Randomized placebo-controlled trial of feline-origin Enterococcus hirae probiotic effects on preventative health and fecal microbiota composition of fostered shelter kittens

INTRODUCTION

Diarrhea is the second most common cause of mortality in shelter kittens. Studies examining prevention strategies in this population are lacking. Probiotics are of particular interest but studies in cats are largely limited to healthy adults or those with induced disease. Only one study in domestic cats describes the use of host-derived bacteria as a probiotic. We previously identified Enterococcus hirae as a dominant species colonizing the small intestinal mucosa in healthy shelter kittens. Oral administration of a probiotic formulation of kitten-origin E. hirae (strain 1002-2) mitigated the increase in intestinal permeability and fecal water loss resulting from experimental enteropathogenic E. coli infection in purpose-bred kittens. Based on these findings, we hypothesized that administration of kitten-origin E. hirae to weaned fostered shelter kittens could provide a measurable preventative health benefit.

METHODS

We conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled, blinded clinical trial to determine the impact of a freeze-dried E. hirae probiotic on body weight gain, incidence of diarrhea, carriage of potential diarrheal pathogens, and composition of the intestinal microbiota in weaned fostered shelter kittens.

RESULTS

One-hundred thirty kittens completed the study. Fifty-eight kittens received the probiotic and 72 received the placebo. There were no significant differences in age, weight upon initiation of the study, number of days in the study, average daily gain in body weight, or weight at completion of the study. Kittens treated with E. hirae were 3.4 times less likely to develop diarrhea compared to kittens treated with placebo (odds ratio = 0.294, 95% CI 0.109-0.792, p = 0.022). A significant impact of E. hirae was not observed on the presence or abundance of 30 different bacterial, viral, protozoal, fungal, algal, and parasitic agents in feces examined by qPCR. With exception to a decrease in Megamonas, administration of the E. hirae probiotic did not alter the predominant bacterial phyla present in feces based on 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing.

DISCUSSION

Decreased incidence of diarrhea associated with preventative administration of E. hirae to foster kittens supports a rationale for use of E. hirae for disease prevention in this young population at high risk for intestinal disease though additional studies are warranted.

Assessing the potential for infections of Echinococcus multilocularis in dogs in a hotspot of human alveolar echinococcosis infections in North America

Echinococcus multilocularis is a zoonotic tapeworm, whose metacestode larval stage is the etiological agent for alveolar echinococcosis in humans and is a parasite of emerging concern according to the World Health Organization which is difficult to diagnose and has a case mortality rate of >90% when left untreated. Echinococcus multilocularis requires two mammalian hosts to complete its lifecycle: wild and domestic canids as definitive hosts, and small mammals (mostly rodents) as intermediate ones. Because of their close relations with humans, domestic dogs have been indicated as a mean of infection to people. Human alveolar echinococcosis has historically been rare in North America, however, since 2013, at least seventeen diagnoses have been confirmed in Alberta, Canada. Because of this unprecedented series of cases, assessing the frequency of infections in dogs in Alberta is key to estimate risk for dog owners and animal health professionals. This study was carried out in Edmonton to determine the frequency of E. multilocularis infection in domestic dogs and potential risk factors. Fecal samples and corresponding behavior risk surveys were collected from 775 dogs in seven urban off-leash parks within Edmonton city limits during the summer of 2020. A quantitative PCR fecal test was used to diagnose E. multilocularis infection. We found a single case of E. multilocularis infection (1/775) and determined that the overall true prevalence was 0.2% (95% CrI: 0.0-0.7%) corrected for detection sensitivity and specificity. Overall, these findings confirm the presence of E. multilocularis infection in domestic dogs in Edmonton although further work is required to fully understand the risk factors that may contribute to infection and potential transmission to humans.

i4's Toward Tomorrow Program Enhancing Collaboration, Connections, and Community Using Bioinspired Design

The goal of our i4's Toward Tomorrow Program is to enrich the future workforce with STEM by providing students with an early, inspirational, interdisciplinary experience fostering inclusive excellence. We attempt to open the eyes of students who never realized how much their voice is urgently needed by providing an opportunity for involvement, imagination, invention, and innovation. Students see how what they are learning, designing, and building matters to their own life, community, and society. Our program embodies convergence by obliterating artificially created, disciplinary boundaries to go far beyond STEM or even STEAM by including artists, designers, social scientists, and entrepreneurs collaborating in diverse teams using scientific discoveries to create inventions that could shape our future. Our program connects two recent revolutions by amplifying Bioinspired Design with the Maker Movement and its democratizing effects empowering anyone to innovate and change the world. Our course is founded in original discovery. We explain the process of biological discovery and the importance of scaling, constraints, and complexity in selecting systems for bioinspired design. By spotlighting scientific writing and publishing, students become more science literate, learn how to decompose a biology research paper, extract the principles, and then propose a novel design by analogy. Using careful, early scaffolding of individual design efforts, students build the confidence to interact in teams. Team building exercises increase self-efficacy and reveal the advantages of a diverse set of minds. Final team video and poster project designs are presented in a public showcase. Our program forms a student-centered creative action community comprised of a large-scale course, student-led classes, and a student-created university organization. The program structure facilitates a community of learners that shifts the students' role from passive knowledge recipients to active co-constructors of knowledge being responsible for their own learning, discovery, and inventions. Students build their own shared database of discoveries, classes, organizations, research openings, internships, and public service options. Students find next step opportunities so they can see future careers. Description of our program here provides the necessary context for our future publications on assessment that examine 21st century skills, persistence in STEM, and creativity.

Feline Leukemia Virus p27 Antigen Concentration and Proviral DNA Load Are Associated with Survival in Naturally Infected Cats

Longitudinal studies of cats naturally infected with feline leukemia virus (FeLV) are important for understanding disease outcomes. Levels of p27 antigen and copy numbers of proviral DNA have been associated with FeLV-infection courses. The purpose of this prospective study was to establish cutoff values for p27 antigen concentration and proviral DNA load that distinguished high positive from low positive groups of cats and to evaluate an association with survival. At enrollment, 254 cats were tested by point-of-care and microtiter plate enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for p27 antigen and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for proviral DNA. The 127 positive cats were retested monthly for six months and monitored for survival over the four-year study. A receiver operating characteristic-based analysis of samples with concordant or discordant qualitative results for p27 antigen and proviral DNA was used to establish cutoff values, and when applied to test results at enrollment for classifying cats as high positive or low positive, a significant difference in survival was observed. High positive cats had a median survival of 1.37 years (95% CI 0.83-2.02) from time of enrollment, while most low positive cats were still alive (93.1% survival). Quantitative results for p27 antigen concentration and proviral DNA load were highly correlated with survival times in FeLV-infected cats.

