Dairy farmer and farm staff attitudes and perceptions regarding daily milk allowance to calves

The benefits of feeding calves more milk are increasingly being recognized by dairy farmers. However, most producers have still not implemented higher feeding plans. The aim of the present study was to gain a deeper understanding of farmer and farm staff attitudes, and the perceptions and factors considered in their decision-making regarding daily milk allowances. We collected data through focus group interviews with dairy farmers, farm managers, and calf-care workers who were selected using purposive and snowball sampling. In total, 40 persons (24 women and 16 men) joined a focus group interview (6 in all, each with 5-8 participants). Interviews were recorded, and recordings were transcribed and analyzed thematically. Participants had contrasting opinions about the minimum, maximum, and recommended daily milk allowances to their calves. Their suggested lowest daily milk allowance to sustain animal welfare ranged from 4 to 8-10 L and the maximum allowance from 6 to 15 L. We found that farmers' and farm staff's choices and recommendations of milk-feeding protocols were influenced by a large number of factors that could be grouped into 4 themes: (1) Life beyond work, (2) Farm facilities and equipment, (3) Care of the calves, and (4) Profitability and production. Participants' considerations were similar and aimed to maximize daily milk allowance based on farm conditions. However, the allowances they described as optimal for their calves often differed from what they considered practically feasible. We found that the care of the calves and the well-being of the owners and the staff was central in the participants' decision-making, but that this care perspective was challenged by the social and economic sustainability of the farm. Most participants fed their calves twice daily and did not think that increasing that number would be practically feasible. Our results indicate that the participants' viewpoints regarding calves were important for their decision-making about milk allowances. We suggest that a more holistic perspective should be used when advising farmers about milk allowances, putting particular emphasis on the caring and social sustainability aspects of the individual farm.

OP0326 ACPA-INDUCED PAIN-BEHAVIOR, BONE LOSS AND TENDON INFLAMMATION IN MICE: A NOVEL MODEL FOR THE PRE-DISEASE PHASES OF ACPA-POSITIVE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Background:

In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) are associated with bone loss and pain. Recently, tenosynovitis has been suggested as a predicting factor for arthritis progression in individuals at-risk for RA.

Objectives:

We aimed to investigate if transfer of human ACPAs into mice could induce tenosynovitis and/or subclinical inflammation.

Methods:

Monoclonal ACPA (1325:04C03 and 1325:01B09) and control (1362:01E02) antibodies (mAbs) were generated from synovial plasma or memory B cells of RA patients. 2mg of combination of monoclonal ACPAs or control antibody were injected in BALB/c female mice (age 12-16 weeks) (n= 9). Pain-like behavior was monitored by measuring mechanical hypersensitivity using von Frey filaments every 3 days and estimation by up-down Dixon method. Bone morphometrics was analyzed by micro-CT. Using specially designed mobilization casts, dedicated mouse MRI coils, and gadolinium enhanced contrast medium, the hind limbs of these mice were scanned in a 9.4 T scanner and resulting T1-weighted images were evaluated for signs of soft tissue joint inflammation. The MRI images were scored for the presence of joint involvement and tendon inflammatory changes by 3 readers in a blinded manner.

Figure 1.

NAPA performed on healthy donor mo-DCs incubated with native, PAD2-citrullinated, and PAD4-citrullinated fibrinogen. Alpha, beta, and gamma chains of fibrinogen are shown separately. Each colored line represents a unique peptide. Nested peptides with a common core motif are shown in the same color. Grey bar denotes peptides with identical core motif between samples.

Results:

ACPAs (1325:04C03 and 1325:01B09) induced pain-like behavior (lasting for at least 4 weeks) and reduction of the trabecular and cortical bone thickness in the hind limbs as compared to control monoclonal antibodies (p<0.05). While no macroscopic or MRI signs of synovial inflammation were detected, MRI subclinical inflammation of the tendon sheaths was present in mice injected with ACPAs, but not in those injected with control mAb. Semi-quantitative scoring of the inflammatory tendon changes showed significant higher values in mice injected with ACPA (median of 1, range 0 to 2) than those injected with control mAb (median of 0, range 0 to 1).

Conclusion:

We show that ACPA induces pain-like behavior, bone loss and tendon sheath inflammation in mice, a model that mimics the preclinical state of ACPA positive RA.

References:

[1]Harre, U. et al. J Clin Invest (2012)

[2]Krishnamurthy, A. et al. Ann Rheum Dis (2016, 2019), JI 2019

[3]Wigerblad, G. et al. Ann Rheum Dis (2016, 2019)

[4]KleyerA, Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism (2016)

Disclosure of Interests:

Akilan Krishnamurthy: None declared, Yogan Kisten: None declared, Alexandra Circiumaru: None declared, Koji Sakurabas: None declared, Patrik Jarvolli: None declared, Juan Jimenez Jimenez Andrade: None declared, Peter Damberg: None declared, Heidi Wähämaa: None declared, Vivianne Malmström Grant/research support from: VM has had research grants from Janssen Pharmaceutica, Lars Klareskog: None declared, Camilla Svensson: None declared, Bence Réthi: None declared, Anca Catrina: None declared

Adenovirus VA RNAI Blocks ASC Oligomerization and Inhibits NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation

Virus infected immune cells can rapidly respond to the invader by activating the inflammasome and as a consequence release proinflammatory cytokines and eventually die by pyroptosis. In human adenovirus-5 (Ad5) infected THP-1 cells, inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation was demonstrated by a decreased secretion of HMGB1 and matured forms of caspase-1and IL-1ß. An Ad5 mutant virus defective in expression of the non-coding VA RNAI failed to inhibit the NLRP3 inflammasome and in addition displayed formation of ASC specks and increased cell lysis. Importantly, in vitro synthesized VA RNAI was able to inhibit the NLRP3 inflammasome activity in THP-1 cells in the absence of an Ad5 infection, suggesting that VA RNAI binding to PKR and blocking its function is sufficient for inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Although the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation required the phylogenetically conserved base paired tetranucleotide sequence in the central stem of VA RNAI, we demonstrate that PKR binding to VA RNAI primarily protected the apical stem, but not the tetranucleotide sequence itself. VA RNAI did not influence the interaction between PKR and NLRP3. In contrast, we describe a novel interaction between PKR and ASC and further show that VA RNAI inhibited ASC phosphorylation and oligomerization. Collectively, our results indicate a novel role for Ad5 VA RNAI as an inhibitor of NLRP3 inflammasome activation by targeting the cellular pro-inflammatory protein PKR.

