Examining transdiagnostic factors among religious and spiritual individuals with comorbid eating disorders and post-traumatic stress disorders.

Eating disorders (EDs) have a harmful impact on the lives of millions of individuals in the United States. Research indicates that comorbid trauma could negatively impact treatment outcomes, reinforcing ED symptomology. Transdiagnostic approaches underscore experiential avoidance as a maintaining factor for EDs and other comorbid concerns, while mindfulness and adaptive coping help disrupt avoidance of emotional experiences. In addition to treatment approaches, clinicians must consider cultural identity factors, such as religion and spirituality (R/S), to engage in culturally responsive treatment. In the present study, we examined transdiagnostic factors in a clinical sample of 1153 individuals with comorbid EDs and post-traumatic stress disorder (99.6% of the sample), specifically considering differences between those who identified as religious, spiritual, or neither. Using a one-way analysis of variance, we found statistically significant differences in ED symptomology and adaptive coping scores across groups. Conversely, we found no statistically significant differences in mindfulness and experiential avoidance scores across groups. Despite the small effect sizes, these preliminary findings add to the existing body of research on R/S using a transdiagnostic framework, supporting the integration of spirituality into ED treatment to promote adaptive coping. Future research is needed to address the study's limitations, such as exploring adaptive coping styles that may further explain these relationships.

Dating Violence and the Impact of Technology: Examining the Lived Experiences of Sorority Members.

Dating violence (DV) is pervasive on college campuses with far-reaching health implications. We examined 70 sorority members' lived experiences with DV and explored the role of technology. Experience, perpetration, exposure, support systems, and conceptualization of DV were assessed, and sorority members engaged in small focus groups to examine their lived experiences. Emerging themes included (a) normalization of unhealthy behaviors, (b) technology and the experience of violence, and (c) sources of support and coping. Findings included significant correlations between the experience and perpetration of DV. Results highlight the need for peer intervention and prevention programming and infusing technology in constructive ways.

Differences in virulence among porcine circovirus type 2 isolates are unrelated to cluster type 2a or 2b and prior infection provides heterologous protection.

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is divided into two genetic clusters designated PCV2a and PCV2b. The objectives of this study were to determine whether isolates from different clusters vary in virulence and to determine whether infection with PCV2a isolates induces protective immunity against subsequent infection with a recent PCV2b isolate. One-hundred and thirteen conventional specific-pathogen-free (SPF) pigs were assigned randomly to treatment groups and rooms: pigs inoculated with PCV2a cluster isolates (ISU-40895 or ISU-4838), pigs inoculated with PCV2b cluster isolates (NC-16845 or Can-17639) and uninoculated pigs. Necropsies were performed at 16 or 51 days post-inoculation (p.i.). There were no significant differences in PCV2-associated lymphoid lesions between PCV2a and PCV2b clusters; however, within the same cluster, significant differences were found between isolates: ISU-4838- and Can-17639-inoculated pigs had significantly (P<0.05) less severe lesions compared with ISU-40895- and NC-16845-inoculated pigs. To evaluate cross-protection, six pigs within each group were challenged at 35 days p.i. with an isolate from the heterologous cluster and were necropsied 51 days p.i. The severity of PCV2-associated lesions was reduced in pigs with prior exposure to an isolate from the heterologous cluster in comparison with singly inoculated pigs. Results indicate that the virulence of PCV2a and PCV2b isolates is not different in the conventional SPF pig model; however, the virulence of isolates within the same cluster differs. Increased virulence as reported to be associated with PCV2b isolates in the field was not observed under the conditions of this study. Moreover, cross-protection between PCV2a and PCV2b exists.

Exploring the health care status of two communities in the Dominican Republic.

