Nasal Excretion Research Articles

Neethling Strain-Based Homologous Live Attenuated LSDV Vaccines Provide Protection Against Infection with a Clade 2.5 Recombinant LSDV Strain.

Vaccination is the main control measure to prevent Lumpy skin disease (LSD), and Neethling-based homologous vaccines have been shown to be safe and effective against infection with classical clade 1.2 strains. In 2017, recombinant clade 2 LSDV strains originating from a badly produced and insufficiently controlled vaccine were first detected in Russia. A clade 2.5 recombinant strain spread from Russia throughout Southeast Asia and caused a massive epidemic. In this study, the efficacy of three different Neethling strain-based vaccines against the recombinant clade 2.5 LSDV strain was evaluated. For each vaccine, seven bulls were vaccinated and followed for three weeks to evaluate vaccine safety. Thereafter, vaccinated animals and non-vaccinated controls were challenged with a virulent clade 2.5 strain and followed for three more weeks to evaluate vaccine efficacy. Only limited adverse effects were observed after vaccination, and all vaccinated animals seroconverted and showed an LSDV-specific cellular immune response after vaccination. After the challenge, the vaccinated animals developed almost no clinical signs, and no viremia or nasal excretion was detected. This was in sharp contrast with the non-vaccinated controls, where 8 out of 13 animals developed clinical disease with clear nodules. Most of these animals also had a prolonged period of fever, a clear viremia and excreted virus. Neethling-based LSDV vaccines can thus be considered safe and are effective not only against clade 1.2 LSDV strains, as was proven earlier, but also against a clade 2.5 recombinant strain.

Insights into Clinical Features and Antibiotic Response in MCCP Infection among Small Ruminants

This study documents the clinical manifestations observed during sample collection from diseased small ruminants. The samples and clinical data were collected from CCPP suspected sheep and goat flocks. The culturing of Mycoplasma was performed using Modified Hay Flick medium. Mccp species were identified by biochemical profile. Antibiogram of the isolated strains was performed according to CLSI using various antibiotics including ampicillin, ceftiofur sodium, gentamicin, cloxacillin, tylosin, metronidazole, oxytetracycline, enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin. Among the 385 culture-positive samples, fever (91.1%) and nasal discharge (88.3%) were the most prevalent symptoms, followed by cough (82.3%), dyspnea (63.6%), anorexia (61.6%), and weakness (56.8%). Contingency coefficient analysis revealed a strong association between Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia (CCPP) and clinical manifestations; temperature, nasal discharge, moderate association with cough and dyspnea, and weak association with anorexia and weakness. Additionally, the study assessed the in-vitro susceptibility of Mccp isolates to various antibiotics. Enrofloxacin demonstrated the highest effectiveness, followed by ciprofloxacin and gentamicin. Tylosin, metronidazole, and oxytetracycline showed moderate effectiveness, while ceftiofur sodium and cloxacillin were completely ineffective. In summary, clinical severity such as elevated temperature, nasal excretions, and respiratory distress was notable during the infection produced by prevailing field Mccp strains. The promising antibiotics response was determined for enrofloxacin, gentamicin and enrofloxacin against the isolated Mccp species from various regions of province KPK, Pakistan.

Isolation, identification, recombination analysis and pathogenicity experiment of a PRRSV recombinant strain in Sichuan Province, China.

Since 2013, the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus type 2 (PRRSV-2), lineage 1.8 (NADC30-like PRRSV) has emerged and become widely prevalent in China. The NADC30-like PRRSV poses significant challenges for disease control, primarily because of its propensity for frequent mutations and recombinations. We successfully isolated and identified a NADC30-like strain, designated SCCD22, in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China. We meticulously examined the genetic recombination properties and evaluated its pathogenicity in 28-day-old piglets. SCCD22 showed 93.02% nucleotide homology with the NADC30 PRRSV strain, and its non-structural protein 2 coding region showed the same 131 amino acid deletion pattern as that seen in NADC30. Furthermore, we identified two recombination events in SCCD22: one in the NSP2 region (1,028-3,290 nt), where it was highly similar to the JXA1-like strain GZ106; and another in the NSP10 ~ 12 region (9,985-12,279 nt), closely resembling the NADC30-like strain CY2-1604. Piglets infected with SCCD22 exhibited clinical symptoms such as elevated body temperature, prolonged fever, reduced appetite, and roughened fur. Postmortem examinations underscored the typical lung pathology associated with PRRSV, indicating that the lungs were the primary affected organs. Furthermore, extended viral shedding accompanied by progressive viremia was observed in the serum and nasal excretions of infected piglets. In summary, this study reports a domestic PRRSV recombination strain in the Sichuan Province that can provide critical insights into preventing and controlling PRRSV in this region.

