Approches arthroscopiques et description de l'anatomie articulaire normale du carpe et du tarse chez le bovin adulte

Les approches arthroscopiques et l’anatomie normale des articulations antébrachiocarpienne, carpienne moyenne et tarsocrurale n’ont jamais été décrites spécifiquement chez les bovins. Notre étude avait pour buts de définir les abords chirurgicaux et de décrire l’anatomie arthroscopique de ces trois articulations. Deux carpes et deux tarses issus du cadavre frais d’une vache adulte ont été injectés avec un mélange de latex, puis disséqués afin de déterminer les sites arthroscopiques d’intérêt. Par la suite, l’arthroscopie des articulations antébrachiocarpienne et carpienne moyenne (approche dorsale) et de l’articulation tarsocrurale (approches dorsale et plantaire) a été réalisée sur six cadavres frais de vaches adultes ne présentant ni boiterie ni distension articulaire avant leur euthanasie. Les approches dorsolatérale et dorsomédiale des articulations antébrachiocarpienne et carpienne moyenne ont été réalisées de part et d’autre de l’extenseur radial du carpe. Les structures observées étaient le radius distal, les os radial, intermédiaire, ulnaire, II et III fusionnés et IV du carpe, ainsi que des ligaments palmaires. Les approches dorsolatérale et dorsomédiale de l’articulation tarsocrurale ont été réalisées latéralement au long extenseur des doigts et médialement au troisième péronier respectivement. Les approches plantarolatérale et plantaromédiale ont été réalisées latéralement au fléchisseur latéral des doigts et latéralement au fléchisseur médial des doigts respectivement. Les structures observées étaient le tibia distal, les trochlées proximale et plantaire du talus, le processus coracoïde du calcanéus, l’articulation fibulo-calcanéenne et des ligaments articulaires. Quelle que soit l’articulation, l’approche latérale était préférée à l’approche médiale. L’arthroscopie du carpe et du tarse pourra être proposée dans un contexte hospitalier comme outil diagnostique, thérapeutique et pronostique des maladies articulaires bovines.Arthroscopic approaches and normal anatomy of the antebrachiocarpal, middle carpal and tarsocrural joints have not been specifically described in cattle. Our study aimed to determine surgical approaches and to describe the arthroscopic anatomy of these three joints. Two carpi and two tarsi from the fresh cadaver of an adult cow were injected with a latex mixture and dissected to determine the arthroscopic sites of interest. Thereafter, arthroscopic evaluation of the antebrachiocarpal and middle carpal joints (dorsal approach) and tarsocrural joint (dorsal and plantar approaches) was performed on six fresh cadavers of adult cows exhibiting neither lameness nor joint distension prior to their euthanasia. Dorsolateral and dorsomedial approaches of the antebrachiocarpal and middle carpal joints were performed on either side of the extensor carpi radialis. Observed structures were the distal radius, the radial, intermediate, ulnar, fused second and third and fourth carpal bones, as well as palmar ligaments. Dorsolateral and dorsomedial approaches of the tarsocrural joint were performed laterally to the extensor digitorum longus and medially to the peroneus tertius respectively. Plantarolateral and plantaromedial approaches were performed laterally to the flexor digitorum lateralis and laterally to the flexor digitorum medialis respectively. Observed structures were the distal tibia, proximal and plantar trochleae of the talus, the coracoid process of the calcaneus, the fibulocalcaneal joint and intra-articular ligaments. Whatever the joint, the lateral approach was preferred to the medial one. Arthroscopy of the carpus and tarsus may be offered in a hospital setting as a diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic tool for bovine joint diseases

Comparaison de méthodes de quantification afin de proposer un système de surveillance de l’utilisation des agents antimicrobiens dans les fermes bovines laitières du Québec