Communication styles of Swedish veterinarians involved in dairy herd health management: A motivational interviewing perspective

Veterinary communication has evolved in the context of traditional veterinary tasks, such as diagnosing and treating sick animals, and this may encourage a directive communication style, in which the veterinarian acts as an expert, directing the client in what to do and how to do it. This type of communication style has been shown to evoke resistance to change in clients who are experiencing psychological ambivalence, a well-known aspect of farmers' herd health decisions. Veterinary herd health management (VHHM) constitutes an increasing proportion of the work of cattle veterinarians and often focuses on behavior change. The present study aimed to characterize communication styles of Swedish dairy cattle veterinarians involved in VHHM in relation to their skills in facilitating behavior change. A secondary aim was to investigate whether these skills differed among veterinarians depending on their experience in the veterinary profession or in VHHM. Audio-recorded role-play conversations (n = 123; reflecting VHHM telephone consultations) with 42 veterinarians involved in VHHM in Swedish dairy herds and audio-recorded on-farm consultations (n = 86) with 18 of those veterinarians were coded using a system developed to evaluate motivational interviewing (MI) skills. Motivational interviewing is a communication methodology aimed at facilitating clients' internal motivation to change. The MI Treatment Integrity (MITI) code identifies frequency counts of 10 verbal behaviors, and assesses 4 global variables on a Likert scale, based on 20 min of conversation. It also suggests 6 summary measurements of MI competency based on these 14 original variables. Of the 42 veterinarians, 39 also responded to a web questionnaire about their age, continuing education, and experience in the profession, in dairy herds and in VHHM. We analyzed associations between the 6 summary MITI variables from the role-play conversations and characteristics of the 39 veterinarians using logistic and linear multivariable regression models. Veterinarians in the role-play and on-farm conversations relied predominantly on giving information, questions, and persuasion in their consultation approaches. They generally did not explore the client's expectations or wishes regarding the agenda for the consultation, or acknowledge the client's right to make decisions about actions. Veterinarians gave advice without exploring the client's need for the advice or how the information was perceived. We found a significant reduction in so-called relational scores (Empathy plus Partnership) and an increase in MI-nonadherent behaviors (Persuasion plus Confront) as years of veterinary experience increased. Results showed that there is room for improvement in the communication style of veterinarians involved in VHHM. Wider literature suggests that training veterinarians in a client-centered communication methodology such as MI may increase the demand for and success of VHHM.

Trust, feasibility, and priorities influence Swedish dairy farmers' adherence and nonadherence to veterinary advice

The problem of nonadherence to advice is recognized in several professional relationships, including the veterinarian-client relationship. A better understanding of farmer perspectives may help to improve efficiency in veterinary herd health management. This study aimed to qualitatively and quantitatively describe farmers' reasons for adherence and nonadherence with veterinary recommendations regarding preventive herd health measures. We carried out structured telephone interviews about implementation of preventive measures with owners or staff of 163 dairy farms and 6 beef farms. The farms had received an advisory visit by their veterinarian (n = 36), who had documented the preventive measures they had recommended. The interviewer noted verbatim responses to reasons for implementing preventive measures fully, partially, or not at all, and we analyzed these responses thematically. We also conducted a quantitative analysis, in which we calculated descriptive statistics of the proportions of different categories of reasons stated by the farmers. Altogether, 726 preventive measures (range per farm 1 to 17; median 3; interquartile range 2 to 6) were documented. We identified 3 organizing themes related to adherence or nonadherence with veterinary advice: trust, feasibility, and priorities. Overall, the most commonly stated reasons related to trust (in the veterinarian, in the advisory process, or in individual preventive measures). The most common reasons not to follow the recommended advice were related to feasibility. Based on the results, we recommend that, to improve adherence to their advice, veterinarians pay increased attention to farmers' needs, priorities, goals, and motives, as well as to farmers' perceptions of the effectiveness of individual preventive measures. We also recommend that veterinarians need to increase their focus on recommending preventive measures that are practically feasible to implement on farms.

Veterinary herd health management-Experience among farmers and farm managers in Swedish dairy production

A preventive herd health approach will most likely reduce incidences of clinical and subclinical disease. Swedish veterinary organizations offer specific veterinary herd health management (HHM) programs, but these services are not used to a large extent. The aim of this study was to investigate dairy farmers' experience of HHM and the conditions for collaboration with veterinarians in HHM. Six focus group discussions were conducted in March 2015 in West Sweden. In total, 33 dairy farmers participated. The recordings were transcribed and coded using thematic analysis, and the transcripts were reviewed to identify potential factors indicating barriers for farmers to engage a veterinarian in HHM. The participants reported HHM to be important, but they had difficulty defining the actions included in the concept. They described a wide range of their work duties as preventive. The farmers' list of potential contributions by the veterinarians in HHM was strikingly short compared to the considerable number of preventive measures they performed themselves. Four main obstacles for farmers and farm managers to engage a veterinarian in HHM on their farm were identified in the analysis: "costs", "veterinary knowledge, skills, and organization", "farmer attitudes", and "veterinarian-farmer relationships". Costs were proposed as the main reason against engaging a veterinarian in HHM and included a high veterinary bill, low cost-benefit of veterinary services, and high costs to implement advice. Poor veterinary competence in HHM and poor knowledge about effective measures, practical farming, and farm economics were other important obstacles. Veterinarians were perceived to insufficiently describe their services and their benefits, and several participants felt they had never been offered veterinary HHM. Although veterinary HHM may be initiated by the farmer, the participants expected the veterinarian to have special responsibility for the initiation. A firm trust between farmer, staff, and veterinarian was considered crucial for veterinary HHM, but such trust takes a long time to build and can easily be disrupted by, for example, a veterinarian's poor communication skills or lack of time. Our findings suggest that Swedish dairy farmers and herd managers find disease prevention important and that they perform a wide range of tasks to prevent disease in their animals. However, they do not see what role the veterinarian can play, and veterinarians were mainly associated with treating unhealthy cows. In order to increase the use of veterinary HHM programs the services and potential benefits of such programs need to be communicated more proactively.

