Is Oral Vaccination against Escherichia coli Influenced by Zinc Oxide?

BACKGROUND: Although zinc oxide has been banned at therapeutic doses in the EU, its use is still legal in most countries with industrial pig farming. This compound has been shown to be very effective in preventing E. coli-related diseases. However, another strategy used to control this pathogen is vaccination, administered parenterally or orally. Oral vaccines contain live strains, with F4 and F18 binding factors. Since zinc oxide prevents E. coli adhesion, it is hypothesised that its presence at therapeutic doses (2500 ppm) may alter the immune response and the protection of intestinal integrity derived from the vaccination of animals. METHODS: A group of piglets were orally vaccinated at weaning and divided into two subgroups; one group was fed a feed containing 2500 ppm zinc oxide (V + ZnO) for the first 15 days post-vaccination (dpv) and the other was not (V). Faeces were sampled from the animals at 6, 8, 11, 13, and 15 dpv. Unvaccinated animals without ZnO in their feed (Neg) were sampled simultaneously and, on day 15 post-vaccination, were also compared with a group of unvaccinated animals with ZnO in their feed (ZnO). RESULTS: Differences were found in E. coli excretion, with less quantification in the V + ZnO group, and a significant increase in secretory IgA in the V group at 8 dpv, which later equalised with that of the V + ZnO group. There was also some difference in IFNα, IFNγ, IL1α, ILß, and TNFα gene expression when comparing both vaccinated groups (p < 0.05). However, there was no difference in gene expression for the tight junction (TJ) proteins responsible for intestinal integrity. CONCLUSIONS: Although some differences in the excretion of the vaccine strain were found when comparing both vaccinated groups, there are no remarkable differences in immune stimulation or soluble IgA production when comparing animals orally vaccinated against E. coli in combination with the presence or absence of ZnO in their feed. We can conclude that the immune response produced is very similar in both groups.

Organ xenotransplantation acceptance in veterinary students: A multicentric opinion study in Spain.

BACKGROUND: The shortage of available transplant organs has made it necessary to search for alternatives, one of which is xenotransplantation. However, the use of animal organs could face rejection from society and the personnel involved in its implementation. OBJECTIVES: (a) to analyze the attitudes of Veterinary Degree students in six Spanish Universities towards xenotransplantation; and (b) to determine the factors that affect its acceptance. METHODS: Of the 2815 students surveyed in the degree program, 2683 valid surveys were obtained. Attitudes towards organ xenotransplantation were evaluated using a validated questionnaire of organ donation. RESULTS: If xenotransplantation was confirmed as a clinical reality, 93% (n = 2493) of those surveyed would accept a xenotransplanted organ, whilst 7% would not. If the results of xenotransplantation were worse than those obtained with human donors and it entailed more risk, 12% (n = 318) would be in favor. 56% (n = 1497) of the students would accept a xenotransplantation provisionally pending the arrival of a human organ. Attitudes towards xenotransplantation were affected by the academic year in which a student was studying, with more favorable attitudes among students in the last year (88% in first year vs. 95% in fifth year; p < .001). More favorable attitudes are also observed depending on the attitude they have towards organ transplantation, with those students being more in favor of donating their organs when they die (94% vs. 88%; p < .001). CONCLUSION: Veterinary students would have a very favorable attitude toward xenotransplantation if these animal organs functioned as well as human organs. Therefore, these students could play an important role in the future promotion of this technique.

Measurement of Calprotectin (S100A8/A9) in the Saliva of Pigs: Validation Data of A Commercially Available Automated Assay and Changes in Sepsis, Inflammation, and Stress.