Protection against Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus Afforded by Maternal Antibodies from Cows Immunized with an Inactivated Vaccine.

The passive protection afforded by the colostrum from cattle that were vaccinated prepartum with an inactivated combination vaccine against the bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) was evaluated after an experimental challenge of calves. Pregnant cows without or with a low ELISA and neutralizing BRSV antibody titers were twice vaccinated or not vaccinated, the last immunization being at one month prior to calving. Vaccination was followed by a rapid increase in BRSV antibody titers after the second immunization. Twenty-eightnewborn calves were fed during the 6 h following birth, with 4 L of colostrum sourced from vaccinated cows (14 vaccine calves) or non-vaccinated cows (14 control calves) and were challenged with BRSV at 21 days of age. We showed that maternal immunity to BRSV provides a significant reduction in the clinical signs of BRSV in calves, especially for severe clinical forms. This protection was correlated with reduced BRSV detection in the lower respiratory tract but not in nasal swabs, indicating an absence of protection against BRSV nasal excretion. Finally, transcriptomic assays in bronchoalveolar lavages showed no statistical differences between groups for chemokine and cytokine mRNA transcriptions, with the exception of the overexpression of IL-9 at days 6 and 10 post-challenge, and a severe downregulation of CXCL-1 at day 3 post-challenge, in the vaccine group.

Comparative morphology of the compound rhamphotheca of tubenosed seabirds (order Procellariiformes)

Compound rhamphothecae are characteristically present in the order Procellariiformes, but other birds also show this feature: ostriches, tinamous, cormorants, pelicans, herons. In Procellariiformes the shape, size and features of the rhamphotheca are not related to feeding mechanisms and/or displays (as in most birds) but with their nasal gland excretions and highly developed olfactory organ. The compound rhamphothecae are composed by several plates: the dorsal culminicorn, naricorn forming the tubes, the laterals latericorn, and premaxillary nail (upper jaw); the ramicorn and the mandibular nail (lower jaw). A nasolabial groove is present between the culminicorn and the latericorn, and caudally to the premaxillary nail. The mentolabial groove is between the ramicorn and the mandibular nail. Diomedeidae present a pseudomental fold and groove in the ventral part of the mandibular nail, the fold varies in its caudal extension. The ramicorn in Procellariidae is divided longitudinally into ventral and dorsal ramicorn by a suture. This feature is not found in other Procellariiformes except in Phoebetria palpebrata (Diomedeidae). The development and fusion of the tubes in Procellariidae vary as: a single tube, a partially fused tube, or completely separated tubes. Its extension is variable, reaching its greatest length in Macronectes giganteus. In Diomedeidae the configuration of the incurrent and excurrent apertures within or outside the tubes vary, and they present the shortest tubes. The grooves in Procellariidae vary in their development: the nasolabial groove sometimes is well marked with sutures, the ramicorn groove is always a sulcus (except for Fulmarus glacialoides) and expands cranially and/or caudally forming a triangle-shape depending on the species. In Diomedeidae the culminolabial groove presents variation at the dorsal branch, it can be: well developed, less developed or brief. Oceanitidae and Hydrobatidae present less variation. Phylogenetically, beaks of Oceanitidae and Hydrobatidae are the most basal, whereas Diomedeidae beaks derived from Procellariidae.

Pathobiology of an NS1-Truncated H3N2 Swine Influenza Virus Strain in Pigs.

