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Abstract Background: Antifungal activity of slender amaranth (Amaranthus viridis L.) is well documented but such studies are scarce in Pakistan, especially against plant pathogens. It was hypothesized that A. viridis has antifungal activity against fungal phyto-pathogens also. Objective: Identification of antifungal constituents from leaf extracts of A. viridis. Methods: Different organic solvent extracts of A. viridis leaves were evaluated against 5 plant pathogenic fungal species viz. Alternaria alternata, Aspergillus flavus, Drechslera australiensis, Fusarium oxysporum and Macrophomina phaseolina. Antifungal activity of A. viridis was determined by serial dilution method. Six levels (0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 mg mL-1) of treatments of each n-hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate were employed against all fungal species in a Completely Randomised Design (CRD). Results: Generally, all organic solvent extracts reduced the fungal biomass significantly with the increase in extract concentration but ethyl acetate leaf fraction exhibited pronounced activity and reduced the fungal growth up to 44% in A. alternata, 39% in A. flavus, 48% in D. australiensis, 48% in F. oxysporum and 45% in M. phaseolina. Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) analysis of ethyl acetate leaf fraction revealed 09 compounds. Out of these 9 compounds, one compound identified as 1,2- Benzenedicarboxylic acid, mono (2-ethylhexyl) ester) showed 58.5% peak value. Conclusions: It was concluded that 1,2- Benzenedicarboxylic acid, mono (2-ethylhexyl) ester) being in the highest concentration in the ethyl acetate leaf fraction of A. viridis may be responsible for antifungal activity. This compound can serve as structural analog to develop ecofriendly fungicides.

Abstract Chickens genetically resistant to avian influenza could prevent future outbreaks. In chickens, influenza A virus (IAV) relies on host protein ANP32A. Here we use CRISPR/Cas9 to generate homozygous gene edited (GE) chickens containing two ANP32A amino acid substitutions that prevent viral polymerase interaction. After IAV challenge, 9/10 edited chickens remain uninfected. Challenge with a higher dose, however, led to breakthrough infections. Breakthrough IAV virus contained IAV polymerase gene mutations that conferred adaptation to the edited chicken ANP32A. Unexpectedly, this virus also replicated in chicken embryos edited to remove the entire ANP32A gene and instead co-opted alternative ANP32 protein family members, chicken ANP32B and ANP32E. Additional genome editing for removal of ANP32B and ANP32E eliminated all viral growth in chicken cells. Our data illustrate a first proof of concept step to generate IAV-resistant chickens and show that multiple genetic modifications will be required to curtail viral escape.

IntroductionInfectious Bursal Disease Virus (IBDV) causes immunosuppression in chickens. While B-cell destruction is the main cause of humoral immunosuppression, bursal T cells from IBDV-infected birds have been reported to inhibit the mitogenic response of splenocytes, indicating that some T cell subsets in the infected bursa have immunomodulatory activities. CD4+CD25+TGFβ+ cells have been recently described in chickens that have immunoregulatory properties and play a role in the pathogenesis of Marek’s Disease Virus.MethodsTo evaluate if CD4+CD25+TGFβ+ cells infiltrated the bursa of Fabricius (BF) following IBDV infection, and influenced the outcome of infection, birds were inoculated at either 2 days or 2 weeks of age with vaccine strain (228E), classic field strain (F52/70), or PBS (mock), and bursal cell populations were quantified by flow cytometry.ResultsBoth 228E and F52/70 led to atrophy of the BF, a significant reduction of Bu1+-B cells, and a significant increase in CD4+ and CD8α+ T cells in the BF, but only F52/70 caused suppression of immune responses to a test antigen in younger birds, and clinical signs in older birds. Virus was cleared from the BF more rapidly in younger birds than older birds. An infiltration of CD4+CD25+T cells into the BF, and elevated expression of bursal TGFβ-1+ mRNA was observed at all time points following infection, irrespective of the strain or age of the birds, but CD4+TGFβ+cells and CD4+CD25+TGFβ+ cells only appeared in the BF at 28 dpi in younger birds. In older birds, CD4+TGFβ+ cells and CD4+CD25+TGFβ+ cells were present at earlier time points, from 7dpi following 228E infection, and from 14 and 28 dpi following F52/70 infection, respectively.DiscussionOur data suggest that an earlier infiltration of CD4+TGFβ+ cells into the BF correlated with a delayed clearance of virus. However, the influx of CD4+TGFβ+ cells and CD4+CD25+TGFβ+ into the BF did not correlate with increased pathogenicity, or immunosuppression.

All pigs in the Republic of Korea are given the foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) vaccine intramuscularly (IM) as part of the country’s vaccination policy. However, the IM administration of the FMDV vaccine to pig results in residual vaccine components in the muscle and undesirable changes in muscle and soft tissues, causing economic losses in swine production. In this study, we evaluated whether intradermal (ID) vaccination could be proposed as an alternative to IM administration. ID vaccination (0.2 mL on each side of the neck muscle) and IM vaccination (2 mL on each side of the neck muscle) were performed twice, separated by 14 days, using a commercial FMD vaccine in specific-pathogen-free pigs. We observed growth performance, gross and microscopic lesions at the inoculation site, FMDV-specific antibodies, and neutralizing antibodies for 35 days after vaccination. Side effects on the skin grossly appeared following ID administration, but most were reduced within two weeks. All ID-vaccinated pigs showed inflammatory lesions limited to the dermis, but IM-vaccinated pigs had abnormal undesirable changes and pus in the muscle. ID-vaccinated pigs performed comparably to IM-vaccinated pigs in terms of growth, FMD virus-specific antibodies, protection capability against FMDV, and T-cell induction. This study demonstrated that the ID inoculation of the inactivated FMD vaccine induced immune responses comparable to an IM injection at 1/10 of the inoculation dose and that the inoculation lesion was limited to the dermis, effectively protecting against the formation of abnormal undesirable changes in muscle and soft tissues.