Frequency of respiratory pathogens and SARS-CoV-2 in canine and feline samples submitted for respiratory testing in early 2020

Objectives

The emergence of the 2019 novel coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2) has necessitated evaluation of the potential for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in dogs and cats. Using a large data set, we evaluated the frequency of SARS‐CoV‐2 and other respiratory pathogens in samples submitted for respiratory testing from mid‐February to mid‐April 2020.

Materials and Methods

A SARS‐CoV‐2 real‐time PCR was developed and validated. A subset of canine and feline samples submitted for respiratory pathogen panel testing to reference laboratories in Asia, Europe, and North America were also tested for SARS‐CoV‐2. The frequency of respiratory pathogens was compared for the February–April period of 2020 and 2019.

Results

Samples from 4616 patients were included in the study and 44% of canine and 69% of feline samples were PCR positive with Mycoplasma cynos and Bordetella bronchiseptica and Mycoplasma felis and feline calicivirus, respectively. No SARS‐CoV‐2 infections were identified. Positive results for respiratory samples were similar between years.

Clinical Significance

The data in this study suggest that during the emergence of the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic in early 2020, respiratory diseases in tested pet cats and dogs were caused by common veterinary pathogens and that SARS‐CoV‐2 infections in dogs and cats are rare.

Virome of a Feline Outbreak of Diarrhea and Vomiting Includes Bocaviruses and a Novel Chapparvovirus

An unexplained outbreak of feline diarrhea and vomiting, negative for common enteric viral and bacterial pathogens, was subjected to viral metagenomics and PCR. We characterized from fecal samples the genome of a novel chapparvovirus we named fechavirus that was shed by 8/17 affected cats and identified three different feline bocaviruses shed by 9/17 cats. Also detected were nucleic acids from attenuated vaccine viruses, members of the normal feline virome, viruses found in only one or two cases, and viruses likely derived from ingested food products. Epidemiological investigation of disease signs, time of onset, and transfers of affected cats between three facilities support a possible role for this new chapparvovirus in a highly contagious feline diarrhea and vomiting disease.

Chapparvovirus DNA Found in 4% of Dogs with Diarrhea

Feces from dogs in an unexplained outbreak of diarrhea were analyzed by viral metagenomics revealing the genome of a novel parvovirus. The parvovirus was named cachavirus and was classified within the proposed Chapparvovirus genus. Using PCR, cachavirus DNA was detected in two of nine tested dogs from that outbreak. In order to begin to elucidate the clinical impact of this virus, 2,053 canine fecal samples were screened using real-time PCR. Stool samples from 203 healthy dogs were positive for cachavirus DNA at a rate of 1.47%, while 802 diarrhea samples collected in 2017 and 964 samples collected in 2018 were positive at rates of 4.0% and 4.66% frequencies, respectively (healthy versus 2017-2018 combined diarrhea p-value of 0.05). None of 83 bloody diarrhea samples tested positive. Viral loads were generally low with average real-time PCR Ct values of 36 in all three positive groups. The species tropism and pathogenicity of cachavirus, the first chapparvovirus reported in feces of a placental carnivore, remains to be fully determined.

Occurrence of hemotropic mycoplasmas in non-human primates (Alouatta caraya, Sapajus nigritus and Callithrix jacchus) of southern Brazil

Hemoplasmas, the erythrocyte-associated mycoplasmas, have been detected in several primates, causing mostly subclinical infection. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hemoplasma infection in captive and free-ranging monkeys from southern Brazil, as well as factors and hematological abnormalities associated with infection. Blood samples from 40 non-human primates (NHP) were tested for hemoplasmas and coinfections. An overall of 10/40 (25.0%) NHP tested positive for hemoplasmas using PCR-based assays, including 9/14 (64.3%) black howler monkeys (Alouatta caraya) and 1/24 (4.2%) black-horned capuchin (Sapajus nigritus). Infection was not statistically associated with anemia, but wild-born monkeys and male black howler monkeys were more likely to be positive when compared with captive-born animals and female black howler monkeys, respectively. The sequences from the black howler monkey hemoplasma were similar (94% identity) to the squirrel monkey hemoplasma ("Candidatus Mycoplasma kahanei") and were phylogenetically located in a different cluster when compared to the human hemoplasma ("Candidatus Mycoplasma haemohominis").

Anthropogenic versus mineral aerosols in the stimulation of microbial planktonic communities in coastal waters of the northwestern Mediterranean Sea

The atmosphere of the northwestern (NW) Mediterranean Sea is affected by continuous inputs of anthropogenic aerosols and episodic Saharan dust events. These atmospheric inputs deliver to the surface waters high amounts of macronutrients and trace metals that can constitute their main source at certain times of the year. The effect of both anthropogenic and crustal particles over the autotrophic and heterotrophic planktonic community assembles was evaluated through three microcosm experiments carried out in the summer of 2013 and in the winter and spring of 2014 at an urban coastal location of the NW Mediterranean (Barcelona, Spain). Particles were added to seawater at a concentration of 0.8mgl^-1. The results showed that (i) a greater stimulation of the whole community was observed in summer and spring than in winter; (ii) both kinds of aerosols produced an increase in the growth of phytoplankton, although the stimulation of nanoeukaryotes was significantly larger with anthropogenic aerosols; and (iii) bacterial abundance increased more with mineral dust, whereas bacterial production was more stimulated with anthropogenic inputs. Overall, the effect of atmospheric particles was dependent on their composition and solubility in seawater, as well as on the initial biogeochemical conditions present in the seawater and had the potential to change the net metabolic balance of the microbial planktonic community.

