observed that these patients and their husbands require multidisciplinary monitoring since the beginning of pregnancy. Factors religious, cultural and psychic are involved in the desire to be mothers.

Role of interleukin 8 in uterine natural killer cell regulation of extravillous trophoblast cell invasion.

BACKGROUND: Extravillous trophoblast cell (EVT) invasion of maternal tissues is critical for successful pregnancy. Decidual factors, including uterine natural killer (uNK) and T cell derived cytokines play a role in regulating this process. Interleukin (IL) 8 has been implicated as a regulator of EVT invasion. HYPOTHESIS: uNK cell stimulation of EVT invasion is associated with IL-8 levels. METHODS: CD8+, total decidual and CD56(+) uNK cells (8-10 and 12-14 weeks gestational age) were cultured. IL-8 mRNA and protein levels were determined. IL-8 receptors (IL-8RA and IL-8RB) were localised in first trimester placental bed biopsies. The effect of IL-8 +/- IL-8 neutralising antibodies and CD8+ T cell or uNK cell supernatants +/- IL-8 neutralising antibodies on EVT invasion was assessed. EVT secreted levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, uPA, PAI-1 and PAI-2 were assessed by substrate zymography or Western Blot. RESULTS: High levels of IL-8 protein and mRNA were detected in all samples. IL-8RA and IL-8RB were expressed by EVT. Exogenous IL-8 stimulated EVT invasion in a paracrine manner. uNK cell supernatants, but not CD8+ cell supernatants, stimulated EVT invasion. IL-8 neutralising antibody partially abrogated this uNK cell stimulated invasion. IL-8 increased levels of secreted MMP-2, but did not alter any of the other proteases or protease inhibitors tested. CONCLUSION: uNK cell stimulation of EVT invasion is partially mediated by IL-8. Unstimulated CD8+ T cells do not alter EVT invasion despite secreting similar levels of IL-8 as uNK cells.

Total synthesis of (+)-crocacin C.

The total synthesis of (+)-crocacin C is described. The convergent asymmetric synthesis relies on the use of a regio- and diastereoselective epoxidation of an allylic alcohol with m-CPBA followed by epoxide opening with Me(2)CuCNLi(2) and a Stille cross-coupling between E-vinyl stannane 5 and E-vinyl iodide 6 to establish the (E,E)-dienamide moiety. [structure: see text]