Background Despite improvements in the management and prevention of stroke, increasing hospitalizations for stroke and stagnant mortality rates have been described in young adults. However, there is a paucity of contemporary national mortality estimates in young adults. Methods and Results Trends in mortality related to stroke in young adults (aged 25–64 years) were assessed using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide‐Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research database. Age‐adjusted mortality rates per 100 000 people with associated annual percentage change were calculated. Joinpoint regression was used to assess the trends in the overall sample and different demographic (sex, race and ethnicity, and age) and geographical (state, urban‐rural, and regional) subgroups. Between 1999 and 2019, a total of 566 916 stroke‐related deaths occurred among young adults. After the initial decline in mortality in the overall population, age‐adjusted mortality rate increased from 2013 to 2019 with an associated annual percentage change of 1.5 (95% CI, 1.1–2.0). Mortality rates were higher in men versus women and in non‐Hispanic Black people versus individuals of other races and ethnicities. Non‐Hispanic American Indian or Alaskan Native people had a marked increase in stroke‐related mortality (annual percentage change 2010–2019: 3.3). Furthermore, rural (nonmetropolitan) counties experienced the greatest increase in mortality (annual percentage change 2012–2019: 3.1) compared with urban (metropolitan) counties. Conclusions Following the initial decline in stroke‐related mortality, young adults have experienced increasing mortality rates from 2013 to 2019, with considerable differences across demographic groups and regions.

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is one of the most important crops in maintaining global food security. Plant stand and yield are affected by production technology, climate, soil type, and biotic factors such as insects and diseases. Numerous fungal diseases including Neocosmospora rubicola, causing stem rot, are known to have negative effects on potato growth and yield quality. The pathogen is known to stunt growth and cause leaf yellowing with grayish-black stems. The infectivity of N. rubicola across a number of crops indicates the need to search for appropriate management approaches. Synthetic pesticides application is a major method to mitigate almost all potato diseases at this time. However, these pesticides significantly contribute to environmental damage and continuous use leads to pesticide resistance by pathogens. Consumers interest in organic products have influenced agronomists to shift toward the use of biologicals in controlling most pathogens, including N. rubicola. This review is an initial effort to carefully examine current and alternative approaches to control N. rubicola that are both environmentally safe and ecologically sound. Therefore, this review aims to draw attention to the N. rubicola distribution and symptomatology, and sustainable management strategies for potato stem rot disease. Applications of plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) as bioformulations with synthetic fertilizers have the potential to increase the tuber yield in both healthy and N. rubicola infested soils. Phosphorus and nitrogen applications along with the PGPB can improve plants uptake efficiency and reduce infestation of pathogen leading to increased yield. Therefore, to control N. rubicola infestation, with maximum tuber yield benefits, a pre-application of the biofertilizer is shown as a better option, based on the most recent studies. With the current limited information on the disease, precise screening of the available resistant potato cultivars, developing molecular markers for resistance genes against N. rubicola will assist to reduce spread and virulence of the pathogen.

Abstract Background The objective was to assess current training preferences, expertise, and comfort with transfemoral access (TFA) and transradial access (TRA) amongst cardiovascular training fellows and teaching faculty in the United States. As TRA continues to dominate the field of interventional cardiology, there is a concern that trainees may become less proficient with the femoral approach. Methods A detailed questionnaire was sent out to academic General Cardiovascular and Interventional Cardiology training programs in the United States. Responses were sought from fellows-in-training and faculty regarding preferences and practice of TFA and TRA. Answers were analyzed for significant differences between trainees and trainers. Results A total of 125 respondents (75 fellows-in-training and 50 faculty) completed and returned the survey. The average grade of comfort for TFA, on a scale of 0 to 10 (10 being most comfortable), was reported to be 6 by fellows-in-training and 10 by teaching faculty (p

Background Aortic dissection (AoD) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. However, the burden of AoD mortality is not well characterized, and contemporary data and mortality trends in different demographic and geographic subgroups have not been described. Methods and Results Trends in AoD mortality were assessed using a cross‐sectional analysis of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide‐Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research database. Crude and age‐adjusted mortality rates (AAMR) per 1 million people with associated annual percent changes were determined. Joinpoint regression was used to assess trends in the overall sample and different demographic (sex, race and ethnicity, age) and geographic subgroups. Between 1999 and 2019, a total of 86 855 AoD deaths occurred within the United States. In the overall population, AAMR was 21.1 per 1 million in 1999 and 21.3 in 2019. After an initial decline in mortality, AAMR increased from 2012 to 2019, with an associated annual change of 2.5% (95% CI, 1.8–3.3). Men, older adults (aged ≥85 years), and non‐Hispanic Black or African American individuals had higher mortality rates than women, younger individuals, and other racial and ethnic individuals, respectively. Despite lower AAMRs throughout the study period, women experienced greater increases in AAMR from 2012 to 2019 compared with men. Similarly, non‐Hispanic Black or African American individuals had a pronounced increase in AAMR from 2012 to 2019. Conclusions Despite an initial decline in AoD mortality, the mortality rate has been increasing from 2012 to 2019, with pronounced increases among women and non‐Hispanic Black or African American individuals.

Conventional management of stem rot disease of potato, caused by Neocosmospora rubicola, through fungicide application is an environmentally unfavorable practice that calls for an alternative biocontrol approach. Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) are known to not only promote plant growth but also control diseases caused by various fungi. The study was designed to evaluate the potential of three strains of PGPB and synthetic fertilizer to manage stem rot of potatoes. In the first experiment, PGPB strains Azotobacter chroococcum, Azospirillum lipoferum, and Pseudomonas putida and their combinations were evaluated on PDA medium against N. rubicola using the dual culture technique. All three bacterial strains were found effective in reducing the radial growth of the fungus maximum up to 91%. In the second experiment, in the presence of half and full recommended doses of fertilizer nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), the potato growing medium was inoculated with N. rubicola alone, and with combinations of N. rubicola and PGPB strains (bacterial formulation; BF). N. rubicola increased stem and tuber rot, and decreased tuber weight by 11% compared to the control. On the other hand, sole inoculation with BF significantly increased tuber weight. In addition, a combined inoculation of N. rubicola and BF, or N. rubicola inoculation a week prior to BF inoculation did not affect tuber weight compared to control. However, inoculation of BF a week prior to N. rubicola, controlled rot symptoms and increased tuber weight by 32%. An increase in P application favored the PGPB strains in controlling rot in tubers. The interaction effect of fertilizer N with the inoculation combinations was non-significant; however, the main impact of N was to increase rot in tubers and decrease in potato stems. Hence a prerequisite application of PGPB formulation proved to be an effective tool against N. rubicola infestation in potatoes.

