Morphometric analysis of the spinal cord of the Sus scrofa (large white and landrace crossbreed)

The incidence of spinal cord (SC) injury in developed and undeveloped countries is alarming. The pig (Sus scrofa) has been recommended as a suitable research model for translational studies because of its morphophysiological similarities of organ systems with humans. There is a dearth of information on the SC anatomy of the large white and landrace crossbreed (LW-LC) pigs. We therefore aim to describe the gross morphology and morphometry of its SC. Twelve juvenile LW-LC pigs (six males and six females) were used. The skin and epaxial muscles were dissected to expose the vertebral column. The SC was carefully harvested by laminectomy, and 13 gross SC morphometric parameters were evaluated. Thirty-three spinal nerves were seen emanating from either side of the SC by means of dorsal and ventral spinal roots. The overall average of SC length and weight was 36.23 ± 1.01 cm and 16.60 ± 0.58 g, respectively. However, the mean SC length and weight were higher in females compared with males, with SC weight being statistically significant. A positive relationship between SC length and weight was significant for males (p = 0.0435) but not for females (p = 0.42). Likewise, the strength of the relationship between SC length and weight was significant in males (r = 0.82) but not significant in females (r = 0.41). Baseline data for the morphometric features of the spinal cord in the LW-LC pigs were generated, which will contribute to the knowledge of this species anatomy and useful information on regional anaesthesia that should further strengthen the drive in adopting the pig as a suitable research model for biomedical research.     

Porcine lymphotropic herpesvirus (Gammaherpesvirinae) DNA in free-living wild boars (Sus scrofa Linnaeus, 1758) in Brazil

BackgroundSuid gammaherpesvirus 3, 4, and 5 (porcine lymphotropic herpesvirus – PLHV-1, -2, and -3) are viruses that infect domestic and feral pigs.ObjectivesThis study examined the presence of PLHV DNA in biological samples from free-living wild boars circulating in a Brazilian geographical region with a high density of commercial domestic pigs.MethodsLung samples of 50 free-living wild boars were collected by exotic wildlife controller agents between 2017 and 2019 in the state of Paraná, southern Brazil. Lung and spleen fragments were obtained from six fetuses collected by hysterectomy post mortem from a pregnant sow. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay using consensus primers (pan-herpesviruses) was performed to detect PLHV DNA. The samples showing positive results for PLHV DNA were submitted to single-round PCR assays with the specific primers for identifying PLHV-1 (213-S/215-As), PLHV-2 (208-S/212-As), and PLHV-3 (886s/886As). The specificity of the species-specific PCR products was assessed by nucleotide sequencing of the amplicons.ResultsForty-eight (96%) of the 50 lung samples analyzed were positive for PLHV by PCR using pan-herpesvirus primers. In 33 (68.75%) of the positive samples, at least two PLHV species were identified simultaneously. The DNA of PLHV-1, -2, and -3 was found in free-living wild boars of all ages, but not in the fetuses, even though they were from a sow that tested positive for all three viruses.ConclusionThese viruses are endemic to the population of feral pigs in the Brazilian region evaluated, as well as in domesticated pigs.     

Vegetable and animal food sorts found in the gastric content of Sardinian Wild Boar (Sus scrofa meridionalis)

Authors report results emerging from gastric content analysis from n. 96 wild boars hunted in Sardinia isle, during the hunting tide (2001-2005), from November to January. Mean pH of the gastric content was 3.77 +/- 0.69. Mean total capacity (TC) of each stomach was 1702 +/- 680 g. Mean Stuff ratio (CW/TC) between the content weight (CW) and stomachs TC was 0.45. Food categories found in animal stomachs were: 19 categories of vegetal species (Allium spp., Arbutus unedo, Arisarum vulgare, Avena fatua, Avena sativa, Castanea sativa, Ceratonia siliqua, Chamaerops umilis, Cichorium intybus, Hordeum sativum, Juniperus oxycedrus, Myrtus communis, Olea europea, Pirus amygdaliformis, Pistacia lentiscus, Quercus spp., Rhamnus alaternus, Triticum durum, Zea mais); 11 categories of animal species (Agriotes lineatus, Apodemus sylvaticus dicrurus, Chalcides chalcides, Chalcides ocellatus tiligugu, Crematogaster scutellaris, Forficula auricularia, Helix aspersa, Lumbricus terrestris, Ovis aries, Podarcis tiliguerta tiliguerta, Scolopendra cingulata); three categories were identified in general terms (insects larvae, hairs of mammals, feathers of birds). Food categories found in the stomach contents of Sus scrofa meridionalis confirm observations by other researchers who report the prevalence of vegetables in spite of animal food sorts in the wild boar diet in Italian regions.     