Expression profile of Epstein-Barr virus and human adenovirus small RNAs in tonsillar B and T lymphocytes

We have used high-throughput small RNA sequencing to characterize viral small RNA expression in purified tonsillar B and T lymphocytes isolated from patients tested positive for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or human adenovirus (HAdV) infections, respectively. In the small set of patients analyzed, the expression profile of EBV and HAdV miRNAs could not distinguish between patients diagnosed with tonsillar hypertrophy or chronic/recurrent tonsillitis. The EBV miR-BART expression profile among the patients diagnosed with tonsillar diseases resembles most closely the pattern seen in EBV+ tumors (Latency II/I). The miR-BARTs that appear to be absent in normal EBV infected cells are essentially all detectable in the diseased tonsillar B lymphocytes. In the EBV+ B cells we detected 44 EBV miR-BARTs derived from the proposed BART precursor hairpins whereof five are not annotated in miRBase v21. One previously undetected miRNA, BART16b-5p, originates from the miR-BART16 precursor hairpin as an alternative 5´ miR-BART16 located precisely upstream of the annotated miR-BART16-5p. Further, our analysis revealed an extensive sequence variation among the EBV miRNAs with isomiRs having a constant 5´ end but alternative 3´ ends. A range of small RNAs was also detected from the terminal stem of the EBER RNAs and the 3´ part of v-snoRNA1. During a lytic HAdV infection in established cell lines the terminal stem of the viral non-coding VA RNAs are processed to highly abundant viral miRNAs (mivaRNAs). In contrast, mivaRNA expression in HAdV positive tonsillar T lymphocytes was very low. The small RNA profile further showed that the 5´ mivaRNA from VA RNAI and the 3´ mivaRNA from VA RNAII were as predicted, whereas the 3´ mivaRNA from VA RNAI showed an aberrant processing upstream of the expected Dicer cleavage site.

Tryptophan Metabolism Along the Kynurenine Pathway Downstream of Toll-like Receptor Stimulation in Peripheral Monocytes

Tryptophan degradation along the kynurenine pathway is of central importance for the immune function. Toll-like receptors (TLRs), representing the first line of immune defence against pathogens, are expressed in various cell types. The most abundant expression is found on monocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells. The aim of this study was to investigate whether stimulation with different TLR ligands induces the kynurenine pathway in human peripheral monocytes. Cell supernatants were analysed using a liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry to measure kynurenine, kynurenic acid (KYNA), quinolinic acid (QUIN) and tryptophan. Stimulation of TLR-2, TLR-3, TLR-4, TLR-7/8 and TLR-9 was found to induce the production of kynurenine, but only stimulation of TLR-3 increased levels of further downstream metabolites, such as KYNA and QUIN. Stimulation of TLR-1, TLR-5 and TLR-6 did not induce the kynurenine pathway. Taken together, this study provides novel evidence demonstrating that TLR activation induces a pattern of downstream tryptophan degradation along the kynurenine pathway in monocytes. The results of this study may implicate that TLRs can be used as new drug targets for the regulation of aberrant tryptophan metabolism along this pathway, a potential therapeutic strategy that may be of importance in several disorders.

HAdV-2-suppressed growth of SV40 T antigen-transformed mouse mammary epithelial cell-induced tumours in SCID mice

Human adenovirus (HAdV) vectors are promising tools for cancer therapy, but the shortage of efficient animal models for productive HAdV infections has restricted the evaluation of systemic effects to mainly immunodeficient mice. Previously, we reported a highly efficient replication of HAdV-2 in a non-tumorigenic mouse mammary epithelial cell line, NMuMG. Here we show that HAdV-2 gene expression and progeny formation in NMuMG cells transformed with the SV40 T antigen (NMuMG-T cells) were as efficient as in the parental NMuMG cells. Injection of HAdV-2 into tumours established by NMuMG-T in SCID mice caused reduced tumour growth and signs of intratumoural lesions. HAdV-2 replicated within the NMuMG-T-established tumours, but not in interspersed host-derived tissues within the tumours. The specific infection of NMuMG-T-derived tumours was verified by the lack of viral DNA in kidney, lung or spleen although low levels of viral DNA was occasionally found in liver.

Efficient Isolation Protocol for B and T Lymphocytes from Human Palatine Tonsils

Tonsils form a part of the immune system providing the first line of defense against inhaled pathogens. Usually the term "tonsils" refers to the palatine tonsils situated at the lateral walls of the oral part of the pharynx. Surgically removed palatine tonsils provide a convenient accessible source of B and T lymphocytes to study the interplay between foreign pathogens and the host immune system. This video protocol describes the dissection and processing of surgically removed human palatine tonsils, followed by the isolation of the individual B and T cell populations from the same tissue sample. We present a method, which efficiently separates tonsillar B and T lymphocytes using an antibody-dependent affinity protocol. Further, we use the method to demonstrate that human adenovirus infects specifically the tonsillar T cell fraction. The established protocol is generally applicable to efficiently and rapidly isolate tonsillar B and T cell populations to study the role of different types of pathogens in tonsillar immune responses.