Abstract Background Multifocal spherical nonstaining cavities and gram-positive, rod-shaped, and endospore-forming bacteria were found in the liver of a sow that died suddenly. Clostridium novyi type B was identified and isolated from the sudden death case, and the isolate was characterized by molecular analyses and bioassays in the current study. Results C. novyi was isolated from the liver of a sow that died suddenly and was confirmed as C. novyi type B by differential PCR. The C. novyi isolate fermented glucose and maltose and demonstrated lecithinase activity, and the cell-free culture supernatant of the C. novyi isolate exhibited cytotoxicity toward Vero cells, demonstrating that the isolate produces toxins. In addition, whole-genome sequencing of the C. novyi isolate was performed, and the complete sequences of the chromosome (2.29 Mbp) and two plasmids (134 and 68 kbp) were identified for the first time. Based on genome annotation, 7 genes were identified as glycosyltransferases, which are known as alpha toxins; 23 genes were found to be related to sporulation; 12 genes were found to be related to germination; and 20 genes were found to be related to chemotaxis. Conclusion C. novyi type B was isolated from a sow in a sudden death case and confirmed by biochemical and molecular characterization. Various virulence-associated genes were identified for the first time based on whole-genome sequencing.

Abstract The host-associated defence system responsible for the clearance of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) from infected pigs is currently poorly understood. To better understand the dynamics of host–pathogen interactions, seventy-five of 100 pigs infected with PRRSV-JA142 and 25 control pigs were euthanized at 3, 10, 21, 28 and 35 days post-challenge (dpc). Blood, lung, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and bronchial lymph node (BLN) samples were collected to evaluate the cellular immune responses. The humoral responses were evaluated by measuring the levels of anti-PRRSV IgG and serum virus-neutralizing (SVN) antibodies. Consequently, the highest viral loads in the sera and lungs of the infected pigs were detected between 3 and 10 dpc, and these resulted in moderate to mild interstitial pneumonia, which resolved accompanied by the clearance of most of the virus by 28 dpc. At peak viremia, the frequencies of alveolar macrophages in infected pigs were significantly decreased, whereas the monocyte-derived DC/macrophage and conventional DC frequencies were increased, and these effects coincided with the early induction of local T-cell responses and the presence of proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines in the lungs, BAL, and BLN as early as 10 dpc. Conversely, the systemic T-cell responses measured in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells were delayed and significantly induced only after the peak viremic stage between 3 and 10 dpc. Taken together, our results suggest that activation of immune responses in the lung could be the key elements for restraining PRRSV through the early induction of T-cell responses at the sites of virus replication.

Abstract Guanylate-binding proteins (GBP1 and GBP5) are known to be important for host resistance against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) infection. In this study, the effects of polymorphisms in GBP1 (GBP1E2 and WUR) and GBP5 on host immune responses against PRRSV were investigated to elucidate the mechanisms governing increased resistance to this disease. Seventy-one pigs [pre-genotyped based on three SNP markers (GBP1E2, WUR, and GBP5)] were assigned to homozygous (n = 36) and heterozygous (n = 35) groups and challenged with the JA142 PRRSV strain. Another group of nineteen pigs was kept separately as a negative control group. Serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected at 0, 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days post-challenge (dpc). Viremia and weight gain were measured in all pigs at each time point, and a flow cytometry analysis of PBMCs was performed to evaluate T cell activation. In addition, 15 pigs (5 pigs per homozygous, heterozygous and negative groups) were sacrificed at 3, 14 and 28 dpc, and the local T cell responses were evaluated in the lungs, bronchoalveolar lavage cells (BALc), lymph nodes and tonsils. The heterozygous pigs showed lower viral loads in the serum and lungs and higher weight gains than the homozygous pigs based on the area under the curve calculation. Consistently, compared with the homozygous pigs, the heterozygous pigs exhibited significantly higher levels of IFN-α in the serum, proliferation of various T cells (γδT, Th1, and Th17) in PBMCs and tissues, and cytotoxic T cells in the lungs and BALc. These results indicate that the higher resistance in the pigs heterozygous for the GBP1E2, WUR and GBP5 markers could be mediated by increased antiviral cytokine (IFN-α) production and T cell activation.

Introduction: Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a major cause of mortality in the United States. Recent reports indicate that PE-related mortality rates have increased among individuals younger than 65 years old. It remains unclear whether this increase in PE-related mortality is evenly distributed. A narrowly focused and clinically meaningful age group analysis is necessary. Methods: Death certificate data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research database were examined to determine all-cause PE mortality trends from 1999 to 2019 among adults 25–39, 40–54, 55–69, 70–84, and ≥85 years old. The crude death rates for individual years and annual percentage change (APC) were calculated to determine trends. Results: PE-related mortality rates increased among those 25–39, 40–54, and 55–69. Among individuals 25–39 years old, death rate increased from 1.8 to 2.0 (APC 0.7 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.2 to 1.1]) between 1999 and 2014 and continued to increase from 2.0 to 2.4 (APC 4.1 [95% CI 1.8 to 6.5]) between 2014 and 2019. Among those 40–54 years old, the crude death rate increased from 5.7 to 7.5 (APC 2.0 [95% CI, 1.6 to 2.5]) between 2007 and 2019. Among those 55–69 years old the crude death rate increased from 15.6 to 18.5 (APC 2.2 [95% CI, 1.9 to 2.5]) between 2010 and 2019. Recent death rates decreased or plateaued among individuals older than 70. Conclusions: Individuals younger than 70 years had increase in PE-related mortality between 1999 and 2019 with marked increase among those 25–39 years old.

Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) vaccines do not induce sterilizing immunity, and vaccinated birds can become infected with field strains. Vaccine-induced immune selection pressure drives the evolution of antigenic drift variants that accumulate amino acid changes in the hypervariable region (HVR) of the VP2 capsid, which may lead to vaccine failures. However, there is a lack of information regarding how quickly mutations arise, and the relative contribution different residues make to immune escape. To model IBDV antigenic drift in vitro, we serially passaged a classical field strain belonging to genogroup A1 (F52/70) ten times, in triplicate, in the immortalized chicken B cell line, DT40, in the presence of sub-neutralizing concentrations of sera from birds inoculated with IBDV vaccine strain 2512, to generate escape mutants. This assay simulated a situation where classical strains may infect birds that have suboptimal vaccine-induced antibody responses. We then sequenced the HVR of the VP2 capsid at passage (P) 5 and 10 and compared the sequences to the parental virus (P0), and to the virus passaged in the presence of negative control chicken serum that lacked IBDV antibodies. Two escape mutants at P10 had the same mutations, D279Y and G281R, and a third had mutations S251I and D279N. Furthermore, at P5, the D279Y mutation was detectable, but the G281R mutation was not, indicating the mutations arose with different kinetics.

Introduction: Transcatheter mitral valve-in-valve (ViV) & valve-in-ring (ViR) are relatively novel therapeutic alternatives for patients with degenerated bioprostheses or failed annuloplasty rings whose reoperative risk is too high. The predominant procedural access for both procedures is transapical or transseptal. However, whether there are differences in outcomes of this procedure using transseptal versus transapical access has not yet been defined. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of all published articles from MEDLINE and EMBASE to explore the outcomes of these two procedural approaches. Results: A total of 55 studies including 183 patients (154 ViV and 29 ViR) were included. Patients that underwent ViV (101 transapical and 53 transseptal) using the transseptal approach required more iatrogenic atrial septal defect (ASD) closure (19% versus 0.0 %; P

Abstract Background Currently, an in vitro immunogenicity screening system for the immunological assessment of potential porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) vaccine candidates is highly desired. Thus, in the present study, two genetically divergent PRRSVs were characterized in vitro and in vivo to identify an in vitro system and immunological markers that predict the host immune response. Porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) collected from PRRSV-negative pigs were used for in vitro immunological evaluation, and the response of these cells to VR2332c or JA142c were compared with those elicited in pigs challenged with the same viruses. Results Compared with VR2332c or mock infection, JA142c induced increased levels of type I interferons and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1α/β, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-12) in PAMs, and these elevated levels were comparable to the cytokine induction observed in PRRSV-challenged pigs. Furthermore, significantly greater numbers of activated CD4+ T cells, type I helper T cells, cytotoxic T cells and total IFN-γ+ cells were observed in JA142c-challenged pigs than in VR2332c- or mock-challenged pigs. Conclusions Based on these results, the innate immune response patterns (particularly IFN-α, TNF-α and IL-12) to specific PRRSV strains in PAMs might reflect those elicited by the same viruses in pigs.

Porcine parvoviruses (PPVs) are small, nonenveloped DNA viruses that are widespread in the global pig population. PPV type 1 (PPV1) is a major causative agent of reproductive failure and has been recognized since the 1960s. In recent decades, novel PPVs have been identified and designated as PPVs 2 through 7 (PPV2~PPV7). Although the epidemiological impacts of these newly recognized parvoviruses on pigs are largely unknown, continuous surveillance of these PPVs is needed. The aim of this study was to develop an improved and efficient detection tool for these PPVs and to assess the developed method with field samples. Using 7 sets of newly designed primers, a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (mPCR) protocol was developed for the simultaneous detection of the seven genotypes of PPV (PPV1~PPV7). The sensitivity of the mPCR assay was analyzed, and the detection limit was determined to be 3×103 viral copies. The assay was highly specific in detecting one or more of the viruses in various combinations in specimens. The mPCR method was evaluated with 80 serum samples, 40 lung or lymph node samples and 40 intestine or fecal samples. When applied to these samples, the mPCR method could detect the 7 viruses simultaneously, providing rapid results regarding infection and coinfection status. In conclusion, the developed mPCR assay can be utilized as an effective and accurate diagnostic tool for rapid differential detection and epidemiological surveillance of various PPVs in numerous types of field samples.

We report a case of a middle-aged female who presented with altered mental status, hypotension, and hypoglycemia and was diagnosed with secondary adrenal insufficiency. She was also found to have elevated troponin I on initial evaluation with diffuse T wave inversions on electrocardiogram. Transthoracic echocardiogram revealed ejection fraction of 38% with apical akinesia. Subsequent left heart catheterization revealed clean coronary arteries. She was diagnosed with typical Takotsubo cardiomyopathy secondary to adrenal insufficiency. She was managed with IV hydrocortisone with resolution of symptoms. This article adds to the select few cases in the literature of the association of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy resulting from secondary adrenal insufficiency.

