Pro-inflammatory Polarization of Macrophages Causes Intestinal Inflammation in Low-Birth-Weight Piglets and Mice

BACKGROUND

Low-birth-weight (LBW) animals suffer from intestinal damage and inflammation in their early life.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of macrophages in intestinal inflammation in LBW piglets and mice.

METHODS

Major genes involved in intestinal barrier function such as claudin-1, zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), occludin, and mucin 2 and inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-10, and IL-13 were evaluated in 21-day-old, normal birth weight (NBW) and LBW piglets and mice. Macrophage markers such as CD16/32, CD163, and CD206 were also assessed by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. Polarized and unpolarized macrophages were further transferred into NBW and LBW mice, followed by evaluation of intestinal permeability and inflammation.

RESULTS

Claudin-1 mRNA in LBW piglets as well as claudin-1, occludin, ZO-1 and mucin 2 mRNAs in LBW mice was significantly downregulated. IL-1β and TNF-α were significantly upregulated in LBW piglets (P < 0.05). LBW mice showed a reduced expression of IL-10 and IL-13 (P < 0.05), with a heightened IL-6 level (P < 0.01) in the jejunum. CD16, a marker for M1 macrophages, was significantly elevated in the jejunum of LBW piglets, whereas CD163, a marker for M2 macrophages, was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Similarly, LBW mice had more CD11b+CD16/32+ M1 macrophages (P < 0.05) and fewer CD206+ M2 macrophages (P < 0.01) than NBW mice. Moreover, transfer of M1 macrophages exacerbated intestinal inflammation in LBW mice. Furthermore, two major glycolysis-associated genes, hexokinase 2 (HK2) and lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), were significantly upregulated in LBW piglets and mice (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed for the first time that the intestinal macrophages are polarized towards a pro-inflammatory phenotype in LBW piglets and mice, contributing to intestinal inflammation. The findings of this study provide new options for the management of intestinal inflammation in LBW animals.

The protective effect of Eleutheroside E against the mechanical barrier dysfunction triggered by lipopolysaccharide in IPEC-J2 cells

Eleutheroside E (EE) exhibits immunocompetence, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activity. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) can elicit a strong immune response. In vitro experiments were used to explore whether EE protects intestinal porcine jejunum epithelial cells (IPEC-J2) barriers from LPS stress. The experiment was divided into group C (control group: complete medium), group E (group C + 0.1 mg/mL EE), group L (group C + 10 μg/mL LPS), and group EL (adding 0.1 mg/mL EE for 6 h, and then adding 10 μg/mL LPS for culture). Finally, the cell proliferation, permeability, mRNA expression of cytokines, mRNA and protein expression of tight junctions (TJs) were analyzed. The result show that, when compared to the C group, EE significantly promoted the proliferation of IPEC-J2 at 58 h and showed low permeability (P < 0.05), the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and TGF-β mRNA expression were increased extremely significantly, the inflammatory cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ mRNA expression were extremely significantly decreased (P < 0.01), the mRNA and protein expression of TJ were significantly increased in group E (P < 0.05). However, LPS showed a damaging effect. EL group compared with L group, the cell index (CI) value was higher at 58 h (P < 0.05), the permeability was significantly lower (P < 0.05), the mRNA expressions of the inflammatory cytokines were down-regulated(P < 0.01), and the TJ mRNA and protein relative expression were increased (P < 0.05). In summary, the addition of EE protects the LPS-induced increase in permeability of IPEC-J2, potentially by expressing high levels of TJ proteins and inhibiting the increase of inflammatory cytokines.

Maternal Amino Acid Mixtures Supplementation during Late Gestation and Lactation Improved Growth Performance of Piglets through Improving Colostrum Composition and Antioxidant Capacity

During late gestation and lactation, oxidative stress in sows can affect their health and reproductive performance. Supplemental amino acid contributes to the antioxidant capacity of pigs. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different combinations of Gln, Leu and γ-GABA (amino acid mixtures, AAMs) during late gestation and lactation on the performance of the sows and their offspring. Fifty large white × landrace sows were randomly assigned to 5 groups (n = 10), including a control group and four AAMs groups (AAMs1, Gln + Leu; AAMs2 (Gln + GABA; AAMs3, Leu + GABA; AAMs4, Gln + Leu + GABA). AAMs supplementation improved the antioxidant capacity of sows, including significantly enhanced total antioxidant capacity in AAMs2, 3 and 4 groups and reduced malonaldehyde concentration in AAMs1, 3 and 4 groups. Additionally, all AAMs significantly increased lactoprotein, total solid and IgA levels of colostrum in sows during lactation. Average body weight of piglets on day 21 after birth in all AAMs groups were significantly increased. Furthermore, the significantly increased total antioxidant capacity was observed in the piglets of every AAMs group. In conclusion, supplementing AAMs during late gestation and lactation improved the antioxidant capacity of sows and colostrum composition, thereby enhancing antioxidant status and the growth performance of piglets. This study provides the possibility of maternal amino acid mixtures to improve the productivity of the swine industry.

Melatonin protects porcine oocyte from copper exposure potentially by reducing oxidative stress potentially through the Nrf2 pathway

Copper is widely used as a feeding additive to promote livestock growth. However, excessive copper can be excreted with feces, causing heavy metal pollution and aggravating environmental problems. At the same time, studies have found that excess copper can cause damage to reproductive function and reduce gamete quality. Here, we explored the effects of adding different concentrations of copper to the culture medium on porcine oocytes. First polar body extrusion rate, embryo development, and intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) ΔΨm, adenosine triphosphate(ATP) content, and acetylation of lysine 9 on histone H3 protein subunit (H3K9ac) were assessed. Results demonstrated that Cu exposure causes abnormalities in mitochondrial function and epigenetic modification, resulting in increased oxidative stress and levels of ROS, ultimately leading to a decreased porcine oocyte quality. In addition, we found melatonin can protect porcine oocytes from those damages. Notably, Nrf2 protein expression was significantly increased by copper exposure, meanwhile, Nrf2 signaling pathway inhibitor ML385 significantly attenuated the protective role of melatonin on oxidative stress induced by copper exposure. In summary, our study demonstrates that copper activates the Nrf2 pathway and impairs oocyte maturation by inducing oxidative stress, leading to poor quality of porcine oocytes, and the changes can be reversed by melatonin.

