Search

The mosquito-borne flavivirus Usutu virus (USUV) is responsible for countless deaths in both resident populations and birds kept in outdoor aviaries. Since 2001, USUV outbreaks have attracted increased attention due to the rapid geographical spread of the virus and its close relationship to West Nile virus (WNV), an emerging pathogen in humans and animals. Similar to WNV, the USUV enzootic transmission cycle predominantly involves Culex spp. as vectors, whereas birds serve as amplifying reservoir hosts. In Europe, USUV-associated disease outbreaks in birds are almost exclusively described during late spring and early autumn (early April to late October). Contagiousness of virus particles excreted by infected birds has not yet been proven, so that the role of non-vector-borne transmission, as it is known for the closely related WNV, remains unclear. Here we report the diagnosis of USUV infection in 15 of 24 birds from mortality outbreaks that occurred during the cold season between late October 2018 and early April 2019, in eight different aviaries located in Germany. Detection of USUV was performed using standardized molecular biological methods and immunohistochemistry for verification of the infection. USUV infection in a parrot species, a tropical finch and two estrildid finches are reported for the first time. Further research on the occurrence of USUV infection during the cold season is key to understanding the dynamics of viral transmission as well as for a profound health risk assessment for aviary birds as well as humans.

Background Feedgrain contamination with mycotoxins, including deoxynivalenol (DON, “vomitoxin”) is relatively frequently encountered. Pigs are particularly sensitive to the toxicity of DON. To assess the interplay between DON and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), we performed an experimental DON exposure–PRRSV vaccination–challenge infection trial. Three-week-old piglets were divided into four groups. Groups I, II and III (10 animals/group) were vaccinated with a PRRSV modified live vaccine and 2 weeks later challenged with a heterologous field strain. While group I was not supplemented with DON, animals in groups II and III received DON for 4 weeks prior to challenge infection at levels that can be encountered in pig feed, employing a low-dose or high-dose regime (group II: 40 µg DON/kg body weight per day; group III: 80 µg DON/kg body weight per day, corresponding to approx. 1 or 2 mg DON/kg feed, respectively). Eight animals (group IV; unvaccinated, not DON exposed) served as control animals for the challenge infection. Results We assessed clinical signs, virus load in serum and various organs as well as antibody titres in the animals. All vaccinated animals mounted an efficient PRRSV-specific antibody response within 2 weeks, except for 20% of the animals receiving the higher DON dose. Upon virus challenge, the vaccinated animals in group I were protected from clinical signs. Vaccinated DON-exposed animals in group II and III were protected from clinical signs to a lesser extent. Clinical signs in group III receiving the higher dose of DON were as severe as in the (unvaccinated, not DON exposed) control group IV. The animals of group III also displayed lower antibody titres compared with the animals in group I and II. Conclusions The experimental vaccination/challenge study therefore revealed that exposure of pigs to DON for a period of 4 weeks deteriorates the efficacy of vaccination against clinical signs of PRRS.

Skin infections by keratinophilic fungi are commonly referred to as dermatophytosis and represent a major health burden worldwide. Although patient numbers are on the rise, data on virulence factors, their function and kinetics are scarce. We employed an ex vivo infection model based on guinea pig skin explants (GPSE) for the zoonotic dermatophyte Trichophyton (T.) benhamiae to investigate kinetics of the virulence factors subtilisin (sub) 3, sub 6, metallocarboxypeptidase A (mcpA) and isocitrate lyase (isol) at gene level for ten days. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were used to detect and quantify the transcripts, respectively. Kingdom-spanning, species-specific and virulence factor-specific probes were successfully applied to isolated fungal elements showing inhomogeneous fluorescence signals along hyphae. Staining results for inoculated GPSE remained inconsistent despite thorough optimization. qPCR revealed a significant increase of sub 3- and mcpA-transcripts toward the end of culture, sub 6 and isol remained at a low level throughout the entire culture period. Sub 3 is tightly connected to the de novo formation of conidia during culture. Since sub 6 is considered an in vivo disease marker. However, the presented findings urgently call for further research on the role of certain virulence factors during infection and disease.