BRD4 is associated with raccoon polyomavirus genome and mediates viral gene transcription and maintenance of a stem cell state in neuroglial tumour cells

Polyomavirus infection often results in persistence of the viral genome with little or no virion production. However, infection of certain cell types can result in high viral gene transcription and either cytolysis or neoplastic transformation. While infection by polyomavirus is common in humans and many animals, major questions regarding viral persistence of most polyomaviruses remain unanswered. Specifically, identification of target cells for viral infection and the mechanisms polyomaviruses employ to maintain viral genomes within cells are important not only in ascribing causality to polyomaviruses in disease, but in understanding specific mechanisms by which they cause disease. Here, we characterize the cell of origin in raccoon polyomavirus (RacPyV)-associated neuroglial brain tumours as a neural stem cell. Moreover, we identify an association between the viral genome and the host cell bromodomain protein, BRD4, which is involved in numerous cellular functions, including cell cycle progression, differentiation of stem cells, tethering of persistent DNA viruses, and regulation of viral and host-cell gene transcription. We demonstrate that inhibition of BRD4 by the small molecule inhibitors (+)-JQ1 and IBET-151 (GSK1210151A) results in reduced RacPyV genome within cells in vitro, as well as significant reduction of viral gene transcripts LT and VP1, highlighting its importance in both maintenance of the viral genome and in driving oncogenic transformation by RacPyV. This work implicates BRD4 as a central protein involved in RacPyV neuroglial tumour cell proliferation and in the maintenance of a stem cell state.

Evaluating the appropriateness of a community pharmacy model for a colorectal cancer screening program in Catalonia (Spain)

Background

The traditional model of community pharmacy has changed, with patients, caregivers and consumers having access to many cognitive services other than the traditional dispensing and supply of medicines. In December 2009, a population-based colorectal cancer screening program started in Barcelona, introducing the community pharmacist and the professional expertise of the pharmacist into the organisational model.

Aim

To evaluate the program implementation process in the pharmacies, identify barriers and facilitators, and know the opinion of the professionals involved in the colorectal cancer screening program in Catalonia (Spain).

Methods

Cross-sectional study of the pharmacies that participated in the first round of the program during the first and second trimester of 2010 in Barcelona. A validated questionnaire was used to analyse several functional aspects in the implementation process. Qualitative aspects about the opinion of the pharmacist were studied. A descriptive and bivariate analysis was performed.

Results

All the pharmacies involved in the program (n = 74) participated in the study. The majority of the sample population was composed of women (70.3%), mean age 44.9 years, and most of them (74%) had attended a specific training session. Pharmacists considered their participation in the program to be an added value to their professional role and a way to increase consumer’s confidence on this kind of services. The average time to provide the service was estimated to be less than 10 minutes per consumer. Only three (4.1%) pharmacists considered that the program involved a lot of extra work in the daily activities of the pharmacy. The level of satisfaction of the pharmacists was very high.

Conclusions

Community pharmacies can be a successful alternative and great resource to implement a population cancer screening program. This functional model can improve the accessibility and participation rates on target population. The level of motivation of the community pharmacist, the specific training program and the perception to give a better care for their patients can be an enabler.

Exposure to raccoon polyomavirus (RacPyV) in free-ranging North American raccoons (Procyon lotor)

There is evidence that raccoon polyomavirus is causative for neuroglial brain tumors in the western United States. It is unknown if infection is limited to geographic locales where tumors have been reported or is widespread, like human polyomaviruses. We demonstrate raccoons in western, eastern and midwestern states have been exposed to RacPyV by detection of antibodies to capsid protein, VP1. While raccoons in eastern and midwestern states are seropositive, exposure is lower than in the western states. Additionally, across geographic areas seropositivity is higher in older as compared to younger raccoons, similar to polyomavirus exposure in humans. Serum titers are significantly higher in raccoons with tumors compared to raccoons without. Unlike polyomavirus-associated diseases in humans, we did not detect significant sequence variation between tumor and non-tumor tissue in raccoons with tumors compared to those without tumors. This warrants further investigation into co-morbid diseases or genetic susceptibility studies of the host.

Importance of salt fingering for new nitrogen supply in the oligotrophic ocean

The input of new nitrogen into the euphotic zone constrains the export of organic carbon to the deep ocean and thereby the biologically mediated long-term CO₂ exchange between the ocean and atmosphere. In low-latitude open-ocean regions, turbulence-driven nitrate diffusion from the ocean's interior and biological fixation of atmospheric N₂ are the main sources of new nitrogen for phytoplankton productivity. With measurements across the tropical and subtropical Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans, we show that nitrate diffusion (171±190 μmol m⁻² d⁻¹) dominates over N₂ fixation (9.0±9.4 μmol m⁻² d⁻¹) at the time of sampling. Nitrate diffusion mediated by salt fingers is responsible for ca. 20% of the new nitrogen supply in several provinces of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Our results indicate that salt finger diffusion should be considered in present and future ocean nitrogen budgets, as it could supply globally 0.23–1.00 Tmol N yr⁻¹ to the euphotic zone.

The relative contribution of nitrogen fixation and nitrogen diffusion to marine biomes is presently debated. Here, the authors evaluate the contribution of these pathways across the tropics and subtropics of the global ocean and show that nitrogen diffusion, reinforced by salt fingers, is the dominant process.

Ubiquitous healthy diatoms in the deep sea confirm deep carbon injection by the biological pump

The role of the ocean as a sink for CO₂ is partially dependent on the downward transport of phytoplankton cells packaged within fast-sinking particles. However, whether such fast-sinking mechanisms deliver fresh organic carbon down to the deep bathypelagic sea and whether this mechanism is prevalent across the ocean requires confirmation. Here we report the ubiquitous presence of healthy photosynthetic cells, dominated by diatoms, down to 4,000 m in the deep dark ocean. Decay experiments with surface phytoplankton suggested that the large proportion (18%) of healthy photosynthetic cells observed, on average, in the dark ocean, requires transport times from a few days to a few weeks, corresponding to sinking rates (124–732 m d⁻¹) comparable to those of fast-sinking aggregates and faecal pellets. These results confirm the expectation that fast-sinking mechanisms inject fresh organic carbon into the deep sea and that this is a prevalent process operating across the global oligotrophic ocean.

Sinking of organic matter represents the dominant mechanism for sequestration of anthropogenic CO₂ in the deep sea. Here, the authors report the presence of healthy photosynthetic cells in the deep dark ocean, implying the fast injection of fresh organic carbon at depth across the global oligotrophic ocean.

