scholarly journals Longitudinal piglet sampling in commercial sow farms highlights the challenge of PRRSV detection

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcelo Nunes de Almeida ◽  
Cesar A. Corzo ◽  
Jeffrey J. Zimmerman ◽  
Daniel Correia Lima Linhares
Keyword(s):  
Population Based ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Rna Detection ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Negative Results ◽  
Piglet Serum ◽  
Commercial Breeding ◽  
Monitoring Protocols ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Background Processing fluids (PF) and family oral fluids (FOF) are population-based surveillance samples collected from 2- to 5-day-old piglets and due-to-wean piglets, respectively. Although they are described for the surveillance of PRRSV in sows and piglet populations at processing and weaning, there is limited information on their use in commercial herds. This observational study described PRRSV RNA detection over time in PF, FOF, and piglet serum collected from farrowing groups in commercial breeding farms with the objective of achieving robust, practical, and effective PRRSV surveillance protocols. Weekly PF (an aggregate sample of all litters processed in a week from each room), and FOF (a convenience sample attempted from at least 20 individual litters in at least one farrowing room each week) samples were collected from six PRRSV-endemic commercial breeding herds for up to 38 weeks. A total of 561 PF room samples, 2400 individual litter FOF samples, and 600 serum samples (120 pools of 5 samples) were collected during the study period and tested for PRRSV RNA. Data were evaluated for patterns of PRRSV RNA detection by specimen within farms over time. Results In particular, the detection of PRRSV was commonly sporadic over time within farms (weeks of PRRSV RNA negative results followed by one or more weeks of positive results); was often non-uniform within farms (negative and positive farrowing rooms at a given point in time); and PF and FOF testing results agreement was 75 and 80% at week and room level, respectively, demonstrating that both sampling methods could complement each other. Non-uniformity in PRRSV detection in rooms sampled within the same week and detection after ≥11 consecutive weeks of PRRSV negative PF and FOF results underline the challenge of consistently detecting the virus. Conclusions These results suggest that monitoring protocols for breeding herds attempting PRRSV control or elimination can use both PF and FOF to improve PRRSV detection in suckling pig populations.

scholarly journals Different Blood Metabolomics Profiles in Infants Consuming a Meat- or Dairy-Based Complementary Diet

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 388
Author(s):  
Minghua Tang ◽  
Nicholas E. Weaver ◽  
Lillian M. Berman ◽  
Laura D. Brown ◽  
Audrey E. Hendricks ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acids ◽  
Dietary Intervention ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Essential Amino Acids ◽  
Infant Growth ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Z Scores ◽  
Protein Rich ◽  
Over Time ◽  
Complementary Diet

Background: Research is limited in evaluating the mechanisms responsible for infant growth in response to different protein-rich foods; Methods: Targeted and untargeted metabolomics analysis were conducted on serum samples collected from an infant controlled-feeding trial that participants consumed a meat- vs. dairy-based complementary diet from 5 to 12 months of age, and followed up at 24 months. Results: Isoleucine, valine, phenylalanine increased and threonine decreased over time among all participants; Although none of the individual essential amino acids had a significant impact on changes in growth Z scores from 5 to 12 months, principal component heavily weighted by BCAAs (leucine, isoleucine, valine) and phenylalanine had a positive association with changes in length-for-age Z score from 5 to 12 months. Concentrations of acylcarnitine-C4, acylcarnitine-C5 and acylcarnitine-C5:1 significantly increased over time with the dietary intervention, but none of the acylcarnitines were associated with infant growth Z scores. Quantitative trimethylamine N-oxide increased in the meat group from 5 to 12 months; Conclusions: Our findings suggest that increasing total protein intake by providing protein-rich complementary foods was associated with increased concentrations of certain essential amino acids and short-chain acyl-carnitines. The sources of protein-rich foods (e.g., meat vs. dairy) did not appear to differentially impact serum metabolites, and comprehensive mechanistic investigations are needed to identify other contributors or mediators of the diet-induced infant growth trajectories.