Arginine Regulates Zygotic Genome Activation in Porcine Embryos Under Nutrition Restriction

Arginine has a positive effect on pre-implantation development in pigs. However, the exact mechanism by which arginine promotes embryonic development is undefined. Here, single-cell RNA sequencing technology was applied to porcine in vivo pre-implantation embryos from the zygote to morula stage, it was found that that the expression of arginine metabolism-related genes clearly changed from the 2-cell stage to the 4-cell stage, when zygotic genome activation (ZGA) occurs in porcine embryos. Further analysis showed that arginine metabolism-related genes are significantly correlated with key ZGA genes. To determine the function of arginine in porcine embryos during ZGA, the in vitro fertilization embryos were cultured in PZM-3 medium (0.12 mM arginine, Control group), a modified PZM-3 medium (0 mM arginine, Block group) and a modified PZM-3 medium supplemented with arginine (0.12 mM arginine, Block + Arg group). The results showed that the 4-cell arrest rate was significantly increased in the Block group compared to the Control group (P < 0.05). The 4-cell arrest rate in the Block + Arg group was significantly decreased than that in the Block group (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the expression of ZGA marker genes and SIRT1 protein in 4-cell embryos was significantly decreased in the Block group compared to the Control group, and their expression was significantly increased in the Block + Arg group. In addition, we observed that the glutathione (GSH), ATP levels, and lipid droplet contents were significantly increased, and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was decreased in the Block + Arg group compared to the Block group. Compared with Control group, spermine content in culture medium and the mRNA expression of ornithine decarboxylase1 (ODC1) of embryos in the Block group were significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and those in the Block + Arg group were significantly increased compared with the Block group (P < 0.05). Moreover, when difluoromethylornithine (an inhibitor of ODC1) was added to the modified PZM-3 medium supplemented with arginine, the effect of arginine on ZGA was inhibited. In summary, our findings demonstrated that arginine may regulate ZGA under nutrition restriction in porcine embryos by promoting polyamine synthesis.

Effects of pyruvate on early embryonic development and zygotic genome activation in pigs

Pyruvate is an important energy substance during early embryonic development of mammals. However, the underlying mechanisms of pyruvate during early embryonic development in pigs and its role in zygotic genome activation (ZGA) are not fully understood. Here, based on a previous RNA-seq dataset of porcine early embryos, we found that pyruvate metabolism-related genes started to be expressed at the 4-cell stage and that pyruvate metabolism-related genes were correlated with porcine ZGA marker genes. To determine the function of pyruvate in porcine embryos, in vitro fertilization (IVF) embryos were cultured in PZM-3 medium (control group); modified PZM-3 medium that only contains pyruvate and lactate plus salts (+P group); or modified PZM-3 medium lacking pyruvate (-P group). The 4-cell arrest rate at 72 h was significantly increased in the -P group compared to the +P group (P < 0.05). In addition, we observed that the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was significantly increased and that the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) level was significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in the -P group compared to the +P group. Moreover, the expression of ZGA marker genes and SIRT1 protein in embryos was significantly decreased in the -P group compared to the +P group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the acetylation level of H3K9 was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) and the methylation level of H3K9 was significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the -P group compared to the +P group. In summary, our findings demonstrate that pyruvate affects early embryonic development in pigs by promoting ZGA and reducing oxidative stress levels.

Sources of Dietary Fiber Affect the SCFA Production and Absorption in the Hindgut of Growing Pigs

Effects of different dietary fiber (DF) sources on short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) production and absorption in the hindgut of growing pigs were studied by an in vivo–vitro (ileal cannulated pigs and fecal inoculum-based fermentation) method. Thirty-six cannulated pigs (body weight: 48.5 ± 2.1 kg) were randomly allocated to 6 treatments containing the same DF content (16.5%), with either wheat bran (WB), corn bran (CB), sugar beet pulp (SBP), oat bran (OB), soybean hulls (SH), or rice bran (RB) as DF sources. Pigs were allowed 15 days for diet adaptation, and then, fresh ileal digesta and feces were collected to determine SCFA concentration which was normalized for food dry matter intake (DMI) and the hindgut DF fermentability. Fecal microbiota was inoculated into the freeze-dried ileal digesta samples to predict the ability of SCFA production and absorption in the hindgut by in vitro fermentation. The SH group had the largest concentration of total SCFA and propionate in ileal digesta and fecal samples of growing pigs (p < 0.05). Nonetheless, the predicted acetate, total SCFA production, absorption in the SBP group were the highest (p < 0.01), but the lowest in the OB group (p < 0.01) among all groups. Even SBP and OB group had a similar ratio of soluble DF (SDF) to insoluble DF (IDF). The CB group had high determined ileal and fecal butyrate concentration but the lowest butyrate production and absorption in the hindgut (p < 0.01). Overall, the source of DF had a great impact on the hindgut SCFA production and absorption, and SBP fiber had a great potential to increase hindgut SCFA production and absorption.

Mitigative effects of Eleutheroside E against the mechanical barrier dysfunction induced by soybean agglutinin in IPEC-J2 cell line

Soybean agglutinin (SBA) is an anti-nutritional factor which decreases the mechanical barrier function in intestinal porcine jejunum epithelial cells (IPEC-J2). Eleutheroside E (EE) is a key part of Acanthopanax senticosus to exert pharmacological effects. This study aims to investigate the effects of EE on the barrier function in IPEC-J2 cells and to determine the ability of EE to enhance the protective effect of barrier function against SBA exposure. The IPEC-J2 cells were cultured in mediums with concentration of 0.1 mg/ml EE, 0.5 ml/ml SBA and 0.1 mg/ml EE pre-treated then treated with 0.5 mg/ml SBA. Then, the transepithelial electric resistance (TEER) value, inflammatory cytokines mRNA expression, tight junction mRNA and protein expression were tested by epithelial Voltohm meter, q-PCR and Western blot method respectively. The results showed that cells treated with 0.1 mg/ml EE had lower permeability (p < 0.05) while 0.5 mg/ml SBA treatment had higher permeability through tested TEER, and higher tight junction proteins (Claudin-3 and ZO-1) expressions and genes (Claudin-3, Occludin and ZO-1) expressions (p < 0.05) in 0.1 mg/ml EE group. IPEC-J2 cells pre-treated with 0.1 mg/ml EE could significantly improve the inflammatory response caused by 0.5 mg/ml SBA by up-regulation for IL-10, TGF-β, and down-regulation gene expression of IL-6, TNF-α and IFN-γ (p < 0.05). In conclusion, 0.1 mg/ml EE can improve the mechanical barrier function and could protect the effects while 0.5 mg/ml of SBA-induced barrier dysfunction in IPEC-J2.