ABSTRACTVirus strains in the live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) for swine in the United States that was on the market until 2020 encode a truncated nonstructural protein 1 of 126 amino acids (NS1del126). Their attenuation is believed to be due to an impaired ability to counteract the type I interferon (IFN)-mediated antiviral host response. However, this mechanism has been documented only in vitro for H3N2 strain A/swine/Texas/4199-2/98 NS1del126 (lvTX98), and several cases of clinical respiratory disease in the field were associated with the LAIV strains. We therefore further examined the pathobiology, including type I IFN induction, of lvTX98 in pigs and compared it with IFN induction in pig kidney-15 (PK-15) cells. lvTX98 induced up to 3-fold-higher type I IFN titers than wild-type TX98 (wtTX98) after inoculation of PK-15 cells at a high multiplicity of infection, while virus replication kinetics were similar. Mean nasal lvTX98 excretion by intranasally inoculated pigs was on average 50 times lower than that for wtTX98 but still reached titers of up to 4.3 log10 50% tissue culture infective doses/mL. After intratracheal inoculation, mean lvTX98 titers in the lower respiratory tract were significantly reduced at 18 to 48 h postinoculation (hpi) but similar to wtTX98 titers at 72 hpi. lvTX98 caused milder clinical signs than wtTX98 but induced comparable levels of microscopic and macroscopic lung lesions, peak neutrophil infiltration, and peak type I IFN. Thus, lvTX98 was partly attenuated in pigs, but this could not be associated with higher type I IFN levels.IMPORTANCE Swine influenza A viruses (swIAVs) with a truncated NS1del126 protein were strongly attenuated in previous laboratory-based safety studies and therefore approved for use as LAIVs for swine in the United States. In the field, however, the LAIV strains were detected in diagnostic samples and could regain a wild-type NS1 via reassortment with endemic swIAVs. This suggests a significant degree of LAIV replication and urges further investigation of the level and mechanism of attenuation of these LAIV strains in vivo. Here, we show that H3N2 LAIV strain lvTX98 is only partly attenuated in pigs and is excreted at significant titers after intranasal vaccination. Attenuation and restricted replication of lvTX98 in vivo seemed to be associated with the loss of NS1 functions other than type I IFN antagonism. Our findings can help to explain the occurrence of clinical respiratory disease and reassortment events associated with NS1del126-based LAIV strains in the field.

The Diagnostic Challenges of Ovine Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma

Ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA), also known as sheep pulmonary adenomatosis and jaagsiekte, is a contagious pulmonary tumor of sheep, characterized by neoplastic proliferation of type II pneumocyte and club cells. OPA is induced by the oncogenic activity of the envelope glycoprotein (Env) of exogenous jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV). This disease is associated with significant economic losses in numerous sheep raising countries. The onset of suggestive clinical signs is often late, making difficult the early diagnosis of the disease and timely implementation of control measures on the affected farms. Further, the lack of diagnostic tests that can be performed routinely by veterinary clinicians to accurately assess infected animals (e.g., serological or others) means that the true prevalence at flock level is not known. Imaging diagnostic methods (e.g., ultrasound, X-ray and computed tomography) can be used to support the clinical diagnosis, even in pre-clinical stages in affected flocks. The diagnosis must be confirmed by PCR of nasal excretions or immunohistochemistry and PCR of tumor lesions. No vaccine for OPA has yet been developed. Thus, in this work, we review the main methods of diagnosis of OPA in order to support the clinician in the identification of the disease, avoid underdiagnosis and allow the implementation of suitable measures to prevent and control its spread.