Abstract Background Porcine circovirus-associated diseases (PCVAD), caused by porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2), threaten the pig industry worldwide. Five genotypes of PCV2 were recently identified: PCV2a, PCV2b, PCV2c, PCV2d and PCV2e. In addition, a novel porcine circovirus from a case of a sow with dermatitis, nephropathy syndrome and reproductive failure has been identified based on metagenomic analysis and classified as porcine circovirus type 3 (PCV3). Therefore, the current study was conducted to determine the prevalence and genetic characteristics of PCV2 and PCV3 in clinical samples. Results A total of 471 samples (161 tissue samples of lungs and lymph nodes from 34 farms and 310 serum samples from 47 farms) were tested for PCV2. Among them, 171 samples from 59 farms that had been positive for PCV2 were genotyped. Another 690 samples (296 tissue samples of lungs and lymph nodes from 91 farms, 108 samples of aborted foetuses from 26 farms, and 286 serum samples from 47 farms) were tested for PCV3. Based on PCV2 genotyping results, PCV2d was the most prevalent genotype (107 of 171 samples), and co-infections with combinations of PCV2a, 2b and 2d were identified in 48 samples from 17 farms. A total of 14 samples from 11 farms were also positive for both PCV2 and PCV3. For PCV3, 57 samples (9.8%) from 32 farms (23.2%) were positive. Among the 108 aborted foetuses from 26 farms, only 2 samples were positive for PCV3. Based on sequence comparisons, PCV2d shares 89.6–91.0% and 93.2–94.3% homology with PCV2a and PCV2b, respectively; 98.6–100% homology is shared among PCV2d strains. The PCV3 strains identified in this study share 98.0–99.5% homology. Conclusions Our study concludes that PCV2d has become the most predominant genotype in Korea. PCV3 was also identified in clinical samples, though no significant association with clinical symptoms was observed in PCV3-positive cases.

Low carbohydrate diets have been popularized as an effective solution for weight loss. Although rare, life-threatening anion gap metabolic acidosis has been reported in patients on these diets. We present a case of a 31-year-old man with atypical symptoms of chest pain and shortness of breath found to have severe metabolic acidosis after starting low carbohydrate diet for a week.

Aim: The study was conducted to report the occurrence of the Clostridium perfringens in sheep and goats of the Kashmir valley for the 1st time and to characterize them molecularly with respect to toxin genes to determine the prevalence of the various toxinotypes. Materials and Methods: A total of 177 samples (152 from sheep and 25 from goats) collected from healthy, diarrheic animals, and morbid material of animals suspected to have died of enterotoxaemia were screened for C. perfringens toxinotypes. The presumptive positive isolates were confirmed using 16S rRNA gene-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR). All the confirmed isolates were screened for six toxin genes, namely; cpa, cpb, etx, cpi, cpb2, and cpe using a multiplex PCR. Results: The PCR amplification of 16S rRNA gene revealed that out of 177 samples collected, 125 (70.62%) were found positive for C. perfringens, of which 110 (72.36%) were from sheep and 15 (60%) were from goats. The highest prevalence of C. perfringens toxinotype D was observed in lambs (56.16%) and kids (46.16%) followed by 3.84% in adult sheep while it was absent in samples obtained from adult goats. The multiplex PCR revealed that 67 (60.90%) isolates from sheep and 8 (53.33%) isolates from goats belonged to toxinotype A, while 43 (39.09%) isolates from sheep and 7 (46.66%) isolates from goats were detected as toxinotype D. None of the isolates was found to be toxinotype B, C, or E. All the C. perfringens toxinotype A isolates from sheep were negative for both cpb2 and cpe genes, however, 27.90% toxinotype D isolates from sheep carried cpb2 gene, and 6.97% possessed cpe gene. In contrast, 12.50% C. perfringens toxinotype A isolates from goats harbored cpb2 and cpe genes while 14.28% isolates belonging to toxinotype D carried cpb2 and cpe genes, respectively. Conclusion: The high prevalence of C. perfringens was observed, even in day-old lambs. The toxinotypes A and D are prevalent in both sheep and goats. The severity of disease and mortality may be associated with the presence of minor toxins in both the detected toxinotypes.

Despite the routine use of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS)-modified live vaccines, serious concerns are currently being raised due to their quick reversion to virulence and limited cross-protection against divergent PRRS virus (PRRSV) strains circulating in the field. Therefore, a PRRS chimeric vaccine (JB1) was produced using a DNA-launched infectious clone by replacing open reading frames (ORFs) 3–6 with those from a mixture of two genetically different PRRSV2 strains (K07–2273 and K08–1054) and ORF1a with that from a mutation-resistant PRRSV strain (RVRp22) exhibiting an attenuated phenotype. To evaluate the safety and cross-protective efficacy of JB1 in a reproductive model, eight PRRS-negative pregnant sows were purchased and divided into four groups. Four sows in two of the groups were vaccinated with JB1, and the other 4 sows were untreated at gestational day 60. At gestational day 93, one vaccinated group and one nonvaccinated group each were challenged with either K07–2273 or K08–1054. All of the sows aborted or delivered until gestation day 115 (24 days post challenge), and the newborn piglets were observed up to the 28th day after birth, which was the end of the experiment. Overall, pregnant sows of the JB1-vaccinated groups showed no meaningful viremia after vaccination and significant reductions in viremia with K07–2273 and K08–1054, exhibiting significantly higher levels of serum virus-neutralizing antibodies than non-vaccinated sows. Moreover, the JB1-vaccinated groups did not exhibit any abortion due to vaccination and showed improved piglet viability and birth weight. The piglets from JB1-vaccinated sows displayed lower viral concentrations in serum and fewer lung lesions compared with those of the piglets from the nonvaccinated sows. Therefore, JB1 is a safe and effective vaccine candidate that confers simultaneous protection against two genetically different PRRSV strains.

