Sex-and age-related variations in myocardial tissue composition of the healthy heart: A native T1 mapping cohort study.

AIMS: Cardiovascular diseases manifest differently in males and females, potentially influenced by inherent sex- and age-related differences in myocardial tissue composition. Such inherent differences are not well-established in the literature. With this study using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) native T1 mapping, we aim to determine the effect of sex and age on myocardial tissue composition in healthy individuals. METHODS AND RESULTS: CMR native T1 mapping was performed in 276 healthy individuals (55% male, age 8---84 years) on a 1.5 Tesla scanner using a MOLLI 5(3)3 acquisition scheme. Additionally, 30 healthy participants (47% male, age 24-68 years) underwent a 1-year follow-up CMR to assess the longitudinal changes of native T1. Mean native T1 values were 1000±22 ms in males and 1022±23 ms in females (mean difference [MD]=22 ms, 95% CI [17, 27]). Female sex was associated with higher native T1 in multivariable linear regression adjusting for age, heart rate, left ventricular mass index, and blood T1 (ß=10 ms, 95% CI [3.4, 15.8]). There was no significant interaction between sex and age (p=0.27). Further, age was not associated with native T1 (ß=0.1 ms, 95% CI [-0.02, 0.2]), and native T1 did not change during a 1-year period (MD -4 ms, 95% CI [-11, 3]). CONCLUSION: Female sex was associated with higher native T1; however, there was no association between age and native T1. Additionally, there was no evidence of an interaction between sex and age. Our findings indicate intrinsic sex-based disparities in myocardial tissue composition.

Bacillus subtilis-597 induces changes in lung pathology and inflammation during influenza A virus infection in pigs.

In recent years, it has become apparent that imbalances in the gastrointestinal system can impact organs beyond the intestine such as the lungs. Given the established ability of probiotics to modulate the immune system by interacting with gastrointestinal cells, our research aimed to investigate whether administering the probiotic strain Bacillus subtilis-597 could mitigate the outcome of influenza virus infection in pigs. Pigs were fed a diet either with or without the probiotic strain B. subtilis-597 for 14 days before being intranasally inoculated with a swine influenza A H1N2 strain (1 C.2 lineage). Throughout the study, we collected fecal samples, blood samples, and nasal swabs to examine viral shedding and immune gene expression. After seven days of infection, the pigs were euthanized, and lung and ileum tissues were collected for gene expression analysis and pathological examination. Our findings indicate that the administration of B. subtilis-597 exhibit potential in reducing lung lesions, possibly attributable to a general suppression of the immune system as indicated by reduced C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in serum, decreased expression of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs), and localized reduction of the inflammatory marker serum amyloid A (SAA) in ileum tissue. Notably, the immune-modulatory effects of B. subtilis-597 appeared to be unrelated to the gastrointestinal microbiota, as the composition remained unaltered by both the influenza infection and the administration of B. subtilis-597.

Prevention of umbilical outpouchings and mortality in pigs: Meloxicam, tying, cutting, and chlorhexidine versus amoxicillin or no treatment? A clinical field trial.

BACKGROUND: Umbilical outpouchings (UOs) are common in Danish pigs. Neonatal antibiotics are therefore used with the hope of reducing umbilical infections and subsequently UOs. However, the effect of neonatal antibiotics on preventing UO has been the subject of mixed conclusions, and secondly, treating all animals with antibiotics might exacerbate the development of antimicrobial resistance. This study analysed the effects of different treatments on the prevalence of umbilical outpouchings and mortality from birth to nursery unit. All treatment was on the day of birth. The groups were: a negative control group, an antibiotic group receiving amoxicillin, and an experimental group where the piglets had their umbilical cord disinfected with chlorhexidine, followed by tying and clipping, and lastly, injection with meloxicam. The pigs were examined six weeks after weaning, and all pigs that died during the study were autopsied. RESULTS: There were 5494 pigs divided across the three groups. There were no statistically significant differences in UO prevalence between the groups: control 3.9%, antibiotic 4.2%, and experimental 4.0% (p = 0.87). The only variable affecting the prevalence of UOs in this study was sex with females being at higher risk. There were no statistically significant differences in mortality between the groups from birth until departure from the nursery unit: control 22.9%, antibiotic 21%, and experimental 21.4% (p = 0.33). The variables affecting mortality were sex, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), birth weight, and cross fostering. Males had higher odds of dying, as had piglets recorded with some degree of IUGR. Also, low birth weight increased the odds of dying for all weight quartiles compared to the fourth (the heaviest piglets > 1.6 kg), as well as cross fostering increased the odds ratio of dying. CONCLUSIONS: This study found no significant differences in the prevalence of UOs and mortality following different treatments at birth. The study showed that the prevalence of UO and mortality was not reduced following the administration of amoxicillin or meloxicam in combination with disinfection and tying of the umbilical cord.

