Lactoferrin modulates oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines in a murine model of dysbiosis induced by clindamycin.

Antibiotics, specifically clindamycin, cause intestinal dysbiosis, reducing the microbiota with anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, clindamycin can induce alterations in the immune responses and oxidative stress. Lactoferrin, among other activities, participates in the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis and reduces dysbiosis induced by antibiotic treatment. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of native and iron-saturated bovine LF in a murine model of dysbiosis induced by clindamycin. Six groups of male C57BL/6 mice were treated with saline (control), clindamycin (Clin), native lactoferrin (nLF), iron-saturated lactoferrin (sLF), nLF/Clin or sLF/Clin. Oxidation caused in the intestinal cells of the ileum of animals subjected to different treatments was analyzed, focusing on lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl content. The expression of inflammatory mediators was determined by qRT-PCR. Treatment with clindamycin did not modify lipid peroxidation, but significantly increased protein carbonyl levels up to almost 5-fold respect to the control, an effect that was reversed by orally administering sLF to mice. Furthermore, clindamycin increased the expression of interleukin-6 and TNF-α by 1- and 2-fold change, respectively. This effect was reversed by treatment with nLF and sLF, decreasing the expression to basal levels. In conclusion, this study indicates that lactoferrin can prevent some of the effects of clindamycin on intestinal cells and their associated immune system.

Genomic and phenotypic analysis of invasive Streptococcus suis isolated in Spain reveals genetic diversification and associated virulence traits.

Streptococcus suis is a zoonotic pathogen that causes a major health problem in the pig production industry worldwide. Spain is one of the largest pig producers in the world. This work aimed to investigate the genetic and phenotypic features of invasive S. suis isolates recovered in Spain. A panel of 156 clinical isolates recovered from 13 Autonomous Communities, representing the major pig producers, were analysed. MLST and serotyping analysis revealed that most isolates (61.6%) were assigned to ST1 (26.3%), ST123 (18.6%), ST29 (9.6%), and ST3 (7.1%). Interestingly, 34 new STs were identified, indicating the emergence of novel genetic lineages. Serotypes 9 (27.6%) and 1 (21.8%) prevailed, followed by serotypes 7 (12.8%) and 2 (12.2%). Analysis of 13 virulence-associated genes showed significant associations between ST, serotype, virulence patterns, and clinical features, evidencing particular virulence traits associated with genetic clusters. The pangenome was generated, and the core genome was distributed in 7 Bayesian groups where each group included a variable set of over- and under-represented genes of different categories. The study provides comprehensive data and knowledge to improve the design of new vaccines, antimicrobial treatments, and bacterial typing approaches.

Catheter-directed hemorrhoidal embolization for rectal bleeding due to hemorrhoids (Goligher grade I-III): prospective outcomes from a Spanish emborrhoid registry.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of catheter-directed hemorrhoidal embolization (CDHE) by microcoil embolization for rectal bleeding due to hemorrhoids classified as Goligher grade I-III. METHODS: Eighty patients (62.5% males) with a mean age of 48 ± 9 years were recruited prospectively. All patients had symptomatic bleeding hemorrhoids. All patients were classified according to Goligher classification: grade I (13.7%), grade II (71.1%), grade III (15%), and no grade IV were recruited in this study. In all cases, microcoils were used to embolize the superior rectal artery(SRA), and microspheres if recurrence of bleeding occurred. Follow-up evaluation (1, 3, 6, and 12 months) included clinical examination and anoscopy. A questionnaire was conducted to determine improvement regarding bleeding, quality of life before, and the degree of patient satisfaction of each participant. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in 100% of the cases. Fifty-five (68.7%) participants had the absence of rectal bleeding after 12 months of embolization. VAS and QL improved 4 points and 1.5 respectively after embolization. A total of 25/80 (31.3%) had a recurrence in rectal bleeding. Seventeen (21.3%) patients underwent a second embolization, and four patients (5%) were treated with open hemorrhoidectomy. No major complications were observed. Sixteen participants had minor complications. Subjective post-treatment symptom and QL surveys showed significant differences from the baseline survey. Likewise, the degree of satisfaction in the telephone survey at 12 months revealed a high degree of patient satisfaction (8.3±1.1). CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrates that CDHE is a feasible, well-tolerated, ambulatory, anal sphincter-sparing procedure for the treatment of internal hemorrhoids. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: CDHE is a simple procedure, well tolerated and accepted by patients, that preserves the anal sphincter and presents few complications when metal devices or microspheres are used as embolic agents. KEY POINTS: • The technical success rate of CDHE, defined as the closure of all the SRA in their distal segment, was achieved 100% of all patients. However, a second embolization treatment was required since 21.25% of the patients experienced rectal bleeding. • Overall, CDHE's safety profile is acceptable. After the procedure and 1 year of follow-up, no significant complications were observed. • Encouraging clinical outcomes have demonstrated CDHE in individuals with hemorrhoids and mild prolapse Goligher grades I-III with persistent rectal bleeding.