Maternal galactooligosaccharides supplementation programmed immune defense, microbial colonization and intestinal development in piglets

The benefits of galactooligosaccharides (GOS) in neonates have been confirmed. However, the effects of nutritional programming by maternal GOS intervention on microbial colonization and intestinal development in the offspring remain unclear. In the present study, late gestational sows were fed with GOS (10 g d^-1 added into the diet) or not until parturition, and the performances, immune status, microbiota composition and intestinal barriers in their piglets on day 21 were compared. GOS supplementation in pregnant sows improved their litter characteristics and the growth performance of their piglets during the neonatal stage (day 21), and elevated the plasma IgA levels in both sows and their piglets (P < 0.05). GOS intervention enriched fecal Alloprevotella and Ruminoclostridium_1 in gestational sows and vertically increased fecal Alloprevotella and Ruminococcaceae in their piglets (P < 0.05). Moreover, maternal GOS intervention increased fecal acetate (P < 0.05) and improved the intestinal barriers of their piglets by upregulating intestinal tight junctions (Occludin, Claudin-1, ZO-1), the goblet cell number and Mucin-2 (P < 0.05), which correlated positively with the colonized microbiota (P < 0.05). In summary, GOS supplementation for sows during late gestation nutritionally programmed maternal specific microbes and IgA of their offspring. This neonatal programming showed positive potential in promoting the intestinal barriers, immune defense, and growth performance of the piglets. Our findings provide evidence for maternal nutritional programming in neonates and insights for future application of GOS in maternal-neonatal nutrition.

Amino Acids in the Nutrition, Metabolism, and Health of Domestic Cats

Domestic cats (carnivores) require high amounts of dietary amino acids (AAs) for normal growth, development, and reproduction. Amino acids had been traditionally categorised as nutritionally essential (EAAs) or nonessential (NEAAs), depending on whether they are synthesized de novo in the body. This review will focus on AA nutrition and metabolism in cats. Like other mammals, cats do not synthesize the carbon skeletons of twelve proteinogenic AAs: Arg, Cys, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Met, Phe, Thr, Trp, Tyr, and Val. Like other feline carnivores but unlike many mammals, cats do not synthesize citrulline and have a very limited ability to produce taurine from Cys. Except for Leu and Lys that are strictly ketogenic AAs, most EAAs are both glucogenic and ketogenic AAs. All the EAAs (including taurine) must be provided in diets for cats. These animals are sensitive to dietary deficiencies of Arg and taurine, which rapidly result in life-threatening hyperammonemia and retinal damage, respectively. Although the National Research Council (NCR, Nutrient requirements of dogs and cats. National Academies Press, Washington, DC, 2006) does not recommend dietary requirements of cats for NEAAs, much attention should be directed to this critical issue of nutrition. Cats can synthesize de novo eight proteinogenic AAs: Ala, Asn, Asp, Gln, Glu, Gly, Pro, and Ser, as well as some nonproteinogenic AAs, such as γ-aminobutyrate, ornithine, and β-alanine with important physiological functions. Some of these AAs (e.g., Gln, Glu, Pro, and Gly) are crucial for intestinal integrity and health. Except for Gln, AAs in the arterial blood of cats may not be available to the mucosa of the small intestine. Plant-source foodstuffs lack taurine and generally contain inadequate Met and Cys and, therefore, should not be fed to cats in any age group. Besides meat, animal-source foodstuffs (including ruminant meat & bone meal, poultry by-product meal, porcine mucosal protein, and chicken visceral digest) are good sources of proteinogenic AAs and taurine for cats. Meeting dietary requirements for both EAAs and NEAAs in proper amounts and balances is crucial for improving the health, wellbeing, longevity, and reproduction of cats.

Evaluation of a web-based self-reporting method for monitoring international passengers returning from an area of emerging infection

OBJECTIVES

Emerging infectious diseases are a public health issue of international concern. Identifying methods to limit their expansion is essential. We assessed the feasibility of a screening strategy in which each traveler would actively participate in the screening process after an intercontinental flight by reporting their own health status via a web-based self-administered questionnaire.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In 2015 and 2017, we invited passengers arriving at or departing from Pointe-à-Pitre international airport to answer an online health questionnaire during the four days following their arrival from or at Paris-Orly international airport. SPIRE 1 was intended for passengers arriving at Pointe-à-Pitre and was conceived as a pilot study. SPIRE 2 was an improved version of SPIRE 1 and consisted in three parts, which permitted to further assess the benefits of pre-flight request and email follow-up. Endpoints were the connection rates and response rates to online health questionnaire.

RESULTS

For SPIRE 1, 4/1038 travelers (0.4%) completed the two steps of the online health questionnaire. In SPIRE 2, response rates ranged from 3/1059 (0.3%) to 19/819 (2.3%). Response rates were significantly better when passengers were approached before their flight.

CONCLUSIONS

The yield of an online health questionnaire was unexpectedly low.

AB0474 CAROTID CONTRAST ENHANCED ULTRASOUND IN CASES OF TAKAYASU ARTERITIS COMPLICATED WITH BEHCET’S DISEASE

Background:

Carotid contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is used for diagnosis and activity determination of patients with Takayasu’s arteritis (TA). However, very little is known about the carotid CEUS features of TA complicated with Behcet’s disease (BD).

Objectives:

This study reports the carotid CEUS features in cases of TA complicated with BD (TBD).

Methods:

A total of 10 carotid CEUS examinations were performed on 4 patients of TBD. 10 TA patients complicated with no rheumatoid disease were included as control group. For each carotid artery lesion, the carotid CEUS features was graded as follows: Grade 0, artery wall shows no microbubbles, Grade 1, artery wall shows limited or moderate microbubbles, Grade 2, artery wall shows severe microbubbles.

Results:

2/10 patients in TBD group has oral ulcer during the CEUS examination, while all the other patients included in our study showed no clinical symptoms related to active TA or BD. The carotid wall thickness was greater of CEUS grade 2 than grade 1 in both group(TBD: 2.62±0.74mm vs 1.66±0.22mm,p=0.001; TA:1.84±0.31mm vs 1.53±0.5mm,p=0.136). The carotid wall thickness was significantly greater in TBD group than TA group, but there was no significant differences between the two groups in clinical data and CEUS grade (table 1).