Umbilical outpouchings in Danish piglets and weaners: prevalence and clinical characteristics-a cross-sectional study at herd level.

BACKGROUND: Umbilical outpouchings (UO) in pigs present a welfare concern because of ulceration risk and complications. Danish legislation requires pigs with larger UOs to be housed in sick pens with soft bedding, and some UO pigs might not be suited for transport. Because of this, many UO pigs are euthanized, adding to the costs of pig production. The true prevalence of UO is unknown as no scientific reports with randomly sampled herds exist. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of UO in Danish piglets and weaners and describe their clinical characteristics: size, texture, reducibility, and occurrence of ulcers. Lastly, risk factors for the occurrence of ulcers on UOs were investigated. RESULTS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 30 Danish conventional herds, with at least 800 weaned pigs and 200 sows. The herds were selected randomly from the Danish Husbandry Register and visited once between September 2020 and May 2021. Piglets were examined during their last week in the farrowing unit, and weaners were examined between weeks three and eight after weaning. The abdominal area was palpated on all pigs, and all irregularities were recorded; the results presented are umbilical outpouchings measuring at least 2 × 2 cm. The within-herd prevalence of piglets with UO averaged 4.2% with a range from 0.8 to 13.6% between herds. The within-herd prevalence of weaners with UO averaged 2.9%, ranging from 1.0 to 5.3% between herds. Approximately 80% of the UOs were classified as small or medium (< 7 cm piglets/ < 11cm weaners). Large outpouchings had significantly higher odds of ulcer occurrence (OR = 9.9, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: UOs are common in Denmark, with a prevalence of 2.9% in weaners and an estimated annual production of 32 million Danish pigs almost a million pigs are affected yearly. Most of these pigs will have a small or medium UO. If the pigs have large UOs the odds of ulcer occurrence increase significantly. Numerous of these pigs are wasted, challenging sustainability and economy. UOs might also affect the welfare of the pigs. More research is therefore needed, especially in the prevention of UOs.

The avian influenza A virus receptor SA-α2,3-Gal is expressed in the porcine nasal mucosa sustaining the pig as a mixing vessel for new influenza viruses.

Influenza A viruses (IAVs) originate from wild birds but have on several occasions jumped host barriers and are now also circulating in humans and mammals. The IAV host receptors (glycans with galactose linked to a sialic acid (SA) in an α2,3 or α2,6 linkage) are crucial host factors restricting inter-species transmission. In general, avian-origin IAVs show a preference for SA-α2,3 (avian receptor), whereas IAVs isolated from humans and pigs prefer SA-α2,6 (human receptor). N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) and N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc) are the two major SAs. Neu5Ac is expressed in all species, whereas Neu5Gc is only expressed in a limited number of domestic species such as pigs and horses, but not in humans. Despite that previous studies have shown that the IAV host receptor distribution appears to be similar in pigs and humans, none of these studies have investigated the expression of Neu5Gc-α2,6 in situ in porcine tissues. Thus, the aim of this study was to elucidate the distribution of IAV host receptors expressed in the porcine respiratory tract and relate the expression to the viral tropism of diverse host-adapted IAVs. The IAV receptor (SA-α2,3 and SA-α2,6) distribution and the presence of specifically Neu5Gc-α2,6 in the porcine nasal, tracheal, and lung tissues was investigated by lectin histochemistry. Furthermore, IAV immunohistochemistry was performed on tissues from pigs experimentally infected with IAVs, either adapted to pigs or humans, to investigate the significance of the IAV host receptors and the tropism of the diverse host-adapted IAVs. We document for the first time the expression of the avian receptor on the surface of the porcine nasal mucosa and an equal expression of Neu5Ac-α2,6 and Neu5Gc-α2,6 on the surface of the tracheal epithelium and alveoli. In all IAV-infected pigs, we found a low amount of IAV-positive cells in the trachea despite a high expression of the human receptor. Cumulatively, these findings suggest that optimal IAV replication involves a complex interplay between the viruses and their host receptors and that there might be other less clearly defined host factors that determine the site of replication.