Description of a novel ultrasound-guided approach for a dorsal quadratus lumborum block: a canine cadaver study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe an ultrasound-guided approach to the dorsal aspect of the quadratus lumborum muscle (D-QL) and to evaluate the spread of methylene blue dye in canine cadavers. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, experimental anatomical study. ANIMALS: A total of 12 canine cadavers. METHODS: The ultrasonographic landmarks and injection technique for the D-QL approach were determined in two cadavers. Correct needle tip position was confirmed by computed tomography. Bilateral ultrasound-guided injections were performed in 10 cadavers between the QL muscle, the vertebral body and the ventrocaudal aspect of the transverse process of the first lumbar vertebra (L1) using two volumes of methylene blue: low volume (LV) 0.3 mL kg-1 or high volume (HV) 0.5 mL kg-1. Staining of the main thoracolumbar trunk, dorsal and ventral branches of the thoracic (T) and lumbar (L) spinal nerves, sympathetic trunk and epidural space were assessed following dissection. Data between groups were compared using Mann-Whitney U test. Data are presented as median (range). RESULTS: The ventral branches of spinal nerves T12, T13, L1, L2, L3 and L4 were stained in 10%, 70%, 100%, 90%, 60%, 0% and 30%, 100%, 100%, 100%, 50% and 30% after LV and HV injections, respectively. Multisegmental spread of the sympathetic trunk was found on 3 (3-4) and 5 (3-6) vertebral spinal levels following LV and HV injections, respectively (p = 0.005). The T13 segment of the sympathetic trunk was stained after all HV injections. Epidural spread was found in 20% and 30% of LV and HV injections, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The injection of HV versus LV dye using the D-QL approach provided more consistent staining of the thoracolumbar nerve structures which innervate the abdominal wall and viscera. Clinical studies are required to evaluate the analgesic efficacy of the D-QL block for abdominal procedures in dogs in vivo.

Interaction among extenders, cryoprotectants and Orvus Es Paste supplementation and freezing rate for sperm cryopreservation in the dromedary camel.

This study evaluated the effects of freezing extenders, cryoprotectants and their concentrations, presence of Orvus Es Paste and freezing rates for cryopreserving dromedary camel sperm. Semen (five males; 2 ejaculates/male) was frozen in one of the following extenders (Green Buffer® or INRA96® ), cryoprotectants (3 and 6% glycerol or ethylene glycol), with or without Orvus Es Paste and freezing at two different heights (1 and 4 cm) above liquid nitrogen. Sperm motility recovery parameters were evaluated post-thaw (0 and 1 hr), vitality and acrosome integrity (0 hr). Green Buffer showed higher total motility recoveries (p < .001). Higher percentage of cryoprotectant improved both total and progressive motility at 0 hr (p < .001; p = .003) and 1 hr (p < .001; p = .005). Acrosome integrity at thawing increased in the presence of ethylene glycol (p < .001) and Orvus Es Paste (p = .001). Kinematics were affected by extender, cryoprotectant concentration and Orvus Es Paste at 0 and 1 hr, and type of cryoprotectant only influenced them at 0h. Our findings showed strong interactions among type of cryoprotectant and concentration, and extender and Orvus Es Paste. Generally, combining Green Buffer, 3%-6% ethylene glycol or 6% glycerol without Orvus Es Paste, regardless of the freezing rates, yielded the highest post-thaw parameters for camel sperm.

Granulomas Following Subcutaneous Injection With Aluminum Adjuvant-Containing Products in Sheep.

