Two similar commercial live attenuated AMPV vaccines prepared by random passage of the identical field isolate, have unrelated sequences

Since late \u201880 s Avian metapneumovirus subtype A causes sufficient disease in Europe for commercial companies to have started developing live attenuated vaccines. Here, two of those vaccines were fully consensus sequenced alongside their progenitor field strain (#8544). Sequences comparison shows that the attenuation of field strain #8544 was associated with no common substitutions between the two derived vaccines. This finding suggests that the attenuation of field viruses via serial passage on cell cultures or tissues is the result of a random process, rather than a mechanism aiming to achieve a specific sequence. Furthermore, field vaccination strategies would greatly benefit by the unambiguous vaccine markers identified in this study, enabling a prompt and confident vaccines detection

Infectious bursal disease virus in free-living wild birds: A systematic review and meta-analysis of its sero-viroprevalence on a global scale

Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) is an economically important pathogen for poultry, whereas knowledge of its occurrence in non-poultry hosts is limited. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to summarize the up-to-date knowledge about the sero-viroprevalence of IBDV in wild birds on a global scale. A computerized literature research was performed on PubMed, Scopus, CAB Direct and Web of Science to find relevant publications, along with the screening of reference lists. Journal articles, book chapters, scientific correspondences, conference proceedings and short communications on IBDV virological and/or serological surveys in free-living wild birds published between 1970 and 2021 were considered as eligible. Among 184 studies found, 36 original contributions met the pre-established criteria. A random-effect model was applied to calculate pooled seroprevalence estimates with 95% confidence intervals, whereas the paucity of virological studies (n = 6) only allowed a qualitative description of the data. The pooled seroprevalence was estimated to be 6% (95% CI: 3%–9%) and a high heterogeneity was detected (I2= 96%). Sub-group analyses were not performed due to the scarcity of available information about hypothetical moderators. With respect to virological studies, IBDV was detected in Anseriformes, Columbiformes, Galliformes, Passeriformes and Pelecaniformes and different strains related to poultry infection were isolated. Our estimates of serological data showed a moderate exposure of wild birds to IBDV. The susceptibility of different species to IBDV infection underlines their potential role in its epidemiology at least as carriers or spreaders. Indeed, the isolation of IBDV in healthy wild birds with a migratory attitude might contribute to a long-distance spread of the virus and to strain diversity. While a wild reservoir host could not be clearly identified, we believe our work provides useful insights for conducting future surveys which are needed to broaden our knowledge of IBDV occurrence in wild birds

Pediocin A improves growth performance of broilers challenged with Clostridium perfringens

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of the anticlostridial pediocin A from Pediococcus pentosaceus FBB61 to contain negative effects associated to Clostridium proliferation in broilers, through 2 subsequent investigations. In the first study, 36 Ross 508 broilers were divided into 3 groups and fed for 21 d as follows: the control diet (CTR), the control diet supplemented with supernatant filtrate of a culture of P. pentosaceus FBB61-2 (Bac−, isogenic mutant nonproducing pediocin A), and the control diet supplemented with supernatant filtrate of a culture of P. pentosaceus FBB61 (Bac+) containing pediocin A. Birds were challenged with 106 cells of Clostridium perfringens. In the second study, 216 Ross 508 broilers were allocated in 18 pens and divided into 3 groups fed the same diet for 42 d: a control group (CTR), a group challenged with 108 cells of C. perfringens (CP), and a group challenged with 108 cells of C. perfringens and receiving the control diet supplemented with P. pentosaceus FBB61 and pediocin A (PA). Broiler BW, ADG, ADFI, and feed conversion rate were measured throughout the studies. At the end of both experiments, an appropriate number of birds was killed and analyzed for necrotic enteritis lesions and microbiological examinations. In the first study, on d 9, ADG and BW were 20% higher for Bac+ compared with CTR and Bac−; on d 14, ADG was higher for Bac+ (+23%, P < 0.05), whereas BW was higher for Bac+ and Bac− compared with CTR (+23 and +14%, respectively; P < 0.05). In the second study, on d 14, ADG and BW were higher for PA compared with CTR and CP (+15% on average; P < 0.05), whereas between 15 and 42 d, there was only a tendency toward a higher ADG for PA when compared with the CP group (+4%, P = 0.08). Diet supplementation with pediocin A improved broiler growth performance during the challenge with C. perfringens and tended to restore the ADG depletion during the 42-d period

