CDC Division of Reproductive Health's Emergency Preparedness Resources and Activities for Radiation Emergencies: Public Health Considerations for Women's Reproductive Health.

Pregnant, postpartum, and lactating people, and infants have unique needs during public health emergencies, including nuclear and radiological incidents. This report provides information on the CDC Division of Reproductive Health's emergency preparedness and response activities to address the needs of women of reproductive age (aged 15-49 years), people who are pregnant, postpartum, or lactating, and infants during a radiation emergency. Highlighted preparedness activities include: (1) development of a quick reference guide to inform key questions about pregnant, postpartum, and lactating people, and infants during radiation emergencies; and (2) exercising the role of reproductive health experts during nuclear and radiological incident preparedness activities.

Comparison of methods for the detection of porcine cytomegalovirus/roseolovirus in relation to biosafety monitoring of xenotransplantation products.

BACKGROUND: The porcine cytomegalovirus, a porcine roseolovirus (PCMV/PRV), is widely distributed in pig populations. It has been shown that PCMV/PRV was transmitted by pig xenotransplants to non-human primates, and significantly reduced the survival time of the recipient. PCMV/PRV was also transmitted during the first transplantation of a pig heart into a human patient. PCMV/PRV establishes a lifelong persistent infection (latency) in the host, is difficult to detect in this stage, and consequential poses a threat to future clinical xenotransplantations. Therefore, sensitive and specific methods and goal-oriented strategies how, when, and where to test should be used for screening donor pigs. METHODS: In this study we compared experimentally the PCMV/PRV detection methods including PCR-based (real-time PCR, nested PCR) and immunological methods (Western blot assay, ELISA) recently published by Halecker et al. (Sci. Rep. 2022;12(1):21545) and Fischer et al. (Xenotransplantation 2023:e12803). We also compared the antigens used for antibody detection (a recombinant protein and synthetic peptides corresponding to a conserved region of the glycoprotein B, gB). RESULTS: The published methods can be used for screening donor pigs, with the results being similar. The antigens used for the detection of PCMV/PRV-specific antibodies are almost identical and give comparable results. Overall, the optimal diagnostic tests, the samples used for testing and the time of sampling play a crucial role in preventing the transmission of PCMV/PRV during xenotransplantation. CONCLUSION: Sensitive methods are available to screen donor pigs for PCMV/PRV, but a rational application of a combination of PCR-based and immunological methods as well as rational detection strategies are important for the detection of the virus during latency.

CD31 defines a subpopulation of human adipose-derived regenerative cells with potent angiogenic effects.

Cellular heterogeneity represents a major challenge for regenerative treatment using freshly isolated Adipose Derived Regenerative Cells (ADRCs). Emerging data suggest superior efficacy of ADRCs as compared to the ex vivo expanded and more homogeneous ADRCs (= ASCs) for indications involving (micro)vascular deficiency, however, it remains unknown which ADRC cell subtypes account for the improvement. Surprisingly, we found regarding erectile dysfunction (ED) that the number of injected CD31+ ADRCs correlated positively with erectile function 12 months after one bolus of autologous ADRCs. Comprehensive in vitro and ex vivo analyses confirmed superior pro-angiogenic and paracrine effects of human CD31+ enriched ADRCs compared to the corresponding CD31- and parent ADRCs. When CD31+, CD31- and ADRCs were co-cultured in aortic ring- and corpus cavernous tube formation assays, the CD31+ ADRCs induced significantly higher tube development. This effect was corroborated using conditioned medium (CM), while quantitative mass spectrometric analysis suggested that this is likely explained by secretory pro-angiogenic proteins including DKK3, ANGPT2, ANAX2 and VIM, all enriched in CD31+ ADRC CM. Single-cell RNA sequencing showed that transcripts of the upregulated and secreted proteins were present in 9 endothelial ADRC subsets including endothelial progenitor cells in the heterogenous non-cultured ADRCs. Our data suggest that the vascular benefit of using ADRCs in regenerative medicine is dictated by CD31+ ADRCs.

Presence of porcine cytomegalovirus, a porcine roseolovirus, in wild boars in Italy and Germany.

Porcine cytomegalovirus (PCMV), a porcine roseolovirus (PRV) that is closely related to human herpesviruses 6 and 7, is commonly found in commercial pigs. PCMV/PRV is important in xenotransplantation, because in preclinical trials in which pig organs were transplanted into non-human primates, transmission of PCMV/PRV was shown to be associated with significantly reduced survival of the xenotransplants. PCMV/PRV was also transmitted in the first transplantation of a pig heart into a human patient worldwide and apparently contributed to the death of the patient. The prevalence of PCMV/PRV in wild boars is largely unknown. In this study, we screened wild boars from several areas of northern Italy and Germany to test for the presence of PCMV/PRV using PCR-based and Western blot assays. By Western blot analysis, 54% and 82% of Italian and German wild boars, respectively, were found to be PCMV/PRV positive, while 36% and 60%, respectively, tested positive by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). These data indicate that the virus is common in German and Italian wild boars and that the Western blot assay detected a PCMV/PRV infection more often than did real-time PCR. The data also indicate that pigs raised for xenotransplantation should be protected from contact with materials from wild boars and commercial pigs.

Detection of porcine cytomegalovirus, a roseolovirus, in pig ovaries and follicular fluid: implications for somatic cells nuclear transfer, cloning and xenotransplantation.