The use of vaccines including aluminum (Al)-based adjuvants is widespread among small ruminants and other animals. They are associated with the appearance of transient injection site nodules corresponding to granulomas. This study aims to characterize the morphology of these granulomas, to understand the role of the Al adjuvant in their genesis, and to establish the presence of the metal in regional lymph nodes. A total of 84 male neutered lambs were selected and divided into 3 treatment groups of 28 animals each: (1) vaccine (containing Al-based adjuvant), (2) adjuvant-only, and (3) control. A total of 19 subcutaneous injections were performed in a time frame of 15 months. Granulomas and regional lymph nodes were evaluated by clinicopathological means. All of the vaccine and 92.3% of the adjuvant-only lambs presented injection-site granulomas; the granulomas were more numerous in the group administered the vaccine. Bacterial culture in granulomas was always negative. Histologically, granulomas in the vaccine group presented a higher degree of severity. Al was specifically identified by lumogallion staining in granulomas and lymph nodes. Al median content was significantly higher ( P < .001) in the lymph nodes of the vaccine group (82.65 µg/g) compared with both adjuvant-only (2.53 µg/g) and control groups (0.96 µg/g). Scanning transmission electron microscopy demonstrated aggregates of Al within macrophages in vaccine and adjuvant-only groups. In these two groups, Al-based adjuvants induce persistent, sterile, subcutaneous granulomas with macrophage-driven translocation of Al to regional lymph nodes. Local translocation of Al may induce further accumulation in distant tissues and be related to the appearance of systemic signs.

Long-term preservation of freeze-dried rabbit sperm by adding rosmarinic acid and different chelating agents.

Freeze-drying (FD) technique has been applied as an alternative technology to preserve gene resources to allow simple sperm preservation and shipment at 4 °C. Nevertheless, DNA sperm might be damaged by mechanical or oxidative stress throughout FD procedure. Therefore, suitable protection to maintain DNA integrity is required. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of rosmarinic acid (RA) as an antioxidant and two chelating agents (EGTA and EDTA) on the DNA integrity of freeze-dried rabbit sperm after storage of the samples at 4 °C and room temperature for 8 months. Rabbit sperm were freeze-dried in basic medium (10 mM Tris-HCl buffer and 50 mM NaCl) supplemented with 50 mM EGTA (1), 50 mM EGTA plus 105 µM RA (2), 50 mM EDTA (3) or 50 mM EDTA plus 105 µM RA (4). Semen samples were kept at 4 °C and room temperature during 8 months. After rehydration, DNA integrity was evaluated with Sperm Chromatin Dispersion test observing that DNA fragmentation was higher when semen samples were freeze-dried with EGTA (10.9%) than with EDTA (4.1%) (p < 0.01). Furthermore, RA acted better under adverse conditions and no significant differences were found in temperature storage. Summarizing, FD is a method that can allow simple gene resources preservation among 4 °C to 25 °C during 8 months and transportation without the need for liquid nitrogen or dry ice. EDTA chelating agent is the most suitable media for freeze-dried rabbit sperm and the addition of RA protects the DNA against the oxidative stress caused during FD procedure.

Temperature effects on the growth and survival of tdh positive Vibrio parahaemolyticus in tissues of postharvest Manila clam (Ruditapes philippinarum).

Bivalve storage at inadequate temperatures contains greater densities of Vibrio parahaemolyticus. The objective of the present study was to determine if there were any differences in growth and survival of potentially pathogenic V. parahaemolyticus (tdh positive) in relation to nonpathogenic V. parahaemolyticus (tdh-trh negative) levels in Manila clams (Ruditapes philippinarum) when exposed to different postharvest temperatures. Clams were depurated then exposed to known doses of both potential pathogenic and nonpathogenic V. parahaemolyticus for 24 h. Clams were then kept at the following temperatures corresponding to the Mediterranean summer (28 °C), winter (15 °C) and refrigeration (4 °C) for 96 h. Vibrio parahaemolyticus densities were determined at 0, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h of postharvest storage. Both isolates of V. parahaemolyticus multiplied rapidly in live clams held at 28 °C, (increase of 3 logs CFU/g at 72 h). Nonpathogenic V. parahaemolyticus in clams stored at 4 °C and 15 °C showed 1 log CFU/g and 2 log CFU/g decrease at 96 h, respectively, while no significant differences were detected for pathogenic V. parahaemolyticus at these temperatures after 96 h.

