The first report of porcine parvovirus 8 (PPV8) on the American continent is associated with pigs in Colombia with porcine respiratory disease.

Seven novel porcine parvoviruses (PPV2 to PPV8) have been discovered in the last two decades. The last one reported was PPV8 in China in 2022, which was proposed to be a member of the genus Protoparvovirus. Here, we report the first detection of PPV8 outside China - in two provinces from Colombia. Six out of 146 (4.1%) pigs showing porcine respiratory disease (PRD) tested positive for PPV8. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of two Colombian PPV8 isolates (GenBank database accession numbers PP335559 and PP335560) showed them to be members of the genus Protoparvovirus. Furthermore, PPV8 was detected in coinfections with porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), which are associated with PRD.

HLA-DR-DQ associations, combined with PLASMIC score, are reliable predictors of acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (aTTP) and aid in differentiating aTTP from other thrombotic microangiopathies.

BACKGROUND: Thrombotic microangiopathies (TMA) are a group of disorders with overlapping clinical features that require urgent intervention. Treatment is based on the recognition of the TMA type, which is often challenging. The aim of this study was to identify specific HLA associations with different TMA types to aid rapid diagnosis and appropriate treatment, since the HLA assay can be completed within five hours. METHODS: All 86 consecutive patients who presented to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences between May 2013 and January 2021 with a presumptive diagnosis of TMA were included in this study. HLA typing was performed and correlated with other clinical and laboratory studies. RESULTS: In comparison with other types of TMA, patients with acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (aTTP) showed increased frequencies of HLA-DRB1*11, HLA-DQB1*03:01/19, HLA-DRB1*08 and HLA-DRB3. Combining the presence of these HLA associations with a PLASMIC score of 6 or more achieved a higher positive predictive value (90%) for identifying aTTP than the PLASMIC score alone (69%). In comparison with other TMA types, patients with aTTP showed decreased frequencies of HLA-DRB4, HLA-DRB1*07, HLA-DQB1*02. The HLA-DRB1*07/DQB1*02 was not observed in any aTTP patients (negative predictive value: 100%), and thus the presence of this haplotype essentially rules out aTTP. Further, HLA-DRB1*11/DQB1*03:01/19 was absent in atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome patients. CONCLUSION: HLA alleles can be used as an adjunct for the rapid assessment of TMA and can help to differentiate it from other primary and secondary forms of TMA, allowing for earlier definitive therapy.

Immunogenicity of Conjugated and Polysaccharide Pneumococcal Vaccines Administered During Pregnancy or Postpartum to Women With HIV.

BACKGROUND: Pneumococcal vaccination is recommended in people with HIV, prioritizing PCV. We compared the immunogenicity of PCV-10 and PPV-23 administered antepartum or postpartum. METHODS: This double-blind study randomized 346 pregnant women with HIV on antiretrovirals to PCV-10, PPV-23, or placebo at 14-34 weeks gestational age. Women who received placebo antepartum were randomized at 24 weeks postpartum to PCV-10 or PPV-23. Antibodies against 7 serotypes common to both vaccines and 1 serotype only in PPV-23 were measured by ELISA/chemiluminescence; B- and T-cell responses to serotype 1 by FLUOROSPOT; and plasma cytokines/chemokines by chemiluminescence. RESULTS: Antibody responses were higher after postpartum versus antepartum vaccination. PCV-10 generated lower antibody levels than PPV-23 against 4 and higher against 1 of 7 common serotypes. Additional factors associated with high postvaccination antibody concentrations were high prevaccination antibody concentrations and CD4+ cells; low CD8+ cells and plasma HIV RNA; and several plasma cytokines/chemokines. Serotype 1 B- and T-cell memory did not increase after vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: Antepartum immunization generated suboptimal antibody responses, suggesting that postpartum booster doses may be beneficial and warrant further studies. Considering that PCV-10 and PPV-23 had similar immunogenicity, but PPV-23 covered more serotypes, use of PPV-23 may be prioritized in women with HIV on antiretroviral therapy. CLINICAL TRAILS REGISTRATION: NCT02717494.

