Monitoring for Anguillicoloides crassus, Anguillid herpesvirus 1, aquabirnavirus EVE and rhabdovirus EVEX in the European eel population of southern Spain.

European eel is critically endangered in Europe. Among other stressors, pathogens are well-known to harm eels' fitness. One hundred and eighty-two eels were captured in three Eel Management Units in Andalucía (SE Spain) and analysed for Anguillicoloides crassus, Anguillid herpesvirus 1 (AngHV1), the rhabdovirus Eel Virus European X (EVEX) and the aquabirnavirus Eel Virus European (EVE). A. crassus adults and preadults were isolated and morphometrically identified, and the eel swimbladders were artificially digested to count A. crassus larvae. Also, eel tissues were examined by PCRs for the presence of viruses. EVEX and EVE were not detected in any of the eels. The estimated prevalence (95% confidence limits) was 71 (64-78)% for A. crassus and 35 (28-42)% for AngHV-1, varying these prevalences significantly between and within EMUs. Moreover, A. crassus prevalence was highest in smaller eels, in sites closest to the sea and eels sampled in the autumn. By contrast, AngHV-1 prevalence was highest in biggest eels, in sites far from the sea and sampled in the summer or winter. However, in mixed effects logistic models including site as a random variable, the risk of infection was associated with distance to the sea in both A. crassus and AngHV-1 infections and also to winter sampling in the case of AngHV-1 and not to other variables. These results are evidence that both pathogens are highly endemic in eels from Andalusian habitats. Further studies are needed to better understand the risk factors associated with these pathogens on eel populations.

Monitoring of heart rate characteristics to detect neonatal sepsis.

BACKGROUND: Monitoring of heart rate characteristics (HRC) index may improve outcomes of late-onset neonatal sepsis (LOS) through early detection. We aimed at describing the association between LOS and elevated HRC index. METHODS: This single-center retrospective case-control study included neonates who presented with blood culture-proven hospital-acquired LOS. Controls were matched to cases (ratio 1:2) based on gestational age, postnatal age, and birthweight. We compared the highest HRC indexes in the 48 h preceding blood culture sampling in LOS cases to the highest HRC indexes at the same postnatal days in controls. RESULTS: In 59 LOS cases and 123 controls, an HRC index > 2 was associated with LOS (OR 7.1, 95% CI 2.6-19.0). Sensitivity and specificity of an HRC index > 2 to predict LOS were 53% (32/59) and 79% (98/123). Sensitivity increased from 25% in infants born > 32 weeks to 76% in infants born < 28 weeks. Specificity decreased from 97% in infants > 32 weeks to 63% in those born < 28 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: An increase of HRC index > 2 has a significant association with the diagnosis of LOS, supporting the use of HRC monitoring to assist early detection of LOS. Clinicians using HRC monitoring should be aware of its diagnostic accuracy and limitations in different gestational age groups. IMPACT: There is a paucity of data regarding the predictive value of heart rate characteristics (HRC) monitoring for early diagnosis of late-onset neonatal sepsis (LOS) in daily clinical practice. Monitoring of heart rate characteristics provides valuable information to assist the early diagnosis of LOS across all gestational age groups. However, the strong influence of gestational age on positive and negative predictive values adds complexity to the interpretation of HRC indexes.

Beliefs and needs of fathers of newborns hospitalised in a neonatal unit: A descriptive correlational study.

BACKGROUND: Transition to parenthood is a wonderful yet stressful period especially when it involves the newborn's hospitalisation. To support and facilitate this transition, it is essential to understand parental beliefs and needs. The father's perspective remains an understudied yet fundamental question. OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to measure beliefs and needs of fathers of newborns hospitalised in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and their correlations with sociodemographic variables. METHODS: Fathers with a newborn hospitalised for 4-15 days in a level III NICU in Western Switzerland completed the NICU Parental Beliefs Scale and the short form of the NICU Family Needs Inventory. For each item of the NICU Family Needs Inventory, fathers also answered with regard to their satisfaction level. Additional needs were collected with an added open-ended question. Simple linear regressions were used to correlate beliefs, needs, and the sociodemographic data. RESULTS: Seventy fathers were included. The average score for paternal beliefs was 68.44 (standard deviation = 10.29), indicating a good perception of their role. The majority (77%) considered all needs as very important or important, and 70% were very satisfied or satisfied. Fathers described communication as a very important, but unmet, need. Fathers' beliefs were higher in those who were not first-time fathers (71.88 ± 8.27 vs 66.06 ± 10.97, p = 0.028), who had a paternity leave (72.68 ± 10.19 vs 66.05 ± 9.68, p = 0.014), and who were of foreign nationality (71.86 ± 9.39 vs 63.85 ± 9.80, p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Fathers with a newborn hospitalised in the neonatal unit had good paternal beliefs. Most of the listed needs were perceived as very important and had a good level of satisfaction. Significant differences between Swiss fathers and fathers of foreign nationality were measured. Reasons of these differences should be explored in a forthcoming study.