Pharmacokinetic Study of Paclitaxel Concentration after Drug-Eluting Balloon Angioplasty in the Iliac Artery of Healthy and Atherosclerotic Rabbit Models.

PURPOSE: To assess whether the presence of an atherosclerotic lesion may alter the deposition kinetics of paclitaxel on the arterial wall after drug-eluting balloon (DEB) angioplasty, as well as paclitaxel concentrations in serum and in the recovered balloons. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three New Zealand White rabbit models were created: an atheroma group (arterial mechanical injury and hyperlipidic diet; group A), a prelesional group (fat arterial infiltration, hyperlipidic diet; group B), and a control healthy group (group C). Forty-five animals underwent DEB angioplasty in the iliac artery. Arteries and serum samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry at 1, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours (arteries) and at 1, 6, 12, and 24 hours (serum). Recovered balloons were analyzed by UV chromatography. Histologic and statistical analyses were also performed. RESULTS: Group A showed significantly higher arterial paclitaxel concentrations in the first hour after DEB angioplasty (632.05 ng/mg ± 125.75 in group A vs 179.55 ng/mg ± 45.64 and 168.54 ng/mg ± 83.48 in groups B and C, respectively; P < .05). Paclitaxel was undetectable in serum at 24 hours in all groups, but the amount was significantly higher (P < .05) in group B at 1, 6, and 12 hours. The paclitaxel amount in navigated balloons from group A was significantly lower than in other groups (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Paclitaxel concentration in an atherosclerotic lesion model immediately after DEB angioplasty is nearly fourfold higher than in a healthy artery. Paclitaxel remains in the bloodstream longer when a universal state of fat arterial infiltration is achieved. These findings could have clinical implications, as studies testing commercial drug-eluting devices on healthy animals may be underestimating paclitaxel arterial uptake.

Fertilisation rate obtained with frozen-thawed boar semen supplemented with rosmarinic acid using a single insemination timed according to vulvar skin temperature changes.

Artificial insemination (AI) of sows with frozen-thawed semen usually results in lower pregnancy rates and litter sizes than the use of liquid preserved semen. The present study evaluated the effectiveness of vulvar skin temperature changes as a predictor of ovulation in sows and determined the fertility rates obtained after AI with frozen-thawed semen supplemented with rosmarinic acid (RA). Semen was collected from mature boars and cryopreserved in experimental extenders supplemented with or without 105 µM of RA. Multiparous sows were inseminated with a single dose of semen when vulvar skin temperature decreased to a value below 35 °C. Intrauterine insemination was performed using 1.5 × 109 spermatozoa. The sows were slaughtered 48 h after AI and the embryos and oocytes were recovered from the oviducts. Total and progressive motility, viability and acrosome integrity were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in RA-supplemented semen samples compared with the control. Fertilisation occurred in all sows inseminated in the study, although there were no significant differences between the experimental groups. Sows inseminated with RA-supplemented semen showed a slight increase in the number of embryos recovered as compared to sows inseminated with control semen. In conclusion, insemination according to vulvar skin temperature changes resulted in successful fertilisation in all sows, although supplementation of the freezing media with RA did not improve the fertilising ability of frozen-thawed boar sperm.

Rosmarinic acid improves function and in vitro fertilising ability of boar sperm after cryopreservation.

During cryopreservation, oxidative stress exerts physical and chemical changes on sperm functionality. In the present study we investigated the antioxidant effect of rosmarinic acid (RA) on quality and fertilising ability of frozen-thawed boar spermatozoa. Ejaculates collected from mature boar were cryopreserved in lactose-egg yolk buffer supplemented with different concentrations of RA (0 µM, 26.25 µM, 52.5 µM and 105 µM). Motion parameters, acrosome and plasma membrane integrity, lipoperoxidation levels, DNA oxidative damage (8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine base lesion) and in vitro fertilisation ability were evaluated. Total and progressive motility were significantly higher in experimental extenders with RA than in the control (P<0.05) at 0 and 120 min post-thawing. The plasma and acrosomal membrane integrity were improved by supplementation with 105 µMRA (P<0.05). Negative correlation between RA and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration were determined (P<0.05). After thawing, the percentage of spermatozoa with oxidised DNA did not differ between extenders, however, at 120 and 240 min post-thawing, the samples supplemented with 105 µMRA showed the lowest DNA oxidation rate (P<0.05). The penetration rate was significantly higher on spermatozoa cryopreserved with 105 µMRA (P<0.05). The results suggest that RA provides a protection for boar spermatozoa against oxidative stress during cryopreservation by their antioxidant properties.