Species A rotaviruses (RVAs) are a major cause of gastroenteritis in animals and humans. Their genome consists of 11 segments of dsRNA, and reassortment events between animal and human strains can contribute to the high genetic diversity of RVAs. We used a plasmid-based reverse genetics system to investigate the reassortment potential of the genome segment encoding the viral outer capsid protein VP4, which is a major antigenic determinant, mediates viral entry and plays an important role in host cell tropism. We rescued reassortant viruses containing VP4 from porcine, bovine, bat, pheasant or chicken RVA strains in the backbone of simian strain SA11. The VP4 reassortants could be stably passaged in MA-104 cells and induced cytopathic effects. However, analysis of growth kinetics revealed marked differences in replication efficiency. Our results show that the VP4-encoding genome segment has a high reassortment potential, even between virus strains from highly divergent species. This can result in replication-competent reassortants with new genomic, growth and antigenic features.

Pigeon rotavirus A (RVA) isolates of genotype G18P[17] are causing disease outbreaks and fatalities in pigeon lofts in Australia, Germany, Belgium, Denmark and USA since 2016. Most disease outbreaks have been reported from juvenile pigeons (Overall 18 pigeons (16 fancy pigeons and one racing pigeon from 9 pigeon fanciers, as well as one feral pigeon from a rescue center) were sent in for routine diagnostic necropsy including histopathologic, parasitologic and microbiologic examinations. Molecular biologic examinations for detection of RVA, circovirus, Usutu virus, West Nile virus andDisease outbreaks in juvenile and adult pigeons were reported 7-14 days after fancy pigeon shows. One fancier who had previously vaccinated his pigeons with an autogenous pigeon RVA vaccine, noted no morbidity and mortality among his pigeons and thus sent in a healthy pigeon for diagnostic purposes. Reported clinical signs in the other pigeons were regurgitation, green slimy diarrhea, anorexia, apathy and death after 24 hours. Hepatic necrosis and detection of pigeon RVA isolates of genotype G18P[17] confirmed disease outbreaks caused by pigeon RVA in all pigeons, except for the vaccinated pigeon. Besides pigeon circovirus, which was detected in 15 of 18 pigeons, all other pathogens were singular findings.In disease outbreaks following fancy pigeon shows in juvenile and adult pigeons diagnostics should include pigeon RVA of genotype G18P[17].Tauben-Rotavirus-A-Isolate des Genotyps G18P[17] verursachen in Australien, Deutschland, Belgien, Dänemark und den USA seit 2016 Krankheitsausbrüche und Todesfälle überwiegend bei Jungtauben. Berichte über Rotavirus-A-assoziierte Krankheiten bei Rassetauben im Zusammenhang mit Rassetaubenausstellungen in Deutschland sind jedoch selten.Insgesamt 18 Tauben (16 Rassetauben und eine Brieftaube von 9 Rassetaubenzüchtern sowie eine Stadttaube aus einer Auffangstation) wurden zur routinemäßigen diagnostischen Sektion einschließlich histopathologischer, parasitologischer und mikrobiologischer Untersuchungen eingeschickt. Bei allen Tauben erfolgte zudem eine molekularbiologische Untersuchung zum Nachweis von Rotavirus A, Circovirus, Usutu-Virus, West-Nil-Virus undKrankheitsausbrüche bei Jung- und Alttauben wurden 7–14 Tage nach Rassetaubenausstellungen beschrieben. Ein Züchter hatte seine Tauben zuvor mit einer autogenen Tauben-Rotavirus-A-Vakzine geimpft, berichtete über keine Morbidität und Mortalität bei seinen Tieren und hatte daher zu Diagnostikzwecken eine gesunde Taube eingesandt. Klinische Symptome bei den anderen Tauben waren Regurgitieren, grün-schleimige Diarrhö, Anorexie, Apathie und Tod nach 24 Stunden. Lebernekrosen und der Nachweis von Tauben-Rotavirus-A-Isolaten des Genotyps G18P[17] bestätigten Tauben-Rotavirus A als Krankheitsursache bei den Tieren mit Ausnahme der Taube aus dem geimpften Bestand. Neben dem Tauben-Circovirus, das bei 15 von 18 Tauben nachgewiesen wurde, waren alle anderen Krankheitserreger singuläre Befunde.Kommt es nach Rassetaubenausstellungen zu Krankheitsausbrüchen bei Jung- und Alttauben, sollte die Diagnostik den Nachweis von Tauben-Rotavirus A des Genotyps G18P[17] beinhalten.

