Short communication: Broadening the diagnosis panel of reproductive pathogens associated with abortion in ruminants

Diagnosis of abortion in cattle, sheep and goat have been mainly focused on abortive pathogens with a recognized impact in outbreaks, but the aetiologic diagnosis rates have been historically low worldwide. Thus, we analysed the presence of pathogens in abortion outbreaks, focusing on the less-common pathogens in cattle farms with control programmes for reproductive pathogens, and in ovine and caprine farms. Thirty-one cases from Galician farms submitted to our laboratory during 2013-2015 were analysed (16 bovine, 7 ovine and 8 caprine farms) by polymerase chain reaction and culture from foetal tissues (n = 52 foetuses). Diagnosis was reached in 21/31 farms: 9/16 in bovine, 6/7 in ovine and 6/8 in caprine. Campylobacter spp. were found in all three species (3/9 diagnosed cases in bovine, 2/6 in ovine and 4/6 in caprine). Furthermore, Ureaplasma diversum was detected in cattle (4/9 of diagnosed cases), Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus – 2 was detected in sheep (2/6) and Neospora caninum in goats (1/6). Our results prove the occurrence of abortion in response to pathogens that are traditionally considered less relevant and rarely included in the diagnosis of ruminant abortion. Therefore, differential diagnosis of abortion should consider these pathogens (at least when other causes have been ruled out), to effectively control abortion in farms

Oral candidiasis in patients with renal transplants

Objectives: Oral candidiasis (OC) is a frequent oral lesion in renal transplant patients (RTPs). Despite the in - creased prevalence of OC in RTPs, no study has examined related risk factors. The aims of this study were to analyze the prevalence of and risk factors for OC in RTPs compared with age- and gender-matched healthy control group (HC) as well as determine the incidence of OC after transplantation. Study D esing: We analyzed the prevalence and risk factors of OC in a group of 500 RTPs (307 men, 193 women, mean age 53.63 years) and 501 HC subjects (314 men, 187 women, mean age 52.25 years). Demographic and pharmacological data were recorded for all subjects. Incident cases of OC were ascertained retrospectively from outpatient clinical records only in the RTP group. Results: The prevalence of OC was 7.4% in RTPs compared with 4.19% in HC (P<0.03). The most frequent type of OC in the two groups was denture stomatitis. Statistical association was found between OC and age, mycophe - nolate mofetil dose and blood levels, dentures and tobacco. The multiple logistic regression model only chose for denture variable. According to the outpatient clinical records, 24 RTPs suffered OC during the first moth post- transplant. Severe lesions affecting the oral cavity and pharynx appeared in 79% of the OC cases. Conclusions: This study shows a lower prevalence of OC in RTPs than previous reports. Denture stomatitis was the most frequent OC prevalence form described in RTPs. Severe candidiasis is more frequent in the immediate posttransplant period. The presence of denture is an important risk factor of OC. These results emphasise the importance of adequate pre- and post-transplant oral health and denture cleaning and adjustment is recommended for these subjects to prevent this infection

Efficacy of two commercial ready-to-use PCV2 and mycoplasma hyopneumoniae vaccines under field conditions

Porcine Circovirus Type 2 (PCV2) and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae are economically important pathogens in swine farms. Vaccination is the main preventive measure for both infections. In order to test two ready-to-use bivalent vaccines, 646 piglets from a herd actively infected with both pathogens were stratified according to the sow parity number and randomly assigned to three groups: A and B were vaccinated with two different vaccines, respectively, while C remained as the unvaccinated control. Vaccine efficacy was assessed based on the weight, average daily weight gai (ADWG), degree of lung lesions, presence of PCV2 viremia by qPCR and presence of PCV2 and M. hyopneumoniae antibody levels by ELISA. Our data revealed that the sow parity did not influence the vaccine outcomes. Good results for most of the analyzed parameters were observed in both vaccinated groups. ADGW and final weight were higher and lung lesions were less evident in both vaccinated groups than in the control one, but only Group A showed a significant improvement. PCV2 viremia was not detected in Group A, but it did appear in Group B coinciding with its peak in Group C. Finally, both the PCV2 and M. hyopneumoniae serological patterns differed depending on the employed vaccineS