A mouse mammary epithelial cell line permissive for highly efficient human adenovirus growth

Although a few immunocompetent animal models to study the immune response against human adenoviruses (HAdV) are available, such as Syrian hamsters and cotton rats, HAdV replication is several logs lower compared to human control cells. We have identified a non-transformed mouse epithelial cell line (NMuMG) where HAdV-2 gene expression and progeny formation was as efficient as in the highly permissive human A549 cells. HAdV from species, D and E (HAdV-37 and HAdV-4, respectively) also caused a rapid cytopathic effect in NMuMG cells, while HAdV from species A, B1, B2 and F (HAdV-12, HAdV-3, HAdV-11 and HAdV-41, respectively) failed to do so. NMuMG cells might therefore be useful in virotherapy research and the analysis of antiviral defense mechanisms and the determination of toxicity, biodistribution and specific antitumour activity of oncolytic HAdV vectors.

Effect of supplemental feeding with glycerol or propylene glycol in early lactation on the fertility of Swedish dairy cows

The aim of this field study was to evaluate the effect of supplemental feeding with glycerol (GLY) or propylene glycol (PG) during early lactation on the fertility of Swedish dairy cows. Within 17 commercial dairy herds, 798 cows were randomized to three groups that were daily fed supplements with 450 g GLY, 300 g PG or nothing (control, C). The supplements were given twice daily during 0-21 days in milk as a top dress on concentrates. Data on calving date, insemination dates, gynaecological examinations, as well as breed, parity and monthly milk yield were collected. From a subset of 308 cows in seven herds, milk samples for progesterone analysis were taken twice weekly and used to determine the time for onset of luteal activity. The effects of supplements on the intervals from calving to first luteal activity (FLA), first AI (FAI) and conception (CON), respectively, were analysed using semi-parametric survival models (Cox proportional hazards models) controlling for the effect of parity, breed, calving season, milk yield and the clustering effect of herd. There was no difference in time to FLA between the cows in group C and in group GLY or PG. No differences in time to FAI or in time to CON were found between cows in group PG and group C. However, cows in the GLY group tended to get their FAI later compared with cows in the control group but without at subsequent delaying of time to CON.

A new small-angle X-ray scattering set-up on the crystallography beamline I711 at MAX-lab

A small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) set-up has recently been developed at beamline I711 at the MAX II storage ring in Lund (Sweden). An overview of the required modifications is presented here together with a number of application examples. The accessible q range in a SAXS experiment is 0.009-0.3 A(-1) for the standard set-up but depends on the sample-to-detector distance, detector offset, beamstop size and wavelength. The SAXS camera has been designed to have a low background and has three collinear slit sets for collimating the incident beam. The standard beam size is about 0.37 mm x 0.37 mm (full width at half-maximum) at the sample position, with a flux of 4 x 10(10) photons s(-1) and lambda = 1.1 A. The vacuum is of the order of 0.05 mbar in the unbroken beam path from the first slits until the exit window in front of the detector. A large sample chamber with a number of lead-throughs allows different sample environments to be mounted. This station is used for measurements on weakly scattering proteins in solutions and also for colloids, polymers and other nanoscale structures. A special application supported by the beamline is the effort to establish a micro-fluidic sample environment for structural analysis of samples that are only available in limited quantities. Overall, this work demonstrates how a cost-effective SAXS station can be constructed on a multipurpose beamline.

MGMT promoter hypermethylation correlates with a survival benefit from temozolomide in patients with recurrent anaplastic astrocytoma but not glioblastoma

AIMS

To investigate the correlation between O(6)-methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation and benefit from temozolomide in patients with recurrent high-grade glioma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A real-time, quantitative, methylation-specific PCR assay was performed on archival tissue blocks from patients treated with temozolomide at the first recurrence.

RESULTS

A subgroup of 38 patients who were chemotherapy-naive at recurrence was analysed (22 glioblastoma, 12 anaplastic astrocytoma [AA] and 4 anaplastic oligoastrocytoma [AOA]); none had 1p/19q loss. Among 10 (26%) patients with a hypermethylated MGMT promoter, none experienced disease progression within the first two treatment cycles compared with 12 of 28 (43%) patients with an unmethylated promoter (p=0.016). By Cox multivariate analysis, tumour grade and MGMT promoter methylation correlated with time to progression (p<0.05); MGMT promoter methylation correlated with superior overall survival in AA/AOA but not in glioblastoma.

CONCLUSIONS

MGMT promoter methylation predicted a survival benefit in patients with 1p/19q intact AA/AOA treated with temozolomide at recurrence.

Evaluating the efficacy of serum haptoglobin concentration as an indicator of respiratory-tract disease in dairy calves

The serum concentration of haptoglobin (S-Hp) was measured in 833 group-housed dairy calves from nine herds in south-west Sweden once at 24-56 days of age to evaluate the potential of S-Hp as an indicator of clinical respiratory-tract disease (CRD). Presence of disease (treated and non-treated) was assessed clinically by farmers and by a project veterinarian visiting the farms every third week. The median S-Hp of healthy calves was 0.06g/L (80% central range: 0.04-0.23), of calves with diarrhoea within the 10 days before sampling 0.07g/L (80% central range: 0.04-0.63), and of calves with CRD within the 14 days before sampling 0.09g/L (80% central range: 0.04-0.69). Eight different cut-off values were used to define a positive S-Hp analysis result: >0.05, >0.06, >0.07, >0.08, >0.09, >0.10, >0.15 and >0.20g/L. A rectal temperature >39.5 degrees C was denoted as fever. A positive result of five different diagnostic tests for CRD was defined as: (1) a positive S-Hp with fever absent, (2) a positive S-Hp with fever present, (3) either a positive S-Hp or fever, (4) both a positive S-Hp and fever, and (5) fever (regardless of S-Hp). The sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of each test were calculated from regression coefficients of generalized linear mixed models of the binary test results, applying a logit link. Apart from CRD status (within the 14 days before sampling; no or yes), the models included sex (bull or heifer), and for the test based on S-Hp alone, also rectal temperature (fever, no or yes). Confidence intervals (CI) of Se and Sp were estimated by simulation. Based on Se, Sp, and areas under Receiver Operating Characteristics curves, test 3 was considered the best. At optimal performance, giving equal importance to type I and II errors, i.e. at a S-Hp cut-off of 0.15g/L in heifer calves, Se was 0.64 (95% CI 0.50-0.77) and Sp 0.71 (95% CI 0.60-0.80), and at a S-Hp cut-off of 0.08g/L in bulls, Se was 0.52 (95% CI 0.40-0.64) and Sp 0.80 (95% CI 0.74-0.85). The other tests were judged as unsatisfactory indicators of CRD. In heifers, the proportion of CRD-positive calves in the herd was strongly associated with the proportion of test positives (S-Hp or fever; S-HP and fever), suggesting potential as a herd-level indicator.

