Repeatability and reproducibility of hunter-harvest sampling for avian influenza virus surveillance in Great Britain.

Emerging pathogens can threaten human and animal health, necessitating reliable surveillance schemes to enable preparedness. We evaluated the repeatability and reproducibility of a method developed previously during a single year at one study site. Hunter-harvested ducks and geese were sampled for avian influenza virus at three discrete locations in the UK. H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAIV) was detected in four species (mallard [Anas platyrhynchos], Eurasian teal [Anas crecca], Eurasian wigeon [Mareca penelope] and pink-footed goose [Anser brachyrhynchus]) across all three locations and two non-HPAIV H5N1, influenza A positive detections were made from a mallard and Eurasian wigeon at two locations. Virus was detected within 1-to-4 days of sampling at every location. Application of rapid diagnostic methods to samples collected from hunter-harvested waterfowl offers potential as an early warning system for the surveillance and monitoring of emerging and existing strains of avian influenza A viruses in key avian species.

Mixed-phase weak anion-exchange/reversed-phase LC-MS/MS for analysis of nucleotide sugars in human fibroblasts.

Nucleotide sugars (NS) fulfil important roles in all living organisms and in humans, related defects result in severe clinical syndromes. NS can be seen as the "activated" sugars used for biosynthesis of a wide range of glycoconjugates and serve as substrates themselves for the synthesis of other nucleotide sugars. NS analysis is complicated by the presence of multiple stereoisomers without diagnostic transition ions, therefore requiring separation by liquid chromatography. In this paper, we explored weak anion-exchange/reversed-phase chromatography on a hybrid column for the separation of 17 nucleotide sugars that can occur in humans. A robust and reproducible method was established with intra- and inter-day coefficients of variation below 10% and a linear range spanning three orders of magnitude. Application to patient fibroblasts with genetic defects in mannose-1-phosphate guanylyltransferase beta, CDP-L-ribitol pyrophosphorylase A, and UDP-N-acetylglucosamine 2-epimerase/N-acetylmannosamine kinase showed abnormal levels of guanosine-5'-diphosphate-α-D-mannose (GDP-Man), cytidine-5'-diphosphate-L-ribitol (CDP-ribitol), and cytidine-5'-monophosphate-N-acetyl-ß-D-neuraminic acid (CMP-Neu5Ac), respectively, in consonance with expectations based on the diagnosis. In conclusion, a novel, semi-quantitative method was established for the analysis of nucleotide sugars that can be applied to diagnose several genetic glycosylation disorders in fibroblasts and beyond.

Transmission dynamics and pathogenesis differ between pheasants and partridges infected with clade 2.3.4.4b H5N8 and H5N1 high-pathogenicity avian influenza viruses.

During the UK 2020-2021 epizootic of H5Nx clade 2.3.4.4b high-pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs), high mortality occurred during incursions in commercially farmed common pheasants (Phasianus colchicus). Two pheasant farms, affected separately by H5N8 and H5N1 subtypes, included adjacently housed red-legged partridges (Alectoris rufa), which appeared to be unaffected. Despite extensive ongoing epizootics, H5Nx HPAIV partridge outbreaks were not reported during 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 in the UK, so it is postulated that partridges are more resistant to HPAIV infection than other gamebirds. To assess this, pathogenesis and both intra- and inter-species transmission of UK pheasant-origin H5N8-2021 and H5N1-2021 HPAIVs were investigated. Onward transmission to chickens was also assessed to better understand the risk of spread from gamebirds to other commercial poultry sectors. A lower infectious dose was required to infect pheasants with H5N8-2021 compared to H5N1-2021. However, HPAIV systemic dissemination to multiple organs within pheasants was more rapid following infection with H5N1-2021 than H5N8-2021, with the former attaining generally higher viral RNA levels in tissues. Intraspecies transmission to contact pheasants was successful for both viruses and associated with viral environmental contamination, while interspecies transmission to a first chicken-contact group was also efficient. However, further onward transmission to additional chicken contacts was only achieved with H5N1-2021. Intra-partridge transmission was only successful when high-dose H5N1-2021 was administered, while partridges inoculated with H5N8-2021 failed to shed and transmit, although extensive tissue tropism was observed for both viruses. Mortalities among infected partridges featured a longer incubation period compared to that in pheasants, for both viruses. Therefore, the susceptibility of different gamebird species and pathogenicity outcomes to the ongoing H5Nx clade 2.3.4.4b HPAIVs varies, but pheasants represent a greater likelihood of H5Nx HPAIV introduction into galliforme poultry settings. Consequently, viral maintenance within gamebird populations and risks to poultry species warrant enhanced investigation.

Nondestructive Evaluation of Tensile Stress-loaded GFRPs Using the Magnetic Recording Method.