Risk factors associated with xerostomia in haemodialysis patients

To determine the prevalence of xerostomia and hyposalivation in Haemodialysis (HD) patients, to clarify risk factors, assess patient´s quality of life, and to establish a possible correlation among interdialytic weight gain (IDWG) and xerostomia. This study was performed on a group of 50 HD patients. Data were collected using a questionnaire containing demographic and clinical variables, a visual analogue scale (VAS) for xerostomia, IDWG, and an oral health impact profile questionnaire (OHIP-14). Unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) and stimulated whole saliva (SWS) were collected. A total of 28 HD patients (56%) suffered xerostomia. Dry mouth was associated with hypertension (OR, 5.24; 95% CI, 1.11-24.89) and benzodiazepine consumption (OR, 5.96; 95% CI, 1.05-33.99). The mean xerostomia VAS and OHIP-14 scores were 31.74±14.88 and 24.38±11.98, respectively. No significant correlation was observed between IDWG% and VAS and OHIP total score. Nonetheless, a positive correlation between VAS level of thirst and IDWG% was found (r=0.48 p=0.0001). UWS and SWS means (determined in 30 patients) were 0.16±0.17 and 1.12±0.64, respectively. Decreased values of UWS and SWS were reported in 53.33% and 36.66% of HD patients. Xerostomia in HD has a multifactorial aetiology due to accumulative risks as advanced age, systemic disorders, drugs, fluid intake restriction, and salivary parenchymal fibrosis and atrophy. Therefore, it is important to detect possible xerostomia risk factors to treat correctly dry mouth in HD patients and avoid systemic complications

Environmental distribution of Porcine Circovirus Type 2 (PCV2) in swine herds with natural infection

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is the aetiological agent of PCV2-Systemic Disease (PCV2-SD) and PCV2-Subclinical Infection (PCV2-SI). PCV2 is highly resistant to environmental conditions, being able to remain in the farm environment and thus represent a risk for infection maintenance. The aim of this study was to identify, under field conditions, the possible critical points in the environment of non-vaccinated farrow-to-weaning swine farms where PCV2 could accumulate and persist. For that, environmental samples from five swine farms with PCV2-SD or PCV2-SI were taken and analysed by qPCR, including different farm areas, farm personnel and management implements. PCV2 DNA was detected in the environment of all farms (42.9% of positive samples). Overall, the PCV2-SD herd seemed to present more positive samples and higher viral loads than the PCV2-SI herds. At individual farm level, weaning areas appeared to be the most contaminated facilities. In addition, PCV2 was found at high levels in most samples from farm workers, especially work boots, suggesting that they may play a role in within-farm transmission. In addition, PCV2 was detected in areas without animals the like warehouses, offices and farm perimeter. Therefore, this study is helpful to improve measures to reduce within-farm PCV2 dissemination.This work has been funded by the European PCV2-Award 2016 sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, GermanyS

The relationship between the levels of salivary cortisol and the presence of xerostomia in menopausal women : a preliminary study

Xerostomia is a particularly frequent occurrence among menopausal women, and is often associated with depression. Objectives: To evaluate the relationship between unstimulated salivary flow rate and the presence of xerostomia, and to determine the levels of salivary cortisol and its relationship with xerostomia. Study design: Thirty women were selected from patients attending the Department of Medicine and Buccofacial surgery, and formed into two groups, study and control. Samples of unstimulated salivary flow were collected, and the amounts of salivary cortisol determined using the ELISA technique (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Results: The mean unstimulated salivary flow rates for the control and study group were 0.37 ± 0.28 ml/min and 0.24 ± 0.18 ml/min, respectively. The concentration of salivary cortisol was 3.47 ± 1.64 ng/ml for the control group and 2.29 ± 2.60 ng/ml for the study group. The statistical tests applied showed no significant differences for either variable between the two groups in the study. Conclusions: The results of the present study indicate that there is no relationship between variations in the rates of unstimulated salivary flow and the corresponding concentration of cortisol

Prevalence and distribution of Babesia and Theileria species in roe deer from Spain

Babesiosis and Theileriosis are important worldwide-distributed tick-borne diseases for human and animals. Their presence in a particular area depends on the presence of suitable tick-vector and host species as well as competent reservoirs such as roe deer, one of the most abundant wild cervids in Spain. Spleen samples from 174 roe deer hunted in Spain were analysed to determine the prevalence of Babesia and Theileria species. DNA of both piroplasms was firstly detected using a commercial qPCR. Then, positive samples were molecularly characterized at the 18S rRNA and ITS1 genes of Babesia spp. and Theileria spp. The possible influence of some factors such as ecological area, age and sex was also assessed. Overall, 89.7% of roe deer were positive to any of the two piroplasms. Theileria spp. was more prevalent (60.9%) than Babesia spp. (19.0%); species identification could not be achieved in 17.3% of positive samples. Babesia prevalence was significantly higher in young animals and in roe deer from Oceanic regions, in contrast to Theileria spp. Five species were identified: Theileria sp. OT3 (60.3%), Babesia capreoli (15.5%), Babesia venatorum (2.9%), Theileria sp. 3185/02 (0.6%) and Babesia bigemina (0.6%). The coinfection B. capreoli/T. sp. OT3 was the most common (4.6%) followed by B. venatorum/T. sp. OT3 (0.6%) and B. bigemina/T. sp. OT3 (0.6%). Our results reveal that Theileria spp. and Babesia spp. are prevalent piroplasms in roe deer from Spain. These cervids can act as reservoirs for several Babesia and Theileria species, including the zoonotic B. venatorum. This study represents the first description of B. venatorum and B. bigemina in roe deer from Spain.This research was supported by a project grant (2016-CL018) awarded by the Spanish Roe Deer Association [Asociación del Corzo Español (ACE)], the Programme for Consolidating and Structuring Competitive Research Groups (GRC2015/003; Xunta de Galicia, Spain) and the Research Project “RUMIGAL: Rede de estudo multidisciplinar dos ruminantes en Galicia” (R2014/005, Xunta de Galicia, Spain)S