Calprotectin (CALP, S100A8/A9), also named myeloid-related protein 8/14, is a dimer complex of S100A8 and S100A9 that belongs to the S-100 protein family. It is involved in inflammation and has a wide range of proinflammatory functions, such as cytokine production and regulation of leukocyte adhesion, migration, and phagocytosis. In humans, CALP traditionally can be measured in faeces, serum, and saliva as a biomarker of inflammation and sepsis. The objective of this study was to validate an automated assay for CALP measurements in the saliva of pigs, having the advantage of the use of a non-invasive sample that is easy to collect. The assay was precise and accurate. CALP in saliva measured by this assay showed significant changes depending on the hour of the day. It also showed significant increases in the saliva of pigs after the administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and showed a rise, although with increases of lower magnitude, after a stressful stimulus. Further studies should be made to gain knowledge about the possible practical applications of the measurements of CALP in the saliva of pigs as a biomarker to evaluate the animals' health and welfare.

Differences in Weight, Hierarchy, and Incidence of Lameness between Two Groups of Adult Pigs Derived from Assisted Reproductive Technologies.

The in vitro production (IVP) and subsequent transfer of embryos (ET) to recipient mothers is not yet an established reproductive technology in the pig industry, as it is in cattle. However, that the trade of IVP-cryopreserved pig embryos is expected to start in the next decades. Society and governments are increasingly aware of the repercussions that IVP could have for animal health, welfare, behavior, or food safety, but proven scientific information for this type of animal does not exist, since no colonies of pigs have been created to this end. We created a small one and studied the differences between 16 IVP-derived pigs and 14 pigs derived from artificial insemination (AI), at 3.5 years of age, conceived from the same boar, and housed and fed under the same conditions since they were born. Incidence of lameness, position in the herd hierarchy, weight, adenosine deaminase activity, and hematological and biochemical analytes were compared between the two groups of animals. The results showed that the IVP animals weighed more, occupied higher positions in the herd hierarchy, and had a lower incidence of lameness. Although genetic differences from the maternal line could explain some of these results, it is also possible that the IVP animals developed better adaptative abilities, but more studies with a higher number of animals are necessary to reach consistent conclusions.

Prevalence of Mycobacterium avium Subsp. paratuberculosis in Feral Pigeons (Columba livia) Associated with Difficulties Controlling Paratuberculosis in a Bovine Herd (Fighting Bull Breed).

A bovine herd with a high prevalence of paratuberculosis (PTB) cohabiting with a population of pigeons was studied (2011−2020). After finding the disease in 2011, annual monitoring was performed in 2012−2014 by obtaining blood samples for ELISA and intradermal tuberculinization (IT) tests for Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). Positive animals were eliminated. PTB prevalence dropped from 10% to 0% but returned to similar values (9.5%) after 6 years without tests. In all animals, Ac values according to the optical density (OD) determined by ELISA increased each year and could be used to isolate herds close to the cutoff point to improve PTB control. Possible reservoirs were considered after evaluating the little success of the PTB control program, and the population of feral pigeons was studied. Specifically, 10% of the pigeon population (n = 13) was necropsied. Samples of intestine, feces, and foot skin for PCR study for MAP and samples of terminal intestine for histopathological analysis were taken. Eleven pigeons were PCR-positive against MAP, in the intestine (10/11), foot skin (3/11), and feces (1/11). The presence of MAP in pigeon feet could demonstrate its role as a mechanical disseminator of PTB, while the presence in pigeon intestine and feces could also suggest its role as a reservoir.

Effect of ß-Mannanase Addition during Whole Pigs Fattening on Production Yields and Intestinal Health.