Experimental infection of pigs and ferrets with "pre-pandemic," human-adapted, and swine-adapted variants of the H1N1pdm09 influenza A virus reveals significant differences in viral dynamics and pathological manifestations.

Influenza A viruses are RNA viruses that cause epidemics in humans and are enzootic in the pig population globally. In 2009, pig-to-human transmission of a reassortant H1N1 virus (H1N1pdm09) caused the first influenza pandemic of the 21st century. This study investigated the infection dynamics, pathogenesis, and lesions in pigs and ferrets inoculated with natural isolates of swine-adapted, human-adapted, and "pre-pandemic" H1N1pdm09 viruses. Additionally, the direct-contact and aerosol transmission properties of the three H1N1pdm09 isolates were assessed in ferrets. In pigs, inoculated ferrets, and ferrets infected by direct contact with inoculated ferrets, the pre-pandemic H1N1pdm09 virus induced an intermediary viral load, caused the most severe lesions, and had the highest clinical impact. The swine-adapted H1N1pdm09 virus induced the highest viral load, caused intermediary lesions, and had the least clinical impact in pigs. The human-adapted H1N1pdm09 virus induced the highest viral load, caused the mildest lesions, and had the least clinical impact in ferrets infected by direct contact. The discrepancy between viral load and clinical impact presumably reflects the importance of viral host adaptation. Interestingly, the swine-adapted H1N1pdm09 virus was transmitted by aerosols to two-thirds of the ferrets. Further work is needed to assess the risk of human-to-human aerosol transmission of swine-adapted H1N1pdm09 viruses.

The Influence of Food Intake and Preload Augmentation on Cardiac Functional Parameters: A Study Using Both Cardiac Magnetic Resonance and Echocardiography.

(1) Background: To investigate how food intake and preload augmentation affect the cardiac output (CO) and volumes of the left ventricle (LV) and right ventricle (RV) assessed using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and trans-thoracic echocardiography (TTE). (2) Methods: Eighty-two subjects with (n = 40) and without (n = 42) cardiac disease were assessed using both CMR and TTE immediately before and after a fast infusion of 2 L isotonic saline. Half of the population had a meal during saline infusion (food/fluid), and the other half were kept fasting (fasting/fluid). We analyzed end-diastolic (EDV) and end-systolic (ESV) volumes and feature tracking (FT) using CMR, LV global longitudinal strain (GLS), and RV longitudinal strain (LS) using TTE. (3) Results: CO assessed using CMR increased significantly in both groups, and the increase was significantly higher in the food/fluid group: LV-CO (ΔLV-CO: +2.6 ± 1.3 vs. +0.7 ± 1.0 p < 0.001), followed by increased heart rate (HR) (ΔHR: +12 ± 8 vs. +1 ± 6 p < 0.001). LV and RV achieved increased stroke volume (SV) through different mechanisms. For the LV, through increased contractility, increased LV-EDV, decreased LV-ESV, increased LV-FT, and GLS were observed. For the RV, increased volumes, increased RV-EDV, increased RV-ESV, and at least for the fasting/fluid group, unchanged RV-FT and RV-LS were reported. (4) Conclusions: Preload augmentation and food intake have a significant impact on hemodynamic and cardiac functional parameters. This advocates for standardized recommendations regarding oral intake of fluid and food before cardiac assessment, for example, TTE, CMR, and right heart catheterization. We also demonstrate different approaches for the LV and RV to increase SV: for the LV by increased contractility, and for the RV by volume expansion.

A new method to quantify left ventricular mass by 2D echocardiography.

Increased left ventricular mass (LVM) is a strong independent predictor for adverse cardiovascular events, but conventional echocardiographic methods are limited by poor reproducibility and accuracy. We developed a novel method based on adding the mean wall thickness from the parasternal short axis view, to the left ventricular end-diastolic volume acquired using the biplane model of discs. The participants (n = 85) had various left ventricular geometries and were assessed using echocardiography followed immediately by cardiac magnetic resonance, as reference. We compared our novel two-dimensional (2D) method to various conventional one-dimensional (1D) and other 2D methods as well as the three-dimensional (3D) method. Our novel method had better reproducibility in intra-examiner [coefficients of variation (CV) 9% vs. 11-14%] and inter-examiner analysis (CV 9% vs. 10-20%). Accuracy was similar to the 3D method (mean difference ± 95% limits of agreement, CV): Novel: 2 ± 50 g, 15% vs. 3D: 2 ± 51 g, 16%; and better than the "linear" 1D method by Devereux (7 ± 76 g, 23%). Our novel method is simple, has considerable better reproducibility and accuracy than conventional "linear" 1D methods, and similar accuracy as the 3D-method. As the biplane model forms part of the standard echocardiographic protocol, it does not require specific training and provides a supplement to the modern echocardiographic report.

