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Two experiments were performed to evaluate the use of an intravaginal device (IVD) impregnated with medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) to avoid early parturition and synchronize farrowing in sows. In both experiments with IVDs, the gestation length, stillbirth rate, birth weight, colostrum yield, lactational litter performance, and subsequent reproductive performance of sows were assessed. In Experiment 1 (Exp. 1; n = 91), sows were assigned to four treatments to evaluate the minimum required MPA dose: without IVD (CONT; control), 400 mg (MPA400), 600 mg (MPA600), and 800 mg (MPA800) of MPA in the IVD. The IVD was inserted on day 110 of gestation and removed on day 115. No sows farrowed during IVD treatment. Gestation length was increased in treatments with MPA (116.4 days) compared to the control (CONT; 114.9 days; P 0.01), without effects on piglet birth weight (P = 0.98). A lower percentage of deaths around the farrow (P = 0.02) was observed in the CONT (1.8%) compared to MPA treatments (6.8%). The dose of 400 mg of MPA, validated in Exp. 1, was used in Experiment 2 (Exp. 2; n = 84) to evaluate the performance of sows and piglets in a sow farrowing synchronization protocol. Sows were treated with MPA from days 110-114 of gestation with or without 0.168 mg of cloprostenol sodium (PGF2α), for luteolysis induction, at IVD removal. Thus, four treatments were considered: CONT - without MPA or luteolysis induction (no interventions); PGF2α - luteolysis induction on day 114 of gestation without MPA; MPA114 - MPA treatment till 114 days of gestation without luteolysis induction; MPA114 + PGF2α - MPA treatment and luteolysis induction on day 114 of gestation. The gestation length in treatments with IVDs was longer (P 0.01) than CONT without a difference for PGF2α treatment (P = 0.46). No impact of IVD use on piglet birth weight (P = 0.67) and deaths around the farrow (P = 0.50) were observed. The colostrum yield (P = 0.65), immunocrit (P = 0.72), piglet performance during lactation (P = 0.81), and weaning-to-estrus interval (P = 0.21) were similar among treatments. In conclusion, the use of IVDs impregnated with 400 mg of MPA between days 110 and 114 of gestation prevented early parturition with no implications for piglet survival at birth, colostrum yield, or litter performance.

Amplitude modulation (AM) suppresses tissue signals and detects microbubble signals in contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and is often implemented with checkerboard apertures. However, possible crosstalk between transmitting and non-transmitting array elements may compromise tissue suppression in AM. Using AM aperture patterns other than the conventional checkerboard approach (one on, one off) may reduce the degree of crosstalk and increase the contrast-to-tissue-ratio (CTR) compared with conventional AM. Furthermore, previous studies have reported that the phase difference between the echoes in AM pulsing sequences may be used to segment tissue and microbubbles and improve tissue signal suppression and the CTR of CEUS images. However, the CTR of the image produced by alternative AM aperture patterns and the effect of segmentation approach on these alternative apertures have not been investigated. We evaluated a number of AM aperture patterns to find an optimal AM aperture pattern that provides the highest CTR. We found that the aperture that uses alternating groups of two elements, AM2, had the highest CTR for the probe evaluated. In addition, a segmentation technique based on echo phase differences (between the full and half-pulses, ΔΦ

Chemerin is an adipokine which is the product of the RARRES2 gene expressed mainly in adipose tissue. This hormone exerts biological effects via three metabotropic receptors: chemokine like receptor 1 (CMKLR1), G protein-coupled receptor 1 (GPR1), and C-C chemokine receptor-like 2 (CCRL2). Chemerin exerts pleiotropic effects and participates in the regulation of many processes, such as blood pressure control, immune system regulation, inflammation, and angiogenesis. There is a growing body of evidence to indicate that chemerin is involved in the regulation of reproductive system functions. However, little is known about the regulation of chemerin system (chemerin and its receptors) expression. The authors hypothesized that steroid hormones affect the expression of the chemerin system in the uterus of domestic pigs. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of steroids, oestradiol (E

This study aimed to investigate the effect of dexamethasone (DEX) on chemotaxis and phagocytic activity of neutrophils for spermatozoa and semen quality of preserved boar semen. The different concentrations of dexamethasone were added to boar semen dilutions to detect its effects on the chemotaxis of neutrophils and phagocytosis of neutrophils and sperm motility sperm malformation rate, plasma membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity, and spermatozoa motility parameters. The study results showed that the experimental groups of DEX significantly inhibited the phagocytosis and chemotaxis of PMNs for spermatozoa. With the increased concentration of DEX, there was an inhibition effect on PMNs activity. In addition, under 17 °C storage conditions, the addition of DEX 1 × 10

Alternative polyadenylation (APA) affects the composition of cis-elements in 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR), to regulate gene expression and localization, and subsequently the downstream biological processes. Acute heat stress could change rapidly the cellular transcriptome, however the underlying molecular changes are less explored. Here, we systematically catalogued the global 3'-UTRome dynamics, by analyzing our previously reported transcriptome sequencing data of porcine immature Sertoli (iST) cells before (Control group), acute heat stress treatment at 43 °C for 0.5h (HS0.5 group), and 36h recovery culture (HS0.5-R36h group) after acute heat stress treatment. After three group comparisons (HS0.5 vs. Control, HS0.5-R36 vs. HS0.5, and HS0.5-R36 vs. Control), DaPars (dynamic analysis of alternative polyadenylation) identified 639, 464 and 290 mRNAs, and APAtrap (a tool to identify APA sites and detect changes of APA site usage) identified 713, 518 and 321 mRNAs, with significantly different 3'-UTRs (Padj.≤0.05), respectively. These genes with different 3'-UTR patterns were mainly enriched in P53, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, HIF-1, apoptosis, PI3K-Akt and AMPK signaling pathways. Further analysis identified that average 3'-UTR lengths of Acss2, Inpp1 and Nr1h4 were more than 140 nt longer (HS0.5-R36 vs. HS0.5), and contained different cis-elements (PAS, CPE and microRNA binding sites). Moreover, Hsp70.2, Inhbb and Dhrs were identified to have extremely different 3'-UTR abundances. Further 3'RACE assays validated several 3'-UTRs of Nr1h4, and RT-qPCR confirmed the abundance changes of different 3'-UTR isoforms for Nr1h4 and Hsp70.2. Our findings provide useful information and resources to further uncover the molecular role of 3'-UTR, in regulating the response of porcine iST cells to acute heat stress.

Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90), as a molecular chaperone, regulates hundreds of protein clients under both physiological and stress conditions in eukaryotic cells. However, the functional role of HSP90 in mammalian male reproduction remains largely unknown. Here, we aimed to investigate the function and effect of HSP90AA1 on the basic and reproductive function of pig immature Sertoli cells (iSCs). We first confirmed that the transfection of pBI-CMV3-HSP90AA1 vector into porcine iSCs for 24 h significantly increased mRNA and protein levels of HSP90AA. Moreover, HSP90AA1 over-expression significantly increased cell viability and the PLK2 mRNA abundance, promoted lactate production via elevating the LDHA activity, and inhibited the secretion of anti-Mullerian hormone and estradiol. In comparison, HSP90AA inhibition by allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17-AAG) (2 μM) treatment of pig iSCs for 36 h had a totally contrasting effect, i.e. significantly reduced cell viability, promoted cell apoptosis via modulating expression of genes related to cell cycle and apoptosis (CCNB1, CCN1, PLK2, PTMA, YBX3 and CASP3), suppressed lactate production via dropping LDHA activity, but increased the secretion of anti-Mullerian hormone and estradiol. Taken together, our findings demonstrated that HSP90AA1 could regulate positively cell viability and lactate production, but negatively the secretion of reproductive hormones (anti-Mullerian hormone and estradiol). However, the detailed molecular mechanism of HSP90AA1 remains to be investigated.