Serological and molecular survey of Leptospira spp. among cart horses from an endemic area of human leptospirosis in Curitiba, southern Brazil

Introduction: Cart horses are a re-emerging population employed to carry recyclable material in cities.

Methods: Sixty-two horses were sampled in an endemic area of human leptospirosis. The microscopic agglutination test (MAT) and real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were performed.

Results: A seropositivity of 75.8% with serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae in 80.8% of the horses was observed. Blood and urine were qPCR negative. MAT showed positive correlations with rainfall (p = 0.02) and flooding (p = 0.03).

Conclusions: Although horses may be constantly exposed to Leptospira spp. in the environment mostly because of rainfall and flooding, no leptospiremia or leptospiruria were observed in this study.

Presence of infectious agents and co-infections in diarrheic dogs determined with a real-time polymerase chain reaction-based panel

BACKGROUND

Infectious diarrhea can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or protozoan organisms, or a combination of these. The identification of co-infections in dogs is important to determine the prognosis and to plan strategies for their treatment and prophylaxis. Although many pathogens have been individually detected with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a comprehensive panel of agents that cause diarrhea in privately owned dogs has not yet been established. The objective of this study was to use a real-time PCR diarrhea panel to survey the frequencies of pathogens and co-infections in owned dogs attended in a veterinary hospital with and without diarrhea, as well the frequency in different countries. Feces samples were tested for canine distemper virus, canine coronavirus, canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2), Clostridium perfringens alpha toxin (CPA), Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia spp., and Salmonella spp. using molecular techniques.

RESULTS

In total, 104 diarrheic and 43 control dogs that were presented consecutively at a major private veterinary hospital were included in the study. Overall, 71/104 (68.3%) dogs with diarrhea were positive for at least one pathogen: a single infection in 39/71 dogs (54.9%) and co-infections in 32/71 dogs (45.1%), including 21/32 dogs (65.6%) with dual, 5/32 (15.6%) with triple, and 6/32 (18.8%) with quadruple infections. In the control group, 13/43 (30.2%) dogs were positive, all with single infections only. The most prevalent pathogens in the diarrheic dogs were CPA (40/104 dogs, 38.5%), CPV-2 (36/104 dogs, 34.6%), and Giardia spp. (14/104 dogs, 13.5%). CPV-2 was the most prevalent pathogen in the dual co-infections, associated with CPA, Cryptosporidium spp., or Giardia spp. No statistical difference (P = 0.8374) was observed in the duration of diarrhea or the number of deaths (P = 0.5722) in the presence or absence of single or co-infections.

CONCLUSIONS

Diarrheic dogs showed a higher prevalence of pathogen infections than the controls. Whereas the healthy dogs had only single infections, about half the diarrheic dogs had co-infections. Therefore, multiple pathogens should be investigated in dogs presenting with diarrhea. The effects of multiple pathogens on the disease outcomes remain unclear because the rate of death and the duration of diarrhea did not seem to be affected by these factors.

Infectious agents associated with diarrhoea in neonatal foals in central Kentucky: a comprehensive molecular study

Reasons for performing study

Diarrhoea caused by infectious agents is common in foals but there is no comprehensive molecular work‐up of the relative prevalence of common agents and appearance of coinfections.

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of 9 infectious agents in gastrointestinal (GI)‐diseased and healthy foals with ages ranging from 1 to 20 weeks of age and to what degree coinfections are associated with clinical signs of GI disease.

Study design

Retrospective controlled observational study.

Methods

The population consisted of 88 Thoroughbred foals aged 2 days to 17 weeks born on 32 different studfarms in Kentucky. Healthy (n = 37) and GI‐diseased (n = 51) foals were identified based on clinical presentation. Faecal samples were analysed for 9 infectious agents by real‐time PCR: equine rotavirus, equine coronavirus, Clostridium difficile toxins A & B, Neorickettsia risticii, Clostridium perfringens alpha toxin, Lawsonia intracellularis, Rhodococcus equi, Cryptosporidium spp., and Salmonella spp. Salmonella was also cultured from overnight selenite enrichment broth.

Results

The prevalence of infectious pathogens under study was between 0% (Lawsonia intracellularis) and 34.6% (equine rotavirus). The overall prevalence for any infectious agent was 63.2% in the GI‐diseased group and 43.2% in the healthy group. Coinfections were significantly more frequent in the sick group (15 monoinfections vs. 22 coinfections) than in the healthy group (12 vs. 4, respectively, P = 0.0002). Six of the 8 infectious agents were associated with the GI‐diseased group, the other 2 were not (equine coronavirus and R. equi).

Conclusions

The use of panels rather than individual tests in combination with quantitative toxin gene analysis enables detection of coinfections significantly associated with risk of disease. Several infectious diseases previously not tested for or considered unimportant were found at high prevalence and require further investigation.

Canine melanoma diagnosis: RACK1 as a potential biological marker

Melanoma diagnosis in dogs can be challenging due to the variety of histological appearances of canine melanocytic neoplasms. Markers of malignancy are needed. Receptor for activated C-kinase 1 (RACK1) was found to characterize melanomas in other mammals. We investigated the value of RACK1 detection in the classification of 19 cutaneous and 5 mucosal melanocytic neoplasms in dogs. These tumors were categorized as melanocytomas or benign and melanomas or malignant after evaluation of their morphology, mitotic index, and Ki-67 growth fraction. Using immunofluorescence, we confirmed microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) as a marker of normal and transformed melanocytic cells in dog tissues. All control (n = 10) and tumoral (n = 24) samples stained positively for MITF (34/34, 100%). Whereas RACK1 was not detected in healthy skin melanocytes, melanocytic lesions were all positive for RACK1 signal (24/24, 100%). RACK1 cytoplasmic staining appeared with 2 distinct distribution patterns: strong, diffuse, and homogeneous or granular and heterogeneous. All melanoma samples (13/13, 100%) stained homogeneously for RACK1. All melanocytomas (11/11, 100%) stained heterogeneously for RACK1. Immunohistochemistry was less consistent than immunofluorescence for all labelings in melanocytic lesions, which were often very pigmented. Thus, the fluorescent RACK1-MITF labeling pattern helped to distinguish melanomas from melanocytomas. Furthermore, RACK1 labeling correlated with 2 of 11 morphological features linked to malignancy: cell and nuclear size. These results suggest that RACK1 may be used as a marker in dog melanomas.