Table 1.

Clinical data and carotid CEUS features of both groups

TBDTApAge (year)32.5±3.4430.5±9.20.487Male320.605ESR (mm/h)4(2, 10)7(3.5, 11)0.406CRP (mg/L)6.42(0.55, 15.38)0.58(0.44, 5.05)0.168Wall thickness (mm)2.10±0.701.67±0.440.030CEUS grade 29120.527

Conclusion:

This study first shows carotid CEUS features in cases of TA complicated with BD, which may help with the comprehensive treatments of the disease.

Disclosure of Interests: :

None declared

Advances in the mechanism of high copper diets in restraining pigs growth

High copper feed has been widely used as an inexpensive and highly effective feed additive to promote growth performance of pigs. However, long-term feeding of high copper feed may reduce the growth-promoting effects of copper, time-dependent accumulation of copper in animal tissues and organs, and copper toxicity thereby reducing the growth performance of pigs. Due to the widespread effects of high copper supplementation in animals' diets, the benefits and drawbacks of high copper feeding in pigs have been reported in several studies. Meanwhile, few of these studies have systematically described the mechanism by which high copper diets restrain pig growth. Therefore, to address the concerns and give a better understanding of the mechanism of high copper diet in restraining pig growth in different systems, this paper reviews the research progress of long-term supplementation of high copper on the growth of pigs and provides some suggestions and further research directions.

Effects of Dietary L-arginine Supplementation from Conception to Post- Weaning in Piglets

Weaned piglets experience sudden changes in their dietary patterns such as withdrawal from the easily digestible watery milk to a coarse cereal diet with both systemic and intestinal disruptions coupling with the expression of pro-inflammatory proteins which affects the immune system and the concentrations of haptoglobin including both positive and negative acute-phase proteins in the plasma. L-arginine is an important protein amino acid for piglets, but its inadequate synthesis is a nutritional problem for both sows and piglets. Recent studies indicated that dietary supplementation of L-arginine increased feed intake, uterine growth, placental growth and nutrient transport, maternal growth and health, embryonic survival, piglets birth weight, piglet's growth, and productivity, and decreased stillbirths. L-arginine is essential in several important pathways involved in the growth and development of piglets such as nitric oxide synthesis, energy metabolism, polyamine synthesis, cellular protein production and muscle accretion, and the synthesis of other functional amino acids. However, the underlying molecular mechanism in these key pathways remains largely unresolved. This review was conducted on the general hypothesis that L-arginine increased the growth and survival of post-weaning piglets. We discussed the effects of dietary L-arginine supplementation during gestation, parturition, lactation, weaning, and post-weaning in pigs as each of these stages influences the health and survival of sows and their progenies. Therefore, the aim of this review was to discuss through a logical approach the effects of L-arginine supplementation on piglet's growth and survival from conception to postweaning.

Novel Biosynthesis, Metabolism and Physiological Functions of L-Homoarginine

L-Homoarginine (hArg) ((2S)-amino-6-Carbamimidamidohexanoic acid) is a non-essential cationic amino acid that may be synthesised from the lysine catabolism or the transamination of its precursor (Arginine: Arg). These processes involve the use of the ornithine transcarbamoylase (OTC), an enzyme from the urea cycle or the arginine: glycine amidinotransferase (AGAT), an enzyme from the creatine biosynthesis pathway. These enzymes are tissue-specific, hence they synthesised L-hArg in animals and human organs such as the liver, kidneys, brains, and the small intestines. L-hArg plays some important roles in the pathophysiological conditions, endothelial functions, and the energy metabolic processes in different organs. These functions depend on the concentrations of the available LhArg in the body. These different concentrations of the L-hArg in the body are related to the different disease conditions such as the T2D mellitus, the cardiovascular and the cerebrovascular diseases, the chronic kidney diseases, the intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and the preeclampsia (PE) in pregnancy disorders, and even mortality. However, the applications of the L-hArg in both human and animal studies is in its juvenile stage, and the mechanism of action in this vital amino acid is not fully substantiated and requires more research attention. Hence, we review the evidence with the perspective of the LhArg usage in the monogastric and human nutrition and its related health implications.

N-Acetyl-d-galactosamine prevents soya bean agglutinin-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction in intestinal porcine epithelial cells

Soya bean agglutinin (SBA) is a glycoprotein and the main anti-nutritional component in most soya bean feedstuffs. It is mainly a non-fibre carbohydrate-based protein and represents about 10% of soya bean-based anti-nutritional effects. In this study, we sought to determine the effects of N-Acetyl-D-galactosamine (GalNAc or D-GalNAc) on the damage induced by SBA on the membrane permeability and tight junction proteins of piglet intestinal epithelium (IPEC-J2) cells. The IPEC-J2 cells were pre-cultured with 0, 0.125 × 10-4 , 0.25 × 10-4 , 0.5 × 10-4 , 1.0 × 10-4 and 2.0 × 10-4  mmol/L GalNAc at different time period (1, 2, 4 and 8 hr) before being exposed to 0.5 mg/ml SBA for 24 hr. The results indicate that pre-incubation with GalNAc mitigates the mechanical barrier injury as reflected by a significant increase in trans-epithelial electric resistance (TEER) value and a decrease in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in cell culture medium pre-treated with GalNAc before incubation with SBA as both indicate a reduction in cellular membrane permeability. In addition, mRNA levels of the tight junction proteins occludin and claudin-3 were lower in the SBA-treated groups without pre-treatment with GalNAc. The mRNA expression of occludin was reduced by 17.3% and claudin-3 by 42% (p < 0.01). Moreover, the corresponding protein expression levels were lowered by 17.8% and 43.5% (p < 0.05) respectively. However, in the GalNAc pre-treated groups, occludin and claudin-3 mRNAs were reduced by 1.6% (p > 0.05) and 2.7% (p < 0.01), respectively, while the corresponding proteins were reduced by 4.3% and 7.2% (p < 0.05). In conclusion, GalNAc may prevent the effect of SBA on membrane permeability and tight junction proteins on IPEC-J2s.