Mycotoxins are toxic secondary fungal metabolites that contaminate feeds, and their levels remain stable during feed processing. The economic impact of mycotoxins on animal production happens mainly due to losses related to direct effects on animal health and trade losses related to grain rejection. Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a trichothecene mycotoxin that has contaminated approximately 60% of the grains worldwide. Ingestion of DON induces many toxic effects on human and animal health. Detoxification strategies to decrease DON levels in food and feeds include physical and chemical methods; however, they are not very effective when incorporated into the industrial production process. A valuable alternative to achieve this aim is the use of lactic acid bacteria. These bacteria can control fungal growth and thus overcome DON production or can detoxify the mycotoxin through adsorption and biotransformation. Some Lactobacillus spp. strains, such as Lactobacillus plantarum, have demonstrated preventive effects against DON toxicity in poultry and swine. This beneficial effect is associated with a binding capacity of lactic acid bacteria cell wall peptidoglycan with mycotoxins. Moreover, several antifungal compounds have been isolated from L. plantarum supernatants, including lactic, acetic, caproic, phenyl lactic, 3-hydroxylated fatty, and cyclic dipeptide acids. Biotransformation of DON by L. plantarum into other products is also hypothesized, but the mechanism remains unknown. In this concise review, we highlight the use of L. plantarum as an alternative approach to reduce DON levels and toxicity. Although the action mechanism of L. plantarum is still not fully understood, these bacteria are a safe, efficient, and low-cost strategy to reduce economic losses from mycotoxin contamination cases.

Static cold storage (SCS) is currently the most widely used method for organ preservation, but a number of limitations are associated including tissue damage and restricted opportunity for organ repair. Thus, the development of improved hypothermic storage solutions is an urgent need. Herein, using a renal epithelial cell model (LLC-PK1), we tested the benefits of ADD10, a novel clinical grade antioxidant product, in reducing damages associated with ischemia-reperfusion (IR). Cells were stored up to 24h at 4 °C in University of Wisconsin (UW) solution without or in the presence of 1% ADD10 with following reperfusion up to 24h at 37 °C. The presence of ADD10 significantly decreased cells damages, cell death, and the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) (P 0.05). Concomitantly, ADD10 supplementation also favored an increased oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and improved bioenergetics of LLC-PK1 cells (P 0.05). Finally, preliminary in vivo studies suggested a benefit of ADD10 on the renal function post-transplantation. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that the addition of ADD10 to the preservation solution not only efficiently protects renal cells during SCS, but also improves the functionality of cold-stored organs during transplantation.

Antibiotic resistance is a sword of Damocles that hangs over humans. In regards to airborne antibiotic resistance genes (AARGs), critical knowledge gaps still exist in the identification of hotspots and quantification of exposure levels in different environments. Here, we have studied the profiles of AARGs, mobile genetic elements (MGEs) and bacterial communities in various atmospheric environments by high throughput qPCR and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We propose a new AARGs exposure dose calculation that uses short-term inhalation (STI). Swine farms and hospitals were high-risk areas where AARGs standardised abundance was more abundant than suburbs and urban areas. Additionally, resistance gene abundance in swine farm worker sputum was higher than that in healthy individuals in other environments. The correlation between AARGs with MGEs and bacteria was strong in suburbs but weak in livestock farms and hospitals. STI exposure analysis revealed that occupational intake of AARGs (via PM

Our recent work has challenged 4°C as an optimal lung preservation temperature by showing storage at 10°C to allow for the extension of preservation periods. Despite these findings, the impact of 10°C storage has not been evaluated in the setting of injured donor lungs.Aspiration injury was created through bronchoscopic delivery of gastric juice (pH: 1.8). Injured donor lungs (n = 5/group) were then procured and blindly randomized to storage at 4°C (on ice) or at 10°C (in a thermoelectric cooler) for 12 hours. A third group included immediate transplantation. A left lung transplant was performed thereafter followed by 4 hours of graft evaluation.After transplantation, lungs stored at 10°C showed significantly better oxygenation when compared to 4°C group (343 ± 43 mm Hg vs 128 ± 76 mm Hg, p = 0.03). Active metabolism occurred during the 12 hours storage period at 10°C, producing cytoprotective metabolites within the graft. When compared to lungs undergoing immediate transplant, lungs preserved at 10°C tended to have lower peak airway pressures (p = 0.15) and higher dynamic lung compliances (p = 0.09). Circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA within the recipient plasma was significantly lower for lungs stored at 10°C in comparison to those underwent immediate transplant (p = 0.048), alongside a tendency of lower levels of tissue apoptotic cell death (p = 0.075).We demonstrate 10°C as a potentially superior storage temperature for injured donor lungs in a pig model when compared to the current clinical standard (4°C) and immediate transplantation. Continuing protective metabolism at 10°C for donor lungs may result in better transplant outcomes.

Mitigation of African swine fever (ASF) virus in contaminated feed materials would assist control activities. Various finely-ground pig feed ingredients (5 cereals, 4 plant proteins, 2 animal proteins, 1 oil, 1 compound) were sprayed and mixed thoroughly with a buffered formic acid formulation (0, 1 or 2% vol/vol) to produce a consistent and durable level of formate (1% or 2%) with consistent acidification of cereal ingredients to less than pH 4. No such acidification was noted in other ingredients. Selected representative feed ingredients were further mixed with infectious ASF virus (10

OBJECTIVES Neonatal rodents and piglets naturally regenerate the injured heart after myocardial infarction. We hypothesized that neonatal rabbits also exhibit natural heart regeneration after myocardial infarction. METHODS New Zealand white rabbit kits underwent sham surgery or left coronary ligation on postnatal day 1 (n = 94), postnatal day 4 (n = 11), or postnatal day 7 (n = 52). Hearts were explanted 1 day postsurgery to confirm ischemic injury, at 1 week postsurgery to assess cardiomyocyte proliferation, and at 3 weeks postsurgery to assess left ventricular ejection fraction and scar size. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation. RESULTS Size of ischemic injury as a percentage of left ventricular area was similar after myocardial infarction on postnatal day 1 versus on postnatal day 7 (42.3% ± 5.4% vs 42.3% ± 4.7%, P = .9984). Echocardiography confirmed severely reduced ejection fraction at 1 day after postnatal day 1 myocardial infarction (33.7% ± 5.3% vs 65.2% ± 5.5% for postnatal day 1 sham, P = .0001), but no difference at 3 weeks after postnatal day 1 myocardial infarction (56.0% ± 4.0% vs 58.0% ± 3.3% for postnatal day 1 sham, P = .2198). Ejection fraction failed to recover after postnatal day 4 myocardial infarction (49.2% ± 1.8% vs 58.5% ± 5.8% for postnatal day 4 sham, P = .0109) and postnatal day 7 myocardial infarction (39.0% ± 7.8% vs 60.2% ± 5.0% for postnatal day 7 sham, P

Evidence suggests that hearts that are perfused under ex-situ conditions lose normal coronary vasomotor tone and experience contractile failure over a few hours. We aimed to evaluate the effect of different coronary perfusion strategies during ex situ heart perfusion on cardiac function and coronary vascular tone.Porcine hearts (n = 6 each group) were perfused in working mode for 6 hours with either constant aortic diastolic pressure (40 mmHg) or constant coronary flow rate (500 mL/min). Functional and metabolic parameters, cytokine profiles, cardiac and vascular injury, coronary artery function and oxidative stress were compared between groups.Constant coronary flow perfusion demonstrated better functional preservation and less edema formation (Cardiac index: flow control = 8.33 vs pressure control = 6.46 mL·minA strategy of controlled coronary flow during ex situ heart perfusion provides superior functional preservation and less edema formation, together with less myocardial damage, leukocyte, platelet, endothelial activation, and oxidative stress. There was loss of coronary autoregulation and decrease of coronary vascular resistance during ESHP irrespective of coronary flow control strategy. Inflammation and oxidative stress state in the coronary vasculature may play a role.

