Unusual A(H1N7) influenza A virus isolated from free-range domestic ducks in Bangladesh, 2023.

In Bangladesh, free-range duck farms provide opportunities for the generation of novel influenza A viruses as evidenced by the emergence of an unusual A(H1N7) virus in 2023. Continued surveillance of such environments for the potential emergence of influenza A viruses with novel properties remains a priority.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus in a common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) in Florida.

Since late 2021, highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses of A/goose/Guangdong/1/1996 (H5N1) lineage have caused widespread mortality in wild birds and poultry in the United States. Concomitant with the spread of HPAI viruses in birds are increasing numbers of mammalian infections, including wild and captive mesocarnivores and carnivores with central nervous system involvement. Here we report HPAI, A(H5N1) of clade 2.3.4.4b, in a common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) from Florida, United States. Pathological findings include neuronal necrosis and inflammation of the brain and meninges, and quantitative real time RT-PCR reveal the brain carried the highest viral load. Virus isolated from the brain contains a S246N neuraminidase substitution which leads to reduced inhibition by neuraminidase inhibitor oseltamivir. The increased prevalence of A(H5N1) viruses in atypical avian hosts and its cross-species transmission into mammalian species highlights the public health importance of continued disease surveillance and biosecurity protocols.

Cross-species spill-over potential of the H9N2 bat influenza A virus.

In 2017, a novel influenza A virus (IAV) was isolated from an Egyptian fruit bat. In contrast to other bat influenza viruses, the virus was related to avian A(H9N2) viruses and was probably the result of a bird-to-bat transmission event. To determine the cross-species spill-over potential, we biologically characterize features of A/bat/Egypt/381OP/2017(H9N2). The virus has a pH inactivation profile and neuraminidase activity similar to those of human-adapted IAVs. Despite the virus having an avian virus-like preference for α2,3 sialic acid receptors, it is unable to replicate in male mallard ducks; however, it readily infects ex-vivo human respiratory cell cultures and replicates in the lungs of female mice. A/bat/Egypt/381OP/2017 replicates in the upper respiratory tract of experimentally-infected male ferrets featuring direct-contact and airborne transmission. These data suggest that the bat A(H9N2) virus has features associated with increased risk to humans without a shift to a preference for α2,6 sialic acid receptors.

Prevention of internalizing difficulties in the middle years: Protocol for a noninferiority randomized trial of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Children and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

AIM: Mindfulness-based interventions have been tested as preventive programs for childhood internalizing difficulties, but most research has been at a 'universal' level with small to null effects. Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Children (MBCT-C) has similar effects to Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) when used as a small-group, targeted preventive program. Knowledge gaps include the longer-term effectiveness of MBCT-C relative to CBT and the benefits of adding a parent module. This trial aims to compare MCBT-C to traditional CBT, including a parent module, to 15-months post-intervention and to test the feasibility and acceptability of adding a parent module. METHODS: Participants will be recruited from primary schools in areas of socio-economic disadvantage in South Australia (n = 194). Children (aged 9-12) years with signs of internalizing difficulties (e.g., shy, withdrawn, worried), and their parents, will be eligible for this two-armed randomized controlled non-inferiority trial (RCT). Children will participate in 10 group sessions of MBCT-C or CBT, facilitated by psychologists, and parents from both conditions will participate in two parent-only group sessions. Child self-report measures include depression and anxiety, as well as attention, mindfulness and self-compassion. Parent measures include symptoms of depression and anxiety, mindfulness, and parent-child relationship strength. The primary outcome will be child anxiety and depression (Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale-25). Measures will be collected pre and post intervention, and at 3, 6, 12 and 15-month follow up. RESULTS: Schools will be recruited from October 2022. Nomination of children will commence from February 2023. Program implementation will begin May 2023. CONCLUSIONS: This trial will have implications for the feasibility of involving parents in preventative programs, as well as whether mindfulness-based interventions prevent internalizing difficulties over time.