Aim: This study was conducted to determine the occurrence of methicillin-sensitive and Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) from bovine mastitis and to characterize them with respect to antibiotic resistance gene mecA. Materials and Methods: A total of 160 mastitic milk samples were screened for the presence of S. aureus. The presumptive positive isolates were confirmed using nuc and 23S rRNA gene-based polymerase chain reaction. All the confirmed isolates were subjected to in vitro antibiogram using a number of antibiotics. Isolates which showed resistance against methicillin were characterized for the presence of mecA gene. Results: Out of the total 160 milk samples, 36 (22.5%) samples yielded S. aureus. The in vitro antibiogram revealed that 16.6% S. aureus isolates were resistant to all antibiotics screened for and 5.5% isolates were sensitive to all of them. Furthermore, the study found 94.4%, 83.3%, 77.7%, 66.6%, 50%, and 27.7% of S. aureus isolates resistant to penicillin, ampicillin, amoxicillin-sulbactam, enrofloxacin, ceftriaxone, and methicillin, respectively. Out of the 36 S. aureus isolates, only 6 (16.6%) isolates were confirmed as MRSA while rest were MSSA. Conclusion: The higher occurrence of S. aureus-mediated mastitis was concluded due to improper hygienic and poor farm management. The multiple drug resistance reveals the indiscriminate use of drugs and presence of methicillin resistance gene determinant is an alarming situation as such infections are difficult to treat.

Disseminated mucormycosis endocarditis is extremely rare, and only a few cases have actually been reported in the literature. It is almost universally fatal despite aggressive surgical and medical management. In this article, we present the case of a 48-year-old immunocompromised male with mucormycosis endocarditis, who presented with acute bilateral lower extremity ischemia and passed away due to subsequent multi-organ failure. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of disseminated mucormycosis native valve endocarditis presenting as acute bilateral lower extremity ischemia.

In order to better understand differences in the outcome of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) infection, we inoculated a very virulent (vv) strain into White Leghorn chickens of inbred line W that was previously reported to experience over 24% flock mortality, and three inbred lines (15I, C.B4 and 0) that were previously reported to display no mortality. Within each experimental group, some individuals experienced more severe disease than others but line 15I birds experienced milder disease based on average clinical scores, percentage of birds with gross pathology, average bursal lesion scores and average peak bursal virus titre. RNA-Seq analysis revealed that more severe disease in line W was associated with significant up-regulation of pathways involved in inflammation, cytoskeletal regulation by Rho GTPases, nicotinic acetylcholine receptor signaling, and Wnt signaling in the bursa compared to line 15I. Primary bursal cell populations isolated from uninfected line W birds contained a significantly greater percentage of KUL01+ macrophages than cells isolated from line 15I birds (p < 0.01) and, when stimulated ex vivo with LPS, showed more rapid up-regulation of pro-inflammatory gene expression than those from line 15I birds. We hypothesize that a more rapid induction of pro-inflammatory cytokine responses in bursal cells following IBDV infection leads to more severe disease in line W birds than in line 15I.

Glioblastoma is a highly aggressive and generally lethal brain tumor despite aggressive treatment. Treatment to ensure prolonged survival while maintaining quality of life has always been challenging, as glioblastoma occurs mostly in elderly population who already have multiple comorbidities. We present the case of a 75-year-old male who was evaluated for complaints of recurrent falls due to gait abnormalities and weakness, and was found to have multifocal glioblastoma. Despite rapid initiation of chemo radiation, he did not respond to therapy and died within 4 months of diagnosis.

Avian paramyxovirus serotype-1 (AMPV1) infects a wide range of avian species leading to broader range of clinical symptoms. The ease of transmission has allowed the virus to spread worldwide with varying degree of virulence depending upon virus strain and host range. Rapid detection is an important step to prevent an outbreak of the disease. The present study was carried out to detect APMV-1 from chicken reared in Kashmir Valley. Out of 12 suspected disease outbreaks, all were positive for AMPV-1. APMV-1 was detected using Matrix Protein gene (M gene) by RT-PCR. Detection by M gene is used for primary screening of the APMV-1 in chicken with both virulent and avirulent forms.

Thrombosis is a frequent cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with nephrotic syndrome (NS). Though venous thromboses are common in NS, arterial thromboses are relatively rare. Commonly involved arteries include coronary, iliac, femoral, renal, cerebral, pulmonary, mesenteric, and axillary arteries, and the aorta. Arterial thromboses are associated with poor prognosis; treatment options are limited and patients may not always be amenable to treatment. We present the case of a 39-year-old female with NS who presented with thigh pain and was found to have sub-acute popliteal artery thrombosis.

Pylephlebitis or infective suppurative thrombosis of the portal mesenteric venous system is an uncommon condition that can potentially be deadly if not recognized and treated early. Although most commonly associated with pancreatitis and diverticulitis, any intra-abdominal or pelvic infection occurring in the region drained by the portal venous system can cause this rare entity. We report a case of a 75-year-old woman who developed post polypectomy pylephlebitis following colonoscopy, a condition rarely reported in the literature.

Epiploic appendagitis (EA) is an uncommon cause of abdominal pain. It is a benign condition but may mimic other serious causes of acute abdomen such as appendicitis, diverticulitis, and gynecological emergency in severe cases. Knowledge of this condition in the differential diagnosis of abdominal pain can save unnecessary hospital admission, antibiotics, and surgery. In this article, we present the case of a 43-year-old female who presented to our hospital with a 2-day history of right lower quadrant abdominal pain and diarrhea. She was diagnosed with EA with computed tomography of abdomen with contrast and was managed conservatively with good outcome.

Left ventricular dysfunction is a rare side effect of bevacizumab occurring in 2–4% of cases. We report the case of a 68-year-old woman who presented to the emergency department (ED) with sudden onset of shortness of breath, orthopnea, and paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea. She was tachypneic and in respiratory distress. Physical examination revealed jugular venous distention, diffuse expiratory wheeze, and bipedal edema. She had been started on bevacizumab for the treatment of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia 1 month prior to presentation. Laboratory tests revealed BNP of 1697 pg/ml with slightly elevated troponin 0.05 ng/ml. Chest X-ray showed interstitial edema with cardiomegaly, and transthoracic echocardiogram showed ejection fraction of 30% with global hypokinesia. Left heart catheterization revealed widely patent coronary arteries. Flash pulmonary edema secondary to acute left ventricular dysfunction in this case was attributed to recent treatment with bevacizumab after ruling out other possible etiologies. This case highlights the importance of early recognition of this rare but potentially reversible side effect of bevacizumab to prevent long-term sequelae.