Interactions of Dietary Fibre with Nutritional Components on Gut Microbial Composition, Function and Health in Monogastrics

The relation between dietary fibre and the well-being of human and other monogastrics has recently became a hot topic as shown by the increasing number of publications of the related research. The aim of this review is to describe - through a logical approach - the scientific suggestion linking possible benefits of dietary fibre on nutritional components and their effect on the gastrointestinal composition in relation to disease conditions in humans and animals. Dietary fibre plays a key role in: influencing blood glucose or insulin concentrations, stool bulkiness, reducing the pH within the digestive tract, synthesising volatile fatty acids (VFA), reducing intestinal transit time, stimulating growth of intestinal microbes, and constructively enhancing various blood parameters. The available literature suggests that fibre influences the bioavailability of nutrients and maintains the host's well-being by controlling disorders and disease prevalent with a Western way of living such as constipation and diarrhoea, diabetes, obesity, gastrointestinal inflammation, atherosclerosis, and colon cancer. Although there are some studies demonstrating that dietary fibre may be effective in the prevention and treatment of these disorders, the mechanisms involved are yet to be understood.

Effects of pulverized oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) on diarrhea incidence, growth performance, immunity, and microbial composition in piglets

BACKGROUND

Pleurotus ostreatus mushroom (POM) is an edible mushroom with rich nutritional components and vital pharmacological properties. The present study comprised 100 cross-bred piglets, weaned at 28 days old, who were randomly assigned to four POM diets with five replicates per diet and five piglets per pen.

RESULTS

POM supplementation (P < 0.05) decreased the incidence of diarrhea, and also increased the average daily feed intake and average daily gain of pigs. Fecal acetate, butyrate and propionate increased with the addition of POM. Interleukin-2, immunoglobulin G, immunoglobulin M, tumor necrosis factor-α and immunoglobulin A increased (P < 0.05) with the addition of POM. The 16S rDNA sequencing results showed that the Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes were the dominant microbial strains in the fecal samples, irrespective of POM supplementation. Shannon diversity, whole tree phylogenetic diversity, observed species and Chao1 analysis exhibited significant variation in species richness across the treatments. Principal coordinates analysis showed a significant (P < 0.1) increase in the microbial communities amongst all of the treatment groups.

CONCLUSION

The results of the present study suggest that the supplementation of POM in the diet of piglets might increase feed consumption, gut microbial composition and diversity, as well as short-chain fatty acids synthesis, consequently preventing the occurrence of diarrhea and increasing the growth of piglets. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of Astragalus membranaceus fiber on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, microbial composition, VFA production, gut pH, and immunity of weaned pigs

Astragalus membranaceus is an herbaceous perennial plant, growing to about 2 feet tall, with sprawling stems and alternate leaves about 12-24 leaflets. In total, 24 cross bred (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) piglets weaned at 4 weeks with an average body weight of 10.84 ± 1.86 kg, were divided into four groups and randomly assigned to dietary treatments containing different AMSLF levels (0.00%, 2.50%, 5.00%, and 7.50%). The piglets in the control group (0.00% AMSLF) were fed basal diet and other treatment groups were fed basal diet in addition to 2.50%, 5.00%, and 7.50% pulverized AMSLF. The results indicated that supplementation with AMSLF significantly (p < 0.05) decreased diarrheal incidence in piglets. There was significant difference between treatment in terms of ADFI, ADG and FCR. Both 5.00% and 7.50% treatments significantly increased growth performance. The digestibility of gross energy and dry matter increased (p > 0.05) with increasing AMSLF level. The level of blood IL-2 and TNF-α were significantly affected by AMSLF supplementation with 7.50% AMSLF group having higher (p < 0.05) IL-2 and TNF-α levels than the other treatment groups. The 16SrDNA sequencing results from the four treatments showed that the potentially active bacterial microbial population and diversity in pig cecum were dominated by the phyla Bacteriodetes and Firmicutes regardless of the AMSLF supplementation. The Shannon diversity, PD whole tree diversity indices and Chao analyses exhibited significant variability in species richness across the treatments. The principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) showed significant (p < 0.1) differences between bacterial communities in all treatment groups. Results from the current study suggested that AMSLF supplementation increased composition of bacterial microbiota in pig gut. In conclusion, dietary supplements with AMSLF could potentially be used to prevent diarrheal incidence and improved pig production.

Eleutheroside B increase tight junction proteins and anti-inflammatory cytokines expression in intestinal porcine jejunum epithelial cells (IPEC-J2)

Eleutheroside B (EB) is a phenylpropanoid glycoside with anti-inflammatory properties, neuroprotective abilities, immunomodulatory effects, antinociceptive effects, and regulation of blood glucose. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of EB on the barrier function in the intestinal porcine epithelial cells J2 (IPEC-J2). The IPEC-J2 cells were inoculated into 96-well plates at a density of 5 × 10³ cells per well for 100% confluence. The cells were cultured in the presence of EB at concentrations of 0, 0.05, 0.10, and 0.20 mg/ml for 48 hr. Then, 0.10 mg/ml was selected as the suitable concentration for the estimation of transepithelial electric resistance (TEER) value, alkaline phosphatase activity, proinflammatory cytokines mRNA expression, tight junction mRNA and protein expression. The results of this study indicated that the supplementation of EB in IPEC-J2 cells decreased cellular membrane permeability and mRNA expression of proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), interferon-γ (INF-γ), and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). The supplementation of EB in IPEC-J2 cells increased tight junction protein expression and anti-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin 10 (IL-10) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β). In addition, the western blotting and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) results indicated that EB significantly (p < 0.05) increased the mRNA and protein expression of intestinal tight junction proteins, Claudin-3, Occludin, and Zonula Occludins protein-1 (ZO-1). Therefore, dietary supplementation of EB may increase intestinal barrier function, tight junction protein expression, anti-inflammatory cytokines, and decrease proinflammatory cytokines synthesis in IPEC-J2 cells.

"Bridge Proteins" Link Inflammation and Metabolic Diseases: Potential Targets for Therapeutics

Clinical observations support the postulate that chronic low-grade inflammation underlies metabolic diseases and inflammatory mediators can trigger some metabolic diseases. In disorder condition, what is the first one: metabolic diseases cause inflammation or conversely? This "chicken or egg" type question was hard to answer. However, instead of focusing on this difficult issue, we should ask another challenging question: what are the links between inflammation and metabolic diseases? Seizing the key from this chaos may be the best way to solve the problem and break the cycle. To answer this question, we review the regulators (such as NF-κB, PPARs, mTOR, and STAT3) that have important roles in both metabolism and inflammation. These "bridge proteins" that link metabolic diseases and inflammation not only increase our understanding of these two diseases, but also provide potential targets for therapeutics and practical clinical applications.