The role of gilts in transmission dynamics of swine influenza virus and impacts of vaccination strategies and quarantine management.

BACKGROUND: Along with an expanding global swine production, the commercial housing and management of swine herds, provide an optimal environment for constant circulation of swine influenza virus (swIAV), thereby challenging farmers and veterinarian in determining optimal control measures. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of gilts in the swIAV transmission dynamics, and to evaluate the impact of different control measures such as quarantine and gilt vaccination. METHODS: The study was conducted as a cross-sectional study in ten Danish sow herds, including five swIAV vaccinated and five unvaccinated herds. Blood- and nasal swab samples of gilts, first parity sows and their piglets were collected at different stages in the production system (quarantine in/out, mating, gestation and farrowing) and analyzed for the presence of swIAV and swIAV antibodies. Associations between the detection of swIAV, seroprevalence, antibody levels, sow and gilt vaccination strategy and quarantine biosecurity were thereafter investigated to identify possible risk factors for swIAV introductions and persistence within the herds. RESULTS: Nine of the ten herds of the study had swIAV circulation and swIAV was detected in the quarantine, mating- and farrowing unit. The prevalence of seropositive gilts and first parity sows was significantly higher in the vaccinated herds, but swIAV was still present in nasal swabs from both gilts, first parity sows and piglets in these herds. Quarantine gilt vaccination and all-in/all-out management resulted in a significant reduction of swIAV positive gilts at the end of the quarantine period. CONCLUSION: The results underline that herd vaccination and/or quarantine facilities are crucial to avoid swIAV introductions into sow herds.

Virological and Histopathological Findings in Boars Naturally Infected With Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Type 1.

Major geographical transmission of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) occurs via semen when a boar stud is infected. This happened in Denmark in 2019, providing an opportunity to compare previous experimental PRRSV boar studies with natural PRRSV-1 infection in boars. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the presence of PRRSV RNA in serum, semen, testicles, and epididymis of boars naturally infected with PRRSV and to describe the histological lesions in the testes and epididymis combined with direct visualisation of PRRSV-infected cells by immunohistochemical staining (IHC). The exact timing of infection of each boar was not determined, but based on serology the boars were divided into two groups: acute and late infections. All boars included were sampled the same day. In this study, 35 boars and 10 healthy boars from another PRRSV-negative boar stud were included as histological controls. PRRSV RNA was found most often in serum (51%) and least frequently in semen (22%) and was more often detected in the reproductive tract in the acute phase of infection (p < 0.0001; RR: 2.58). Mononuclear cells and multinuclear giant cells were present in the adluminal compartment of the testis and epididymis in PRRSV-infected boars, but not in control boars (p < 0.05), which supports the hypothesis that macrophages are involved in the venereal spread of the virus.

Necropsy Validation of a Novel Method for Left Ventricular Mass Quantification in Porcine Transthoracic and Transdiaphragmal Echocardiography.

Introduction: Increased left ventricular mass (LVM) is one of the most powerful predictors of adverse cardiovascular events. Clinical evaluation requires reliable, accurate and reproducible echocardiographic LVM-quantification to manage patients. For this purpose, we have developed a novel two-dimensional (2D) method based on adding the mean wall thickness to the left ventricular volume acquired by the biplane method of disks, which has recently been validated in humans using cardiac magnetic resonance as reference value. We assessed the hypothesis that the novel method has better accuracy than conventional one-dimensional (1D) methods, when compared to necropsy LVM in pigs. Materials and Methods: Echocardiography was performed during anesthesia in 34 Danish Landrace pigs, weight 47-59 kg. All pigs were euthanized, cardiac necropsy was performed and the left ventricle was trimmed and weighed for necropsy LVM. Trans-thoracic echocardiography was applied for parasternal images. Transdiaphragmal echocardiography was applied for the apical images, which are otherwise difficult to obtain in pigs. We compared the conventional 1D- and 2D-methods and the novel 2D-method to the LVM from cardiac necropsy. Results: Necropsy LVM was 132 ± 11 g (mean ± SD). The novel method had better accuracy than other methods (mean difference ± 95% limits of agreement; coefficients of variation; standard error of the estimate, Pearson's correlation). Novel (-1 ± 20 g; 8%; 11 g; r = 0.70), Devereux (+26 ± 37 g; 15%; 33 g; r = 0.52), Area-Length (+27 ± 34 g; 13 %; 33 g; r = 0.63), Truncated Ellipsoid (+10 ± 30 g; 12%; 19 g; r = 0.63), biplane endo-/epicardial tracing (-3 ± 2 g; 10%; 14 g; r = 0.57). No proportional bias in linear regression was detected for any method, when compared to necropsy LVM. Conclusion: We confirm high accuracy of the novel 2D-based method compared to conventional 1D/2D-methods.

