Polymorphisms associated with the number of live-born piglets in sows infected with the PRRS virus in southern Sonora Mexico

The porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is a viral disease that decreases the reproductive performance in breeding sows and leads to economic losses to the swine industry. The objective of the present study was to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) associated to the number of live-born piglets in the first (LBP1) and second birth (LBP2) in breeding sows exposed to PRRS virus. The study included 100 pregnant females of the Landrace(¾)/ Yorkshire(¼) line, 75 of which were infected with the PRRS virus and 25 were free of PRRS. Individual blood samples (6-8 drops) were obtained and spotted onto FTA cards and subsequently processed for DNA extraction, which was genotyped using a 10,000 SNP chip for genomic profile. Resulting genotypes were analyzed using a multi-locus mixed model that detected three SNP associated to LBP1 and five SNP associated to LBP2 (P<0.001). These eight SNP were validated using an associative mixed effects model which included the terms genotype and age of dam as fixed effects, and sire as random effect. Allele substitution effects were estimated using the same model including the term genotype as covariate. The SNP rs81276080, rs81334603 and rs80947173 were associated to LBP1 (P<0.001), whereas the SNP rs81364943, rs80859829, rs80895640, rs80893794 and rs81245908 were associated to LBP2 (P<0.001). Only two SNP were in functional chromosomal regions and the remainder SNP were within an intergenic position. In conclusion, these results suggest the existence of gene variants associated with the reproductive performance of sows infected with the PRRS virus.The porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is a viral disease that decreases the reproductive performance in breeding sows and leads to economic losses to the swine industry. The objective of the present study was to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) associated to the number of live-born piglets in the first (LBP1) and second birth (LBP2) in breeding sows exposed to PRRS virus. The study included 100 pregnant females of the Landrace(¾)/ Yorkshire(¼) line, 75 of which were infected with the PRRS virus and 25 were free of PRRS. Individual blood samples (6-8 drops) were obtained and spotted onto FTA cards and subsequently processed for DNA extraction, which was genotyped using a 10,000 SNP chip for genomic profile. Resulting genotypes were analyzed using a multi-locus mixed model that detected three SNP associated to LBP1 and five SNP associated to LBP2 (P<0.001). These eight SNP were validated using an associative mixed effects model which included the terms genotype and age of dam as fixed effects, and sire as random effect. Allele substitution effects were estimated using the same model including the term genotype as covariate. The SNP rs81276080, rs81334603 and rs80947173 were associated to LBP1 (P<0.001), whereas the SNP rs81364943, rs80859829, rs80895640, rs80893794 and rs81245908 were associated to LBP2 (P<0.001). Only two SNP were in functional chromosomal regions and the remainder SNP were within an intergenic position. In conclusion, these results suggest the existence of gene variants associated with the reproductive performance of sows infected with the PRRS virus

Control of Foodborne Pathogenic Bacteria Using Natural Plant Antimicrobials

Foodborne pathogens are a threat to public health worldwide. Because many consumers prefer natural compounds to synthetic additives, research on safe plant-derived compounds with antimicrobial activity against foodborne pathogens is vital. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the antimicrobial activities of plant essential oils (oregano, cinnamon, lemongrass), their active components (carvacrol, trans-cinnamaldehyde, citral) and plant-extracts such as green tea, apple skin extract, black and decaffeinated black tea, grapes seed and pomace extracts against foodborne bacteria. Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium DT104, and serotype Newport, were selected conducting an antibiotic screening on 23 Salmonella isolates using seven antibiotics to determine antibiotic resistance. Listeria monocytogenes (strain 101M; beef and pork sausage isolate; resistant to antimicrobials in past investigations) was included to represent gram-positive bacteria. Escherichia coli O157:H7 virulent isolates (932- apple juice isolate; ATCC 35150- human isolate; F4637- sprouts isolate; used as a cocktail) were selected after conducting a Multiplex PCR over nine E. coli O157:H7 isolates to detect shiga-toxin 1 and 2 genes. All antimicrobials were evaluated in vitro in phosphate buffered saline. In general, all pathogens were more susceptible to essential oils and their active components, than powder extracts. The most active antimicrobials from each category were directly applied on foods. The activity of oregano oil (0.5%) and green tea (3%) was evaluated against S. Typhimurium on chicken and S. Newport on tomatoes and sprouts, and the results showed that oregano oil was more effective. In addition, baby spinach leaf samples inoculated with green fluorescent protein labeled S. Newport were examined under confocal scanning laser microscope before and after antimicrobial treatments. Antimicrobial experiments against L. monocytogenes on sprouts, ham and bologna, carvacrol at 0.5% and grape seed extract at 3% were used and carvacrol showed better activity. Antimicrobial activity against E. coli O157:H7 was tested on romaine lettuce, spinach and ground beef using oregano oil at 0.5% and green tea at 3%. Both compounds were effective showing no recovery of E. coli O157:H7 from lettuce and spinach; however, was not reduced in ground beef. Antimicrobial plant compounds have the potential for reducing foodborne pathogenic bacteria on/in various foods.Release after 19-Apr-201