The presence of ß-mannans in feed can produce a futile and chronic immune stimulation in fattening pigs. In this trial, a 1-4-endo-D-ß-mannanase was added to the feed (HC) during growth and fattening (0.03% of Hemicell HT) and physical performance and pathological data were recorded, and intestinal integrity and immune activation were studied by molecular biomarkers, compared to a control group (CON). The treatment diet was reduced in energy content by 40 Kcal/kg NE. From each group, 113 and 112 animals housed in 8 pens were individually identified and weighed three times: at 7th, 63rd and 116th days in feed. The FCR was calculated for groups of two pens and ADG individually. There was no difference in ADG (CON = 0.836, HC = 0.818) nor in FCR between groups (p = 0.486). During growth, there was a higher frequency of normal feces in HC and there were also no differences in the frequency of gastric lesions. A significant increase in Claudin, Occludin, IFN-γ and IL8 was observed in the CON in feces and a significant decrease in IL-6 in HC. In tissues, there were differences for IL-12p40, TNF-alpha in jejunum (increased CON) and TGF-ß in ileum and jejunum, (decreased HC). The economic performance was EUR 4.7 better in the treated group. In conclusion, the addition of 1-4-endo-D-ß--mannanase to the feed with a 1.6% reduction in net energy compared to the control, allowed the animals to perform as well as the animals on the higher energy diet, with lower prevalence of diarrhea.

Do religious beliefs influence the acceptance of xenotransplantation? Veterinary students.

BACKGROUND: Xenotransplantation could be a source of organs for transplantation given the global organ shortage. It is important to know the opinion and variables that influence the acceptance of xenotransplantation of the professionals who will work in the genetic manipulation, production, and care of animals to be used for this purpose. OBJECTIVE: Analyze the influence of religious beliefs on the attitude toward xenotransplantation in veterinary students. METHODS: The study population included 2683 veterinary students from different courses and Spanish Universities. Instrument evaluation included a validated self-administered and anonymously completed questionnaire (PCID-XENOTx-Ríos). The survey was self-administered and completed anonymously. Consent to collaborate in the study was requested. Variables for the study included attitude toward xenotransplantation and toward religion, considering the following options: practicing Catholic, nonpracticing Catholic, non-Catholic, and atheist/agnostic. Statistics were performed using descriptive analysis, Student t test, -X2, and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Of the total number of participants, 7 did not answer this question. Those in favor of xenotransplantation were 92.9% (n = 247) of practicing Catholics, 92.8% (n = 812) of nonpracticing Catholics, and 87.3% (n = 69) of those professing another non-Catholic religion compared with 93.5% (n = 1361) of those considering themselves agnostic/atheist (P = .037). CONCLUSIONS: Religion is an influential factor in attitudes toward organ xenotransplantation. Those who practice Catholicism and those who consider themselves agnostic/atheist are more accepting of organ procurement for transplantation than those who practice other religious doctrines.

Oral and Parenteral Vaccination against Escherichia coli in Piglets Results in Different Responses.

The available E. coli vaccines involve two main types (inactivated and live non-pathogenic) and two routes of administration (oral and parenteral) but the mechanism by which both vaccines and routes of administration work is not yet fully elucidated. The influence of a parenteral vaccine (PV) and an oral one (OV) was studied by analyzing the gene expression of biomarkers indicating cellular infiltration (calprotectin, CAL), tight junction proteins (occludin OCL, and zonulin ZON) that maintain intestinal paracellular integration and two proinflammatory (IFN-γ) and anti-inflammatory (TGF-ß) mediator cytokines, as well as histomorphology and IgA production cell density. Differences were observed in CAL, more infiltrated in orally vaccinated animals; OCL also increased in orally vaccinated animals, and higher density of IgA-producing cells in ileum for orally vaccinated groups. Cytokine expression is also different; and there is a lower mRNA for IFN-γ in the parenteral than in the oral vaccinated animals. Finally, the villus height-to-crypt depth ratio was higher in the orally vaccinated groups. The data collectively show clear and different effects derived from the use of each type of vaccine, route of administration and regimen. The results suggest a more rapid and direct effect of oral vaccination and a state of suppression in the absence of a second oral stimulus by the pathogen.