scholarly journals Folate and Cobalamin Serum Levels in Healthy Children and Adolescents and Their Association with Age, Sex, BMI and Socioeconomic Status

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 546
Author(s):  
Paulina Kreusler ◽  
Mandy Vogel ◽  
Anja Willenberg ◽  
Ronny Baber ◽  
Yvonne Dietz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Research Centre ◽  
Healthy Children ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Lms Method ◽  
Healthy Participants ◽  
Age And Sex

This study proposes age- and sex-specific percentiles for serum cobalamin and folate, and analyzes the effects of sex, age, body mass index (BMI), and socioeconomic status (SES) on cobalamin and folate concentrations in healthy children and adolescents. In total, 4478 serum samples provided by healthy participants (2 months–18.0 years) in the LIFE (Leipzig Research Centre for Civilization Diseases) Child population-based cohort study between 2011 and 2015 were analyzed by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA). Continuous age-and sex-related percentiles (2.5th, 10th, 50th, 90th, 97.5th) were estimated, applying Cole’s LMS method. In both sexes, folate concentrations decreased continuously with age, whereas cobalamin concentration peaked between three and seven years of age and declined thereafter. Female sex was associated with higher concentrations of both vitamins in 13- to 18-year-olds and with higher folate levels in one- to five-year-olds. BMI was inversely correlated with concentrations of both vitamins, whilst SES positively affected folate but not cobalamin concentrations. To conclude, in the assessment of cobalamin and folate status, the age- and sex-dependent dynamic of the respective serum concentrations must be considered. While BMI is a determinant of both vitamin concentrations, SES is only associated with folate concentrations.

scholarly journals Seroprevalence of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM among Adults over 65 Years Old in the South of Italy

Diagnostics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 483
Author(s):  
Immacolata Polvere ◽  
Alfredina Parrella ◽  
Giovanna Casamassa ◽  
Silvia D’Andrea ◽  
Annamaria Tizzano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antibody Response ◽  
Immunoglobulin M ◽  
Molecular Testing ◽  
Elisa Assay ◽  
The South ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Serological Screening ◽  
Rna Detection ◽  
In Vitro Diagnostic

SARS-CoV-2 is a zoonotic betacoronavirus associated with worldwide transmission of COVID-19 disease. By the beginning of March, WHO reported about 113,820,000 confirmed cases including more than 2,527,000 deaths all over the world. However, the true extent of virus circulation or its real infection/fatality ratio is not well-estimated due to the huge portion of asymptomatic infections. In this observational study, we have estimated the prevalence of specific immunoglobulin M and G directed towards SARS-CoV-2 antigen in a cohort of 1383 adult volunteers aged over 65 years old, living in the district of Benevento, in the South of Italy. Serological screening was carried out on capillary blood in September 2020, seven months after pandemic outbreak in Italy, to evaluate virus circulation and antibody response among elderly adults, in which severe symptoms due to viral infection are more common. The overall seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was 4.70% (CI 3.70%–5.95%) with no statistically significant differences between sexes. Among these, 69.69% (CI 55.61%–77.80%) tested positive to IgM, 23.08% (CI 14.51%–34.64%) to IgG and 9.23% (CI 4.30%–18.71%) was positive for both. All patients that were positive to IgM underwent molecular testing through RT-qPCR on oral-rhino pharyngeal swabs and only one specimen was positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection. Instead, the presence of IgG from screened volunteers was confirmed by re-testing serum samples using both an ELISA assay validated for in vitro diagnostic use (IVD) and a recently published synthetic peptide-based ELISA assay. In conclusion, our report suggests that (1) early restrictions were successful in limiting COVID-19 diffusion in the district of Benevento; (2) rapid serological analysis is an ideal testing for both determining real seroprevalence and massive screening, whereas detection of viral RNA remains a gold standard for identification of infected patients; (3) even among people without COVID-19 related symptoms, the antibody response against SARS-CoV-2 antigens has individual features.

scholarly journals Population (Antibody) Testing for COVID-19—Technical Challenges, Application and Relevance, an English Perspective

Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 550
Author(s):  
Peter A. C. Maple
Keyword(s):  
National Level ◽  
Herd Immunity ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Limited Extent ◽  
Antibody Testing ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Oral Fluids ◽  
Antibody Assays ◽  
The Uk

In the UK, population virus or antibody testing using virus swabs, serum samples, blood spots or oral fluids has been performed to a limited extent for several diseases including measles, mumps, rubella and hepatitis and HIV. The collection of population-based infection and immunity data is key to the monitoring of disease prevalence and assessing the effectiveness of interventions such as behavioural modifications and vaccination. In particular, the biological properties of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its interaction with the human host have presented several challenges towards the development of population-based immunity testing. Measuring SARS-CoV-2 immunity requires the development of antibody assays of acceptable sensitivity and specificity which are capable of accurately detecting seroprevalence and differentiating protection from non-protective responses. Now that anti-COVID-19 vaccines are becoming available there is a pressing need to measure vaccine efficacy and the development of herd immunity. The unprecedented impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in the UK in terms of morbidity, mortality, and economic and social disruption has mobilized a national scientific effort to learn more about this virus. In this article, the challenges of testing for SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly in relation to population-based immunity testing, will be considered and examples given of relevant national level studies.

scholarly journals Herd-Level and Individual Differences in Fecal Lactobacilli Dynamics of Growing Pigs

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 113
Author(s):  
Emilia König ◽  
Virpi Sali ◽  
Paulina Heponiemi ◽  
Seppo Salminen ◽  
Anna Valros ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Diversity ◽  
Growing Pigs ◽  
General Management ◽  
Immune Parameters ◽  
Sampling Points ◽  
Sequencing Technique ◽  
Piglet Serum ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Over Time ◽  
Fecal Sampling

We studied the fecal lactobacilli count and species diversity of growing pigs along with immune parameters associated with intestinal lactobacilli. Thirty pigs categorized as small (S, n = 12) or large (L, n = 18) at birth were followed from birth to slaughter in two commercial herds, H1 and H2. Herds differed in terms of their general management. We determined sow colostrum quality, colostrum intake, piglet serum immunoglobulins, and pig growth. We took individual fecal samples from pigs in the weaning and finishing units. We studied lactobacilli count and identified their diversity with 16S PCR. Total lactobacilli count increased in H1 and decreased in H2 between samplings. Lactobacilli species diversity was higher in H1 in both fecal sampling points, whereas diversity decreased over time in both herds. We identified altogether seven lactobacilli species with a maximum of five (one to five) species in one herd. However, a relatively large proportion of lactobacilli remained unidentified with the used sequencing technique. Small pigs had higher lactobacilli counts in both herds but the difference was significant only in H2 (p = 0.01). Colostrum quality was numerically better in H1 than in H2, where colostrum intake tended to be associated with total lactobacilli count (p = 0.05).

scholarly journals Epidemiological investigation of porcine circovirus type 2 and its coinfection rate in Shandong province in China from 2015 to 2018

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zicheng Ma ◽  
Mengda Liu ◽  
Zhaohu Liu ◽  
Fanliang Meng ◽  
Hongyu Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pseudorabies Virus ◽  
Porcine Circovirus Type ◽  
Porcine Circovirus Type 2 ◽  
Shandong Province ◽  
Porcine Circovirus ◽  
Respiratory Syndrome Virus ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Diarrhea Virus

Abstract Background Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is one of the crucial swine viral pathogens, caused porcine circovirus associated diseases (PCVAD). Shandong province is one of the most important pork producing areas and bears a considerable economic loss due to PCVAD. However, there is limited information on epidemiology and coinfection rate of PCV2 with other critical swine diseases in this area, such as porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), classical swine fever virus (CSFV), Pseudorabies virus (PRV), and porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV). Results Overall, 89.59% serum samples and 36.98% tissue samples were positive for PCV2 specified ELISA and PCR positive for PCV2, respectively. The coinfection rates of PCV2 with PRRSV, PRV, CSFV, and PEDV were 26.73%, 18.37%, 13.06%, and 3.47%, respectively. Moreover, genetic characteristic of PCV2 were analyzed based on the cap genes showing that PCV2d is the dominant sub-genotype circulating in the province. Conclusions Our findings reveal that PCV2d, as the dominant strain, is prevailing in pig farms in Shandong province at high levels. There was a high frequency of coinfection of PCV2 and PRRSV.