Frecuencia de parásitos gastrointestinales en bovinos del sur de Sonora, México

Commonly gastroenteric parasites are a health problem in extensive livestock and could be a risk in the productive efficiency in cattle raised at the south of Sonora, Mexico. In order to determine the frequency of the different gastrointestinal parasitic genera in bovines of the southern region of Sonora, a study was divided in high-mountain (n= 218), low-mountain (n= 173), Valley1 (n= 222) and Valley2 (n= 50) regions. The feces were collected from adult cattle and calves (5 to 6 months of age) from January to March and December 2018; January to February 2019. The samples were analyzed by flotation and MacMaster techniques. The morphology was determined obtaining the L3 stage by coproculture. The Eimerias were identified prior to sporulation. The 83.03%, 56.0% and 17.56% were positive for gastrointestinal parasites in high-mountain, low-mountain and Valley1 respectively. Valley2 was negative for nematodes, but 43% were positive for Eimerias. The cattle in the study area showed a low 17.56% to high 83.03% frequency of gastroenteric parasites with the presence of one to eight genera of nematode and one to seven of EimeriaComúnmente los parásitos gastroentéricos son un problema sanitario en la ganadería extensiva y pueden ser un riesgo en la eficiencia productiva del ganado al sur de Sonora, México. Para determinar la frecuencia de los diferentes géneros parasitarios gastrointestinales en bovinos de la región sur de Sonora, se dividió un estudio en región Sierra alta (n= 218), Sierra baja (n=173), Valle1 (n= 222) y Valle2 (n= 50). Las heces fueron colectadas de bovinos adultos y becerros (5 a 6 meses de edad) de enero a marzo y diciembre de 2018; enero a febrero de 2019. Las muestras se analizaron mediante las técnicas flotación y MacMaster. La morfología fue determinada al obtener la etapa L3 mediante coprocultivo. Las Eimerias fueron identificadas previa esporulación. Un 83.03%, 56.0% y 17.56% fueron positivos a parásitos gastrointestinales en Sierra alta, Sierra baja y Valle1 respectivamente. El Valle2 fue negativo a nematodos, pero el 43% resulto positivos a Eimerias. Los bovinos en la zona de estudio mostraron una frecuencia de baja 17.56% a alta 83.03% a parásitos gastroentéricos con presencia de uno a ocho géneros de nematodos y de uno a siete de Eimeri

Gastroenteric parasites, population haemonchus contortus in goats in semiarid climate of Bacum, Sonora, Mexico

ABSTRACT The gastrointestinal parasites (PGE), and in special Haemonchus contortus (HC) have been adapted to different ecosystems and cause direct and indirect damage to the goat production. In order to determine the frequency of PGE and parasitic burdens of HC in abomasum in naturally infected goats and sacrificed in a local slaughter in Bacum during 2015 to 2017, 1,823 feces samples were collected of adult goats. 815 (42.4 %) samples were positive to Strongylidea; 69 (3.69 %) were positive to Moniezia expansa and 5 (0.21 %) were positive to Skjabinema caprae. In the same period, 770 abomasums were collected and 447 (58.05 %) were positive to the presence of adult Haemonchus contortus. The parasitic burden of HC was 50,296: 33,222 (66.05 %) female and 17,074 (33.94 %) male. The parasite effects and its biotic potential of HC have been reviewed which represent the value of adaptation to different environments that allows the infection of new guests. It is concluded that the presence of PGE and the population of Haemonchus contortus in abomasum represent an abiotic potential essential for adaptation and survival in different environments.RESUMEN Los parásitos gastroentericos (PGE), y en especial Haemonchus contortus (HC), se han logrado adaptar a diferentes ecosistemas y ocasionan daños directos e indirectos a la producción de caprinos. Con el objetivo de determinar la frecuencia de PGE y las cargas parasitarias en abomaso de HC en caprinos infectados en forma natural y sacrificados en un rastro local de Bacum. De 2015 al 2017 se recolectaron 1823 muestras de heces y 770 abomasos. Las heces de cabras adultas fueron positivas 815 (42.4%) a Strongylideos; 69 positivas (3.69%) a Moniezia expansa y 5 positivas (0.21%) a Skjabinema caprae. En la revisión de abomasos en tres años de estudio se encontró la presencia de Strongylideos spp y de Haemonchus contortus, se recolectaron 770 abomasos con 447 positivos (58.05%), la población total de HC fue 50,296: Hembras 33,222 (66.05%) y machos 17,074 (33.94%). Se revisa los efectos de los parásitos y el potencial biótico de HC que representa el valor en situación ideal de adaptación a diferentes ambientes que permite la infección de nuevos huéspedes. Se concluye que la presencia de PGE y población de Haemonchus contortus en abomaso representa un potencial biótico esencial de adaptación y sobrevivencia en diferentes ambientes

