Data standardization implementation and applications within and among diagnostic laboratories: integrating and monitoring enteric coronaviruses

Every day, thousands of samples from diverse populations of animals are submitted to veterinary diagnostic laboratories (VDLs) for testing. Each VDL has its own laboratory information management system (LIMS), with processes and procedures to capture submission information, perform laboratory tests, define the boundaries of test results (i.e., positive or negative), and report results, in addition to internal business and accounting applications. Enormous quantities of data are accumulated and stored within VDL LIMSs. There is a need for platforms that allow VDLs to exchange and share portions of laboratory data using standardized, reliable, and sustainable information technology processes. Here we report concepts and applications for standardization and aggregation of data from swine submissions to multiple VDLs to detect and monitor porcine enteric coronaviruses by RT-PCR. Oral fluids, feces, and fecal swabs were the specimens submitted most frequently for enteric coronavirus testing. Statistical algorithms were used successfully to scan and monitor the overall and state-specific percentage of positive submissions. Major findings revealed a consistently recurrent seasonal pattern, with the highest percentage of positive submissions detected during December–February for porcine epidemic diarrhea virus, porcine deltacoronavirus, and transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV). After 2014, very few submissions tested positive for TGEV. Monitoring VDL data proactively has the potential to signal and alert stakeholders early of significant changes from expected detection. We demonstrate the importance of, and applications for, data organized and aggregated by using LOINC and SNOMED CTs, as well as the use of customized messaging to allow inter-VDL exchange of information.     

The genome of Brucella melitensis

The genome of Brucella melitensis strain 16M was sequenced and contained 3,294,931 bp distributed over two circular chromosomes. Chromosome I was composed of 2,117,144 bp and chromosome II has 1,177,787 bp. A total of 3198 ORFs were predicted. The origins of replication of the chromosomes are similar to each other and to those of other α-proteobacteria. Housekeeping genes such as those that encode for DNA replication, protein synthesis, core metabolism, and cell-wall biosynthesis were found on both chromosomes. Genes encoding adhesins, invasins, and hemolysins were also identified.     

Nicotine activation of alpha4* receptors: sufficient for reward, tolerance, and sensitization

The identity of nicotinic receptor subtypes sufficient to elicit both the acute and chronic effects of nicotine dependence is unknown. We engineered mutant mice with a4 nicotinic subunits containing a single point mutation, Leu9' --> Ala9' in the pore-forming M2 domain, rendering a4* receptors hypersensitive to nicotine. Selective activation of a4* nicotinic acetylcholine receptors with low doses of agonist recapitulates nicotine effects thought to be important in dependence, including reinforcement in response to acute nicotine administration, as well as tolerance and sensitization elicited by chronic nicotine administration. These data indicate that activation of a4* receptors is sufficient for nicotine-induced reward, tolerance, and sensitization.     

Multi-year,post-harvesting impact assessment in a neotropical secondary Atlantic Forest

European Journal of Forest Research - Subject to overexploitation in the past centuries, the Atlantic Forest is subject to very rigorous protection rules. However, the law is a controversial issue...     

Combination of pelleting and monensin does not affect antioxidant properties and fatty acids in milk of grazing dairy cows supplemented with a concentrate containing soybean seeds

This study was performed with the main objective of evaluating the effect of the combination of pelleting and monensin on fatty acids (FA) composition, the concentration of total polyphenols and flavonoids, and the oxidative stability of milk in cows fed a concentrate containing soybean seeds. Eight Holstein multiparous cows were distributed in a replicated Latin square design. The four supplement treatments consisted of the combination of two factors (pelleting and monensin) and one concentrate as follows: (1) unpelleted concentrate with no monensin (CO); (2) pelleted concentrate with no monensin (PE); (3) unpelleted concentrate with 96 mg of monensin/kg of dry matter, DM (MO); and (4) pelleted concentrate with 96 mg of monensin/kg of DM (PM). There was no interaction between pelleting and monensin for milk production and concentration of milk protein, lactose, total polyphenols, flavonoids, conjugated dienes (CD), and reducing power. Fat and total solids concentration in milk were decreased when cows were fed pelleted (PE and PM) concentrates. Feeding cows with PE and PM concentrates increased the CD concentration in milk. Regarding milk FA concentration, there was no difference among treatments for total saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated FA. The most prominent result was that pelleting increased the milk concentration of omega-3 FA. Altogether, the present study suggests that the pelleting process can improve the milk fat quality by increasing the omega-3 FA, while the combination of pelleting and monensin in the diet of grazing dairy cows fed soybean-based concentrate adds no further improvements to FA profiles and oxidative stability of milk.