The role of MGMT promotor hypermethylation as a predictive factor for response to temozolomide in recurrent high-grade glioma

12509

Background: Epigenetic silencing of the MGMT (O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase) DNA-repair gene by promotor hypermethylation (MGMT-meth) compromises DNA repair of high-grade glioma (HGG) and has been associated with a survival benefit in patients treated with temozolomide (TMZ) for newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). It remains undetermined if the MGMT-meth status correlates with response to temozolomide at recurrence and whether extended dosing of TMZ (known to deplete MGMT in peripheral blood mononuclear cells) can overcome resistance in unmethylated HGG. Methods: We are investigating the MGMT-meth status on glioma tissue samples collected at diagnosis from 64 patients (pts). Fifty pts were treated at the time of recurrence with conventional TMZ (5 out of 28d regimen) and 14 pts with extended dosing of TMZ (100 mg/m2/d, 21 out of 28d regimen). Following DNA isolation from archival glioma tissues by phenol/chloroform extraction and a bisulphite conversion of genomic DNA, real-time methylation-specific PCR quantification of the methylation status of the MGMT promotor region is performed by OncoMethylome Sciences S.A. (according to OMS proprietary methodology). Results: At present, results have been obtained for 15 pts (13 M/ 2 W, median age: 46y). From 3 pts a biopsy at recurrence was available for analysis. The result was discordant with the MGMT-meth status at diagnosis in 2 pts (1x meth to unmeth and 1x unmeth to meth). Of the 6 (40%) pts with MGMT-meth gliomas, none had immediate progression on TMZ (respectively 4x SD, 1x CR, 1x PR). Of the 9 pts with an unmethylated MGMT promotor, 4 pts had immediate progression on TMZ and 5 pts had SD (of which 4 had been treated with the 21/28d regimen). All pts, except one, with MGMT-meth had a TTP that was above the median of our study population. The two pts with an MGMT-unmeth status that had a TTP above the median had received the extended dosing regimen. Conclusions: Our preliminary data indicate that MGMT promotor hypermethylation at diagnosis might correlate with sensitivity to TMZ in the recurrent setting. Extended dosing of TMZ might be more active against MGMT-unmethylated glioma. Final data from this study will be available for presentation at the meeting.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Short Communication: Identification of Diseased Calves by Use of Data from Automatic Milk Feeders

Housing calves in large groups is associated with a higher risk of respiratory disease and with increased difficulties in identifying diseased animals compared with single housing. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of clinical disease on some behaviors recorded by automatic milk feeders in pre-weaned dairy calves. The experiment included 27 calves from a Danish research farm and 41 calves from a Swedish research farm. The calves were fed restrictively from a computer-controlled milk feeder, and all calves were subjected to daily clinical examinations for 3 to 26 d, with information gathered on general condition, nasal discharge, lung auscultation findings, coughing, signs of dehydration, naval status, rectal temperature, fecal consistency, and presence of chin abscess, arthritis, umbilical hernia, poor body condition, and poor hair coat. Calves suffering from diarrhea, respiratory disease, fever, or unspecific decreased general condition for more than 2 d were considered to be diseased and were declared to have recovered when they had been free of clinical signs of the disease for at least 2 d. The effects of clinical status (healthy, diseased) on the number of rewarded and unrewarded visits to the calf feeder and drinking rate, respectively, were analyzed by variance component analysis using a mixed model. Milk consumption on diseased and nondiseased days within calves was compared using a Wilcoxon signed rank test. In total, 53 of the calves were diagnosed as diseased during the study period. All cases of diseases were mild and were associated with an unaffected or only mildly affected general condition. Diarrhea was diagnosed in 51 calves, 6 of which also had respiratory disease. In 2 calves, respiratory disease was the only diagnosis. Eleven calves had an unspecific decreased general condition. The number of unrewarded visits was significantly reduced when calves were diseased. In Swedish calves, there was also a tendency for rewarded visits to be reduced during diseased days. Drinking rate and number of rewarded visits increased with increasing age. No effect of clinical status on milk consumption was detected. The number of unrewarded visits was the most sensitive of the 4 feeding behaviors monitored to indicate clinical disease in calves fed restricted milk volumes.

Mortality in Swedish Dairy Calves and Replacement Heifers

The mortality of 8,964 heifer calves born in 122 dairy herds in southwest Sweden in 1998 to 2000 was monitored from January 1998 until December 2000. Farmers were requested to send carcasses for necropsy from animals that died from 1 d of age to first calving. Age and seasonal patterns of mortality were investigated using Kaplan-Meier curves. The median herd-level mortality risk was 2.1%. In total, 3.1% of the animals died before 90 d of age, 0.9% between d 91 and 210, and 2.2% between d 211 and first calving or d 810 (27 mo of age). The median age at death was 50 d and the risk of dying was highest during the first week of life. Of the 421 dead animals, 236 (56%) were subjected to either postmortem examination or were diagnosed as having died from trauma based on information from the farmers. In total, pneumonia was the most common cause of death (27%). However, in calves less than 31 d old, enteritis was the most common cause of death; in young stock 211 to 450 d old, trauma dominated; and in young stock more than 450 d old, trauma and calving-related diseases accounted for a majority of the mortality. The largest proportion of deaths was observed from January to March, and in June. Kaplan-Meier curves suggested that housing in small-group pens was associated with the lowest mortality (other housing systems were single pens and large-group pens with automatic milk feeders), but the association was not significant.

