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Sixty-one pigs were housed in an isolation unit with three compartments and five pens. Each compartment had its own ventilation system resulting in air currents flowing from compartment A (pens 1 to 3) towards compartment B (pen 4), but not towards compartment C (pen 5). Classical swine fever virus was introduced by the experimental inoculation of one pig in the middle pen (pen 2) of compartment A. The virus infected the pigs in pen 4, following the prevalent air currents, and the compartmentalisation had only a retarding effect on the transmission of the virus. The absence of infection in the pigs in pen 5, which was not different from pen 4 except for the ventilation system, indicates that the spread of virus was affected by the air currents. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

It has been demonstrated that pigs that have been double vaccinated with an E2 sub-unit marker vaccine and that are infected with classical swine fever virus (CSFV) through a natural contact infection may react positive in a CSFV detecting RT-nPCR test, whereas no virus could be isolated by using the conventional virus isolation (VI) technique. To evaluate whether these vaccinated and infected pigs may spread the virus, three experiments were set up. In the first, susceptible pigs were inoculated with serum originating from vaccinated RT-nPCR positive pigs. In the second, vaccinated RT-nPCR positive pigs were brought into contact with sentinel animals. In the third, vertical transmission was evaluated in RT-nPCR positive vaccinated pregnant gilts. In the first two experiments, no proof of virus transmission was found, whereas in the third vertical transmission was observed. The conclusion is that in vaccinated pigs that are positive in RT-nPCR but negative in VI, the level of circulating virus is probably not high enough for horizontal transmission, whereas vertical transmission of the virus is possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was set up to investigate the role of excretions and secretions in the indirect transmission of classical swine fever virus (CSFV). In five small pens, 10 weaner pigs (two pigs per pen) were housed and inoculated with CSFV. Experimental infection was successful in all pigs. The infected pigs were kept in the pens for a period of 15 days after which the pens were depopulated and pigs were killed. At the moment of depopulation, all inoculated pigs were visibly clinically diseased and had high fever. Ten hours later the same pens were repopulated with five pairs of susceptible pigs. From inoculation onwards and especially between depopulation and restocking, the pens were neither cleaned nor disinfected. Four days post-repopulation, three of the susceptible pigs were detected positive on virus isolation. A fourth pig was detected positive 2 days later. Later on, the remaining pigs also became infected, most probably due to contact and between pen infections. It can be concluded that transmission of the virus via excretions and secretions succeeded in four of 10 pigs. This result indicates that transmission of CSFV via excretions and secretions can be of importance in a late, clinical stage of disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary In this experiment transmission of classical swine fever (CSF) virus via excretions of infected pigs was investigated under experimental conditions. Five pairs of pigs were experimentally infected with CSF virus. Eight days after experimental infection, when all pigs were viraemic for at least 3 days, the pens were depopulated and 20 h later, restocked with five pairs of susceptible pigs which stayed in these pens for 35 days. During the first 3 weeks of the experiment, the pens were neither cleaned nor disinfected. During the observation period, none of the susceptible pigs became infected. This result indicates that CSF virus spread via excretions is of minor importance in the early stages of infection. For extrapolation of these findings to the field situation and to increase the validity of the conclusions further research is needed to evaluate the effect of factors like virus strain, interval, ..., that may influence the outcome of the experiment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experimental infection with classical swine fever (CSF) virus in 12 conventional gilts, housed in a sow-box housing system, was conducted in order to evaluate horizontal transmission, clinical, virological and serological response, and the effect on gestation. Two of the 12 gilts, of which 10 were pregnant, were experimentally inoculated. They became viraemic for the first time 6 days post-inoculation (dpi). The contact gilts became viraemic between 18 and 21 days post-inoculation. On the basis of virological findings and the martingale estimate of R0 (13.0) it was concluded that the two experimentally inoculated gilts infected all contact gilts, although random contacts between gilts were not possible. The presence of CSF infection could be diagnosed earlier and during a longer period when the leucocyte count or polymerase chain reaction were used in comparison with virus isolation in whole blood (P < 0.05). The observed clinical symptoms were atypical and highly variable between the gilts, which hampered clinical diagnosis. The pregnant gilts became infected between day 43 and 67 of gestation. In all cases vertical virus transmission occurred and this resulted partially in abortion and/or mummification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the epidemiological characteristics of the 1997 Classical Swine Fever (CSF) outbreak that occurred in the Limburg Province of Belgium, where there is a policy of nonvaccination, intensive surveillance and eradication. Between 30 June and 17 July 1997, eight herds, located in three different areas, were confirmed to be CSF-positive. CSF virus was transmitted from the primary infected herd of one area to another five herds in the same area and to one herd in a different area. The mode of virus introduction for this primary infected herd and for the one herd that was not infected by this primary herd could not be determined. Clinical, serological, and virological findings indicate that the CSF-infected herds were detected in an early stage of the infection. The early detection of the infection together with a preventive stamping out procedure resulted in a rapid elimination of the CSF virus. A total of 46 561 pigs were slaughtered to control the spread of the infection. Another 27 579 pigs were slaughtered in the framework of the market support. The total direct costs of the episode were estimated at € 10 893 337. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spread of classical swine fever virus was investigated in an isolation unit containing four pens, each containing six slaughter pigs. One pig in the middle pen of three adjacent pens was inoculated intramuscularly and intranasally with the virus. The fourth pen was located in a separate compartment. containing six slaughter pigs. One pig in the middle pen of three adjacent pens was inoculated intramuscularly and intranasally with the virus. The fourth pen was located in a separate compartment. The pens were visited in a strict order to study, first, the effect of indirect contact via contaminated clothing and footwear on the spread of the virus to adjacent pens and, secondly, the airborne transmission of the virus between compartments. The pigs were examined and blood samples were taken every other day for 62 days for virological and serological analyses. The virus was highly contagious for the five pigs that were in direct contad with the inoculated pig, but spread to the other pens only after all the pigs in the originally infeded pen had become viraemic. The spread of the virus was promoted by contaminated clothing and footwear, but airbome transmission contributed considerably to the spread of the virus within the pighouse. The first clinical signs observed after the virus was introduced into a pen were decreased feed intake, increased mean rectal temperature and apathy. Neither the clinical course of the infection, nor the pattem of seroconversion observed over time, was affected by the differences in the intensity of contact with the virus between the pigs in the different pens. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Thirteen conventional sows were inoculated between 61 and 92 days of gestation with a Belgium or a Greek EMCV isolate to investigate the difference in pathogenicity of both strains for sows in gestation. The Belgian EMCV strain was isolated from the offspring of a sow with productive failure and without myocardial lesions. The Greek strain was isolated from a 3-month-old pig with prominent myocardial lesions. The present study demonstrates a transplacental virus transmission with fetal death following an infection of the sows in gestation with both isolates. The fetal pathogenicity was more severe with the Greek strain than with the Belgian isolate. No myocardial lesions were noticed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A strict system for visiting experimentally inoculated and susceptible weaner pigs was used to examine the potential indirect transmission of classical swine fever (CSF) virus by people wearing contaminated boots, gloves and coveralls. The inoculated and susceptible pigs were housed in separate compartments, between which the airborne transmission of the virus was impossible. A worst-case scenario with an intensive visiting protocol and no form of disinfection or hygiene was established. Fifteen days after the pigs were inoculated, infection was detected in one contact pig, and it was concluded that under the conditions of the experiment CSF virus could be transmitted by contact with people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examines the epidemiologic, pathogenic and molecular analysis of encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) in Belgium. Causes of pig mortality; Performance of a micro virus neutralization test; Sources of infection.