Non-vector-borne transmission of lumpy skin disease virus

The transmission of “lumpy skin disease virus” (LSDV) has prompted intensive research efforts due to the rapid spread and high impact of the disease in recent years, especially in Eastern Europe and Balkan countries. In this study, we experimentally evaluate the vaccine-derived virulent recombinant LSDV strain (Saratov/2017) and provide solid evidence on the capacity of the virus for transmission in a vector-proof environment. In the 60-day long experiment, we used inoculated bulls (IN group) and two groups of in-contact animals (C1 and C2), with the former (C1) being in contact with the inoculated animals at the onset of the trial and the latter (C2) being introduced at day 33 of the experiment. The infection in both groups of contact animals was confirmed clinically, serologically and virologically, and viremia was demonstrated in blood, nasal and ocular excretions, using molecular tools. Further studies into LSDV biology are a priority to gain insights into whether the hypothesized indirect contact mode evidenced in this study is a de novo-created feature, absent from both parental stains of the novel (recombinant) LSDV isolate used, or whether it was dormant, but then unlocked by the process of genetic recombination. Author summary: In global terms, LSD has been termed a “neglected disease” due to its historic natural occurrence of being restricted to Africa and, occasionally, Israel. However, after its slow spread throughout the Middle East, the disease is now experiencing a resurgence of research interest following a recent and rapid spread into more northern latitudes. Given the dearth of solid findings on potential transmission mechanisms, no efficient or reliable control program currently exists, which does not involve the use of live attenuated vaccines or stamping out policies – both of which are controversial for implementation in non-endemic regions or countries. The vector-borne mode is the only working concept currently available, but with scarce evidence to support the aggressive spread northwards – except for human-assisted spread, including legal or illegal animal transportation. The emergence of outbreaks is not consistently linked to weather conditions, with the potential for new outbreaks to occur and spread rapidly. Here, for the first time, we provide evidence for indirect contact-mode transmission for a naturally-occurring recombinant LSDV isolated from the field. In an insect-proof facility, we obtained solid evidence that the novel LSDV strain can pass to in-contact animals. Given the recombinant nature of the virus utilised, its genetic background relating to the observed transmission pattern within the study needs to be delineated.

Topical therapy drugs containing silver in acute adenoiditis sinusitis in children

The article presents the results of Russian authors’ research aimed at studying the clinical efficacy of topical drugs containing silver in treating acute serous adenoiditis and sinusitis in children. The authors noted the efficacy and safety of the drug (silver proteinate and polyvinyl-N-pyrrolidone) in the complex treatment of inflammatory diseases of the nose and paranasal sinuses in children. Clinical observation was carried out – comparison of two groups of 30 patients aged from 5 to 14 years, average age 6 years 3 months, the groups included: 17 boys (56.7%) and 13 girls (43.3%), all children had adenoid vegetations of the 1st-2nd degree. To assess the clinical efficacy of the drug, a control group of children with similar pathology was recruited, comparable in age and sex (14 boys and 16 girls). The main group received the drug Sialor and irrigation therapy. The control group received local antibacterial drugs and decongestants according to age. At the beginning of treatment normal values of mucociliary transport were not observed in any patient (0%) of the main and control groups. Disorder of the 1st degree mucociliary transport function was determined in 6 children (20%) of the main group and 7 children (23.3%) of the control group, 2nd degree – in 21 children (70%) of the main group and 19 children (63.3%) of the control group, 3rd degree – in 3 (10%) patients of the main group and 4 children (13.4%) of the control group. In 7 days from the beginning of treatment normal values of MCT were observed in 28 patients (93.3%) of the main group and 9 patients (30%) of the control group, the disorder of MCT function of the 1st degree had 3 patients (9%) of the main and control groups, the 2nd degree was not in the main group and was revealed in 18 patients (60%) of the control group, no disorder of MCT function of the 3rd degree was revealed (neither in the main nor control groups). The average time of MCT was: before treatment – 49 minutes (main group) and 47 minutes (control group), the 3rd day of treatment – 28 minutes (main group) and 36 minutes (control group). On the 7th day of the drug intake – 14 minutes (main group) and 21 minutes (control group). Thus, normalization of MCT time was noted only in patients of the main group. On the 7th day of treatment with Sialor in the main group of children under examination, nasal mucosa edema, nasal excretion and adenoid tissue size decreased, mucociliary transport parameters normalized, nasal breathing improved. Sialor has a pronounced anti-inflammatory and anti-edema effect, is well tolerated by patients and can be recommended for inclusion in standard treatment protocols of patients with diseases of the nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses.

Antimicrobial activity of danofloxacin regarding to bacteria, pathogens of respiratory infections in pigs