Precise health monitoring of laboratory animals is a critical factor for surveillance and accuracy of animal experiments. Rotavirus epizootic diarrhea of infant mice (EDIM) leads to infections in mice that can influence animal studies, e.g., by altering the intestinal physiology. Thus, the aim of this study was establishing a highly sensitive and specific ELISA for the serological detection of EDIM infections in rodents. First, virus proteins were separated by SDS-PAGE and immunogenic proteins were visualized by immunoblotting and identified after in-gel digestion by tandem mass spectrometry. Subsequently, the major immunogen VP6 (virus protein 6) was expressed in Escherichia coli in high yields, purified by affinity chromatography, and used to establish an indirect ELISA. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were both above 99 % and the selectivity better than 98.7 % for animals infected by other pathogens listed by the Federation of Laboratory Animal Science Associations. Importantly, the Strep-rVP6-His-ELISA was more sensitive than a commercial virus-based ELISA and is a time- and cost-efficient complement to EDIM-specific immune-fluorescence assays. In conclusion, the assay can improve health monitoring by reducing the risk of missed EDIM infections in animal housing facilities, thereby improving animal welfare, reliability of animal studies, and protection of precious mice breeds.

Die Behandlung von Rückenschmerzen in der Schwangerschaft stellt eine große Herausforderung dar, da einerseits das Wohlergehen der werdenden Mutter und andererseits das des ungeborenen Kindes berücksichtigt werden müssen. Die von Schmerzen geplagten Schwangeren fragen daher oftmals nach komplementärmedizinischen Vorgehensweisen, um unerwünschte Medikamentenwirkungen zu vermeiden. Hier hat sich die Zentrale Mastoid-Somatotopie gerade bei der Behandlung von Schmerzen des Rückens sowie des Beckengürtels bewährt. Im Folgenden werden sowohl die Anatomie, die physiologischen Veränderungen als auch die Behandlungsoptionen aus Sicht der TCM dargestellt.

Abstract. We report a rare case of large innominate vein aneurysm in a young women clinically presenting with persistent dry cough and retrosternal pressure. Chest X-ray showed a mediastinal widening leading to thoracic computed tomography, MRI, and phlebography. Initial conservative treatment with regular follow-up was performed. Upon aneurysm growth and recurrent pulmonary infection we decided to surgically resect the aneurysm via a minimally invasive approach.

Group A rotaviruses (RVAs) are enteric pathogens with well-documented zoonotic transmissions to humans. The segmented genome of the virus enables reassortment events which might alter host susceptibility and/or disease course. Genetic analysis of rotavirus in dogs has so far only revealed RVAs with the VP7 and VP4 genome constellation G3P[3]. RVA G3P[3] have also been found in cats, humans, monkeys and bats. In the present study, we described an unusual RVA of genotype G8P[1] which was isolated from an asymptomatically infected young dog. The dog did not show signs of diarrhoea. Analysis of full-length segments of VP2, VP6 and VP7 as well as NSP1-NSP5 revealed a typical bovine-like genotype constellation G8-P[1]-I2-Rx-C2-Mx-A3-N2-T6-E2-H3. Phylogenetic analysis supported the hypothesis of an interspecies transmission from a bovine/artiodactyl species or from humans to the young dog. The isolate was likely to represent a multiple reassortant virus.

Group A porcine rotaviruses are a global threat to animal health in stock breeding. While certain genotypes have shown predominance in other countries, data from Europe's second largest swine population is still scarce. Therefore, porcine rotaviruses taken from different areas of Germany were genotyped to create a basis for comparison with data from neighboring countries. In addition, the potential predominance and regionality based on regions (federal states) have been investigated by examining 101 samples. The study revealed the dominance of the VP7 genotypes G9, G4, G5 as well as VP4 genotypes P[23], P[6], P[32]. The most common genotype combinations were G9P[23], G4P[6], and G9P[32]. Analysis focusing on the regionality aspect revealed that areas with high pig populations promote the emergence of dominant genotype combinations. However, pig populations in Germany cannot be considered individually and therefore results were put into international context, taken from already published genotyping data. In consequence, our data contributes to the fundamental understanding of regional and supraregional rotavirus epidemiology. The detected genotypes provide a basis for prospective porcine rotavirus surveillance, that first of all helps to identify interspecies transmission. Furthermore it may provide supporting data for the selection of particular genotypes, suitable for the production of porcine rotavirus A vaccine candidates.

Usutu virus (USUV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus accounting for large-scale deaths in resident bird populations. In this study, we show the introduction of USUV to Eastern Germany resulting in massive death of birds, particularly blackbirds (Turdus merula). We found that three diverse USUV lineages (“Europe 3,” “Africa 2,” and “Africa 3-like”) circulated simultaneously. Moreover, we detected USUV in Culex pipiens in a region where no dead birds were reported, strengthening the need for mosquito monitoring to uncover the spread of arboviruses. Furthermore, phylogenetic analyses revealed that mutations accumulated, in particular, in the NS3 region within short time periods. In addition, comparison of whole-genome sequences showed that diverse isolates of the cluster “Africa 3-like” are cocirculating in Germany due to independent introduction events.