The objective of this study was to analyse an outbreak of classical swine fever under a policy of non-vaccination, intensive surveillance and eradication in an area of high pig density. The virus was found in 52 herds, where some 90,000 pigs were slaughtered. The clinical signs were vague and the reports of suspect herds generally coincided with increased mortality. The interval between the first occurrence of clinical signs and the report of a suspect herd was shorter when the disease was first diagnosed in fattening pigs than when it was diagnosed in sows, boars or suckling piglets. Among fattening pigs, mortality and morbidity appeared to increase with age. The proportion of clinically ill animals was positively correlated with the proportion of serologically positive animals in a pig house during the phase when the disease was spreading. Fifty-eight per cent of pig houses containing only clinically healthy but some virologically positive pigs were serologically negative. Antigen detection was therefore critical for early disease detection. Serology was nevertheless useful to ascertain that swine fever was not endemic in the area. The secondary cases were concentrated in the close neighbourhood of the herd initially infected. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Fisheries bycatch is considered the largest threat to sea turtle populations globally. However, it has been challenging to assess the impact of bycatch on sea turtles in some regions such as Northwest Africa (i.e. Cabo Verde, Guinea, Guinea–Bissau, Mauritania, Senegal, Sierra Leone and The Gambia) owing to large data gaps. This hampers effective management actions and interferes with conservation efforts in the region.Five sea turtle species occur in Northwest Africa (i.e. green turtle Chelonia mydas, hawksbill Eretmochelys imbricata, leatherback Dermochelys coriacea, loggerhead Caretta caretta and olive ridley Lepidochelys olivacea). The region has regionally and globally important sea turtle nesting and foraging habitats and is a global fishing hotspot, with high and increasing fishing pressure.Available information on sea turtle bycatch in Northwest Africa was compiled from peer‐reviewed and grey literature from 2010 onwards to determine the impact of artisanal and industrial fisheries (by gear type) on regional sea turtle populations and assess the level of threat to individual species.All sea turtle species occurring in the region are impacted by bycatch. Reports suggest that green turtles and loggerheads have the highest bycatch rates, probably owing to their regional abundance and widespread distribution. Some of the potentially highest reported global bycatch rates (14,000–90,000 turtles/year/country) are noted, particularly in gillnets, longlines and handlines. However, further research is needed to understand mortality levels from artisanal fisheries and assess the impact of trawl fisheries operating in the region. Additional sources of mortality include deliberate capture for consumption or trade.To strengthen regional sea turtle conservation and reduce sea turtle bycatch and mortality, urgent action is needed to implement and enforce national protection, establish a bycatch reduction framework (including gear modifications and spatio‐temporal closures), improve fisheries data collection and build capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abortion in sows or the expulsion of foetuses between days 35 and 109 of gestation results in major financial losses. Abortion is the result of maternal failure due to factors interfering with either the endocrine control of pregnancy or causing endometrial damage. In addition, causes of fetal origin, due to infections with a special affinity for the fetus, can also lead to abortion. Many different non‐infectious and infectious factors may be involved. Non‐infectious risk factors include inappropriate ambient temperature, seasonal effects, different stress factors, and toxic substances. Microorganisms that may cause abortion can be classified as facultative pathogenic and specific pathogenic microorganisms. The first category includes mostly bacteria that are endemic in many pig farms and that are normally harmless commensals. They can cause abortion only in case of decreased immunity or other predisposing factors. Different specific pathogenic microorganisms, especially viruses and bacteria, can cause fetal death and abortion. Some may have a special affinity for the reproductive tract and the foetuses (e.g. Aujeszky's disease virus, parvovirus, Leptospira sp.), while others may cause clinical disease or fever in sows (e.g. swine influenza viruses, Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae), subsequently leading to abortion. Diagnosis of fetal death and abortion is challenging due to the broad array of processes that may be involved, and the fact that the inciting cause may happen well in advance of the abortion. The diagnostic process should start with a thorough evaluation of the clinical problem and the farm. In case an infectious cause is suspected, proper samples should be collected, preferably from different sows and foetuses, for the detection of specific pathogens. Prevention of abortion mainly relies on the implementation of good management practices, hygiene and biosecurity measures, and for some pathogens also on vaccination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A general synthetic entryway into novel cationic Pd(II) indenyl complexes bearing one alkyl/aryl phosphine and one N‐heterocyclic carbene is reported. All metal complexes have been exhaustively characterized by spectroscopic and structural analyses, highlighting that the indenyl fragment has an hapticity intermediate between η3 and η5. Most of the target complexes are stable in solid state and in solution for a long time. Two different applications of these organopalladium compounds are proposed. Firstly, they have been tested as antiproliferative agents towards three different ovarian cancer cell lines, showing a cytotoxicity significantly higher than that of cisplatin, with a clear dependence on the nature of the coordinated phosphine. Moreover, the similar cytotoxicity towards cisplatin‐sensitive and cisplatin‐resistant cell lines suggests that these new palladium derivatives act with a different mechanism of action with respect to classical platinum‐based drugs. Finally, the water‐soluble palladium complexes bearing 1,3,5‐triaza‐7‐phosphaadamantane (PTA) have demonstrated interesting catalytic performances in Suzuki–Miyaura coupling in aqueous media, being, inter alia, readily and efficiently recyclable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: One of the consequences of the presentation of reproductive failures in sows is the economic losses in production because it alters the estimated values of the volume of production, decreasing the productivity of the farm. Porcine circovirosis by porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) has been associated with reproductive disorders, and porcine parvovirus (PVP) is one of the pathological agents most related to the presentation of reproductive failure in pigs. In Colombia, there are reports of the presence of PCV2 through molecular techniques, and PVP through serum tests; however, in the department of Tolima, the prevalence of these two viruses is unknown. Objective: In this study, the aim was to establish a report of the prevalence of viruses in five municipalities of the department of Tolima‐Colombia. Methods: Blood samples from 150 breeding sows of five municipalities in Tolima, Colombia, were obtained. