Excess dietary Lys reduces feed intake, stimulates jejunal CCK secretion and alters essential and non‑essential blood AA profile in pigs

Background Commercial diets are frequently formulated to meet or exceed nutrient levels including those of lim-iting essential amino acids(AA)covering potential individual variations within the herd.However,the provision of dietary excess of AA,such as Lys,may lead to reduced appetite and growth in pigs.The mechanisms modulat-ing these responses have not been extensively investigated.This study evaluated the effect of Lys dietary excesses on performance and satiety biomarkers in post weaning pigs.Methods Twenty-four pigs aged 21 d and weighing 6.81±0.12kg(mean±SEM)were individually housed and offered 1 of 4 dietary treatments for 3weeks:a diet containing a standardized ileal digestible Lys reaching 100%(T0),120%(T1),150%(T2)or 200%(T3)of the NRC(2012)requirements.At the end of the experiment,blood samples from the cephalic vein of the T0 and T3 groups were obtained for AA analysis.In addition,primary intestinal cultures from T0 pigs were used,following their humane killing,to evaluate the effect of Lys on gut hormone secretion and AA sensors gene expression under ex vivo conditions.Results Feed intake was linearly reduced(P<0.001)and the weight gain to feed ratio reduced(P<0.10)with increased dietary levels of Lys during the third-and first-week post weaning,respectively.Cholecystokinin con-centration(P<0.05)and the metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 and the solute carrier family 7 member 2(P<0.10)gene expression was enhanced in proximal jejunum tissues incubated with Lys at 20mmol/L when compared to the control(Lys 0mmol/L).Plasma Lys and Glu(P<0.05)concentration increased in the T3 compared to T0 pigs.In contrast,plasma levels of His,Val,Thr,Leu(P<0.05)and Gln(P<0.10)were lower in T3 than T0 pigs.Conclusion The present results confirm that excess dietary Lys inhibits hunger in pigs.Moreover,the results provide evidence of pre-and post-absorptive mechanisms modulating these responses.Lys dietary excesses should be nar-rowed,when possible,to avoid negative effects of the AA on appetite in pigs.

The relationship between DNA fragmentation and the intensity of morphologically abnormal human spermatozoa

Objective:To determine the relationship between teratozoospermia and sperm DNA fragmentation(SDF)in the human ejaculate.Methods:This retrospective study included 100 normozoospermic men as a control cohort(abnormal forms>14%),210 patients with a high level of abnormal forms(≤4%)and 65 patients presenting with a moderate level of abnormal forms(>4%to≤14%)based on the World Health Organization definitions.Sperm morphology was assessed using bright field microscopy.Sperm DNA fragmentation was assessed using the sperm chromatin dispersion assay.Non-parametric analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between abnormal sperm morphology and sperm DNA fragmentation;receiver operating characteristic(ROC)analyses were conducted to assess sensitivity and specificity of this relationship.Results:A correlation analysis revealed that the higher the proportion of abnormal spermatozoa in the ejaculate,the higher the level of SDF(Spearman's Rho=-0.230;P<0.001).Significant differences in the proportion of SDF were found when all cohorts were compared(P<0.001);these significant differences were also retained when the different cohorts were compared pairwise.ROC analysis showed a moderate but significant predictive value for SDF to differentiate patients with different levels of teratozoospemia.Conclusions:Although analysis of a more continuous range of values for teratozoospermia would help further clarify any causal relationship with SDF,there is clearly a synergistic or coincident affiliation between these variables that needs to be acknowledged by the clinician when interpreting the spermiogram.

Finding biomarkers of experience in animals

At a time when there is a growing public interest in animal welfare,it is critical to have objective means to assess the way that an animal experiences a situation.Objectivity is critical to ensure appropriate animal welfare outcomes.Existing behavioural,physiological,and neurobiological indicators that are used to assess animal welfare can verify the absence of extremely negative outcomes.But welfare is more than an absence of negative outcomes and an appropriate indicator should reflect the full spectrum of experience of an animal,from negative to positive.In this review,we draw from the knowledge of human biomedical science to propose a list of candidate biological markers(biomarkers)that should reflect the experiential state of non-human animals.The proposed biomarkers can be classified on their main function as endocrine,oxidative stress,non-coding molecular,and thermobiological markers.We also discuss practical challenges that must be addressed before any of these biomarkers can become useful to assess the experience of an animal in real-life.

