African Swine Fever: Transmission, Spread, and Control through Biosecurity and Disinfection, Including Polish Trends.

African swine fever is a contagious disease, affecting pigs and wild boars, which poses a major threat to the pig industry worldwide and, therefore, to the agricultural economies of many countries. Despite intensive studies, an effective vaccine against the disease has not yet been developed. Since 2007, ASFV has been circulating in Eastern and Central Europe, covering an increasingly large area. As of 2018, the disease is additionally spreading at an unprecedented scale in Southeast Asia, nearly ruining China's pig-producing sector and generating economic losses of approximately USD 111.2 billion in 2019. ASFV's high resistance to environmental conditions, together with the lack of an approved vaccine, plays a key role in the spread of the disease. Therefore, the biosecurity and disinfection of pig farms are the only effective tools through which to prevent ASFV from entering the farms. The selection of a disinfectant, with research-proven efficacy and proper use, taking into account environmental conditions, exposure time, pH range, and temperature, plays a crucial role in the disinfection process. Despite the significant importance of ASF epizootics, little information is available on the effectiveness of different disinfectants against ASFV. In this review, we have compiled the current knowledge on the transmission, spread, and control of ASF using the principles of biosecurity, with particular attention to disinfection, including a perspective based on Polish experience with ASF control.

What Remains up to 7 Months after Severe and Moderate Pneumonia in Non-Vaccinated Patients with Long COVID? Results of a CT Study.

BACKGROUND: There is a growing evidence of long-lasting lung changes after COVID-19. Our aim was to assess the degree of lung injury and evaluate the recovery process of 4-7-month-non-vaccinated convalescent patients discharged from hospital after moderate and severe COVID-19 pneumonia, who presented with symptoms of long-COVID. METHODS: On control lung CT after mean 5-month recovery period, we classified and determined the prevalence of residual radiological abnormalities in 39 symptomatic patients. To assess the advancement of the persisting changes we used the total severity score (TSS) and the chest CT score and then correlated the results with clinical data. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: On follow-up CT images, 94.9% of patients showed persistent radiological abnormalities. The most frequent changes were ground-glass opacities (74.4%), reticular pattern (64.1%), fibrotic changes (53.8%), nodules (33.3%), bronchiectasis (15.4%), vascular enlargement (10.3%), and cavitation (5.1%). The median TSS score was 4.1 points (interquartile range 3), whereas the median of the chest CT score 5.4 points (interquartile range of 4.5). No significant differences were observed between sex subgroups and between the severe and moderate course groups. There were no association between both CT scores and the severity of the initial disease, indicating that, mean 5 months after the disease, pulmonary abnormalities reduced to a similar stage in both subgroups of severity.

Disease control tools to secure animal and public health in a densely populated world.

Animal health is a prerequisite for global health, economic development, food security, food quality, and poverty reduction, while mitigating against climate change and biodiversity loss. We did a qualitative review of 53 infectious diseases in terrestrial animals with data from DISCONTOOLS, a specialist database and prioritisation model focusing on research gaps for improving infectious disease control in animals. Many diseases do not have any appropriate control tools, but the prioritisation model suggests that we should focus international efforts on Nipah virus infection, African swine fever, contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, peste des petits ruminants, sheeppox and goatpox, avian influenza, Rift Valley fever, foot and mouth disease, and bovine tuberculosis, for the greatest impact on the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. Easy to use and accurate diagnostics are available for many animal diseases. However, there is an urgent need for the development of stable and durable diagnostics that can differentiate infected animals from vaccinated animals, to exploit rapid technological advances, and to make diagnostics widely available and affordable. Veterinary vaccines are important for dealing with endemic, new, and emerging diseases. However, fundamental research is needed to improve the convenience of use and duration of immunity, and to establish performant marker vaccines. The largest gap in animal pharmaceuticals is the threat of pathogens developing resistance to available drugs, in particular for bacterial and parasitic (protozoal, helminth, and arthropod) pathogens. We propose and discuss five research priorities for animal health that will help to deliver a sustainable and healthy planet: vaccinology, antimicrobial resistance, climate mitigation and adaptation, digital health, and epidemic preparedness.

Development and Clinical Validation of a Potential Penside Colorimetric Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Assay of Porcine Circovirus Type 3.