This paper presents the results of inspecting tensile stress-loaded GFRP (glass fiber-reinforced polymer) samples using the Magnetic Recording Method (MRM). The MRM can be utilized solely to examine ferromagnetic materials. The modification was proposed in order to examine nonmagnetic composites. Ferromagnetic strips made of low-carbon steel DC01 were bonded to the surface using an adhesive composed of epoxy resin with the addition of triethylenetetramine. The modified method's feasibility was tested on six samples made of GFRP. The research procedure consisted of three steps. In the first step, a metal strip is glued at the top surface of each sample, and an array of 100 cylindrical permanent magnets is used to record a sinusoidal magnetic pattern on the strip. The initial residual magnetization is measured in the second step, and the samples are subjected to static stress. In the third step, the residual magnetization is measured one more time. Ultimately, the measurement results from the second and third steps are compared. Generally, the applied stress causes changes in the amplitude and frequency of the sinusoidal magnetization pattern. In the case of GFRP, the frequency changes have not been used for evaluation due to minimal variations. The statistical parameters (mean, median, max, and mode) of the RMS (root mean square) value of the sinusoidal pattern were calculated and analyzed. The analysis demonstrates that the modified method is suitable for providing unequivocal and exact information on the load applied to a nonmagnetic composite material. For the presented results, the applied load can be assessed unambiguously for the samples elongated up to 0.6%.

A New Look at the Mechanism of Cocrystal Formation and Coformers Exchange in Processes Forced by Mechanical and/or Thermal Stimuli - ex situ and in†situ Studies of Low-Melting Eutectic Mixtures.

Three different devices: ball mill, hot stage melting, and magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR rotor were used for the preparation of ethenzamide (ET) cocrystals with glutaric acid (GLU), ethylmalonic acid (EMA) and maleic acid (MAL) as coformers. In each case, well-defined binary systems (ET:EMA, ET:GLU, ET:MAL) were obtained. The common features of the two solvent free methods of cocrystal formation (grinding, melting) are presented on the basis of arguments obtained by solid state NMR spectroscopy. Thermal analysis (Differential Scanning Calorimetry) proved that the eutectic phase arises over a wide range of molar ratios of components for each of the binary systems. NMR techniques, supported by theoretical calculations, allowed to provide details about the pathway of the reaction mechanism with atomic accuracy. It was found that the formation of ET cocrystals is a complex process that requires five steps. Each step has been recognized and described. Variable temperature 1D and 2D MAS NMR experiments allowed to track physicochemical processes taking place in a molten state. Moreover, it was found that in a multicomponent mixture consisting of all four components, ET, EMA, GLU, and MAL, ET in the molten phase behaves as a specific selector choosing only one partner to form binary cocrystals according to energy preferences. The process of exchange of coformers in binary systems during grinding, melting, and NMR measurements is described. The stabilization energies (Estab ) and molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) maps computed for the cocrystals under discussion and their individual components rationalize the selection rules and explain the relationships between individual species.

Physiological reactions to and recovery from acute stressors: the roles of chronic anxiety and stable resources.

BACKGROUND: Research has shown that employees subjected to acute stressors at work can suffer devastating repercussions. However, little is known about how employees who are experiencing ongoing chronic anxiety or have stable resources respond to acute stressors, particularly regarding their physiological responses to these situations. This study examines the physiological effects of an acute stressor when workers are already under chronic anxiety (i.e., cognitive anxiety and somatic anxiety) or when they have a stable resource (i.e., job control). PARTICIPANTS AND PROCEDURE: Data were collected from 230 full-time employees working at three major oil companies in Brazil. First, demographic, anxiety, and job control measures were collected via questionnaire. Later, muscle tension, skin temperature, and heart rate were collected during a simulated task to assess the physiological response to stress. Hypotheses were tested by repeated measures general linear modeling. RESULTS: The findings indicated that when employees were exposed to an acute stressor, those with chronic cognitive and somatic anxiety exhibited more heightened physiological responses than those lower on chronic anxiety. Further, compared to those with low control, employees with stable, high control over their work experienced a lower physiological reaction to the acute stressor. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic anxiety generates high levels of physiological arousal and hyper-responsiveness to acute environmental stressors. Also, employees possessing stable resources, such as job control, experience reduced physiological responsivity to an acute stressor.

The growing role of telemedicine - possibilities and regulations concerning teleradiology in Poland.

