Diagnostic performance of a rapid immunochromatographic test for the simultaneous detection of antibodies to Theileria equi and Babesia caballi in horses and donkeys.

BACKGROUND: Equine piroplasmosis is caused by two tick-borne protozoan parasites, Theileria equi and Babesia caballi,, which are clinically relevant in susceptible horses, donkeys, and mules. Moreover, equine piroplasmosis significantly constrains international trading and equestrian events. Rapidly diagnosing both parasites in carrier animals is essential for implementing effective control measures. Here, a rapid immunochromatographic test for the simultaneous detection of antibodies to T. equi and B. caballi was evaluated using samples from horses and donkeys collected in Greece, Israel, and Italy. The results were compared with an improved competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) for detecting antibodies to both parasites using the same panel of samples. METHODS: Blood samples were collected from 255 horses and donkeys. The panel consisted of 129 horses sampled at four locations in northern Greece, 105 donkeys sampled at four locations in Sicily, and 21 horses sampled at two locations in Israel. The rapid test and the cELISA were performed according to the manufacturer's instructions, and the results were subjected to a statistical analysis to determine the sensitivity and specificity of both tests and their association. RESULTS: The immunochromatographic test provided a result within 15 min and can be performed in the field, detecting both pathogens simultaneously. The overall coincidence rate between the rapid test and the cELISA for detecting antibodies against T. equi was 93% and 92.9% for B. caballi. The rapid test's sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) for T. equi were above 91.5%. Sixteen samples were positive for both parasites in the rapid test and eight in the cELISA. Either test had no significant association between T. equi and B. caballi detection. The detection rates of both parasites were significantly higher in Italy than in Greece or Israel and in donkeys than in horses. The agreement for T. equi between the results of both tests was high in Greece (93.8%) and Italy (95.2%) and moderate in Israel (76.2%). For B. caballi, the specificity and NPV of the rapid test were high (94.2% and 98.3%, respectively), although the sensitivity and PPV were moderate (69.2% and 39.1%, respectively) due to the small sample size. However, for B. caballi, the sensitivity was higher with the rapid test. CONCLUSIONS: The rapid test detected T. equi and B. caballi simultaneously in the field, potentially replacing laborious cELISA testing and is recommended for import/export purposes. The test can also be helpful for the differential diagnosis of clinical cases, since seropositivity may rule out equine piroplasmosis since it does not indicate current or active infection.

Comparative Study of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis In Vitro Infection in Bovine Bone Marrow Derived Macrophages: Preliminary Results.

Bovine tuberculosis and paratuberculosis are endemic in many areas worldwide. This work aims to study cytokines production and gene expression profiles of bovine macrophages infected with Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium paratuberculosis subsp. avium (MAP) strains to identify potential diagnostic biomarkers. Bovine bone marrow stem cells were differentiated into macrophages and subsequently infected in vitro with different spoligotypes of M. bovis and MAP field strains (as single infections and coinfections), using different multiplicity of infection. Supernatant and cell pellets were collected 24 h, 48 h, and one week post-infection. Preliminarily, gene expression on cell pellets of IL-1ß, IL-2, INFγ, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, and TNFα was assessed by qRT-PCR one week p.i. Subsequently, IL-1ß and IL-6 were measured by ELISA and qRT-PCR to investigated their production retrospectively 24 h and 48 h p.i. A variability in macrophages response related to the concentration of mycobacteria, the coinfection with MAP, and M. bovis spoligotypes was identified. An early and constant IL-6 increase was observed in the M. bovis infection. A lower increase in IL-1ß was also detected at the highest concentration of the two M. bovis spoligotypes one week post-infection. IL-6 and IL-1 ß production was reduced and differently expressed in the MAP infection. IL-6 appeared to be the earliest cytokines produced by bovine macrophages infected with M. bovis.

Persistence of clock gene expression in peripheral blood in dogs maintained under different photoperiod schedules.

