Assessing the effects of a mixed Eimeria spp. challenge on performance, intestinal integrity, and the gut microbiome of broiler chickens.

A mixed Eimeria spp. challenge model was designed to assess the effects of challenge on broiler chicken performance, intestinal integrity, and the gut microbiome for future use to evaluate alternative strategies for controlling coccidiosis in broiler chickens. The experimental design involved broiler chickens divided into two groups: a control group (uninfected) and a positive control group, infected with Eimeria acervulina (EA), Eimeria maxima (EM), and Eimeria tenella (ET). At day-of-hatch, 240 off-sex male broiler chicks were randomized and allocated to one of two treatment groups. The treatment groups included: (1) Non-challenged (NC, n = 5 replicate pens); and (2) challenged control (PC, n = 7 replicate pens) with 20 chickens/pen. Pen weights were recorded at d0, d16, d31, d42, and d52 to determine average body weight (BW) and (BWG). Feed intake was measured at d16, d31, d42, and d52 to calculate feed conversion ratio (FCR). Four diet phases included a starter d0-16, grower d16-31, finisher d31-42, and withdrawal d42-52 diet. At d18, chickens were orally challenged with 200 EA, 3,000 EM, and 500 ET sporulated oocysts/chicken. At d24 (6-day post-challenge) and d37 (19-day post-challenge), intestinal lesion scores were recorded. Additionally, at d24, FITC-d was used as a biomarker to evaluate intestinal permeability and ileal tissue sections were collected for histopathology and gene expression of tight junction proteins. Ileal and cecal contents were also collected to assess the impact of challenge on the microbiome. BWG and FCR from d16-31 was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in PC compared to NC. At d24, intestinal lesion scores were markedly higher in the PC compared to the NC. Intestinal permeability was significantly increased in the PC group based on serum FITC-d levels. Cadherin 1 (CDH1), calprotectin (CALPR), and connexin 45 (Cx45) expression was also upregulated in the ileum of the PC group at d24 (6-day post-challenge) while villin 1 (VIL1) was downregulated in the ileum of the PC group. Additionally, Clostridium perfringens (ASV1) was enriched in the cecal content of the PC group. This model could be used to assess the effect of alternative coccidiosis control methods during the post-challenge with EA, EM, and ET.

Impact of Eimeria meleagrimitis and intermittent amprolium treatment on performance and the gut microbiome composition of Turkey poults.

Introduction: Drug-sensitive live coccidiosis vaccines have been used to control coccidiosis and renew drug sensitivity in commercial chicken operations. However, only limited species coverage vaccines have been available for commercial turkey producers. This study aimed to assess the effect of an E. meleagrimitis vaccine candidate, with and without amprolium intervention, on performance and oocyst shedding. Additionally, the effect of vaccination, amprolium treatment, and E. meleagrimitis challenge on intestinal integrity and microbiome composition was evaluated. Methods: Experimental groups included: (1) NC (non-vaccinated, non-challenged control); (2) PC (non-vaccinated, challenged control); (3) VX + Amprol (E. meleagrimitis candidate vaccine + amprolium); and 4) VX (E. meleagrimitis candidate vaccine). For VX groups, 50% of the direct poults were orally vaccinated at DOH with 50 sporulated E. meleagrimitis oocysts and were comingled with contact or non-vaccinated poults for the duration of the study. From d10-14, VX + Amprol group received amprolium (0.024%) in the drinking water. All groups except NC were orally challenged with 95K E. meleagrimitis sporulated oocysts/mL/poult at d23. At d29, ileal and cecal contents were collected for 16S rRNA gene-based microbiome analysis. Results and Discussion: VX did not affect performance during the pre-challenge period. At d23-29 (post-challenge), VX groups had significantly (P < 0.05) higher BWG than the PC group. Contacts and directs of VX groups in LS had significantly reduced compared to PC. As anticipated, amprolium treatment markedly reduced fecal and litter OPG for the VX + Amprol group compared to the VX group which did not receive amprolium. The ileal and cecal content results showed that the PC group had different bacterial diversity and structure, including alpha and beta diversity, compared to NC. Linear discriminant analysis Effect Size (LEfSe) identified that Lactobacillus salivarius (ASV2) was enriched in PC's ileal and cecal content. Compared to NC and PC, the vaccinated groups showed no distinct clusters, but there were similarities in the ileal and cecal communities based on Bray-Curtis and Jaccard distances. In conclusion, these results indicate that vaccination with this strain of E. meleagrimitis, with or without amprolium intervention, caused a very mild infection that induced protective immunity and challenge markedly affected both the ileal and cecal microbiome.