A novel bocavirus in canine liver

BACKGROUND

Bocaviruses are classified as a genus within the Parvoviridae family of single-stranded DNA viruses and are pathogenic in some mammalian species. Two species have been previously reported in dogs, minute virus of canines (MVC), associated with neonatal diseases and fertility disorders; and Canine bocavirus (CBoV), associated with respiratory disease.

FINDINGS

In this study using deep sequencing of enriched viral particles from the liver of a dog with severe hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, necrotizing vasculitis, granulomatous lymphadenitis and anuric renal failure, we identified and characterized a novel bocavirus we named Canine bocavirus 3 (CnBoV3). The three major ORFs of CnBoV3 (NS1, NP1 and VP1) shared less than 60% aa identity with those of other bocaviruses qualifying it as a novel species based on ICTV criteria. Inverse PCR showed the presence of concatemerized or circular forms of the genome in liver.

CONCLUSIONS

We genetically characterized a bocavirus in a dog liver that is highly distinct from prior canine bocaviruses found in respiratory and fecal samples. Its role in this animal's complex disease remains to be determined.

Anabolic androgenic steroids and intracellular calcium signaling: a mini review on mechanisms and physiological implications

Increasing evidence suggests that nongenomic effects of testosterone and anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) operate concertedly with genomic effects. Classically, these responses have been viewed as separate and independent processes, primarily because nongenomic responses are faster and appear to be mediated by membrane androgen receptors, whereas long-term genomic effects are mediated through cytosolic androgen receptors regulating transcriptional activity. Numerous studies have demonstrated increases in intracellular Ca2+ in response to AAS. These Ca2+ mediated responses have been seen in a diversity of cell types, including osteoblasts, platelets, skeletal muscle cells, cardiac myocytes and neurons. The versatility of Ca2+ as a second messenger provides these responses with a vast number of pathophysiological implications. In cardiac cells, testosterone elicits voltage-dependent Ca2+ oscillations and IP3R-mediated Ca2+ release from internal stores, leading to activation of MAPK and mTOR signaling that promotes cardiac hypertrophy. In neurons, depending upon concentration, testosterone can provoke either physiological Ca2+ oscillations, essential for synaptic plasticity, or sustained, pathological Ca2+ transients that lead to neuronal apoptosis. We propose therefore, that Ca2+ acts as an important point of crosstalk between nongenomic and genomic AAS signaling, representing a central regulator that bridges these previously thought to be divergent responses.

How many men who have sex with men and female sex workers live in El Salvador? Using respondent-driven sampling and capture-recapture to estimate population sizes

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the numbers of female sex workers (FSW) and men who have sex with men (MSM) in San Salvador, El Salvador.

DESIGN AND METHODS

A capture-recapture exercise was conducted among MSM and FSW in San Salvador in 2008. The first capture was done by distributing key chains to both MSM and FSW populations through local non-governmental organizations (NGO) that work with these groups. The second capture was done during the course of an integrated behavioural and biological survey (IBBS) using respondent-driven sampling (RDS). The proportion receiving a key chain estimated from the IBBS study was adjusted by RDS-derived weights.

RESULTS

The first capture included 400 FSW and 400 MSM. Of the 624 MSM interviewed in the IBBS, 36 (5.8% crude; 3.2% adjusted RDS) had received the key chain. The estimated population size of MSM in San Salvador was 12 480 (95% CI 7235 to 17 725). Of the 663 FSW interviewed in the IBBS, 39 (5.9% crude; 6.9% adjusted RDS) had received the key chain. The estimated number of FSW was 5765 (95% CI 4253 to 7277).

CONCLUSIONS

The capture-recapture exercise was successfully linked to an IBBS to obtain city-level population sizes for MSM and FSW, providing valuable information at a low cost. Size estimates are crucial for programme planning for national AIDS programmes, NGOs and stakeholders working with these populations and for HIV projection models.

Attitudes toward Advertisements of the Older Adults

In this study we will analyze the attitude of older adults to advertisements, differentiating between advertisements that contain rhetorical figures (trope ads) and those that do not (explicit ads). We will also study their attitude toward the brand advertised according to their degree of involvement with the product. In the course of the empirical research, a total of 183 personal surveys were carried out with people aged over 65 taking as reference 2 products with different prices and durabilities. Analysis of the results indicated that in products involving little economic effort, older adults showed the same attitude toward both trope and explicit advertisements. However, with products requiring greater economic effort, older adults showed differences in their attitudes to trope ads and to explicit ads depending on their degree of involvement with the product. These differences had a strong effect on their attitudes to the brands of the products analyzed.

Strong far-field coherent scattering of ultraviolet radiation by holococcolithophores

By considering the structure of holococcoliths (calcite plates that cover holococcolithophores, a haploid phase of the coccolithophore life cycle) as a photonic structure, we apply a discrete dipolar approximation to study the light backscattering properties of these algae. We show that some holococcolith structures have the ability to scatter the ultraviolet radiation. This property may represent an advantage for holococcolithophores possessing it, by allowing them to live higher in the water column than other coccolithophores.

Capacitative calcium entry in testosterone-induced intracellular calcium oscillations in myotubes

Ca2+ oscillations are one of the most important signals within the cell. The mechanism for generation of Ca2+ oscillations is still not yet fully elucidated. We studied the role of capacitative Ca2+ entry (CCE) on intracellular Ca2+ oscillations induced by testosterone at the single-cell level in primary myotubes. Testosterone (100 nM) rapidly induced an intracellular Ca2+ rise, accompanied by Ca2+ oscillations in a majority of myotubes. Spectral analysis of the Ca2+ oscillations revealed a periodicity of 20.3 +/- 1.8 s (frequency of 49.3 +/- 4.4 mHz). In Ca(2+)-free medium, an increase in intracellular Ca2+ was still observed, but no oscillations. Neither nifedipine nor ryanodine affected the testosterone-induced Ca2+ response. This intracellular Ca2+ release was previously shown in myotubes to be dependent on inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3). Intracellular Ca2+ store depletion in Ca(2+)-free medium, using a sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase-pump inhibitor, followed by re-addition of extracellular Ca2+, gave a fast rise in intracellular Ca2+, indicating that CCE was present in these myotubes. Application of either testosterone or albumin-bound testosterone induced Ca2+ release and led to CCE after re-addition of Ca2+ to Ca(2+)-free extracellular medium. The CCE blockers 2-aminoethyl diphenylborate and La3+, as well as perturbation of the cytoskeleton by cytochalasin D, inhibited testosterone-induced Ca2+ oscillations and CCE. The steady increase in Ca2+ induced by testosterone was not, however, affected by either La3+ or cytochalasin D. These results demonstrate testosterone-induced Ca2+ oscillations in myotubes, mediated by the interplay of IP3-sensitive Ca2+ stores and Ca2+ influx through CCE.