BACKGROUND: This article looks at two impoverished communities in the Dominican Republic that are working in collaboration with a USA-based organization to meet the physical, emotional, educational, and spiritual needs of the children in these areas. METHODS: An exploratory descriptive study was performed to establish baseline information. The knowledge gained from this study will provide guidance in the development of effective school-based strategies to meet the physical, emotional, and nutritional needs of the children. Data gathered from health records obtained during medical clinics in these two communities were reviewed. Descriptive statistics were performed to examine demographics, chief complaints, diagnoses, and treatments of approximately 1500 Dominicans. FINDINGS: Results support that living conditions and the lack of primary care continue to underpin the majority of health issues within these communities. OUTCOMES: School-based health initiatives along with a well child-screening programme are being developed to enhance the health of the children in these communities.

Qualitative screening for drugs of abuse in hair using GC-MS.

A previously described method for the analysis of hair has been modified to include analysis for amphetamines, benzodiazepines, cocaine and its metabolites, methadone and its metabolite, and phencyclidine in addition to opiates on a sample of hair. The samples of hair were washed twice with dichloromethane and cut into 1-mm segments prior to extraction with methanol at 45 degrees C for 18 h. The extracts were split into two parts; both were evaporated to dryness. One half of the extract was derivatized using MBTFA for analysis of amphetamines, and the other half was derivatized using MTBSTFA for analysis of the remaining drugs. The extracts were analyzed using electron impact gas chromatography-mass spectrometry operating in selected ion monitoring mode. In total, 18 drugs of abuse/metabolites could be detected. The method was used to screen 20 hair samples from patients attending a methadone-maintenance clinic.

Isolation and characterization of H4N6 avian influenza viruses from pigs with pneumonia in Canada.

In October 1999, H4N6 influenza A viruses were isolated from pigs with pneumonia on a commercial swine farm in Canada. Phylogenetic analyses of the sequences of all eight viral RNA segments demonstrated that these are wholly avian influenza viruses of the North American lineage. To our knowledge, this is the first report of interspecies transmission of an avian H4 influenza virus to domestic pigs under natural conditions.

Genetic characterization of H3N2 influenza viruses isolated from pigs in North America, 1977-1999: evidence for wholly human and reassortant virus genotypes.

Since 1998, H3N2 viruses have caused epizootics of respiratory disease in pigs throughout the major swine production regions of the U.S. These outbreaks are remarkable because swine influenza in North America had previously been caused almost exclusively by H1N1 viruses. We sequenced the full-length protein coding regions of all eight RNA segments from four H3N2 viruses that we isolated from pigs in the Midwestern U.S. between March 1998 and March 1999, as well as from H3N2 viruses recovered from a piglet in Canada in January 1997 and from a pig in Colorado in 1977. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that the 1977 Colorado and 1997 Ontario isolates are wholly human influenza viruses. However, the viruses isolated since 1998 from pigs in the Midwestern U.S. are reassortant viruses containing hemagglutinin, neuraminidase and PB1 polymerase genes from human influenza viruses, matrix, non-structural and nucleoprotein genes from classical swine viruses, and PA and PB2 polymerase genes from avian viruses. The HA proteins of the Midwestern reassortant swine viruses can be differentiated from those of the 1995 lineage of human H3 viruses by 12 amino acid mutations in HA1. In contrast, the Sw/ONT/97 virus, which did not spread from pig-to-pig, lacks 11 of these changes.

Clinical response and immunomodulation following experimental challenge of calves with type 2 noncytopathogenic bovine viral diarrhea virus.

