GII.4 human norovirus and G8P[1] bovine-like rotavirus in oysters (Crassostrea gigas) from Argentina.

Bivalve mollusks have been widely recognized as an important source of foodborne virus. The aim of this work was to determine the presence of norovirus (NoV) and rotavirus (RVA) in Pacific cupped oyster (Crassostrea gigas) from Buenos Aires, Argentina. A total of 88 oyster were processed. 7% of pooled samples resulted positive for NoV GII by RT-qPCR. The nucleotide analysis showed that it was closely related to GII.4/Sydney. Regarding RVA, 21% were positive by RT-qPCR targeting the NSP3 gene. RVA from one pool was isolated in cell culture and infective viral particles were evidenced by immunofluorescence. The genotype constellation of RVA/Oyster-wt/Crassostrea gigas_BA/2015/G8P[1] isolated strain was G8-P[1]-I2-R2-C2-M2-A3-N2-T6-E2-H3, which has a bovine-like genome backbone. Notably, RVA possesses an E2 genotype which is different from the characteristic E12 genotype of RVA circulating in animal species from South America. Our findings evidence not only the presence of enteric viruses in oysters from Argentina, but most important the viability of RVA. This result pose the need to implement surveillance programs to prevent potential foodborne viral outbreaks due to the consumption of contaminated shellfish.

Atresia of the left main coronary artery: repair with left internal mammary artery bypass.

The case of a 17-month-old child with atresia of the left main coronary artery and mitral insufficiency is presented. The child underwent two separate surgical procedures, the first being a left internal mammary-left anterior descending coronary artery bypass and plication of the mitral valve. During the follow-up period the mitral insufficiency progressed, and the child subsequently underwent mitral valve replacement with a Björk-Shiley prosthesis. A selective study of the left internal mammary demonstrated excellent flow into the left coronary artery system. The report illustrates the use of the left internal mammary artery in a small child.

The histochemistry of the clitellum of Tubifex tubifex (annelida: oligochaeta).

The histochemistry of the clitellar glands of Tubiflex tubiflex is reported, together with the ultrastructure of mature secretion units. The distribution and ultrastructure of mucous and granule cells are consistent with published accounts of tubificid citella, thus indicating an absence of intrageneric variation. Mucous cells contain homogenous electron lucent globules which are rich in neutral and acidic mucopolysaccharides and are non-reactive with techniques designed to reveal protein. Type I cells possess structured granules composed of tyrosine-containing basic protein and carboxylated acid mucopolysaccharides. The granules of type II cells are heterogenous and contain several 0.3--0.7 micrometer inclusions of acidic protein with identifiable tyrosine, tryptophan and cystine. The inclusions occur within a matrix composed of neutral mucopolysaccharides and carboxymucin. Type III cell granules possess 0.2--0.5 micrometer inclusions within an electron dense matrix and are rich in neutral and carboxylated acid mucopolysaccharides and basic protein containing tyrosine, tryptophane and cystine. Clitelar carboxymucins are characterized by their stability to beta-glucoronidase, hyaluronidase, neurominidase and acid hydrolysis. A pyridine-extractable lipid moiety within the clitellar secretions was not detected. The results are discussed in relation to cell function during cocoon deposition and, comparatively, with those documented for other oligochaete families.

A consumer test of bull and steer beef of equal fatness.

It has been suggested that differing fatness may be a major contribution to detected eating differences between bull and steer beef. This paper compares a subset of households who cooked and ate bull and steer beef of equal fatness. Respondents still detected that steer was preferable to bull.

Calcification in an ageing Ligula intestinalis (L) plerocercoid from a bream (Abramis brama L.).

Light and transmission electron microscopy of the strobila of a large old Ligula intestinalis plerocercoid has revealed microcrystals with a morphology similar to that of microapatite crystals from vertebrates. Analysis of the microcrystals with EMMA-4 showed them to contain calcium and phosphorus. The tissue in the immediate vicinity of the microcrystals shows signs of necrosis while further away it is histologically normal.