Unplanned postdischarge healthcare utilisation, discharge readiness, and perceived quality of teaching in mothers of neonates hospitalized in a neonatal intensive care unit: A descriptive and correlational study.

BACKGROUND: Discharge teaching has been positively associated with discharge readiness in various care settings and patient types. Association of discharge readiness with unplanned use of health services has not received as much attention in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) population, but has been negatively associated in parents of older children. OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to describe and assess relationships between maternal readiness for neonates' discharge, discharge teaching, and unplanned use of health services after discharge from an NICU. METHODS: Mothers from an NICU of a tertiary referral hospital in Switzerland completed the "Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale" and the "Quality of Discharge Teaching Scale parental forms" in the 24 h preceding discharge. Telephone interviews evaluating the unplanned use of health services were conducted 28 days after discharge. Simple linear regressions and multiple regressions were used to explore the links between the readiness, perceived quality of discharge, and unplanned use of health services. RESULTS: Of the 71 participants, 75% (n = 53%) felt ready for discharge when asked directly, and for 60% (n = 42) of them, the amount of discharge teaching received was equal to or higher than that needed, but with high heterogeneity in scores. For 38% of mothers (n = 27), the expected support from the medical care of their child after discharge was deemed insufficient. In the month after discharge, unplanned use of health services occurred in 46% of the participants (n = 32). Perceived quality of teaching positively predicted readiness for discharge (R2 = 0.24, p = 0.0004). Unplanned use of health services correlated neither with readiness nor with perceived teaching quality. CONCLUSIONS: At discharge, mothers felt mostly ready and well prepared to go home. In the month after discharge, almost half used health services in an unplanned manner. Further exploration of reasons leading to this high rate of postdischarge healthcare utilisation is warranted.

Measurement of stress in stable neonates during ambulance transportation: A feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: Stress during ambulance transportation has been described in adult healthy volunteers where indicators of stress such as heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol increased significantly. In neonates, a few studies have described stress in ambulance with behavioural scales. However, there is no study in neonates assessing both behavioural and physiological indicators of stress simultaneously during ambulance transportation. OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of a study aiming at identifying stress in clinically stable neonates during ambulance transportation in non-emergency situations. METHODS: Stable neonates transported by ambulance from September 2015 to January 2016 were eligible. Physiological and behavioural parameters of stress were measured during the entire transfer procedure, starting on the ward of departure until hospitalisation at destination. Physiological parameters included salivary cortisol concentration, heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation. Behavioural parameters were measured with the Comfort Behavior and the Premature Infant Pain Profile-Revised scales. RESULTS: Twenty neonates were included. The study proved to be feasible, but collection of saliva for cortisol measurement was problematic. To reach a sufficient amount of saliva, the collection time had to be extended from 90 to 300 s. Physiological parameters demonstrated heterogeneous patterns of stress. Behavioural scores increased during the entire transfer procedure and did not return to baseline values, indicating discomfort, specifically during transfer from the cot into the transport incubator. CONCLUSIONS: Salivary cortisol values were variable. Behavioural measurement of stress provided a more sensitive measure to detect low level of stress, as shown in our sample of stable neonates, during non-emergency transportation.