An Integrated Pest Management Strategy Approach for the Management of the Stable Fly Stomoxys calcitrans (Diptera: Muscidae).

Stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans, stand as formidable pests with a global impact, inflicting significant economic losses on the livestock sector. Larval development occurs in diverse substrates, including decomposing plant material and manure, while emerged adults pose a threat through blood-feeding on both animals and humans. Conventional chemical control methods, predominantly reliant on insecticides, not only pose environmental risks but also face challenges of resistance among stable fly populations. To address this pressing issue, we propose an integrated pest management (IPM) strategy for stable fly control. This approach involved a combination of sanitary-cultural practices, animal protection, the release of natural enemies targeting immature stages, and a specialized trapping system for adults. The Stomoxycc® trap, designed for mass trapping of adult Stomoxys, was employed alongside the release of the predatory mite Macrocheles robustulus and two wasp parasitoids, Spalangia cameroni and Muscidifurax raptor (under the commercial brands Biomite® and Biowasp®) on animal bedding as a key component of this IPM strategy. The implementation of this initiative has been undertaken at a significant sanctuary for donkeys and mules in western Spain. In this publication, we present the application and results of the IPM strategy utilized and provide insights into its use as a sustainable and environmentally friendly option for controlling stable fly populations.

Uptake and retention of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in a cohabitating population of Ruditapes decussatus and Ruditapes philippinarum under experimental conditions.

The presence of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in bivalve mollusc is an important cause of foodborne illnesses, and their levels are influenced by environmental changes, such as temperature and salinity. Clams are common species in estuaries and are used in environmental monitoring programmes. Present study compared the uptake and retention of nonpathogenic V. parahaemolyticus by two species of clam (Ruditapes decussatus and R. philippinarum), cohabitating in a closed system. Results showed no significant differences were found between both species of clams. Bacterial levels are following a similar trend with values between 3.48 and 3.70 log CFU/g for R. decussatus and between 3.15 and 3.49 log CFU/g for R. philippinarum. So, in the absence of water renewal, high and stable levels of V. parahaemolyticus were observed in cultured clams after exposure. Changes in physical parameters should be taken into account to design surveillance programmes in bivalves, and sampling should focus on species that have faster filtration rates at that water temperature since they potentially represent the worst-case scenario.

Building a predictive model for assessing the risk of Salmonella shedding at slaughter in fattening pigs.

Salmonellosis continues to be a major cause of foodborne outbreaks worldwide, and pigs are one of the main sources of human infection. Salmonella pork contamination is a major concern for abattoirs and is related to the presence of Salmonella in pigs' feces at slaughter. Being able to predict the risk of Salmonella shedding in pigs arriving at the slaughterhouse could help mitigate abattoir and carcass contamination. For this purpose, 30 batches of 50 pigs each were selected from 30 different fattening units. The pigs were tagged and bled for the detection of antibodies against Salmonella approximately one month before slaughter. Pooled floor fecal samples were also collected from 10 pens per unit for Salmonella detection, and a questionnaire on biosecurity was administered to each farm. At the abattoir, colon content was collected from each tagged pig for the Salmonella shedding assessment. A predictive model for Salmonella shedding at slaughter was built with two-third of the pigs by employing random-effects logistic regression analysis, with Salmonella shedding as the dependent variable and pig serology and other farm/environmental characteristics as the independent variables. The model included farm as the grouping factor. Data from the remaining one-third of the pigs were used for model validation. Out of 1,500 pigs initially selected, 1,341 were identified at the abattoir and analyzed. Salmonella was detected in 13 (43.3%; 95%CI = 27.4-60.8) of the fattening units. The mean batch seroprevalence (cut-off OD% ≥40) among the fattening units was 31.7% (95%CI = 21.8-41.0), and a total of 316 pigs (23.6%; 95%CI = 21.4-25.9) shed Salmonella at slaughter. The model predicted reasonably well (Area under the curve = 0.76; P < 0.05) whether a pig would shed Salmonella at slaughter, with estimates of sensitivity and specificity at 71.6% and 73.6%, respectively. Serology, the percentage of Salmonella-positive pens on the farm, and the internal biosecurity score were significantly associated (P < 0.05) with Salmonella shedding at the abattoir, and several scenarios were observed by the model. The study highlighted that although serology may be helpful for identifying batches of pigs at risk of shedding Salmonella upon their arrival at the abattoir, it may not be necessary in some scenarios.