In-vitro antimicrobial activity screening of some ethnoveterinary medicinal plants traditionally used against mastitis,wound and gastrointestinal tract complication in Tigray Region,Ethiopia

Objective:To screen the antibacterial activity of nine ethnoveterinary plants traditionally used for the treatment of mastitis,wound and gastrointestinal complications.Methods:Hydroalcoholic exctracts of medicinal plants namely,Achyranthes aspera(A.aspera) L.(Family Asparagaceae),Ficus caria(F.caria)(Family Moraceae).Malvi parviflora(M.parviflora)(Family Malvaceae),Vernonia species(V.species) docal name Alakit.Family Asteraceae),Solatium hastifolium(S.hastifolium)(Family Solanaceae),Calpurinia aurea(C.aurea)(Ait) Benth(Family Fabaceae),Nicotiana tabacum(N.tabacum) L.(Family Solanaceae),Ziziphus spina-christi(Z.spina-christi)(Family Rhamnaceae).Croton macroslachys(C.macrostachys)(Family Fuphorhiaceae).were screened against clinical bacterial isolates of veterinary importance from October 2007 to April2009.The antibacterial activity was tested using disc diffusion at two concentrations(200 mg/mL and 100 mg/mL) and broth dilution methods using 70%methanol macerated leal extracts.Results:With the exception ol S.hastifolium all plant extracts exhibited antibacterial activity.Among the medicinal plants tested C.aurea.C.macrostachyus,A.aspera,N.tabacum and vcrnonia species(Alakit) showed the most promising antimicrobial properties.Conclusions:It can be concluded that many of the tested plants have antibacterial activity and supports the traditional usage of the plants for mastitis,wound and gastrointestinal complications treatment.Further studies into their toxicity and phytochemistry is advocated.

Comparison of sublingual microcirculatory parameters measured by sidestream darkfield videomicroscopy in anesthetized pigs and adult humans

Background:This study aimed to compare sublingual microcirculatory parameters between anesthetized pigs and conscious adult humans using sidestream darkfield videomicroscopy.The overarching aim of the work was to validate the pig as an experimental model of changes in microcirculatory function following traumatic haemorrhagic shock and resuscitation.Methods:Fourteen large white pigs and 14 humans were recruited for the study.Sublingual sidestream darkfield videomicroscopy clips were captured in anesthetized pigs and conscious humans.Clips underwent manual analysis in Automated Vascular Analysis 3.2 software.The total vessel density(TVD),perfused vessel density(PVD),proportion of perfused vessels(PPVs)and microvascular flow index(MFI)were quantified.An independent samples t test was used for between species comparison of microcirculatory parameters.Results and Conclusions:Conscious humans had a significantly lower TVD,PVD and MFI than anesthetized pigs.No significant difference in PPVs was observed between the species.Perfusion of the microcirculation is a critical determinant of tissue metabolic function and viability.Whilst it may not be surprising that some inter species differences in the sublingual microcirculatory anatomy were identified between pig and human subjects,it is interesting to report the insignificant difference in PPVs.This direct microcirculatory measure represents a relative change which should hold translatable value across species.We therefore conclude the pig is a suitable model for microcirculatory research and may be a suitable species to investigate changes in microcirculatory perfusion following perturbations in cardiovascular homeostasis,for example during traumatic haemorrhagic shock and resuscitation.