Viral Fitness and Antigenic Determinants of Porcine Parvovirus at the Amino Acid Level of the Capsid Protein.

Since 2001, strains of porcine parvovirus (PPV), designated 27a-like strains, were observed in Europe, suggesting a predominance of these viruses over older strains. The reasons for the obvious evolutionary advantage are unknown. Here, a series of mutants containing amino acid replacements found in the predominant field strains were generated in a PPV-NADL2 background, and their impact on replication efficiency and antibody binding activity was determined. Some amino acid substitutions observed in the 27a-like strains significantly increased viral fitness and decreased neutralization activity of serum samples raised against commercial vaccines and old virus strains (e.g., NADL2). These mutant viruses and a monoclonal antibody raised against a classical PPV strain defined a 27a-specific neutralizing epitope around amino acid 228 of the capsid protein VP2. Based on the analysis of the mutant viruses, it is hypothesized that the predominant factor for the global spread of the PPV-27a strain substitutions is an increased viral fitness of the 27a-like viruses, possibly supported by partial immune selection. This is reminiscent to the evolution of canine parvovirus and worldwide replacement of the original virus by the so-called new antigenic types. IMPORTANCE Porcine parvovirus is one of the most important causes of reproductive failure in swine. Recently, despite the continuous use of vaccines, "new" strains emerged, leading to the hypothesis that the emergence of new amino acid substitutions could be a viral adaptation to the immune response against the commercial vaccines. Our results indicate the amino acid substitutions observed in the 27a-like strains can modify viral fitness and antigenicity. However, an absolute immune escape was not evident.

Pneumococcal Vaccines: Past Findings, Present Work, and Future Strategies.

The importance of Streptococcus pneumoniae has been well established. These bacteria can colonize infants and adults without symptoms, but in some cases can spread, invade other tissues and cause disease with high morbidity and mortality. The development of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV) caused an enormous impact in invasive pneumococcal disease and protected unvaccinated people by herd effect. However, serotype replacement is a well-known phenomenon that has occurred after the introduction of the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) and has also been reported for other PCVs. Therefore, it is possible that serotype replacement will continue to occur even with higher valence formulations, but the development of serotype-independent vaccines might overcome this problem. Alternative vaccines are under development in order to improve cost effectiveness, either using proteins or the pneumococcal whole cell. These approaches can be used as a stand-alone strategy or together with polysaccharide vaccines. Looking ahead, the next generation of pneumococcal vaccines can be impacted by the new technologies recently approved for human use, such as mRNA vaccines and viral vectors. In this paper, we will review the advantages and disadvantages of the addition of new polysaccharides in the current PCVs, mainly for low- and middle-income countries, and we will also address future perspectives.

Non-invasive imaging criteria for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma in non-cirrhotic patients with chronic hepatitis B.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Criteria defined by the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) and Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) enable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) diagnosis based on imaging in cirrhosis. Non-cirrhotic patients require biopsy given the lower pre-test probability of HCC. The objective of our study was to assess the performance of EASL and LI-RADS criteria for the diagnosis of HCC in non-cirrhotic patients with chronic HBV infection. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study performed at a referral center. We included all patients with HBV without cirrhosis with focal liver lesions who underwent contrast-enhanced CT or MRI at our clinic between 2005-2018. Studies were reviewed by 2 radiologists blinded to the diagnosis. RESULTS: We included 280 patients, median age was 56.8 (IQR 48.2-65.45) years and 223 (80%) were male. In 191 (79%) cases the lesion was found as a result of screening. Cirrhosis was excluded based on pathology in 252 (90%) cases. We assessed 338 nodules: 257 (76%) HCC, 40 (12%) non-HCC malignant lesions, and 41 (12%) benign lesions. EASL criteria and LR-5/LR-tumor-in-vein (TIV) categories had a 100% agreement in categorizing lesions as HCC, and 226 nodules (67%) were classified as HCCs. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 82.1 (76.9-86.6), 81.5 (71.3-89.2), 93.4 (89.3-96.2), and 58.9 (49.2-68.1), respectively. When the pre-test probability of HCC is >70%, estimated as a PAGE-B score above 9, and EASL or LR-5/LR-TIV criteria are met, post-test probability would be >90%. CONCLUSIONS: EASL criteria and LR-5/LR-TIV categories show a positive predictive value in patients with HBV without cirrhosis that is comparable to that seen in patients with cirrhosis. These criteria can be used when the pre-test probability of HCC is >70%. LAY SUMMARY: Current guidelines recommend performing a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of presumed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients without cirrhosis. We showed that specific imaging criteria had a 100% agreement for categorizing lesions as HCC, with a positive predictive value of 93.4%. These imaging criteria could be used to diagnose HCC in HBV patients without cirrhosis with a pre-test probability of HCC of ≥70%, avoiding the need for a liver biopsy.