Development of innovative embedding procedures for the analyses of paint cross sections in ATR FITR microscopy

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Oneiric stress and safety and security at work: the discovery of a new universal symbol

Cox and Griffiths define as psychosocial risks at work “those aspects of the planning, organization and management of work, which, along with their environmental and social contexts, may affect mental and physical health of the employees, directly or indirectly producing stress”. Therefore, a more effective approach to occupational safety and security should include integrated risk management through the identification of any work stress related problem. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the possible correlation of risk at work with the modification of sleep, and inside it, the specific function of dream activity

The predictive role of biomarkers and genetics in childhood asthma exacerbations

Asthma exacerbations are associated with significant childhood morbidity and mortality. Recurrent asthma attacks contribute to progressive loss of lung function and can sometimes be fatal or near‐fatal, even in mild asthma. Exacerbation prevention becomes a primary target in the management of all asthmatic patients. Our work reviews current advances on exacerbation predictive factors, focusing on the role of non‐invasive biomarkers and genetics in order to identify subjects at higher risk of asthma attacks. Easy‐to‐perform tests are necessary in children; therefore, interest has increased on samples like exhaled breath condensate, urine and saliva. The variability of biomarker levels suggests the use of seriate measurements and composite markers. Genetic predisposition to childhood asthma onset has been largely investigated. Recent studies highlighted the influence of single nucleotide polymorphisms even on exacerbation susceptibility, through involvement of both intrinsic mechanisms and gene‐environment interaction. The role of molecular and genetic aspects in exacerbation prediction supports an individual‐shaped approach, in which follow‐up planning and therapy optimization take into account not only the severity degree, but also the risk of recurrent exacerbations. Further efforts should be made to improve and validate the application of biomarkers and genomics in clinical settings

Influences of swab types and storage temperatures on isolation and molecular detection of Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae

Routine diagnosis of Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) is performed by collecting oropharyngeal swabs, followed by isolation and/or detection by molecular methods. The storage temperature, storage duration and the type of swab could be critical factors for successful isolation or molecular detection. The aim of this study was to compare the influence of different types of cotton-tipped swab stored at different temperatures, on the detection of MG and MS. To achieve this, combined use of traditional culture analysis (both agar and broth), with modern molecular detection methods was utilized. Performances of wooden and plastic shaft swabs, both without transport medium, were compared. Successful culture of M. gallisepticum was significantly more efficient from plastic swabs when compared to wooden, whereas no difference was seen for the re-isolation of M. synoviae. Storage at 4\ub0C compared to room temperature also increased the efficiency of culture detection for both Mycoplasma species. When stored at room temperature, PCR detection limits of both MG and MS were significantly lower for wooden compared to plastic swabs. The qPCR data showed similar detection limits for both swab types when stored at both temperatures. The results suggest that swabs with a plastic shaft are preferred for MG and MS detection by both culture and PCR. While a lower storage temperature (4\ub0C) is optimal for culture recovery, it seems that both temperatures investigated here are adequate for molecular detection and it is the swab type which carries a greater influence

Molecular characterization of the meq gene of Marek\u2019s disease viruses detected in unvaccinated backyard chickens reveals the circulation of low- and high-virulence strains