Eight calves between 16 and 18 weeks of age that were seronegative to bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), bovine leucosis virus and bovine immunodeficiency-like virus were infected (day 0) intranasally with the type 2 noncytopathogenic Canadian 24515 field isolate of BVDV in order to evaluate the effect of BVDV infection on certain clinical, hematological and immunological parameters. All virus-exposed animals developed fever and showed a significant (P < 0.05, 0.01 or 0.001) drop in the number of circulating leucocytes (neutrophils, lymphocytes and monocytes) by day 3 or 5 post-exposure (PE), which continued to the end of the experiment at day 12 PE. BVDV was consistently isolated from the peripheral blood buffy coat cells from day 5 PE, and also from selected tissues (spleen, thymus, mesenteric and submaxillary lymph nodes, small intestine, lungs and thyroid gland) that were collected at the time of euthanasia of the animals at day 12 PE. Diminished significant (P < 0.05) percentages of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) expressing at their surface either B7 and MHC II molecules were observed in virus-exposed calves at days 7, 10 and/or 12 PE, when compared to virus-nonexposed control calves (n = 5). However, no changes in the percentages of PBMCs expressing either B4 or MHC I molecules were observed throughout the experiment. Finally, a significant (P < 0.05 or 0.01) enhanced phagocytic capability of the PBMCs, as analyzed by flow cytometry, was observed in virus-exposed animals at days 3, 5, 7, 10 and 12 PE, when compared to control calves. These results demonstrated the virulence of the 24515 isolate of BVDV in 4 to 4.5 month-old calves, and suggest that type 2 BVDV infection in calves is associated with dysregulation of certain immunological functions.

Clinical and immunologic responses of vaccinated and unvaccinated calves to infection with a virulent type-II isolate of bovine viral diarrhea virus.

OBJECTIVE: To determine efficacy of a modified-live type-I isolate of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) vaccine in protecting calves from infection with a virulent type-II isolate, and to determine which type of immune response (i.e., humoral or cellular) correlates with protection. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 28 neonatal Holstein and Holstein-cross calves. PROCEDURE: Within 18 hours of birth, calves received maternal colostrum or were fed pooled colostrum. On days 7 to 10 after birth, calves were determined to be seropositive (n = 16) or seronegative (12) for antibodies to BVDV on the basis of ELISA and virus neutralization test results. Seropositive and seronegative 10- to 14-day-old calves were then given a combined vaccine that contained a modified-live type-I isolate of BVDV or a similar vaccine that lacked protection against bovine viral diarrhea. All calves were inoculated intranasally approximately 21 days after vaccination with a virulent type-II isolate of BVDV. Clinical and immunologic variables, including clinical scores, rectal temperatures, results of CBC with lymphocyte subset analysis, antibody responses, and cell-mediated immune responses, were monitored for 14 days after inoculation. RESULTS: Seronegative-unvaccinated calves developed severe disease and required euthanasia. Vaccination of seronegative calves with a modified-live type-I isolate had a disease-sparing effect as did passive transfer of colostral antibodies to BVDV. Clinical scores were not significantly different between seropositive-vaccinated and seropositive-unvaccinated calves after viral inoculation. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: A single dose of a modified-live type-I isolate of BVDV vaccine protects young calves from clinical signs of disease associated with type-II isolates.

Lesions and distribution of viral antigen following an experimental infection of young seronegative calves with virulent bovine virus diarrhea virus-type II.

During the past several years, acute infections with bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) have been causally linked to hemorrhagic and acute mucosal disease-like syndromes with high mortality. The majority of BVDVs isolated in such cases have been classified as type II on the basis of genetic and antigenic characteristics. It was our objective to examine clinical disease, lesions and potential sites of viral replication, following experimental BVDV type II infection in young calves. On approximately day 35 after birth, calves that had received BVDV-antibody-negative colostrum were infected by intranasal inoculation of 5 x 10(5) TCID50 of BVDV type II isolate 24,515 in 5 mL of tissue culture fluid (2.5 mL/nostril). Calves were monitored twice daily for signs of clinical disease. Approximately 48-72 h after infection, all calves developed transient pyrexia (39.4-40.5 degrees C) and leukopenia. Beginning on approximately day 7 after infection, all calves developed watery diarrhea, pyrexia (40.5-41.6 degrees C), marked leukopenia (> or = 75% drop from preinoculation values), variable thrombocytopenia, and moderate to severe depression. Calves were euthanized on days 10, 11, or 12 after infection due to severe disease. Gross and histological lesions consisted of multifocal bronchointerstitial pneumonia (involving 10%-25% of affected lungs), bone marrow hypoplasia and necrosis, and minimal erosive lesions in the alimentary tract. Immunohistochemical staining for BVDV revealed widespread viral antigen usually within epithelial cells, smooth muscle cells and mononuclear phagocytes in multiple organs, including lung, Peyer's patches, gastric mucosa, thymus, adrenal gland, spleen, lymph nodes, bone marrow, and skin. This BVDV type II isolate caused rapidly progressive, severe multisystemic disease in seronegative calves that was associated with widespread distribution of viral antigen and few gross or histological inflammatory lesions.