Effect of Astragalus polysaccharides on Erythrocyte Immune Adherence of Chickens Inoculated with Infectious Bursal Disease Virus

Two hundred and forty specific pathogen free leghorn chickens were randomly divided into four groups and reared in isolated pens. The tested chickens were negative to infectious bursal disease virus （IBDV） at 25 d old. Group 1 was treated with saline, whereas Groups 2, 3, and 4 were inoculated with 0.3 mL IBDV suspension intranasally the next day. Groups 3 and 4 were also administered with Astragalus polysaccharides （APS） intramuscularly twice daily at 5 or 10 mg kg-1 BW, respectively, until 31 d old. The erythrocyte-C3b receptor rosette rate （E-C3bRR） and the erythrocyte-C3b immune complex rosette rate （E-ICRR） were measured at 25, 29, 32, 35, and 38 d old. The results showed that IBDV significantly reduced E-C3bRR and E-ICRR when compared with the control group （P 〈 0.05）, while simultaneous administration of APS with 1BDV maintained E-C3bRR at similar levels to the control group （P 〉 0.05） and increased E-ICRR when compared with the control group and the group non-treated with APS （P 〈 0.05）. APS treatment reduced the morbidity and mortality of chickens inoculated with IBDV （P 〈 0.05）. The results suggest that APS may enhance the immune adherence of chickens erythrocytes by affecting the activity and/or the number of complement receptors on the erythrocyte membrane. These findings can be beneficial in providing an understanding of the basic mechanisms required for the rational application of APS in modern medicine.

Vigilance behavior of Pyrenean chamois Rupicapra pyrenaica pyrenaica:Effect of sex and position in the herd

The Pyrenean chamois Rupicapra pyrenaica pyrenaica is a mountain-dwelling ungulate with an extensive presence in open areas. Optimal group size results from the trade off between advantages （a reduction in the risk of predation） and disadvantages （competition between members of the herd） of group living. In addition, advantages and disadvantages of group living may vary depending on the position of each individual within the herd. Our objective was to study the effect of central vs. peripheral position in the herd on feeding and vigilance behavior in male and female Pyrenean chamois and to ascertain if a group size effect existed. We used focal animal sampling and recorded social interactions when a focal animal was involved. With males, vigilance rate was higher in the central part of the group than at the periphery, probably due to a higher density of animals in the central part of the herd and a higher probability of being disturbed by conspecifics. With females, vigilance rate did not differ according to position in the herd. Females spent more time feeding than males, and males showed a higher frequency of the vigilance behavior than females. We did not observe a clear relationship between group size and vigilance behavior. The differences in vigilance behavior might be due to social interactions

Food safety knowledge and practices of abattoir and butchery shops and the microbial profile of meat in Mekelle City,Ethiopia

Objective:To assess the food safety knowledge and practices in meat handling,and to determine microbial load and pathogenic organisms in meat at Mekelle city.Methods:A descriptive survey design was used to answer questions concerning the current status of food hygiene and sanitation practiced in the abattoir and butcher shops.Workers from the abattoir and butcher shops were interviewed through a structured questionnaire to assess their food safety knowledge.Bacterial load was assessed by serial dilution method and the major bacterial pathogens were isolated by using standard procedures.Results:15.1%of the abattoir workers had no health certificate and there was no hot water,sterilizer and cooling facility in the abattoir.11.3%of the butchers didn’t use protective clothes.There was a food safety knowledge gap within the abattoir and butcher shop workers.The mean values of bacterial load of abattoir meat,butcher shops and street meat sale was found to be 1.1×10~5,5.6×10~5and 4.3×10~6 cfu/g,respectively.The major bacterial pathogens isolated were Escherichia coli,Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus.Conclusions:The study revealed that there is a reasonable gap on food safely knowledge by abattoir and butcher shop workers.The microbial profile was also higher compared to standards set by World Health Organization.Due attention should be given by the government to improve the food safety knowledge and the quality standard of meat sold in the city.