La quantification de l’utilisation des antimicrobiens (UAM) est un élément clé des programmes de surveillance de la résistance aux antimicrobiens. Cette thèse a pour objectif général d’évaluer plusieurs méthodes de quantification de l’UAM dans les fermes laitières québécoises. Plus précisément, elle vise à définir un indicateur adapté au contexte canadien pour rapporter l’UAM chez les bovins, à déterminer le taux d’UAM annuel moyen dans les fermes laitières québécoises et à comparer différentes méthodes de quantification afin d’identifier une méthode potentielle de surveillance de l’UAM dans les fermes laitières québécoises. Une étude observationnelle de cohorte a été menée à partir du recrutement de 101 producteurs laitiers du Québec. Un inventaire des antimicrobiens utilisés a été réalisé pendant un an pour chaque ferme à partir de la collecte (1) des emballages de médicaments utilisés pour traiter les bovins et (2) des factures de meunerie détaillant les quantités d’aliments médicamenteux livrées. Le taux d’UAM a été estimé en nombre de doses définies par 100 vache-années. Les doses définies n’existaient pas pour les bovins au Canada et ont été développées : dose journalière (DDDbovCA) et dose pour un traitement complet (DCDbovCA). Étant donnée l’utilisation de formulations à action prolongée en production laitière (comme les intra-mammaires au tarissement), l’unité DCDbovCA a été privilégiée pour les analyses. Un taux moyen de 537 DCDbovCA/100 vache-années a été observé, soit 537 traitements antibiotiques administrés annuellement dans un troupeau standard de 100 vaches laitières. La voie d’administration intra-mammaire était la plus utilisée. Les antimicrobiens d’importance critique les plus prioritaires en médecine humaine représentaient 17,5% de l’utilisation totale. Une faible proportion de fermes utilisait des antimicrobiens médicalement importants dans l’alimentation des animaux. L’incidence des maladies n’expliquait que partiellement la variance de l’utilisation totale. D’autres facteurs restent à déterminer pour expliquer les pratiques d’UAM dans les fermes laitières québécoises. Les données issues de plusieurs méthodes de quantification ont été comparées aux données de l’étude observationnelle. Pour les médicaments vétérinaires d’une part, le taux d’UAM estimé à partir des factures vétérinaires décrivait de façon presque parfaite le taux d’UAM réel (coefficient de corrélation de concordance, CCC = 0,83) alors que les méthodes utilisant les données du programme gouvernemental « Amélioration de la santé animale au Québec » ou des registres de traitements complétés à la ferme performaient moins bien. Pour les aliments médicamenteux d’autre part, le taux d’UAM estimé à partir des prescriptions vétérinaires pour aliments médicamenteux ou à partir des informations obtenues lors d’une entrevue individuelle avec le producteur corrélait bien le taux d’UAM réel (CCC = 0,66 et 0,73 respectivement). Le projet a permis de quantifier l’UAM annuelle dans les fermes laitières québécoises (par catégorie d’antimicrobiens et voie d’administration) en utilisant un nouvel indicateur de mesure (DCDbovCA). De plus, ce projet démontre la validité des données issues des factures et prescriptions vétérinaires pour quantifier l’UAM dans les troupeaux laitiers québécois. Le logiciel de facturation utilisé par la majorité des médecins vétérinaires praticiens du Québec pourrait servir au développement d’un système provincial de surveillance et de benchmarking de l’UAM.Quantification of antimicrobial usage (AMU) is a key component of surveillance programs on antimicrobial resistance. The general objective of this thesis was to assess different quantification methods of the AMU in Québec dairy farms. More specifically, the project was designed to define a metric adapted to the Canadian context for AMU reports in cattle, to determine the mean annual AMU rate in Québec dairy herds, and to compare several quantification methods in order to identify a potential method suitable for AMU surveillance in Québec dairy farms. An observational cohort study was conducted from the recruitment of 101 Québec dairy producers. Antimicrobials used to treat dairy cattle were quantified over one year using a garbage can audit involving the collect of (1) veterinary drugs into a receptacle and (2) medicated feed delivered on the farm from feed mills invoices. The AMU rate was estimated in number of defined doses per 100 cow-years. Defined doses were not available in Canada for cattle and were assigned as part of the project: daily doses (DDDbovCA) and course doses (DCDbovCA). Due to usage of long-acting products in dairy cattle (such as intramammary formulations for dry cows), the DCDbovCA unit was preferred for analyses. Overall, an estimated mean of 537 DCDbovCA/100 cow-years was observed, meaning that an average of 537 antimicrobial treatments were administered annually in a standard 100-cow herd. The intramammary route during lactation was the most frequently observed. Highest priority critically important antimicrobials accounted for 17.5% of the total usage. A low proportion of farms used medically important antimicrobials in animal feed. Incidence of diseases explained only partially the variance in total AMU rate. Other factors have to be determined to explain the AMU in Québec dairy farms. Data from several quantification methods were compared to the observational study data. First, for veterinary drugs, the AMU rate estimated from veterinary sales described almost perfectly the actual AMU rate (concordance correlation coefficient, CCC = 0.83), whereas other methods using data from the governmental program “Amélioration de la santé animale au Québec” or from treatment records completed on the farm were not as reliable. Second, for medicated feed, the AMU rate estimated from veterinary prescriptions for medicated feed or from information obtained by individual interviews with producers were well correlated with the actual AMU rate (CCC = 0.66 and 0.73, respectively). Quantification of AMU was successfully performed by antimicrobial category and by route of administration in Québec dairy farms over one year using a newly defined unit of measure (DCDbovCA). This project demonstrates the validity of the data extracted from veterinary invoices and prescriptions to quantify the AMU in Québec dairy herds. The billing software used by most of Québec veterinary practitioners could be used to develop a monitoring and benchmarking system of the AMU at the provincial level