Adenovirus-induced alterations in host cell gene expression prior to the onset of viral gene expression

In this report, we have studied gene expression profiles in human primary lung fibroblasts (IMR-90) during the very early phase of an adenovirus infection. Eight out of twelve genes with known functions encoded transcription factors linked to two major cellular processes; inhibition of cell growth (ATF3, ATF4, KLF4, KLF6 and ELK3) and immune response (NR4A1 and CEBPB), indicating that the earliest consequences of an adenovirus infection are growth arrest and induction of an immune response. A time course analysis showed that the induction of these immediate-early response genes was transient and suppressed after the onset of the adenovirus early gene expression.

Effects of Housing, Management, and Health of Dairy Heifers on First-Lactation Udder Health in Southwest Sweden

Data on health, management, and housing from birth to first calving were collected for 2,126 heifers on semi-monthly visits made by project veterinarians to 107 dairy herds from southwest Sweden. Additional data were obtained from the official milk- and health-recording program. Factors associated with incidence of veterinarian-treated clinical mastitis (VTCM) in the period 7 d before (d -7) to 30 d after first calving and of elevated cow composite somatic cell count (SCC, > or =200,000 cells/mL) at first test milking after first calving, respectively, were investigated using a 2-level (animal and herd) logistic regression analysis after initial screening by univariate analyses. The incidence risk of VTCM during the complete first lactation (305 d) was 10.8%. Ten percent of the diseased animals had more than 1 case of VTCM and 51% of total cases occurred from -7 to 30 d postcalving. The incidence rate of VTCM during the complete first 305-d lactation was 1.13 cases per 100 cow-mo. In total, 18.1% of the animals had elevated SCC at first test milking (mean 21 d) after calving. Veterinarian-treated clinical mastitis at -7 to 30 d postcalving was associated with higher overall incidence of mastitis in the herd and with reproductive disorders (i.e., retained placenta, endometritis, pyometra, dystocia, or twin birth). The risk of elevated SCC increased with increasing percentage of cows in the herd that, some time during the year, had had an increased udder disease score (chronically increased SCC). Other factors associated with increased risk of elevated SCC were increasing amounts of concentrates fed to 11- to 16-mo-old heifers, moving to confined housing the day of calving instead of earlier, and use of restraint measures at milking. In addition, growth rate from birth to weaning, and several feed-related variables (e.g., amount of concentrates and type of roughage given) were associated with VTCM at -7 to 30 d post-calving or elevated SCC at first test milking in the univariate analyses.

Morbidity in 3-7-month-old dairy calves in south-western Sweden, and risk factors for diarrhoea and respiratory disease

The health status of 2947 heifer calves born in 1998 and raised in 122 Swedish dairy herds was monitored from birth to 210 days of age. Disease occurrence was recorded by farmers and by veterinarians who visited the farms six times yearly, examined the calves clinically and auscultated their lungs. The incidence risks of diarrhoea, ringworm and clinical respiratory-tract disease (CRTD) in calves from 3 to 7 months of age were 2.7%, 5.6% and 5.7%, respectively. The herd-level incidence risks of the three diseases were zero in 63.1%, 76.2% and 48.4%, respectively, of the herds. In positive herds incidence risks were 2.2-46.4%, 2.6-47.0% and 2.2-53.3%, respectively. The associations between the potential risk factors age at first grazing, air quality, birth place, feeding of colostrum, hygiene, number of animals, age range within the pen or building, pen area, pen location, previous housing type, present housing type, previous disease and season, and each of three binary outcome variables (diarrhoea, increased respiratory sounds and CRTD) were evaluated using two-level (calf; herd) variance component logistic models. Predictors significantly associated (P<0.05) with diarrhoea were pen area, season and the interaction between pen location and previous CRTD. Previous CRTD, season and heart girth at weaning were significantly associated with moderately to severely increased respiratory sounds. Predictors significantly associated with CRTD were previous diarrhoea, previous housing and season. It was concluded that the incidence of diarrhoea and CRTD in 91-210-day-old Swedish dairy calves is higher than previously reported from dairy herds in Sweden and the USA, and that diarrhoea, increased respiratory sounds and CRTD are associated with season, a history of disease during the first 90 days of age and, to some extent, housing factors.

The effect of group size on health and growth rate of Swedish dairy calves housed in pens with automatic milk-feeders

Group pens equipped with automatic milk-feeding systems are increasingly being used for young dairy calves in Sweden. The system is, however, associated with an increased risk of clinical respiratory-tract disease and a reduced growth rate. In an experimental study we compared the health and growth rate of two different group sizes of calves (6-9 versus 12-18) kept in pens with automatic milk-feeders. The experiment was performed from September 2002 to February 2004, in nine commercial dairy farms in south-west Sweden. Each farm was equipped with two pens with automatic milk-feeders and no possibility of direct contact between calves from different pens. The calves were housed individually until 3-35 (median, 12) days of age, and then were allocated to one of the two group pens by random-number lists. Altogether 892 calves were studied: 297 in the small- and 595 in the large-sized groups. The calves' heart girths were measured at birth and at 56 days of age. Blood samples for analysis of serum haptoglobin concentration (S-Hp) were collected once for each calf, at four to eight weeks of age. Diseases were recorded by the farmers and by a veterinarian, who visited the farms every third week and physically examined all the calves. The effects of group size on the risks of diarrhoea, clinical respiratory-tract disease and increased respiratory sounds, and on the growth rate and S-Hp were evaluated using multiple logistic- and linear-regression models with herd as fixed effect. Age at transfer to group pen, breed, immunoglobulin concentration of colostrum received, parity of the dam and presence of diarrhoea before transfer to the group pen, season, sex, year, and, in the analysis of growth rate, birth heart girth were extra explanatory variables. Calves in pens for 12-18 calves had a higher incidence of respiratory illness (OR: 1.4) and grew 0.022 cm/day less than calves housed in groups of 6-9 animals (equivalent to approximately 40 g/day). We detected no differences between calves kept in the small-sized versus the large-sized groups in terms of risk of diarrhoea or mean S-Hp. We concluded that housing calves in groups of under 10 calves is preferable from a health and growth perspective.