Non-specific effects of maternal and offspring rabies vaccination on mortality and antibiotic use in a Danish pig herd: A randomized trial.

INTRODUCTION: Human non-live vaccines have been associated with detrimental non-specific effects (NSE), particularly in females. A large trial found 2-fold increased overall mortality in girls receiving a new malaria vaccine compared to the rabies vaccine used as a coontrol; a beneficial NSE of the rabies vaccine was proposed. Conversely, in dogs increased mortality was seen in females but not males following rabies vaccination of puppies born to immunized mothers. We investigated NSE of non-live rabies vaccine in piglets and the potential modifying effect of maternal priming with rabies vaccine. METHODS: In a Danish herd of commercial rabies virus-free pigs, 575 pregnant sows (2-3 weeks before scheduled farrowing) and 5747 of their offspring (median 6-day-old) were allocated (1:1) to non-live rabies vaccine (Versiguard rabies vet) or no rabies vaccine. Outcomes were overall mortality and antibiotic treatment until departure from the nursery (approximately age 12 weeks/30 kgs). RESULTS: Until weaning, overall offspring mortality was 2.2% (127 piglets died, rabies vaccine: n = 69; control: n = 58), the proportion ratio (PR) being 1.19 (95% confidence interval: 0.84-1.68). Until end of follow-up, mortality was 4.1% (233, rabies vaccine: n = 115; control = 118, PR: 0.97 (0.76-1.25)). Prior sow rabies vaccination did not affect piglet mortality. For mortality as well as risk of antibiotic treatment before weaning, there was indication of a beneficial effect of rabies vaccine in female piglets, but a negative effect in (castrated) male piglets from rabies-naïve sows. Prior sow vaccination significantly modified the vaccine effect estimate in female piglets toward a detrimental effect of rabies vaccine on treatment risk. These effects had waned by 12 weeks of age. CONCLUSION: The study did not support the hypothesized beneficial NSE of rabies vaccine. Although under-powered for subgroup analyses, the study indicated effect modification by sex and maternal vaccination. Results could be different in a herd with higher mortality and infectious burden.

Layer-specific longitudinal strain detects transmural dysfunction in chronic severe aortic regurgitation before and after aortic valve surgery.

To assess if layer-specific longitudinal strain (LS) provides incremental diagnostic and prognostic value compared to global longitudinal strain (GLS) in patients with chronic severe aortic regurgitation (AR) scheduled for aortic valve surgery. Forty-one patients were examined with speckle tracking echocardiography before surgery along with 15 healthy age-matched controls. Paired strain analyses before and after surgery were available in 31 patients. Layer-specific LS analysis enabled assessment of epicardial GLS (GLSepi), endocardial GLS (GLSendo), and conventional GLS. Strain parameters were indexed to end-diastolic volume (EDV; GLS/EDV) to account for increased preload. The prognostic value of layer-specific LS was evaluated using the primary outcome of persistent LV dilatation (LVEDV ≥ 175 mL) three months after surgery. Absolute (GLS, GLSepi, GLSendo) and EDV-indexed layer-specific LS (GLS/EDV, GLSepi/EDV, GLSendo/EDV) were impaired in severe AR compared to controls at baseline (GLS:17.0 ± 3.2 vs. 20.6 ± 2.0; GLSepi:14.6 ± 2.8 vs. 18.1 ± 1.9; GLSendo:20.2 ± 3.7 vs. 23.8 ± 2.2%; GLS/EDV:0.09 ± 0.05 vs. 0.21 ± 0.05; GLSepi/EDV:0.08 ± 0.04 vs. 0.18 ± 0.04; GLSendo/EDV:0.11 ± 0.06 vs. 0.24 ± 0.05%/mL; all p < 0.001). In severe AR, GLS, GLSepi and GLSendo decreased after surgery whereas GLS/EDV, GLSepi/EDV and GLSendo/EDV increased (all p < 0.001). Impaired absolute and EDV-indexed layer-specific LS were all associated with the primary outcome (all p ≤ 0.01). Area under the curve analysis revealed similar prognostic value of GLSepi, GLSendo and GLS (GLS:0.86; GLSepi:0.87; GLSendo:0.86; p = n.s.). EDV-indexed LS did not improve the predictive value significantly (GLS/EDV:0.93; GLSepi/EDV: 0.93; GLSendo/EDV:0.92; p = n.s.). Layer-specific LS detects transmural dysfunction in chronic severe AR and predicts persistent LV dilation after surgery. Layer-specific LS or EDV-indexed LS does not provide incremental prognostic value compared to conventional GLS.