An Osteoid Variant of Cutaneous Melanoma in a Dog Detected by S100 and Melan A Markers

Osteoid malignant melanoma is a rare type of melanoma described in humans and dogs with some areas of bone differentiation. In this tumour, the origin of the bone matrix remains unclear. We report one case of this variant with, for the first time, a cutaneous origin in a dog. Malignant melanomas are aggressive tumours. Amelanotic tumours are sometimes difficult to recognize as they require immunohistochemical evaluation for an adequate diagnosis and we have used anti-vimentin, S100, and melan A antibodies for identification. Melan A is less sensitive but more specific than S100 in identifying amelanotic melanomas. This tumour was positive for vimentin, S100 and melan A, including the areas of osteoid. These results suggest osteoid differentiation of tumour cells rather than induced stromal metaplasia.

IGF-I and insulin induce different intracellular calcium signals in skeletal muscle cells

We studied the effect of IGF-I and insulin on intracellular Ca(2+) in primary cultured myotubes. IGF-I induced a fast and transient Ca(2+) increase, measured as fluo-3 fluorescence. This response was blocked by both genistein and AG538. IGF-I induced a fast inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP(3)) increase, kinetically similar to the Ca(2+) rise. The Ca(2+) signal was blocked by inhibitors of the IP(3) pathway. On the other hand, insulin produced a fast (<1 s) and transient Ca(2+) increase. Insulin-induced Ca(2+) increase was blocked in Ca(2+)-free medium and by either nifedipine or ryanodine. In the normal muscle NLT cell line, the Ca(2+ )signals induced by both hormones resemble those of primary myotubes. GLT cells, lacking the alpha1-subunit of dihydropyridine receptor (DHPR), responded to IGF-I but not to insulin, while GLT cells transfected with the alpha1-subunit of DHPR reacted to both hormones. Moreover, dyspedic muscle cells, lacking ryanodine receptors, responded to IGF-I as NLT cells, however they show no insulin-induced calcium increase. Moreover, G-protein inhibitors, pertussis toxin (PTX) and GDPbetaS, blocked the insulin-induced Ca(2+) increase without major modification of the response to IGF-I. The different intracellular Ca(2+) patterns produced by IGF-I and insulin may improve our understanding of the early action mechanisms for these hormones in skeletal muscle cells.

Dissolved primary production and the strength of phytoplankton- bacterioplankton coupling in contrasting marine regions

We analyzed the strength of phytoplankton-bacterioplankton coupling by comparing the rate of particulate (PPP) and dissolved primary production (DPP) with bacterial carbon demand (BCD) in four contrasting marine regions: offshore and coastal waters of the Southern Ocean, a coastal area of the NE Atlantic, and a coastal-offshore transect in the NW Mediterranean. We measured bacterial heterotrophic production (BHP) and estimated BCD from a literature model. Average phytoplanktonic percent extracellular release [PER = DPP/(DPP + PPP)] was 18-20% in the Antarctic (offshore and coastal, respectively), 16% in the NW Mediterranean, and 7% in the NE Atlantic. A significant inverse relationship was found between PER and total system productivity with pooled data. On average BHP amounted to <5% of total primary production in all regions. However, the strength of phytoplankton-bacterioplankton coupling, estimated as the potential importance of DPP in meeting BCD, differed greatly in the four regions. DPP was highly correlated to BCD in offshore Antarctic waters and was sufficient to meet BCD. In contrast, BCD exceeded DPP and bore no significant relationship in the remaining regions. The data suggest that a strong dependence of bacteria on algal extracellular production is only expected in open-ocean environments isolated from coastal inputs of DOC.

IP3 receptor function and localization in myotubes: an unexplored Ca2+ signaling pathway in skeletal muscle

We present evidence for an unexplored inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-mediated Ca2+ signaling pathway in skeletal muscle. RT-PCR methods confirm expression of all three known isotypes of the inositol trisphosphate receptor in cultured rodent muscle. Confocal microscopy of cultured mouse muscle, doubly labeled for inositol receptor type 1 and proteins of known distribution, reveals that the receptors are localized to the I band of the sarcoplasmic reticulum, and this staining is continuous with staining of the nuclear envelope region. These results suggest that the receptors are positioned to mediate a slowly propagating Ca2+ wave that follows the fast Ca2+ transient upon K+ depolarization. This slow wave, imaged using fluo-3, resulted in an increase in nucleoplasmic Ca2+ lasting tens of seconds, but not contraction; the slow wave was blocked by both the inositol trisphosphate receptor inhibitor 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate and the phospholipase C inhibitor U-73122. To test the hypothesis that these slow Ca2+ signals are involved in signal cascades leading to regulation of gene expression, we assayed for early effects of K+ depolarization on mitogen-activated protein kinases, specifically extracellular-signal related kinases 1 and 2 and the transcription factor cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB). Within 30-60 seconds following depolarization, phosphorylation of both the kinases and CREB was evident and could be inhibited by 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate. These results suggest a signaling system mediated by Ca2+ and inositol trisphosphate that could regulate gene expression in muscle cells.