Effect of Feeding Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii CNCM I-1079 to Sows and Piglets on Piglets' Immune Response after Vaccination against Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect that feeding Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii CNCM I-1079 (LSB) to lactating sows and their progeny has on inflammatory response and mucosal immunity after vaccination against Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae. Sixty-seven Danbred sows were allotted into two treatments when they entered the farrowing room seven days before the expected farrowing date: control (CON: lactation diet) and LSB (CON + 12 × 109 colony forming units (CFU)/d until weaning). At weaning, piglets were equally allotted into two experimental diets according to sow diet: control (CON: 2-phase post-weaning diets) and LSB (CON + 2 × 109 CFU/kg and 1 × 109 CFU/kg in phases 1 and 2, respectively). The piglets were vaccinated at days 26 and 49 post-weaning. Growth performance and number of IgA producing cells and cytokine's gene expression in lung, lymph node, and intestine samples at day 70 post-weaning were assessed and analyzed in SPSS Statistics 26: performance with a general linear model with sex, room, sow diet, piglet diet, and their interactions as main effects, and immunity with a Kruskal−Wallis test for k unrelated samples. Piglets from LSB-fed sows displayed a higher average daily gain (ADG; p < 0.01) and a heavier body weight (BW; p < 0.05) during lactation, tended (p < 0.1) to be heavier at day 49, and to have a higher ADG between days 26 and 49; had fewer number of IgA producing cells in the lymph node (p < 0.05); and all the cytokines studied were significantly under-regulated (p < 0.05) in the lung. It is concluded that feeding Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii CNCM I-1079 to sows improved piglet performance during lactation and showed a clear reduction in the inflammatory status of the lungs after vaccination against A. pleuropneumoniae, suggesting that there was a maternal imprinting effect on mucosal protection and a cross-talk between the gut microbiota and the lung.

Exogenous Melatonin in the Culture Medium Does Not Affect the Development of In Vivo-Derived Pig Embryos but Substantially Improves the Quality of In Vitro-Produced Embryos.

Cloned and transgenic pigs are relevant human disease models and serve as potential donors for regenerative medicine and xenotransplantation. These technologies demand oocytes and embryos of good quality. However, the current protocols for in vitro production (IVP) of pig embryos give reduced blastocyst efficiency and embryo quality compared to in vivo controls. This is likely due to culture conditions jeopardizing embryonic homeostasis including the effect of reactive oxygen species (ROS) influence. In this study, the antioxidant melatonin (1 nM) in the maturation medium, fertilization medium, or both media was ineffective in enhancing fertilization or embryonic development parameters of in vitro fertilized oocytes. Supplementation of melatonin in the fertilization medium also had no effect on sperm function. In contrast, the addition of melatonin to the embryo culture medium accelerated the timing of embryonic development and increased the percentages of cleaved embryos and presumed zygotes that developed to the blastocyst stage. Furthermore, it increased the number of inner mass cells and the inner mass cell/total cell number ratio per blastocyst while increasing intracellular glutathione and reducing ROS and DNA damage levels in embryos. Contrarily, the addition of melatonin to the embryo culture medium had no evident effect on in vivo-derived embryos, including the developmental capacity and the quality of in vivo-derived 4-cell embryos or the percentage of genome-edited in vivo-derived zygotes achieving the blastocyst stage. In conclusion, exogenous melatonin in the embryo culture medium enhances the development and quality of in vitro-derived embryos but not in in vivo-derived embryos. Exogenous melatonin is thus recommended during embryo culture of oocytes matured and fertilized in vitro for improving porcine IVP efficiency.