Magnetic resonance versus computed tomography for the detection of retroperitoneal lymph node metastasis due to testicular cancer: A systematic literature review.

INTRODUCTION: It is essential to see if MRI can be used as an alternative to CT for the detection of retroperitoneal lymphadenopathy in patients with testicular neoplasms. By doing so, the amount of radiation received by these young patients might be reduced. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematic literature review was carried out in 5 databases between January 1984 until December 2020. The articles included were randomized and non-randomized clinical trials, cross-sectional studies, cohort, case and control, and retrospective studies that compare the accuracy of MRI against CT to detect retroperitoneal lymph nodes in patients with testicular neoplasms. RESULTS: The search string initially retrieved 222 non duplicated papers from which a total of 3 studies of diagnostic accuracy were included for analysis. These articles evaluated a total of 127 patients with testicular neoplasm; the sample size per study ranged from 25 to 52 patients, with a mean age between 29-34 years. MRI presented a sensitivity ranging from 98-80% and specificity of 100 % when read by an experienced radiologist. However, when it was read by a radiologist with 1 year of experience, the sensitivity dropped to 78 % and specificity to 91%. CONCLUSION: This systematic literature review shows a knowledge gap since not much has been published regarding this topic; therefore, randomized clinical trials are mandatory. Research on when to use MRI over CT is necessary to reduce radiation exposure. The authors strongly suggest that readers start researching on this subject.

Electrocardiographic Recognition of Unprotected Left Main ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Looking Beyond aVR.

ST-segment elevation in aVR has traditionally been used for electrocardiographic identification of left main coronary artery (LM) myocardial infarction. We present two ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) cases with acute total occlusion of the LM without aVR ST-segment elevation. This report reviews the different electrocardiographic discriminators suggestive of unprotected LM STEMI. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.).

What is the role of ultrasonography in the early diagnosis of scaphoid fractures?

Scaphoid fractures are the most prevalent type of carpal bone fractures. High-spatial-resolution sonography detects direct signs of scaphoid fractures such as scaphoid cortical disruption; nevertheless, indirect signs such as radiocarpal effusion and scapho-trapezium-trapezoid effusion can also be visible. The diagnosis is performed when both direct and indirect signs of scaphoid fracture are presented. The presence of indirect signs alone is not enough to complete the diagnosis, for which more advanced imaging modalities are usually required. Here, we review the anatomy of the scaphoid, the clinical manifestations of scaphoid fractures, as well as ultrasonographic findings and differential diagnosis.

Pneumococcal vaccines: past findings, present work, and future strategies

The importance of Streptococcus pneumoniae has been well established. These bacteria can colonize infants and adults without symptoms, but in some cases can spread, invade other tissues and cause disease with high morbidity and mortality. The development of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV) caused an enormous impact in invasive pneumococcal disease and protected unvaccinated people by herd effect. However, serotype replacement is a well-known phenomenon that has occurred after the introduction of the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) and has also been reported for other PCVs. Therefore, it is possible that serotype replacement will continue to occur even with higher valence formulations, but the development of serotype-independent vaccines might overcome this problem. Alternative vaccines are under development in order to improve cost effectiveness, either using proteins or the pneumococcal whole cell. These approaches can be used as a stand-alone strategy or together with polysaccharide vaccines. Looking ahead, the next generation of pneumococcal vaccines can be impacted by the new technologies recently approved for human use, such as mRNA vaccines and viral vectors. In this paper, we will review the advantages and disadvantages of the addition of new polysaccharides in the current PCVs, mainly for low- and middle-income countries, and we will also address future perspectives.