The objective of the research was to study the antimicrobial activity of danofloxacin, the third-generation fluoroquinolone antibiotic, against bacteria, pathogens of acute respiratory infection in pigs. Samples of nasal excretions were selected from clinically sick weaned piglets with acute respiratory infection for microbiological investigation. The sensitivity test, carried out by the disc-diffusion method, showed a high level of the microflora sensitivity of the inflammatory exudate to danofloxacin. Bacteria Streptococcus suis and Bordetella bronchiseptica have been isolated and identified from biomaterial by generally accepted microbiological methods. The degree of antimicrobial activity of danofloxacin against isolated strains of microorganisms was established by determination the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of danofloxacin for isolated bacteria by consecutive dilutions in a liquid nutrient medium. The MIC average of danofloxacin for Streptococcus suis isolates (n = 20) was 0.33 ± 0.082 μg/ml and for Bordetella bronchiseptica isolates (n = 8) – 0.21 ± 0.044 μg/ml. The obtained results showed a high level of bacteriostatic activity of danofloxacin regarding bacterial isolates, pathogens of acute respiratory infection in pigs. Danofloxacin, like other fluoroquinolones, is a critical antimicrobial substance for veterinary medicine. Therefore, chemotherapeutic agents based on this antibiotic can serve as a drug of choice for empirical treatment of pigs with acute respiratory infections of bacterial etiology. To right choose an effective agent for etiotropic therapy and minimize the selection of resistant strains of microorganisms, the antimicrobial susceptibility of isolated bacteria should be pre-established.

Nasal shedding of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in wild boar is related to generalised tuberculosis and concomitant infections

BackgroundWild boar is an important reservoir of Mycobacterium tuberculosis variant bovis, the main causative agent of bovine tuberculosis (bTB). A proportion of tuberculosis (TB)-affected wild boars shed M tuberculosis by...

Pathogenicity of Nipah henipavirus Bangladesh in a swine host

In 1998 an outbreak of fatal encephalitis among pig farm workers in Malaysia and Singapore led to the discovery of Nipah henipavirus (NiV), a novel paramyxovirus closely related to Hendra henipavirus with case fatality rates of nearly 40%. Following its initial emergence nearly annual outbreaks of NiV have occurred in Bangladesh with a different, NiV Bangladesh, genotype, where the role of pigs in its transmission remains unknown. The present study provides the first report on susceptibility of domestic pigs to NiV Bangladesh following experimental infection, characterizing acute and long-term phases of disease and pathogenesis. All pigs were successfully infected with NiV Bangladesh following oronasal inoculation, with viral shedding confirmed by a novel genotype-specific qRT-PCR in oral, nasal and rectal excretions and dissemination from the upper respiratory tract to the brain, lungs, and associated lymphatic tissues. Unlike previous NiV Malaysia findings in pigs, clinical signs were absent, viremia was undetectable throughout the study, and only low level neutralizing antibody titers were measured by 28/29 days post-NiV-B infection. Results obtained highlight the need for continued and enhanced NiV surveillance in pigs in endemic and at-risk regions, and raise questions regarding applicability of current serological assays to detect animals with previous NiV-B exposure.

Quantifying Levels of Peste Des Petits Ruminants (PPR) Virus in Excretions from Experimentally Infected Goats and Its Importance for Nascent PPR Eradication Programme.

Following the successful eradication of rinderpest, the World Organization of Animal Health (OIE) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) have set a goal to globally eradicate Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) by 2030. To support the eradication programme we have quantified the levels of PPR virus (PPRV) nucleic acid excreted in body fluids (blood, feces, saliva, nasal and eye swabs) of PPRV-infected goats to ascertain which days post-infection animals are potentially infectious, and hence direct quarantine activities. The data will also indicate optimal sample strategies to assess presence of PPR infection in the naturally infected herd. Peak PPRV nucleic acid detection in different bodily fluids was between 5 and 10 days post-infection. As such, this period must be considered the most infectious period for contact transmission, although high viral load was observed through RNA detection in nasal excretions from two days post-infection until at least two weeks post-infection. Percentage sample positivity was low both in eye swabs and saliva samples during the early stage of infection although RNA was detected as late as two weeks post-infection. From the individual animal data, PPRV was detected later post-infection in fecal material than in other body fluids and the detection was intermittent. The results from this study indicate that nasal swabs are the most appropriate to sample when considering molecular diagnosis of PPRV.