BACKGROUND: Porcine cytomegalovirus (PCMV) is a porcine roseolovirus (PCMV/PRV) which is widely distributed in pigs. Transmission of PCMV/PRV in preclinical xenotransplantations was shown to significantly reduce the survival time of the pig transplants in non-human primates. PCMV/PRV was also transmitted in the first transplantation of a pig heart into a human patient. To analyze how PCMV/PRV could be introduced into pig breeds, especially considering cloned transgenic pigs, and subsequently spread in breeding facilities, we screened ovaries and derived materials which are used to perform somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). METHODS: DNA was isolated from ovarian tissues, follicular fluids, oocytes with cumulus cells, denuded oocytes and parthenotes. A real-time PCR with PCMV/PRV-specific primers and a probe was performed to detect PCMV/PRV. Furthermore, a Western blot assay using a recombinant fragment of the gB protein of PCMV/PRV was performed to screen for virus-specific antibodies in the follicular fluids. RESULTS: PCMV/PRV was found by real-time PCR in ovarian tissues, in the follicular fluid and in oocytes. In parthenotes the virus could not be detected, most-likely due to the low amount of DNA used. By Western blot assay specific antibodies against PCMV/PRV were found in 19 of 20 analyzed follicular fluids. CONCLUSION: PCMV/PRV was found in ovarian tissues, in the follicular fluids and also in denuded oocytes, indicating that the virus is present in the animals of which the oocytes were taken from. Despite several washing steps of the denuded oocytes, which are subsequently used for microinjection or SCNT, the virus could still be detected. Therefore, the virus could infect oocytes during genetic modifications or stay attached to the surface of the oocytes, potentially infecting SCNT recipient animals.

Innovative Textiles Used in Face Masks: Filtration Efficiency and Self-Disinfecting Properties against Coronaviruses.

Within the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, personal protective equipment, including face masks, is one important tool to interrupt virus transmission chains within the community. In this context, the quality of different face masks is frequently discussed and should, therefore, be evaluated. In this study, nanofleece textiles with a particle filtering effect and textiles with a self-disinfecting treatment were examined, which may be combined in face masks. Firstly, newly developed nanofleece textiles were tested regarding their filtration efficiency against airborne coronavirus, using feline coronavirus (FCoV) as a surrogate for SARS-CoV-2. The tested nanofleece textiles showed filtration efficiencies of over 95% against FCoV when used as a double layer and were, therefore, almost on par with the FFP-2 mask material, which was used as a reference. Secondly, eight treated, self-disinfecting textiles, which may increase the safety in the handling of potentially contaminated masks, were tested against SARS-CoV-2. Three out of eight treated textiles showed significant activity against SARS-CoV-2 and achieved about three LOG10 (99.9%) of virus titer reduction after twelve hours of incubation. Since all possible transmission paths of SARS-CoV-2, as well as the minimal infection doses, remain unknown, both investigated approaches seem to be useful tools to lower the virus spread within the community.

Isolation of Adipose Derived Regenerative Cells for the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction Following Radical Prostatectomy.

Stem cells are used in many research areas within regenerative medicine in part because these treatments can be curative rather than symptomatic. Stem cells can be obtained from different tissues and several methods for isolation have been described. The presented method for the isolation of adipose-derived regenerative cells (ADRCs) can be used within many therapeutic areas because the method is a general procedure and, therefore, not limited to erectile dysfunction (ED) therapy. ED is a common and serious side effect to radical prostatectomy (RP) since ED often is not well treated with conventional therapy. Using ADRC's as treatment for ED has attracted great interest due to the initial positive results after a single injection of cells into the corpora cavernosum. The method used for the isolation of ADRC's is a simple, automated process, that is reproducible and ensures a uniform product. Furthermore, the sterility of the isolated product is ensured because the entire process takes place in a closed system. It is important to minimize the risk of contamination and infection since the stem cells are used for injection in humans. The whole procedure can be done within 2.5-3.5 hours and does not require a classified laboratory which eliminates the need for shipping tissue to an off-site. However, the procedure has some limitations since the minimum amount of drained lipoaspirate for the isolation device to function is 100 g.

The influence of tenoscopic approaches on radiocarpal joint perforation during carpal sheath tenoscopy in horses.

OBJECTIVE: To report the frequency of radiocarpal joint (RCJ) perforation during two proximolateral carpal sheath (CS) approaches and to investigate whether the presence or absence of a natural communication between the RCJ and CS. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental, randomized, controlled study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Twelve adult horses and 12 cadaver front limbs. METHODS: Proximolateral CS tenoscopy was performed on both carpi of 12 horses under general anaesthesia. Limbs were randomly assigned into two groups. In group 1, the instrument portal was centered at the level of the distal radial physeal remnant (PR). In group 2, the instrument portal was centered 2 cm proximal to the PR. Immediately after tenoscopy, dye-coloured fluid was instilled arthroscopically into the dorsolateral RCJ, and the open tenoscopic portals were evaluated for leakage. Twelve cadaver front limbs were examined for naturally occuring RCJ and CS communication by using positive-contrast computed tomography (CT). Frequency of perforations were compared with McNemar's test for two matched proportions. RESULTS: In group 1, 10 of 12 RCJ were perforated during tenoscopy, and, in group 2, four of 12 RCJ were perforated (P = 0.03). No diffusion of contrast from the RCJ to the CS was detected by CT. CONCLUSION: Perforation of the RCJ was common when CS instrument portals were placed at the level of the PR. No natural communication was detected between the RCJ and CS. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Carpal sheath tenoscopic instrument portals may need to be placed >2 cm proximal to the PR to prevent inadvertent RCJ perforation, especially in horses undergoing tenoscopic treatment of a septic CS.

[Benign scrotal diseases].

Scrotal diseases can be categorised in different ways: Are the patients young or old, or is the condition acute or chronic? Few organs are as easily accessible as scrotum. Nevertheless, it can be difficult to make a correct diagnosis especially in chronic patients. This review divides scrotal diseases in two groups: acute and non-acute diseases. Relevant diseases are described with symptoms, clinical findings and treatment.