The French Infectious Diseases Society's readiness and response to epidemic or biological risk-the current situation following the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus and Ebola virus disease alerts

CONTEXT

In 2012, the French Infectious Diseases Society (French acronym SPILF) initiated the "Coordination of epidemic and biological risk" (SPILF-COREB - Emergences [SCE]) group to support the readiness and response of healthcare workers (HCWs) to new alerts.

OBJECTIVE

To present the SCE group, its functioning, and the main support it provided for frontline HCWs.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary group of heads of infectious disease departments from reference hospitals was created to build a network of clinical expertise for care, training, and research in the field of epidemic and biological risk (EBR). The network developed a set of standardized operational procedures (SOPs) to guide interventions to manage EBR-suspect patients.

RESULTS

A working group created the SOP aimed at frontline HCWs taking care of patients. Priority was given to the development of a generic procedure, which was then adapted according to the current alert. Five key steps were identified and hierarchized: detecting, protecting, caring for, alerting, and referring the EBR patient. The interaction between clinicians and those responsible for the protection of the community was crucial. The SOPs validated by the SPILF and its affiliates were disseminated to a wide range of key stakeholders through various media including workshops and the SPILF's website.

CONCLUSION

SPILF can easily adapt and timely mobilize the EBR expertise in case of an alert. The present work suggests that sharing and discussing this experience, initiated at the European level, can generate a new collective expertise and needs to be further developed and strengthened.

Effects of Dietary Iron Modulation on Gut Microbial Composition and Function in Monogastrics: A Review

Dietary iron is a crucial nutrient element for biological processes of both hosts and gut microbiota. Deficiency in dietary iron is a highly common disorder in the developing locations of the world and can be healed by oral iron administration or complementary iron diet. While the redundant iron that enters the gut lumen leads to negative effects, and modulates the gut microbial composition and function. Such modulation led to a significant effect on vital biological pathways of the host, including metabolic disease (obesity and type 2 diabetes), metabolites (SCFA, blood glucose and cholesterol), bile acid metabolism, endocrine, neural, and other well-being patterns. This review covers the multifaceted aspects of different nutritional iron stress on the composition and function of microbial gut in monogastrics and consequential health conditions as well as it reveals unclear points that need further studies.

Effects of Dietary Non-Fiber Carbohydrates on Composition and Function of Gut Microbiome in Monogastrics: A Review

Non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC) have a crucial function on the gut health of monogastrics. This paper aims to review the relevant published materials on the influence of NFCs on the gut's microbial population and composition in monogastrics, and points out the areas of the required research. Total bacteria count and Lactobacillus sp. were decreased with an increase in composition of dietary NFC intake, as well as accompanied by a decrease in the short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) levels. Consequently, some metabolites were affected by the accumulation of the bile acids, including molecules which control different gene expression levels, as regulators involved in glucose (FXR and TGR5) and fat metabolism (cholesterol). Cell proliferation rate of both gastrointestinal epithelium and microbiome cells was negatively correlated with the dietary NFC levels in many species of monogastric animals. Low levels of NFC diet are negatively associated with digestibility, total gut weight, and gastrointestinal secretions. High levels of dietary NFC have negative effects on the digestion and absorption of macronutrients, with an increase of the contact time of the carcinogens in the intestinal lumen. The data obtained from different animals' studies did not give the same results. In conclusion, dietary NFC should be adjusted to the optimal consumption levels as the human and the monogastric animals are anatomically and physiologically different. Digestion, metabolism, host wellbeing, and host behavior were negatively affected by the administration of high NFC levels. The relations between sulphate-reducing bacteria and some metabolic diseases such as diabetes mellitus and obesity need further exploration.

Effects of Environmental Temperature and Dietary Fat Content on The Performance and Heat Production and Substrate Oxidation in Growing Pigs

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of temperature and dietary fat level on growth performance, heat production, nutrient oxidation and nitrogen balance in growing pigs. Thirty-two pigs (Duroc × Landrace × Large White) with initial weight of 25±1.91 kg were assigned to treatments in 2×4 factorial design. All pigs were fed with two isoenergetic and isoproteic diets of different fat levels (low fat level: 3.68% fat of dry matter (DM) and high fat level: 8.39% fat of DM) under four environmental temperatures (23, 18, 13 and 8 ºC). Heat production (HP) and nutrient oxidation were calculated from gas exchange via measurement with respiration chambers. The results showed that there was no interaction effect on growth performance by the temperature and dietary fat level. The average daily feed intake (ADFI) was lower (P < 0.001), the average daily gain (ADG) was higher (P < 0.001) and feed utilization was more efficient at 23 ºC than 13 and 8 ºC (P < 0.001). Dietary fat had no effect on growth performance and feed utilization at the four different temperatures. A significant interaction (P < 0.001) between temperature and dietary fat level on oxidation of carbohydrate (OXCHO) and fat (OXF) was observed. HP, OXF and OXCHO were significantly increased (P < 0.001) as environment temperatures decreased. Increasing dietary fat generated an increase in the OXF and decrease in the OXCHO (P < 0.001). No significant difference was observed in protein oxidation (OXP) of two factors. The intakes of nitrogen, nitrogen excretion in feces (FN) and urine (UN) by the pigs kept in 8 ºC environment were highest. Nitrogen digestibility decreased as environmental temperature decreased, with the most efficient gains obtained at 23 ºC. However, nitrogen retention was not influenced by environmental temperature. Dietary fat level did not affect nitrogen balance. No significant interaction between temperature and dietary fat level was observed for nitrogen balance. These results indicated that the rate of growth and nutrition utilization in pigs fed ad libitum are influenced by the environmental temperatures in which they are maintained, and the oxidation of nutrition utilization of the pig to different environmental temperatures is altered by the dietary fat supplementation.