A 41-year-old female presented to the hospital with sore throat and shortness of breath. She was hypoxic with an oxygen saturation of 87% in room air. Physical examination revealed swollen uvula with exudates. She had been started on topiramate for treatment of migraine few months ago. The dose of topiramate was increased to 100 mg twice daily 2 weeks ago. Complete blood count revealed an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of 8 c/mm3. She was intubated and started on broad-spectrum antibiotics. She was transferred to our hospital on the fifth day of hospitalization. On arrival, her absolute neutrophil count was 10 c/mm3. Her agranulocytosis was attributed to topiramate after ruling out other possible causes. ANC improved after topiramate was stopped. ANC increased to 1000 after 5 days of stopping topiramate. We also reviewed published cases of topiramate-associated agranulocytosis. Agranulocytosis is a rare side effect of topiramate, and only 3 case reports have been published so far. In all cases, agranulocytosis developed after months of topiramate therapy and when dose was increased to 200 mg daily suggesting a dose-dependent effect. Next steps would be further research on the pathogenesis of agranulocytosis associated with topiramate and creation of registry for data synthesis.

Rivaroxaban is a direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) approved as an important alternative to warfarin in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation. We report the case of an 87-year-old man with past medical history of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation on rivaroxaban and recently started amiodarone for pulseless ventricular tachycardia who presented to our hospital with intermittent chest pain and was diagnosed with spontaneous hemopericardium causing cardiac tamponade. The culprit drugs were discontinued, and the patient was treated with emergent pericardiocentesis. Both rivaroxaban and amiodarone are substrates for the CYP3A4 hepatic pathway, and concomitant use can result in increased plasma rivaroxaban levels causing an increased propensity to bleeding. While most physicians are cognizant of the need for renal dosing of rivaroxaban, this article aims to increase awareness of its interactions with drugs that are also metabolized through the same hepatic CYP450 pathway.

Isolated pulmonary valve endocarditis in intravenous drug users is a rarely reported phenomenon. We present the case of a 25-year-old male with history of intravenous drug use who presented with respiratory symptoms after failing outpatient treatment for community-acquired pneumonia. Further investigations identified multiple lung lesions with early cavitation, concerning for septic pulmonary embolism on computerized tomography scan, positive blood cultures with methicillin-susceptible staphylococcus aureus, and isolated vegetation of the pulmonic valve on transthoracic echocardiography. The patient had a complete recovery after being treated medically with intravenous oxacillin for a total of 6 weeks.

DiNap [(E)-1-(2-hydroxy-4,6-dimethoxyphenyl)-3-(naphthalen-1-yl)prop-2-en-1-one], an analog of a natural product (the chalcone flavokawain), was synthesized and characterized in this study. Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is the most challenging threat to the swine industry worldwide. Currently, commercially available vaccines are ineffective for controlling porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) in pigs. Therefore, a pharmacological intervention may represent an alternative control measure for PRRSV infection. Hence, the present study evaluated the effects of DiNap on the replication of VR2332 (a prototype strain of type 2 PRRSV). Initially, in vitro antiviral assays against VR2332 were performed in MARC-145 cells and porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs). Following this, a pilot study was conducted in a pig model to demonstrate the effects of DiNap following VR2332 infection. DiNap inhibited VR2332 replication in both cell lines in a dose-dependent manner, and viral growth was completely suppressed at concentrations ≥0.06 mM, without significant cytotoxicity. Consistent with these findings, in the pig study, DiNap also reduced viral loads in the serum and lungs and enhanced the weight gain of pigs following VR2332 infection, as indicated by comparison of the DiNap-treated groups to the untreated control (NC) group. In addition, DiNap-treated pigs had fewer gross and microscopic lesions in their lungs than NC pigs. Notably, virus transmission was also delayed by approximately 1 week in uninfected contact pigs within the same group after treatment with DiNap. Taken together, these results suggest that DiNap has potential anti-PRRSV activity and could be useful as a prophylactic or post-exposure treatment drug to control PRRSV infection in pigs.

We present the case of an 89-year-old man with a 1 month history of fevers and fatigue. Blood cultures were positive for Clostridium perfringens. The patient had worsening abdominal distension in which an abdominal computed tomography scan uncovered a colonic mass, and further work-up revealed poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. The patient was treated with antibiotics, but unfortunately, given his age and the new malignancy, he was discharged to hospice care. The association between clostridial bacteremia and colon cancer has been well described in the literature and is further discussed in this article. This case highlights the importance of recognizing possible occult malignancy in the right clinical setting in patients found to have clostridial bacteremia.

We present the case of an 83-year-old woman with a past medical history significant for schizoaffective disorder, presenting to our emergency department with the complaint of ‘pain’. Given the non-specific complaint and the limited history obtained, CT imaging was performed on her chest and abdomen which incidentally found a large duodenal diverticulum. This manuscript discusses the incidence of duodenal diverticula and the potential associated complications.

Generalized pruritic rash in Hodgkin's disease is most commonly due to paraneoplastic manifestation. It can sometimes precede other manifestations of Hodgkin's disease by weeks or months. Hence, if other possible causes have been ruled out, Hodgkin's disease should be considered a possible cause of generalized pruritic rash. Consideration of Hodgkin's disease as a cause of generalized pruritic rash can help in early identification of Hodgkin's disease. We present a case of a 71-year-old female who presented to the hospital with generalized pruritic rash for 4 days. Further workup revealed Stage IV Hodgkin's disease. The rash completely disappeared after receiving chemotherapy, which established that the rash was paraneoplastic manifestation of Hodgkin's disease.

Strongyloidiasis is a parasitic infestation caused by Strongyloides stercoralis. Most cases are asymptomatic; however, symptomatic patients may present with a wide range of non-specific cutaneous, pulmonary, or gastrointestinal symptoms posing a diagnostic dilemma and delay in diagnosis. We report a case of a 58-year-old female who presented with months of generalized pruritus and abdominal discomfort along with persistent eosinophilia due to strongyloidiasis, which completely resolved with treatment.