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to detect the PCV2 and PVP virus in the blood samples followed by PCR and sequencing of 16 PCR products of the amplification of the cap gene of PCV2. A phylogenetic tree was constructed to identify the genotype of the PCV2 virus. Results: The presence of PCV2d in sows was detected in 135 samples (90%), as well as the identification of PVP in 2.6% of the samples. In addition, the phylogenetic analysis showed that 16 isolates were the PCV2d2 genotype. Conclusion: PCV2d and PVP were found to coinfect the females, and the identification of variability in regions in the predicted amino acid sequence of the PCV2 capsid may be associated with virus pathogenicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sharks play a key role in the structure and functioning of marine ecosystems. More ecological information is essential to implement responsible management and conservation actions on this fauna, particularly at a regional level for threatened species. Mustelus mustelus is widely found in the eastern Atlantic Ocean and catalogued as "Vulnerable" by the IUCN European assessment. In this study, data on the distribution and population structure of this species across the islands of the Canarian archipelago, located along an east to west gradient in the north‐eastern Atlantic, were collected by taking advantage of "Local Ecological Knowledge," in terms of sightings in coastal waters and long‐term imprints on the local gastronomic heritage, and decadal fisheries landings. Both sources of quantitative data (sightings and fisheries landings) demonstrated that adults of M. mustelus has a significantly larger presence in the eastern and central, than in the western islands of the archipelago. This is also reflected on local gastronomic legacies, with a larger number of recipes in the eastern and central islands. Adult smooth‐hound sharks were significantly more observed in sandy and sandy‐rocky bottoms, with individuals seen throughout the entire year, whereas juveniles aggregate on very shallow waters in spring and summer. Such aggregations require a special management strategy, as they play a key role in critical life stages; these sites should be protected from human perturbations. We also suggest a temporal fishing ban between April and October, when individuals tend to concentrate on nearshore waters. Because of the large differences in presence of this shark among the Canary Islands, management of the species should be adapted to the specific peculiarities of each island, rather than adopting a management policy at the entire archipelago‐scale. Overall, this study sets the basis for further investigation to promote conservation of this vulnerable shark in the study region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spain suffered an outbreak of classical swine fever between June 14, 2001 and May 7, 2002, which affected 49 herds; this paper describes the epidemiological characteristics of the 39 herds that were affected in Catalonia, an area of high pig density in the north east of Spain. The outbreak took place in two waves, which affected first the province of Lleida and then Barcelona. A total of 291,058 animals were slaughtered, 59,595 belonging to infected herds; 22 of the infected herds were detected on the basis of clinical suspicion on the part of the farmer or farm veterinarian, and the other 17 were detected by surveillance methods. The transmission of the virus between herds was attributed to the movement of people in 23 per cent of the cases, to animals in 13 per cent, vehicles in 10 per cent, proximity 18 per cent, the pick-up service of the rendering plant in 8 per cent and slurry in 5 per cent; in the other nine herds (23 per cent) the route of entry of the disease could not be established. The viruses isolated in the two waves of the outbreak were 100 per cent homologous and belonged to subgroup 2.3. The origin of the outbreak remains unknown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Samples of serum from 76 gilts, 1440 sows, 1473 piglets and 3093 finishing pigs from 96 farrow-to-finish herds were tested for antibodies to encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) in microtitre serum neutralisation tests employing two strains of virus, one associated with myocarditis and the other with reproductive failure. The total seroprevalence of EMCV infection was 2.48 per cent. There was no significant difference between the seroprevalence of the reproductive failure strain (1.6 per cent) and the myocardial strain (1.85 per cent). The seroprevalence was higher in the gilts (6.57 per cent) and sows (5.13 per cent) than in the piglets (1 per cent) and finishing pigs (1.84 per cent), and the highest titres were observed in the sows (1:540) and finishing pigs (1:640). In the gilts, the difference in seroprevalence between the reproductive failure strain (3.95 per cent) and the myocardial strain (5.33 per cent) was wider than in the other groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of dietary fibre on glycaemic control in dogs with diabetes mellitus Kimmel, S. E., Michel, K. E., Hess, R. S. & Ward, C. R. (2000) Effects of insoluble and soluble dietary fiber on glycaemic controls in dogs with naturally occurring insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 216, 1076-1081 [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A series of Pt(0)‐η2‐olefin complexes bearing 1,3,5‐triaza‐7‐phosphaadamantane (PTA) or N‐heterocyclic carbenes are prepared following different synthetic strategies depending on the nature of coordinated alkene and spectator ligands. These new platinum(0) derivatives have been tested in vitro as anticancer agents toward three different tumor (human ovarian cancer A2780 and A2780cis and K562 myelogenous leukemia) and one non‐tumor (Hacat keratinocytes) cell lines, proving to be in several cases highly and selectively cytotoxic against ovarian cancer cells. Furthermore, this antiproliferative effect is associated with the activation of an apoptosis process. In particular, complexes equipped with PTA as spectator ligand give comparable IC50 values on A2780 (cisplatin sensitive) and A2780cis (cisplatin resistant) cell lines, indirectly proving that these new Pt(0) substrates act with a mechanism of action conceivably different from cisplatin. This hypothesis is also confirmed by the fact that our compounds, in contrast to cisplatin, are not able to promote erythroid‐differentiation activity on the K562 myelogenous leukemia cell line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

African swine fever (ASF) continues to cause outbreaks throughout regions of Africa, Europe and Asia. The disease can cause severe morbidity and mortality resulting in serious economic losses. Since there is no vaccine available to control ASF, early detection is critical to contain and control the disease. The aim of this study was to develop a novel real‐time PCR assay based on highly conserved ASFV gene E183L (p54). The limit of detection of the assay, VNUA‐p54 real‐time PCR, was 2.63 copies/reaction and 2 Log10 HAD50/ml. The VNUA‐p54 real‐time PCR was able to detect fifteen different ASFV reference strains representing p72 genotypes I, II and V. The assay was specific and did not amplify other swine viruses including CSFV, FMDV, PRRSV and PEDV. The diagnostic sensitivity of the real‐time PCR assay was evaluated using 200 field clinical specimens collected from swine farms located in different provinces in Vietnam. The VNUA‐p54 real‐time PCR assay is an additional tool for ASF diagnostics and can be used in combination with other p72 based ASFV real‐time PCR assays as a rapid confirmatory assay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Swine abortion caused by viruses as well as bacteria has caused many economic losses in domestic farms over the years; however, bacterial abortion has not yet been studied in Korea. Several bacterial species were isolated from aborted fetuses (n = 103) for which the cause of death was not viral abortion. Among them, we focused on Aerococcus viridans, which had the highest positive rate within three provinces (Gangwon, Jeonnam and Gyeongnam). A total of 16 isolates were identified as A. viridans by matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization‐time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS), and 13 were characterized by both antibiotic resistance and 16S rRNA gene analysis. Based on antibiotic susceptibility testing result, eight antimicrobials could not effectively eliminate the present isolation (more than 40% of isolates can resist these antibiotics), while all except two strains were susceptible to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Molecular analysis indicated genetic variation among