Measurement of procalcitonin in saliva of pigs: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Procalcitonin (PCT) is a widely used biomarker of sepsis in human medicine and can have potential applications in the veterinary field. This study aimed to explore whether PCT could be measured in the saliva of pigs and whether its concentration changes in sepsis. Therefore, a specific assay was developed and analytically validated, and changes in PCT concentration were evaluated in two conditions: a) in an experimental model of sepsis produced by the administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to pigs (n = 5), that was compared with a model of non-septic inflammation induced by turpentine oil (n = 4), and b) in healthy piglets (n = 11) compared to piglets with meningitis (n = 20), a disease that usually involves sepsis and whose treatment often requires large amounts of antibiotics in farms. RESULTS: The assay showed coefficients of variation within the recommended limits and adequate linearity after serial sample dilutions. The method's detection limit was set at 68 µg/L, and the lower limit of quantification was 414 µg/L. In the LPS experiment, higher concentrations of PCT were found after 24 h in the animals injected with LPS (mean = 5790 µg/L) compared to those treated with turpentine oil (mean = 2127 µg/L, P = 0.045). Also, animals with meningitis had higher concentrations of PCT (mean = 21515 µg/L) than healthy pigs (mean = 6096 µg/L, P value < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: According to these results, this assay could be potentially used as a tool for the non-invasive detection of sepsis in pigs, which is currently a topic of high importance due to antibiotic use restriction.

Serotonin receptors and their association with the immune system in the gastrointestinal tract of weaning piglets.

BACKGROUND: Immune cell activation and perpetuation of inflammation have been attributed to the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT). Our hypothesis was that the 5-HT system plays a role in GI health and immunity in post-weaning piglets. A disruption of the 5-HT system post-weaning with transcriptional upregulation of 5-HT receptors may be linked to increased cytokine mRNA abundance and immune system activation. METHODS: The objective of this exploratory study was to assess the relationship between 5-HT receptor expression and immune system biomarkers in piglets at 1 (n = 9) and 15 (n = 10) days post-weaning. The mRNA transcript abundance of three 5-HT receptors (5-HTR3, 5-HTR4, and 5-HTR7) measured in jejunum and colon tissues were used to determine the relationship with the immune system and jejunal morphometry at 2 timepoints post-weaning using correlations, mixed models, and multivariate analysis techniques. RESULTS: Overall, 5-HT receptor mRNA expression decreased from day 1 to day 15 post-weaning. Time × tissue interactions showed the lowest 5-HTR3 expression in the colon and lower 5-HTR7 expression in the jejunum at 15 days post-weaning. 5-HTR3 and 5-HTR4 expression were negatively associated with pro-inflammatory (IFN-É£) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10 and IL-12ß) cytokines in jejunum, and with TNF-α in the colon at 1-day post-weaning. At 15 days post-weaning, 5-HTR3 in the colon was negatively associated with pro-inflammatory (IL-1α, IL-1ß, TNF-α, IL-8, and IFN-É£) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10 and IL-12ß) cytokines. Furthermore, 5-HTR7 expressed a predominantly pro-inflammatory profile (IFN-α, IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL-8, TNF-α and IL-12α) in the jejunum at the same timepoint, whereas colonic 5-HTR7 expression was negatively correlated with IL-1α, IL-1ß, IL-10 and TGF-ß. Lastly, positive correlations were found for increased expression of 5-HTR4 receptor with villus height, 5-HTR7 receptor expression and crypt depth, and increased expression of 5-HTR3 and 5-HTR4 receptor with villus height to crypt depth ratio at 1-day post-weaning. CONCLUSIONS: The 5-HT receptor mRNA abundance was associated with the immune system and intestinal morphometry in piglets. The 5-HT receptors were highly expressed at weaning in both jejunum and colon tissues relative to 15 days post-weaning. Although a clear relationship between immune system and 5-HTR expression is observed, particularly at day 15, a cause-consequence cannot be proven with current data. Further research is warranted to elucidate the effects of 5-HT on gastrointestinal inflammation during the weaning process in piglets, which could be the basis for new interventions to ease weaning stress.

Fermented rye with Agaricus subrufescens and mannan-rich hydrolysate based feed additive to modulate post-weaning piglet immune response.