Late development of pustular, erosive lesions in the muzzle of calves inoculated with Pseudocowpox virus.

We studied the pathogenesis of Pseudocowpox virus (PCPV), a zoonotic parapoxvirus associated with mucocutaneous lesions in cattle. Inoculation of calves with PCPV isolate SD 76-65 intranasally (n = 6) or transdermally in the muzzle (n = 2) resulted in virus replication and shedding up to day 13 post-infection (pi). No local or systemic signs were observed in inoculated calves up to day 20pi, when the clinical monitoring was discontinued. However, from days 28-34 pi, seven (7/8) inoculated calves underwent an asynchronous clinical course characterized by development of a few (one or two) to countless papulo-pustular, erosive-fibrinous and scabby lesions in the muzzle, in some cases extending to the lips and gingiva. In some animals, the lesions coalesced, forming extensive fibrinotic/necrotic and scabby plaques covering almost entirely the muzzle. The clinical course lasted 8-15 days and spontaneously subsided after day 42pi. Infectious virus and/or viral DNA were detected in swabs collected from lesions of 5/8 animals between days 34 and 42pi. Histological examination of fragments collected from the muzzle lesions of two affected calves (day 36pi) revealed marked epidermal hyperplasia and severe orthokeratotic and parakeratotic hyperkeratosis, covered by thick scabs. The epidermis showed multifocal areas of keratinocyte coalescing necrosis and mild multifocal vacuolar degeneration. Sera of inoculated calves at 50pi showed partial virus neutralization at low dilutions, demonstrating seroconversion. The delayed and severe clinical course associated with virus persistence in lesions are novel findings and contribute for the understanding of PCPV pathogenesis.

Reproducibility and validity of portable haemoglobinometer for the diagnosis of anaemia in children under the age of 5 years.

Portable haemoglobinometers have been used in order to estimate the prevalence of anaemia in diverse settings. However, few studies have been conducted to evaluate their performance in children of different age groups in distinct epidemiological contexts. To evaluate the reproducibility and reliability of a portable haemoglobinometer for the diagnosis of anaemia in children <5 years Hb was measured in the venous blood of 351 children <5 years by an automated system (standard method) and in three capillary blood samples, using a portable haemoglobinometer (HemoCue®; test method). The reproducibility of the device and of the test method was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) (Hb in its continuous form), κ and prevalence-adjusted bias-adjusted κ (PABAK) (categorised variable: anaemia: yes/no). For test method validation, Bland-Altman analyses were performed and sensitivity, specificity, accuracy rate, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) were calculated. The haemoglobinometer presented good device reproducibility (ICC = 0·79) and reasonable method reproducibility (puncture, collection and reading) (ICC = 0·71). Superficial and fair agreement (κ) and good agreement (PABAK) were observed among the diagnoses obtained through the test method. The prevalence of anaemia was 19·1 and 19·7 % using the standard and the test method, respectively, with no statistically significant differences. The test method presented higher specificity (87·7 %) and NPV (88·3 %) than sensitivity (50·7 %) and PPV (49·3 %), and intermediary accuracy rate (57·8 %). HemoCue® showed good device reproducibility and reasonable method reproducibility, as well as good performance in estimating the prevalence of anaemia. Nevertheless, it showed a fair reliability and low individual diagnostic accuracy.

