Detection of Velogenic Avian Paramyxoviruses in Rock Doves in New York City, New York.

Avian paramyxovirus 1 (APMV-1), also known as Newcastle disease virus (NDV), causes severe and economically important disease in poultry around the globe. Although a limited amount of APMV-1 strains in urban areas have been characterized, the role of the urban wild bird population as an APMV-1 reservoir is unclear. Because urban birds may have an important role for long-term circulation of the virus, fecal and swab samples were collected by community scientists from wild birds in New York City (NYC), New York, United States. These samples were screened for APMV-1 and genotypically characterized by sequencing of the complete genome. A total of 885 samples were collected from NYC parks and from a local wildlife rehabilitation clinic from October 2020 through June 2021, and 255 samples obtained from 197 birds have been processed to date. Eight birds (4.1%) screened positive for the APMV-1 nucleoprotein gene by conventional reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR), and two live viruses were isolated via egg culture. A multibasic F protein cleavage sequence, 112R R K K R F117, an indicator of highly pathogenic velogenic APMV-1 strains, was present in the two samples fully sequenced by next generation sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis of the F gene coding sequence classified both isolates into genotype VI, a diverse and predominant genotype responsible for APMV-1 outbreaks in pigeon and dove species worldwide. IMPORTANCE Here we describe the first large-scale effort to screen for APMV-1 in New York City's wild bird population as part of the New York City Virus Hunters program, a community science initiative. We characterized two isolates of APMV-1, with phylogenetic analyses suggesting diversity in established and circulating strains of pigeon paramyxoviruses. Our isolates are also domestic reference strains for future APMV-1 vaccine developments. Future surveillance in this region may contribute to our understanding of APMV-1's evolution and genetic diversity, as well as inform poultry husbandry and vaccination practices in New York State.

Trending now: What's up with the millennial physicians?

BACKGROUND: Millennials are the demographic cohort born from 1982-2004. They exhibit optimism, multi-tasking, techno-savy, but with constant need for structure. Medical trainees are no exception. As local studies on this concern have been trending, available data are lacking.OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional study describes the characteristics of millennial physicians as to attitudes towards their profession, approach to authority and rules, learning preferences, and healthcare practice.METHODOLOGY: Focused group interviews and quantitative survey were conducted among 150 physicians, aged 25-34 years, at the University of Santo Tomas Hospital Manila.RESULTS: Most respondents perceive medical profession as a noble way of contributing to society. However, they rarely consider it as a full-time vocation. Rather, they intend to pursue part-time entrepreneurial endeavors for economic reasons, or otherwise. Respect for authority based on values over professional accomplishments is a prominent finding. They prefer approachable and friendly mentors. They only comply with rules that they agree on, unless it is morally unacceptable. Furthermore, the millennial participants learn most effectively in a quiet environment, by listening and taking notes than reading and discussing with others. They attend medical lectures most of the time but when they don't, no remorse is associated. They learn most efficiently through repetition and demonstration. Practical skills are favored more than theoretical knowledge. All use medical apps for healthcare practice. Majority chooses digital over printed materials in seeking treatment information. However, in patient education, they do not prefer the use of text messages or social networking sites. They put more value in face-to-face teachings to families than sharing links for online health materials.CONCLUSION: The qualities and preferences of millennial physicians provide insights and challenges for the medical faculty to better engage the future healthcare providers. Actions to address the emerging generational gaps are recommended to meet the demands of young physicians of today.