Impact of a nurse led telephone intervention on satisfaction and health outcomes of children with inflammatory rheumatic diseases and their families: a crossover randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Children suffering from rheumatic disease are faced with multidimensional challenges that affect their quality of life and family dynamics. Symptom management and monitoring of the course of the disease over time are important to minimize disability and pain. Poor disease control and anticipation of the need for treatment changes may be prompted by specialist medical follow-up and regular nurse-led consultations with the patient and families, in which information and support is provided. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of a nurse-led telephone intervention or Telenursing (TN) compared to standard care (SC) on satisfaction and health outcomes of children with inflammatory rheumatic diseases and their parents. METHODS: A multicentered, randomized, longitudinal, crossover trial was conducted with pediatrics outpatients newly diagnosed with inflammatory rheumatic diseases. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups TN and SC for 12 months and crossed-over for the following 12 months. TN consisted of providing individualized affective support, health information and aid to decision making. Satisfaction (primary outcome) and health outcomes were assessed with the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire-8 and the Juvenile Arthritis Multidimensional Assessment Report, respectively. A mixed effect model, including a group x time interaction, was performed for each outcome. RESULTS: Satisfaction was significantly higher when receiving TN (OR = 7.7, 95% CI: 1.8-33.6). Morning stiffness (OR = 3.2, 95% CI: 0.97-7.15) and pain (OR = 2.64, 95% CI: 0.97-7.15) were lower in the TN group. For both outcomes a carry-over effect was observed with a higher impact of TN during the 12 first months of the study. The other outcomes did not show any significant improvements between groups. CONCLUSION: TN had a positive impact on satisfaction and on morning stiffness and pain of children with inflammatory rheumatic diseases and their families. This highlights the importance of support by specialist nurses in improving satisfaction and symptom management for children with inflammatory rheumatisms and their families. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrial.gov identifier: NCT01511341 (December 1st, 2012).

Isolation of Chlamydia abortus from a laboratory worker diagnosed with atypical pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: Identifying the aetiological agent of atypical pneumonia in human can sometimes be a tedious process, especially in cases where Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Legionella species and Chlamydia pneumoniae are ruled out. In such cases, a correct anamnesis of the patient is basic to clarify which pathogens might have produced the infection. For this reason, health professionals including veterinarians and laboratory personnel working with zoonotic pathogens should keep their doctors informed. CASE PRESENTATION: A human case of atypical pneumonia linked to Chlamydia abortus is reported. A 47-year-old male, a veterinarian researcher into chlamydiae, developed respiratory symptoms, breathing problems and high fever. Serological analyses ruled out the involvement of several respiratory pathogens, such as M. pneumoniae, Legionella pneumophila, Rickettsia conorii and C. pneumoniae, and Chlamydia abortus was identified as the possible aetiological agent of the infection. The isolation of C. abortus from the patient's sputum and subsequent molecular analysis confirmed the presence of this microorganism. CONCLUSION: As far as we know, although C. abortus has not been previously described as capable of causing pneumonia in humans, this is the first reported case of atypical pneumonia in which C. abortus is thought to have played an aetiological role.

IL-10 Overexpression Reduces the Protective Response of an Experimental Chlamydia abortus Vaccine in a Murine Model.

In ovine populations, the enzootic nature of Chlamydia abortus (C. abortus) is attributed to its capacity to establish persistent intracellular infections, which necessitate a cellular immune response mediated by interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) for effective resolution. In both natural hosts and murine models, interleukin-10 (IL-10) has been demonstrated to modulate the cellular immune response crucial for the eradication of C. abortus. During gestation, it has also been shown to play a role in preventing inflammatory damage to gestational tissues and foetal loss through the downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This paradigm can be key for events leading to a protective response towards an infectious abortion. Previous research successfully established a mouse model of chronic C. abortus infection using transgenic mice overexpressing IL-10 (IL-10tg), simulating the dynamics of chronic infection observed in non-pregnant natural host. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of an experimental inactivated vaccine against C. abortus and to elucidate the immune mechanisms involved in protection during chronic infection using this model. Transgenic and wild-type (WT) control mice were immunized and subsequently challenged with C. abortus. Vaccine effectiveness and immune response were assessed via immunohistochemistry and cytokine serum levels over a 28-day period. Morbidity, measured by daily weight loss, was more pronounced in non-vaccinated transgenic IL-10 mice, though no mortality was observed in any group. Vaccinated control mice eliminated the bacterial infection by day 9 post-infection (p.i.), whereas presence of bacteria was noted in vaccinated transgenic IL-10 mice until day 28 p.i. Vaccination induced an early post-infection increase in IFN-γ production, but did not alter IL-10 production in transgenic mice. Histological analysis indicated suboptimal recruitment of inflammatory cells in vaccinated transgenic IL-10 mice compared to WT controls. In summary, the findings suggest that IL-10 overexpression in transgenic mice diminishes the protective efficacy of vaccination, confirming that this model can be useful for validating the efficacy of vaccines against intracellular pathogens such as C. abortus that require robust cell-mediated immunity.