High prevalence of porcine circovirus 2, porcine parvovirus, and pathogenic leptospires in mummified swine fetuses in Southern Brazil / Alta prevalência de parvovírus suíno, circovírus suíno 2 e leptospiras patogênicas em fetos suínos mumificados na região Sul do Brasil

Modern swine production employs a high degree of technology and is organized in various production stages, in which reproduction is one of the most significant. However, reproductive losses associated to fetal death are still high. Fetal losses, including fetal mummification, may occur at a rate below 1.5% in a sound herd. The causes of fetal death can be very diverse, and include various infectious agents. Therefore, investigating the causes of fetal losses is important in the decision-making process related to the control and prophylaxis of the herd. The goal of this study was to carry out a molecular survey, analyzing porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2), porcine parvovirus (PPV), and pathogenic Leptospira as potential agents related to fetal death in swine farms in Southern Brazil. We collected samples from three farms with a mummified index ≥ 2.5%. Fragments of brain, lung, kidney, liver, and heart were sampled for PCR analysis. Out of 100 samples examined, 87, 68, and 22 were positive for PCV2, PPV, and Leptospira spp., respectively. Moreover, we also identified coinfections with two and three pathogens in the same sample. Our findings contribute to the spreading of scientific knowledge related to infectious causes (PPV, PCV2, and pathogenic leptospires) of fetal losses in swine, as evidenced by the high frequencies of the investigated agents.(AU)

A produção moderna de suínos emprega um alto grau de tecnologia e é organizada em várias etapas de produção, nas quais a reprodução é uma das mais importantes. No entanto, as perdas reprodutivas associadas à morte fetal ainda são altas. Perdas fetais, incluindo mumificação, podem ocorrer em taxa abaixo de 1,5% em rebanhos sadios. As causas da morte fetal podem ser diversas, incluindo causas infecciosas. Portanto, a investigação de causas relacionadas à ocorrência de perdas fetais é importante no processo relacionado ao controle e profilaxia do rebanho. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar um levantamento molecular, incluindo circovírus suíno 2 (PCV2), parvovírus suíno (PPV), e leptospiras patogênicas como potenciais agentes relacionados à morte fetal em suínos no sul do Brasil. Foram coletadas amostras de três granjas com índice de fetos mumificados ≥ 2,5%. Fragmentos de cérebro, pulmão, rim, fígado e coração foram amostrados para análise por PCR. Das 100 amostras examinadas, 87 foram positivas para PCV2, 68 foram positivas para PPV e 22 foram positivas para Leptospira spp. Além disso, também identificamos co-infecções com dois e três patógenos em uma mesma amostra. Os resultados encontrados contribuem para a disseminação do conhecimento científico relacionado às causas infecciosas (PCV2, PPV e Leptospiras patogênicas) relacionadas às perdas fetais em suínos, assim como evidenciam a alta frequência dos agentes pesquisados.(AU)

High prevalence of porcine circovirus 2, porcine parvovirus, and pathogenic leptospires in mummified swine fetuses in Southern Brazil / Alta prevalência de parvovírus suíno, circovírus suíno 2 e leptospiras patogênicas em fetos suínos mumificados na região Sul do Brasil

ABSTRACT: Modern swine production employs a high degree of technology and is organized in various production stages, in which reproduction is one of the most significant. However, reproductive losses associated to fetal death are still high. Fetal losses, including fetal mummification, may occur at a rate below 1.5% in a sound herd. The causes of fetal death can be very diverse, and include various infectious agents. Therefore, investigating the causes of fetal losses is important in the decision-making process related to the control and prophylaxis of the herd. The goal of this study was to carry out a molecular survey, analyzing porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2), porcine parvovirus (PPV), and pathogenic Leptospira as potential agents related to fetal death in swine farms in Southern Brazil. We collected samples from three farms with a mummified index ≥ 2.5%. Fragments of brain, lung, kidney, liver, and heart were sampled for PCR analysis. Out of 100 samples examined, 87, 68, and 22 were positive for PCV2, PPV, and Leptospira spp., respectively. Moreover, we also identified coinfections with two and three pathogens in the same sample. Our findings contribute to the spreading of scientific knowledge related to infectious causes (PPV, PCV2, and pathogenic leptospires) of fetal losses in swine, as evidenced by the high frequencies of the investigated agents.