Dogs are the common pets adopted by humans, and their circadian behavior and physiology are influenced by human habits. In many families, there is a change of lifestyle with respect to the natural daylight (NDL) cycle. Exposure to constant light disrupts some central and peripheral circadian rhythms. The aim of the present study was to improve the knowledge about the circadian changes of clock components in the peripheral blood in dogs housed under NDL and constant light (LL) conditions. Blood samples were collected on five female Beagle dogs (2 years old, 14 ± 0.5 kg) every 4 hours for a 24-hour period during an NDL (Sunrise 05:05 h - Sunset 20:55 h) and 24-hour period of constant light (LL). Blood samples were stored in a PAX gene Blood RNA Tube, real-time RT-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to determine Clock, Per1-3, and Cry1-2 gene expression. During the NDL, all genes investigated showed robust diurnal daily rhythmicity. During the constant light, only Clock maintained its daily rhythmicity. Clock acrophase was observed close to sunrise (ZT 0) and was statistically different from the other clock genes except for Per3. Per3 daily oscillations were not statistically significant. No differences were observed among the clock genes tested in the amplitude and robustness values. Our results can be considered preliminary data to provide new insights into the adaptation mechanism of the canine peripheral circadian clock. The persistence of Clock gene expression during the LL indicated the presence of an endogenously generated signal in blood. Because peripheral blood is an easily accessible sample in dogs, the analysis of clock gene expression in this tissue could be useful to investigate the adaptive capacity of this species housed in different environmental conditions linked to the owner's lifestyle.

Interplay Among the Daily Rhythm of the Thyroid Hormones, Uncoupling Protein 1 and the Clock Gene Per2 in Horses.

During husbandry, domestic animals are exposed to many factors that can influence their circadian physiology organization leading to an increase in animals' discomfort. Thermal homeostasis is at the basis of animal wellness, the aim of the present study was to investigate the daily fluctuation of serum concentrations of 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) in association with the daily fluctuation of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and clock gene Per2 in healthy horses housed in individual box, to improve the knowledge on this matter. Seven clinically healthy female Italian Saddle horses (8-10 years old, 510 ± 32 kg), were housed in individual boxes under natural photoperiod and environmental temperature and humidity. Blood samples were collected at 4-hour intervals over a 48-hour period, for the assessment of T3, T4, UCP1, and clock gene Per2. The application of two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) on raw data showed a statistically significant effect of time of day on all studied parameters. A robust daily rhythm of T3, T4, and Per2 was observed. T3 showed a diurnal rhythm, with the acrophase at about 5 hours after sunrise, T4 acrophase was observed in the middle of the scotophase, Per2 acrophase was observed close to sunrise. In conclusion, we can claim that in horses kept under natural environmental conditions and not subjected to thermal stress, there is a daily rhythm of thyroid hormones associated with a daily rhythm of Per2 expression in the peripheral blood, and UCP1 remained constant during the two days.

Serological and Molecular Evidence of Pathogenic Leptospira spp. in Stray Dogs and Cats of Sicily (South Italy), 2017-2021.

Leptospirosis is a zoonosis of public health concern. Its prevalence in stray animals in the South of Italy is unknown. This study aimed to investigate Leptospira spp. prevalence in 1009 stray animals. Out of them, 749 were alive animals, including 358 dogs (316 from Palermo and 42 from Ragusa) and 391 cats (359 from Palermo and 32 from Ragusa), and 260 were corpses (216 dogs and 44 cats) randomly collected in Sicily. Dogs and cats underwent a serological screening by Microscopic Agglutination Test and a molecular investigation by Real-Time PCR targeting lipL32. Corpses were subjected to Real-Time PCR. Serological analyses showed a prevalence of 1.12% (4/358) for dogs and 0.26% (1/391) for cats, with the only positive cat coming from Palermo. Serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae or Copenhageni, followed by Canicola and Bratislava, were the most spread among dogs, while the serological positive cat reacted with Hardjo serogroup. Two urine (2/32, 6.25%) and one blood (1/391, 0.26%) samples of cats, all from Ragusa, were positive at Real-Time PCR for pathogenic Leptospira spp. Sequencing analyses showed the presence of L. interrogans serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae or Copenhageni in one of the positive urine samples and in the positive blood sample. Analyses on corpses showed a prevalence of 1.85% (4/216) in Sicilian dog kidney samples, while all corpses of cats resulted in negative. Genotyping analysis showed a genetic relatedness between cat and human isolates. Results show Leptospira spp. circulation among Sicilian stray animals. The genetic relatedness between cat and human isolates suggests a possible common infection source.

A Review on the Immunological Response against Trypanosoma cruzi.

Chagas disease is a chronic systemic infection transmitted by Trypanosoma cruzi. Its life cycle consists of different stages in vector insects and host mammals. Trypanosoma cruzi strains cause different clinical manifestations of Chagas disease alongside geographic differences in morbidity and mortality. Natural killer cells provide the cytokine interferon-gamma in the initial phases of T. cruzi infection. Phagocytes secrete cytokines that promote inflammation and activation of other cells involved in defence. Dendritic cells, monocytes and macrophages modulate the adaptive immune response, and B lymphocytes activate an effective humoral immune response to T. cruzi. This review focuses on the main immune mechanisms acting during T. cruzi infection, on the strategies activated by the pathogen against the host cells, on the processes involved in inflammasome and virulence factors and on the new strategies for preventing, controlling and treating this disease.