Porcine circovirus type 3 (PCV3), a novel circovirus, imposes great burdens on the global pig industry. The penside tests for detecting PCV3 are critical for assessing the epidemiological status and working out disease prevention and control programs due to the unavailability of a commercial vaccine. A one-step molecular assay based on visual loop-mediated isothermal amplification (vLAMP) was developed for simple and rapid detection of PCV3. We compared its sensitivity and specificity with TaqMan quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and applied the developed assay in the epidemiological study of (n = 407) pooled swine sera collected from almost the entire mainland China during the years 2017-2018. We also explored the feasibility of the vLAMP assay for detecting raw samples without a prior DNA isolation step to expand its application capability. Results showed that the vLAMP assay could reliably detect the PCV3 cap gene with a detection limit of 10 DNA copies equal to that of the Taqman qPCR assay. In the epidemiological study, the PCV3 positive detection rate for 407 swine pooled sera detected by the vLAMP assay was 37.35% (152/407), whereas it was 39.01% (159/407) for Taqman qPCR. For the detection method without genome extraction, the results kept satisfactory specificity (100%) but displayed lower sensitivity (100% for CT < 32), indicating the direct detection is not sensitive enough to discriminate the samples with low viral loads. The one-step vLAMP is a convenient, rapid, and cost-effective diagnostic for penside detection and will enable the epidemiological surveillance of PCV3, which has widely spread in mainland China.

Kinetics of single and dual simultaneous infection of pigs with swine influenza A virus and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus.

BACKGROUND: Simultaneous viral infections exhibit the phenomenon of viral interference, but understanding of the effect of one virus on another is limited. OBJECTIVE: Evaluate and compare clinical characteristics, immune and acute phase response, viral shedding and viral load in pigs singly and doubly inoculated with swine influenza A virus (swIAV) and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). ANIMALS: Fifty-four 7-week-old piglets. METHODS: Clinical status and gross lung lesions were scored. Titration of swIAV was carried out in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells. The PRRSV RNA was quantified using a commercial qPCR kit. Antibodies were detected by hemagglutination inhibition assay and commercial ELISA. A lymphocyte proliferation assay was used to measure antigen-specific T-cell responses. Acute phase proteins were determined using ELISA. RESULTS: No differences were found between mean clinical scores, swIAV and PRRSV shedding, and magnitude of the humoral and T-cell response between single-inoculated and dual-inoculated groups. Concentrations of C-reactive protein and haptoglobin increased in PRRSV-inoculated and coinoculated groups, whereas serum amyloid A concentration was increased in groups inoculated or coinoculated with swIAV. Mean swIAV TCID50 titers in the lungs did not differ significantly between coinoculated and swIAV single-inoculated pigs. A significantly higher mean copy number of PRRSV was found in the lungs of PRRSV only-inoculated pigs at 2 day postinoculation (DPI). From 4 DPI, no significant differences in PRRSV load were identified. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Coinfection of pigs with swIAV and PRRSV did not potentiate clinical signs, lung lesions, immune response, and replication of the viruses in the respiratory tract.

Do porcine parvoviruses 1 through 7 (PPV1-PPV7) have an impact on porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) viremia in pigs?

Infections with porcine parvoviruses 1 through 7 (PPV1-PPV7) and porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) are widespread in pig population. PCV2 is involved in a number of disease syndromes collectively called PCV2-associated diseases (PCVD). It is well elucidated, that PPV1 may act as a triggering factor of PCVD through supporting PCV2 replication. Less is known about the PPV2-PPV7 impact on PCV2 viremia, but several authors suggested an association between these viruses. In order to provide a better understanding of PCV2 and PPVs co-infections, 519 serum samples from eight Polish swine farms were tested by real-time PCR to assess the possible impact of PPV1-PPV7 on PCV2 viremia. Among all 519 serum samples, 30.6 % were positive for PCV2 and PPVs detection rates ranged from 2.9 % (PPV1) to 26.6 % (PPV2). Within 159 serum samples categorized as PCV2-positive, the prevalence rates of PPVs ranged from 7.5 % (PPV1) to 37.1 % (PPV6). The level of PCV2 viremia was significantly higher only in serum samples positive for PPV1 and PPV7 compared to samples negative for these PPVs. Moreover, the correlation between Ct values for PPV7 and PCV2 was observed. Thus, our results suggested that apart from PPV1, also PPV7 stimulate the replication of PCV2.

Selection and Characterization of CSFV-Specific Single-Domain Antibodies and Their Application along with Immunomagnetic Nanobeads and Quantum Dots.