these strains. This study is the first report detecting A. viridans from aborted fetuses in Korean domestic farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cetaceans are considered ecosystem engineers and useful bioindicators of the health of marine environments. The Eastern North Atlantic is an area of great geographical and oceanographic complexity that favours ecosystem richness and, consequently, cetacean occurrence. Although this occurrence has led to relevant scientific research on this taxon, information on the composition of this research has not been assessed.We aimed to describe and quantify the evolution of research on cetaceans in the Eastern North Atlantic, highlighting the main focal areas and trends.We considered 380 peer‐reviewed publications between 1900 and 2018. For each paper, we collected publication year, research topics and regions, and species studied. We assessed differences among regions with distinct socio‐economic landscapes, and between coastal and oceanic habitats. To evaluate the changes in scientific production over time, we fitted a General Additive Model to the time series of numbers of papers.Although research in this region has been increasing, the results show relatively little research output in North African and coastal regions within the study area. Moreover, except for four studies, research was restricted to a few miles around the coast of the main islands, leaving offshore regions less well surveyed. There was little research on genetics, acoustics, and behaviour. Most papers were focused on the Azores and Canary Islands, and mostly involved Tursiops truncatus, Delphinus delphis, and Physeter macrocephalus. Species considered Endangered or Near Threatened were the subjects of only 10% of the studies.We suggest a greater research focus on beaked whales (Ziphiidae) in Macaronesia, as well as collaborative efforts between research teams in the region, by sharing data sets, and aiming to produce long‐term research. Moreover, a Delphi method approach, based on questionnaires answered by experts, could be attempted to identify priority research for cetaceans in these areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Classical swine fever (CSF) is an endemic disease in southeastern Asia and is one of the most important swine diseases in Vietnam. This study was conducted to characterize the pathology of natural cases of CSF in northern Vietnam in 2018 and their genetic prevalence. A total of 10 representative pigs were collected from four provinces (Hung Yen, Ha Noi, Quang Ninh and Thai Binh) during five outbreaks and examined pathologically. The gross and histopathological findings showed the disease was expressed as the acute or the subacute to chronic form of CSF, depending on the age of the animals. The most consistently observed lesions associated with infection by the classical swine fever virus (CSFV) included lymphoid depletions in tonsils, lymph node and spleen; histiocytic hyperplasia in spleen; cerebral haemorrhage; perivascular cuffing in the brain; renal erythrodiapedesis; urothelial vacuolation and degeneration and interstitial pneumonia. The immunohistochemical findings showed a ubiquitous CSFV antigen mainly in the monocytes/macrophages and in the epithelial and endothelial cells in various organs. CSFV neurotropism was also found in the small neurons of the cerebrum and the ganglia of the myenteric plexus. Analysis of the full‐length envelope protein (E2) genome sequence showed that all strains were genetically clustered into subgenotype 2.5, sharing a nucleotide identity of 94.0%–100.00%. Based on the results of this study, the strain was categorized as a moderately virulent CSFV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sarcoptic mange is a cosmopolitan disease affecting the skin of domestic and wild mammalian species and humans as well. In Eurasia, sarcoptidosis (also known as sarcoptic mange or scabies) affects mountain ungulates (Caprinae) among other wild hosts, and epizootic outbreaks induce variable mortality rates. This fact, coupled with the important ecological and socio‐economic values of such mammalian hosts, resulted in many research projects being focused on addressing ecological, physiological, behavioural, genetic, and pathological effects of the disease.Nevertheless, information about management of sarcoptic mange in free‐ranging populations is scarce and scattered, with contradictory results and a lack of consensus on basic aspects of the disease.In this review, we summarise knowledge on the effects of sarcoptic mange in wild Caprinae, at individual, pathological and population epidemiological levels, as well as on the current tools and management strategies for its detection, diagnosis, prevention, and control.Disease spread in naïve populations is ca. 6 km year−1, and the mortality rate can be >95%. Tools for monitoring the disease include visual diagnosis, photographic traps, trained dogs, thermography, immunodiagnostics, molecular tools, radiocollars, and epidemiological modelling. Options for management include eradication, control, and prevention of the disease; biosecurity and prevention of spread to humans can be achieved by careful hygiene methods.Sarcoptic mange is a natural, biological factor controlling host population numbers and dynamics in Caprinae, so goals and strategies for its management in wild populations must be set accordingly.Specific management programmes for preventing and controlling sarcoptic mange in wild Caprinae populations must be based on reliable epidemiological data. More research is needed to provide evidence‐based policies. The efficacy and safety of various management approaches remain to be tested experimentally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

P‐Hydroxyaryl‐ and N‐C6H4COOH‐substituted phosphanyl‐bis(methylamines) and 1,5‐diaza‐3,7‐diphosphacyclooctanes react with MII(cod)Cl2 (MII = Pt, Pd) to give the corresponding monophosphane L2MCl2 and bisphosphane LMCl2 complexes. Spontaneous mono‐(P^O)M‐chelate formation was observed only for L2PtCl2 involving 2‐C6H4OH groups and, partially, on heating the 8‐membered LPtCl2 complex. Addition of excess Et3N led to a full conversion to the (P^O)MCl(P^OH) complexes with COOH groups, whereas heating the LMCl2 complexes with excess Na2CO3 in DMF (4 h 90 °C) led to the formation of sodium salts of mono‐ and, in trace (Pt) or small (Pd) amounts, of bis(P^O)M‐chelates. The structures were established by multinuclear NMR data and for an LPdCl2 and a (P^O)PtCl(P^OH) complex by crystal structure analysis, in the latter case with the influence of a close C–H···Cl–Pt contact on the (P^OH)‐conformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data on the prevalence of resistance‐associated substitutions (RASs) and their implications for treatment with direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) are sparse in European patients with HCV genotype 4. This study investigated RASs before and after DAA failure in different genotype 4 subtypes and evaluated retreatment efficacies. Samples of 195 genotype 4‐infected patients were collected in the European Resistance Database and investigated for NS3, NS5A and NS5B RASs. Retreatment efficacies in DAA failure patients were analysed retrospectively. After NS5A inhibitor (NS5Ai) failure, subtype 4r was frequent (30%) compared to DAA‐naïve patients (5%) and the number of NS5A RASs was significantly higher in subtype 4r compared to 4a or 4d (median three RASs vs no or one RAS, respectively, P <.0001). RASsL28V, L30R and M31L pre‐existed in subtype 4r and were maintained after NS5Ai failure. Typical subtype 4r RASs were located in subdomain 1a of NS5A, close to membrane interaction and protein‐protein interaction sites that are responsible for multimerization and hence viral replication. Retreatment of 37 DAA failure patients was highly effective with 100% SVR in prior SOF/RBV, PI/SOF and PI/NS5Ai failures. Secondary virologic failures were rare (n = 2; subtype 4d and 4r) and only observed in prior NS5Ai/SOF failures (SVR 90%). In conclusion, subtype 4r harboured considerably more RASs compared to other subtypes. A resistance‐tailored retreatment using first‐ and second‐generation DAAs was highly effective with SVR rates ≥90% across all subtypes and first‐line treatment regimens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first palladium organometallic compounds bearing N‐trifluoromethyl N‐heterocyclic carbenes have been synthesized. These η3‐allyl complexes are potent antiproliferative agents against different cancer lines (for the most part, IC50 values fall in the range 0.02–0.5 μm). By choosing 1,3,5‐triaza‐7‐phosphaadamantane (PTA) as co‐ligand, we can improve the selectivity toward tumor cells, whereas the introduction of 2‐methyl substituents generally reduces the antitumor activity slightly. A series of biochemical assays, aimed at defining the cellular targets of these palladium complexes, has shown that mitochondria are damaged before DNA, thus revealing a behavior substantially different from that of cisplatin and its derivatives. We assume that the specific mechanism of action of these organometallic compounds involves nucleophilic attack on the η3‐allyl fragment. The effectiveness of a representative complex, 4 c, was verified on ovarian cancer tumoroids derived from patients. The results are promising: unlike carboplatin, our compound turned out to be very active and showed a low toxicity toward normal liver organoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

African swine fever (ASF) has spread widely across China since 2018. It represents a significant threat to the pig production industry, as no treatment or vaccine is available for this disease. In this study, the geographical distribution and epidemiological features of ASF from all endemic regions of China were analyzed. We focused on the epidemiological data from 149 ASF cases among domestic pigs and wild boars, confirmed during 2018‐2019. We found that, in the 1‐year period from August 2018 to July 2019, ASF was reported in most geographical regions of the country, which comprises 31 provinces. The outbreaks were mainly located along the important economic zones and tended to increase southward in general. The southwest region was the most severely affected, with 22% of cases, followed by the Northeast, with 20% of cases. There was no significant difference among other regions. Additionally, the overall mean rate of case‐incidence/fatality was 12.5% and 64%, respectively, in this period and varied significantly different months, with a general trend towards a decrease over time. The highest incidence rate (30.4%) occurred in April‐May 2019, and the highest fatality rate (81.21%) in October‐November 2018, demonstrating the marked seasonality in ASF transmission. Furthermore, anthropogenic effects were a major significant risk factor for the spread of the disease. In summary, this initial epidemiological analysis of ASF provides a global perspective on ASF and facilitates detection of trends and patterns, which will be useful for updating preventive actions at a national level and evaluating their impact on public health. Highlights: The ASF outbreaks located along the economic zones and tended to southward in general.The rates of incidence/fatality varied different months with a general decrease trend.More outbreaks occurring in the warm seasons marked seasonality in ASF transmission.Anthropogenic effects are a major significant risk factor for the spread of ASF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

African swine fever is a devastating disease of domestic pigs and wild boars caused by African swine fever virus (ASFV). ASFV originates from sub‐Saharan African countries. In the last 10 years, the virus left its endemic range to spread to eastern Europe and Russia. On September 2018, Belgian authorities reported that ASFV had been detected in two wild boars in a southern area of the country. One year later, no domestic pig has been infected, with the last ASFV‐positive wild boar being confirmed in mid‐August 2019, suggesting that the outbreak is now controlled. However, the dispersal dynamics as well as the specific impact of ecological factors and intervention measures on the outbreak remain unknown.In total, 827 positive cases have been reported in wild boar populations. In this study, we exploit the resulting spatio‐temporal distribution of occurrence data to investigate the wavefront progression. We first present the application of recently developed methods to quantify the local wavefront velocity of an invading epidemic. Second, we develop and apply a novel analytical framework that uses occurrence data to investigate the impact of ecological factors on the dispersal dynamics of a wavefront progression.Our analyses highlighted that the network of barriers, involving installed fences, had an impact on both the effective dispersal and the wavefront dispersal velocity. Furthermore, we also demonstrated that the wavefront progression was slower outside forest areas. Together, these results have concrete implications for potential future ASFV epidemics in similar regions.Synthesis and applications. We describe a novel analytical approach that exploits occurrence data to investigate the impact of ecological factors on the wavefront velocity and actual wavefront progression. This methodology has the potential to be quickly applied to outbreak datasets solely made of occurrence data, with key benefits for the epidemiological investigations of external spatial factors impacting pathogen dispersal across non‐endemic areas. Our analytical workflow could also be further applied to investigate the impact of ecological factors on any kind of biological dispersions (pathogen spreads, invasive species). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies have identified a new genus of the Orthomyxoviridae family, Influenza D virus (IDV). This virus was shown to infect farm animals including swine and cattle, and to efficiently replicate and transmit in ferrets, the animal model of choice for transmission of influenza A virus to humans. This partnering grant on IDV addressed the need for capacity building at EU level to improve the EU's scientific assessment capacity and international competitiveness. We have promoted cross‐disciplinary cooperation between the partner institutes representing six Member States (BE, FR, IT, LU, NL and SE). We have shown that the available antigen and genome test systems allow reliable influenza D diagnostics in partners laboratories, while for a few of the applied antibody testing methods adjustments are recommended. Tools were developed to study virus‐host range, with a gain of knowledge on host and tissue tropism of IDV in farm animals but also in wild life and very preliminary data was generated on human tissues. Serological results in European cattle suggest that influenza D virus is enzootic. Virus diversity is still unfolding: new virus introductions were identified, as well as new reassortants whose differential clinical impact or cross‐protection levels are still poorly understood. Considering drivers of emergence, IDV was in the top five in comparison with 29 other diseases. The main risk factors of IDV in cattle are related to the animal density, presence of respiratory clinical signs in cattle and contact rates between animals. Simplified quantitative IDV risk assessment exposure model indicated a possible infection of human by IDV through aerosols in cattle farms. Further studies are warranted to fully assess the risk of IDV for both animal and Human health in Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worldwide, many emerging porcine parvoviruses (PPVs) have been linked to porcine circovirus‐2 (PCV2) associated disease (PCVAD), which includes post‐weaning multi‐systemic wasting syndrome (PMWS), PCV2‐related reproductive failure (PCV2‐RF), as well as other syndromes. To determine the DNA prevalence of PPVs and their relationship with PMWS and PCV2‐RF in Mexico, 170 formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded tissues were selected from archival collections to detect PPVs using a nested polymerase chain reaction. The tissues were composed of 50 PMWS cases, 20 age‐matched tissues from healthy pigs, 56 PCV2‐related reproductive failure (PCV2+‐RF) cases, and 44 PCV2‐‐RF cases. Overall, PPV2 and