Persistence of DNA from canine parvovirus modified-live virus in canine tissues.

Canine parvovirus (CPV-2) modified-live virus vaccine strain can replicate in lymphoid tissues and intestinal mucosa after administration, being shed through canine faeces. Detection of vaccine strains has been reported in the bloodstream and faeces, potentially interfering with molecular diagnostic tests. The persistence of these strains in canine tissues has not yet been described. With this aim, canine tissues were tested during a molecular survey to screen for the presence of canine enteric viruses. Tissue samples from 165 dead dogs were tested by a conventional PCR assay. Positive samples and five commercial vaccines were subjected to sequence analysis. Vaccinal strains were detected and virus load was measured by using a set of real-time PCR assays using minor-groove binder (MGB) probes. Seventy-five dogs (45.4%) tested positive for CPV-2. Strains from 70 dogs were characterised as field variants. The presence of CPV sequences of vaccine origin was observed in the spleen, intestine, and mesenteric lymph nodes of five young dogs. Vaccinal strains were detected from 12 to 24 days after the last vaccine administration. Viral loads comprised between 6.3 × 102 and 9.95 × 104 DNA copies/10 µl of template. This study confirms that CPV vaccinal strains can be detected in canine tissues after vaccination, so post-mortem diagnosis of CPV infection needs further molecular analyses to assess the viral type (vaccine or field strains). The present study updates the current information on the persistence of CPV vaccine strains in canine tissues and their possible interference with molecular assays.

Study on the Canine Adenovirus Type 1 (CAdV-1) Infection in Domestic Dogs in Southern Italy.

Canine adenovirus type 1 (CAdV-1) is the causative agent of a systemic and potentially fatal viral disease of domestic and wild canids. In Italy, CAdV-1 infection has also been occasionally described in dogs, but information on the epidemiology and its genomic features is still limited. A study was conducted on 291 dogs suspected of infectious gastrointestinal disease. Samples collected from dogs in southern Italy between 2017 and 2020 were analyzed. Virological and histopathological assays were carried out. The presence of CAdVs and other canine viral enteropathogens was investigated, and sequence and phylogenetic analyses were performed. CAdV-1 was detected in six (2.1%) dead stray dogs alone or in mixed infections with other viruses. Gross lesions and histopathological findings referred to CAdV infection were observed, also involving the central nervous system tissues. All inoculated samples were successfully isolated. Sequence analysis evidenced divergences with the circulating strains previously described in Italy and a closer relation with older CAdV-1 strains collected from other countries, suggesting a genetic heterogeneity of CAdV-1 in Italy. The evidence of the circulation of CAdV-1 and its genomic features allows us to have more in-depth knowledge of the epidemiology and evolution of the CAdV-1 genomic variants.

Identification and Molecular Characterization of a Divergent Asian-like Canine Parvovirus Type 2b (CPV-2b) Strain in Southern Italy.

Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) is an infectious agent relevant to domestic and wild carnivorans. Recent studies documented the introduction and spread of CPV-2c strains of Asian origin in the Italian canine population. We investigated tissue samples from a puppy collected during necropsy for the presence of viral enteropathogens and all samples tested positive only for CPV-2. The full coding sequence of a CPV-2b (VP2 426Asp) strain was obtained. This virus was related to CPV-2c strains of Asian origin and unrelated to European CPV-2b strains. The sequence had genetic signatures typical of Asian strains (NS1: 60Val, 545Val, 630Pro; VP2: 5Gly, 267Tyr, 324Ile) and mutations rarely reported in Asian CPV-2b strains (NS1: 588N; VP2: 370Arg). Phylogenetic analyses placed this strain in well-supported clades, including Asian CPV-2c-like strains, but always as a basal, single-sequence long branch. No recombination was observed for this strain, and we speculate that it could have originated from an Asian CPV-2c-like strain that acquired the 426Asp mutation. This study reports the first evidence of an Asian-like CPV-2b strain in Italy, confirming the occurrence of continuous changes in the global CPV-2 spread. Since positive convergent mutations complicate data interpretation, a combination of phylogenetic and mutation pattern analyses is crucial in studying the origin and evolution of CPV-2 strains.