Whole-body synthesis of L-homoarginine in pigs and rats supplemented with L-arginine

Recent studies suggest an important role for L-homoarginine in cardiovascular, hepatic and neurological functions, as well as the regulation of glucose metabolism. However, little is known about whole-body L-homoarginine synthesis or its response to dietary L-arginine intake in animals. Four series of experiments were conducted to determine L-homoarginine synthesis and catabolism in pigs and rats. In Experiment 1, male and female pigs were fed a corn- and soybean meal-based diet supplemented with 0.0-2.42 % L-arginine-HCl. In Experiment 2, male and female rats were fed a casein-based diet, while receiving drinking water containing supplemental L-arginine-HCl to provide 0.0-3.6 g L-arginine/kg body-weight/day. In both experiments, urine collected from the animals for 24 h was analyzed for L-homoarginine and related metabolites. In Experiment 3, pigs and rats received a single oral dose of 1 or 10 mg L-homoarginine/kg body-weight, respectively, and their urine was collected for 24 h for analyses of L-homoarginine and related substances. In Experiment 4, slices of pig and rat tissues (including liver, brain, kidney, heart, and skeletal-muscle) were incubated for 1 h in Krebs-bicarbonate buffer containing 5 or 50 µM L-homoarginine. Our results indicated that: (a) animal tissues did not degrade L-homoarginine in the presence of physiological concentrations of other amino-acids; (b) 95-96 % of orally administered L-homoarginine was recovered in urine; (c) L-homoarginine was quantitatively a minor product of L-arginineg catabolism in the body; and (d) dietary L-arginine supplementation dose-dependently increased whole-body L-homoarginine synthesis. These novel findings provide a new framework for future studies of L-homoarginine metabolism and physiology in animals and humans.

Epidemiology of pulmonary tuberculosis in France. Can the hospital discharge database be a reliable source of information?

OBJECTIVE

In France, tuberculosis surveillance is based on mandatory notification (MN) of cases. However, the MN does not allow the full description of cases, and underreporting limits data interpretation. Aiming at better describing the cases of tuberculosis, the hospital record database (PMSI) was analyzed.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

Incident cases of active pulmonary tuberculosis identified in 2010 in France in the PMSI were included and their characteristics were compared with those of the cases identified through the MN.

RESULTS

In 2010, 5158 incident cases of pulmonary tuberculosis were identified in the PMSI. The mean duration of hospitalization was higher for cases considered contagious — at least one positive test result on pulmonary sample — (22 vs 13 days, P < 0.001). Among all cases, 5% were infected by HIV. Death was reported for 4% of cases. The number of pulmonary TB cases reported in the MN was 3781 in 2010. PMSI data by sex, region of residence and month of diagnosis were similar with those of the MN but patients were older in the PMSI (52 vs 47 years, P < 0.001). Considering the PMSI as exhaustive, sensitivity of the MN was estimated at 73.3% in 2010.

CONCLUSION

PMSI data were compatible with those of the MN and the estimation of the sensitivity was close to other French studies. PMSI can be considered as an interesting tool aiming at improving our knowledge about tuberculosis (TB) cases and strengthening awareness where the sensitivity of the MN is low.

Metabolites of Dietary Protein and Peptides by Intestinal Microbes and their Impacts on Gut

Dietary protein is a vital nutrient for humans and animals, which is primarily digested into peptides and free amino acids (FAAs) in the upper gastrointestine with the help of proteases. The products are absorbed by the enterocytes and are metabolized in different organs of body. Dietary protein, peptides and FAAs that escape digestion and absorption of the small intestine will enter the large intestine for further fermentation by the vast gut microbiota. Particularly, amino acid (AAs) metabolism by bacteria occurs via either deamination or decarboxylation reactions and generates short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) or amines, respectively. These metabolites elicit a wide range of biological functions via different receptors and mechanisms. This review discusses the interaction between protein metabolites and gastrointestine, illustrates regulation of intestinal motility and immune response by SCFAs and their receptors, and focuses on modulation of intestinal inflammation and signal transduction by biogenic amines (BAs) involving polyamines and monoamine neurotransmitters.

Groundwater arsenic removal by coagulation using ferric(III) sulfate and polyferric sulfate: A comparative and mechanistic study

Elevated arsenic (As) in groundwater poses a great threat to human health. Coagulation using mono- and poly-Fe salts is becoming one of the most cost-effective processes for groundwater As removal. However, a limitation comes from insufficient understanding of the As removal mechanism from groundwater matrices in the coagulation process, which is critical for groundwater treatment and residual solid disposal. Here, we overcame this hurdle by utilizing microscopic techniques to explore molecular As surface complexes on the freshly formed Fe flocs and compared ferric(III) sulfate (FS) and polyferric sulfate (PFS) performance, and finally provided a practical solution in As-geogenic areas. FS and PFS exhibited a similar As removal efficiency in coagulation and coagulation/filtration in a two-bucket system using 5mg/L Ca(ClO)2. By using the two-bucket system combining coagulation and sand filtration, 500 L of As-safe water (<10 μg/L) was achieved during five treatment cycles by washing the sand layer after each cycle. Fe k-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) and As k-edge extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) analysis of the solid residue indicated that As formed a bidentate binuclear complex on ferrihydrite, with no observation of scorodite or poorly-crystalline ferric arsenate. Such a stable surface complex is beneficial for As immobilization in the solid residue, as confirmed by the achievement of much lower leachate As (0.9 μg/L-0.487 mg/L) than the US EPA regulatory limit (5 mg/L). Finally, PFS is superior to FS because of its lower dose, much lower solid residue, and lower cost for As-safe drinking water.

Impact of the BCG vaccination policy on tuberculous meningitis in children under 6 years in metropolitan France between 2000 and 2011

In France, Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccination by multipuncture device was withdrawn in 2006. In 2007, universal mandatory BCG vaccination was replaced by vaccination of high-risk children. To evaluate the impact of these changes on tuberculous meningitis (TBM) epidemiology, data on culture-positive and culture-negative (or unknown microbiological result) TBM in ≤5 years olds were collected from 2000–2011. Ten culture-positive and 17 culture-negative TBM cases were identified, with an annual incidence rate ranging from 0.16 to 0.66 cases per 10 million inhabitants. The average annual numbers of TBM cases were 2.7 and 1.8 from 2000–2005 and 2006–2011, respectively. In Ile-de-France where all children are considered at risk, the overall incidence rates were 1.14 and 0.29 per million for the two periods. In other regions where only at-risk children are vaccinated since 2007, rates were 0.30 and 0.47, respectively. None of these differences were significant. Annual incidence rates for each one year age group cohort were comparable before and after changes. Childhood TBM remains rare in France. No increase in incidence was observed after changes in BCG vaccination strategy. Ongoing surveillance should be maintained, as a slight increase in TBM in the coming years remains possible, in the context of suboptimal vaccination coverage of high-risk children.