Impact of the interaction between adenovirus E1A and CtBP on host cell gene expression

In cell lines harbouring inducible adenovirus E1A genes, the cytotoxicity of wild type E1A was manifested by poor and subsiding expression of the E1A protein during prolonged induction. In contrast, cells expressing E1A deleted in the C-terminal binding protein (CtBP)-interaction domain (E1ADeltaCID) demonstrated high levels of expression for extended time. Microarray analyses of host cell gene expression demonstrated that approximately 70% of the regulated genes were increased upon E1A induction and that the majority of E1A-regulated genes were similarly regulated by wild type E1A and E1ADeltaCID. However, for 29 genes, regulation by wild type E1A and E1ADeltaCID were different. Consistent with the altered transforming capacity of E1A unable to bind CtBP, genes involved in tumour cell progression and growth suppression were found among the differently regulated genes. Moreover, promoter sequences of genes up regulated by wild type E1A and/or repressed by E1ADeltaCID demonstrated a higher prevalence of potential binding sites for the CtBP-targeted transcription factors Ets, Ikaros and/or partial differentialEF1/ZEB, suggesting that the failure to block CtBP-repression contributed to the "hyper-transforming" phenotype of E1ADeltaCID. Since E1ADeltaCID also specifically activated host cell gene expression, we find it likely that additional, possibly CtBP-independent, mechanisms contribute to the altered phenotype of E1ADeltaCID-expressing cells.

Modulation of host cell gene expression during onset of the late phase of an adenovirus infection is focused on growth inhibition and cell architecture

Microarray analysis of host cell gene expression during an adenovirus type 2 infection showed that the number of regulated genes, as well as the magnitude of change, was increased as the infection proceeded into the late phase. In contrast to the early phase of infection when the majority of differentially expressed genes were upregulated, expression of most of the regulated genes (82 out of 112) declined during the late phase. In particular, numerous TGF-beta inducible genes and several TGF-beta-independent growth-arrest-inducing genes were targeted. Of the 30 genes upregulated more than 2-fold at 20 h post-infection, nearly two-thirds of encoded proteins are involved in cell metabolism. The data indicate that adenovirus primarily targets cellular genes involved in antiviral defense, cell growth arrest and apoptosis, as well as cell metabolism, to ensure sufficient production of viral progeny.

The hTERT and hTERC telomerase gene promoters are activated by the second exon of the adenoviral protein, E1A, identifying the transcriptional corepressor CtBP as a potential repressor of both genes

Telomerase plays a role in the unlimited replicative capacity of the majority of cancer cells and provides a potential anticancer target. The regulation of telomerase is complex but transcriptional control of its two essential components, hTERC (RNA component) and hTERT (reverse transcriptase component), is of major importance. To investigate this further, we have used the adenoviral protein, E1A, as a tool to probe potential pathways involved in the control of telomerase transcription. The second exon of the adenoviral protein E1A activates both telomerase gene promoters in transient transfections. The corepressor, C terminal binding protein, is one of only two proteins known to bind to this region, and we propose that E1A activates both promoters by sequestering CtBP, thereby relieving repression. Activation by exon 2 of E1A involves the SP1 sites in both promoters, and consistent with this, SP1 and CtBP interact in coimmunoprecipitation studies. Modulation of the chromatin environment has been implicated in the regulation of hTERT transcription and appears to involve the SP1 sites. CtBP can be found within a histone-modifying complex and it is possible that a CtBP complex, associating with the SP1 sites, represses transcription from the telomerase promoters by modifying chromatin structure.

Identification of specific cellular genes up-regulated late in adenovirus type 12 infection

The infection of human cells by adenoviruses leads to a gradual reduction in the activity of host cell functions while viral gene expression progresses in a regulated way. We used the DNA microarray technique to determine the transcriptional activity profiles of cellular genes upon infection with adenovirus type 12 (Ad12). The microarray data were validated by quantitative real-time PCR for genes which showed significant alterations after Ad12 infection. At 12 h postinfection, there is a striking up-regulation between 10- and 30-fold in the expression of the G1P2, IFIT1, and IFIT2 cellular immune response genes compared to mock-infected cells. At later stages of infection, when the majority of regulated cellular genes has been turned down, a limited number of cellular genes exhibit increased activities by factors of 3 or less. These genes belong to the signal transduction or transcriptional regulator classes or are active in protein degradation, like ANPEP, an aminopeptidase. The SCD and CYP2S1 genes function in lipid metabolism. The eucaryotic translation initiation factor 4 is up-regulated, and one of the major histocompatibility complex genes is diminished in activity. For two of the genes, one up-regulated (CTSF gene) and one down-regulated (CYR61 gene), alterations in gene activity were confirmed at the protein level by Western blotting experiments. Increased genetic activity of cellular genes late in adenovirus infection has not been reported previously and demonstrates that Ad12 has a sustained control of host cell gene expression well into the late phase of infection.