PPV6 were the most prevalent species (90.0% and 74.7%, respectively). In 8–11 week old pigs, the highest prevalence was for PPV6 and PPV3. Concerning reproductive failure, the PCV2‐affected farms had a significantly higher prevalence for PPV6 (61.6%) and PPV5 (36.4%) than the PCV2‐unaffected farms (35.0% and 5.0%, respectively). The concurrent infection rate was high, being significant for PPV2/PPV4 and PPV1/PPV5 within the PMWS cases and for PPV6/PPV5 among the PCV2+‐RF tissues. PPV5 showed a significant relationship with PMWS, whereas PPV5 and PPV6 were significant for PCVAD. The prevalence and coinfection rate of PPVs in Mexico were markedly higher than that described in other countries, denoting that PPV5 and PPV6 might have a potential role in PCVAD in Mexico. It is concluded that it is likely that the density population of pigs in Mexico is contributing to high PPV inter‐species and PCV2 coinfections which might lead to a different pathogenic outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental sources of infection can play a primary role in shaping epidemiological dynamics; however, the relative impact of environmental transmission on host‐pathogen systems is rarely estimated. We developed and fit a spatially explicit model of African swine fever virus (ASFV) in wild boar to estimate what proportion of carcass‐based transmission is contributing to the low‐level persistence of ASFV in Eastern European wild boar. Our model was developed based on ecological insight and data from field studies of ASFV and wild boar in Eastern Poland. We predicted that carcass‐based transmission would play a substantial role in persistence, especially in low‐density host populations where contact rates are low. By fitting the model to outbreak data using approximate Bayesian computation, we inferred that between 53% and 66% of transmission events were carcass‐based that is, transmitted through contact of a live host with a contaminated carcass. Model fitting and sensitivity analyses showed that the frequency of carcass‐based transmission increased with decreasing host density, suggesting that management policies should emphasize the removal of carcasses and consider how reductions in host densities may drive carcass‐based transmission. Sensitivity analyses also demonstrated that carcass‐based transmission is necessary for the autonomous persistence of ASFV under realistic parameters. Autonomous persistence through direct transmission alone required high host densities; otherwise re‐introduction of virus periodically was required for persistence when direct transmission probabilities were moderately high. We quantify the relative role of different persistence mechanisms for a low‐prevalence disease using readily collected ecological data and viral surveillance data. Understanding how the frequency of different transmission mechanisms vary across host densities can help identify optimal management strategies across changing ecological conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

African swine fever (ASF), erysipelas and many other infectious and parasitic diseases have seriously compromised the future of pig industry in the Western Highlands of Cameroon. Since implementation of biosecurity measures (BM) is known to reduce the risk of disease transmission, the objective of this study was to describe the pig farming management system as well as the biosecurity practices on pig farms in the Western Highlands of Cameroon. Therefore, 97 farms were investigated using a face‐to‐face interview‐based questionnaire. Biosecurity practices were divided in three components: isolation, traffic control and sanitation. The results revealed that the majority of farms were extensive (73.22%), farrow‐to‐finish farms (59.79%) and essentially raising crossed‐bred (72.75%). The most practiced BM regarding 'isolation' were as follows: maintenance of the minimum distance between farms (56.06%) and dispatching of animals of same age in the same room (97.16%); for 'traffic control', the measures included the following: assignment of specific tools and equipment (96.86%) to a specific piggery; concerning 'sanitation', daily cleaning (97.06%), as well as using disinfectants (89.13%) were mostly implemented. The measures less implemented for 'isolation' included fencing (11.83%), compliance with the all‐in all‐out principle (10.11%), use of specific clothing (6.03%) and quarantine (7.69%); for 'traffic control', the less adopted measures comprised visitor hands washed before animal handling (11.65%), respect of linear flow principle (13.52%). Concerning 'sanitation', these measures included functional footbath (29.90%), processing of drinking water (27.84%) and cleanout (18.14%). The biosecurity level was low, intermediate and high for 73.71, 21.55 and 4.73% of farms, respectively. This low level suggests that ASF and other diseases are likely to remain endemic. The most important measures of concern and to improve are as follows: not feeding kitchen waste to pigs; keeping other livestock species away from pigs; fencing pig barn; keeping newly arrived animals in quarantine, not exchanging boars; not selling sick animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: African swine fever (ASF), a severe multi‐systemic disease in pigs, was introduced into Estonia in 2014. The majority of outbreaks have occurred during the summer months. Given that ASFV is transmitted in a sylvatic cycle that includes the transmission by African soft ticks and that mechanical transmission by flying insects was shown, transmission by other arthropod vectors need to be considered. Objectives: Here, we report the results of a pilot study on flying insects caught on an outbreak farm during epidemiological investigations. Methods: In brief, 15 different insect species (flies and mosquitoes) were collected by random catch using an aerial net. Nucleic acids derived from these samples or their pools were tested for African swine fever virus (ASFV) DNA by real‐time PCR. Results and Conclusions: Viral DNA was detected in small quantities in two samples from flies and mosquitoes. Given the slow spread of virus within the farm, the impact of these findings seems rather low, but a role in local transmission cannot be ruled out. However, given the very low number of insects sampled, and taken into the account that viral isolation was not performed and insects outside the farm were not investigated, future investigations are needed to assess the true impact of insects as mechanical vectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the drivers underlying disease dynamics is still a major challenge in disease ecology, especially in the case of long‐term disease persistence. Even though there is a strong consensus that density‐dependent factors play an important role for the spread of diseases, the main drivers are still discussed and, more importantly, might differ between invasion and persistence periods.Here, we analysed long‐term outbreak data of classical swine fever, an important disease in both wild boar and livestock, prevalent in the wild boar population from 1993 to 2000 in Mecklenburg‐Vorpommern, Germany. We report outbreak characteristics and results from generalized linear mixed models to reveal what factors affected infection risk on both the landscape and the individual level.Spatiotemporal outbreak dynamics showed an initial wave‐like spread with high incidence during the invasion period followed by a drop of incidence and an increase in seroprevalence during the persistence period. Velocity of spread increased with time during the first year of outbreak and decreased linearly afterwards, being on average 7.6 km per quarter.Landscape‐ and individual‐level analyses of infection risk indicate contrasting seasonal patterns. During the persistence period, infection risk on the landscape level was highest during autumn and winter seasons, probably related to spatial behaviour such as increased long‐distance movements and contacts induced by rutting and escaping movements. In contrast, individual‐level infection risk peaked in spring, probably related to the concurrent birth season leading to higher densities, and was significantly