Clonal and plasmidic dissemination of critical antimicrobial resistance genes through clinically relevant ExPEC and APEC-like lineages (ST) in the dairy cattle population of Québec, Canada

Antimicrobial resistance can be effectively limited by improving the judicious use of antimicrobials in food production. However, its effect on the spread of AMR genes in animal populations is not well described. In the province of Québec, Canada, a new legislation implemented in 2019 has led to an unprecedented reduction in the use of critical antimicrobials in dairy production. We aimed to investigate the potential link between ESBL/AmpC E. coli isolated before and after legislation and to determine the presence of plasmids carrying genes responsible for critical AMR. We collected fecal samples from calves, cows, and manure pit from 87 Québec dairy farms approximately 2 years before and 2 years after the legislation came into effect. The whole genomes of 183 presumptive ESBL/AmpC E. coli isolated after cefotaxime enrichment were sequenced. Their phylogenetic characteristics (MLST, serogroup, cgMLST) and the presence of virulence and resistance genes and replicons were examined. A maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree was constructed based on single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs). We identified 10 clonal lineages (same cgMLST) and 7 clones (SNPs ≤ 52). Isolates belonging to these clones could be found on different farms before and after the legislation, strongly suggesting a clonal spread of AMR genes in the population during this 4-year period. All isolates were multidrug resistant (MDR), with clone 2 being notable for the presence of macrolide, fluoroquinolone, and third-generation cephalosporin resistance genes. We also identified clinically relevant ExPEC (ST10) and APEC-like lineages (ST117, ST58, ST88) associated with the presence of ExPEC and APEC virulence genes, respectively. Our data also suggests the presence of one epidemic plasmid belonging to the IncY incompatibility group and carrying qnrs1 and blaCTX–M–15. We demonstrated that AMR genes spread through farms and can persist over a 4-year period in the dairy cattle population through both plasmids and E. coli clones, despite the restriction of critical antimicrobial use. MDR ExPEC and APEC-like STs are present in the normal microbiota of cattle (more frequently in calves). These data increase our knowledge on gene dissemination dynamics and highlight the fact that biosecurity measures should be enhanced in this industry to limit such dissemination

Cheek teeth apical infection in cattle: Diagnosis, surgical extraction, and prognosis.

OBJECTIVE To report the clinical presentation, treatment, and outcome of cattle undergoing surgical extraction of apically infected cheek teeth (CT). STUDY DESIGN Short case series. ANIMALS Nine adult cattle. METHODS Medical records were searched for cattle having a diagnosis of apical infection of CT that were treated with surgical extraction between 2005 and 2017. Data retrieved included clinical examination, ancillary tests, surgical procedure, and outcomes. RESULTS The main presenting complaints were mandibular swelling and decreased appetite and milk production. In total, 7 mandibular and 3 maxillary CT were extracted, 7 molars and 3 premolars that were distributed more frequently on the left dental arcades (n = 7 CT). Two cattle had no visible external lesions. Radiograph images revealed that lucency surrounded all affected tooth roots. Mandibular teeth were removed by lateral buccotomy with removal of alveolar bone plate or retrograde repulsion, and maxillary teeth were removed by repulsion through a maxillary sinus flap. Most common bacterial isolates consisted of anaerobic bacteria (6/11 isolates) and Truperella pyogenes (3/11 isolates). The most common complications included inability to remove the tooth intact (n = 4 cattle) and surgical site infection (n = 5). All cattle remained in their herd after treatment. CONCLUSION Surgical extraction of CT was achieved in all 9 cattle. The postoperative morbidity was high but without long-term consequences on animal productivity. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Surgical extraction of CT is a successful treatment for apical infection in cattle