Impacts of Quarterly Sow Mass Vaccination with a Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Type 1 (PRRSV-1) Modified Live Vaccine in Two Herds.

In recent years, there has been a considerable increase in the use of Modified Live PRRSV Vaccines (MLV) for mass vaccination in Denmark. The potential risks and negative impact of this strategy have been sparsely studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of quarterly sow mass vaccination in two Danish sow herds. The study was performed as an observational prospective cohort of 120 sows in each of two commercial breeding herds in a paired design. Blood samples were taken from sows and oral fluid samples from nursery pigs (four to ten weeks old) before and after vaccination. The presence of PRRSV-1 RNA was measured by real time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and the level of PRRSV-1 specific antibodies was measured by two different serological assays. PRRS virus was not detected in the sow herds two days before and two weeks after vaccination, but the vaccine strain virus was detected in the nursery pigs. The prevalence of sows without antibodies towards PRRSV-1 went from 6-15% before vaccination to 1-4% after vaccination depending on the serological assay used, despite the fact that they had previously been repeatedly vaccinated. Four sows tested negative for antibodies in both assays after vaccination.

Detection of Atypical Porcine Pestivirus in Piglets from Danish Sow Herds.

Atypical porcine pestivirus (APPV) was first discovered in North America in 2015 and was later shown to be associated with congenital tremor (CT) in piglets. CT is an occasional challenge in some Danish sow herds. Therefore, we initiated an observational case control study to clarify a possible relationship between CT and APPV in Danish pig production. Blood samples were collected from piglets affected by CT (n = 55) in ten different sow herds and from healthy piglets in five sow herds without a history of CT piglets (n = 25), as well as one sow herd with a sporadic occurrence of CT (n = 5). APPV was detected by RT-qPCR in all samples from piglets affected by CT and in three out of five samples from piglets in the herd with a sporadic occurrence of CT. In the herds without a history of CT, only one out of 25 piglets were positive for APPV. In addition, farmers or veterinarians in CT-affected herds were asked about their experience of the issue. CT is most often seen in gilt litters, and a substantial increase in pre-weaning mortality is only observed in severe cases. According to our investigations, APPV is a common finding in piglets suffering from CT in Denmark.

Challenge of Naïve and Vaccinated Pigs with a Vaccine-Derived Recombinant Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus 1 Strain (Horsens Strain).

In July 2019, a vaccine-derived recombinant Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus 1 strain (PRRSV-1) (Horsens strain) infected more than 40 Danish sow herds, resulting in severe losses. In the present study, the pathogenicity of the recombinant Horsens strain was assessed and compared to a reference PRRSV-1 strain using a well-characterized experimental model in young SPF pigs. Furthermore, the efficacies of three different PRRSV-1 MLV vaccines to protect pigs against challenge with the recombinant strain were assessed. Following challenge, the unvaccinated pigs challenged with the Horsens strain had significant increased viral load in serum compared to all other groups. No macroscopic changes were observed at necropsy, but tissue from the lungs and tonsils from almost all pigs were PRRSV-positive. The viral load in serum was lower in all vaccinated groups compared to the unvaccinated group challenged with the Horsens strain, and only small differences were seen among the vaccinated groups. The findings in the present study, combined with two other recent reports, indicate that this recombinant "Horsens" strain indeed is capable of inducing infection in growing pigs as well as in pregnant sows that is comparable to or even exceeding those induced by typical PRRSV-1, subtype 1 strains. However, absence of notable clinical signs and lack of significant macroscopic changes indicate that this strain is less virulent than previously characterized highly virulent PRRSV-1 strains.