Research Note: Isolation, speciation, and anticoccidial sensitivity of Eimeria spp. recovered from wild turkey feces in the United States.

Between 2018 and 2020, over 100 wild turkey fecal samples were collected from the Eastern and Central thirds of the United States, where commercial turkey production is uncommon. We hypothesized that anticoccidial-sensitive Eimeria spp. would be present in wild turkey fecal samples. Samples containing Eimeria spp. oocysts were amplified in vivo. If propagation was successful, the samples were PCR-speciated and subjected to anticoccidial sensitivity testing (AST) for key members of both ionophore and chemical categories of anticoccidial drugs. The purpose of this study was to isolate Eimeria spp. relevant to commercial turkey production that possessed sensitivity to monensin, zoalene, and amprolium. Future research would evaluate the efficacy of wild turkey Eimeria spp. as vaccine candidates for reducing coccidiosis in commercial turkey flocks utilizing single oocyst-derived stocks obtained in the present study.

An oligogenic architecture underlying ecological and reproductive divergence in sympatric populations.

The evolutionary trajectories and genetic architectures underlying ecological divergence with gene flow are poorly understood. Sympatric timing types of the intertidal insect Clunio marinus (Diptera) from Roscoff (France) differ in lunar reproductive timing. One type reproduces at full moon, the other at new moon, controlled by a circalunar clock of yet unknown molecular nature. Lunar reproductive timing is a magic trait for a sympatric speciation process, as it is both ecologically relevant and entails assortative mating. Here, we show that the difference in reproductive timing is controlled by at least four quantitative trait loci (QTL) on three different chromosomes. They are partly associated with complex inversions, but differentiation of the inversion haplotypes cannot explain the different phenotypes. The most differentiated locus in the entire genome, with QTL support, is the period locus, implying that this gene could not only be involved in circadian timing but also in lunar timing. Our data indicate that magic traits can be based on an oligogenic architecture and can be maintained by selection on several unlinked loci.

The third international hackathon for applying insights into large-scale genomic composition to use cases in a wide range of organisms.

In October 2021, 59 scientists from 14 countries and 13 U.S. states collaborated virtually in the Third Annual Baylor College of Medicine & DNANexus Structural Variation hackathon. The goal of the hackathon was to advance research on structural variants (SVs) by prototyping and iterating on open-source software. This led to nine hackathon projects focused on diverse genomics research interests, including various SV discovery and genotyping methods, SV sequence reconstruction, and clinically relevant structural variation, including SARS-CoV-2 variants. Repositories for the projects that participated in the hackathon are available at https://github.com/collaborativebioinformatics.

Many ways to make darker flies: Intra- and interspecific variation in Drosophila body pigmentation components.

Body pigmentation is an evolutionarily diversified and ecologically relevant trait with substantial variation within and between species, and important roles in animal survival and reproduction. Insect pigmentation, in particular, provides some of the most compelling examples of adaptive evolution, including its ecological significance and genetic bases. Pigmentation includes multiple aspects of color and color pattern that may vary more or less independently, and can be under different selective pressures. We decompose Drosophila thorax and abdominal pigmentation, a valuable eco-evo-devo model, into distinct measurable traits related to color and color pattern. We investigate intra- and interspecific variation for those traits and assess its different sources. For each body part, we measured overall darkness, as well as four other pigmentation properties distinguishing between background color and color of the darker pattern elements that decorate each body part. By focusing on two standard D. melanogaster laboratory populations, we show that pigmentation components vary and covary in distinct manners depending on sex, genetic background, and temperature during development. Studying three natural populations of D. melanogaster along a latitudinal cline and five other Drosophila species, we then show that evolution of lighter or darker bodies can be achieved by changing distinct component traits. Our results paint a much more complex picture of body pigmentation variation than previous studies could uncover, including patterns of sexual dimorphism, thermal plasticity, and interspecific diversity. These findings underscore the value of detailed quantitative phenotyping and analysis of different sources of variation for a better understanding of phenotypic variation and diversification, and the ecological pressures and genetic mechanisms underlying them.