RESUMO: A produção moderna de suínos emprega um alto grau de tecnologia e é organizada em várias etapas de produção, nas quais a reprodução é uma das mais importantes. No entanto, as perdas reprodutivas associadas à morte fetal ainda são altas. Perdas fetais, incluindo mumificação, podem ocorrer em taxa abaixo de 1,5% em rebanhos sadios. As causas da morte fetal podem ser diversas, incluindo causas infecciosas. Portanto, a investigação de causas relacionadas à ocorrência de perdas fetais é importante no processo relacionado ao controle e profilaxia do rebanho. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar um levantamento molecular, incluindo circovírus suíno 2 (PCV2), parvovírus suíno (PPV), e leptospiras patogênicas como potenciais agentes relacionados à morte fetal em suínos no sul do Brasil. Foram coletadas amostras de três granjas com índice de fetos mumificados ≥ 2,5%. Fragmentos de cérebro, pulmão, rim, fígado e coração foram amostrados para análise por PCR. Das 100 amostras examinadas, 87 foram positivas para PCV2, 68 foram positivas para PPV e 22 foram positivas para Leptospira spp. Além disso, também identificamos co-infecções com dois e três patógenos em uma mesma amostra. Os resultados encontrados contribuem para a disseminação do conhecimento científico relacionado às causas infecciosas (PCV2, PPV e Leptospiras patogênicas) relacionadas às perdas fetais em suínos, assim como evidenciam a alta frequência dos agentes pesquisados.

Intermittent elimination of Porcine Parvovirus 4 (PPV4) in naturally infected swine semen: first report / Primeiro relato de eliminação intermitente de Parvovírus suíno 4 (PPV4) em sêmen de suíno infectado naturalmente

Porcine parvovirus 4 (PPV4) has been reported in several countries and the high rate of concurrent PCV2 infection with PPV4 may trigger the "porcine circovirus disease" (PCVD). This has awakened the interest in how PPV4 virus behaves. The aim of this study was to show that, like other swine viruses, the elimination of PPV4 in semen is intermittent. The study was conducted in the Unidade de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento de Itapeva da Agência Paulista de Tecnologia dos Agronegócios Regional (Apta Regional). Over a period of six months, four boars were monitored and the semen was collected every 10 days, totalizing 74 semen samples. Through PCR testing, PPV4 was detected in 32/74 (43.2%) semen samples. Three sequences of 284 nt, showed identity varying from 98.2% to 100%, confirming the detection of the virus in all boars. Semen volume and sperm motility did not indicate significant difference between PPV4 positive or negative semen samples (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference between the monthly distributions of positive and negative samples. This is the first study showing intermittent shedding of PPV4 in naturally infected boars. Absence of typical clinical signs and/or influence in semen quantity was also observed.(AU)

O Parvovírus suíno 4 (PPV4) foi descrito em vários países e a alta taxa de infecção simultânea entre PCV2 e PPV4 está associada ao desencadeamento da Circovirose. Isso despertou o interesse em estudar o comportamento do PPV4. O objetivo deste estudo foi mostrar que, assim como outros vírus suínos, a eliminação de PPV4 no sêmen é intermitente. O estudo foi realizado na Unidade de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento de Itapeva da Agência Paulista de Tecnologia dos Agronegócios Regionais. Durante um período de seis meses, quatro cachaços foram monitorados e o sêmen foi coletado a cada 10 dias, totalizando 74 amostras de sêmen. Através de testes de PCR, o PPV4 foi detectado em 43,2% (32/74) das amostras de sêmen. Três sequências de 284 nt apresentaram 100% de identidade entre si, e quando, comparadas com sequências de PPV4 disponíveis no GenBank, mostraram uma identidade de 98.2% a 100%, confirmando a detecção do PPV4 nas amostras de sêmen dos cachaços. O volume de sêmen e a motilidade espermática não mostraram diferença significativa entre amostras positivas ou negativas de PPV4 (p > 0,05). Não houve diferença significativa entre as distribuições mensais de amostras positivas e negativas. Este é o primeiro estudo que mostra a eliminação intermitente de PPV4 em cachaços infectados naturalmente. Ausência de sinais clínicos típicos e / ou influência na quantidade de sêmen também foi observada.(AU)

