Differential translocation of Salmonella serovars to mesenteric lymph nodes of pigs

In observational studies of growing pigs in North Carolina, we cultured paired samples of mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) and cecal contents for Salmonella using standard methods for selective enrichment and plating. Apparent Salmonella prevalence was higher among cecal (39.2%) than MLN (20.5%) samples from the same animals. Salmonella Typhimurium var. Copenhagen (STC) and S. Derby comprised 84% of all isolates at slaughter. For these two serovars we found an association between serovar and sample type. The odds of isolating STC from MLN rather than cecum were 5.7 (95%CI 3.0 to 10.7) times higher than the odds for S. Derby. The odds for isolating STC from MLN versus cecum were 58 times higher for groups where STC had been isolated from the pigs on farm than for groups where it was had not been detected on farm. These findings suggest biological differences among common group B Salmonella serovars in the pig

Campylobacter spp. and Yersinia enterocolitica in Growing Pigs in Iowa and North Carolina: A Pilot Study

The prevalence of Campylobacter spp. and Yersinia enterocolitica was determined in cohorts of growing pigs on eight swine farms in Iowa and North Carolina. Approximately 60 pigs from each site were periodically sampled from the nursery to slaughter. Both all in/all out and continuous flow production systems were monitored. Overall, when results from the two states are combined, Campylobacter coli was found in the nursery (90%), grower (92.8%) and finisher (90.9%) stages. At slaughter, C. coli was detected overall on 17.1% of carcasses. For Iowa, 83% of ileocaecal lymph nodes yielded Campylobacter. In contrast, Y. enterocolitica was not found in either rectal or tonsilar swabs or in carcass swabs collected from Iowa hogs. Y. enterocolitica was detected in 8.8% (5 of 57) of North Carolina hogs sampled on one occasion; no isolations were made from carcass swabs at slaughter

The Prevalence of Food-borne Pathogenic Organisms in Swine and Pork: A Pilot Survey and Demonstration Project from Production Farm to Dressed Carcasses

This project was unable to demonstrate a protective effect of All in-All out (AIAO) over continuous flow production systems for swine from organisms of food safety interest at the abattoir. It provided valuable information about the ecology of Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp. and Yersinia enterocolitica on farms and the abattoir. Implanted electronic microchips have been demonstrated as feasible for carcass identification from farm to abattoir cooler. Doubts about predictive values of commonly used detection procedures for on-farm prevalence of these organisms are raised. A new paradigm to explain the nexus of on-farm activities on the microbiologic status of pigs presented to the abattoir is advanced. These studies may substantially refocus farm to abattoir HACCP plans for microbial contamination.

Salmonella in commercial swine from weaning through slaughter

Sixty swine on each of four farms in Iowa and on four farms in North Carolina were monitored for Salmonella, from weaning through kill. 1\vo farms in each state used ali-in-allout (AIAO) management, while two were continuous flow. All pigs were individually identified, in North Carolina with ear tags and in Iowa with implanted microchips. Feces for culture and serum for Danish mixELISA were collected at weaning and approximately every eight weeks, with the fourth collection coming within 48 hours of slaughter. At slaughter, carcasses were swabbed using the FSIS method. Ileocecal lymph nodes, cecum, and/or colon were collected

Effects of some methodologic factors on detection of Salmonella in swine feces

Bacteriologic culture of feces for Salmonella continues to be a central component of epidemiologic studies. We conducted a series of experiments on fecal samples collected from commercial swine farms to evaluate the effects of several methodologic factors on detection of Salmonella. Factors examined included fecal sample storage (no storage, 4C, -15C) and fecal sample weight. In addition we compared the standard method (Method I) used in our laboratory [JOg feces/buffered peptone water pre-enrichment/selective enrichment in Rappaport Vassiliadis (RV) broth] with another method (Method 2) used by ourselves and others in the USA (=I g sample/primary enrichments in tetrathionate and Hajna GN broths/secondary enrichment in RV broth). Inunediate processing of samples yielded the best recovery of Salmonella, although storage at 4C for 6 days did not significantly reduce detection. Freezing of fecal samples resulted in significant reduction of detection. The weight of feces sampled had a marked linear effect on the detection of Salmonella using method I. Direct comparison of Method I and Method 2 indicated comparable results, with Method I tending to yield higher detection of Salmonella. However, when conducted on samples of equal weight, Method 2 had significantly better detection than Method I. The choice of methods can markedly affect the results of fecal sample culture. The preferred methodology for epidemiologic studies will be determined by many factors including logistics and cost. Our data highlight the imperfect sensitivity of culture methods, and the need for researchers to consider the sensitivity of their bacteriologic methods in the design and interpretation of field studies based on fecal culture