Development of a laparoscopic technique for inguinal hernioplasty in standing horses.

BACKGROUND: Most previously described techniques for laparoscopic inguinal hernioplasty (IH) in horses require advanced laparoscopic skills. Our objective was to describe a new laparoscopic IH technique using a surgical anchoring system. METHODS: Standing laparoscopic IH was performed unilaterally in eight experimental stallions, using the contralateral inguinal canal (IC) as a control. A polyether ether ketone harpoon was anchored in the craniolateral aspect of the vaginal ring, and an extracorporeal knot was used to fix the device. Clinical evaluation, including testicular palpation and lameness examination, was conducted before and for 4 weeks after surgery. Repeat laparoscopy was performed 28 days later. RESULTS: Standing laparoscopic IH was performed in all horses with a surgical time of 38 ± 12.85 minutes. In two animals, a small peritoneal tear occurred that did not require repair. No other complications were recorded. On repeat laparoscopy, all devices were in place, and the IC remained partially closed in all horses. LIMITATIONS: The procedure was performed on normal experimental horses and has not been employed on horses that have had an inguinal hernia. CONCLUSIONS: This new standing laparoscopic hernioplasty technique provides another potential method for simple partial closure of the IC in stallions at risk of or with history of inguinal herniation.

Complications in Laparoscopic Access in Standing Horses Using Cannula and Trocar Units Developed for Human Medicine.

First cannulation is a critical manoeuvre in equine laparoscopy. This retrospective study aimed at the comparison of the frequency and type of complications detected when using different human laparoscopy devices for laparoscopic access in standing horses, and the influence of body condition in such complications. Forty-four procedures were included, and retrieved data comprised cannula insertion technique, body condition, and type and frequency of complications. Laparoscopic access techniques were classified into five groups: P: pneumoperitoneum created using Veress needle prior to cannulation; T: sharp trocar; D: direct access via surgical incision; V: Visiport optical trocar and H: optical helical cannula (OHC). In groups T, D, V and H, access was achieved without prior induction of pneumoperitoneum. Complications were registered in 13/44 procedures, of which retroperitoneal insufflation was the most common (6/13). Statistically significant association was found between the complication incidence and the type of access, with group D showing the highest complication frequency (80%) and group H the lowest frequency (0%). The majority of complications (9/13) were observed in overweight horses. We conclude that devices designed for human patients can be used for laparoscopic access in standing horses, with the use of OHC minimizing the appearance of complications, especially in overweight horses with OW.

Decontamination protocols affect the internal microbiota of ticks.

Studies on the microbiota of ticks have promoted hypotheses about the combined effects of the bacterial community, its functional contributions to the tick's physiology or probable competition effects with some tick-borne pathogens. However, knowledge on the origin of the microbiota of newly hatched larvae is missing. This study aimed to elucidate the source(s) of the microbiota in unfed tick larvae, addressing the composition of the "core microbiota" and the best ways to decontaminate eggs for microbiota studies. We applied laboratory degree bleach washes and/or ultraviolet light treatments on engorged Rhipicephalus australis females and/or their eggs. No significant effects of these treatments on the reproductive parameters of females and the hatching rates of eggs were observed. However, the different treatments did show striking effects on the composition of the microbiota. The results indicated that bleach washes disrupted the internal tick microbiota in females, implying that bleach may have entered the tick and subsequently affected the microbiota. Furthermore, the analyses of results demonstrated that the ovary is a main source of tick microbiota, while the contribution of Gené's organ (a part of the female reproductive system that secretes a protective wax coat onto tick eggs) or the male's spermatophore requires further investigation. Further studies are needed to identify best practice protocols for the decontamination of ticks for microbiota studies.