higher in piglets than in reproductive animals.Our findings highlight that it is important to investigate both individual‐ and landscape‐level patterns of infection risk to understand long‐term persistence of wildlife diseases and to guide respective management actions. Furthermore, we highlight that exploring different temporal aggregation of the data helps to reveal important seasonal patterns, which might be masked otherwise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The QT interval and heart rate were measured from the electrocardiogram of 1608 Alderley Park beagles, and mean QT intervals for 28 values of heart rates between 84 and 192 beats per minute were calculated. These were analysed by linear regression and ranked by Pearson's correlation coefficient for each of eight equations, all of which have been proposed to describe the relationship between QT interval and heart rate. The equation QT=b(√RR), upon which the calculation of QT using Bazett's formula is based, did not adequately describe the relationship. QT=b(√RR) was a more adequate one-parameter equation. The firstranked equation was 1/QT=a+b(HR), but its use presents practical and interpretational difficulties; consequently, the second-ranked equation, QT=a+b(logHR), is recommended for routine use. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

A series of Pt(II) complexes trans‐[Pt(PPh2allyl)2(κ1‐S‐SR)2], 1, PPh2allyl=allyldiphenylphosphine, SR=pyridine‐2‐thiol (Spy, 1 a), 5‐(trifluoromethyl)‐pyridine‐2‐thiol (SpyCF3‐5, 1 b), pyrimidine‐2‐thiol (SpyN, 1 c), benzothiazole‐2‐thiol (Sbt, 1 d), benzimidazole‐2‐thiol (Sbi, 1 e), were synthesized. They were characterized by NMR, HR ESI‐MS, and X‐ray crystallography. Treatment of human cancer cell lines (A549, SKOV3, MCF‐7) with these complexes resulted in promising antitumor effects in comparison with cisplatin. These compounds showed suitable selectivity between tumorigenic and non‐tumorigenic (MCF‐10 A) cell lines. Analyses of cell cycle progression and apoptosis were conducted for 1 a, the most cytotoxic compound, to screen dose/time response and to study the antiproliferative mechanism. An electrophoresis mobility shift assay was performed to assess the direct interaction of 1 a with DNA and the strong genotoxic ability was indicated through the comet assay method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Classical Swine Fever Virus (CSFV) causes classical swine fever, a highly contagious hemorrhagic fever affecting both feral and domesticated pigs. Outbreaks of CSF in Europe, Asia, Africa and South America had significant adverse impacts on animal health, food security and the pig industry. The disease is generally contained by prevention of exposure through import restrictions (e.g. banning import of live pigs and pork products), localized vaccination programmes and culling of infected or at‐risk animals, often at very high cost. Current CSFV‐modified live virus vaccines are protective, but do not allow differentiation of infected from vaccinated animals (DIVA), a critical aspect of disease surveillance programmes. Alternatively, first‐generation subunit vaccines using the viral protein E2 allow for use of DIVA diagnostic tests, but are slow to induce a protective response, provide limited prevention of vertical transmission and may fail to block viral shedding. CSFV E2 subunit vaccines from a baculovirus/insect cell system have been developed for several vaccination campaigns in Europe and Asia. However, this expression system is considered expensive for a veterinary vaccine and is not ideal for wide‐spread deployment. To address the issues of scalability, cost of production and immunogenicity, we have employed an Agrobacterium‐mediated transient expression platform in Nicotiana benthamiana and formulated the purified antigen in novel oil‐in‐water emulsion adjuvants. We report the manufacturing of adjuvanted, plant‐made CSFV E2 subunit vaccine. The vaccine provided complete protection in challenged pigs, even after single‐dose vaccination, which was accompanied by strong virus neutralization antibody responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The reaction of 3,7‐diacetyl‐1,3,7‐triaza‐5‐phosphabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane (DAPTA) with metal salts of CuII or NaI/NiII under mild conditions led to the oxidized phosphane derivative 3,7‐diacetyl‐1,3,7‐triaza‐5‐phosphabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane‐5‐oxide (DAPTA=O) and to the first examples of metal complexes based on the DAPTA=O ligand, that is, [CuII(μ‐CH3COO)2(κO‐DAPTA=O)]2 (1) and [Na(1κOO′;2κO‐DAPTA=O)(MeOH)]2(BPh4)2 (2). The catalytic activity of 1 was tested in the Henry reaction and for the aerobic 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidin‐1‐oxyl (TEMPO)‐mediated oxidation of benzyl alcohol. Compound 1 was also evaluated as a model system for the catechol oxidase enzyme by using 3,5‐di‐tert‐butylcatechol as the substrate. The kinetic data fitted the Michaelis–Menten equation and enabled the obtainment of a rate constant for the catalytic reaction; this rate constant is among the highest obtained for this substrate with the use of dinuclear CuII complexes. DFT calculations discarded a bridging mode binding type of the substrate and suggested a mixed‐valence CuII/CuI complex intermediate, in which the spin electron density is mostly concentrated at one of the Cu atoms and at the organic ligand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) is as a potential zoonotic agent with a wide host range. Here, applying gene splicing by overlap extension PCR (SOE‐PCR), we describe a simple method for producing single‐chain variable fragment (scFv) antibody against EMCV that configurates in the orientation of VH‐(GGGGS)4‐VL. DNA template was resverse transcribed by total RNA that derived from hyperimmunized antibody positive mice spleen after inoculation inactivated EMCV‐PV21 as antigen. Using the degenerate primers designed for the variable regions of IgG of murine antibody, the 417 bp of gene encoding VH‐linker (VHL) and 360 bp of gene encoding linker‐VL (LVL) of the anti‐EMCV was individually amplified from DNA template by PCR, repectively. The 762 bp gene encoding anti‐EMCV scFv was constructed by SOE‐PCR when the mixed VHL and LVL genes were used as the template. The amplified gene subcloned into pGEX‐6P1 to yield pGEX‐6P1/EMCV‐scFv. Recombinant vector transformed into the Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) and a 53 KDa GST‐scFv fusion protein was obtained by SDS‐PAGE electrophoresis. Animal experiment results showed that the pretective rate of mice in group A which challenged 500 μL 104 TCID50 EMCV per mouse for 7 d post‐inoculation scFv 3 d (0.5 mg purified recombinant scFv per mouse) was 91.67% (11/12). The serum anti‐EMCV antibody titer in group A mice was most significantly higher than that in positive control mouse (P < 0.01), coversely the serum relative mRNA copies were significantly lower than that in positive control mouse (P < 0.05). These findings indicated that recombinant anti‐EMCV scFv has remarkable anti‐EMCV effect in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reaction of [(Me2S)AuCl] with an equimolar amount of benzyl isocyanide (PhCH2NC) ligand led to the formation of complex [(PhCH2NC)AuCl] (1). The solid‐state structure of 1 was determined using the X‐ray diffraction method. Through a salt metathesis reaction, the chloride ligand in 1 was replaced by pyrimidine‐2‐thiolate (SpyN−) to afford the complex [(PhCH2NC)Au(η1‐S‐Spy)] (2), which was characterized spectroscopically. The cytotoxic activities of 1 and 2 were evaluated against three human cancer cell lines: ovarian carcinoma (SKOV3), lung carcinoma (A549) and breast carcinoma (MCF‐7). Complex 2 showed higher cytotoxicity than cisplatin against SKOV3 and MCF‐7 cancer cell lines. It showed a strong anti‐proliferative activity with IC50 of 7.80, 6.26 and 6.14 μM, compared with that measured for cisplatin which was 7.62, 12.36 and 11.47 μM, against A549, SKOV3 and MCF‐7 cell lines, respectively. The induction of cellular apoptosis by 2 was also studied on MCF‐7 cell line. Our results indicated that 2 could induce apoptosis