Effects of Transient Prone Position on Oxygenation and Oro-Nasal Drainage in Advanced Neuromuscular Diseases: Preliminary Study

SESSION TITLE: Respiratory Care SESSION TYPE: Original Investigation Poster PRESENTED ON: Wednesday, November 1, 2017 at 01:30 PM - 02:30 PM PURPOSE: Although the effects of prone position in adult respiratory distress syndrome or acute lung injury have been investigated, those of transient prone position for 30 minutes on oxygenation and oro-nasal drainage in advanced neuromuscular diseases are mostly unknown. METHODS: Seven patients with preserved spontaneous breathing and nine patients fully dependent on positive pressure ventilation were studied, all of whom had a permanent tracheostomy due to suffocation or chronic alveolar hypoventilation prior to this study. According to the motor function criteria of the Japanese Administration of Health and Welfare, all the subjects were completely bedridden. Effects of posture were assessed with the breath-by-breath flow-metry and inspiratory/expiratory gas analysis (AE-3005, Minato Co. Japan) along with the arterial blood gas analysis. These respiratory variables were compared among the three conditions with a paired t-test: (1) supine position just before turning the subject prone (Pre-Control), (2) after 30 minutes in prone position (Prone), and (3) 30 minutes after resuming supine position (Post-Control). The differential effects of ventilation (spontaneous breathing/positive pressure ventilation) and posture (supine/prone) on these variables were analyzed with a repeated measures ANOVA, and a P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The alveolar-arterial difference of partial pressure of oxygen (A-aDO2) was significantly decreased in prone position in the spontaneous breathing patients (Pre-Control vs Prone vs Post-Control: 24.3±11.8 vs 14.7±6.6 (P=0.04) vs 23.3±5.9 (P=0.004)). The PaO2 was significantly decreased in prone position in the ventilated patients (Pre-Control vs Prone: 95.5±12.8 vs 87.4±13.3) (P=0.03). Overall, the effects of ventilation (spontaneous breathing/positive pressure ventilation) and posture (supine/prone) on oxygenation were significantly different, (P=0.008 for PaO2) (P=0.008 for A-aDO2). The prone position improved oxygenation (an increase in PaO2 and a decrease in A-aDO2) in the spontaneously breathing patients and it worsened oxygenation (a decrease in PaO2 and an increase in A-aDO2) in the ventilated patients. In all cases, the transient prone position immediately augmented the gravitational drainage of salivary and nasal excretions for clearing the oro-nasal cavity. CONCLUSIONS: The transient prone position improved oxygenation in the spontaneously breathing patients and it worsened oxygenation in the ventilated patients, which might be attributed partly to that the drainage from the peripheral airway and alveoli could not be taken effects in 30 minutes in the ventilated patients with severe motor and respiratory dysfunction. The transient prone position could be useful for an immediate oro-nasal drainage for oro-nasal hygiene and, presumably, for respiratory care. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The transient prone position might be utilized on an individual basis regarding oxygenation and oro-nasal drainage among patients with advanced neuromuscular diseases. DISCLOSURE: The following authors have nothing to disclose: Fumihiko Yasuma No Product/Research Disclosure Information

Surviving in a semi-marine habitat: Dietary salt exposure and salt secretion of a New Zealand intertidal skink

Species that inhabit marine and intertidal ecosystems face osmoregulatory challenges, risking dehydration and increased ion concentrations in the body. Lizards need to either tolerate or regulate these increased ion concentrations. In this study, we aim to understand how Suter's skink (Oligosoma suteri), an intertidal skink restricted to shoreline habitats, is able to cope with the physiological stress of living in an extreme salt environment. We determined the diet, prey species' salt content, and nasal and cloacal salt excretion on Rangitoto and Motutapu Islands in northern New Zealand, where the skinks have contrasting access to terrestrial invertebrates. Analysis of stable isotopes suggests inter- and intra-population variability in Suter's skink diets. Intertidal invertebrates under washed up seaweed appear to compose a major part of the diet of the Rangitoto population, while the Motutapu population showed evidence for a mixed diet of terrestrial and intertidal invertebrates. Sodium content of prey species decreased with an increasing distance from the seawater. Field secretion of cations through nasal glands consisted primarily of Na+, which is consistent with other marine and intertidal species. Sodium was also the primary cation in urine. In contrast, fecal cations consisted primarily of K+. This first study into the salt secretion of an intertidal skink species provides evidence of Suter's skink's plasticity in secreting excess ions through nasal salt glands. This likely enables it to deal with the challenges of living in a semi-marine habitat.