Detection and Molecular Characterization of Two Gammaherpesviruses from Pantesco Breed Donkeys during an Outbreak of Mild Respiratory Disease.

Equid and asinine gammaherpesviruses (GHVs; genus Percavirus) are members of the Herpesviridae family. Though GHVs have been reported in horse populations, less studies are available on gammaherpesviral infections in donkeys. This study reports the co-infection with two GHVs in Pantesco breed donkeys, an endangered Italian donkey breed. Samples (n = 124) were collected on a breeding farm in Southern Italy from 40 donkeys, some of which were healthy or presented erosive tongue lesions and/or mild respiratory signs. Samples were analysed by using a set of nested PCRs targeting the DNA polymerase, glycoprotein B, and DNA-packaging protein genes, and sequence and phylogenetic analyses were performed. Twenty-nine donkeys (72.5%) tested positive, and the presence of Equid gammaherpesvirus 7 and asinine herpesvirus 5 was evidenced. In 11 animals, we found evidence for co-infection with viruses from the two species. Virions with herpesvirus-like morphology were observed by electron microscopic examination, and viruses were successfully isolated in RK-13-KY cell monolayers. The histological evaluation of tongue lesions revealed moderate lympho-granulocytic infiltrates and rare eosinophilic inclusions. The detection of GHVs in this endangered asinine breed suggests the need long-life monitoring within conservation programs and reinforces the need for further investigations of GHV's pathogenetic role in asinine species.

The Effect of a 7 Year-Long Cryopreservation on Stemness Features of Canine Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (cAD-MSC).

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are used in therapy in animal models and veterinary medicine, due to their capacity of inducing tissue regeneration and immunomodulation. Their clinical application requires a ready off-the-shelf amount of viable therapeutics doses. For this purpose, it is useful to cryopreserve MSCs to gain a ready and controlled source of abundant autologous stem cells. We evaluated the effect of 7 years cryopreservation using 10% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) with different fetal bovine serum (FBS) concentrations (from 10 to 90%) on different passages of MSCs isolated from canine adipose tissue (cAD-MSCs). The study aimed to evaluate the most adequate cell passage and FBS percentage for the long-term cryopreservation of cells by maintaining the stemness features. Phenotype morphology, cell viability, osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation potentials, proliferative potential and expression of pluripotency markers were analyzed in thawed cells and compared with fresh ones. We demonstrated that cells cryopreserved with at least 80% FBS maintain unaltered the stemness characteristics of the freshly isolated cells. In particular, cells of P0-P1 passages have to be expanded in vitro and subsequently cryopreserved and cells of P2-P4 passages should be considered in the studies on therapeutic application and in vitro study of cAD-MSCs.

Current status and risk factors of canine parvovirus type 2 in North Central Nigeria.

Since its emergence in Nigeria, canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) infection has posed problems to dog breeding and requires constant awareness and monitoring. In this study, the status, the assessment of extrinsic risk factors of parvoviral infection in dog kennels in North Central Nigeria, and isolation of the CPV-2 were carried out. Potential risk factors were considered during sampling: age, breed, sex, location, vaccination and health status, using well-structured questionnaires on dog owners with experience of CPV-2 infection. There was high prevalence which depended on age, breed, location, clinical status of the dog while vaccination status of the dogs did not influence the prevalence. CPV-2 vaccination compliance by the breeders and management system of the kennels were also observed as risk factors. Isolation of CPV-2a and -2c strains from Nigeria for further study has been reported. The spread of CPV-2 in Nigeria is increasing, hence needs for continual epidemiological monitoring and review.

In Vitro Biocompatibility Evaluation of Nine Dermal Fillers on L929 Cell Line.

OBJECTIVE: Biomaterial research for soft tissue augmentation is an increasing topic in aesthetic medicine. Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are widely used for their low invasiveness and easy application to correct aesthetic defects or traumatic injuries. Some complications as acute or chronic inflammation can occur in patients following the injection. Biocompatibility assays are required for medical devices intended for human use, in order to prevent damages or injuries in the host. In this study, nine HA fillers were tested in order to evaluate their cytotoxicity and their effects on L929 cell line, according to the UNI EN ISO 10993 regulation. METHODS: Extracts were prepared from nine HA fillers, and MTS viability assay was performed after 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h of exposure of cells to extracts. Cells cultured with HA filler extracts were monitored for up to 72 h, counted, and stained with haematoxylin/eosin in order to evaluate the cell proliferation rate and morphology. RESULTS: None of the filler tested showed a cytotoxic effect. Two samples showed a higher vitality percentage and higher cell number while two samples showed a lower vitality percentage and lower cell number at 72 h. CONCLUSION: Data obtained suggest that although examined fillers are not cytotoxic, they show different effects on the in vitro cell proliferation rate. In vitro studies of medical devices could lead to important implications since these could aid to predict effects about their in vivo application. These easy and rapid assays could be useful to test new materials intended for human use avoiding animal tests.