Supporting Information Homotrimerization Approach in the Design of Thrombospondin-1 Mimetic Peptides with Improved Potency in Triggering Regulated Cell Death of Cancer Cells

International audienceIn order to optimize the potency of the first serum-stable peptide agonist of CD47 (PKHB1) in triggering regulated cell death of cancer cells, we designed a maturation process aimed to mimic the trimeric structure of the thrombospondin-1/CD47 binding epitope. For that purpose, an N-methylation scan of the PKHB1 sequence was realized to prevent peptide aggregation. Structural and pharmacological analyses were conducted in order to assess the conformational impact of these chemical modifications on the backbone structure and the biological activity. This structure–activity relationship study led to the discovery of a highly soluble N-methylated peptide that we termed PKT16. Afterward, this monomer was used for the design of a homotrimeric peptide mimic that we termed [PKT16]3, which proved to be 10-fold more potent than its monomeric counterpart. A pharmacological evaluation of [PKT16]3 in inducing cell death of adherent (A549) and nonadherent (MEC-1) cancer cell lines was also performed

CD 47 agonist peptide PKHB 1 induces immunogenic cell death in T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells

International audienceT-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) has a poor prognosis derived from its genetic heterogeneity, which translates to a high chemoresistance. Recently, our workgroup designed thrombospondin-1-derived CD47 agonist peptides and demonstrated their ability to induce cell death in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Encouraged by these promising results, we evaluated cell death induced by PKHB1 (the first-described serum-stable CD47-agonist peptide) on CEM and MOLT-4 human cell lines (T-ALL) and on one T-murine tumor lymphoblast cell-line (L5178Y-R), also assessing caspase and calcium dependency and mitochondrial membrane potential. Additionally, we evaluated selectivity for cancer cell lines by analyzing cell death and viability of human and murine non-tumor cells after CD47 activation. In vivo, we determined that PKHB1-treatment in mice bearing the L5178Y-R cell line increased leukocyte cell count in peripheral blood and lymphoid organs while recruiting leukocytes to the tumor site. To analyze whether CD47 activation induced immunogenic cell death (ICD), we evaluated damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMP) exposure (calreticulin, CRT) and release (ATP, heat shock proteins 70 and 90, high-mobility group box 1, CRT). Furthermore, we gave prophylactic antitumor vaccination, determining immunological memory. Our data indicate that PKHB1 induces caspase-independent and calcium-dependent cell death in leukemic cells while sparing non-tumor murine and human cells. Moreover, our results show that PKHB1 can induce ICD in leukemic cells as it induces CRT exposure and DAMP release in vitro, and prophylactic vaccinations inhibit tumor establishment in vivo. Together, our results improve the knowledge of CD47 agonist peptides potential as therapeutic tools to treat leukemia

Table_2_Clonal and plasmidic dissemination of critical antimicrobial resistance genes through clinically relevant ExPEC and APEC-like lineages (ST) in the dairy cattle population of Québec, Canada.XLSX

Antimicrobial resistance can be effectively limited by improving the judicious use of antimicrobials in food production. However, its effect on the spread of AMR genes in animal populations is not well described. In the province of Québec, Canada, a new legislation implemented in 2019 has led to an unprecedented reduction in the use of critical antimicrobials in dairy production. We aimed to investigate the potential link between ESBL/AmpC E. coli isolated before and after legislation and to determine the presence of plasmids carrying genes responsible for critical AMR. We collected fecal samples from calves, cows, and manure pit from 87 Québec dairy farms approximately 2 years before and 2 years after the legislation came into effect. The whole genomes of 183 presumptive ESBL/AmpC E. coli isolated after cefotaxime enrichment were sequenced. Their phylogenetic characteristics (MLST, serogroup, cgMLST) and the presence of virulence and resistance genes and replicons were examined. A maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree was constructed based on single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs). We identified 10 clonal lineages (same cgMLST) and 7 clones (SNPs ≤ 52). Isolates belonging to these clones could be found on different farms before and after the legislation, strongly suggesting a clonal spread of AMR genes in the population during this 4-year period. All isolates were multidrug resistant (MDR), with clone 2 being notable for the presence of macrolide, fluoroquinolone, and third-generation cephalosporin resistance genes. We also identified clinically relevant ExPEC (ST10) and APEC-like lineages (ST117, ST58, ST88) associated with the presence of ExPEC and APEC virulence genes, respectively. Our data also suggests the presence of one epidemic plasmid belonging to the IncY incompatibility group and carrying qnrs1 and blaCTX–M–15. We demonstrated that AMR genes spread through farms and can persist over a 4-year period in the dairy cattle population through both plasmids and E. coli clones, despite the restriction of critical antimicrobial use. MDR ExPEC and APEC-like STs are present in the normal microbiota of cattle (more frequently in calves). These data increase our knowledge on gene dissemination dynamics and highlight the fact that biosecurity measures should be enhanced in this industry to limit such dissemination.</p