Intermittent elimination of Porcine Parvovirus 4 (PPV4) in naturally infected swine semen: first report / Primeiro relato de eliminação intermitente de Parvovírus suíno 4 (PPV4) em sêmen de suíno infectado naturalmente

Porcine parvovirus 4 (PPV4) has been reported in several countries and the high rate of concurrent PCV2 infection with PPV4 may trigger the "porcine circovirus disease" (PCVD). This has awakened the interest in how PPV4 virus behaves. The aim of this study was to show that, like other swine viruses, the elimination of PPV4 in semen is intermittent. The study was conducted in the Unidade de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento de Itapeva da Agência Paulista de Tecnologia dos Agronegócios Regional (Apta Regional). Over a period of six months, four boars were monitored and the semen was collected every 10 days, totalizing 74 semen samples. Through PCR testing, PPV4 was detected in 32/74 (43.2%) semen samples. Three sequences of 284 nt, showed identity varying from 98.2% to 100%, confirming the detection of the virus in all boars. Semen volume and sperm motility did not indicate significant difference between PPV4 positive or negative semen samples (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference between the monthly distributions of positive and negative samples. This is the first study showing intermittent shedding of PPV4 in naturally infected boars. Absence of typical clinical signs and/or influence in semen quantity was also observed.

O Parvovírus suíno 4 (PPV4) foi descrito em vários países e a alta taxa de infecção simultânea entre PCV2 e PPV4 está associada ao desencadeamento da Circovirose. Isso despertou o interesse em estudar o comportamento do PPV4. O objetivo deste estudo foi mostrar que, assim como outros vírus suínos, a eliminação de PPV4 no sêmen é intermitente. O estudo foi realizado na Unidade de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento de Itapeva da Agência Paulista de Tecnologia dos Agronegócios Regionais. Durante um período de seis meses, quatro cachaços foram monitorados e o sêmen foi coletado a cada 10 dias, totalizando 74 amostras de sêmen. Através de testes de PCR, o PPV4 foi detectado em 43,2% (32/74) das amostras de sêmen. Três sequências de 284 nt apresentaram 100% de identidade entre si, e quando, comparadas com sequências de PPV4 disponíveis no GenBank, mostraram uma identidade de 98.2% a 100%, confirmando a detecção do PPV4 nas amostras de sêmen dos cachaços. O volume de sêmen e a motilidade espermática não mostraram diferença significativa entre amostras positivas ou negativas de PPV4 (p > 0,05). Não houve diferença significativa entre as distribuições mensais de amostras positivas e negativas. Este é o primeiro estudo que mostra a eliminação intermitente de PPV4 em cachaços infectados naturalmente. Ausência de sinais clínicos típicos e / ou influência na quantidade de sêmen também foi observada.

Ungulate copiparvovirus 2 in healthy and postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome-affected pigs.

A SYBR Green-based real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was designed to detect Ungulate copiparvovirus 2, also known as porcine parvovirus 4 (PPV4). The test was applied to search for PPV4 DNAemia in sera from 1- to 4-month-old pigs displaying signs of postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS), as well as in sera from healthy swine at equivalent age and in sera from older healthy animals (>6 months old). High levels of PPV4 DNA were detected in PMWS-affected pigs. The mean viral DNA load in PMWS-affected pigs was 5.2 × 107 copies/mL, whereas in young healthy pigs it was 1.4 × 105 copies/mL (P ≤ 0.001). Although the copy numbers were lower in younger PMWS-affected individuals, this result sheds some light on the possible association between PPV4 viral load detection in this group and the immune impairment caused by PMWS.