Cytotoxicity Evaluation of Endodontic Pins on L929 Cell Line.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic potential of a type of endodontic pin on L929 cell line according to the UNI EN ISO 10993/2009 rule. METHODS: L929 cells were used for the assays; extracts were prepared from three different-diameter endodontic pins, made of epoxy resin and fiberglass matrix and from Reference Materials (ZDEC, ZDBC, and HDP films). MTS assay was performed after 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h of exposure of L929 cells to pin and Reference Material extracts, 5% phenol solution, and control reagent. Cells cultured with different media containing extracts were monitored for up to 72 h and stained with haematoxylin/eosin. RESULTS: Pins of different diameters had no cytotoxic effects on L929 cells at 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h (all values >70%). Cells cultured in medium containing pin extracts grew without any differences compared to the control cells. CONCLUSION: The endodontic pins tested showed no cytotoxic effects and did not induce changes in morphology for up to 72 h.

A case of bovine trypanosomiasis caused by Trypanosoma theileri in Sicily, Italy.

Despite some researchers reporting clinical signs in cattle associated with Trypanosoma theileri, its role as a pathogen is still unclear. We describe here the isolation of Trypanosoma theileri during a routine laboratory investigation. Mature and immature vital parasitic forms were observed within hematopoietic cell cultures from the bone marrow of one cow for monocyte isolation. The animal was submitted to clinical examination and blood sample counting (CBC). Postmortem analysis included gross and histological examination and PCR in the liver, spleen, brain, lymph nodes, and lungs. PCR and Giemsa staining were used for parasite identification. A second cow belonging to the same farm was positive for Trypanosoma theileri by PCR performed on blood sample. In this case, the postmortem analysis included also testis. Clinical examination showed only a reduction in body weight in both cases. The CBC revealed an increase of lymphocytes and neutrophils while red blood cells were within the normal range. Spleen was slightly increased in volume and the histology revealed a proliferative activity of the white and red pulp. The biomolecular analysis identified the parasite as Trypanosoma theileri and its DNA was detected in the bone marrow, testis, and brain. The unusual finding of parasite in the brain, testis, and bone marrow raises new clinical implication on disease course and also possible sexual transmission.

Molecular Characterization and Evolutionary Analyses of Carnivore Protoparvovirus 1 NS1 Gene.

Carnivore protoparvovirus 1 is the etiological agent of a severe disease of terrestrial carnivores. This unique specie encompasses canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) and feline panleukopenia virus (FPLV). Studies widely analyzed the main capsid protein (VP2), but limited information is available on the nonstructural genes (NS1/NS2). This paper analyzed the NS1 gene sequence of FPLV and CPV strains collected in Italy in 2009⁻2017, along with worldwide related sequences. Differently from VP2, only one NS1 amino-acid residue (248) clearly and constantly distinguished FPLV from CPV-2, while five possible convergent amino-acid changes were observed that may affect the functional domains of the NS1. Some synonymous mutation in NS1 were non-synonymous in NS2 and vice versa. No evidence for recombination between the two lineages was found, and the predominance of negative selection pressure on NS1 proteins was observed, with low and no overlap between the two lineages in negatively and positively selected codons, respectively. More sites were under selection in the CPV-2 lineage. NS1 phylogenetic analysis showed divergent evolution between FPLV and CPV, and strains were clustered mostly by country and year of detection. We highlight the importance of obtaining the NS1/NS2 coding sequence in molecular epidemiology investigations.

Evidence of zoonotic Poxviridae coinfections in clinically diagnosed papillomas using a newly developed mini-array test.