Neonatal calf diarrhoea can have important economic consequences. Scour vaccines are available against some of the most frequent pathogens responsible for this disease: Bovine Rotavirus (BoRV), Bovine Coronavirus (BoCV) and E. coli K99. In this multi-centre, randomised, blinded study, adult cows vaccinated with a trivalent vaccine marketed for years (Rotavec™ Corona, MSD Animal Health - RC) prior to last parturition were revaccinated 12–15 months later, prior to the upcoming parturition, with either a single injection of a recently marketed vaccine (Bovigen™ Scour, Virbac - BS), or RC. The aim of this trial was to verify whether BS is not inferior to RC for the stimulation of the immune response and the passive transfer to calves in these conditions. A total of 136 multiparous dairy cows, from 5 different herds and located in 3 countries (France, UK and Germany) were enrolled in the study. Sixty-five cows were vaccinated with BS and 71 with RC. Antibody levels, measured by competitive ELISA and represented as percentage of inhibition (PI), were assessed in the cow's serum (on the day of vaccination: D0 and on days 21, 42 and at calving), in the colostrum and in the serum of calves in the first week of life. Differences in means of PI between groups and the 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. The non-inferiority threshold was set at −10%. The relationships between antibody levels in the colostrum and the vaccination-calving interval (VCI) or the inter-booster vaccination interval (IBVI) were also analysed. All the lower margins of the 95% CI of the difference in means of PI, in all samples and for the 3 pathogens assessed, were above −10%. This result shows that BS is not inferior to RC for the stimulation of the immune response against BoRV, BoCV and E. coli K99 and the passive transfer of immunity to calves when this vaccine is administered to their dams previously vaccinated with RC. Furthermore, no correlation was found between PI values in the colostrum and the VCI or IBVI. The ratio of animals with a PI ≥ 95% in the colostrum, among cows with similar intervals, was not significantly different between groups, for all antigens tested. Therefore, this study shows that a single injection of the heterologous vaccine BS can be used as a booster in cattle previously vaccinated with RC., Highlights • Vaccinating adult cows against NCD results in high antibody levels in the serum and in the colostrum. • Vaccination between 9 to 4 weeks prior to the expected due date results in highest antibody levels. • Time elapsed between two annual single injections does not have consequences on antibody levels. • Two differently adjuvanted BoRV, BoCv and F5 vaccines, was not found statistically inferior.

Paramyxoviruses constitute a large family of enveloped RNA viruses including important pathogens in veterinary and human medicine. Recently, feline paramyxoviruses, genus morbillivirus, were detected in cats from Hong Kong and Japan. Here we describe the discovery of several new feline paramyxoviruses. Infections with these diverse viruses were detected in urine samples from cats suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD). No viral RNA was found in cats without clinical signs of uropathy highlighting an association between feline paramyxovirus (FPaV) infections and CKD. Phylogenetic analyses of the detected viruses showed that they represent at least two different species, one of them representing the feline morbilliviruses detected previously in Hong Kong and Japan. In addition, a new FPaV was detected sharing only 73 % homology on the nucleotide level of the viral L-gene to currently known paramyxoviral species.

There isnothing so annnoyingas a good exampleMark TwainAbstractThe 24 components of the relativistic spin tensor consist of 3 + 3 basicspin fields and 9 + 9 constitutive fields. Empirically only 3 basic spinfields and 9 constitutive fields are known. This empirem can be expressedby two spin axioms, one of them identifying 3 spin fields, and the otherone 9 constitutive fields to each other. This identification by the spinaxioms is material-independent and does not mix basic spin fields withconstitutive properties. The approaches to the Weyssenhoff fluid and theDirac-electron fluid found in literature are discussed with regard to thesespin axioms. The conjecture is formulated, that another reduction from6 to 3 basic spin fields which does not obey the spin axioms introducesspecial material properties by not allowed mixing of constitutive and basicfields.