Experimental and natural infections of severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 in pets and wild and farm animals.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread globally and has led to extremely high mortality rates. In addition to infecting humans, this virus also has infected animals. Experimental studies and natural infections showed that dogs have a low susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection, whereas domesticated cats and other animals in the family Felidae, such as lions, tigers, snow leopards, and cougars, have a high susceptibility to viral infections. In addition, wild white-tailed deer, gorillas, and otters have been found to be infected by SARS-CoV-2. Furry farm animals, such as minks, have a high susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The virus appears to spread among minks and generate several new mutations, resulting in increased viral virulence. Furthermore, livestock animals, such as cattle, sheep, and pigs, were found to have low susceptibility to the virus, whereas chicken, ducks, turkeys, quail, and geese did not show susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection. This knowledge can provide insights for the development of SARS-CoV-2 mitigation strategies in animals and humans. Therefore, this review focuses on experimental (both replication and transmission) in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies of SARS-CoV-2 infections in pets and in wild and farm animals, and to provide details on the mechanism associated with natural infection.

Lactococcus lactis subsp. tructae subsp. nov. isolated from the intestinal mucus of brown trout (Salmo trutta) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

The species Lactococcus lactis currently includes three subspecies; L. lactis subsp. lactis and L. lactis subsp. cremoris, isolated from milk sources, and L. lactis subsp. hordniae, isolated from the leafhopper Hordnia circellata. In this study, three strains, designated L105(T), I3 and L101, were isolated from the intestinal mucus of brown trout (Salmo trutta) and rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). These strains were closely related to members of the species Lactococcus lactis. Strain L105(T) showed 99.4 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to that of the type strains L. lactis subsp. lactis NCDO 604(T) and L. lactis subsp. hordniae NCDO 2181(T) and showed 99.9 % similarity to the type strain Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris NCDO 607(T). Analysis of two housekeeping genes, rpoB and recA, confirmed the close relationship between the novel strains and L. lactis subsp. cremoris with similarities of 99.3 and 99.7 %, respectively. The three strains could, however, be differentiated from their closest relatives on the basis of several phenotypic characteristics, as was the case for L. lactis subsp. lactis and L. lactis subsp. hordniae, which were also closely related on the basis of 16S rRNA, rpoB and recA gene sequence similarities. The strains isolated in this study represent a new subspecies, for which the name Lactococcus lactis subsp. tructae subsp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is L105(T) ( = LMG 24662(T)  = DSM 21502(T)).

Ten-year retrospective study of treatment of malignant colonic obstructions with self-expandable stents.

PURPOSE: To describe the use of self-expandable metallic stents to manage malignant colorectal obstructions and to compare the radiation dose between fluoroscopic guidance of stent placement and combined endoscopic and fluoroscopic guidance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 1998 to December 2007, 467 oncology patients undergoing colorectal stent placement in a single center were included in the study. Informed consent was obtained in all cases. All procedures were performed with fluoroscopic or combined fluoroscopic and endoscopic guidance. Inclusion criteria were total or partial colorectal obstruction of neoplastic origin. Exclusion criteria were life expectancy shorter than 1 month, suspicion of perforation, and/or severe colonic neoplastic bleeding. Procedure time and radiation dose were recorded, and technical and clinical success were evaluated. Follow-up was performed by clinical examination and simple abdominal radiographs at 1 day and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS: Of 467 procedures, technical success was achieved in 432 (92.5%). Thirty-five treatments (7.5%) were technical failures, and the patients were advised to undergo surgery. Significant differences in radiation dose and clinical success were found between the fluoroscopy and combined-technique groups (P < .001). Total decompression was achieved in 372 cases, 29 patients showed remarkable improvement, 11 showed slight improvement, and 20 showed clinical failure. Complications were recorded in 89 patients (19%); the most significant were perforation (2.3%) and stent migration (6.9%). Mean interventional time and radiation dose were 67 minutes and 3,378 dGy·cm(2), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of colonic obstruction with stents requires a long time in the interventional room and considerable radiation dose. Nevertheless, the clinical benefits and improvement in quality of life justify the radiation risk.