Gonococcus typically affects the mucosal surfaces but in rare cases can spread to bloodstream causing disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI). The usual presentation of DGI is rash, polyarthralgia, and tenosynovitis. We present the case of a 23-year-old female who presented to our hospital with pustular rash and tenosynovitis of hand and was sent home on Augmentin. Her symptoms worsened despite treatment and she presented back to the ED. On investigation, she was found to have DGI and was appropriately treated. DGI should be kept in mind in sexually active youngsters who have only one or two features of the classic triad of rash, tenosynovitis, and arthritis. Timely management and appropriate treatment of DGI is very important to avoid complications and morbidity.

We present the case of a 36-year-old woman who presented to our hospital with epigastric abdominal pain and tenderness. Laboratory evaluation identified high lipase, normal amylase, pseudohyponatremia, and relatively falsely low triglyceride levels (initial value of 2,329 mg/dl which on repeat was found to have corrected value of >10,000 mg/dl). The overall clinical picture was consistent with acute pancreatitis due to hypertriglyceridemia. The patient was commenced on IV insulin and eventually required plasmapheresis with good clinical outcome. This case highlights the importance of being cognizant of falsely low amylase and TG levels that can be present in patients with hypertriglycereidemic pancreatitis

One of the major hurdles to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) vaccinology is the limited or no cross-protection conferred by current vaccines. To overcome this challenge, a PRRS chimeric virus (CV) was constructed using an FL12-based cDNA infectious clone in which open reading frames (ORFs) 3–4 and ORFs 5–6 were replaced with the two Korean field isolates K08-1054 and K07-2273,respectively. This virus was evaluated as a vaccine candidate to provide simultaneous protection against two genetically distinct PRRS virus (PRRSV) strains. Thirty PRRS-negative three-week-old pigs were divided into five groups and vaccinated with CV, K08-1054, K07-2273, VR-2332, or a mock inoculum. At 25 days post-vaccination (dpv), the pigs in each group were divided further into two groups and challenged with either K08-1054 or K07-2273. All of the pigs were observed until 42 dpv and were euthanized for pathological evaluation. Overall, the CV-vaccinated group exhibited higher levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and interleukin-12 (IL-12) expression and of serum virus-neutralizing antibodies compared with the other groups after vaccination and also demonstrated better protection levels against both viruses compared with the challenge control group. Based on these results, it was concluded that CV might be an effective vaccine model that can confer a broader range of cross-protection to various PRRSV strains.

Introduction: A non-contrast CT head scan (NCCTH) is the most common cross-sectional imaging investigation requested in the emergency department. Advances in computer vision have led to development of several artificial intelligence (AI) tools to detect abnormalities on NCCTH. These tools are intended to provide clinical decision support for clinicians, rather than stand-alone diagnostic devices. However, validation studies mostly compare AI performance against radiologists, and there is relative paucity of evidence on the impact of AI assistance on other healthcare staff who review NCCTH in their daily clinical practice., Methods and Analysis: A retrospective data set of 150 NCCTH will be compiled, to include 60 control cases and 90 cases with intracranial haemorrhage, hypodensities suggestive of infarct, midline shift, mass effect or skull fracture. The intracranial haemorrhage cases will be subclassified into extradural, subdural, subarachnoid, intraparenchymal and intraventricular. 30 readers will be recruited across four National Health Service (NHS) trusts including 10 general radiologists, 15 emergency medicine clinicians and 5 CT radiographers of varying experience. Readers will interpret each scan first without, then with, the assistance of the qER EU 2.0 AI tool, with an intervening 2-week washout period. Using a panel of neuroradiologists as ground truth, the stand-alone performance of qER will be assessed, and its impact on the readers' performance will be analysed as change in accuracy (area under the curve), median review time per scan and self-reported diagnostic confidence. Subgroup analyses will be performed by reader professional group, reader seniority, pathological finding, and neuroradiologist-rated difficulty., Ethics and Dissemination: The study has been approved by the UK Healthcare Research Authority (IRAS 310995, approved 13 December 2022). The use of anonymised retrospective NCCTH has been authorised by Oxford University Hospitals. The results will be presented at relevant conferences and published in a peer-reviewed journal., Trial Registration Number: NCT06018545., Competing Interests: Competing interests: DR, SK and ST are employees of Qure AI. NW declares consultancy fees from InHealth and SM Radiology not related to the current submission. MH declares consultancy fees from Qure AI not related to the current submission. DJL declares an institution grant for additional research activity on a separate product unrelated to the current submission. AN declares another NHSX grant in collaboration with Qure AI for research unrelated to the current submission. SA declares grants from Qure AI for other research activity unrelated to the current submission., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2024. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

In the current study, we synthesized a new SiPc derivative conjugated with arginine at the axial positions, for a novel phthalocyanine-based photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy (PDT) applications in cancer cells. Axially-di-arginine substituted new silicon(IV) phthalocyanine photosensitizer (PS-5a) has been thoroughly researched for its anti-cancer properties. Various spectroscopic techniques were used to characterize this conjugate, including 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR, FT-IR, UV-vis, and MS spectral data. The in vitro PDT activities of the conjugate on cancer cells were tested through its cytotoxic, clonogenic, apoptotic effects on, and its capacity to induce DNA damage, and the disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential in cancer cell lines (liver; HuH-7, cervix; HeLa and breast; MCF7). Cancer cells exposed to the light illumination following uptake of the PS-5a as a photosensitizer revealed DNA breakage and collapsed mitochondrial membrane potential. The results of the present investigation demonstrate that PS-5a has a significant photo-cytotoxic effect on cancer cells. So, axially-di-arginine substituted silicon(IV) phthalocyanine could be an effective PDT agent for PDT treatment., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest There are no conflicts to declare., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)