喀斯特生境中野猪活动模式和时间分配

2017年1月—2017年12月在弄岗国家级自然保护区布设119台红外相机,通过对红外相机拍摄的野猪(Sus scrofa)的行为活动进行分析,并采用核密度估计(kernel density estimation)、重叠指数(coefficient of overlap)和相对活动强度指数(relative activity intensity index)研究野猪的活动模式和时间分配,以探讨其对喀斯特生境的适应策略。结果表明:野猪的日活动模式呈单峰型,活动峰值出现在16:00—18:00,属于典型的昼行性动物。旱雨季间野猪的日活动重叠指数存在极显著差异(Δ=0.82,P<0.01),旱季上午的活动峰值比雨季提前1 h出现。野猪的日活动主要以觅食(64.6%)和移动(25.1%)为主。不同月份间野猪的相对活动强度指数存在极显著差异(t=9.626,df=11,P<0.01),但旱、雨季间不存在显著差异(Z=-0.321,P=0.748)。旱季野猪的活动时间(17.89±1.70 s)略长于雨季(17.12±1.95 s)。本研究初步掌握了弄岗保护区内的野猪活动模式和时间分配,为后期进一步研究其栖息地选择、种群保护及环境变化对其行为的影响等提供基础数据参考。     

猪circRNAs的系统鉴定及特征分析

旨在系统鉴定猪基因组中的环状RNAs（circular RNAs,circRNAs）,并对其分子特征进行分析。本研究采集长白、通城和五指山猪16个发育阶段（妊娠33、40、50、55、60、65、70、75、80、85、90、95、100和105 d的胚胎以及出生后0和10 d）9种不同组织（背最长肌、心、脾、肺、肝、肾、胃、小肠和腿肌）样品,提取RNA再进行等量混合,构建链特异性转录组文库后,利用Illumina Genome Analyzer II平台进行测序,共获得1.18亿条总reads。采用CIRI2软件鉴定circRNAs,再利用生物信息学工具对鉴定的circRNAs进行分子特征分析。结果,共鉴定了8 486条circRNAs,其主要分布在1、6和13号染色体,91%的circRNAs为外显子型,平均长度为350 nt,平均GC含量为47.11%,每条染色体上的circRNAs数目与mRNAs数目显著正相关（R=0.84,P=1.285×10^-5）。最后,筛选出3条与骨骼肌生长发育相关的circRNAs（sus-MYH2_0025、sus-CDK13_0002和sus-FANCL_0003）。分析结果表明,sus-MYH2_0025具有高度的组织特异性,sus-CDK13_0002在猪、人和小鼠中高度保守,sus-FANCL_0003在猪和大鼠中高度保守。本研究利用转录组数据在猪基因组中对circRNAs进行系统鉴定和分子特征分析,为circRNA的功能和机制研究提供了丰富的信息,并为猪分子育种提供新的潜在候选基因。     

猪体内脂肪沉积调控的研究进展

猪体内脂肪沉积是一个非常复杂的过程,受到遗传、营养、环境、饲养管理等多种因素的影响,并通过神经内分泌调节系统的整合发挥作用。本文主要综述了目前调控猪脂肪沉积的多种方法,并对这些方法的应用效果和实际应用价值进行了评价。     

Body wall defects and amniotic band syndrome in pig (Sus scrofa domesticus)

The amniotic band syndrome is a congenital condition. It is characterized by the presence of fibrous amniotic bands that may entangle or entrap different foetal parts in utero, resulting in deformation, malformation or disruption. We report on a female piglet presenting amniotic band adherences in the right abdominal flank, several body wall defects (gastroschisis, abdominoschisis with omphalocele), severe scoliosis, anomalous umbilical cord with single umbilical artery, anal atresia, anomalous liver and absent gall bladder, hypoplastic genitalia, ankylosis and arthrogryposis in pelvic limbs, and bilateral patellar agenesia. The ethiopatogenia is discussed, as well as the comparative and embryological implications.     

A de novo reciprocal chromosomal translocation t(3;6)(p14;q26) in the black Lucano pig

In the past two decades, several cytogenetic screening programmes identified different chromosome rearrangements in pig, most of which represented by reciprocal translocation (rcp). This chromosome abnormality does not involve the variation in the number of chromosomes, but only the rearrangement of genetic material, resulting in phenotypically normal carriers with fertility problems. During an occasional cytogenetic screening, a new reciprocal translocation was detected in the black Lucano pig native breed. We analysed 15 animals reared by a family-run piggery in Basilicata region (Southern Italy). After karyotyping, four pigs (two boars and two sows) revealed two unpaired chromosomes. Analysis of the RBA karyotype and the dual-colour FISH technique confirmed that these pigs showed the same reciprocal translocation involving the chromosomes SSC3 and SSC6. The precise location of breakpoints was identified by RBH-FISH t(3;6)(p14;q26), whereas the analysis of the pedigree showed a case of Mendelian inheritance within a family, after the de novo occurrence of the new rcp. Considering the consequences of the rcp on the fertility, this study points out the importance of the cytogenetic screening in the native breeds for the safeguard of the genetic biodiversity and the sustainability of the rural areas.     