Layer-Specific Strain Is Preload Dependent: Comparison between Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography and Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Feature-Tracking.

BACKGROUND: Speckle-tracking echocardiographic (STE) imaging and cardiac magnetic resonance feature-tracking (CMR-FT) are novel imaging techniques enabling layer-specific quantification of myocardial deformation. Conventional echocardiographic parameters are load dependent, but few studies have investigated the effects of loading conditions on STE and CMR-FT layer-specific strain and the interchangeability of the two modalities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of acute preload augmentation by saline infusion on STE and CMR-FT longitudinal and circumferential layer-specific strain parameters and their intermodal agreement. METHODS: A total of 80 subjects, including 41 control subjects (mean age, 40 ± 12 years; 49% men) and 39 patients with cardiac disease (mean age, 47 ± 15 years; 92% men) were examined using STE and CMR-FT layer-specific strain analysis before and after saline infusion (median, 2.0 L) with quantification of transmural global longitudinal strain (GLS), epicardial GLS, endocardial GLS, transmural global circumferential strain (GCS), epicardial GCS, and endocardial GCS in addition to epicardial-endocardial gradients. Bland-Altman plots and Pearson correlation coefficients were used to evaluate agreement between the two modalities across all strain parameters. RESULTS: Acute saline infusion increased all STE and CMR-FT layer-specific strain parameters in both groups. STE and CMR-FT GLS increased by 1.4 ± 1.5% and 1.5 ± 2.0% (P < .001) in control subjects and by 0.9 ± 1.8% and 0.9 ± 1.9% (P < .001) in patients with cardiac disease. STE and CMR-FT GCS increased by 2.0 ± 2.2% and 1.8 ± 2.3% (P < .001) in control subjects and by 1.8 ± 2.3% and 1.7 ± 3.6% in patients with cardiac disease (P < .001 and P = .03). STE longitudinal strain correlated strongly with corresponding CMR-FT longitudinal strain (GLS, epicardial GLS, and endocardial GLS: r = 0.81, r = 0.82, and r = 0.81, respectively) despite poor intermodal agreement (bias ± limits of agreement, -2.84 ± 4.06%, 0.16 ± 3.68%, and 2.33 ± 3.52%, respectively) whereas GCS, epicardial GCS, and endocardial GCS correlated weakly between the two modalities (r = 0.28, r = 0.19, and r = 0.34, respectively) and displayed poor intermodal agreement (bias ± limits of agreement, -1.33 ± 6.86%, 4.43 ± 6.49%, and -9.92 ± 8.55%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: STE and CMR-FT longitudinal and circumferential layer-specific strain parameters are preload dependent in both control subjects and patients with cardiac disease. STE and CMR-FT longitudinal layer-specific strain parameters are strongly correlated, whereas circumferential layer-specific strain parameters are weakly correlated. STE and CMR-FT longitudinal and circumferential strain should not be used interchangeably, because of poor intermodal agreement.

Effect of two methods and two anaesthetics for local anaesthesia of piglets during castration.

BACKGROUND: Since January 2019, surgical castration of male piglets must be performed using local anaesthesia, if farmers deliver pigs to the primary exporting slaughterhouses according to the "Danish quality scheme"; a voluntary initiative taken by the Danish pig industry. The approved procedure for local anaesthesia in Denmark is a three-step injection method with procaine. A comparison of lidocaine and procaine with the same concentration and injection methods of local anaesthetics has not previously been studied. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of two injection methods and two local anaesthetics on piglets' avoidance behaviour (vocalisation and resistance movements) as well as the time spent on the procedures. The study included 203 male piglets that were randomly assigned to one of five treatments: 1. CONTROL: Sham-handling without injection of local anaesthesia, 2. Pro3: Procaine injection using a three-step method, 3. Pro2: Procaine injection using a two-step method, 4. Lid3: Lidocaine injection using a three-step method, 5. Lid2: Lidocaine injection using a two-step method. During injection of local anaesthesia and castration, vocalisation was measured using a decibel meter and resistance movements were registrated by video recordings. RESULTS: During castration, piglets treated with local anaesthesia showed significantly reduced vocalisation and resistance movements and time spent on castration was also significantly reduced compared to the control group. During injection of the local anaesthesia, the piglets had significantly increased vocalisation and resistance movements compared to the control group. Piglets injected with lidocaine had a significantly reduced resistance movement score and a tendency to reduced vocalisation compared to piglets injected with procaine. No differences in avoidance behaviour were found between the injection methods. CONCLUSIONS: The use of local anaesthesia, irrespective of the method and local anaesthetic, was effective in reducing vocalisation and resistance movements during surgery as well as the time spent on castration.