In recent years, imaging studies have become increasingly used at various stages in the management of patients with various conditions and disorders. This process results in a necessity to provide an increasing number of exams, which involves a growing role of radiologists in assessing and reporting those exams. The article discusses tele-radiology as a method that can improve access to radiology services, presenting its potential benefits, as well as the risks involved. It analyses access to radiology healthcare services in Poland in the context of the international and Polish legal provisions concerning the right to healthcare. While funding for imaging studies for patients is widely available and imaging equipment in Poland is improving despite some shortages, the main barrier is identified in the number of specialists capable of assessing the exams. Teleradiology can alleviate this shortage, so the article presents legal provisions and international good practice guidelines in this area, focusing on documents issued by the European Society of Radiology, the American College of Radiology, and the British Royal College of Radiologists. The guidelines concerning such aspects as patients' rights, teleradiologists' qualifications, communication and reporting, responsibility, and technical requirements may help make teleradiology a safe and valuable component of the healthcare system in Poland.

Seasonal Pattern in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in Poland: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

The existing literature does not address the question of the seasonal impact on pregnancy in Central-Eastern Europe; therefore, this study was designed to investigate the seasonal variation in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) based on a recent Polish sample. The data of 30,205 newborns from singleton pregnancies and their mothers, including the date and gestational age of birth, neonatal sex and weight, maternal age and parity, mode of delivery, ethnicity, and a detailed list of comorbidities (including GDM), were retrospectively analysed. The prevalence of GDM was significantly (p < 0.0001) lower in spring (14.71%) than in the other seasons (16.78%). A higher incidence of GDM was observed for mothers who underwent an oral glucose tolerance test from June to August compared to those who were tested from December to February (17.34% vs. 14.75%, p < 0.0001). Similarly, there were significant differences between seasons with higher and lower insolation. The regression analysis revealed that seasonal patterns were significantly associated with the prevalence of GDM. In conclusion, this large retrospective cohort study demonstrated seasonal changes in GDM risk. The observed seasonal patterns may equally refer to mothers of babies born at term and prematurely. Further research concerning GDM risk and other seasonal and gender associations is warranted.

Relationship between Copper, Zinc, and Copper-to-Zinc Ratio in Hair and Severity of Coronary Artery Disease according to the SYNTAX Score.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) continues to be a foremost contributor to global mortality, and the quest for modifiable risk factors could improve prophylactic strategies. Recent studies suggest a significant role of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) deficiency in atheromatous plaque formation. Furthermore, hair was previously described as a valuable source of information on elemental burden during the 6-8 week period before sampling. The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of correlation between the extent of CAD evaluated with the SYNergy Between PCI With TAXUS and the Cardiac Surgery (SYNTAX) score with Cu and Zn content in hair samples, as well as with the Cu/Zn ratio in a cohort of 130 patients. Our findings describe a statistically significant inverse correlation between Cu content and the Cu/Zn ratio in hair samples and the extent of CAD. In contrast, no significant correlation was found between Zn content and the extent of CAD. Considering the scarcity of existing data on the subject, the analysis of hair samples could yield a novel insight into elemental deficiencies and their potential influence on CAD extent.

Rhabdomyosarcoma: Current Therapy, Challenges, and Future Approaches to Treatment Strategies.

Rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare cancer arising in skeletal muscle that typically impacts children and young adults. It is a worldwide challenge in child health as treatment outcomes for metastatic and recurrent disease still pose a major concern for both basic and clinical scientists. The treatment strategies for rhabdomyosarcoma include multi-agent chemotherapies after surgical resection with or without ionization radiotherapy. In this comprehensive review, we first provide a detailed clinical understanding of rhabdomyosarcoma including its classification and subtypes, diagnosis, and treatment strategies. Later, we focus on chemotherapy strategies for this childhood sarcoma and discuss the impact of three mechanisms that are involved in the chemotherapy response including apoptosis, macro-autophagy, and the unfolded protein response. Finally, we discuss in vivo mouse and zebrafish models and in vitro three-dimensional bioengineering models of rhabdomyosarcoma to screen future therapeutic approaches and promote muscle regeneration.

REDACS: Regional emergency-driven adaptive cluster sampling for effective COVID-19 management.

As COVID-19 is spreading, national agencies need to monitor and track several metrics. Since we do not have perfect testing programs on the hand, one needs to develop an advanced sampling strategies for prevalence study, control and management. Here we introduce REDACS: Regional emergency-driven adaptive cluster sampling for effective COVID-19 management and control and justify its usage for COVID-19. We show its advantages over classical massive individual testing sampling plans. We also point out how regional and spatial heterogeneity underlines proper sampling. Fundamental importance of adaptive control parameters from emergency health stations and medical frontline is outlined. Since the Northern hemisphere entered Autumn and Winter season (this paper was originally submitted in November 2020), practical illustration from spatial heterogeneity of Chile (Southern hemisphere, which already experienced COVID-19 winter outbreak peak) is underlying the importance of proper regional heterogeneity of sampling plan. We explain the regional heterogeneity by microbiological backgrounds and link it to behavior of Lyapunov exponents. We also discuss screening by antigen tests from the perspective of "on the fly" biomarker validation, i.e., during the screening.