Manejo inicial de la bronquiolitis aguda grave en el Hospital Central del Instituto de Previsión Social entre enero a junio 2019 / Initial management of severe acute bronchiolitis in the Central Hospital of the Social Security Institute in the period January to June 2019

Introducción: La bronquiolitis aguda se define como el primer cuadro de tos y sibilancia en un lactante menor de 24 meses de edad. Es una infección viral de la vía respiratoria inferior que produce aumento de la producción de mucus cuyo diagnóstico se basa principalmente en la anamnesis y examen físico. Actualmente,no existenelementos complementarios que confirmen la entidad ni tratamiento específico. Objetivo:conocer los recursos diagnósticos y terapéuticos utilizados en el abordaje inicial de la bronquiolitis aguda grave en el servicio de urgencias del Hospital Central de IPS enel periodo de enero a junio 2019. Metodología:Estudio observacional, descriptivo, de corte trasversal. Resultados: Se estudiaron 33 pacientes,22 (66,7%)eran de 1 a 2 meses de edad yel 72,2% era del sexo masculino. El 81,8% presentóalgún factor de riesgo de gravedad, siendo los más frecuentes;prematuridad (92,5%), edad <3meses (81,4%) y apnea (70,3%). El criterio para clasificar la severidad fue el Score Tal en el 93,9%de los casos. Con respecto al tratamiento inicial, todos recibieron esquemas de nebulización, entre los más utilizados se citan la combinación de adrenalina con suero hipertónico (33,4%) y salbutamol con suero hipertónico(24,4%). Conclusión: Se encontró predominancia delsexo masculinoy con algún factor de gravedad. El score Tal fueel método más utilizado para catalogar la gravedad. El manejo inicial se caracterizópor incluir nebulizaciones, corticoesteroides y antibióticos. La nebulización sigue siendo un tema de debate a escala interinstitucional.

Introduction:Acute bronchiolitis is defined as the first picture of cough and wheezing in an infant under 24 months of age. It is a viral infection of the lower respiratory tract that produces increased mucus production, the diagnosis of which is based mainly on anamnesis and physical examination. Currently there are no complementary elements that confirm the entity or specific treatment Objective:to know the diagnostic and therapeutic resources used in the initial approach to severe acute bronchiolitis in the emergency department of the IPS Central Hospital during the months of January 2019 to June 2019. Methodology:Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study. Results:Male sex is the predominant gender, representing 72.2%. 81.8% presented serious risk factors,the most frequent: prematurity (92.5%), age <3 months (81.4%) and apnea (70.3%). The criterion for classifying severity was the Tal Score (93.9%). Regarding the initial treatment, all received nebulization schemes, the most used being the combination of Adrenaline with Hypertonic Serum (33.4%) and Salbutamol with SHT (24.4%). Conclusion:Acute bronchiolitis is one of the most frequent respiratory diseases in infants. Male sex was the predominant gender. The Tal score was the most widely used method to classify severity. 81.4% had severity factors. Initial management has been characterized by including nebulizations, corticosteroids, and antibiotics. Fogging continues to be a topic of debate at inter-institutional levels.

Developmental and evolutionary mechanisms shaping butterfly eyespots.