BACKGROUND: The process of weaning in piglets is often associated with an increased inflammation response in the intestine and compromised intestinal integrity and morphology, favoring a delay in intestinal maturation and a predisposal to diseases. Research has shown the potential of different nutritional strategies to reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, with the main goal to manipulate health and performance of pigs. Promising examples of nutritional strategies are fungal fermented products and their derivatives which are described to contain several compounds that may play a role in gastrointestinal health and pathogenic bacteria control. Products from Agaricus subrufescens mushroom are reported to contain prophylactic and therapeutic properties including antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties. RESULTS: This study analysed the post-weaning immune status in intestinal tissue and blood of piglets, with the objective to evaluate the gastrointestinal health and immune modulation response induced by a blend of mannan-rich hydrolyzed copra meal and fermented rye with A. subrufescens. Intestinal histomorphology demonstrated a villus height reduction in jejunum and increase in ileum on day 15, while increased villous height in jejunum and ileum on day 30. The results showed that in post-weaning piglets, the feed additive stimulates an immunomodulation effect most evident at 15 days post-weaning, with significant lower expression of cytokines Interferon (IFN) γ, Interleukin (IL) 1α, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10 and Transforming Growth Factor (TGF) ß in jejunum, accompanied with an increase in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) cytokine gene expression of IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p35 (IL-12α), IL-12p40 (IL-12ß), Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) α, IFN-α, and TGF-ß. In piglets fed the feed additive, the quantity of Immunoglobulin (Ig) A producing cells in jejunum, ileum was reduced on day 15 and 30 post-weaning, and on day 30 and 45 post-weaning in colon tissue. Natural Killer (NK) cells count in blood were increased on day 15 post-weaning in the piglets fed the feed additive. CONCLUSION: This study implies the potential of the blend including mannan-rich hydrolyzed copra meal and fermented rye with A. subrufescens on immune modulation in the intestine of post-weaning piglets.

Phenotypic and Genetic Components for Growth, Morphology, and Flesh-Quality Traits of Meagre (Argyrosomus regius) Reared in Tank and Sea Cage.

Meagre (Argyrosomus regius) plays an important role in the aquaculture system, with the potential for diversification of European aquaculture, and is characterized by its fast growth rate, low feed conversion ratio, and the high quality of the product. Focusing on the relevance of meagre, the aim of the study was to analyze growth performance, fish morphology, and flesh composition phenotypically and genetically to be considered as a strategy in a breeding program. For this purpose, 633 fish were raised in two different housing systems, in sea cages or in a continental tank, and when they reached harvest size, manual growth traits, automatic morphology by the image analysis program IMAFISH_ML, and flesh chemical composition (fat, protein, moisture, and collagen percentages) were measured. The fish reared in the cages showed a higher body weight and fillet fat percentage than those in the tank. Heritabilities for growth and morphology traits, and for fillet fat percentage were medium, revealing these traits as a possible selection criterion in a breeding program. Phenotypic and genetic correlations between growth and morphology traits were positive and high. Phenotypic correlations between growth or morphology traits with fillet fat percentage were positive and medium; genetic correlations were not estimated accurately.

Genetic Analysis of the Fatty Acid Profile in Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata L.).

The gilthead seabream is one of the most valuable species in the Mediterranean basin both for fisheries and aquaculture. Marine fish, such as gilthead seabream, are a source of n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, highly appreciated for human food owing to their benefits on the cardiovascular and immune systems. The aim of the present study was to estimate heritability for fatty acid (FA) profile in fillet gilthead seabream to be considered as a strategy of a selective breeding program. Total of 399 fish, from a broodstock Mediterranean Sea, were analysed for growth, flesh composition and FA profile. Heritabilities for growth traits, and flesh composition (fat, protein, and moisture content) were medium. Heritability was moderate for 14:0, 16:0 and 18:1n9 and for sum of monounsaturated FA and n6/n3 ratio, and it was low for 20:1n11 and 22:6n3 and the ratio unsaturated/saturated FA. Breeding programs in gilthead seabream usually include growth as the first criterion in the selection process of the fish. However, other quality traits, such as fillet fat content and its fatty acids profile should be considered, since they are very important traits for the consumer, from a nutritional point of view and the benefits for the health.