Zoonotic Enteric Nematodes and Dermatophytes in Cat Cafés: An Investigation in the Bangkok Metropolitan Area, Thailand.

Cat cafés have gained significant popularity worldwide, offering a unique interface between humans and cats. The present study aims to assess the prevalence of potentially zoonotic endoparasites and dermatophytes from cats living in cat cafés situated in the Bangkok metropolitan area in 2017-2018. Cat fecal samples were subjected to microscopic examination employing centrifugal flotation and centrifugal sedimentation techniques. The hair samples from every cat were cultured on a dermatophyte test medium and Sabouraud dextrose agar and subsequently confirmed by visualization of the typical colony and macroconidia morphology. Findings from 11 cat cafés indicated an 18.2% (2/11) prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites, including Toxocara spp., Ancylostoma spp., Physaloptera spp., and Eucoleus aerophilus. Dermatophytes were prevalent in 16.2% (32/198) of the total number of cats tested, with Microsporum canis being the sole species identified. Notably, the presence of dermatophyte was significantly correlated with the presence of skin lesions and the cats' origin. In summary, the findings of this study have provided evidence of potentially zoonotic endoparasites and dermatophytes in cats residing in cat cafés. Therefore, it is imperative to heighten awareness and encourage preventive measures among cat café owners and customers to halt the dissemination of these pathogens.

TLR-4 engagement of dendritic cells confers a BST-2/tetherin-mediated restriction of HIV-1 infection to CD4+ T cells across the virological synapse.

BACKGROUND: Dendritic cells and their subsets, located at mucosal surfaces, are among the first immune cells to encounter disseminating pathogens. The cellular restriction factor BST-2/tetherin (also known as CD317 or HM1.24) potently restricts HIV-1 release by retaining viral particles at the cell surface in many cell types, including primary cells such as macrophages. However, BST-2/tetherin does not efficiently restrict HIV-1 infection in immature dendritic cells. RESULTS: We now report that BST-2/tetherin expression in myeloid (myDC) and monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DC) can be significantly up-regulated by IFN-α treatment and TLR-4 engagement with LPS. In contrast to HeLa or 293T cells, infectious HIV-1 release in immature DC and IFN-α-matured DC was only modestly affected in the absence of Vpu compared to wild-type viruses. Strikingly, immunofluorescence analysis revealed that BST-2/tetherin was excluded from HIV containing tetraspanin-enriched microdomains (TEMs) in both immature DC and IFN-α-matured DC. In contrast, in LPS-mediated mature DC, BST-2/tetherin exerted a significant restriction in transfer of HIV-1 infection to CD4+ T cells. Additionally, LPS, but not IFN-α stimulation of immature DC, leads to a dramatic redistribution of cellular restriction factors to the TEM as well as at the virological synapse between DC and CD4+ T cells. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, we demonstrate that TLR-4 engagement in immature DC significantly up-regulates the intrinsic antiviral activity of BST-2/tetherin, during cis-infection of CD4+ T cells across the DC/T cell virological synapse. Manipulating the function and potency of cellular restriction factors such as BST-2/tetherin to HIV-1 infection, has implications in the design of antiviral therapeutic strategies.

Assessing the Role of Lizards as Potential Pollinators of an Insular Plant Community and Its Intraspecific Variation.

The role of lizards as potential pollinators on islands has been documented for either one or a few plants in different parts of the world, but it has never been assessed for an entire plant community. Here, we quantified interaction rate by lizards and evaluated intraspecific differences in the use of flowers on Cabrera Gran (Cabrera archipelago, Balearic Islands) by means of visual observations, automated cameras and the analysis of pollen grain samples. Overall, we recorded interactions of the Balearic wall lizard (Podarcis lilfordi) with flowers of 44 plant species, 72.7% of which were unknown to date. Although florivory occurs in some of these species (35%), the majority of visits were legitimate (65%); in addition, we found intraspecific differences in the interactions related to the sex and age of lizards. Our findings support the role of Balearic wall lizards as potential pollinators across the entire plant community, and their contribution to particular plant species, for instance the endangered Cistus heterophyllus carthaginensis. This study also documents the first record of another sympatric lizard (Tarentola mauritanica) visiting flowers and contributes to the few existing records of flower interactions involving geckos in the Paleartic ecozone.

