Endemic Circulation of European Bat Lyssavirus Type 1 in Serotine Bats, Spain

To determine the presence of European bat lyssavirus type 1 in southern Spain, we studied 19 colonies of serotine bats (Eptesicus isabellinus), its main reservoir, during 1998–2003. Viral genome and antibodies were detected in healthy bats, which suggests subclinical infection. The different temporal patterns of circulation found in each colony indicate independent endemic circulation

Reflexiones sobre la brucelosis de la oveja

Postprint (published version

Transformando enseñanzas presenciales en semipresenciales: un ejemplo, la especialidad de Formación y Orientación Laboral en el Máster en Formación del Profesorado. Protocolo de actuación, evaluación y nuevos diseños para la docencia universitaria

Fac. de Ciencias Políticas y SociologíaFALSEsubmitte

Detection of monokines in paraffin-embedded tissues of pigs using polyclonal antibodies

Monokines are glycoproteins, synthesised by macrophages, which exert various effects on the organism. The most important monokines are interleukin (IL)-1$\alpha$, IL-1$\beta$, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-$\alpha$ and IL-6. This paper reports on immunohistochemical techniques developed for the detection of IL-$\alpha$, IL-1$\beta$, IL-6 and TNF-$\alpha$ in fixed and paraffin-embedded pig tissues (spleen, lymph nodes, thymus, liver and kidney). Different fixatives (buffered formalin, acetic formalin, paraformadehyde-lysine-periodate and Bouin solution), and antigen unmasking techniques (permeabilisation with Tween 20, pronase enzymatic digestion and microwave-citrate buffer) were used. We describe different protocols for detection of monokines using polyclonal antibodies against the studied monokines. No signal was obtained with monoclonal antibodies against pig-TNF-$\alpha$ and human IL-1$\alpha$. Bouin solution was shown to be the best fixative for immunohistochemical detection of IL-1$\alpha$, TNF-$\alpha$, and IL-6, using permeabilisation with Tween 20 as an unmasking antigen method. Acetic formalin was shown to be the best fixative for IL-1$\beta$ detection, not needing antigen retrieval techniques. Macrophages were identified as the main cytokine-producing cells, although other types of cells also stained positively to some cytokines. These techniques represent valuable tools for studies of the pathogenesis of viral and bacterial diseases, and of the immune system of the pigs.Détection de monokines dans des tissus de porc fixés dans la paraffine en utilisant des anticorps polyclonaux. Les monokines sont des glycoprotéines synthétisées par les macrophages, qui exercent différents effets sur l'organisme. Les monokines les plus importantes sont l'interleukine (IL)-1$\alpha$, l'IL-1$\beta$, le facteur de nécrose tumorale (TNF)-$\alpha$ et l'IL-6. Ce travail rapporte des techniques immunohistochimiques permettant la détection de monokines dans les tissus du porc fixés dans la paraffine (rate, nodule lymphatique, thymus, foie et rein). Différents fixateurs (formol tamponné, formol acétique, paraformaldéhyde-lysine-periodate et la solution de Bouin), et des techniques pour démasquer les antigènes (perméabilisation avec le Tween 20, digestion enzymatique avec la pronase et micro-onde avec tampon citrate) ont été utilisées. Nous avons élaboré des protocoles différents pour chaque anticorps polyclonal. Aucun signal n'a été obtenu avec les anticorps monoclonaux contre le TNF-$\alpha$ du porc et l'IL-1$\alpha$ humaine. La solution de Bouin s'est révélée être le meilleur fixateur pour la détection immunohistochimique d'IL-1$\alpha$, TNF-$\alpha$ et IL-6, en utilisant la perméabilisation avec le Tween 20 comme méthode pour démasquer l'antigène. Le formol acétique s'est révélé être le meilleur fixateur pour l'IL-1$\beta$, ne nécessitant pas de techniques de récupération de l'antigène. Les macrophages ont été identifiés comme les principales cellules produisant des cytokines, bien que d'autres types cellulaires se soient aussi révélés positifs pour quelques cytokines. Ces techniques représentent un outil précieux pour étudier la pathogénie des maladies virales et bactériennes du porc et son système immunitaire

Elevation of Pulmonary Artery Pressure in Newborns from High-Altitude Pregnancies Complicated by Preeclampsia

We hypothesized that fetal exposure to the oxidative stress induced by the combined challenge of preeclampsia (PE) and high altitude would induce a significant impairment in the development of pulmonary circulation. We conducted a prospective study in La Paz (Bolivia, mean altitude 3625 m) in which newborns from singleton pregnancies with and without PE were compared (PE group n = 69, control n = 70). We conducted an echocardiographic study in these infants at the median age of two days. The percentage of cesarean deliveries and small for gestational age (SGA) infants was significantly higher in the PE group. Heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation did not vary significantly between groups. Estimated pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary vascular resistance were 30% higher in newborns exposed to PE and high altitude compared with those exposed only to high altitude. We also detected signs of right ventricular hypertrophy in infants subjected to both exposures. In conclusion, this study provides evidence that the combination of PE and pregnancy at high altitude induces subclinical alterations in the pulmonary circulation of the newborn. Follow-up of this cohort may provide us with valuable information on the potential increased susceptibility to developing pulmonary hypertension or other pulmonary and cardiovascular disorders