Estudios anatómico patológicos, serológicos e histopatológicos de perros positivos a Coccidioidomicosis infectados naturalmente

Coccidioidomycosis, classified as such as a saprozoonosis disease, which is produced by Coccidioides spp. So far this ailment just had been categorized in two strains C. immitis and C. posadassi. The disease had frequently been associated to dried environments and alkaline soils, where, after rain, fungus spread arthroconidea. The aim of this research was to study the pathological aspects found at necropsy, the serological presence and the spherules existence of the Coccidioides spp. microscopically in naturally infected dogs. From 90 tested animals, serology showed 78.88% positives using Particles agglutination Latex (PAL), and just 21.12% animals were serum-negatives. At necropsy, there were just 25% animals with suggested lesions to the disease in one or more organs, while 75% animals did not show affected organs. Cachexia, cough and limp were significant sources of variation (P 0.05). PAL was poorly correlated with affected organs at necropsy and with spherule presence at histopathology (Kappa= 0.1047, p 0.05). PAL está pobremente correlacionada con la aparición de lesiones en órganos durante la necropsia y a la presencia de esférula en la histopatología (Kappa= 0.1079, p>0.05). De los 22 animales afectados, el 100% presentó lesiones pulmonares y el 77.27 % en hueso. La histopatología reveló el 25% (22 casos) presentaron la esférula de Coccidioides spp., y el 75% (66 casos) sin lesión. La correlación entre las lesiones sugestivas a Coccidioidomicosis y la presencia de esférulas de Coccidioides spp. es alta (Kappa= 1, p>0.001). Es recomendable realizar estudios de concordancia de estos animales positivos a serología con el uso de una técnica más sensible como la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR)

Tecnologias moleculares ômicas aplicadas ao estudo do estresse calórico em bovinos.

The ability to tolerate extreme heat has been proposed as an important selection criterion to promote the breeding of thermo-tolerant animals, especially in climates characterized by environmental heat stress during most of the year. Novel genomic technologies are available to study genetic bases supporting the thermo-tolerance in cattle, among which are: Genome-wide association studies, validation of markers and candidate genes, RNA sequencing and transcriptome analysis. These technologies currently allow faster progress in the identification of thermotolerant cattle, which is highly relevant from the perspective of the current problems as global warming and food security. So, the objective of this review is to analyze the current status of the use of omics technologies in animal production studies under heat stress.La habilidad para tolerar el calor extremo ha sido propuesta como un importante criterio de selección para promover la cría de animales termo-tolerantes, sobre todo en climas caracterizados por estrés térmico ambiental gran parte del año. Novedosas tecnologías genómicas están disponibles para estudiar las bases genéticas que sustentan la termo-tolerancia del ganado, entre las que se encuentran: estudios asociativos del genoma completo, validación de marcadores y genes candidatos, la secuenciación de ARN y análisis de transcriptomas. Estas tecnologías actualmente permiten avanzar más rápido en la identificación de ganado termotolerante, lo cual tiene gran relevancia desde la perspectiva del problema del calentamiento global y la seguridad alimentaria. El objetivo de esta revisión es analizar el estado actual del uso de las tecnologías ómicas en estudios de producción animal bajo estrés por calor.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;A capacidade de tolerar calor extremo tem sido proposta como um importante critério de seleção para promover a reprodução de animais termotolerantes, principalmente em climas caracterizados por estresse térmico ambiental durante grande parte do ano. Novas tecnologias genômicas estão disponíveis para estudar as bases genéticas que suportam a termotolerância do gado, entre as quais: estudos associativos de todo o genoma, validação de marcadores e genes candidatos, sequenciamento de RNA e análise do transcriptoma. Atualmente, essas tecnologias permitem avanços mais rápidos na identificação de bovinos termotolerantes, o que é altamente relevante do ponto de vista do problema do aquecimento global e da segurança alimentar. O objetivo desta revisão é analisar o estado atual do uso de tecnologias ômicas em estudos de produção animal sob estresse térmico