Consensus Paper: Situated and Embodied Language Acquisition.

Theories of embodied cognition postulate that perceptual, sensorimotor, and affective properties of concepts support language learning and processing. In this paper, we argue that language acquisition, as well as processing, is situated in addition to being embodied. In particular, first, it is the situated nature of initial language development that affords for the developing system to become embodied. Second, the situated nature of language use changes across development and adulthood. We provide evidence from empirical studies for embodied effects of perception, action, and valence as they apply to both embodied cognition and situated cognition across developmental stages. Although the evidence is limited, we urge researchers to consider differentiating embodied cognition within situated context, in order to better understand how these separate mechanisms interact for learning to occur. This delineation also provides further clarity to the study of classroom-based applications and the role of embodied and situated cognition in the study of developmental disorders. We argue that theories of language acquisition need to address for the complex situated context of real-world learning by completing a "circular notion": observing experimental paradigms in real-world settings and taking these observations to later refine lab-based experiments.

Biology and ecology of the lionfish Pterois volitans/Pterois miles as invasive alien species: a review.

The lionfish is an exotic invasive fish native to the Indo-Pacific, which is established in the western Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Lionfish can affect native fishes and invertebrates through direct predation or competition for food. The present review aims to analyze the most relevant characteristics of the biology and ecology of lionfish as an invasive alien species, with an emphasis on Cuba. We provide a current view of the well-known lionfish as a successful invasive fish, and we put in this context the information regarding lionfish in Cuban waters, enriching the background knowledge, and giving novel and relevant information. The compilation of numerous publications on the subject has allowed for a more complete analysis of essential aspects of this invader in the Cuban archipelago. The consulted literature records that the first report of lionfish in Cuba occurred in 2007; subsequently, sightings of lionfish were reported in numerous localities. In 2010, the lionfish was considered an invasive alien species, which currently is established in various habitats, at depths up to 188 m, throughout the Cuban archipelago (e.g., coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass beds, submerged artificial structures). In addition, it has reached very high densities (12.42 ind./100 m2), which exceed those reported in the Indo-Pacific as well as in many locations in the Western Atlantic. It has been confirmed that the lionfish in Cuba also presents numerous characteristics that guarantee its success as an invader, among them: less quantity and diversity of parasites than other Atlantic fishes found in similar environments, a high number of gametes in the gonads, reproductive activity during all year and wide diet. The most important fish families for the lionfish diet in Cuba have been Pomacentridae, Gobiidae, Scaridae, Holocentridae, Mullidae, Labridae and Acanthuridae; and the most important crustacean orders are Decapoda, Mysida, Stomatopoda and Isopoda. In Cuba, as in the entire invaded region, numerous investigations have been directed to evaluate the impact of this invader on ecosystems, and although there is enough information, their results differ. Additional studies are required to assess the impact of lionfish as a predator after several years of invasion on a larger geographic scale in Cuba and other areas of the region. This knowledge will allow the development of more effective control strategies. Periodic lionfish culling have been carried out in Cuban MPAs as a control strategy, and some positive results have been observed, such as the average size reduction; however, further efforts are still required. Due to the importance of the study of lionfish as an invader, this review is a necessity as it provides, for the first time, a comprehensive analysis of lionfish information and results from Cuba, which is adequately contrasted with previous studies of other areas, particularly, from the Greater Caribbean.

Biased cell adhesion organizes a circuit for visual motion integration.

Layer specific computations in the brain rely on neuronal processes establishing synaptic connections with specific partners in distinct laminae. In the Drosophila lobula plate neuropile, the axons of the four subtypes of T4 and T5 visual motion direction-selective neurons segregate into four layers, based on their directional preference, and form synapses with distinct subsets of postsynaptic neurons. Four bi-stratified inhibitory lobula plate intrinsic cells exhibit a consistent synaptic pattern, receiving excitatory T4/T5 inputs in one layer, and conveying inhibitory signals to an adjacent layer. This layered arrangement establishes motion opponency. Here, we identify layer-specific expression of different receptor-ligand pairs belonging to the Beat and Side families of Cell Adhesion Molecules (CAMs) between T4/T5 neurons and their postsynaptic partners. Genetic analysis reveals that Beat/Side mediated interactions are required to restrict T4/T5 axonal innervation to a single layer. We propose that Beat/Side contribute to synaptic specificity by biasing adhesion between synaptic partners before synaptogenesis.