Calcium transients in 1B5 myotubes lacking ryanodine receptors are related to inositol trisphosphate receptors

Potassium depolarization of skeletal myotubes evokes slow calcium waves that are unrelated to contraction and involve the cell nucleus (Jaimovich, E., Reyes, R., Liberona, J. L., and Powell, J. A. (2000) Am. J. Physiol. 278, C998-C1010). Studies were done in both the 1B5 (Ry53-/-) murine "dyspedic" myoblast cell line, which does not express any ryanodine receptor isoforms (Moore, R. A., Nguyen, H., Galceran, J., Pessah, I. N., and Allen, P. D. (1998) J. Cell Biol. 140, 843-851), and C(2)C(12) cells, a myoblast cell line that expresses all three isoforms. Although 1B5 cells lack ryanodine binding, they bind tritiated inositol (1,4,5)-trisphosphate. Both type 1 and type 3 inositol trisphosphate receptors were immuno-located in the nuclei of both cell types and were visualized by Western blot analysis. After stimulation with 47 mm K(+), inositol trisphosphate mass raised transiently in both cell types. Both fast calcium increase and slow propagated calcium signals were seen in C(2)C(12) myotubes. However, 1B5 myotubes (as well as ryanodine-treated C(2)C(12) myotubes) displayed only a long-lasting, non-propagating calcium increase, particularly evident in the nuclei. Calcium signals in 1B5 myotubes were almost completely blocked by inhibitors of the inositol trisphosphate pathway: U73122, 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate, or xestospongin C. Results support the hypothesis that inositol trisphosphate mediates slow calcium signals in muscle cell ryanodine receptors, having a role in their time course and propagation.

Role of exercise and ascorbate on plasma antioxidant capacity in thoroughbred race horses

During exercise, the oxygen consumption and the production of free radicals increase and can lead to oxidative stress with a deleterious effect on cellular structures involved in physical activity. To evaluate the oxidative stress produced by exercise and the role of ascorbate as an antioxidant, venous blood samples were obtained from 44 thoroughbred racehorses, before and after a 1000+/-200-m race at maximum velocity. Fourteen of these horses were treated intravenously with 5 g of ascorbate before running. Antioxidant capacity (PAOC), endogenous and exogenous ascorbate concentration, total antioxidant reactivity (TAR), urate concentration, creatine kinase activity, protein concentration and thiobarbiturate reactive substances (TBAR) as oxidative stress indicators were measured in the plasma of some of these horses. PAOC, TAR and TBAR increased after the race, while plasma ascorbate and urate concentrations remained unchanged. Total plasma protein (TPP) concentrations increased in line with antioxidant capacity. As predicted, both the plasma ascorbate concentration and PAOC increased immediately after ascorbate administration, but was not modified after the race, such as TBAR. However, in both groups plasma creatine kinase activity increased after the race. These results would suggest that the administration of ascorbate could nullify the oxidative stress produced by exercise in thoroughbred racehorses, but could not prevent muscular damage.

Aldosterone- and testosterone-mediated intracellular calcium response in skeletal muscle cell cultures

Fast nongenomic steroid actions in several cell types seem to be mediated by second messengers such as intracellular calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)) and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP(3)). We have shown the presence of both slow calcium transients and IP(3) receptors associated with cell nuclei in cultured skeletal muscle cells. The effect of steroids on [Ca(2+)](i) was monitored in Fluo 3-acetoxymethyl ester-loaded myotubes by either confocal microscopy or fluorescence microscopy, with the use of out-of-focus fluorescence elimination. The mass of IP(3) was determined by radioreceptor displacement assay. [Ca(2+)](i) changes after either aldosterone (10-100 nM) or testosterone (50-100 nM) were observed; a relatively fast (<2 min) calcium transient, frequently accompanied by oscillations, was evident with both hormones. A slow rise in [Ca(2+)](i) that reached its maximum after a 30-min exposure to aldosterone was also observed. Calcium responses seem to be fairly specific for aldosterone and testosterone, because several other steroid hormones do not induce detectable changes in fluorescence, even at 100-fold higher concentrations. The mass of IP(3) increased transiently to reach two- to threefold the basal level 45 s after addition of either aldosterone or testosterone, and the IP(3) transient was more rapid than the fast calcium signal. Spironolactone, an inhibitor of the intracellular aldosterone receptor, or cyproterone acetate, an inhibitor of the testosterone receptor, had no effect on the fast [Ca(2+)](i) signal or in the increase in IP(3) mass. These signals could mean that there are distinct nongenomic pathways for the action of these two steroids in skeletal muscle cells.

Growth efficiency in transgenic tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) carrying a single copy of an homologous cDNA growth hormone

Growth hormone (GH) has been shown to have a profound impact on fish physiology and metabolism. However, detailed studies in transgenic fish have not been conducted. We have characterized the food conversion efficiency, protein profile, and biochemical correlates of growth rate in transgenic tilapia expressing the tilapia GH cDNA under the control of human cytomegalovirus regulatory sequences. Transgenic tilapia exhibited about 3.6-fold less food consumption than nontransgenic controls (P < 0.001). The food conversion efficiency was significantly (P < 0.05) higher (290%) in transgenic tilapia (2.3 +/- 0.4) than in the control group (0.8 +/- 0.2). Efficiency of growth, synthesis retention, anabolic stimulation, and average protein synthesis were higher in transgenic than in nontransgenic tilapia. Distinctive metabolic differences were found in transgenic juvenile tilapia. We had found differences in hepatic glucose, and in agreement with previous results we observed differences in the level of enzymatic activities in target organs. We conclude that GH-transgenic juvenile tilapia show altered physiological and metabolic conditions and are biologically more efficient.

Hepoxilins raise circulating insulin levels in vivo

We have demonstrated over a decade ago that hepoxilins cause the release of insulin from isolated pancreatic islets of Langerhans in vitro. However, no studies are available so far to indicate whether these compounds are active in vivo. The present study is the first to our knowledge which demonstrates that hepoxilins administered intra-arterially in the anaesthetized rat cause the release of insulin in the circulation. This release is dependent on the glucose status of the rat. Hence, animals fasted overnight do not respond to hepoxilin administration, while animals that have had free access to food respond to hepoxilins with a rise in insulin concentrations in blood. The hepoxilin effect is rapid and varies with different hepoxilins, the most potent of which is hepoxilin A(3) (HxA(3)) (both the 8S and the 8R enantiomers). Administration of 100 microg HxA(3) produces a rise in blood insulin equivalent to that caused by the administration of 5 mg glucose. In view of earlier evidence showing that these compounds cause a rise in intracellular calcium levels in vitro at a <1 microg/ml concentration through a receptor-mediated mechanism, we speculate that the actions of hepoxilins in causing the release of insulin from the pancreas may be due to alterations in calcium levels within the beta-cell. We believe that hepoxilins may represent new lead compounds as therapeutics in type II diabetes mellitus.