Profiling Human CD55 Transgene Performance Assist in Selecting Best Suited Specimens and Tissues for Swine Organ Xenotransplantation.

Xenotransplantation of pig organs receives substantial attention for being comparable to human's. However, compatibility constraints involving hyper-acute rejection (HAR) still block clinical applications. Transgenesis of human complement regulatory proteins has been proposed to overcome xenorejection. Pigs expressing human-CD55 have been widely tested in experimental surgery. Still, no standardized method has been developed to determine tissue expression of human decay-accelerating factor (DAF), hCD55's product, or to predict the ability to overpass HAR. Here we describe objective procedures addressing this need. Organs and tissues from five hCD55 transgenic pigs were collected and classified according to their xenotransplantation value. The ability to overcome HAR was assessed by classical complement pathway hemolysis assays. Quantitative PCR mRNA expression and Western blot protein level studies were performed. Real-time cytotoxicity assays (RTCA) on fibroblast cultures exposed to baboon and human sera informed on longer-term rejection dynamics. While greater hCD55/DAF expression correlated with better performance, the results obtained varied among specimens. Interestingly, the individual with highest mRNA and protein levels showed positive feedback for hCD55 transcript after challenge with human and baboon sera. Moreover, hCD55 expression correlated to DAF levels in the liver, lung and intestine, but not in the heart. Moreover, we found significant correlations among valuable and non-valuable tissues. In sum, the methodology proposed allows us to characterize the hCD55 transgene functioning and performance. Moreover, the correlations found could allow us to predict hCD55/DAF expression in surrogate tissues, thus eliminating the need for direct biopsies, resulting in preservation of organ integrity before xenotransplantation.

Weaning causes a prolonged but transient change in immune gene expression in the intestine of piglets.

Controlling gut inflammation is important in managing gut disorders in the piglet after weaning. Establishing patterns of inflammation markers in the time subsequent to weaning is important for future research to determine whether interventions are effective in controlling gut inflammation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the intestinal inflammatory response during the postweaning period in piglets. A 45-d study included 108 piglets (weaned at 22 d, body weight 5.53 ± 1.19 kg), distributed in 12 pens with nine pigs per pen. Histomorphometry, gene expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, and the quantity of immunoglobulin (Ig) A producing cells were measured in jejunum, ileum, and colon on days 0, 15, 30, and 45 postweaning. Cytokine gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and Ig quantities were analyzed in blood from piglets on days 0, 15, 30, and 45 postweaning. Histomorphometrical results showed a lower villus length directly after weaning. Results demonstrated a postweaning intestinal inflammation response for at least 15 d postweaning by upregulation of IgA producing cells and IFN-γ, IL-1α, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12α, and TGF-ß in jejunum, ileum, and colon. IgM and IgA were upregulated at day 30 postweaning. IgG was downregulated at day 15 postweaning. The results indicate that weaning in piglets is associated with a prolonged and transient response in gene expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and IgA producing cells in the intestine.

Resilience Related to Quality of Life Perceived in Elderly Patients With Orthotopic Liver Transplant for More Than 10 Years.