Detection of bovine torovirus in fecal specimens of calves with diarrhea from Ontario farms.

Breda virus (BRV), a member of the genus Torovirus, is an established etiological agent of disease in cattle. BRV isolates have been detected in the stools of neonatal calves with diarrhea in both Iowa and Ohio and in several areas of Europe. However, this virus has been reported only once in Canada. Therefore, a study was performed to determine the extent to which bovine torovirus is present in calves with diarrhea from farms in southern Ontario. A total of 118 fecal samples from symptomatic calves and 43 control specimens from asymptomatic calves were examined by electron microscopy (EM) and reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) for the presence of torovirus. Torovirus RNA was detected in 43 of the 118 diarrheic samples (36.4%) by RT-PCR with primers designed in the conserved 3' end of the torovirus genome. By EM, torovirus particles were observed in 37 of the 118 specimens (31.4%). All but one of these samples were also positive by RT-PCR. The incidence of torovirus in the asymptomatic control specimens by RT-PCR was only 11.6%. To establish the identity of the particles observed in the diarrheic specimens, five of the amplicons from samples positive by both RT-PCR and EM were cloned and sequenced. Nucleotide sequence analysis revealed that the bovine torovirus found in southern Ontario manifests between 96 and 97% sequence identity to the BRV type 1 strain found in Iowa. This study shows that bovine torovirus is a common virus in the fecal specimens of calves with diarrhea from farms in southern Ontario and thus may be an important pathogen of cattle.

Severe acute bovine viral diarrhea in Ontario, 1993-1995.

In 1993, noncytopathic bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) strains with enhanced virulence caused unprecedented outbreaks of severe acute bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) in dairy, beef, and veal herds in Ontario (Canada). Fever, pneumonia, diarrhea, and sudden death occurred in all age groups of cattle. Abortions often occurred in pregnant animals. Gross lesions in the alimentary tract were similar to those associated with mucosal disease, especially in animals >6 months of age. Cattle of all age groups had microscopic lesions in the alimentary tract similar to those seen with mucosal disease. The epidemic peaked in the summer of 1993, with 15% of all bovine accessions from diseased cattle presented to the diagnostic laboratory being associated with BVDV. The virus strains involved in the outbreak were analyzed using monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies and the polymerase chain reaction. The virus isolates from these outbreaks of severe disease were determined to be type 2 BVDV. Type 2 BVDV has been present in Ontario at least since 1981 without causing widespread outbreaks of severe acute BVD, which suggests that type 2 designation in itself does not imply enhanced virulence. Cattle properly vaccinated with type 1 BVDV vaccines appear to be protected from clinical disease.

Restriction endonuclease analysis of equine herpesvirus-1 isolates recovered in Ontario, 1986-1992, from aborted, stillborn, and neonatal foals.

Ninety-two equine herpesvirus type 1 isolates were recovered from aborted, stillborn, or neonatal foals from Ontario, Canada, from 1986 to 1992. From this total, 32 strains were randomly chosen for further study. Four or 5 isolates from each winter were selected, each from a different premises, and characterized by restriction enzyme analysis using BamHI, KpnI, BglII, HindIII, and EcoRI. Additional isolates from 2 premises and from a zebra foal were also assessed. For the strains isolated in 1986 and 1989-1992, the DNA pattern of 18 strains was similar to that of type 1P (Kentucky D) for BamHI and KpnI. None of the 32 strains studied could be differentiated by HindIII or EcoRI. Using BglII, an inconsistent fragment pattern and distribution were observed. Of the 8 strains isolated in 1987 and 1988, 7 were assigned into the 1B prototype group. The geographic distribution of 17 type 1P and 12 1B isolates was random across southern Ontario. These findings suggest that both electropherotypes can be recovered from horses in Ontario. The patterns of the additional equine isolates from the same premises were identical. The zebra isolate was different from the prototype equine herpesvirus type 1 and type 4 patterns and from all other equine isolates.