Influence of free fatty acid content on the feeding value of yellow grease in finishing diets for feedlot cattle

Holstein steers (n = 96; 375 kg) were used in a 144-d growth-performance trial to evaluate influence of level (42, 28.5, and 15%) of FFA content on feeding value of yellow grease. Two sources of yellow grease were compared: conventional yellow grease (CYG), containing 15% FFA, and griddle grease (GG), containing 42% FFA. Dietary treatments consisted of an 88% concentrate finishing diet supplemented with either 1) 0% fat, 2) 5% GG, 3) 2.5% GG and 2.5% CYG, or 4) 5% CYG. Fat supplementation increased ADG (11%; P<.05), feed efficiency (9%; P<.05), diet NE (6.4%; P<.05), carcass weight (4%; P<.10), dressing percentage (1%; P<.10), and kidney, pelvic, and heart fat (20%, P<.05). Increasing the FFA in supplemental fat increased (linear effect, P<.10) DM intake, ADG, and feed efficiency and decreased (linear effect, P<.10) retail yield. These improvements in performance were primarily due to increased DM intake. The NEm and NEg values of supplemental fats were not affected by FFA content, averaging 4.98 and 3.85 Mcal/kg, respectively. Treatment effects on characteristics of ruminal and total tract digestion were evaluated using four Holstein steers (180 kg) with cannulas in the rumen and proximal duodenum. Supplemental fat did not influence (P>.10) ruminal or total tract digestion of OM, ADF, starch or N. Postruminal fatty acid digestion was less (P<.10) for fat-supplemented diets than for unsupplemented diets (73.0 vs. 78.6%). The decrease in postruminal fatty acid digestibility with fat supplementation was mainly due to a decreased (16.7%; P<.05) digestibility of C18:0. Postruminal digestibility of the supplemental fat was 68%. There were no treatment effects (P>.10) on ruminal pH. Ruminal biohydrogenation of fatty acids was directly proportional to estimates of methane production. We conclude that the feeding value of conventional yellow grease and griddle grease is similar and that differences in the FFA content of yellow grease will not negatively affect diet acceptability and growth performance of feedlot cattle.

Acute hypercapnia increases the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood in ventilated dogs

OBJECTIVE

To test the hypothesis that PaCO2 levels generated during permissive hypercapnia may enhance arterial oxygenation, when ventilation is maintained.

DESIGN

Prospective study.

SETTING

Research laboratory in a hospital.

SUBJECTS

One group of eight mongrel dogs (four male; four female).

INTERVENTIONS

The dogs were anesthetized (30 mg/kg iv pentobarbital), intubated, and cannulated in one femoral artery and vein. While paralyzed with 0.1 mg/kg/hr iv vecouronium bromide, all subjects were ventilated with room air. Anesthesia was maintained, using 2 to 3 mg/kg/hr iv pentobarbital. Arterial hypercapnia at the levels generated during permissive hypercapnia was produced by stepwise increases in the dry, inspired Pco2 (PiCO2) (0, 30, 45, 60 and 75 torr [0, 4, 6, 8, and 10 kPa]; 15 mins each).

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Blood gas profiles were determined at each level of hypercapnia. The minute volume was maintained at the baseline level during all exposures. Arterial hypercapnia produced gradual and significant increases in the hemoglobin concentration. These increases were approximately 6%, 7%, 11%, and 14% at PiCO2 of 30, 45, 60, and 75 torr (4, 6, 8, and 10 kPa), respectively (p < .05; repeated analysis of variance followed by Dunnett multiple comparisons test). In parallel, the oxygen content increased by approximately 6%, 7%, 11%, and 13%, respectively. During hypercapnic trials, the PaO2 remained at the normal range, whereas the dry, inspired PO2 (PiO2) was reduced from 150 to 138 torr (20 to 18.4 kPa). The average PaO2 at the highest investigated level of arterial hypercapnia was at a normal range. The hemoglobin concentration and oxygen content returned to baseline values 30 mins after hypercapnic trials. The PaCO2 and pH became normalized 15 mins after hypercapnic trials. Indirect evidence for a similar response to hypercapnia in humans is presented.

CONCLUSIONS

Permissive hypercapnia due to inhaled CO2 increases oxygen-carrying capacity in dogs. The PaO2 remains at normal range even at a PiCO2 of 75 torr (10 kPa). The benefits of these effects during permissive hypercapnia, due to controlled hypoventilation, warrants investigation.

[Identification of molecular variants of the enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase by the polymerase chain reaction technique]

BACKGROUND

An assessment of the usefulness of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the identification of the most frequent molecular variants of the glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) in Spain: G6PD A-, G6PD Mediterranean and G6PD Seattle through the screening of the mutations: 376 A-->G; 202 G-->A; 680 G-->T; 968 T-->C; 563 C-->T and 844 G-->C.

METHODS

Three groups of patients have been studied: 1) males (40 cases); 2) relatives from the preceding group (31 cases: 7 males and 24 females), and 3) samples classified according to their fast electrophoretic mobility as G6PD A-(17 cases). The method used has been the PCR followed by digestion with specific restriction endonucleases.

RESULTS

Group 1: 23 out of 40 samples (57%), were identified as G6PD Med563T variant (8 cases), G6PD A-376G/202A (13 cases) and G6PD Seattle844C (2 cases). Group 2: The study of relatives from 13 of the 23 identified samples allowed the study of additional 31 samples (7 males, 24 females): hemizygous G6PD Med563T (3 cases), heterozygous GdB/Gd Med563T (5 cases), hemizygous G6PD A-376G/202A (4 cases), heterozygous GdB/Gd A-376G/202A (11 cases), heterozygous GdB/Gd Seattle844C (1 case) and normal females (7 cases). Group 3: In all electrophoretically fast samples classified as G6PD A-was detected the 376 A-->G mutation (characteristic of G6PD A+). In 15 of these cases a second mutation was found at nucleotide 202 G-->A (G6PD A-376G/202A); and in two, at nucleotide 968 T-->C (G6PD A-376G/968C).

CONCLUSIONS

The PCR method is fast and simple enough to allow the identification of known G6PD deficient variant, avoiding the need of its molecular characterization, which is more cumbersome and time consuming. In addition, the PCR is a very useful tool for demonstrating the carrier condition of G6PD deficiency in females with enzyme activity within normal range.