Effectiveness of strengthened stimulation during acupuncture for the treatment of allergic rhinitis: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BackgroundThe traditional Chinese theory of acupuncture emphasizes that the intensity of acupuncture must reach a threshold to generate de qi (a specific and compound sensation during the acupuncture), which is necessary to achieve the best therapeutic effect. However, the notion that de qi must be achieved for maximum benefit has not been confirmed by modern scientific evidence. This study aims to compare the efficacy of acupuncture with either strong (intended to elicit de qi) or weak stimulation among patients with allergic rhinitis.Methods/DesignThis study compares real versus sham acupuncture in 140 patients with a history of persistent allergic rhinitis (PER) or intermittent allergic rhinitis (IAR) and with a positive skin prick test (SPT). The trial will be conducted in the Teaching Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (China). In the study, patients will be randomly assigned into two groups by computer-generated randomization and assessed prior to treatment. They will then receive 12 sessions of treatments for 4 consecutive weeks and have a follow-up phase lasting 12 weeks. The main outcome measures include the primary and secondary indicators. Primary indicators are subjective symptoms scores as evaluated by visual analogue scales (VAS), rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaires (RQLQ), and the Modified Massachusetts General Hospital acupuncture sensation scale, Chinese version (C-MMASS). The secondary indicators are the results of laboratory examinations, such as serum allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (sIgE) nasal inflammatory cells counts (mast cells, eosinophils, and T cells), and nitric oxide concentration in nasal excretion. The use of anti-allergic medication will also be recorded as one of the secondary indicators. Furthermore, adverse events will be recorded and analyzed. Intention-to-treat analysis (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analysis will be performed to test and verify the results in this trial.DiscussionThe results of this trial will demonstrate the efficacy of using acupuncture to treat allergic rhinitis and verify whether the effectiveness of acupuncture is related to the needle sensation de qi.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR-TRC-13003594 (registered on 16 August 2013, and the first patient was randomized on 27 September 2013).Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1745-6215-15-301) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Review of ethanol dispersion, distribution, and elimination from the fetal compartment

This study is a review of alcohol dispersion into and elimination from the fetal compartment. PubMed searches were conducted for all years and all languages for relevant papers. We also hand searched the reference list of papers and text books for additional references. Alcohol concentration is determined by body water (49% for women), grams of ethanol consumed, and duration of drinking. The fetus has very limited metabolic capacity and transfer from the fetal compartment to maternal circulation is the major pathway to reduce fetal exposure. Vasoconstriction of the placenta-umbilical unit from alcohol and smoking decreases rates of alcohol elimination from the fetal compartment. By 20 weeks of gestation, keratinization of fetal skin reduces the permeability of fetal skin to very low levels, increasing the duration of fetal exposure and complicating alcohol elimination from the fetal compartment. Two reabsorption pathways, the intramembranous pathway and fetal swallowing, create a recycling system where much of the ethanol the fetus excretes will be reabsorbed back into its circulatory system. Fetal re-excretion of ethanol into the amniotic fluid occurs by means of fetal urine, breathing movements, and nasal excretions. Amniotic fluid then functions as a reservoir for ethanol, prolonging fetal exposure. While the fetus has the ability to metabolize some ethanol, removal from the fetal-maternal unit relies primarily on maternal metabolic capacity. The alcohol elimination rate from the fetal compartment is approximately 3% to 4% of the maternal rate. We conclude with examples of the clinical relevance of information from this review. .

Recombinant chimeric vaccine composed of PRRSV antigens and truncated Pseudomonas exotoxin A (PE-K13)