Objective Calcified aortic valvular disease is known as an inflammation-related process related to force. The purpose of this study was to determine whether micromechanical force could induce valve calcification of porcine valvular interstitial cells and to examine the role of integrin αvβ3 in valvular calcification by using a novel method: magnetic twisting cytometry. Methods Porcine valvular interstitial cells were cultured in vitro, and micromechanical force was applied to porcine valvular interstitial cells using magnetic twisting cytometry. Changes in calcification-related factors osteopontin and RUNX2 were detected. By using the calcification medium, the optimal magnetic twisting cytometry parameters for inducing valvular interstitial cell calcification were determined, and a magnetic twisting cytometry calcification promotion model was established. The role of αvβ3 in calcification was studied by using αvβ3 antagonists to block the function of αvβ3. Results Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assays showed that the expression of osteopontin was enhanced 30 minutes after 25G-1Hz 5 minutes of stimulation. Western blotting assays showed that the expression of osteopontin and RUNX2 was upregulated 24 hours after 25G-1Hz 5 minutes of stimulation. The optimal magnetic twisting cytometry parameter for inducing porcine valvular interstitial cell calcification was 25G-2Hz for 10 minutes. The expression of osteopontin and RUNX2 decreased significantly after the addition of αvβ3 antagonist. Clinically, patients with bicuspid aortic valves had high expression of RUNX2 and β3 in the aortic valve, and β3 significantly correlated with RUNX2. Conclusions By using magnetic twisting cytometry, we established a porcine valvular interstitial cell calcification model by micromechanical force stimulation and obtained the optimal parameters. Integrin αvβ3 plays a key role in the aortic valve calcification process.

A total of 690 pathogenic Escherichia (E.) coli isolates from weaned piglets were examined for antimicrobial resistance phenotypes, resistance genes, and virulence gene profiles. Also, 29 enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) and 35 Shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC) isolates were analyzed using multi-locus sequence typing (MLST). Comparisons of the associations between antimicrobial resistance phenotypes, resistance genes, and virulence genes were performed separately by assessing odds ratio (OR). Although majorities of associations were not confirmed however, we found that associations between specific virulence factors-antimicrobial resistance. F18 encoding isolates showed association with resistance to cefazolin (OR = 3.08) and cefoxitin (OR = 3.65), and also with antimicrobial resistance gene mcr-3 (OR = 4.58). There was a high correlation between F4-STb (OR = 13.56), F4-LT (OR = 8.77), F4-EAST-I (OR = 4.97), and F18-Stx2e (OR = 3.83). Most of ETEC (21 of 29, 72.4%) isolates were assigned to ST100, and 20 of 35 STEC isolates (57.1%) were ST1. There were 5 clusters, and each cluster showed specific antimicrobial resistance patterns. Cluster I showed resistance to gentamicin, streptomycin, neomycin, nalidixic acid, ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, trimethoprim / sulfamethoxazole, and tetracyclines whereas, cluster V showed resistance to ampicillin, amoxicillin / clavulanic acid, cephalothin, cefoxitin, cefazolin, norfloxacin, and colistin. Although there is need to do more experiments to clarify why certain virulence factors showed relationship with antimicrobial resistance, it is clear that there is a significant association between specific virulence genes and antimicrobial resistance in E. coli from weaned piglets with enteric colibacillosis in Korea.

Infection with hepatitis E virus genotype 3 (HEV-3) is an emerging cause of illness in developed countries. In North America and Europe, HEV-3 has been increasingly detected in swine, and exposure to pigs and pork products is considered the primary source of infection. We have previously demonstrated the prevalence of the HEV-3 genome in commercial pork products in Canada. In this study, we investigated the application of citric acid and acetic acid to inactivate HEV-3 on food and on food contact surfaces. For this purpose, plastic, stainless steel, and pork pâté surfaces were inoculated with HEV-3 and were treated with acetic acid or citric acid at 1, 3, or 5%. The infectivity of posttreatment viral particles was determined by cell culture. A greater than 2-log reduction in viral infectivity was observed on plastic and stainless steel treated with the organic acids, but the treatment was less effective on HEV infectivity on pork pâté (average reductions of 0.47 log citric acid and 0.63 log acetic acid). Therefore, we conclude that citric acid and acetic acid have potential application to control HEV-3 on food contact surfaces but are not suitable for food.

The present study provides the ultrastructure of the pneumocytes types II and I in piglets living in the trash environment. Samples of the lungs of twelve piglets two months old were used. By light microscopy, the pneumocytes type I were squamous and somewhat flattened cells, while pneumocytes type II was cuboidal to spherical projected within the alveolar lumen and characterized by a spherical nucleus and foamy cytoplasm, it contained vacuolated bodies that were polygonal with variable size manly at the poles of the cell. The electron microscopy investigation showed blood air barrier between the endothelial lining of pneumocytes type I and therefore the endothelial lining of blood capillary and their nucleus were irregular in shape varied from nearly irregular triangular to polygon rough endoplasmic reticulum represented at their cytoplasm. The pneumocytes type II were frequently covered by pneumocytes type I extensions and united to them by a tight junction. It had been characterized by a high number of mitochondria within the cytoplasm and vacuolated bodies encircled the nucleus and at the two extremities of the cell. The lamellar vacuolated bodies were connected to the endoplasmic reticulum membranes and therefore the intravascular macrophages were attached to the endothelial cells within the pulmonary capillaries until two months old piglets. The occurrence of the intravascular macrophages could be attributed to the higher resistance to the respiratory diseases of the piglets.

Split type of greater tuberosity fracture has variety of surgical treatment options. This study aimed to compare the biomechanics property of additional cuff suture and other fracture fixation techniques.Fifteen porcine humeri were categorized into three groups of fixation techniques those were proximal humeral internal locking system (PHILOS) plate with 2 cuff sutures, nonlocking (conventional, 3.5 mm) T-plate with 2 cuff sutures and T-plate with washer that had additional cuff suture (novel technique). Fracture was created by greater tuberosity osteotomy with 50˚ inclination to the line of surgical neck and then fixed with different prescribed techniques. Displacement of fracture site was measured with universal testing machine. The maximum forces to produce 3 mm, 5 mm of displacement and load to failure were recorded.The average loads to reach 3 mm, 5 mm displacement and failure were 30.8 N, 45.4 N and 161 N for nonlocking T-plate; 76.6 N, 99.2 N and 144 N for PHILOS plate; 95.8 N, 120 N and 197 N for novel technique. The differences among three groups were significant in load to displacement at 3 and 5 mm (but not significant in load to failure). For load to reach 3- and 5-mm displacement, PHILOS plate and novel technique were significantly stronger than nonlocking T-plate (P0.05). For load to reach 3 and 5 mm displacement, novel technique was stronger than PHILOS plate but not significant (P0.05). For load to failure, novel technique was stronger than nonlocking plate and PHILOS plate but not significant (P0.05).The important factors affecting the strength of fracture fixation are type of plate and numbers of suture augmentation that tie to the plate. Fixation with additional cuff suture showed the superior biomechanics of load to reach 3 mm, 5 mm displacement with better load to failure compared with PHILOS plate and conventional T-plate alone.