AIM The intention of the study was to demonstrate that outpatient PTA can be performed without additional risk in comparison with inpatient treatment. METHODS From Jan. 1992 up to May 1994 outpatient percutaneous transluminal angioplasty was performed on 447 subjects suffering from peripheral arterial insufficiency (mostly stage IIb disease, in few cases stage III and IV for limb salvage). 4 weeks after treatment patients were investigated by questionnaire on the following topics: enlightenment on the procedure, post-procedure complications, physical condition and repetition of the PTA in case of recurrence. RESULTS Immediate technical success was achieved in 407 patients (91%). Complications were recorded in 30 (6.7%) procedures, most of them being minor 22 (4.9%). 8 patients (1.8%) with major complications required hospitalisation. Three of them (0.7%) underwent operation. Catheter treatment was extended by local fibrinolytic therapy in another three cases (0.7%). The questionnaire was returned by 196 patients (44%). 97% found the enlightenment on the procedure adequate. 2% suffered from post-procedure complications. Recurrence was reported in 1%. Clinical improvement was reported in 92%. In case of restenosis or reocclusion 95% would repeat the procedure as outpatient angioplasty. CONCLUSION Outpatient PTA can be performed on selected patients on condition that post-procedure care is guaranteed. In our experience there is neither a lower success rate nor a higher complication rate as compared to the inpatient treatment.

Logistics Journal: Proceedings, Vol. 06, Iss. 01 - Im Rahmen des Verbundprojektes InnoRad erfolgt am MTL der HSU eine computergestutzte Analyse von FFZ-Radern mit einer Bandage aus Vulkollan®. Dieser Werkstoff zeigt visko-elastisches Materialverhalten. Geforscht wird an einer Abbildung der Materialeigenschaften der Kunststoffbandage aus Vulkollan® und des Gesamtreifens unter den in der Praxis vorgegebenen Belastungsbedingungen fur die Rader. Das thermische und mechanische Verhalten des Gesamtreifens werden mit Hilfe eines Computermodells im Rahmen einer FEM-Analyse unter Verwendung von Abaqus® untersucht. Neben der reinen Modellentwicklung wurden eine Reihe von Belastungstests mittels FEM-Simulationen durchgefuhrt, die das Beanspruchungsverhalten bei Aufpragung eines Momentes, der Wirkung von Querkraften, dem Drehen auf der Stelle (Lenkbewegung), sowie dem stationaren Rollen beinhalten. In Kombination mit der Variation der Gesamtradgeometrie wurden auf diese Art wichtige Erkenntnisse bzgl. des Einflusses konstruktiver Variationen auf das thermische und mechanische Beanspruchungsverhalten in verschiedenen Fahrsituationen gewonnen.

Self-propelled motion of a chemically powered nanodimer is discussed. The nanodimer comprises two linked spheres, one of which has equal interactions with $A$ and $B$ solvent species but catalyzes the reaction $A\ensuremath{\rightarrow}B$. The other sphere is not chemically active but interacts differently with the two species. The nonequilibrium concentration gradient generated at the catalytic end, in conjunction with the force difference at the noncatalytic end, leads to directed motion. The model mimics features of experimentally studied synthetic nanorod motion. Particle-based simulations and analytical estimates of the velocity provide insight into the nature of nanomotor directed motion.

Objective To find a potential underlying cause for Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome (MRKHS) discordance in monozygotic twins. Design Prospective comparative study. Setting University hospital. Patient(s) Our study genetically analyzed 5 MRKHS-discordant monozygotic twin pairs with the unique opportunity to include saliva and rudimentary uterine tissue. Intervention(s) Blood, saliva, or rudimentary uterine tissue from five MRKHS-discordant twins was analyzed and compared between twin pairs as well as within the same individual where applicable. We used copy number variations (CNVs) to identify differences. Main Outcome Measure(s) CNVs in blood, rudimentary uterine tissue, and saliva, network analysis, and review of the literature. Result(s) One duplication found in the affected twin included two genes, matrix metalloproteinase 14 ( MMP14 ) and low-density lipoprotein receptor–related protein 10 ( LRP10 ), which have known functions in the embryonic development of the uterus and endometrium. The duplicated region was detected in rudimentary uterine tissue from the same individual but not in saliva, making a tissue-specific mosaicism a possible explanation for twin discordance. Additional network analysis revealed important connections to differentially expressed genes from previous studies. These genes encode several molecules involved in extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and neoangiogenesis. Conclusion(s) MMP-14, LRP-10, ECM, and neoangiogenesis genes are identified as candidate genes in a tissue-specific mosaicism. The detected clusters provide evidence of deficient vascularization during uterine development and/or disturbed reorganization of ECM components, potentially during mullerian duct elongation signaled by the embryologically relevant phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B pathway. Therefore, we consider these genes to be new candidates in the manifestation of MRKHS.