A Pseudomonas exotoxin (PE-KDEL)-based chimeric subunit vaccine system was recently developed using a reverse vaccinology technique. In this study, the plasmids containing PE-PRRS chimeric subunits were constructed that composed of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) antigen moieties, a ligand moiety and a Pseudomonas exotoxin A deleted domain III (PE (ΔIII)), and a carboxyl terminal moiety that includes a polypeptide with amino acid sequence KDEL (K3). The PE-PRRS combination vaccine can effectively induce not only PRRSV-specific INF-γ cellular immunity but also a slow-reacting and complement-requiring type serum neutralizing antibody in pigs. In a specific pathogen free (SPF) pig challenge model, body temperature (colonic temperature), occurrence of PRRSV viremia, nasal excretions, gross and histopathological appearances of pneumonia, and serum antibody activity (IFA and SN) titers significantly differed between the immunized group and the control group. The survey showed that a 0.3mg/dose PE-PRRS vaccine formula conferred protection against PRRSV. A field trial of PE-PRRS vaccine was performed to study the immune response of pregnant sows after vaccination in a PRRSV persist farm. The RT-PCR analysis of viremia and serological titers showed that the PE-PRRS vaccine not only increased sow reproductive performance and evoked its immune response to PRRS viremia, it also activated maternal immune protections to prevent piglets from inflicting viremia. In conclusion, we developed a novel and effective PRRS cytotoxic T-cells (CTLs)-based vaccine containing Pseudomonas exotoxin (PE-KDEL) carrier in combination with PRRSV conserved epitopes against PRRS virus.

Clinical effect of catgut implantation at acupoints for allergic rhinitis: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BackgroundCatgut implantation at acupoints has been used in China to treat allergic rhinitis (AR) for a long time. However, its efficacy and safety in the treatment of AR is controversial due to the poor quality of the clinical trial of this therapy. This study aims to identify whether catgut implantation at acupoints is indeed an effective and safe treatment for patients with persistent or intermittent allergic rhinitis (PER or IAR) by comparing with sham catgut implantation treatment.Methods and designThis study compares real versus sham catgut implantation at acupoints in 242 patients with a history of PER or IAR and with a positive skin prick test (SPT). The trial will be conducted in the Teaching Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. In the study, patients will be randomly assigned by computer-generated randomization list into two groups and assessed prior to treatment. Then, they will receive two sessions of treatments (once per 2 weeks) for 4 consecutive weeks and have a follow-up phase of 12 weeks. The administration of catgut implantation (or sham-control) at acupoints follows the guidelines for clinical research on acupuncture (WHO Regional Publication, Western Pacific Series No.15, 1995), and is performed double-blindly by a well-trained physician in acupuncture. The main outcome measures include the primary and secondary indicators. Primary indicators are subjective symptoms scores evaluated by visual analogue scales (VAS) and Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaires (RQLQ). The secondary indicators are the results of laboratory examinations, such as serum allergen-specific IgE, nasal inflammatory cells counts (mast cells, eosinophils, and T cells) and nitric oxide concentration in nasal excretion. The use of anti-allergic medication will also be recorded as one of the secondary indicators. Furthermore, adverse events will be recorded and analyzed. If any participants withdraw from the trial, intention-to-treat analysis (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analysis will be performed.DiscussionThe important features of this trial include the randomization procedures, large sample, and a standardized protocol of catgut implantation at acupoints. This trial will be the first study with a high evidence level in China in order to assess the efficacy and safety of catgut implantation at acupoints in treatment of AR following a randomized, double-blind sham-controlled method.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR-TRC-12002191

African swine fever virus excretion patterns in persistently infected animals: A quantitative approach

The continuing circulation of African swine fever (ASF) in Russia and in the Trans-Caucasian countries has led to increased efforts in characterizing the epidemiology of ASF. For a better insight in epidemiology, quantitative data on virus excretion is required. Until now, excretion data has mainly focused on the initial stages of the disease. In our study we have studied ASF virus (ASFV) excretion dynamics in persistently infected animals. For this purpose, virus excretion through different routes was quantified over 70days after infection. Three virus isolates of moderate virulence were used: the Brazil’78, the Malta’78 (a low and a high inoculation dose) and the Netherlands’86 isolate. For each isolate or dose, 10 animals were used. All (Brazil’78 group), or three animals per group were inoculated and the other animals served as contact animals. It was shown that dose (Malta’78 low or high) or infection route (inoculated or naturally infected) did not influence the ASFV excretion (p>0.05). Nasal, ocular and vaginal excretions showed the lowest ASFV titres. Virus was consistently present in the oropharyngeal swabs, showing two peaks, for up to 70days. Virus was occasionally present in the faeces, occasionally with very high titres. Viral DNA persisted in blood for up to 70days. The results presented in this study show that a high proportion of persistently infected animals shed virus into the environment for at least 70days, representing a possible risk for transmission and that should be considered in future epidemiological analysis of ASF.