Table_1_Clonal and plasmidic dissemination of critical antimicrobial resistance genes through clinically relevant ExPEC and APEC-like lineages (ST) in the dairy cattle population of Québec, Canada.XLSX

Antimicrobial resistance can be effectively limited by improving the judicious use of antimicrobials in food production. However, its effect on the spread of AMR genes in animal populations is not well described. In the province of Québec, Canada, a new legislation implemented in 2019 has led to an unprecedented reduction in the use of critical antimicrobials in dairy production. We aimed to investigate the potential link between ESBL/AmpC E. coli isolated before and after legislation and to determine the presence of plasmids carrying genes responsible for critical AMR. We collected fecal samples from calves, cows, and manure pit from 87 Québec dairy farms approximately 2 years before and 2 years after the legislation came into effect. The whole genomes of 183 presumptive ESBL/AmpC E. coli isolated after cefotaxime enrichment were sequenced. Their phylogenetic characteristics (MLST, serogroup, cgMLST) and the presence of virulence and resistance genes and replicons were examined. A maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree was constructed based on single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs). We identified 10 clonal lineages (same cgMLST) and 7 clones (SNPs ≤ 52). Isolates belonging to these clones could be found on different farms before and after the legislation, strongly suggesting a clonal spread of AMR genes in the population during this 4-year period. All isolates were multidrug resistant (MDR), with clone 2 being notable for the presence of macrolide, fluoroquinolone, and third-generation cephalosporin resistance genes. We also identified clinically relevant ExPEC (ST10) and APEC-like lineages (ST117, ST58, ST88) associated with the presence of ExPEC and APEC virulence genes, respectively. Our data also suggests the presence of one epidemic plasmid belonging to the IncY incompatibility group and carrying qnrs1 and blaCTX–M–15. We demonstrated that AMR genes spread through farms and can persist over a 4-year period in the dairy cattle population through both plasmids and E. coli clones, despite the restriction of critical antimicrobial use. MDR ExPEC and APEC-like STs are present in the normal microbiota of cattle (more frequently in calves). These data increase our knowledge on gene dissemination dynamics and highlight the fact that biosecurity measures should be enhanced in this industry to limit such dissemination.</p

Targeting chronic lymphocytic leukemia with N-methylated thrombospondin-1-derived peptides overcomes drug resistance

International audienceChronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the most common adulthood leukemia in Western countries, is a very heterogeneous disease characterized by a peripheral accumulation of abnormal CD5+ B lymphocytes in the immune system. Despite new therapeutic developments, there remains an unmet medical need for CLL. Here, we demonstrate that the use of N-methylated thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1)-derived peptides is an efficient way to kill the malignant CLL cells, including those from high-risk individuals with poor clinical prognosis, del11q, del17p, 2p gain, or complex karyotype. PKT16, our hit N-methylated peptide, triggers the elimination of the leukemic cells, sparing the nontumor cells, including the hematopoietic precursors, and reduces the in vivo tumor burden of a CLL-xenograft mice model. A complementary analysis underscores the improved cytotoxic efficiency of PKT16 compared with the previously described TSP-1-derived probes, such as PKHB1. PKT16 elicits an original caspase-independent programmed necrotic mode of cell death, different from necroptosis or ferroptosis, implicating an intracellular Ca2+ deregulation that provokes mitochondrial damage, cell cycle arrest, and the specific death of the malignant CLL cells. The activation of the Gαi proteins and the subsequent drop of cyclic adenosine monophosphate levels and protein kinase A activity regulate this cytotoxic cascade. Remarkably, PKT16 induces the molecular hallmarks of immunogenic cell death, as defined by the calreticulin plasma membrane exposure and the release of adenosine triphosphate and high-mobility group box 1 protein from the dying CLL cells. Thus, PKT16 appears to be able to stimulate an anticancer in vivo immune response. Collectively, our results pave the way toward the development of an efficient strategy against CLL