Genetic and amino acid analysis of the GL protein of Canadian, American and European equine arteritis virus isolates.

The genetic variation in equine arteritis virus (EAV) GL protein encoding gene was investigated. Nucleic and deduced amino acid sequences from 7 different EAV isolates, including 4 eastern Canadian field isolates, were compared with those of the Bucyrus reference strain. Nucleotide sequence identities between these isolates and the Bucyrus reference strain ranged from 87.5% (Vienna isolate) to 93.9% (11958 isolate). Amino acid identities with the Bucyrus reference strain varied from 90.2% (Vienna isolate) to 95.1% (19933 isolate). A 2nd potential N-linked glycosylation site was found at position 81 in the GL protein of all EAV isolates. Three amino acid substitutions at residue position 90 (Glu-->Val), position 101 (Ala-->Val or Thr), and position 119 (Val-->Leu, Phe or Ser) were also found in all EAV isolates. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the North American EAV isolates, including the Canadian isolates, and the European prototype Vienna isolate could be classified in 2 distinct groups. Three putative sequential antigenic sites were predicted in EAV GL protein. The 1st antigenic site (TAQRFT) was located at positions 24 to 29, and the 2nd antigenic site (RYDEHTA) at positions 47 to 53. The 3rd antigenic site was predicted to be located at positions 78 to 84 and showed the less conserved amino acid sequence.

Infectious agents in acute respiratory disease in horses in Ontario.

A study of acute respiratory disease in horses in Ontario was undertaken to determine the identity of current causative infectious agents. A nasopharyngeal swab was designed and utilized to maximize isolation of viruses, mycoplasma, and pathogenic bacteria. Serum samples were collected for parallel determination of antibody titers to equine influenza virus type A subtype 1 (H7N7) and subtype 2 (H3N8), equine rhinovirus types 1 and 2, equine herpesvirus type 1, Mycoplasma equirhinius, and Mycoplasma felis. Equine rhinovirus type 2 was recovered from 28/92 horses tested, and equine influenza virus type A, subtype 2, was recovered from 5. The mycoplasma and bacteria isolated were consistent with those commonly associated with nonspecific respiratory diseases in horses, except that Streptococcus pneumoniae capsular type 3 was isolated from 10 horses.

Comparison of nucleic and amino acid sequences and phylogenetic analysis of open reading frames 3 and 4 of various equine arteritis virus isolates.

The genetic variation in equine arteritis virus (EAV) protein-encoding open reading frames (ORFs) 3 and 4 genes was investigated. Nucleic and deduced amino acid sequences from seven different EAV isolates (one European, one American and five Canadian isolates) and the Arvac vaccine strain were compared with those of Bucyrus reference strain. ORF 3 nucleotide and amino acid sequence identities between these isolates (including the Arvac vaccine strain) and the Bucyrus reference strain ranged from 85.6 to 98.8%, and 85.3 to 98.2%, respectively, whereas ORF 4 nucleotide and amino acid sequence identities ranged from 90.4 to 98.3%, and 90.8 to 97.4%, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis and estimation of genetic distances based on the ORF 3 nucleic acid sequences showed that the European Vienna isolate could be classified into a genetically divergent group from all other isolates and the Arvac vaccine strain. In contrast, the nucleic acid sequences of ORF 4 were found to be less variable, with a closer phylogenetic relationship evident among the EAV isolates and the Arvac vaccine strain.