Blood Transcriptomic Analyses Reveal Functional Pathways Associated with Thermotolerance in Pregnant Ewes Exposed to Environmental Heat Stress

Environmental heat stress triggers a series of compensatory mechanisms in sheep that are dependent on their genetic regulation of thermotolerance. Our objective was to identify genes and regulatory pathways associated with thermotolerance in ewes exposed to heat stress. We performed next-generation RNA sequencing on blood collected from 16 pregnant ewes, which were grouped as tolerant and non-tolerant to heat stress according to a physiological indicator. Additional samples were collected to measure complete blood count. A total of 358 differentially expressed genes were identified after applying selection criteria. Gene expression analysis detected 46 GO terms and 52 KEGG functional pathways. The top-three signaling pathways were p53, RIG-I-like receptor and FoxO, which suggested gene participation in biological processes such as apoptosis, cell signaling and immune response to external stressors. Network analysis revealed ATM, ISG15, IRF7, MDM4, DHX58 and TGFβR1 as over-expressed genes with high regulatory potential. A co-expression network involving the immune-related genes ISG15, IRF7 and DXH58 was detected in lymphocytes and monocytes, which was consistent with hematological findings. In conclusion, transcriptomic analysis revealed a non-viral immune mechanism involving apoptosis, which is induced by external stressors and appears to play an important role in the molecular regulation of heat stress tolerance in ewes

HLA Class I and II Blocks Are Associated to Susceptibility, Clinical Subtypes and Autoantibodies in Mexican Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) Patients

<div><p>Introduction</p><p>Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) polymorphism studies in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) have yielded variable results. These studies need to consider the genetic admixture of the studied population. Here we used our previously reported definition of genetic admixture of Mexicans using HLA class I and II DNA blocks to map genetic susceptibility to develop SSc and its complications.</p><p>Methods</p><p>We included 159 patients from a cohort of Mexican Mestizo SSc patients. We performed clinical evaluation, obtained SSc-associated antibodies, and determined HLA class I and class II alleles using sequence-based, high-resolution techniques to evaluate the contribution of these genes to SSc susceptibility, their correlation with the clinical and autoantibody profile and the prevalence of Amerindian, Caucasian and African alleles, blocks and haplotypes in this population.</p><p>Results</p><p>Our study revealed that class I block HLA-C*12:03-B*18:01 was important to map susceptibility to diffuse cutaneous (dc) SSc, HLA-C*07:01-B*08:01 block to map the susceptibility role of HLA-B*08:01 to develop SSc, and the C*07:02-B*39:05 and C*07:02-B*39:06 blocks to map the protective role of C*07:02 in SSc. We also confirmed previous associations of HLA-DRB1*11:04 and –DRB1*01 to susceptibility to develop SSc. Importantly, we mapped the protective role of DQB1*03:01 using three Amerindian blocks. We also found a significant association for the presence of anti-Topoisomerase I antibody with HLA-DQB1*04:02, present in an Amerindian block (DRB1*08:02-DQB1*04:02), and we found several alleles associated to internal organ damage. The admixture estimations revealed a lower proportion of the Amerindian genetic component among SSc patients.</p><p>Conclusion</p><p>This is the first report of the diversity of HLA class I and II alleles and haplotypes Mexican patients with SSc. Our findings suggest that HLA class I and class II genes contribute to the protection and susceptibility to develop SSc and its different clinical presentations as well as different autoantibody profiles in Mexicans.</p></div

Demographic data and organ damage according to the modified Medsger’s Severity Scale.

<p>dcSSc: diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis, lcSSc: limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis, ILD: interstitial lung disease; PAH: pulmonary arterial hypertension.</p><p>Demographic data and organ damage according to the modified Medsger’s Severity Scale.</p