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is deadly for suckling piglets and is a significant threat to most pig farms. Alpiniae oxyphyllae fructus polysaccharide 3 (AOFP3) shows antiviral activity against PEDV. However, the anti-PEDV mechanism of AOFP3 is unknown. Entering the host cell is important for viral infection, and many drugs play antiviral roles by inhibiting this process. To understand the antiviral mechanism of AOFP3 against PEDV, the effect of AOFP3 on PEDV entering IPEC-J2 cells was investigated in the present study. Real-time PCR and immunofluorescence were used to study the effect of AOFP3 on PEDV binding and penetrating IPEC-J2 cells. The effect of PEDV on AOFP3 attachment to IPEC-J2 cells was also investigated. Afterward, the effect of AOFP3 on PEDV spike (S) protein binding to porcine aminopeptidase was tested by using coimmunoprecipitation, and the effect of AOFP3 on the cholesterol level of IPEC-J2 cells was detected. The results showed that AOFP3 competitively inhibited PEDV adsorption on IPEC-J2 cells by blocking PEDV S protein binding to porcine aminopeptidase in IPEC-J2 cells. Furthermore, AOFP3 decreased PEDV penetration into host cells by decreasing the cholesterol level in IPEC-J2 cells.

There have been limited studies focused on validation of swine microRNAs (miRNA) with mRNA targets. The objective of this study was to validate a defined set of targets using artificial miRNA mimics transfected into cell lines to confirm specific targets of endogenous miRNAs after administration of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Sixteen hours after mimic transfection of 3D4/21 cell lines, the cells were stimulated with 1 μg/ml LPS or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). The cells were harvested and collected at 0, 1, 3, and 8 h post administration. The selected genes DAD1, IL8, and ESR, which are involved in known pathways of inflammation. and are predicted or validated human targets of either miR-146a, let-7a, or miR-22-3p. These were then evaluated by quantitative real-time-PCR (qRT-PCR) to verify microRNA-mRNA interaction in swine. Using the ROX reference dye, mRNA changes in expression were assessed using the comparative CT Method (ΔΔCT method) for normalization against the PBS control group. DAD1 and ESR1 were negatively regulated by miR-22-3p and miR-146a-5p, respectively in 3D4/21 cells after LPS stimulation. However, miR-146a-5p may play an indirect positive regulatory role of both DAD1 and IL8 mRNA expression. Furthermore, we found an inverse relationship between LPS stimulation compared with the let-7a-5p overexpression with DAD1. Our inflammation study provides new evidence on the roles and predicted targets of miR-146a, let-7a, and miR-22-3p in swine.

Organ transplantation is limited due to the scarcity of donor organs. In order to expand the supply of organs for transplantation, interspecies chimeras have been examined as a potential future source of humanized organs. Recent studies using gene editing technologies in combination with somatic cell nuclear transfer technology and hiPSCs successfully engineered humanized skeletal muscle in the porcine embryo. As these technologies progress, there are ethical issues that warrant consideration and dialogue.

Short bowel syndrome is a devastating gastrointestinal disorder in which decreased bowel length results in inadequate absorption causing nutritional deficiencies. Current treatment options are accompanied by significant morbidity. We have proposed spring-mediated distraction enterogenesis as a method to lengthen bowel with success seen in porcine jejunum. We hypothesize that spring-mediated distraction enterogenesis can be demonstrated in porcine ileum with preservation of ileal structure and function.Laparotomy was performed on juvenile female mini-Yucatan pigs and a gelatin-encapsulated compressed nitinol spring was inserted into the ileal lumen and affixed proximally and distally. A control segment distal to the spring segment was marked with sutures. Postoperatively, pigs were placed on a liquid diet and euthanized on postoperative day 7. Spring and control segments were measured and processed for immunohistochemistry to evaluate for the presence of vitamin B12-intrinsic factor cotransporter, chromogranin A-producing cells, and 5-HT producing cells.All seven pigs survived to postoperative day 7 with no adverse effects. On average, pigs gained 84.3 ± 66.4 g/d. Spring segments lengthened 1.5 ± 0.7 cm with a relative lengthening by 128% ± 56%, which was statistically significant when compared to control (P 0.01). The average density of chromogranin-A cells in control compared to spring segments was not significantly changed (2.9 ± 1.1 cells/mm versus 3.2 ± 1.2 cells/mm, P = 0.17). Both vitamin B12-intrinsic factor cotransporter and 5-HT producing cells were present in both control and lengthened ileum.Intraluminal nitinol springs significantly lengthened porcine ileum. The increase in density of enteroendocrine cells may indicate enhanced endocrine function of the lengthened ileum.

Parasites of the order Coccidia (phylum: Alveolata, subphylum: Apicomplexa) have sophisticated life cycles that include a switch from asexual to sexual development, characterised by distinct cell types. During the development of gametes (gamogony), substantial changes occur at the cellular and subcellular levels, leading to cell fusion of micro- and microgametes, and the development of a zygote that forms a protective outer layer for environmental survival as an oocyst, the transmissible stage. Studies on the porcine coccidian Cystoisospora suis already identified changes in transcription profiles during different time points in the parasite's development and identified proteins with potential roles in the sexual development of this parasite. Here, we focus on three proteins that are possibly involved in the sexual development of C. suis. Enkurin and hapless protein 2 (HAP2) play important roles in signal transduction and gamete fusion during the fertilisation process, and oocyst wall forming protein 1 (OWP1) is a homologue of oocyst wall forming proteins of related parasites. We evaluated their locations in the different life cycle stages of C. suis and their inhibition by specific antibodies in vitro. Immunolocalization detected enkurin in merozoites and sporulated oocysts, HAP2 in merozoites and microgamonts, and OWP2 in merozoites, macrogamonts, oocysts and sporozoites. Up to 100% inhibition of the development of sexual stages and oocyst formation with purified chicken immunoglobulin IgY sera against recombinant enkurin, HAP2, and especially OWP1, were demonstrated. We conclude that the three investigated sexual stage-specific proteins constitute targets for in vivo intervention strategies to interrupt parasite development and transmission to susceptible hosts.

Currently, hydrogel sensors for health monitoring require external tapes, bandages or adhesives to immobilize them on the surface of human skin. However, these external fixation methods easily lead to skin allergic reactions and the decline of monitoring accuracy. A simple strategy to solve this problem is to endow hydrogel sensors with good adhesion. Inspired by the starch paste adhesion mechanism, a biomass-based hydrogel with good conductivity and high repetitive adhesion strength was prepared by introducing modified starch into polyacrylic acid hydrogel system. The properties of biomass-based hydrogels could be controlled by changing the proportion of amylose and amylopectin. The biomass-based hydrogel exhibited a variety of excellent properties, including good stretchability (1290 %), high adhesion strength (pig skin: 46.51 kPa) and conductivity (2.3 S/m). Noticeably, the repeated adhesive strength of biomass-based hydrogel did not decrease with the increase of adhesion times. The strain sensor based on the biomass-based hydrogel could accurately monitor the large-scale and small movements of the human body, and had broad application prospects in the field of flexible wearable devices.