Outbreak of classical swine fever (CSF) results in high mortality and thus causes severe economic losses in the swine industry. Single-domain antibody (sdAb) is the smallest antigen-binding molecule derived from camelid heavy-chain antibodies and has the potential to be used as a molecular probe for detection of CSF virus (CSFV). In this study, two sdAb fragments against the E2 antigen of CSFV were obtained, expressed in vitro. The functional characteristics analysis indicated that the recombinant sdAbE2-1 and sdAbE2-2 have excellent binding activity, specificity, and high affinity with equilibrium constant value of 3.34 × 10-7 and 1.35 × 10-8 M to E2 protein. Then, sdAbE2s were conjugated with quantum dots (QD)/AF488 to synthesize two molecular probes for imaging CSFV distribution in cells. The sdAbE2-1 was also labeled with carboxyl-magnetic beads to construct immunomagnetic nanobeads (IMNBs) able to capture CSFV virions and recombinant E2 protein. QD/AF455-sdAbE2s probes colocalised with CSFV virions in swine testis cells, and IMNBs were used as a detection template and proved to bind specifically with CSFV virions and E2 protein. The selected sdAb fragments and sdAb-based molecular probes may be used for the rapid identification of CSFV during field outbreaks and for research on CSFV and host interactions.

A Diagnostic Device for In-Situ Detection of Swine Viral Diseases: The SWINOSTICS Project.

In this paper, we present the concept of a novel diagnostic device for on-site analyses, based on the use of advanced bio-sensing and photonics technologies to tackle emerging and endemic viruses causing swine epidemics and significant economic damage in farms. The device is currently under development in the framework of the EU Commission co-funded project. The overall concept behind the project is to develop a method for an early and fast on field detection of selected swine viruses by non-specialized personnel. The technology is able to detect pathogens in different types of biological samples, such as oral fluids, faeces, blood or nasal swabs. The device will allow for an immediate on-site threat assessment. In this work, we present the overall concept of the device, its architecture with the technical requirements, and all the used innovative technologies that contribute to the advancements of the current state of the art.

Proinflammatory Cytokine Changes in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Cells Isolated from Pigs Infected Solely with Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus or Co-infected with Swine Influenza Virus.

INTRODUCTION: The study evaluated the patterns of local innate immune response in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cells of pigs infected with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) alone or co-infected with swine influenza virus (SIV). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was performed on 26 seven-week-old pigs in three groups: PRRSV-infected (n = 11), PRRSV and SIV-infected (n = 11), and control (n = 4). BALF was collected post euthanasia at 2 and 4 dpi (three piglets per inoculated group) and at 21 dpi (all remaining pigs). Expression of IFN-α, IFN-γ, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 mRNA was quantified in BALF cells. PRRSV RNA was quantified in BALF samples using a commercial real-time RT-PCR kit. RESULTS: The three cytokines IFN-α, IFN-γ, and IL-1ß presented significant expression changes in all experimental pigs. In PRRSV-infected animals IL-8 also did, but in co-infected subjects IL-6 and IL-10 were the additional upregulated cytokines. The highest number of differentially expressed genes was observed at 4 dpi, and significant differences in cytokine gene expression did not occur between the experimental groups at any other time point. The mean PRRSV load in the BALF of PRRSV-infected pigs was higher than that of co-infected pigs at each time point, having statistical significance only at 4 dpi. CONCLUSION: The results of the study indicate that infection with PRRSV alone as well as with SIV interferes with innate and adaptive immune response in the infected host. They also showed that co-infection demonstrates additive effects on IL-6 and IL-10 mRNA expression levels.

Efficacy of the Porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) vaccination under field conditions.

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) vaccination on the levels of viremia, the number of viremic-positive pigs, and production performance [i.e. nursery mortality, post-weaning mortality, and average daily weight gain (ADWG)] under field conditions. There were 140 farrow-to-finish pig herds involved in this study. The vaccination of piglets was implemented in 82 of the 140 herds. In each herd blood samples were collected from sows and pigs in different age category. In addition, a questionnaire regarding the production performance was provided for each herd. Results demonstrate that the vaccination of piglets prevented the development of viremia in 23.2% of herds. Significant decreases in the levels of PCV2 DNA in serum and in the number of viremic pigs were also noted. These results indicate that the vaccination of piglets against PCV2 is a useful tool in controlling the PCV2 infection in herds with a high risk of a wide range of viral and bacterial agents, poor management strategies, and a low level of biosecurity practices.