Epidemiologic characteristics associated with ST23 clones compared to ST1 and ST47 clones of Legionnaires disease cases in France

In France, approximately 1200 cases of Legionnaires disease (LD) are reported annually, and isolates are available for approximately 20% of cases identified since 2000. All Legionella pneumophila serogroup 1 (sg1) isolates are characterized by sequence-based typing at the National Reference Centre. LD cases caused by L. pneumophila sg1 reported from 2008 through 2012 were considered for the study. Our study objective was to describe cases according to their sequence type (ST). We also constructed multivariable modified Poisson regression models to estimate the incidence rate ratio (IRR) and to identify characteristics potentially associated with ST23 clones compared to ST1 and ST47 clones. We studied 1192 patients infected by ST1 (n = 109), ST23 (n = 236), ST47 (n = 123) or other STs (n = 724). The geographic distribution of the ST23 cases across the country was significantly different compared to other ST groups. This genotype was significantly associated with the absence of corticosteroid therapy compared to ST1 (IRR = 0.56; p 0.016). Concerning exposure, the ST23 genotype was significantly less associated with hospital-acquired infections compared to ST1 (IRR = 0.32; p 0.001), but it was more associated with infections acquired in hospitals and elderly settings compared with ST47. Finally, the ST23 genotype was less frequently associated with travel than other STs. Despite the large number of cases of ST23 infection, we did not identify any characteristics specific to this ST. However, we identified independent associations between ST1 and nosocomial transmission and steroid therapy. These findings should encourage further exploration, especially in terms of environmental diffusion, strain virulence and host factors.

Rapid on-site separation of As(III) and As(V) in waters using a disposable thiol-modified sand cartridge

The rapid redox transformation of arsenic (As) species in waters presents a great environmental challenge in the accurate determination of its concentration and toxicity. The motivation of the present study was therefore to develop a method for rapid on-site separation of As(V) and As(III) in various aqueous matrices. The authors synthesized a thiol-modified sand (T-sand) that selectively removed As(III) but did not adsorb As(V). The novel application of this T-sand in a disposable cartridge was able to successfully separate As(V) (37-970 µg L(-1) ) and As(III) (not detected to 488 µg L(-1) ) in 23 groundwater samples collected in areas with naturally occurring As. The As speciation results determined with T-sand separation in the field were consistent with those obtained using high-performance liquid chromatography-atomic fluorescence spectrometry. Furthermore, the T-sand cartridge was applicable in a wide variety of matrices, including groundwater, leachants of the toxicity-characteristic leaching procedure, and extracts from the California waste extraction test; sequential extraction test; and in vitro gastrointestinal extraction. This easy-to-use separation method is especially suitable for routine field monitoring of As speciation.

GIV: A Tool for Genomic Islands Visualization

A Genomic Islands (GI) is a chunk of DNA sequence in a genome whose origin can be traced back to other organisms or viruses. The detection of GIs plays an indispensable role in biomedical research, due to the fact that GIs are highly related to special functionalities such as disease-causing GIs - pathogenicity islands. It is also very important to visualize genomic islands, as well as the supporting features corresponding to the genomic islands in the genome. We have developed a program, Genomic Island Visualization (GIV), which displays the locations of genomic islands in a genome, as well as the corresponding supportive feature information for GIs. GIV was implemented in C++, and was compiled and executed on Linux/Unix operating systems.

First cases of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infections in France, investigations and implications for the prevention of human-to-human transmission, France, May 2013

In May 2013, Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection was diagnosed in an adult male in France with severe respiratory illness, who had travelled to the United Arab Emirates before symptom onset. Contact tracing identified a secondary case in a patient hospitalised in the same hospital room. No other cases of MERS-CoV infection were identified among the index case’s 123 contacts, nor among 39 contacts of the secondary case, during the 10-day follow-up period.

Constructing phylogenetic trees using interacting pathways

Phylogenetic trees are used to represent evolutionary relationships among biological species or organisms. The construction of phylogenetic trees is based on the similarities or differences of their physical or genetic features. Traditional approaches of constructing phylogenetic trees mainly focus on physical features. The recent advancement of high-throughput technologies has led to accumulation of huge amounts of biological data, which in turn changed the way of biological studies in various aspects. In this paper, we report our approach of building phylogenetic trees using the information of interacting pathways. We have applied hierarchical clustering on two domains of organisms-eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Our preliminary results have shown the effectiveness of using the interacting pathways in revealing evolutionary relationships.

Treatment outcome monitoring of pulmonary tuberculosis cases notified in France in 2009

The proportion of patients considered to be cured is a key indicator to assess national tuberculosis (TB) control. In France, TB treatment outcome monitoring was implemented in 2007. This article presents national results on treatment outcome among patients with pulmonary TB reported in France in 2009 and explores determinants of potentially unfavourable outcome. Information on treatment outcome was reported for 63% of eligible pulmonary cases of whom 70% had a successful outcome. In a multivariate analysis, potentially unfavourable outcome (17%), compared to treatment success, was significantly associated with being male, born abroad and having lived in France for less than 10 years, being in congregate settings when treatment was initiated, or having a previous history of anti-TB treatment. Enhanced awareness of treatment outcome monitoring is essential to improve the coverage and the quality of information. Earlier diagnosis and improved management of the disease in the elderly may reduce death due to TB. The high proportion of potentially unfavourable outcomes should be further investigated as they may require additional vigilance and/or actions in term of efforts of TB control in some population groups.

Treatment outcome monitoring of pulmonary tuberculosis cases notified in France in 2009

The proportion of patients considered to be cured is a key indicator to assess national tuberculosis (TB) control. In France, TB treatment outcome monitoring was implemented in 2007. This article presents national results on treatment outcome among patients with pulmonary TB reported in France in 2009 and explores determinants of potentially unfavourable outcome. Information on treatment outcome was reported for 63% of eligible pulmonary cases of whom 70% had a successful outcome. In a multivariate analysis, potentially unfavourable outcome (17%), compared to treatment success, was significantly associated with being male, born abroad and having lived in France for less than 10 years, being in congregate settings when treatment was initiated, or having a previous history of anti-TB treatment. Enhanced awareness of treatment outcome monitoring is essential to improve the coverage and the quality of information. Earlier diagnosis and improved management of the disease in the elderly may reduce death due to TB. The high proportion of potentially unfavourable outcomes should be further investigated as they may require additional vigilance and/or actions in term of efforts of TB control in some population groups.