Artificial insemination (AI) is the most important biotechnology in pig reproduction. To achieve the best possible fertility results, appropriate timing of the insemination is essential. The optimal time for AI is 12 h before to 4 h after ovulation. This time-frame, unlike in estrus, is not recognizable through external indicators. It would, therefore, be beneficial to find simple and economical methods that support manual estrus checks and are able to determine the time of ovulation more accurately. On this basis, starting 80 h after weaning, 14 DanBred sows (parity: 5.2 ± 2.4) were checked for ovulation via ultrasound scans every 8 h over a period of 72 h. Additionally, rectal fecal samples were taken and analyzed for their estrogen concentration to assess possible relations to ovulation time. On average, sows ovulated 121 ± 10 h after weaning and 16 ± 9 h after onset of heat. There was a prominent drop in fecal estrogen levels 4 h before ovulation when compared to almost all other points in time (before ovulation: 20 h (P = 0.056), 12 h (P = 0.006); after ovulation: 4 h and 12 h (P 0.001)). There are, however, significant differences in the sow-individual fecal estrogen concentrations for which several influencing factors must be considered.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is currently one of the most economically important health challenges in the global swine industry. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the overall efficacy of a modified live virus vaccine Fostera® PRRS (F-PRRS) compared to no vaccination as reported in published studies, using meta-analytic techniques. Additionally, we aimed to evaluate the potential impact of age at vaccination and F-PRRS cross-protection against different genetically distanced PRRS strains. In total, 20 papers fulfilled the predefined inclusion criteria. Vaccinated pigs had on average 38.52 g/d higher daily weight gain and a 65% lower mortality (relative risk = 0.35) compared to non-vaccinates. F-PRRS reduced the maximum macroscopic lung lesion score on average by 16.82% points and the maximum viral load in serum by 1.36 log

This study investigated induction of pulmonary capillary hemorrhage (PCH) in neonatal pigs (piglets) using three different machines: a GE Venue R1 point-of-care system with C1-5 and L4-12t probes, a GE Vivid 7 Dimension with a 7L probe and a SuperSonic Imagine machine with an SL15-4 probe and shear wave elastography (SWE). Female piglets were anesthetized, and each was mounted vertically in a warm bath for scanning at two or three intercostal spaces. After aiming at an innocuous output, the power was raised for a test exposure. Hydrophone measurements were used to calculate in situ values of mechanical index (MI

Cysticercosis is a parasitic infection caused by the larval stage of Taenia solium, which very rarely manifests in the maxillofacial region. It usually presents as a painless swelling. The most common site for maxillofacial cysticercosis are the tongue and lips. When humans accidently ingest the eggs of Taenia solium, they become the intermediate host, a role which is typically played by pig. This paper describes two cases of cysticercosis cellulosae, presenting as non-tender swelling of left buccal mucosa and left temporalis region respectively. Case reports available on PubMed were searched and a review was performed. Excision of cystic lesion was the treatment modality in majority of published reports. It is emphasised that cysticercosis should be considered in differential diagnosis of solitary painless swellings of oral and maxillofacial region, especially in patients from an endemic region.

In order to expand previous knowledge about the farrowing process of hyperprolific sows, the effect of calcium, magnesium and phosphor concentration in the blood and the importance of husbandry were examined. The study was performed in a small educational agriculture institution in Germany comprising 61 sows of a hyperprolific hybrid line (BHZP db.Viktoria). The sows were either kept in farrowing crates (n = 36) or pens (n = 25). Blood samples were taken every 30 min during the farrowing process, using a central venous catheter (Cavafix Certo®, 16G, 32 cm, B. Braun SE, Melsungen, Germany) placed in an ear vein. Samples for ionized calcium concentration (Ca

End stage heart failure is a terminal disease, and the only curative therapy is orthotopic heart transplantation. Due to limited organ availability, alternative strategies have received intense interest for treatment of patients with advanced heart failure. Recent studies using gene-edited porcine organs suggest that cardiac xenotransplantation may provide a future source of organs. In this review, we highlight the historical milestones for cardiac xenotransplantation and the gene editing strategies designed to overcome immunological barriers, which have culminated in a recent cardiac pig-to-human xenotransplant. We also discuss recent results of studies on the engineering of human-porcine chimeric organs that may provide an alternative and complementary strategy to overcome some of the major immunological barriers to producing a new source of transplantable organs.

New therapeutic approaches are needed to simultaneously resuscitate macro- and microcirculation during circulatory shock. The aims of this study were to explore the microcirculatory and macrocirculatory effects of pimobendan, an inodilator with dual phosphodiesterase 3 inhibitor and calcium-sensitizing effects, in an experimental porcine model of pharmacologically induced hypotension associating vasoplegia and decreased cardiac output. Eight piglets were anesthetized and monitored for their hemodynamic parameters. Hypotension was induced by sevoflurane overdose until a mean arterial pressure between 40 and 45 mmHg was reached. A bolus of pimobendan (0.25 mg/kg) was administered intravenously thereafter. Sublingual microcirculation was evaluated using a Sidestream Dark Field imaging device. Hemodynamic and microcirculatory parameters were recorded at the baseline period (A), immediately before pimobendan administration (B) and after pimobendan administration (C). Induction of hypotension was associated with a decreased cardiac index and microcirculation alterations. Pimobendan administration was associated with a significant increase in heart rate, cardiac index and decrease in systemic vascular resistance index. A significant increase in proportion of perfused vessels for all vessels (+8%, [2; 14], P = 0.01) and small vessels (+8% [1; 14], P = 0.03), in microvascular flow index (+0.31 AU, [0.04; 0,58], P = 0.03) were noticed, as well as a decrease in heterogeneity index (-0.34 [-0.66; -0.03], P = 0.04) and De Backer score for all vessels (-1.04, [-1.82; -0.25], P = 0.02). In conclusion, in a simple model of pharmacologically induced hypotension, pimobendan was associated with an improvement in several microcirculatory parameters.

Intestinal inflammation often restricts the health and production of animals. MiR-146a has been proved to be an anti-inflammatory molecule in inflammatory disorders, but its role in the intestinal injury and regeneration remains unclear. The study aimed to explore the inflammatory response of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) in intestinal tissue-specific miR-146a-5p knockout mouse models. We identified the role of miR-146a-5p in inhibiting inflammatory response and promoting proliferation under lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation in vitro and vivo. LPS stimulation significantly increased the expression of TNF-α, IL6 and inhibited IPEC-J2 cell proliferation. Overexpression of miR-146a-5p can reverse the effect of LPS stimulation, and promote the proliferation of intestinal epithelial cells. In the LPS challenge experiment in intestine-specific miR-146a knock-out mice (CKO) and Floxp

Allogeneic islet transplantation is a promising experimental therapy for poorly controlled diabetes. Despite pharmacological immunosuppression, long-term islet engraftment remains elusive. Here, we designed a synthetic fusion transgene coupling PD-L1 and indoleamine dioxygenase [hereafter PIDO] whose constitutive expression prevents immune destruction of genetically engineered islet allograft transplanted in immunocompetent mice. PIDO expressing murine islets maintain robust dynamic insulin secretion in vitro and when transplanted in allogeneic hyperglycemic murine recipients reverse pre-existing streptozotocin-induced and autoimmune diabetes in the absence of pharmacological immunosuppression for more than 50 and 8 weeks, respectively, and is dependent on host CD4 competence. Additionally, PIDO expression in allografts preserves endocrine functional viability of islets and promotes a localized tolerogenic milieu characterized by the suppression of host CD8 T cell and phagocyte recruitment and accumulation of FOXP3