Comparison of six commercial ELISAs for the detection of antibodies against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) in field serum samples.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is one of the most common infectious diseases of swine globally. Since the course of PRRS virus (PRRSV) infection is subclinical, laboratory diagnosis is necessary to detect the virus or specific antibodies. The aim of this study was to assess the sensitivity and specificity of IDEXX PRRS X3 Ab Test (IDEXX, USA), Civtest Suis E/S (Hipra, Spain), INgezim PRRS 2.0 (Ingenasa, Spain), VetExpert PRRS Ab ELISA 4.0 (BioNote, Korea), Pigtype PRRSV Ab (Qiagen, Germany) and PrioCHECK PRRSV Antibody ELISA (ThermoFisher, USA), using serum samples obtained from 5 conventional PRRSV-positive and 5 PRRSV-negative Polish pig farms. Specificity of ELISAs ranged from 94.2% (ThermoFisher) to 100% (IDEXX and Hipra). ThermoFisher ELISA had the highest detection rate and detected 67.2% samples from PRRSV-positive farms as positive but considering its low specificity some of the positive results may be incorrect. IDEXX ELISA considered as a reference detected 64.8% positive sera in PRRSV-positive farms. On the other hand Hipra Elisa identified only 51.8% of samples as positive. The diagnostic sensitivity of five ELISAs relative to IDEXX ranged from 80.3% (Hipra) to 96.3% (ThermoFisher). Our study showed significant differences in specificity and diagnostic sensitivity between the compared kits. The differences in the performance appeared to be practically negligible on farms where early infection with PRRSV occurred. However, on PRRSV-negative farms, or farms with PRRSV stable sow herds, some ELISAs can give results not reflecting the infection status in specific age groups.

Transcriptional profiles of PBMCs from pigs infected with three genetically diverse porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus strains.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus is the cause of reproductive failure in sows and respiratory disease in young pigs, which has been considered as one of the most costly diseases to the worldwide pig industry for almost 30 years. This study used microarray-based transcriptomic analysis of PBMCs from experimentally infected pigs to explore the patterns of immune dysregulation after infection with two East European PRRSV strains from subtype 2 (BOR and ILI) in comparison to a Danish subtype 1 strain (DAN). Transcriptional profiles were determined at day 7 post infection in three tested groups of pigs and analysed in comparison with the expression profile of control group. Microarray analysis revealed differential regulation (> 1.5-fold change) of 4253 and 7335 genes in groups infected with BOR and ILI strains, respectively, and of 12518 genes in pigs infected with Danish strain. Subtype 2 PRRSV strains showed greater induction of many genes, especially those involved in innate immunity, such as interferon stimulated antiviral genes and inflammatory markers. Functional analysis of the microarray data revealed a significant up-regulation of genes involved in processes such as acute phase response, granulocyte and agranulocyte adhesion and diapedesis, as well as down-regulation of genes enrolled in pathways engaged in protein synthesis, cell division, as well as B and T cell signaling. This study provided an insight into the host response to three different PRRSV strains at a molecular level and demonstrated variability between strains of different pathogenicity level.

Genetic diversity of PRRSV 1 in Central Eastern Europe in 1994-2014: origin and evolution of the virus in the region.

More than 20 years after the first outbreaks, the phylogenetic picture of PRRSV is still incomplete and full of gaps, especially in regards of PRRSV 1. Due to the exceptional diversity observed at the eastern borders of Europe and the low number of available sequences from Central Eastern European countries, the authors collected and analyzed both recent as well as already submitted sequences comparing them to a large backbone set of available ORF5 sequences representing the full spectrum of PRRSV 1 Subtype 1 diversity to conduct a systematic phylogenetic analysis and reclassification elucidating the diversity of the virus in these countries. Moreover, further analyses of the EUROSTAT data regarding the live pig movement trends revealed their influence of virus diversity and evolution. The results indicate that besides the effect of local, isolated divergent evolution and the use of modified live vaccines, the most important factor influencing a given country's virus diversity is the transboundary movement of live, infected animals.

Effect of Regular Aerobic Activity in Young Healthy Athletes on Profile of Endothelial Function and Platelet Activity.