Estimación del valor predictivo positivo de la colangiopancreatografía magnética utilizando metodos de bayes / Estimation of the positive predictive value of the magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography using bayes methods

Objetivo: este artículo presenta la manera de calcular, dentro de una prueba de diagnóstico clínico, la probabilidad de que un individuo, cuyo resultado para la prueba de tamizaje es positivo, esté realmente enfermo sabiendo que no se tiene su resultado con la prueba patrón de oro; probabilidad denominada Valor Predictivo Positivo (VPP). Método: se asumió el VPP como una cantidad desconocida para la que se puede construir una distribución de probabilidad. Dentro del paradigma Bayesiano de la estadística, se utilizó el método propuesto por Winkler and Smith para calcular VPP utilizando un conjunto de registros sobre coledocolitiaisis en pacientes con pancreatitis aguda. Resultados: los métodos bayesianos permitieron obtener regiones de credibilidad más estrechas que los intervalos de confianza clásicos. Discusión: el uso de métodos Bayesianos es una excelente alternativa para obtener estimaciones más precisas del VPP. Estimar los valores predictivos utilizando los datos de la tabla 2X2 conlleva a errores cuando el tamaño de la muestra no es tan grande como para asumirla cercana a la población.

Objetive: In this article we present different alternative to compute thePositive Predictive Value (PPV) for a diagnostic test. Method: we assumedtheVPP as a continuous and unknown quantity whose natural performanceis susceptible of model using a distribution of probability. We use themethod propose as Winkler and Smith to estimate the VPP using Bayesianprocedure. We illustrate our methodology with a data set of patients withacute pranceatitis taken the Magnetic Cholangiopancreatogrphy as test toscreening of Choledocoletise Results: The Bayesian approach allows to havea best estimates and the credibility regions were narrower than the confidenceintervals.Discussion:thje use of Bayesian methods is an excellent choise toobtain more accute estimates. To estimateVPP’s using the observed data intable 2X2 implies mistakes when the sample size is not large enough as to thinkthat the sample close the population size.

EXAFS and DFT study of the cadmium and lead adsorption on modified silica nanoparticles.

Silica nanoparticles of 7 nm diameter were modified with (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane (APTES) and characterized by CP-MAS (13)C and (29)Si NMR, FTIR, zeta potential measurements, and thermogravimetry. The particles were shown to sorb successfully divalent lead and cadmium ions from aqueous solution. Lead complexation with these silica nanoparticles was clearly confirmed by EXAFS (Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure) with synchrotron light measurements. Predicted Pb-N and Pb-C distances obtained from quantum-chemical calculations are in very good agreement with the EXAFS determinations. The calculations also support the higher APTES affinity for Pb(2+) compared to Cd(2+).

A novel scoring system to distinguish vocal cord dysfunction from asthma.

BACKGROUND: Vocal cord dysfunction is often misdiagnosed and mistreated as asthma, which can lead to increased and unnecessary medication use and increased health care utilization. OBJECTIVE: To develop a valid scoring index that could help distinguish vocal cord dysfunction from asthma. METHODS: We compared the demographics, comorbidities, clinical symptoms, and symptom triggers of subjects with vocal cord dysfunction (n = 89) and those with asthma (n = 59). By using multivariable logistic regression, we identified distinguishing features associated with vocal cord dysfunction, which were weighted and used to generate a novel score. The scoring index also was tested in an independent sample with documented vocal cord dysfunction (n = 72). RESULTS: We identified symptoms of throat tightness and dysphonia, the absence of wheezing, and the presence of odors as a symptom trigger as key features of vocal cord dysfunction that distinguish it from asthma. We developed a weighted index based on these characteristics, the Pittsburgh Vocal Cord Dysfunction Index. By using a cutoff of ≥4, this index had good sensitivity (0.83) and specificity (0.95) for the diagnosis of vocal cord dysfunction. The scoring index also performed reasonably well in the independent convenience sample with laryngoscopy-proven vocal cord dysfunction and accurately made the diagnosis in 77.8% of subjects. CONCLUSION: The Pittsburgh Vocal Cord Dysfunction Index is proposed as a simple, valid, and easy-to-use tool for diagnosing vocal cord dysfunction. If confirmed by a prospective evaluation in broader use, it may have significant clinical utility by facilitating a timely and accurate diagnosis of vocal cord dysfunction, thereby preventing misdiagnosis and mistreatment as asthma. Future prospective validation studies will need to be performed.