Butterfly eyespots are visually compelling models to study the reciprocal interactions between evolutionary and developmental processes that shape phenotypic variation. They are evolutionarily diversified, ecologically relevant, and developmentally tractable, and have made key contributions to linking genotype, development, phenotype and fitness. Advances in the availability of analytical tools (e.g. gene editing and visualization techniques) and resources (e.g. genomic and transcriptomic data) are boosting the detailed dissection of the mechanisms underlying eyespot development and evolution. Here, we review current knowledge on the ecology, development, and evolution of butterfly eyespots, with focus on recent advances. We also highlight a number of unsolved mysteries in our understanding of the patterns and processes underlying the diversification of these structures.

Glomerulonefritis rapidamente progresiva en el niño: análisis de la casuística de un quinquenio 2004-2009: [revisión] / Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis in children: analysis of the data of a five-year period 2004-2009: [review]

La glomerulonefritis rápidamente progresiva (GNRP) es una entidad poco frecuente; el diagnóstico precoz es importante con fines terapéuticos y pronósticos. El objetivo del presente trabajo es reportar la casuística del GNRP en el Servicio de Nefrología del Hospital de Niños "Jorge Lizarraga" entre enero 2004 y enero 2009. Estudio retrospectiva y descriptivo con la revisión de las historias clínicas de 8 pacientes con edades entre 3-13 años. Seis pacientes correspondieron al sexo femenino. La edad promedio fue de 11 ± 3.5 años. La mayoría presentó un foco infeccioso previo con mayor frecuencia en piel (6 casos), y en faringe un caso. Las manifestaciones clínicas y los hallazgos de laboratorio se caracterizaron por: edema, hipertensión, hematuria, retención azoada progresiva, proteinuria e hipocomplementaria. Se realizó biopsia renal en todos los casos, observandose glomerulonefritis proliferativa endo y extracapilar en 6 casos y glomerulonefritis membranoprolirativa en 2 casos. La terapéutica se basó en tratar la infección y el fallo renal agudo. Se aplicaron pulsos de metilprednisolona a todos los pacientes y 6 pacientes ameritaron diálisis peritoneal. Seis pacientes sobrevivieron (2 egresaron con función renal normal y 4 progresaron a enfermedad renal crónica) y 2 pacientes fallecieron. La GNRP es una condición que se presenta esporadicamente; su evolución depende de la severidad del compromiso renal, extensión de las lesiones histopatológicas y precocidad en la terapéutica farmacológica y dialítica. La mayoría de los pacientes sobrevive, un porcentaje importante progresa a enfermedad renal crónica, lo cual eventualmente amerita terapia substitutiva con dialisis y trasplante renal.

Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) is a rate entity; early diagnosis is important for adequate and prompt treatment. The objetive of this paper is to report the casuistic of RPGN in the Department of Nephrology of the Hospital de Niños "Jorge Lizarraga" between January 2004 and January 2009. Retrospective and descriptive study collecting data of the medical records of 8 pantients, ages 3-13 years. Six patients were females and the average for age was 11 ± 3.5 years. The majority presented a previous infection (skin in 6 and pharynx in 1). Clinical manifestations and laboratory findings were: edema hypertensión, hematuria, progressive azotemic retentions, proteinuria and hypocomplementemia. Renal biopsy was performed in all patients with the following results: endo and extracapillary proliferative glomerulonephritis in 6 cases and membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis in 2. Therapeutic measures were aimed to the treatment of infection acute renal failure. Methylprednisolone boluses were indicated in all patients, 6 patients were submitted to peritoneal dialysis. Six patients survived (2 with normal renal function and 4 with progression to chronic kidney disease), and 2 died. RPGN is a condition that occurs sporadically: its evolution depends of the severity of renal involvement, the extension of histological lesions and the precocity with which pharmacological and dialytic treatment are installed. Most patients survive but a significant number progresss to chronic kidney disease.