Our study describes a newly developed mini-array test for the rapid detection of poxviruses in animals and humans. The method is based on detection that combines target nucleic acid amplification by polymerase chain reaction and specific hybridization, using enzyme-linked antibodies, allowing identification of zoonotic orthopoxviruses and parapoxviruses in animal and human biological samples. With 100% specificity, the test rules out the possibility of cross-reactions with viral agents causing look-alike diseases. The assay was employed in the field to investigate the causes of several outbreaks of a malignant proliferative skin disease that affected domestic ruminants in Sicily during 2011-2014. Due to specific aspects of the lesions, the animals were clinically diagnosed with papillomatosis. The mini-array test allowed the identification of coinfections caused by more than 1 viral species belonging to the Parapoxvirus and Orthopoxvirus genera, either in goats or in cattle. Our study suggests that the so-called "papillomatosis" can be the result of multiple infections with epitheliotropic viruses, including zoonotic poxviruses that cannot be properly identified with classical diagnostic techniques.

The relationships between self-efficacy, internet addiction and shame.

BACKGROUND: Internet addiction (IAD) is one of the most diffuse mental disorders among adolescents. AIMS: The aim of our study was to evaluate the relationships between shame, self-efficacy and Internet addiction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We recruited a total of 670 college students (males = 164, 24.5%; females = 506, 75.5%). The subjects were aged between 18 and 36 years (M = 20.93, SD = 2.52; males: M = 21.43, SD = 2.95; females: M = 20.76, SD = 2.35). We administered the following instruments: Experience of Shame Scale; Perceived Social Self-Efficacy Scale - Adult Version; Perceived Self-Efficacy in Handling Negative Emotions Scales; Internet Addiction Test. STATISTICS ANALYSIS: We applied multivariate analyses of variance (MANOVA), Pearson's correlation indices and linear regression analysis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: We found a significant inter-relation between Internet addiction and shame. Shame could be a good predictor of Internet addiction.

Extended genetic diversity of bovine viral diarrhea virus and frequency of genotypes and subtypes in cattle in Italy between 1995 and 2013.

Genetic typing of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) has distinguished BVDV-1 and BVDV-2 species and an emerging putative third species (HoBi-like virus), recently detected in southern Italy, signaling the occurrence of natural infection in Europe. Recognizing the need to update the data on BVDV genetic variability in Italy for mounting local and European alerts, a wide collection of 5' UTR sequences (n = 371) was selected to identify the frequency of genotypes and subtypes at the herd level. BVDV-1 had the highest frequency, followed by sporadic BVDV-2. No novel HoBi-like viruses were identified. Four distribution patterns of BVDV-1 subtypes were observed: highly prevalent subtypes with a wide temporal-spatial distribution (1b and 1e), low prevalent subtypes with a widespread geographic distribution (1a, 1d, 1g, 1h, and 1k) or a restricted geographic distribution (1f), and sporadic subtypes detected only in single herds (1c, 1j, and 1l). BVDV-1c, k, and l are reported for the first time in Italy. A unique genetic variant was detected in the majority of herds, but cocirculation of genetic variants was also observed. Northern Italy ranked first for BVDV introduction, prevalence, and dispersion. Nevertheless, the presence of sporadic variants in other restricted areas suggests the risk of different routes of BVDV introduction.

Intimate partner violence: relationships between alexithymia, depression, attachment styles, and coping strategies of battered women.

INTRODUCTION: One of the most common forms of violence against women is the intimate partner violence (IPV). This term includes physical, sexual, and emotional abuse and controlling behaviors by an intimate partner. AIM: This exploratory study investigates the relationship between alexithymia, adult attachment styles, depression, and coping strategies in a group of female victims of IPV and a control group. METHODS: Participants were 80 female victims of IPV with an age range from 18 years to 54 years (mean 31.62; standard deviation 9.81). The control group included 80 women with no history of IPV with an age range from 19 years to 37 years (mean 25.05; standard deviation 3.67). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We administered the following self-report questionnaires: (i) 20-Item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20); (ii) Coping Orientation Problems Experienced; (iii) Beck Depression Inventory (BDI)-II; and (iv) Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ). RESULTS: Compared with control group, the IPV group showed higher mean scores on TAS-20 (52.9 vs. 41.1, P < 0.001) and BDI-II (19.50 vs. 9.95, P < 0.001). In both groups, we found significant correlations between BDI-II and TAS-20 total scores (P < 0.001) and between BDI-II and the following dimensions of ASQ: confidence (P < 0.001), discomfort with closeness (P = 0.002), relationships as secondary (P < 0.001), need for approval (P < 0.001), and preoccupation with relationships (P < 0.001). Differently from the control group, in the IPV group, social support correlated significantly and positively (P < 0.001) with the dimension preoccupation with relationships on ASQ, but not with the secure attachment style. CONCLUSIONS: In comparison to the control group, alexithymia, depressive symptoms, and an insecure attachment style were negatively correlated with the ability to cope with stress for women in the IPV group.