Currently, there is no accurate noninvasive measurement system to diagnose gastrointestinal (GI) motility disorders. Wireless skin patches have been introduced to provide an accurate noninvasive measurement of GI myoelectric activity which is essential for developing neuro-stimulation devices to treat GI motility disorders. The aim of this study is to compare the external and internal electrical signal measurements in ambulatory pigs.Yucatan pigs underwent placement of internal electrodes on the stomach, small intestine, and colon. Wires were brought through the abdominal wall. Signals were collected by a wireless receptor. Four external patches were placed on the abdominal skin to record the signals simultaneously. Pigs were kept for 6 d while the sensors were continuously recording the data from both systems.Internal sensors detected rich signals from each organ. The stomach had a dominant frequency that ranged from 4 to 4.5 cpm, with occasional higher frequencies at 2, 3 and 4 times that. Small intestine signals had their primary energy in the 12-15 cpm range. Colon signals primarily displayed a dominant broad peak in the 4-6 cpm region. External skin patches detected a substantial fraction of the activities measured by the internal electrodes. A clear congruence in the frequency spectrum was observed between the internal and external readings.Internally measured myoelectrical signals confirmed different patterns of rhythmic activity of the stomach, small intestine, and colon. Skin patches provided GI myoelectric measurement with a range of frequencies that could be useful in the diagnosis and treatment of motility disorders.

Collagen degradation can lead to early postoperative weakness in colorectal anastomosis. Matrix metalloproteinase inhibitors (MMPIs) are shown to decrease collagen breakdown and enhance healing in anastomosis in animal models. Here, we evaluated the effectiveness of a novel anastomotic augmentation ring (AAR) that releases doxycycline, an MMPI, from a poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid ring in porcine anastomoses.Two end-to-end stapled colorectal anastomoses were performed in 20 Yorkshire-Hampshire pigs. AAR was randomly incorporated into either the proximal or distal anastomosis as treatment, while nonaugmented anastomosis served as a control. Animals were then euthanized on days 3, 4, and 5 before anastomosis explantation and burst pressure measurement. Each anastomosis site was also collected for histology, hydroxyproline content, and gene expression microarray analyses.No abscess or anastomotic leak was detected. Average burst pressures were not significantly different at any time point. There is no statistical difference in collagen content between the treatment group and controls. Gene expression analysis revealed no statistically significant in differentially expressed genes. However, genes related to inflammation, such as C-C motif chemokine ligand 11 (CCL11), CD70, and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10), were upregulated (not statistically significant) in AAR compared to non-AAR anastomosis sites on days 3 and 4.This pilot study shows that doxycycline-release AAR is feasible and safe. While burst pressure and collagen content did not change significantly with doxycycline treatment, upregulating genes related to the inflammatory process for pathogen and debris clearance in AAR may improve the early stage of colorectal anastomotic healing.

Inside the eye light can be reflected multiple times due to light-tissue interactions and the spherical geometry of the eye. Due to these optical properties, a defined retinal area is not only illuminated by direct light but also by indirect, reflected light from the inner side of the eyewall. During illumination for ophthalmic surgery, this could lead to an unintended increase in intraocular retinal irradiance, which was already discussed in previous studies but without a detailed consideration of spectral differences and a potential influence of pigmentation. In this study this effect is investigated wavelength-dependent to see if different wavelengths lead to different increase in irradiance, with a special focus on the raise in photochemical and thermal hazard to the retina. It is also examined whether this effect is dependent on the pigmentation of the eye.The reflectance properties of either less or highly pigmented porcine eyes are measured in the wavelength range between 350 and 1100nm with an integrating sphere and a spectrometer. With these reflectance spectra the wavelength-dependent Sphere Multiplier M of porcine eyes can be calculated, which represents the increase of radiance due to multiple reflections inside a sphere compared to a planar diffuser of the same size. Based on measurements of the emitted irradiance of ophthalmic illumination fibers the increase in photochemical and thermal retinal hazard due to these multiple reflections is calculated for eyes with small and high amounts of pigmentation.The reflectance of the inner eyewall in the range between 350 and 1100nm is significantly higher for eyes with low pigmentation (between 4.90% and 37.44% reflectance) in comparison to eyes with a high amount of pigmentation (between 4.30% and 28.88% reflectance). The Sphere Multiplier for the inner side of the eyewall (sclera, choroid and retina) ranges between 1.13 and 1.59 and between 1.13 and 1.48 for eyes with low and high pigmentation, respectively, in the range between 350 and 1100nm. The reflectance, as well as the Sphere Multiplier, is strongly wavelength-dependent due to the absorption spectra of melanin and hemoglobin, which are located in the eye. With increasing wavelength, the reflection properties and the Sphere Multiplier also increases. With this, the photochemical retinal hazard of highly pigmented eyes increases by (14.11± 0.09)% and of lightly pigmented eyes by (16.75±0.35)% compared to if the reflection properties are not considered. The thermal retinal hazard increases by (14.30±0.07)% for highly pigmented eyes and by (19.65±0.17)% for low pigmented eyes.This study demonstrates that the anatomy and pigmentation of the eye plays an important role for the reflectance properties of the eye and for the photochemical and thermal hazard to the retina.

The monitoring of carcass surface contamination along the slaughter line enables verification of slaughter operation hygiene and the use of good manufacturing practices. Pork meat is a common source of human nontyphoidal salmonellosis, one of the most frequently reported foodborne illnesses worldwide. This study was conducted to gather data on microbial loads before and after evisceration on the surfaces of swine carcasses in two slaughterhouses. The presence of Salmonella enterica was evaluated only after evisceration on carcass surfaces and in livers and floor drains (environmental samples) because pigs are common carriers of this pathogen. The contamination of carcass surfaces was evaluated by delimitation of surface area with sterilized templates (100 cm2), and surface samples were collected with gauze swabs. Total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, and Escherichia coli were enumerated. Significant differences (P < 0.05) in counts of mesophilic bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, and E. coli were found on the external carcass surfaces, with higher counts after evisceration. The neck and abdominal areas had higher levels of mesophilic bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, and E. coli and a high prevalence of Salmonella. Salmonella was detected in only one of the studied slaughterhouses; 19 (7.3%) of 259 analyzed carcass samples were positive for Salmonella, and Salmonella was detected in two livers and two floor drains. A total of 52 Salmonella isolates (44 from carcasses, 5 from livers, and 3 from drains) were recovered. Three Salmonella serovars (Typhimurium 4,5:i- , Wernigerone, and Derby) were identified, and 53.8% of the 52 isolates were multidrug resistant. The results reveal the need for continuous improvement of slaughtering operations and implementation of good manufacturing practices to ensure the safety of pork produced in Portugal. Highlights: Higher counts of indicator microorganisms were obtained after swine evisceration; Salmonella was detected in 7.3% of swine carcass surface samples; Three Salmonella serovars were identified: Typhimurium 4,5:i− , Wernigerone, and Derby; Of the 52 Salmonella isolates, 53.8% were multidrug resistant. This work was funded by project UIDB/CVT/00772/2020 supported by the Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT). The authors are grateful for scientific collaboration under FCT project UID/Multi/50016/2019 and the financial support for J. Barbosa from a postdoctoral fellowship from FCT (SFRH/BPD/113303/2015) info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