Accumulation and depuration of pectenotoxins in brown crab Cancer pagurus

Pectenotoxins (PTXs) are a group of marine algal toxins. In this study, the accumulation and depuration of pectenotoxins in brown crab Cancer pagurus were investigated. Crabs were fed with toxic blue mussels Mytilus edulis for 21 days and then depurated for 42 days. Toxins were extracted with methanol from the digestive glands of contaminated crabs, uncontaminated crabs (control group) and from blue mussels for comparison. Extracts were analyzed by liquid chromatograph coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS). The concentrations of PTX-2, PTX-2 SA, 7-epi-PTX-2 SA, and PTX-12 were analyzed in two batches of toxic blue mussels and the crabs. A one-compartment model was applied to describe the depuration of PTXs. The half-life of PTXs was estimated to be 6–7.5 days. After depuration for 42 days, the amount of PTXs measured in the crab digestive glands was less than 1 μg/kg.

The Conditions of Ovary Storage Affect the Quality of Porcine Oocytes

We studied the effect of different storage conditions of porcine ovaries (time, temperature) on the characteristics of the follicular fluid, immature oocyte quality, meiotic competence and in vitro fertilization of oocytes. Ovaries were stored for 2, 4 or 6 h at 3 different temperatures (15&#176C, 25&#176C or 35&#176C). As the storage time increased, pH and glucose concentration of the follicular fluid, percentage of live immature oocytes at germinal vesicle stage, oxidative activity and maturation rate decreased. At higher temperatures, pH and glucose concentration decreased, but oxidative activity and oocyte maturation rate increased. Lactate concentration and immature oocyte ROS production increased as storage time and temperature increased. The ovary storage for longer than 2 h at 25&#176C and 35&#176C resulted in low pH of the follicular fluid and high ROS level in immature oocytes. Such conditions seem to damage oocytes and impair their meiotic competence. A decrease in the oxidative activity caused by long time and/or low storage temperature may imply a decrease in oocyte vitality. In conclusion, in the porcine species, the transport of ovaries at 25&#176C and 35&#176C for 2 h are the best conditions to maintain adequate oocyte quality, meiotic competence and in vitro fertilization rates.

Recent advances in the diagnosis of human schistosomiasis

Schistosomiasis,caused by parasitic bloodflukes of the genus Schistosoma,is a major source of human disease in developing tropical nations.This paper reviews the diagnostic various assays for schistosomiasis,with particular reference to recent advances in assays incorporating direct parasitological examination,serology,antigen detection,and polymerase chain reaction detection of parasite genetic material.

Metabolism of pectenotoxins in brown crabs Cancer pagurus fed with blue mussels Mytilus edulis

We investigated the metabolism of pectenotoxins in brown crabs(Cancer pagurus).The crabs were fed with blue mussels(Mytilus edulis) for 21 d then depurated for 42 d.We extracted the toxins from the digestive glands of contaminated crabs,uncontaminated crabs(control group),and the meat of blue mussels using methanol.Extracts of the crab digestive glands were fractionated by liquid-liquid partitioning and solid phase extraction.The fractions were analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry(LC-MS/MS) and liquid chromatography coupled with ion-trap mass spectrometry(LC-MSn).We detected a new PTX-like compound,designated as metabolite-1.The MS2 mass spectrum of the metabolite-1 [M+Na]+ ion at m/z 897.5 revealed fragment ions at m/z 853.5 and 555.5,typical of those exhibited by other pectenotoxins.

A comparative pattern of lectin-binding in the endometrial glands of the uterus and placenta of healthy buffaloes and bovines at early gestation