in cancerous cells in a dose‐dependent manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Cycloplatinated complexes based on 2‐(4‐substituted)benzothiazole ligands of type [Pt(R‐PBT‐κC,N)Cl(L)] (PBT=2‐phenylbenzothiazole; R=Br (1), Me2N (2); L=dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO; a), 1,3,5‐ triaza‐7‐phosphaadamantane (PTA; b), triphenylphosphine 3,3′,3′′‐trisulfonate (TPPTS; c)) and [Pt(Br‐PBT‐κC)Cl(PTA)2] (3) are presented. On the basis of the photophysical data and time‐dependent (TD)‐DFT calculations (1 a and 2 a), the low‐lying transitions (absorption and emission) were associated with ligand‐center (LC) charge transfer, with minor metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer (MLCT), and intraligand charge transfer (ILCT) [Me2N‐PBT→PBT] excited states, respectively. Simultaneous fluorescence/phosphorescence bands were found in fluid solutions (and also in the solid state for 2 a), which become dominated by triplet emission bands in rigid media at 77 K. The effect of the concentration on emissive behavior of 2 a, b indicated the occurrence of aggregation‐induced luminescence properties related to the occurrence of metal–metal and π⋅⋅⋅π interactions, which are more enhanced in 2 a because of the less bulky DMSO ligand. The behavior of 2 a toward para‐toluenesulfonic acid (PTSA) in aerated acetonitrile and to hydrogen chloride gas in the solid state has been evaluated, thus showing a clear reversible change between the 1ILCT and 3LC/3MLCT states due to protonation of the NMe2 group (theoretical calculations on 2 a‐H+). Solid 2 a undergoes a surprising oxidation of the PtII center to PtIV with concomitant deoxygenation of DMSO, under prolonged reaction with hydrogen chloride gas to afford the PtIV/dimethyl sulfide complex (mer‐[Pt(Me2N‐PBT‐κC,N)Cl3(SMe2)]; mer‐4), which evolves in solution to fac‐4, as confirmed by X‐ray studies. Cytotoxic activity studies on A549 and HeLa cell lines indicated cytotoxic activity of 1 b and 2 a, b. In addition, fluorescent cell microscopy revealed cytoplasmic staining, more visible in perinuclear areas. Inhibition of tubulin polymerization by 1 b in both cells is presented as a preliminary mechanism of its cytotoxic action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In a group of 22 healthy pigs aged between 4 and 6 months, 2 pigs became ill with high fever, complete anorexia, cough and abnormal swaying movements on 22 June 2015. One of them died on June 24 and the second died on July 3. Shortly after, the remaining pigs also fell ill and died from the same illness by 10 August 2015. We investigated the aetiology, epidemiological and clinical features of the outbreak. We recorded the clinical signs and symptoms for each pig with the date of onset of illness. Veterinarians conducted post‐mortem examinations on the 12 dead pigs, they collected tissue samples from the dead pigs and placed them in a tube containing 1 mL of nucleic acid extraction buffer (lysis buffer). We tested all the tissue samples by real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT‐PCR) to detect classical swine fever virus (CSFV) because the animals’ symptoms matched those of this disease. We also conducted a phylogentic analysis of the nucleotide sequence of the E2 gene segment of CSFV detected in a lung tissue sample. The attack rate (22/22) and the case fatality were 100%. The predominant symptoms of the disease included high fever, cough, diarrhoea and swaying movements of the hind legs prior to death. Of the 12 pigs tissue samples tested, all had evidence of the presence of CSFV RNA by rRT‐PCR. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that the virus belongs to genotype 2.2, which is closely related to CSFV genotype 2.2 reported in India. Our investigation suggests that CSF is circulating in pigs, posing a risk for communities in Bangladesh that rely on pigs for economic income and dietary protein. Future research could focus on estimating the disease and economic burden of CSFV in pig rearing areas to determine if interventions might be warranted or cost‐effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidences point to a relevant role of wildlife in the ecology of Coxiella burnetii worldwide. The lack of information on C. burnetii genotypes in wildlife prevents tracing-back clinical animal and human Q fever cases with potential wildlife origin. To compare C. burnetii genotypes circulating in wildlife, livestock and humans, 107 samples from red deer, European wild rabbit, racoon, small mammals, goat and sheep were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction and reverse line blot hybridization. Genomic groups I, II, VI and VII were found in wildlife and groups I, II, III and IV in domestic ruminants. Livestock genotypes clustered mainly with genotypes reported previously in livestock. Genotyping confirmed previous findings that suggest that C. burnetii may display host specificity since most genotypes of sympatric deer and rabbits clustered in separate groups. Wildlife genotypes clustered with genotypes from ticks and from acute hepatitis human Q fever cases, suggesting that particular C. burnetii genotypes circulating in a wildlife-tick cycle may occasionally jump into humans through tick bites or exposure to wildlife. This finding could be behind the reported geographic variation in the clinical presentation of acute Q fever in humans in Spain: atypical pneumonia in the north and hepatitis in the south. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The alkylation of one of the nitrogen atoms of the molecule 1,3,5,triaza-7-phosphaadamantane (PTA) with para-substituted benzylic units and the l-phenylalanine methyl ester moiety are reported. The crystalline structures of the two alkylated PTA species [PTA-CH2- p-COOH-C6H4]Br ( 1a) and [PTA-CH2- p-CH2COOH-C6H4]Br ( 2) reveal the presence of interactions between the bromide anion and the OH group of the acid moiety. Bis-phosphane derivatives were prepared by the alkylation of two PTA molecules with a dibromide salt to afford more water-soluble species. The corresponding mono- and dinuclear chloro-, thiocyanato- and pentafluorophenyl gold(I) derivatives are described. Most of the new complexes have been tested as anticancer agents, exhibiting higher cytotoxicity than cisplatin against human colon cancer cell lines. Some of them display low cytotoxicity towards differentiated cells (non-carcinogenic), as determined from viability studies, thereby demonstrating a significant specificity in this type of cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water-soluble complexes cis-[Ru(bpy)2(PTA)2]Cl2 ( 1Cl2), cis-[Ru(bpy)2(PTA)2](PF6)2 [ 1(PF6)2], trans-[Ru(bpy)2(PTA)2](CF3SO3)2 [ 2(CF3SO3)2], cis-[Ru(bpy)2(PTA)(H2O)](CF3SO3)2 [ 3(CF3SO3)2], cis-[Ru(bpy)2(PTAH)(H2O)](CF3SO3)3 ·2CF3SO3H [ 4(CF3SO3)3 ·2CF3SO3H], cis-[Ru(bpy)2(PTAH)2](CF3SO3)4 ·4CF3SO3H [ 5(CF3SO3)4 ·4CF3SO3H], and trans-[Ru(bpy)2(PTAH)2](CF3SO3)4 ·4CF3SO3H [ 6(CF3SO3)4 ·4CF3SO3H] (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridyl; PTA = 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, NMR, and IR spectroscopy. The crystal structures of 1(PF6)2, 2(CF3SO3)2, and 3(CF3SO3)2 were obtained by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Both experimental and computational techniques were utilized to perform a detailed analysis of the structural and electronic properties of complexes 1 and 2 in water in both the deprotonated and protonated state and under N2 and air. Luminescence studies showed that these complexes are active fluorescence compounds, despite the presence of monophosphines in their structure. The pH sensitivity of the emission band of both complexes and their photohydrolysis in acidic water solution was studied. Both complexes release a PTA molecule under selective irradiation in acidic water to give complex 4. Cyclic voltammetry showed that, in water, irreversible anodic oxidation corresponding to the RuII/RuIII redox process occurs for 1, whereas for 2 the process is quasi-reversible, while in N, N-dimethylformamide for both complexes they are irreversible and occur at lower potential than in water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]