This study aimed to identify the sources of volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs) and evaluate their mitigation by ferric oxide (Fe

The objective of this study was to compare the virulence of four porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) genotypes (2a, 2b, 2d and 2e). Pigs were infected with one of these four genotypes. Pigs were also dually infected with Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and one of the four PCV2 genotypes. Virulence was determined based on the amount of PCV2 loads in the blood and lymph nodes and the severity of lymphoid lesions. Marked differences in virulence were found among the four genotypes. Within the single infection model, PCV2a, PCV2b and PCV2d were more virulent than PCV2e, while significant differences in virulence were not found among the PCV2a, PCV2b and PCV2d groups. Within the dual infection model, PCV2d was more virulent than the other three PCV2 genotypes. Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae potentiated the severity of PCV2-associated lymphoid lesions and increased the amount of PCV2 loads in the blood and lymph nodes, regardless of the PCV2 genotype. By contrast, PCV2 was not able to potentiate the severity of mycoplasmal-induced lung lesions or the level of M. hyopneumoniae laryngeal load. The results of this study demonstrate that PCV2d is of major clinical importance, while PCV2e is of minor clinical importance.

Classical swine fever virus (CSFV) is the etiological agent of classical swine fever, a highly contagious disease that causes significant economic losses to the swine industry. Systemic prophylactic immunization with the live attenuated vaccine, the C-strain vaccine, is one of the effective measures for CSF control. However, one of the limitations of the C-strain vaccine is that the field strains-infected animals cannot be differentiated from the C-strain vaccinated herds by serological tests (DIVA). This constraint hampers the practical usage of the C-strain vaccine to eradicate the CSF in China. In the current study, a novel CSF modified live marker vaccine candidate was constructed based on the attenuation of the prevalent 2.1 genotype strain by the deletion of two virulence associated functional residues in the CSFV E

To investigate the feasibility of percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) ablation to occlude the thoracic duct (TD) in a swine model with imaging and histologic correlation.Six swine underwent TD RF ablation. Two terminal (4 hours, 1 open and 1 percutaneous) and 4 survival (30 days, all percutaneous) studies were performed. Two 20-gauge needles were placed adjacent to the TD under direct visualization after right thoracotomy or under fluoroscopic guidance using a percutaneous transabdominal approach after intranodal lymphangiography. RF electrodes were advanced through the needles, and ablation was performed at 90°C for 90 seconds. Lymphangiography was performed, and the TD and adjacent structures were resected and examined microscopically at the end of each study period.Four of 6 subjects survived the planned study period and underwent follow-up lymphangiography. Two subjects in the survival group were euthanized early-1 after developing an acute chylothorax and 1 because of gastric volvulus 14 days after ablation. Occlusion of the targeted TD segment was noted on lymphangiography in 3 of the 4 remaining subjects (2 acute and 1 survival). Histology 4 hours after RF ablation demonstrated necrosis of the TD wall and hemorrhage within the lumen. Histology at 14 and 30 days revealed fibrosis with hemosiderin-laden macrophages replacing the ablated TD. Collagen degeneration within the aortic wall involving a maximum of 60% thickness was noted in 5 of the 6 subjects.Percutaneous RF ablation can achieve short-segment TD occlusion. Further study is needed to improve safety and demonstrate clinical efficacy in treating TD leaks.

INTRODUCTION: Research indicates that prophylactic mesh may help prevent incisional hernia after laparotomy, but best practice patterns in these situations are still evolving. Here, we compare the failure loads (FLs) and biomechanical stiffness (BMS) of 35 porcine abdominal wall laparotomy incisions reinforced with meshes of various widths and fixation distances using biomechanical testing. METHODS: In each specimen, a 10-cm incision was made and closed using continuous 1-0 Maxon suture. Specimens were randomized to mesh width (none, 2.5 cm, 3 cm, 4 cm,6 cm, 8 cm) and tack separation (1.5 cm, 2 cm apart) and the meshes secured in an onlay fashion. Cyclic loads oscillating from 15 N to 140 N were applied to simulate abdominal wall stress, and the specimens subsequently loaded to failure. FLs (N) and BMS (N/mm) were comparatively analyzed. RESULTS: All specimens failed via suture pull-through. FLs and BMS were lowest in specimens with suture-only (421.43 N; 11.69 N/mm). FLs and BMS were significantly higher in 4-cm mesh specimens (567.51 N) than those with suture, 2.5-cm, and 3.0-cm mesh (all P < 0.05). FLs in specimens with a greater number of tacks were consistently higher in meshes of similar sizes, although these did not reach significance. CONCLUSIONS: A 4-cm mesh reenforcement was superior to suture-only and smaller meshes at preserving strength in laparotomy closure in a porcine model but larger meshes (6 cm,8 cm) did not provide an additional benefit. Meshes with more fixation points may be advantageous, but additional data are needed to make definitive conclusions.

The current treatment paradigm of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) focuses on observing patients until their disease reaches certain thresholds for intervention, with no preceding treatment available. There is an opportunity to develop novel therapies to prevent further aneurysmal growth and decrease the risk of a highly morbid rupture. We used a porcine model of aortic dilation to assess the ability of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to attenuate aortic dilation.Twelve Yorkshire pigs received periadventitial injections (collagenase and elastase) into a 4-cm segment of infrarenal aorta. Animals were treated with either 1 × 10All animals survived until POD 21. The mean aortic diameter was reduced in the aortic dilation + MSC treatment group compared to aortic dilation control animals (1.10 ± 0.126 versus 1.48 cm ± 0.151, P 0.001). Aortic media thickness was reduced in the aortic dilation group compared to the aortic dilation + MSC group (609.14 IQR 445.21-692.93 μm versus 643.55 IQR 560.91-733.88 μm, P = 0.0048). There was a significant decrease in the content of collagen and alpha-smooth muscle actin and elastin perturbation in the aortic dilation group as compared to the aortic dilation + MSC group. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated an increased level of vascular endothelial growth factor, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 1, and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase 3 expression in the aorta of aortic dilation + MSC animals.Stem cell therapy suppressed the aortic dilation in a porcine model. Animals from the aortic dilation group showed more diseased gross features, histologic changes, and biochemical properties of the aorta compared to that of the aortic dilation + MSC treated animals. This novel finding should prompt further investigation into translatable drug and cell therapies for aneurysmal disease.

Chinese yam polysaccharides (CYP) exhibit superior adjuvant activity and modulate the immune response, but the low bioavailability limits their clinical application. Pickering emulsions have been proven as an efficient vaccine delivery system to enhance the immune response. Here, we used the Chinese yam polysaccharides PLGA-stabilized Pickering emulsion adjuvant system (CYP-PPAS) loaded with Porcine circovirus 2 as a vaccine and focused on investigating its adjuvant activity on humoral and cellular immunity in mice. The CYP-PPAS increased PCV-2 antigen loading efficiency and showed a high antigen uptake efficiency by macrophages in vitro. In vivo, CYP-PPAS significantly facilitated DCs maturation in draining lymph nodes than CYP or PPAS alone group. The CYP-PPAS also induced an increased proliferation index and a CD4

OBJECTIVE: New transapical minimally invasive artificial chordae implantation devices are a promising alternative to traditional open-heart repair, with the potential for decreased postoperative morbidity and reduced recovery time. However, these devices can place increased stress on the artificial chordae. We designed an artificial papillary muscle to alleviate artificial chordae stresses and thus increase repair durability. METHODS: The artificial papillary muscle device is a narrow elastic column with an inner core that can be implanted during the minimally invasive transapical procedure via the same ventricular incision site. The device was 3-dimensionally printed in biocompatible silicone for this study. To test efficacy, porcine mitral valves (n = 6) were mounted in a heart simulator, and isolated regurgitation was induced. Each valve was repaired with a polytetrafluoroethylene suture with apical anchoring followed by artificial papillary muscle anchoring. In each case, a high-resolution Fiber Bragg Grating sensor recorded forces on the suture. RESULTS: Hemodynamic data confirmed that both repairs—with and without the artificial papillary muscle device—were successful in eliminating mitral regurgitation. Both the peak artificial chordae force and the rate of change of force at the onset of systole were significantly lower with the device compared with apical anchoring without the device (P < .001 and P < .001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our novel artificial papillary muscle could integrate with minimally invasive repairs to shorten the artificial chordae and behave as an elastic damper, thus reducing sharp increases in force. With our device, we have the potential to improve the durability of off-pump transapical mitral valve repair procedures.