     

Biochemical and Antioxidant Changes in Plasma, Serum, and Erythrocytes of Horses before and after a Jumping Competition

We designed an experiment to determine the concentrations of a marker of lipid peroxidation in erythrocytes of horses submitted to jumping competitions. Erythrocytes of exercised horses showed a significant increase in the concentration of thiobarbituric acid-reactive species content immediately after exercise (P < .001), which returned to normal levels 24 hours after exercise. Nonprotein sulfhydryl groups and superoxide dismutase activity (EC 1.15.1.1) in erythrocytes were significantly higher 24 hours after exercise, as compared with the resting period and control group (P < .001). Immediately after exercise, horses had increased serum concentrations of uric acid (P < .002) and plasma lactate, as well as increased creatine kinase (EC 2.7.3.2) and lactate dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.28) activities (P < .001), as compared with resting period and control group. All parameters returned to normal values 24 hours after exercise, except for uric acid serum levels that remained increased (P < .001). We conclude that the oxidative stress in erythrocytes of exercised horses may contribute to tissue damage. In addition, our results showed that horses submitted to a jumping competition showed higher production of free radicals and as a consequence, lipid peroxidation.     

Macrophages from chickens selected for high antibody response produced more nitric oxide and have greater phagocytic capacity

Macrophages are fundamental cells of the innate immune system, which, through phagocytosis and nitric oxide production, eliminate pathogens. The aim of the present study was to determine if macrophages from chicken families divergently selected to high and low antibodies response differ in nitric oxide production and phagocytic capacity. Blood monocytes derived macrophages were activated with lipopolysaccharide and supernatant from chicken spleen lymphocytes cultured with Concanavalin A (containing chicken interferon). Nitric oxide production was evaluated in culture supernatants. Phagocytic capacity of activated and non-activated macrophages was assayed using yeasts and IgY opsonized sheep red blood cells. Activated and non-activated macrophages from the high antibodies response family produced higher nitric oxide levels, internalized more yeast and significantly more opsonized sheep red blood cells than macrophages from the low antibodies response family. Moreover, activated macrophages became more elongated and widely spread. These findings indicate that macrophages from the high antibodies response family were more active suggesting that the differences in antibody response also depend on macrophage function.     

Can native vegetation recover after slash pine cultivation in the Brazilian Savanna?

There is a widespread view that forest plantations with exotic species are green deserts, unable to sustain biodiversity. Few studies have demonstrated, however, that planted stands of exotic trees have a greater negative effect on the plant diversity of savanna vegetation. We compared the native woody flora under four stands of slash pine of about 45 years old with four stands where the previously existing native Cerrado vegetation was preserved and protected from disturbances for the same period, has changed into dense vegetation - the “cerradão”, at Assis municipality, São Paulo State, Brazil. Aiming at understanding the potential ecological filters driving these communities, we assessed air and soil humidity, light availability and classified the native species on the basis of shade tolerance, dispersal syndrome and biomes in which they occur (Atlantic Forest or Cerrado). We recorded an average of 70 (±13) species under pine stands and 54 (±16) species in cerradão. Of the total of 136 species recorded, 78 occurred in both habitats, eight were exclusive to the “cerradão” (shade tolerant and also occurring in forest ecosystems) and 18 were recorded only under pine stands (82% heliophytic, exclusive to the Cerrado biome). Among the functional attributes and abiotic variables analyzed, only light availability explained the floristic differences found. Since richness was higher under pine, we refuted the hypothesis that exotic species constrain the establishment of the native species richness in the understory. On the other hand, the dark environment under the closed-canopy of the “cerradão” acts as a filter inhibiting the establishment of typical Cerrado species. Since pine stands, if managed in long cycle, maintain a reasonable pool of Cerrado endemic species in the understory pine plantations may be a good starting point for savanna restoration.     

Effect of nitrogen rates applying controlled-release and conventional urea blend in maize

Abstract

Blending polymer-sulfur coated urea (PSCU) and conventional urea (U) for maize (Zea mays L.) fertilization can supply nitrogen (N) during the crop cycle with a single application. Proper placement of PSCU?+?U (0.15?m below and 0.1?m to the side of seed row) in band application at sowing is necessary to reduce salt stress that can decrease dry weight (DU) and N uptake (NU) of maize plant compromising maize yield. It is not clear the proper N rate in the proper placement for band application of PSCU?+?U at maize sowing to avoid salt stress. In the current literature, reduction of N rates are being recommended using PSCU?+?U without consider the probably salt stress provided by high rates of PSCU?+?U. DW and NU in maize plant as well as soil pH and electrical conductivity (EC) were evaluated in a greenhouse pot trial. N treatments were equivalent to 0, 90, 180, 360 and 540?kg N ha^?1 applied incorporated in band in two contrasting soils (Rhodic Eutrustox and Typic Haplustox) using 70%PSCU + 30%U. At V10 (vegetative leaf stage 10), DW and NU of maize aerial part had quadratic behavior in response to increase N rates in the Typic Haplustox soil. In the Rhodic Eutrustox was not observed known behavior for DW and NU in response to increase N rates. Soil pH and EC was higher in the fertilizer row than sowing row. A N rate above of 180?kg N ha^?1 using 70%PSCU + 30%U incorporated in bands can reduce DW and NU in early maize plant growth associated with salt concentration of N fertilizer in a Typic Haplustox soil, which could compromise maize yield.