Prevalence of Anti-Toxoplasma gondii Antibody in Wild Boar,Sus scrofa riukiuanus,on Iriomote Island,Japan

Veterinary Research Communications -     

将乐县野猪陶氏颚口线虫病流行现状调查及虫卵发育至早期第三期幼虫的试验观察

福建省将乐县为我国陶氏颚口线虫病典型流行区,野猪是该病的重要传染源,感染率高达59.6%（140/235）,强度为1~28条虫。在28℃水温下,成熟虫卵经7~8d发育成为第一期幼虫的虫卵,第一期幼虫有鞘膜;虫体停留于卵内经2d行一次蜕皮,蜕皮后孵出带鞘的第二期幼虫;这种幼虫被剑水蚤吞食后,穿过肠壁进入血腔生长发育,经1...     

Morphological and morphometric features of knee joint in wild boar (Sus scrofa)

In the study, it was aimed to reveal the structure of the knee joint anatomically and morphometrically in the wild pig known as the ancestor of the domestic pig. In the study, the left and right knee joints of mature 10 wild boars were used as material. For this purpose, the materials were fixed with 10% formaldehyde solution. Macroanatomical and morphometrical examinations of bones, menisci and ligaments involved in joint formation were performed after fixation. Trochlea and condyles of femur were examined, and various measurements were made. Trochlear labia were found to be the same size, and the condyles did not show a significant difference in size. The shape of lateral condyle of the tibia was trapezoid, and the shape of medial condyle was triangular. Moreover, the lateral intercondylar tubercule was higher according to the medial one. The presence of a shallow groove on the tibial tuberosity was detected. It was found that the width difference between apex and base was more pronounced on the anterior and lateral surface of the patella. Joint surface of the fibula was found to be flat in all materials. The menisci were ‘C’ shape, but the medial meniscus is more convex than the lateral one. It was observed that the outer edges were thick, while the inner edges were thin. Ligaments of the knee joint were well developed. When the findings of the study were compared with the literature, domestication seemed to have no significant effect in terms of the morphologic properties of the knee joint of wild boar.     

Mucinous adenocarcinoma and T-cell lymphoma in the small intestine of 2 Vietnamese potbellied pigs (Sus scrofa)

Small intestinal T-cell lymphoma and mucinous adenocarcinoma are rarely reported in the pig, with most lymphomas being of B-cell origin and only a single report of mucinous adenocarcinoma. Two aged Vietnamese potbellied pigs had concurrent T-cell lymphoma and mucinous adenocarcinoma of the small intestine. The lymphomas formed polypoid masses that projected into the intestinal lumen, whereas the mucinous adenocarcinomas were mural masses that bulged from the serosal surface. Immunohistochemically, neoplastic cells within the lymphomas were positive for CD3 and negative for CD79a. Mucicarmine stain highlighted the abundant cytoplasmic and extracellular mucin in the adenocarcinomas.     

Dietary Vitamin D Toxicity in a Household of Pot-Beliied Pigs (Sus scrofa)

Vitamin D intoxication developed in Vietnamese Pot-Bellied Pigs ( Sus scrofa ) fed 2 commercially available swine rations. Pronounced hypercalcemia and a history incompatible with other causes of hypercalcemia led to confirmation of this diagnosis by plasma vitamin D metabolite analysis in 2 affected animals as compared to a control animal. Feed sample analysis suggested the diet as the likely source of toxicity.     

野猪消化能力及其消化道结构的研究

本研究以八眉猪为对照,分别对体质量在53 kg±2.3 kg的野猪消化能力和体质量在33kg~43 kg的野猪消化道结构进行了研究。结果表明,野猪日采食量(2.44 kg±0.15 kg)显著低于八眉猪(3.43 kg±0.28 kg)(P<0.05);八眉猪对粗蛋白质的日消化量(0.309 kg±0.084 kg)显著高于野猪(0.231 kg±0.126 kg)(P<0.05),但野猪对粗蛋白质的消化率(75.89±1.26)却显著高于八眉猪(72.3±0.45);野猪对粗纤维的日消化量(0.059 kg±0.028 kg)和消化率(45.72±1.82)显著低于八眉猪,而对磷的利用率(27.67±1.91)显著高于八眉猪(19.99±1.79)。野猪的大肠长度(3.36±0.38 m)、大肠容积(5.91±1.04 L)、胃容积(1.82±1.36 L)、小肠长度(14.15±0.31L)、均极显著小于八眉猪(P<0.01)。     

Diagnostic challenge: Generalized erythema and pruritus in a miniature pot-bellied pig (Sus scrofa)

A 10-week-old, intact male miniature potbellied pig (Sus scrofa) presented for intense pruritus that had started approximately 2 weeks earlier. Following microscopic identification of multiple stages of the Sarcoptes scabiei, var. suis from its skin,the pig was treated with ivermectin (300-400 μg/kg subcutaneously), three times at 10-day intervals.     