Marek's disease (MD) is an important lymphoproliferative disease of chickens, caused by Gal lid alphaherpesvirus 2 (GaHV-2). Outbreaks are commonly reported in commercial flocks, but also in backyard chickens. Whereas the molecular characteristics of GaHV-2 strains from the commercial poultry sector have been reported, no recent data are available for the rural sector. To fill this gap, 19 GaHV-2 strains detected in 19 Italian backyard chicken flocks during suspected MD outbreaks were molecularly characterized through an analysis of the meq gene, the major GaHV-2 oncogene. The number of four consecutive prolines (PPPP) within the proline-rich repeats of the Meq transactivation domain, the proline content, and the presence of amino acid (aa) substitutions were determined. Phylogenetic analysis was performed using the Maximum Likelihood method. Sequence analysis revealed a heterogeneous population of GaHV-2 strains circulating in Italian backyard flocks. Seven strains, detected from birds affected by classical MD, showed a unique meq isoform of 418 aa with a very high number of PPPP motifs. Molecular and clinical features are suggestive of a low oncogenic potential of these strains. The remaining 12 strains, detected from flocks experiencing acute MD, transient paralysis, or sudden death, had shorter Meq protein isoforms (298 or 339 aa) with a lower number of PPPP motifs and point mutations interrupting PPPP. These features allow us to assert the high virulence of these strains. These findings reveal the circulation of low and high-virulence GaHV-2 strains in the Italian rural sector

Colistin Resistance Genes in Broiler Chickens in Tunisia

Simple Summary The extensive use of colistin in livestock is recognized as the main cause of the emergence of colistin resistance in Gram-negative bacteria. This phenomenon represents a public health concern, as colistin is one of the last-resort antibiotics against multidrug-resistant deadly infections in human medicine. In the present survey, DNA extracted from cloacal swabs from 195 broiler chickens in Tunisia was tested by PCR for the ten mobilized colistin resistance (mcr) genes known so far. Of the 195 animals tested, 81 (41.5%) were mcr-1 positive. These results confirm the urgent nature of antimicrobial resistance in the Tunisian poultry sector and suggest the need for cautious use of colistin in the veterinary field. Colistin is a polymyxin antibiotic that has been used in veterinary medicine for decades, as a treatment for enterobacterial digestive infections as well as a prophylactic treatment and growth promoter in livestock animals, leading to the emergence and spread of colistin-resistant Gram-negative bacteria and to a great public health concern, considering that colistin is one of the last-resort antibiotics against multidrug-resistant deadly infections in clinical practice. Previous studies performed on livestock animals in Tunisia using culture-dependent methods highlighted the presence of colistin-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. In the present survey, DNA extracted from cloacal swabs from 195 broiler chickens from six farms in Tunisia was tested via molecular methods for the ten mobilized colistin resistance (mcr) genes known so far. Of the 195 animals tested, 81 (41.5%) were mcr-1 positive. All the farms tested were positive, with a prevalence ranging from 13% to 93%. These results confirm the spread of colistin resistance in livestock animals in Tunisia and suggest that the investigation of antibiotic resistance genes by culture-independent methods could be a useful means of conducting epidemiological studies on the spread of antimicrobial resistance

Postharvest Ozone Fumigation of Grapes (cv Sangiovese) Differently Affects Volatile Organic Compounds and Polyphenol Profiles of Berries and Wine

Consumers are more and more oriented towards the purchase of safer food and beverages, which is pushing the wine sector to find alternatives to the use of sulfur dioxide. Ozone (O3) is already applied in the wine industry to produce sulfur dioxide-free wines through the patented method Purovino®. The aim of this two-year study was that of evaluating whether the postharvest treatment of grapes with ozone affects volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and polyphenol profile in berries, and in turn, wine composition. Grape bunches (Vitis vinifera L.) of cv Sangiovese were fumigated overnight with gaseous ozone (max 20 g·h−1 with 6% w.w−1 of ozone) in a cold room at 4°C (±0.5). After treatment, grapes were processed into wine. In grapes, ozone treatments increased total polyphenol and flavonoid content and upregulated specific genes (phenylalanine ammonia lyase, VvPAL, flavanol synthase 1, and VvFLS1) involved in polyphenol biosynthesis. Wine obtained from ozone-treated grapes had higher flavanol content than the control. Fumigation only slightly affected the different VOC classes of grapes and wine, including aroma compounds derived from the lipoxygenase (LOX) pathway. Although a season-dependent effect was observed, results showed that postharvest ozone treatments applied to avoid the use of sulfur dioxide introduced limited but, in general, positive modifications to grape and wine composition. This information provides assurance to winemakers that the maintenance of wine quality and typicity will be guaranteed when using ozone treatments