Genogroup I picobirnaviruses in pigs: evidence for genetic diversity and relatedness to human strains.

Picobirnaviruses (PBVs) are small, non-enveloped viruses with a bisegmented double-stranded RNA genome. Their pathogenic potential, ecology, and evolutionary features are largely unexplored. Here, we describe the molecular analysis of porcine PBVs identified in the intestinal content of dead pigs. Six of 13 positive samples were cloned and then subjected to single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis and nucleotide sequencing. All clones belonged to genogroup I PBVs and almost all clones clustered on separate branches from human strains. A single strain shared a notably close genetic relationship with a Hungarian human PBV strain (89.9 nt and 96.4% aa identity). Genetic diversity was also observed among strains identified in mixed infections. Single point mutations and deleterious mutations within highly related strains suggested that PBVs exist as quasispecies in the swine alimentary tract. Clones with complete sequence identities originating from different animals suggested effective animal-to-animal transmission of the virus. Our findings indicate that infection with genogroup I PBVs is common in pigs.

Enteric caliciviruses in domestic pigs in Hungary.

Caliciviruses closely related to human norovirus and sapovirus were recently detected in domestic pigs, causing discussions about the animal reservoir and the potential for zoonotic transmission to humans. To detect porcine caliciviruses, 17 fecal samples collected on two swine farms in southwestern Hungary were tested by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Three (17.6%) samples were positive for caliciviruses. This study confirms the presence of caliciviruses, both porcine sapovirus (genus Sapovirus) and porcine norovirus (genus Norovirus), in domestic pigs in Hungary and provides additional information on the viral genetic diversity and relationship to viruses referred to as human caliciviruses.

Turbinate atrophy evaluation in pigs by computed tomography.

Computed tomography (CT), a non-invasive visualisation technique was applied for imaging the bony structures of the nasal cavity of pigs, and compared to the traditional scoring system of turbinate atrophy in swine. Twenty-three 27-week-old pigs representing various stages of turbinate atrophy were used. Nasal structures were visually scored on CT scans and transversal cuts of the noses at the level of the first upper premolar teeth using the same scoring system in both cases. A tissue/air area ratio was also determined based on density differences. A highly significant correlation was found between visual scoring of CT images and transversal cuts of pig noses (r = 0.98, p < 0.0001) as well as between visual scoring of CT images and tissue/air area ratio determination (r = -0.82, p < 0.0001).

Effect of beta-carotene and nucleotide base supplementation on blood composition and immune response in weaned pigs.

The effect of synthetic beta-carotene and synthetic nucleotide base on daily weight gain, feed consumption and certain haematological, biochemical and immunological parameters of piglets were studied in a 3-week experiment. Beginning one week prior to weaning, the diet fed to one experimental group of piglets was supplemented with 10% Rovimix Beta-carotene at 875 mg/kg of diet. Synthetic uracil and adenine (98%, Sigma-Aldrich) were mixed into the diet of the other experimental group at doses of 500 mg/kg of diet for each substance. The control group received the basic diet without any supplementation. The changes observed over time in the haematological parameters and in certain biochemical variables could be regarded as physiological. By day 21 of the experiment, beta-carotene supplementation had significantly lowered the neutrophilic granulocyte percentage and elevated the lymphocyte percentage, while in the other two groups a change of opposite tendency occurred. At the end of the experimental period there was a decrease in plasma vitamin E concentration due to carotene supplementation (control: 6.1 +/- 1.5, nucleotide: 6.3 +/- 2.5, carotene: 2.3 +/- 1.5 mg/L). Lymphocyte blastogenesis induced by phytohaemagglutinin and concanavalin A increased by 50 and 130%, respectively, in the nucleotide group and by 60 and 30%, respectively, in the carotene group, while it did not change in the control group. The supplements exerted no positive effect on the in vivo cellular immune response.

Effect of selenium, vitamin E and riboflavin supplementation of the feed on the humoral and cell-mediated immune responses of growing pigs.

The feed of weaned piglets of Hungarian Large White X Duroc and Dutch Landrace X Duroc genotype was supplemented with 0.5 mg selenium, 50, 100 or 150 mg vitamin E, and 2.5 or 5 mg riboflavin per kg. Feed supplementation enhanced the cytotoxic reaction and elevated the antibody titres produced against purified horse gamma globulin antigen. However, as compared to the control the differences were not significant. Feed supplementation exerted a beneficial, though varying, influence on the indices of cell-mediated immunity. The proportion of rosette-forming cells and blastogenic transformation induced by specific (horse globulin) and nonspecific (phytohaemagglutinin, PHA) mitogens underwent the most expressed and most significant increase in pigs fed 5 mg selenium, 100 mg vitamin E and 5 mg riboflavin per kg of feed. On the other hand, feed supplementation failed to enhance the responsiveness to intradermal PHA (type IV allergic reaction).

[The Diagnostic Interview Schedule in Spanish: its translation and adaptation in Puerto Rico]. / El DIS en español: su traducción y adaptación en Puerto Rico.

The process and results of the Puerto Rico's DIS Spanish translation and adaptation are described in this paper. The process is presented in the context of cross cultural research on psychiatric diagnoses and the translation and adaptation of diagnostic instruments for use across cultural boundaries. Several translation techniques were employed (bilingual committee, back-translation and instrument testing) to obtain an instrument in correct Spanish, comprehensible for most Spanish-speaking people as well as linguistically and culturally adapted to the Puerto Rican population. Its semantic, technical, contents and criterion equivalence with the English DIS were considered. The resulting instrument is not only a translation and adaptation of the original but it also presents some additional features which aim to enhance its diagnostic accuracy. A descriptive and quantitative comparison with the Karno et al's Spanish DIS version is also included as well as a discussion of its possible contribution to DIS transcultural use, specially in Hispanic cultures.

El DIS en español: su traducción y adaptación en Puerto Rico. / [The Diagnostic Interview Schedule in Spanish: its translation and adaptation in Puerto Rico]

The process and results of the Puerto Ricos DIS Spanish translation and adaptation are described in this paper. The process is presented in the context of cross cultural research on psychiatric diagnoses and the translation and adaptation of diagnostic instruments for use across cultural boundaries. Several translation techniques were employed (bilingual committee, back-translation and instrument testing) to obtain an instrument in correct Spanish, comprehensible for most Spanish-speaking people as well as linguistically and culturally adapted to the Puerto Rican population. Its semantic, technical, contents and criterion equivalence with the English DIS were considered. The resulting instrument is not only a translation and adaptation of the original but it also presents some additional features which aim to enhance its diagnostic accuracy. A descriptive and quantitative comparison with the Karno et als Spanish DIS version is also included as well as a discussion of its possible contribution to DIS transcultural use, specially in Hispanic cultures.