Every lobectomy requires the transection of the interlobar fissure. Resection surfaces must be airtight in order to avoid leakage and infection. Using an ex vivo model based on porcine lung, we compared three techniques with respect to initial airtightness at different inspiratory pressures.In the first technique (group 1), we transected the interlobar fissure with a monopolar cutter and overstitched the edges of the resection area with a monofilament thread. In the second technique (group 2), the interlobar fissure was cut with a stapling device. In the third technique (group 3), the interlobar fissure was cut using a laser fibre connected to an Nd: YAG laser. The resection areas were not overstitched; 15 transections were performed in each group.In group 1, three parenchymatous bridges leaked starting at a pressure of 25 mbar. In the other two groups, all preparations were airtight at this pressure. If the ventilation pressure was increased up to 40 mbar, all seams in group 1 were leaky at a pressure of 35 mbar. Four staple seams were airtight at a pressure of 40 mbar. In group 3, 11 preparations (73.3 %) were airtight up to a pressure of 40 mbar.Based on our results, the use of an Nd: YAG laser is suitable for the transection of the interlobar fissure. In effect, this technique compares well with the other techniques examined.

The present study was performed to evaluate the reproductive performance of gilts inseminated using fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) protocol. A total of 408 Landrace × Yorkshire crossbred gilts were included in the experiment. Gilts at 8 months of age were randomly allocated into three groups: control AI (n = 192), treatment 1-TAI (n = 117) and treatment 2-FTAI (n = 99). Gilts in the control AI group were inseminated 2-3 times during standing oestrus at 0, 12 and 24 h after the onset of oestrus. Gilts in the treatment 1-TAI group were orally administered 20 mg per day of altrenogest for 18 days and then inseminated 2-3 times during standing oestrus by conventional AI. Gilts in the treatment 2-FTAI group were synchronized like gilts in treatment 1-TAI group but then GnRH (10 μg of buserelin) was administered 120 h after the end of altrenogest treatment and fixed time artificial inseminated twice at 24 and 32 h after GnRH irrespective of the presence of oestrus or not. Conception rate of gilts in treatment 2-FTAI (87.9%) was similar to the treatment 1-TAI (94.9%) and control AI (83.3%) (P 0.05). Conception rate in treatment 1-TAI (94.9%) was higher compared to control AI group (83.3%, P = 0.040). Farrowing rate of gilts in treatment 2-FTAI (83.8%) was similar to treatment 1-TAI (89.7%) and control AI (76.0%) (P 0.05). Farrowing rate of treatment 1-TAI (89.7%) was higher than control AI gilts (76.0%, P = 0.033). In treatment 2-FTAI, the conception and farrowing rate of the nine gilts that were inseminated even if they were not detected in oestrus (all during warm season) was 44.4% and 44.4%, respectively. Regular return to oestrus was similar between groups (9.4%, 0.9% and 4.1% for control AI, treatment 1-TAI and treatment 2-FTAI, respectively, P 0.05). The total number of piglets born per litter in treatment 1-TAI group was higher than control AI (13.1 ± 0.2 versus 11.6 ± 0.2, respectively, P 0.001) and treatment 2-FTAI groups (12.2 ± 0.3, P = 0.019). The number of piglets born alive was higher in treatment 1-TAI (12.1 ± 0.3) compared to treatment 2-FTAI (11.3 ± 0.2) and control AI group (11.2 ± 0.3). The percentage of stillbirth and mummified foetus were not different between groups (P 0.05). The present study indicated that fixed-time AI in gilts can be successfully performed by administration of altrenogest for 18 days, GnRH at 120 h after altrenogest withdrawal and then double fixed-time AI at 24 and 32 h after the administration of GnRH. Fertility metrics such as conception rate, farrowing rate and litter performances using this method were similar to gilts inseminated at oestrus with conventional AI.

Despite the progress in assisted reproductive techniques, there is still a lack of rapid and minimally invasive in situ approaches for further enhancements of female fertility. Therefore, we synthesized clinically relevant liposome nanoparticles for ovarian intrafollicular injection to allow in vivo cellular imaging for future drug delivery, using the mare as an animal model. Ovarian follicles of living mares were injected in vivo with fluorescently labeled liposomes. Samples of the follicular wall (mural granulosa, theca interna, and theca externa), granulosa cells, and follicular fluid were harvested 24 h post-injection through the follicle wall biopsy (FWB), flushing, and aspiration techniques, respectively, using a transvaginal ultrasound-guided approach. In parallel, post-mortem dissected, and cultured porcine antral follicles were microinjected with doxorubicin-encapsulated liposomes to assess intracellular delivery potential. All injected mare and pig follicles were macroscopically healthy, and fluorescence imaging revealed successful intrafollicular binding to mural granulosa cells and progressive migration of liposomes to other follicle cell layers (theca interna, and theca externa), regardless of the follicle size. Intracellular delivery of doxorubicin was confirmed in all porcine follicle wall cell types. We conclude that the intrafollicular injection of nanomolecules is a promising approach for real-time monitoring of intrafollicular processes and potential utilization of in vivo cellular drug delivery to assist in follicle disease treatments and fertility improvement.

The lack of standardized skill training reported by medical students in performing tube thoracostomies may be associated with higher complications. The ideal training model is yet to be determined. This study sought to evaluate three different models.Between 2015 and 2017, 204 last-year medical students of Universidade de São Paulo with no prior training in tube thoracostomy were randomized into three groups: cadaver, pig, and synthetic models. All groups performed 1-d tube thoracostomy hands-on training and a 40-min theoretical class. The knowledge acquisition was measured by a comparison between a theoretical test before and 3 wk after the class, and the skills improvement was evaluated by a comparison between the skills test on the same day of the hands-on training and another after 24 wk (the retention skill test). A questionnaire was submitted to evaluate their satisfaction rate and self-reported confidence, as per a Likert scale.The theoretical post-test score was higher compared to the pretest score in all groups (P 0.001). The retention skills test in the cadaver and synthetic groups decreased compared to the skills test (P = 0.01 and P = 0.007, respectively). There was no difference between the groups either in the theoretical test or in the skills test. Student satisfaction was higher in the cadaver and pig groups. The confidence perception increased in all groups after the training.The models used for tube thoracostomy training appear to have a similar impact on skills retention, knowledge acquisition, and confidence. Although the satisfaction rate is lower for the synthetic model, it has no biological risk or ethical issues and is more feasible.