scholarly journals Superiority of MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry over Real-Time PCR for SARS-CoV-2 RNA Detection

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 730
Author(s):  
Magda Rybicka ◽  
Ewa Miłosz ◽  
Krzysztof Piotr Bielawski
Keyword(s):  
Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Gold Standard ◽  
Viral Genome ◽  
False Negative ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Rna Detection ◽  
Maldi Tof ◽  
Negative Results ◽  
False Negative Results ◽  
Pcr Test

At present, the RT-PCR test remains the gold standard for early diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2. Nevertheless, there is growing evidence demonstrating that this technique may generate false-negative results. Here, we aimed to compare the new mass spectrometry-based assay MassARRAY® SARS-CoV-2 Panel with the RT-PCR diagnostic test approved for clinical use. The study group consisted of 168 suspected patients with symptoms of a respiratory infection. After simultaneous analysis by RT-PCR and mass spectrometry methods, we obtained discordant results for 17 samples (10.12%). Within fifteen samples officially reported as presumptive positive, 13 were positive according to the MS-based assay. Moreover, four samples reported by the officially approved RT-PCR as negative were positive in at least one MS assay. We have successfully demonstrated superior sensitivity of the MS-based assay in SARS-CoV-2 detection, showing that MALDI-TOF MS seems to be ideal for the detection as well as discrimination of mutations within the viral genome.

scholarly journals On Examining the Quality of Spanish Translation in Telephone Surveys: A Novel Test-Retest Approach

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 691-705
Author(s):  
Robert P Agans ◽  
Quirina M Vallejos ◽  
Thad S Benefield
Keyword(s):  
Past Research ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Pilot Test ◽  
Spanish Translation ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Single Item ◽  
Telephone Surveys ◽  
Survey Questions ◽  
Health Related

Abstract Past research has shown that commonly reported cultural group disparities in health-related indices may be attributable to culturally mediated differences in the interpretation of translated survey questions and response scales. This problem may be exacerbated when administering single-item survey questions, which typically lack the reliability seen in multi-item scales. We adapt the test-retest approach for single-item survey questions that have been translated from English into Spanish and demonstrate how to use this approach as a quick and efficient pilot test before fielding a major survey. Three retest conditions were implemented (English-Spanish, Spanish-English, and English-English) on a convenience sample (n = 109) of Latinos and non-Latinos where translated items were compared against an English-English condition that served as our control. Several items were flagged for investigation using this approach. Discussion centers on the utility of this approach for evaluating the Spanish translation of single-item questions in population-based surveys.

scholarly journals Pre-Existing Inequality: The Impact of COVID-19 on Medicare Home Health Beneficiaries

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 130-136
Author(s):  
William Cabin
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
New York ◽  
Home Care ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Home Health ◽  
Physical And Mental Health ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Medicare Population ◽  
Home Health Agencies ◽  
The Impact

There is significant data on the adverse impact of COVID-19 on persons who were poor, minorities, had compromised physical or mental health, or other vulnerabilities prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. A significant portion of the overall Medicare population has such vulnerabilities. The Medicare home health beneficiary population is even more vulnerable than the overall Medicare population based on gender, race, income level, living alone status, and number of chronic conditions. A literature review indicates there is only 1 study on the impact of COVID-19 in Medicare home health on home care workers and none on the impact on home health beneficiaries. The current study is a qualitative study based on interviews of a convenience sample of 48 home care nurses from 9 different home health agencies in New York City between April 1 and August 31, 2020. Six major themes emerged: need for social service supports increased; loneliness and depression increased among patients; physical and mental health conditions became exacerbated; substance use and abuse increased; evidence of domestic violence against patients increased; and there was a limited amount of staff and equipment to care for patients.

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