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of regular professional sports activity on the endothelial and platelet function in young men. The studied group were 79 young men (18-40 y, 25 athletes and 54 without any regular physical activity). The nitric oxide (NO) metabolic pathway intermediates, oxidative stress markers, mediators of inflammation, and platelet aggregation were measured. Flow mediated dilation (FMD) was studied before and after intravenous 16,0 g L-arginine infusion, which was repeated after oral administration of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA-75 mg/day) for 4 days. Both groups had similar demographic characteristics. In the athletes, there was significantly higher hsCRP level, better serum lipid profile, and lower pulse pressure. Greater baseline FMD in athletes and in response to L-arginine disappeared following ASA treatment. There were no differences in the levels of the NO pathway metabolites. The control group was characterized by higher PAI-1 following ASA treatment and sICAM-1 both at baseline and after ASA, but no differences in MDA and 6-keto-PGF-1 alpha and platelet aggregation were noted. Regular professional physical activity modulates endothelial but not platelet function and may thus exert an effect on overall cardiovascular risk.

Pathogenicity of three genetically diverse strains of PRRSV Type 1 in specific pathogen free pigs.

Studies from Eastern European countries proved that porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus Type 1 (PRRSV-1) harbours high genetic diversity and that genetically divergent subtypes 2-4 circulate in this area. In the present study, we compared the pathogenicity of two different PRRSV-1 subtype 2 strains and a strain representing PRRSV-1 subtype 1. Four groups of 8-week-old specific pathogen free pigs were either infected with subtype 2 strain ILI6, subtype 2 strain or BOR59, subtype 1 strain 18794, or mock inoculated. The most pronounced clinical signs were observed in pigs infected with BOR59. Pigs from both subtype 2 strain infected groups exhibited significantly elevated mean body temperatures on DPI 2 compared to the other two groups, the difference remaining significant up to DPI 13 for the BOR59 group, only. The pigs in the latter group also displayed significantly highest levels of early viremia together with the most rapid APP response. Overall, the results indicated that BOR59 strain can be considered a highly pathogenic strain, similarly to subtype 3 strains Lena and SU1-bel, while the virulence of the other subtype 2 strain ILI6 was intermediate between BOR59 and subtype 1 strain.

Profile of Expression of Genes Encoding Matrix Metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9), Matrix Metallopeptidase 28 (MMP28) and TIMP Metallopeptidase Inhibitor 1 (TIMP1) in Colorectal Cancer: Assessment of the Role in Diagnosis and Prognostication.

BACKGROUND Studies on the pathomechanism of colorectal cancer (CRC) expansion indicate a significant role of metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in the extracellular matrix. The results of the analysis of a profile of transcriptional activity of genes encoding metalloproteinases were the basis of the hypothesis indicating changes in the expression of genes encoding MMP9, MMP28, and TIMP1 as an additional diagnostic and prognostic marker of CRC. MATERIAL AND METHODS The material consisted of samples obtained from resected tumors and healthy tissue samples from 15 CRC patients (aged 46-72 years) at clinical stages (CSs) I and II-IV. Gene expression analysis was done using microarrays. Microarray data analysis was done using the GeneSpring 11.5 platform. The results were validated using the qRT-PCR technique. RESULTS We found high levels of expression of MMP9 at each CS, as well as in the tissues at the early stage of CRC. Additionally, we observed high levels of expression of TIMP1 and low levels of MMP28 genes in CS II-IV. No statistically significant differences based on the stage of CRC were observed. CONCLUSIONS MMP9 gene profile may be a complementary diagnostic marker in CRC. The results suggest a crucial role of MMP9 at the early stage of carcinogenesis in the large intestine. The increase in MMP9 and TIMP1 mRNA concentration and the decrease in MMP28 in the large intestinal tissue may be a confirmation of cancer, but it may not indicate the advance of CRC.

Surgical Correction of a Webbed-Neck Deformity in Turner'S Syndrome.

Turner's syndrome occurs in approximately 1 out of every 2,000 to 2,500 live-born girls. This genetically determined pathology is characterised by multiple congenital anomalies. A typical form of this syndrome is associated with a lack of one of the sex chromosomes (karyotype 45, X). From the point of view of plastic surgery, one of the most important elements of the therapy is correction of the webbed neck deformity. The aim of the study was to present the possibilities of surgical treatment of a webbed neck of patients with Turner's syndrome and the evaluation of treatment results. In the years 2000-2012, six children with Turner's syndrome were treated because of the webbed neck deformity. The age of patients ranged from 9 to 17 years. In the case of all patients, the aim was to distribute the neck skin folds by using Z-plasty in conjunction with a shift to the back of glabrous skin flaps mobilised from the anterolateral surface of the neck. In the case of four operated patients, the folds were completely removed and a correct symmetrical outline of the neck was obtained. One patient was found to have unilateral moderate webbed neck recurrence after about 2 years of treatment. In one case, the correction was insufficient. The performed surgical procedures enabled correction of low hairline only in the lateral parts of the neck. The lower line of the scalp in the central part of the neck has remained unchanged. The lateral approach with a shift of glabrous skin flap to the back, which we performed, allows for effective reduction of the webbed neck, excision of bands of the connective tissue and correction of the low hairline on the side of the neck. Z-plasty enables an adequate extension of scars and improves the contour of the neck.