A Practical Method for Non-surgically Inserting Intra-arterial Catheters in European Wild Boars (Sus scrofa)

In endocrinological studies, the usual methods for taking blood samples are impractical because of the need for frequent sampling, and catheterization is required. The catheterization methods described for domestic pigs are not suitable for use with European wild boars (Sus scrofa) under field conditions. We describe a method for inserting an intra-arterial catheter into the European wild boar. The animals were sedated with a combination of medetomidin (Domitor 1 mg/ml, Orion-Farmos, Finland) and zolazepam and tiletamine (Zoletil forte vet 50 mg/ml + 50 mg/ml, Virbac Laboratories, France). Four animals were catheterized and sampled at 2-h intervals for 48 h in March under winter conditions and five in June under summer conditions. In March, all the catheters remained in place for the entire sampling period. In June, one animal managed to displace the catheter from its artery, but it was recatheterized and the rest of the samples were collected without problems. This catheterization method is relatively easy to carry out and requires no special facilities.     

基于网络药理学和分子对接探究归芪益母口服液治疗猪气虚血瘀证的作用机制

【目的】运用网络药理学和分子对接技术探讨归芪益母口服液治疗猪气虚血瘀证的有效活性成分及其作用机理。【方法】通过中药系统药理学数据库与分析平台(TCMSP)、中医药综合数据库(TCMID)获取归芪益母口服液主要活性成分及其靶点,通过GeneCards、OMIM和Malacards数据库获得母猪气虚血瘀证的作用靶点。使用Cytoscape 3.9.0软件构建药物-成分-靶点网络图,利用STRING数据库和Cytoscape 3.9.0软件构建靶点蛋白-蛋白互作(PPI)网络图,采用DAVID数据库对共同作用靶点进行GO功能和KEGG信号通路富集分析。通过Autodock Tools 1.5.7软件对其核心成分与核心靶点进行分子对接。【结果】归芪益母口服液筛选得到主要的有效活性成分为槲皮素、山奈酚和异鼠李素,其对应76个关键作用靶点,6 335个疾病靶点,41个交集靶点;PPI网络显示肿瘤坏死因子(TNF)、白介素-6(IL6)和IL10为关键靶点。GO功能富集分析共筛选出12条目,其中生物过程7条目,包括免疫应答、STAT蛋白酪氨酸磷酸化的正向调节、对糖皮质激素的反应等;细胞组分2条目,包括细胞外组分和细胞外空隙;分子功能3条目,包括细胞因子、生长因子活性和IL2受体结合。KEGG信号通路富集分析显示,归芪益母口服液主要通过细胞因子受体互作、JAK-STAT信号通路、PI3K-Akt信号通路发挥作用。分子对接结果显示,槲皮素、山奈酚、异鼠李素等核心成分与母猪气虚血瘀证关键靶点的结合能均＜0 kJ/mol。【结论】归芪益母口服液可能通过槲皮素、山奈酚、异鼠李素等主要活性成分作用于核糖体结合蛋白(RPN1)、胰核糖核酸酶(RNASE1)、血管生成蛋白抑制因子1(RNH1)等靶点,通过参与细胞因子受体互作、JAK-STAT信号通路、PI3K-Akt信号通路等治疗猪气虚血瘀证。     

成年贵州小型猪脾脏的组织形态学观察及免疫组化研究

为了给人类免疫相关疾病模型的建立提供参考,试验分别取24头贵州小型猪脾脏组织进行组织形态观察,用免疫组化SP法检测CD3、CD4、CD8及CD20阳性细胞的比例和分布。结果表明:12头雌性小型猪脾脏指数为18.91±1.59,12头雄性小型猪脾脏指数为17.26±2.44,无显著差异(P>0.05)。CD3+、CD4+、CD8+细胞主要分布在动脉周围淋巴鞘,CD20+细胞主要分布在脾小体,12头雌性小型猪CD3+、CD4+、CD8+、CD20+细胞比例(46.67±6.56,24.25±5.04,25.33±4.52,52.83±6.60)与雄性小型猪(43.17±7.58,23.33±3.58,23.58±5.91,54.42±9.27)比较无显著差异(P>0.05),CD4+/CD8+比值在0.7～1.5之间波动;雌性小型猪和雄性小型猪脾脏中CD20+细胞比例均较CD3+细胞多,差异有显著性(P<0.05或P<0.01)。