Strategies to decrease inequalities in cancer therapeutics, care and prevention: Proceedings on a conference organized by the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and the European Academy of Cancer Sciences, Vatican City, February 23–24, 2023

Analyses of inequalities related to prevention and cancer therapeutics/care show disparities between countries with different economic standing, and within countries with high Gross Domestic Product. The development of basic technological and biological research provides clinical and prevention opportunities that make their implementation into healthcare systems more complex, mainly due to the growth of Personalized/Precision Cancer Medicine (PCM). Initiatives like the USA-Cancer Moonshot and the EU-Mission on Cancer and Europe's Beating Cancer Plan are initiated to boost cancer prevention and therapeutics/care innovation and to mitigate present inequalities. The conference organized by the Pontifical Academy of Sciences in collaboration with the European Academy of Cancer Sciences discussed the inequality problem, dependent on the economic status of a country, the increasing demands for infrastructure supportive of innovative research and its implementation in healthcare and prevention programs. Establishing translational research defined as a coherent cancer research continuum is still a challenge. Research has to cover the entire continuum from basic to outcomes research for clinical and prevention modalities. Comprehensive Cancer Centres (CCCs) are of critical importance for integrating research innovations to preclinical and clinical research, as for ensuring state-of-the-art patient care within healthcare systems. International collaborative networks between CCCs are necessary to reach the critical mass of infrastructures and patients for PCM research, and for introducing prevention modalities and new treatments effectively. Outcomes and health economics research are required to assess the cost-effectiveness of new interventions, currently a missing element in the research portfolio. Data sharing and critical mass are essential for innovative research to develop PCM. Despite advances in cancer research, cancer incidence and prevalence is growing. Making cancer research infrastructures accessible for all patients, considering the increasing inequalities, requires science policy actions incentivizing research aimed at prevention and cancer therapeutics/care with an increased focus on patients' needs and cost-effective healthcare

Reflection of Laudato Si\u27: Pope Francis\u27 Encyclical on the Environment

In 2009, Cardinal Turkson was nominated President of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, which was created to “promote justice and peace in the world, in the light of the Gospel and of the social teaching of the Church.” He served as de facto point person for Pope Francis’ environmental encyclical Laudato Si’, which Cardinal Turkson helped write. Cardinal Turkson presented his reflections on “Laudato Si\u27 to the Seton Hall community on February 15, 2016. This video includes Archbishop John Joseph Myers\u27 introduction, Cardinal Turskson\u27s full address and the Q&A session that followed

How are We to Live in Our Common Home? Reflections on Laudato Si, Pope Francis' Encyclical on Ecology

The purpose of Encyclical Letter Laudato Si, as the document is entitled, is to elevate the debate on the moral dimensions of protecting the environment and to highlight the intrinsic connection between respect for the environment and respect for people. The encyclical calls for renewed and urgent action and honest dialogue about our environment, both social and ecological. Cardinal Turkson’s visit will deepen the university conversation about sustainability, morality, politics and society, by raising awareness and understanding of this important statement of Catholic environmental teaching that has become a topic of conversations worldwide.Ohio State UniversityMershon Center for International Security StudiesCollege of Food, Agricultural and Environmental SciencesSchool of Environment and Natural ResourcesConversations on Morality, Politics, and Society (COMPAS)Office of Energy and EnvironmentHumanities InstituteSt. Thomas More Newman CenterGlenn College of Public AffairsEvent web page, Event photo

Towards the restored Europe - The mission of the Church in Europe - The vision of Europe from Pope John Paul II to Pope Francis

"For you, when the new humanism is a perspective, a project, a commitment, it will then become a vocation. To this "high standard" you are called at the beginning of the new millennium". (Saint John Paul II