Force volume and stiffness tomography investigation on the dynamics of stiff material under bacterial membranes.

The determination of the characteristics of micro-organisms in clinical specimens is essential for the rapid diagnosis and treatment of infections. A thorough investigation of the nanoscale properties of bacteria can prove to be a fundamental tool. Indeed, in the latest years, the importance of high resolution analysis of the properties of microbial cell surfaces has been increasingly recognized. Among the techniques available to observe at high resolution specific properties of microscopic samples, the Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) is the most widely used instrument capable to perform morphological and mechanical characterizations of living biological systems. Indeed, AFM can routinely study single cells in physiological conditions and can determine their mechanical properties with a nanometric resolution. Such analyses, coupled with high resolution investigation of their morphological properties, are increasingly used to characterize the state of single cells. In this work, we exploit the capabilities and peculiarities of AFM to analyze the mechanical properties of Escherichia coli in order to evidence with a high spatial resolution the mechanical properties of its structure. In particular, we will show that the bacterial membrane is not mechanically uniform, but contains stiffer areas. The force volume investigations presented in this work evidence for the first time the presence and dynamics of such structures. Such information is also coupled with a novel stiffness tomography technique, suggesting the presence of stiffer structures present underneath the membrane layer that could be associated with bacterial nucleoids.

Comparison of methods for evaluation of the bactericidal activity of copper-sputtered surfaces against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Bacteria can survive on hospital textiles and surfaces, from which they can be disseminated, representing a source of health care-associated infections (HCAIs). Surfaces containing copper (Cu), which is known for its bactericidal properties, could be an efficient way to lower the burden of potential pathogens. The antimicrobial activity of Cu-sputtered polyester surfaces, obtained by direct-current magnetron sputtering (DCMS), against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was tested. The Cu-polyester microstructure was characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy to determine the microstructure of the Cu nanoparticles and by profilometry to assess the thickness of the layers. Sputtering at 300 mA for 160 s led to a Cu film thickness of 20 nm (100 Cu layers) containing 0.209% (wt/wt) polyester. The viability of MRSA strain ATCC 43300 on Cu-sputtered polyester was evaluated by four methods: (i) mechanical detachment, (ii) microcalorimetry, (iii) direct transfer onto plates, and (iv) stereomicroscopy. The low efficacy of mechanical detachment impeded bacterial viability estimations. Microcalorimetry provided only semiquantitative results. Direct transfer onto plates and stereomicroscopy seemed to be the most suitable methods to evaluate the bacterial inactivation potential of Cu-sputtered polyester surfaces, since they presented the least experimental bias. Cu-polyester samples sputtered for 160 s by DCMS were further tested against 10 clinical MRSA isolates and showed a high level of bactericidal activity, with a 4-log(10) reduction in the initial MRSA load (10(6) CFU) within 1 h. Cu-sputtered polyester surfaces might be of use to prevent the transmission of HCAI pathogens.

Feeding ecology of invasive lionfish in the Punta Frances MPA, Cuba: insight into morphological features, diet and management.

Cuba's shelf has been invaded by lionfish (Pterois volitans/Pterois miles), which have become established over the archipelago, including areas of natural importance. The present study aims to evaluate morphometric features of lionfish and to explore the relationship between lionfish size and diet composition in different habitats in the Punta Frances National Park, Cuba. In total 620 lionfish were captured at 29 sites between 2013 and 2016. Lionfish stomachs were removed and their contents were analyzed using frequency and numerical methods. The length-weight allomentric relationship was obtained, and a decrease in lionfish sizes was shown over time, likely due to the extractions carried out. The diet was composed by fishes, crustaceans, mollusks and phytobenthos, with a predominance of fishes. Lionfish caught in seagrass beds tended to be smaller in size and consumed fewer fishes and more crustaceans than those captured in coral reefs. A positive correlation was observed between lionfish body size and gape size; however, no significant correlation was detected between lionfish body size and prey size. Larger lionfish tended to consume more fishes, while crustaceans were more significant in the diet of juvenile lionfish. This is the first study that examines the feeding habits of lionfish in the Punta Frances MPA, and provides valuable information on lionfish inhabiting this MPA across four years of sampling. Furthermore, this research may serve as a baseline for subsequent evaluations of lionfish impact and management actions in the area.