Dynamics of virus infections involved in the bovine respiratory disease complex in Swedish dairy herds

The dynamics of bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), bovine parainfluenza virus 3 (PIV-3), bovine corona virus (BCoV) and bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) infections were studied in 118 dairy herds in south western Sweden. By using serology on paired samples from three ∼7 vs. ∼15-month-old calves per herd, the propagation of infections was investigated over about a 1-year period. The results implied that at least 74% of calves had experienced one or more of the monitored infections at the age of ∼7 months (Sample 1, Spring); 30%, 48%, 34% and 8% were seropositive to BRSV, PIV-3, BCoV and BVDV, respectively. Seroconversions to BRSV, PIV-3, BCoV and BVDV occurred in 26%, 38%, 50% and 3% of seronegative animals and 63% had antibodies against two or more infections at ∼15 months (Sample 2). In total, 90–97% of animals that were seropositive in Sample 1 remained positive in Sample 2. A significant association was found between BVDV and BCoV (P = 0.01). Moreover, a significantly higher proportion of herds in which no calves had a recorded history of respiratory disease (n = 15) were classified as negative to all four infections monitored when compared to herds in which disease was observed (P = 0.0002). This study showed a high infection burden in young animals and effective spread of BRSV, PIV-3 and BCoV in one area of Sweden. BVDV infections were restricted to a few herds, reflecting the effect of a voluntary control program against BVDV in Sweden.

Use of antimicrobial drugs in Swedish dairy calves and replacement heifers

A total of 3081 heifer calves in 122 Swedish dairy herds were monitored from birth to first calving, and all their diseases and treatments were recorded. There were 1268 cases of infectious diseases, of which 335 (26.4 per cent) were treated with antimicrobial drugs. Just over 90 per cent of the treatments were given during the first 210 days of the calves' lives, but only 61.8 per cent of the total quantity of antimicrobial drugs was consumed during this period. The most common diseases from birth until 210 days were respiratory diseases and diarrhoea; treatments for mastitis and interdigital phlegmon (foul in the foot) were more common after 420 days of age. Slightly more than 60 per cent of the treatments were given by the farmers without prior consultation with a veterinary surgeon.

Strategic attack on host cell gene expression during adenovirus infection

To understand the interaction between the virus and its host, we used three sources of cDNA microarrays to examine the expression of 12,309 unique genes at 6 h postinfection of HeLa cells with high multiplicities of adenovirus type 2. Seventy-six genes with significantly changed expression ratios were identified, suggesting that adenovirus only modulates expression of a limited set of cellular genes. Quantitative real-time PCR analyses on selected genes were performed to confirm the microarray results. Significantly, a pronounced transcriptional activation by the promiscuous E1A-289R transcriptional activator was not apparent. Instead, promoter sequences in 45% of the upregulated genes harbored a potential E2F binding site, suggesting that the ability of the amino-terminal domain of E1A to regulate E2F-dependent transcription may be a major pathway for regulation of cellular gene expression. CDC25A was the only upregulated gene directly involved in cell cycle control. In contrast, several genes implicated in cell growth arrest were repressed. The transforming growth factor beta superfamily was specifically affected in the expression of both the upstream ligand and an intracellular regulator. In agreement with previous reports, adenovirus also targeted the innate immune response by downregulating several cytokines, including CLL2, CXCL1, and interleukin-6. Finally, stress response genes encoding GADD45B, ATF3, and TP53AP1 were upregulated. Importantly, we also found a novel countermeasure-activation of the apoptosis inhibitor survivin.

Influence of heavy traffic, city dwelling and socio-economic status on nasal symptoms assessed in a postal population survey

BACKGROUND

The association between social position, living environment and nasal symptoms is inconsistent. We wanted to test how living environment, occupation and social position were associated with nasal symptoms.

METHODS

In a postal survey study of a random sample of 12,079 adults, aged 20-59 years living in the southern part of Sweden the relationship between nasal symptoms, socio-economic status and environmental factors was analysed.

RESULTS

The response rate was 70% (n = 8469) of whom 33% reported significant nasal symptoms. Nasal discharge, thick yellow discharge, a blocked nose, sneezing and itching were strongly associated with living close to heavy traffic or living in cities. Most of the nasal symptoms provoked by extrinsic factors were more frequently reported among subjects who lived close to heavy traffic and in cities. Apart from thick yellow discharge and nasal symptoms provoked by damp/cold air which were more common in the socio-economic position "low" no relation to the socio-economic group was found. The prevalence of self-reported hay fever was neither affected by site of living nor by socio-economic status. Nasal symptoms evoked by "allergic" factors were linked to asthma but symptoms evoked by non-allergic factors were linked to chronic bronchitis/emphysema CBE.

CONCLUSIONS

To conclude, we found a strong relation between geographical site and the prevalence of self-reported nasal symptoms which emphasizes the environment as a risk factor for nasal symptoms. Only by merging the socio-economic groups into "low" and "middle/high" an association to nasal symptoms was apparent. Nasal symptoms evoked by "allergic" factors were linked to asthma but symptoms evoked by "non allergic factors" were linked to CBE.

Diving beetles (Dytiscidae) as predators of mosquito larvae (Culicidae) in field experiments and in laboratory tests of prey preference

Field experiments were performed in artificial ponds to evaluate how the density of predatory diving beetles (Dytiscidae) would affect the population levels of mosquito larvae (Culicidae). Mosquitoes colonizing the ponds were predominantly species of the genus Culex. In 2000, most of the dytiscids colonizing the ponds were small (Hydroporus spp.), and these predators had no impact on the size of larval mosquito populations, not even in ponds with added dytiscids. In 2001, larger beetles (Ilybius, Rhantus, and Agabus spp.) were more common, and there were significantly fewer mosquito larvae in ponds with the highest numbers of dytiscids. There was a negative correlation between numbers of diving beetles in the ponds and the mean body length of mosquito larvae. In neither year could dytiscid densities be maintained above a certain level owing to emigration. In laboratory tests, there were marked differences between three common dytiscid species in regard to preferences for Daphnia and Culex species as prey: Colymbetes paykulli Erichson chose mosquito larvae more often, whereas both Ilybius ater (De Geer) and I. fuliginosus (Fabricius) preferred Daphnia spp. All of the tested dytiscids consumed large numbers of prey. Since some dytiscid species can efficiently decrease populations of mosquito larvae, they are probably important in the natural control of these dipterans.