Left Ventricular Mass Assessment by 1- and 2-Dimensional Echocardiographic Methods in Hemodialysis Patients: Changes in Left Ventricular Volume Using Echocardiography Before and After a Hemodialysis Session.

RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE: Left ventricular (LV) mass (LVM) is a predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and commonly calculated using 1-dimensional (1D) echocardiographic methods. These methods are vulnerable to small measurement errors and LVM may wrongly change according to changes in LV volume (LVV). Less commonly used 2-dimensional (2D) methods can accommodate to the changes in LVV and may be a better alternative among patients receiving hemodialysis (HD) with large fluid fluctuations. STUDY DESIGN: Observational study. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: Patients with end-stage kidney disease receiving HD. EXPOSURE: One HD session. ANALYTICAL APPROACH: Transthoracic echocardiography was performed right before and after HD. LVM was calculated using 1D (Devereux, Penn, and Teichholz) and 2D methods (truncated ellipsoid and area-length). OUTCOMES: Significant differences in LVM after HD. RESULTS: We compared dimensions, LVV and LVM, in 53 patients (mean age, 63 ± 15 years; 66% men). For each 1-L increase in ultrafiltration volume (UFV), LV internal diameter decreased 1.1 mm (95% CI, 0.5-1.7 mm; P = 0.001). Patients were divided into 2 groups by the median UFV of 1.6 L. Patients with UFV > 1.6 L had significant smaller LVV and LV internal diameter after HD. LVM calculated using 1D methods decreased according to changes in LVV. Conversely, LVM calculated using 2D methods was not significantly different after HD. No significant change in differences between diastolic - systolic myocardial thickness or LVM as assessed using 1D and 2D methods was observed before and after HD, indicating that LVM remained constant despite HD. LIMITATIONS: We did not use contrast enhancement, 3-dimensional methods, or cardiac magnetic resonance. CONCLUSIONS: LVM calculated using 2D methods, truncated ellipsoid and area-length, is less affected by fluctuations in fluid and LVV, in contrast to 1D methods. Complementary LVM calculation using 2D methods is encouraged, especially in patients with large fluid fluctuations in which increased LVM using a 1D method has been detected.

Objective pathogen monitoring in nursery and finisher pigs by monthly laboratory diagnostic testing.

BACKGROUND: Infectious diseases are of great economic importance in commercial pig production, causing both clinical and subclinical disease, with influence on welfare, productivity, and antibiotic use. The causes of these diseases are often multifactorial and laboratory diagnostics are seldom routinely performed. The aim of the present study was to explore the benefits of monthly pathogen monitoring in nursery and finisher herds and to examine association between laboratory results and observed clinical signs, including coughing and diarrhoea. Three monthly samplings were conducted in three different age groups in six nursery and four finisher production units. For each unit, two pens were randomly selected in each age group and evaluated for coughing and diarrhoea events. Furthermore, faecal sock and oral fluid samples were collected in the selected pens and analysed for 18 respiratory and enteric viral and bacterial pathogens using the high-throughput real-time PCR BioMark HD platform (Fluidigm, South San Francisco, USA). RESULTS: In total, 174 pens were sampled in which eight coughing events and 77 diarrhoeic events were observed. The overall findings showed that swine influenza A virus, porcine circovirus 2, porcine cytomegalovirus, Brachyspira pilosicoli, Lawsonia intracellularis, Escherichia coli fimbria types F4 and F18 were found to be prevalent in several of the herds. Association between coughing events and the presence of swine influenza A virus, porcine cytomegalovirus (Cq ≤ 20) or a combination of these were found. Furthermore, an association between diarrhoeic events and the presence of L. intracellularis (Cq ≤ 24) or B. pilosicoli (Cq ≤ 26) was found. CONCLUSIONS: The use of high-throughput real-time PCR analysis for continuous monitoring of pathogens and thereby dynamics of infections in a pig herd, provided the veterinarian and farmer with an objective knowledge on the distribution of pathogens in the herd. In addition, the use of a high-throughput method in combination with information about clinical signs, productivity, health status and antibiotic consumption, presents a new and innovative way of diagnosing and monitoring pig herds and even to a lower cost than the traditional method.