Water buffalo(Bubalus bubalis)and domestic cattle(Bos taurus)are closely related species.However,embryo transfer interspecies has been attempted without any success.The failure in hybrid embryo-implantation is associated with the glycocode in the maternal-fetal interface.Glycosylation patterns have been studied in different species of ruminants;however,in B.bubalis,only the binucleated cells(BNC)have been analyzed.This glycocode is essential for a successful embryo-implantation and can be defined by Lectin-Histochemistry(LHC).The aim of this study is to compare the glycosylation pattern of placenta and uterus in water buffaloes and cattle by LHC.Tissue samples of placenta and uterus from pregnant Mediterranean female water buffaloes(Buf1)and Angus cows(Bov1)were analyzed.All animals were euthanized at 98 days of gestation.LHC was carried out using twelve lectins(Con A,LCA,PSA,sWGA,PHA-e,SBA,UEA-1,WGA,RCA-1,PNA,DBA,BSA-1).The intensity of lectin binding was semiquantitatively scored using a scale of 0(negative)to 3(strongly positive).Difference between species was found in trophoblast layer by PSA,SWGA,PNA and BSA-1,in BNC,and in the mononuclear cells by LCA,PSA,PHA-e,DBA,BSA-1,PNA.In utero,differences in the apical cellular membrane and the secretion of glands were identified by DBA and RCA-1,and in the cytoplasm of those glandular epithelial cells by PHA-e,BSA-1,WGA,and SBA.In both species,BNC presented a strong positive reaction with DBA and SBA,a moderate response by LCA,PHA-e,BSA-1 and PNA lectin,and a low reaction by PSA,UEA-1,SWGA,WGA,Con A and RCA-1.The results found in this study suggest that although both species are closely related,glycosylation patterns in the placenta and uterus are different,thus providing a possible reason for embryo transfer not being possible between these species.

Prevalence and fuoroquinolone resistance of Campylobacter spp.isolated from beef cattle in Japan

Beef is a source of human Campylobacter infections.Antimicrobial treatment is needed when patients are immuno‑compromised or have other comorbidities.Therefore,we investigated the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter spp.in beef cattle in Japan.Rectal swab samples were collected from 164 beef cattle at an abattoir between March 2021 and August 2021,and Campylobacter spp.were isolated from 94(57.3%)cattle.C.jejuni and C.coli were isolated from 68 and 26 cattle,respectively.For Campylobacter jejuni,the resistant rates against ampicillin,tetracycline and ciprofoxacin were 20.6,75.0 and 64.7%,respectively.For C.coli,the resistant rates against ampicil‑lin,tetracycline and ciprofoxacin were 53.8,76.9 and 88.5%,respectively.No Campylobacter isolates were resistant to erythromycin.By multilocus sequence typing,C.jejuni and C.coli isolates were classifed into 22 and 2 sequence types(STs).The top three STs of C.jejuni were ST806(12 isolates),ST21(nine isolates),and ST459(eight isolates).The most frequent ST of C.coli was ST1068(23 isolates).The results suggest that Campylobacter spp.are prevalent in the gastrointestinal tract of beef cattle slaughtered at abattoirs.Furthermore,the administration of erythromycin is efec‑tive against human campylobacteriosis caused by beef consumption.Monitoring the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Campylobacter spp.in beef cattle could be useful for managing the risk of human campylobacteriosis.

Pathogenecity of Avian Influenza Virus H5N2： A Report from Western Iran

Influenza type A, is an avian disease with a complicated ecology and transmission routes in verity of avian and mammalian species. The present study aimed to demonstrate the characteristic, clinical and experimental features as well as pathogenecity of Avian Influenza Virus H5N2 through a laboratory-based experiment in western Iran. A post-mortem examination of experimentally chickens was undertaken in 2007. Overall 25 local native chickens including 15 layers and 10 roosters suspected with AI infection as well as 50 experimental chickens were studied. The virus was isolated from the embryonated specific pathogen-free （SPF） chicken eggs. There was an embryo mortality rate of 71% within 48 hours post inoculation （PI）. Hemagglutinin （HA） inhibition titres against AIV subtype H5N2 in the layers ranged from 4.20 to 4.75 （acute） and 6.21 to 7.82 （convalescent）. Accumulated mucous in trachea of the dissected birds, congested lungs, atrophied bursa, haemorrhagic cecal tonsils and inflamed thymus were the main clinical symptoms. Thickened and infected air sacs, pre hepatitis and enteritis signs were also observed, in experimental birds, the eyes＇ colour became red and the eyelashes were almost double in diameters after being infected. The AI virus found in the present study was classified as a highly pathogenic avian influenza.