Why women who have mastectomy decide not to have breast reconstruction?

UNLABELLED: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy occurring in women. The treatment of breast cancer is a complex, multistep process involving surgical treatment, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, and very often rehabilitation. After the treatment of the underlying disease, or still in its course, there remains a problem of deformation of the chest. Although the number of women opting for breast reconstructive surgery increases every year, the number of such procedures in Poland is low. The aim of the study was to investigate the reasons why women after amputation of the breast due to cancer are not likely to undergo breast reconstructive surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study comprised 73 women, residents of the province of Silesia, aged between 37 and 79 years, who had undergone mastectomy for malignancy in the years 1987-2013. RESULTS: From all of the reasons given by women for refraining from breast reconstruction, the most frequently pointed was the fear of being subjected to further surgery (38.3%). 23 women (31.5%) admitted that they were also afraid of postoperative pain. Similarly, a common response (35.6%) was that it is not essential for their mental state, and 30% of respondents fully accepted their appearance after mastectomy. Concern about the effect of failed reconstruction was reported by 24.6% of the women, and the fear that the surgery could negatively affect the process of cancer treatment by 27.4% of respondents. Lack of information about the capabilities and knowledge of breast reconstruction methods was not an important factor in decision-making. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the surveyed women who abandon breast reconstruction surgery, make this decision on the basis of more than one reasons. Fear of undergoing a second surgical procedure and pain related to it were the most important reasons for the refusal of breast reconstruction. An important factor in the decision to desist from breast reconstruction is the age of the patients.

Effects of intravascular low-level laser therapy during coronary intervention on selected growth factors levels.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of intravascular low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on selected growth factor levels in subjects undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). BACKGROUND DATA: Restenosis remains the main problem with the long-term efficacy of PCI, and growth factors are postulated to play a crucial role in the restenosis cascade. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a randomized prospective study, an 808 nm LLLT (100 mW/cm2, continuous wave laser, 9 J/cm2, illuminated area 1.6-2.5 cm2) was delivered intracoronarily to patients during PCI. Fifty-two patients underwent irradiation with laser light, and 49 constituted the control group. In all individuals, serum levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1), and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) were measured before angioplasty, then 6 and 12 h and 1 month after the procedure. In all patients, a control angiography was performed 6 months later. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in IGF-1 and VEGF levels between the groups. While evaluating FGF-2, we observed its significantly lower levels in the irradiated patients during each examination. There was a significant increase in TGF-ß1 level in control group after 12 h of observation. In the irradiated individuals, control angiography revealed smaller late lumen loss and smaller late lumen loss index as compared with the control group. The restenosis rate was 15.0% in the treated group, and 32.4% in the control group, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: LLLT decreases levels of TGF-ß1 and FGF-2 in patients undergoing coronary intervention, which may explain smaller neointima formation.

Rovac is the possible ancestor of the Russian lapinized vaccines LK-VNIVViM and CS strains but not the Chinese strain (C-strain) vaccine against classical swine fever.

Classical swine fever (CSF), or hog cholera, is a highly contagious disease that emerged in the first half of the nineteenth century. To fight against the disease and protect pigs, different vaccines were developed, including early generation of lapinized Rovac strain and the later development of the "Chinese" strain (C-strain). However, details of the development of these vaccines are lost in history. In order to investigate the phylogenetic relationship between the Rovac and other lapinized vaccines, this study determined the genome sequence of the Rovac, which comprised 12,304 nucleotides, notably with the 3'untranslated region (3'UTR) containing a 13-nucleotide insertion. The near-complete genome of Russian vaccine strain LK-VNIVViM was determined by next-generation sequencing on Illumina MiSeq platform. Whole genome phylogenetic analysis revealed a closer relationship of the Rovac strain with the Russian LK-VNIVViM, CS strain and its derivative RUCSFPLUM (genotype 1.2), rather than with the C-strain (genotype 1.1). In addition, it demonstrated an ancestry role of the LK-VNIVViM in relation to the CS strain and RUCSFPLUM. The study suggested that the Rovac vaccine is the possible ancestor of the Russian vaccine strains but not the C-strain vaccine.