INTRODUCTION: Resilience is the ability to recover or adequately face adverse situations. It acts as a protective factor against negative events and/or complex stages of life, such as a chronic and complex disease requiring liver transplant. Age can also have an effect on a patient's ability to deal with liver transplant, resilience here being a predictor of well-being. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the level of resilience and its relationship with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients over 60 years of age who underwent an orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) more than 10 years ago. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study at the Hospital Clínico Virgen Arrixaca. INSTRUMENT: 1. To analyze resilience we used the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC 17) which measures 3 dimensions (tenacity/self-efficacy, personal control, and social competence). 2. To evaluate HRQoL, we used the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) questionnaire which covers 8 dimensions and produces 2 summary scores. Variables included age, sex, and post-OLT survival. Non-parametric statistical analysis was performed (P < .05). RESULTS: We analyzed 47 patients, 68% men (n = 32). The average age was 70.85 ± 0.98 years and average post-OLT survival was 15.79 ± 0.78 years. In terms of resilience, men had higher scores in tenacity/self-efficacy (90.82 ± 2.71 vs 84.79 ± 3.49; P = .029) and personal control (82.5 ± 3.79 vs 69.33 ± 5.23; P = .023). The longer the post-OLT period, the less personal control (R = -0.298; P = .042). Regarding HRQoL, the dimension of personal control is positively related: physical function (R = 0.388; P = .007); general health (R = 0.429; P = .003); vitality (R = 0.560; P = .000); social function (R = 0.402; P = .005); mental health (R = 0.311; P = .034); and physical summary (R = 0.381; P = .008). Like social competence, it is related to mental health (R = 0.360; P = .013) and mental summary (R = 0.384; P = .008). CONCLUSION: These patients showed adequate levels of resilience. A greater resilience is related to greater general health, vitality, social functioning, and mental health.

Nicaraguan Population Residing in Florida Attitude Toward Different Types of Organ Donation.

INTRODUCTION: The population of Nicaraguan immigrants is growing in North America; however, they have been little analyzed concerning their attitude toward donation and organ transplantation. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the attitude toward the different types of organ donation among the Nicaraguan population residing in Florida. METHODS: Study population. Nicaraguan population residing in Florida (USA). INCLUSION CRITERIA: Population sample over 15 years stratified by age and sex. Instrument valuation. Attitude questionnaires toward organ donation for transplantation "PCID-DTO-Ríos," "PCID-DVR-Ríos," and "PCID-XenoTx-Ríos." Setting for the study. Random selection of people to be surveyed according to stratification. The assistance of immigrant support associations in Florida was required to locate respondents. RESULTS: Sample composed of 89 participants. In the attitude toward donation of one's own organs after death, 22% (n = 20) were in favor, 41% (n = 36) were against, and 37% (n = 33) were undecided. Regarding the donation of living related organs, 76% were in favor (n = 68), 10% were against (n = 9), and 14% were undecided (n = 12). Finally, regarding attitudes toward the acceptance of organ xenotransplantation, if the results were similar to those obtained with human organs, they were not in favor, with 72% (n = 64) against and 28% (n = 25) doubtful. CONCLUSIONS: The attitude of the Nicaraguan population residing in Florida toward different types of organ donation is unfavorable.

Puerto Rican Population Residing in Florida: Attitude Towards Organ Xenotransplantation.

INTRODUCTION: Puerto Ricans are one of the majority immigration groups in Florida. However, little is known about their attitudes toward xenotransplantation (XenoTx), a still experimental technique, which is making significant progress. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the attitude toward XenoTx of organs among the population of Puerto Rican residents in Florida. METHODS: Population under study. Sample taken from the International Collaborative Donor Project and formed by the population born in Puerto Rico and resident in Florida. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Over 15 years stratified by age and sex. Instrument valuation. Validated questionnaire of attitude toward xenotransplantation "PCID-XenoTx-Ríos." Setting for the study. Random selection of people to survey based on stratification. Immigrant assistance associations in Florida were consulted to locate potential respondents. RESULTS: Of the 259 respondents, 16% are in favor of XenoTx if the results are similar to those obtained with human organs, 74% are against, and 10% are doubtful. If the results are worse than with human organs, only 2% are in favor, 74% against, and 24% undecided. The variables that are associated with this attitude are the following: sex (P = .001); marital status (P < .001); have offspring (P = .004); level of education (P < .001), opinion of a partner toward donation (P = .008), religious beliefs (P < .001), knowing the opinion toward donation of religion (P < .001), prosocial activity (P < .001), attitude toward donation (P ≤ .001), previous relationship with donation (P < .001), possibility of receiving a transplant in the future (P = .001), and attitude toward donation to a relative (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The Puerto Rican population residing in Florida does not hold a favorable attitude toward xenotransplantation.