Effect of Female Sex Hormones on the Immune Response against Chlamydia abortus and on Protection Conferred by an Inactivated Experimental Vaccine in a Mouse Model.

Mice are valuable models extensively used to test vaccine candidates against Chlamydia abortus and to clarify immunopathological mechanisms of the bacteria. As this pathogen has the ability to reactivate during pregnancy, it is important to deepen the knowledge and understanding of some of the effects of female hormones on immunity and vaccination. This study is aimed at describing the role of sex hormones in the pathology of OEA during chlamydial clearance using ovariectomised mice and also gaining an understanding of how 17ß-oestradiol or progesterone may impact the effectiveness of vaccination. Animals were treated with sex hormones and infected with C. abortus, and the kinetics of infection and immune response were analysed by means of bacterial isolation, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry. In a second phase of the study, protection conferred by an experimental vaccine after hormone treatment was assessed. Oestradiol showed a stimulatory effect on the immune response during infection, with a more efficient recruitment of macrophages and T-cells at the infection site. Furthermore, after vaccination, oestradiol-treated animals showed a stronger protection against infection, indicating that this hormone has a positive effect, stimulating a specific memory response to the pathogen.

Effect of spray-dried porcine plasma in peripartum sow feed on subsequent litter size.

BACKGROUND: Nutritional strategies for sows designed to reduce peripartum stress are suggested to support postpartum recovery and productivity. Spray-dried plasma (SDP) in sow feed has been reported to benefit sow and litter performance. Stressed animals fed diets with SDP have a more efficient immune response supporting animal recovery and health. The objectives of the present study using 452 sows (147 parity 1 sows, 148 parity 2 sows) were to determine if 0, 0.5 or 2.5% spray-dried porcine plasma (SDPP) in peripartum feed provided from entry in maternity through day 5 of lactation affects sow productivity and serological immune and oxidation status markers around parturition. Post-weaning sow productivity parameters including litter size at the next parturition was evaluated, but peripartum diets were only provided during the first parturition. RESULTS: In the first parturition, total born litter size was lower (P <  0.05) especially for sows allotted to the peripartum diet with 2.5% SDPP. Percentage of stillborn pigs decreased quadratically (P <  0.05) for sows fed 0.5% or 2.5% SDPP compared to 0% SDPP in peripartum feed and this result was not affected by total born litter size. Serum glutathione peroxidase activity linearly increased (P <  0.01) with increased dietary SDPP for both prepartum and postpartum sampling periods. In the next parturition, total born pigs from combined data of parity 1 and 2 sows linearly increased (P <  0.05) and live born pigs tended (P = 0.09) to linearly increase as level of SDPP increased and this result was not affected by total born litter size in the first parturition. The change in total and live born pigs from the first to the next parturition linearly (P <  0.01) increased as dietary SDPP increased for parity 1 and 2 sows. CONCLUSIONS: The reduced percentage of stillborn pigs and increased litter size of parity 1 and 2 sows in the next parturition was independent of total born litter size in the first parturition suggesting SDPP in peripartum sow feed may have merit for reducing stillborn pigs and benefit litter size in the next parturition for parity 1 and parity 2 sows.

Absence of mitogen-activated protein kinase family member c-Jun N-terminal kinase-2 enhances resistance to Toxoplasma gondii.

The function of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family member c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)-2 in resistance and pathology during infection has not been greatly studied. Here, we employed Jnk2(-/-) mice to investigate the role of JNK2 in resistance and immunity during oral infection with the protozoan pathogen Toxoplasma gondii. We found increased host resistance in the absence of JNK2 as determined by lower parasite burden and increased host survival. Lack of JNK2 also correlated with decreased neutrophil recruitment to the intestinal mucosa and less pathology in the small intestine. In the absence of JNK2, IL-12 production was slightly but significantly increased in restimulated splenocyte populations as well as in purified splenic dendritic cell cultures. These results provide evidence that expression of JNK2 plays a role in T. gondii-induced immunopathology, at the same time in promoting susceptibility to this parasitic pathogen.