Evaluación del componente suelo y agua en zonas vulnerables del departamento de San Rafael

Las experiencias realizadas se dan en el marco de un proyecto de investigación tendiente a analizar los riesgos ambientales de origen natural y tecnológico que afectan al Departamento de San Rafael (Mendoza). Se pretende aportar informes y mapas de riesgo que permitan mitigar los efectos de los desastres naturales y tecnológicos, contribuyendo a la planificación del uso del suelo. Una primera etapa comprende la investigación de las posibles fuentes de contaminación en los componentes Suelo y Agua, (se analizará también el componente Aire) evaluando los distintos factores que los afectan. Para ello se ha comenzado por analizar las características de dichos componentes en distintos puntos vulnerables del departamento de San Rafael. Alumnos y docentes de la Institución tomaron muestras de suelo y agua en dichos puntos y realizaron una serie de análisis físico-químicos y microbiológicos con el fin de determinar su calidad actual.Fil: Di Santo, Rogelio. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Aplicadas a la Industria.Fil: Martínez, Silvana. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Aplicadas a la Industria.Fil: Lucero, Laura. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Aplicadas a la Industria.Fil: Lorenzo, Fabio. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Aplicadas a la Industria.Fil: Guillén, Alejandra. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Aplicadas a la Industria.Fil: Carbajal, Irene. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Aplicadas a la Industria.Fil: Lovaglio, Alejandra. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Aplicadas a la Industria.Fil: Olazar, Sol. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Aplicadas a la Industria.Fil: López, Gonzalo. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Aplicadas a la Industria

Una rúbrica para la evaluación por competencias en Educación Especial

El trabajo que se presenta está enmarcado en la RED Investigación e innovación en evaluación por competencias en formación Educación Especial. Uno de los retos que debe de asumir la escuela del siglo XXI es la inclusión educativa de todo su alumnado. Es necesario desde la formación inicial del profesorado establecer competencias que hagan posible la asunción e implementación de dicho reto. Tomando como punto de partida el trabajo colaborativo y coordinado que supone llevar a cabo procesos de innovación en docencia universitaria, se ha planteado en esta investigación realizar un análisis sobre las distintas materias de los Grados de Maestro de Educación Infantil y Primaria en relación a las competencias en materia de Educación Especial que de éstas subyacen. Para ello, partiendo de una tabla de especificación de competencias se ha construido una rúbrica de indicadores para la evaluación de éstas. Los primeros resultados obtenidos muestran la necesidad de incorporar propuestas de innovación desde la perspectiva de la evaluación auténtica y competencial en materia de Educación Especial en la formación de los estudiantes de los Grados de Infantil, Primaria y Pedagogía Terapéutica

Cardiorespiratory nematodes and co-infections with gastrointestinal parasites in new arrivals at dog and cat shelters in north-western Spain

Metastrongyloid and trichuroid cardiorespiratory nematodes of dogs and cats are considered emergent in several European countries, and an increase in the number and extent of endemic foci has been described. Since data on their prevalence are limited in this continent, faecal samples from new arrivals (365 dogs and 65 cats) at two animal shelters in North-western Spain were analysed using both floatation and Baermann techniques. In order to confirm the microscopic identification of Metastrongylidae first stage larvae, molecular characterization based on the sequence of the ITS-2 was performed. The possible influence of some variables such as the species, sex and age of the animals and the co-infection with other gastrointestinal parasites on the prevalence of cardiorespiratory nematodes was analysed. The most prevalent metastrongylid was Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (15.4%) followed by Angiostrongylus vasorum (4.1%) and Crenosoma vulpis (1.1%). Regarding trichuroids, Eucoleus aerophilus and/or Eucoleus boehmi eggs were detected in 28 dogs (7.7%) and four cats (6.2%). Almost all animals positive to cardiorespiratory nematodes (86.8%) were co-infected with gastrointestinal parasites. The prevalence of Metastrongylidae and respiratory trichuroids was significantly higher in dogs co-infected with Taenia spp. and Toxocara canis or Giardia duodenalis and Sarcocystis spp., respectively. In cats, a significant higher prevalence of Metastrongylidae nematodes was found in animals co-infected with Toxocara cati. Our results reveal that cardiorespiratory nematodes are common in companion animals from north-western Spain, showing higher prevalences than those previously reported from this country. This investigation represents the first report of C. vulpis, E. aerophilus and E. boehmi in dogs from Spain. The identification of a number of zoonotic parasites is of public health concern. Our results indicate that these nematodes should be included in the differential diagnosis of dogs and cats from north-western Spain showing respiratory or cardiac clinical signsThis research was funded by the Program for consolidating and structuring competitive research groups (ED431C 2019/04, Xunta de Galicia, Spain)S