Assessment of Molecular Signalling Mechanisms for Eosinophilia in Rottweilers

Rottweilers are predisposed to eosinophilic diseases, including hypereosinophilic syndrome. The immunopathogenesis of idiopathic eosinophilia is poorly characterised in dogs and man. Studies in people have suggested cytokines, particularly interleukin (IL)-5, play a role in instigating and perpetuating eosinophilia. This study sought to establish whether differences in gene expression, and concentration of selected, cytokines and chemokines were associated with eosinophilia in Rottweilers. Quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assays were used to quantify messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) encoding cytokines IL-4, -5, -10, -12p19, -12p35, -12p40, -18, interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and chemokines eotaxin-2 and -3 from peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PMBC) samples obtained from healthy dogs (breeds other than Rottweiler) with normal eosinophil blood counts (n = 5) and Rottweilers with normal (n = 6), mildly increased (n = 7) and high (n = 3) eosinophil blood counts. Quantification of plasma IFN-γ and IL-5 was performed using commercially available canine-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays ELISAs. Cytokine mRNA was measurable in all samples, although eotaxin-2 and -3 were not detected. No significant differences in gene expression of any cytokine were found between groups (based on eosinophil count or breed). No significant difference in plasma IL-5 or IFN-γ concentration was present between groups. In conclusion, there were no significant differences in cytokine mRNA profiles or plasma IL-5 and IFN-γ levels between Rottweilers with increased eosinophil counts and Rottweiler and non-Rottweiler dogs with normal eosinophil counts.

Approach to Epidemiological Mechanism of Infection or Colonization of Egg-Laying Chicken Farms by <i>Salmonella enterica</i>Serovar Enteritidis (SE) Becoming the Main Source of Contamination in Food Poisoning (Review)

Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (SE)-induced diarrhea in humans is the typical non-typhoid diarrhea. It develops acutely or subacutely and may be fatal. This SE infectious disease suddenly became a major public health issue worldwide in the 1980s. The main causative food material of SE food poisoning is chicken eggs, and many outbreaks of food poisoning caused by chicken eggs occurred throughout the world. SE epidemics occurred in layer farms, and this was the main cause of SE-induced food poisoning in humans. The major subject of our epidemiological study described in this report is why SE-contaminated eggs became the main causative food. In this study, we focused on difference of molecular expression for farm-isolated SEs. That is because recent studies have demonstrated that O-antigen enlargement may be related to pathogenicity in mice as well as 22-kDa polypeptide-expression (SEp22). We have discovered that many SE strains isolated from chicken farms do not express SEp22, and a deficiency or decreased level of cellular antigen 0-12 in SE strains isolated from chicken farms was clarified in a report. Additionally, SEp22 was deficient in SE strains passaged through chickens, whereas SEp22 was expressed at a high level in SE strains passaged through mice. These findings suggest that SE infection and retention more effectively occur in layer farms than in other animal maintenance environments, which may be a basis of the epidemiological hypothesis to explain the high-levelproduction of SE-contaminated eggs (the presence of mice may be the basis of the retention of SE infection in layer farms, and this may also be the mechanism causing the high-level production of SE-contaminated eggs).

Clinical Efficacy and Tolerability of Cimicoxib in Dogs with Osteoarthritis: A Multicentre Prospective Study

Background: Cimicoxib is a coxib recently licensed in Europe for pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis (OA), and the management of perioperative pain due to orthopaedic or soft tissue surgery. Purpose: This prospective study was to complete the product information for the end users by providing additional scientific data obtained after a thirty-day treatment course of cimicoxib in dogs with OA, and to collect owners’ feedback. Data were collected from nine European countries with 492 client owned dogs recruited to the trial. Dogs were treated once daily with 2 mg/kg cimicoxib orally. Immediately before, at Day (D) 15 and D30 after the start of treatment veterinarians and owners scored body condition, appetite, locomotion, lameness, pain on palpation and manipulation of the joint and joint effusion (veterinarians) and dog demeanor and well being (owners). In a subset of dogs, serum urea (n = 191), creatinine (n = 184), AST (n = 141) and ALT (n = 174) were measured at day (D) 0 and D30. Statistical tests were carried out to detect significant changes in the clinical parameters with time. Results and Discussion: Veterinary and owner assessments were analysed from 236 and 215 dogs respectively. Improvements in locomotion, mobility, pain scores and dog demeanor and body condition were identified;outcome measures assessed by veterinarians continued to improve after 15 days of treatment up to the 30-day time point. At D30 a significantly higher number of dogs had an urea concentration superior to the upper limit of the reference range. However, there was no significant difference for creatinine, ALT and AST. Conclusions: A 30-day treatment course with cimicoxib improved locomotion and decreased pain scores in dogs with OA, with minimal adverse effects. These data, support pre-clinical data in dogs receiving cimicoxib and are useful for veterinarians making decisions about which NSAID to administer to dogs that require pain management for OA.