Biopsia renal en pediatría: análisis de la casuística de 28 años: Hospital de Niños de Valencia-Venezuela: [revisión] / Renal biopsy in pediatrics: casuistica analysis of 28 years: Hospital of Niños of Valencia-Venezuela: [review]

El análisis de los resultados de casuísticas de biopsias renales es importante con fines diagnósticos, terapéuticos y de pronóstico. Evaluar la serie de biopsias renales en el Hospital de Niños de Valencia, Venezuela, durante el período 1978-2007. Fueron analizadas 421 biopsias renales practicadas en 395 pacientes, de 2 meses a 20 años, 57% varones. El material fue procesado por microscopía óptica, inmunofluorescencia y microscopía electrónica en 98% de los casos. Se obtuvo muestra adecuada (más de 10 glomérulos) en 93% de los casos (n=392). Indicaciones clínicas: síndrome nefrótico 199(50%), síndrome nefrítico atípico 53(13%), otro: (hematuria/proteinuria, proteinuria, trasplante, enfermedades sistémicas 143(37%). Resultados Histopatológicos: A.-Glomerulonefrítis primaria (GNP) 302 casos (77%), B.-Nefropatías secundarias (NS) 68 casos (17%), C.-Riñones trasplantados 28 casos (7%).-Diagnósticos en GNP: 1) Lesión de cambios mínimos 140(46%), 2) Glomeruloesclerosis segmentaria y focal 79 (26%), 3) GN proliferativa y/o mesangial 67(22%), 4) GN Membranosa 16 (5%). -Diagnósticos en NS: Nefritis lúpica: 20 casos (32.25%), Nefropatía IgA: 22 casos (35.50%); Otras: 20 casos (32.25%). -Diagnósticos en riñones trasplantados: rechazo agudo 50%, necrosis tubular aguda 25%, rechazo crónico 20%, enfermedad recurrente en trasplante 5%. Complicaciones: Hematuria transitoria: 21 casos (5%), hematoma perirenal: 3(<1%), perforación intestinal: 2 (<0.5%), hemorragia importante: 2 (<0.5%), nefrectomía: 1(0.2%). La presente es una de las primeras casuísticas de biopsias renales reportadas en Latinoamérica y una de las más grandes en el mundo y, de acuerdo a nuestros resultados, es un procedimiento seguro con gran utilidad diagnóstica, pocas complicaciones, sin mortalidad.

Evaluation and analysis of the results of renal biopsy are important for diagnostic, therapeutic and prognostic matters. To evaluate a series of renal biopsies performed during the period 1978-2007 in the Hospital de Niños de Valencia, Venezuela. All patients had history of either primary or secondary nephropathies. 421 biopsies were done in 377 patients, ages 2 months-20 years; 57% boys. 26 patients were re-biopsed. Percutaneous needle biopsy (PNB) was performed in all the patients, except in one who underwent open biopsy because of a solitary kidney. Renal tissue was processed for optical, inmunofluorescence and electronic microscopy in 98% of cases. The biopsy technique, clinical syndromes at presentation, hystopathological pattern, effectiveness and complications are described. Adequate sample was obtained in 392 cases (93%) (more than 10 glomeruli) and inadequate or failed biopsy in 29(7%). Clinical syndromes at presentation were: nephrotic syndrome: 199 cases (50%), atypical acute nephritic syndrome: 53 (13%), others: hematuria and proteinuria, isolated proteinuria, kidney transplant biopsy or systemic diseases: 143(37%). The hystopathological pattern obtained was as follows. A.-Primary glomerulonephritis (PG): 302 cases, 77%, B.-Secondary nephropathies: 68 cases, 17%, C.- Kidney transplant biopsies: 28 cases, 5 %. Primary Glomerulonephritis diagnosis: minimal change disease: 140 cases, 46%, Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis: 79(26%), diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis/mesangial: 67(22%), membranous glomerulonephritis: 16(5%). Secondary nephropathies: lupus nephritis: 20 cases (32.25%), IgA Nephropathy: 22 cases (35.50%), others: 20 cases (32.25%).Transplant biopsies: rejection 50%, acute tubular necrosis 25%, chronic rejection 20%, and recurrent disease 5%. Complications: transient hematuria: 21(5%), perirenal hematoma: 3(<1%), gut perforation (<0.2%), bleeding which required blood transfusion: 2(<0.5%) and nephrectomy because of incontrollable...