VACCINATION of Atlantic salmon leads to long-lasting higher levels of serum immunoglobulin and possible skewed ratios of two distinct IgM isotypes

Primary and secondary antibody responses in blood of teleost fish are mainly IgM mediated, as they lack an IgG homolog and a class switch mechanism. Thus, the major serum immunoglobulin is tetrameric IgM. A unique antibody class in teleosts;named IgT, appears to be specialized for mucosal immunity and is present in low concentrations in serum. A third class;IgD was recently detected in serum of rainbow trout, but is less abundant than IgT. In the present study, relative quantification of total IgM showed that Atlantic salmon (Salmosalar) which had received an oil-adjuvanted commercial vaccine maintained about 2-fold higher levels of IgM;14 and 17 months after intraperitoneal injection, in comparison to unvaccinated fish kept in the same cage. Similar results were obtained by ELISA (serum IgM) and reverse transcription real time PCR (spleen mRNA). Analyses conducted in our lab have shown that several salmonid species possess two slightly different IgM isotypes as a result of ancestral tetraploidy. In Atlantic salmon, two distinct IgM subpopulations (A and B) can be separated by anion exchange chromatography. The IgM-B tetramer exhibits a higher degree of disulfide cross-linking than IgM-A, presumably due to an extra cysteine near the C-terminus of the heavy chain. The typical A/B ratio is approximately 40/60. Anion exchange elution profiles of serum IgM from vaccinated fish indicate that prolonged triggering of the immune system can lead to a skewed ratio of IgM-A/IgM-B. In the context of recent results from rainbow trout (Onchorhynchusmykiss), showing that high affinity antibodies are more highly polymerized and have a longer half life time, Atlantic salmon is an interesting model to elucidate these aspects further since tools are available to distinguish IgM-A and IgM- B in this species.

Chronic Consequences of Uncomplicated Yersinia Enterocolitica Infection:A Retrospective Study(2004)of Military Recruits Previously(1987)Screened for Antibodies to Yersinia Enterocolitica O:3

In 1987, a serological survey among 755 male Norwegian military recruitsshowed that 68 (9.0%) had IgG (7.4%) and / or IgA (4.5%) antibodiesto Y.enterocolitica O:3, consistent with previous infection.In 2004,433 of the former recruits (mean age 37.5 years, range 35 - 42 years) answered a questionnaire, in order to investigatedevelopment of possible chronic disorders and complaints related to uncomplicated Y.enterocolitica infection. The questionnaire covered per-sonal and demographic data, behavioral risk factors, and possible chronic complaints related to yersiniosis.Among the 433 responders, 51 (11.8%) were seropositive for IgG or IgA in the 1987 survey, 380 were seronegative, and 2 had ambiguous results.No difference was observed between the seropositive and seronegativegroups regarding education, annual income, general behavioral risk factors like smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and dietary parameters;or diagnosed chronic illness. However, the seropositives weresignificantly more likely than the seronegatives to report recurrent diarrhea, painful or swollen joints, and muscle pain. Also, presence of all three complaints was more common among seropositives. Conclusion: The present study shows that uncomplicated Y.enterocolitica O:3 infection is a risk factor regarding future development of chronic complaintssuch as diarrhea, and joint and muscle complaint.