Strain typing and antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella enterica Albany isolates from duck farms in South Korea.

Salmonella enterica is distributed worldwide and is a common cause of bacterial food poisoning in humans and a serious public health problem. Although duck meat consumption has recently increased in Korea, studies on the epidemiological relationship between S. enterica contamination in duck farms are scarce. Salmonella enterica serovar Albany isolates recovered from duck farms were analyzed using two typing methods - IR Biotyper® (IRBT) and multilocus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA). The clustering results were compared with the epidemiological survey findings and the antimicrobial resistance profiles. From April 2019 to October 2020, 20 individual feces per farm from 5-6-week-old ducks were collected repeatedly from 105 duck farms. Salmonella spp. isolated from duck feces were identified using PCR and multilocus sequence typing to investigate the prevalence and distribution of the Salmonella serovars. The prevalence of S. enterica was 19%, and S. enterica Albany was the predominantly recovered isolate. The S. enterica Albany isolates underwent antimicrobial susceptibility testing to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration. MLVA and IRBT methods established relatedness and diversity among the S. enterica Albany isolates. Multidrug-resistant S. enterica Albany was distributed in all the farms. Antimicrobial resistance profiles reflected the duck farm characteristics and isolates recovered from the same farm showed an identical profile. Isolates repeatedly recovered from the same farm also showed identical IRBT clusters and MLVA groups. These findings suggest that the isolates remained on the duck farm and re-infected new duck flocks. Thus, proper cleaning and disinfection is required before the farms are repopulated.

Epidemiological Survey of Congenital Heart Disease Among Children Aged from 2 to 18 in Suo County, Nagqu, Tibet.

Lin, Tian, Huaping Jia, Yunming Li, Yongxing Xu, Bei Zhao, Dong Zheng, Hongfeng Yan, Meihui Zhao, Yanlei Li, Liping Xia, Fengxia Zhou, Cuiping Liu, Ke Ma, Ma Mi, and Jianwen Gu. Epidemiological survey of congenital heart disease among children aged from 2 to 18 in Suo County, Nagqu, Tibet. High Alt Med Biol. 00:000-000, 2024. Background: Studies have reported the prevalence of congenital heart disease (CHD) in parts of Tibet, but relative epidemiological surveys are rare. We aimed to explore the prevalence of CHD in children and its relationship with family history in Suo County, Nagqu, Tibet, an altitude of 3,980 meters. Methods: We recruited 4,002 children aged 2-18 years. Subjects underwent a family history investigation, cardiac auscultation, and clinical manifestation examination and then received echocardiographic screening. Results: The prevalence of CHD among children in Suo County was 0.97% (39 cases), much higher than the prevalence at sea level. The most common subtype was atrial septal defect, accounting for 53.9% of CHD, followed by patent ductus arteriosus (33.3%) and ventricular septal defect (12.8%). We also found that children whose mothers had previously borne children with CHD had a higher risk of CHD than those without (p = 0.002); other factors related to CHD during pregnancy, such as smoking, drinking, drug use, and viral infection, showed no statistical differences between children with and without CHD. Conclusions: The prevalence of CHD in children in Suo County is much higher than at low altitude, consisting mostly of simple forms with left-to-right shunt, with rare complex CHD. These results support implementing diagnostic and treatment plans to prevent CHD in Suo County.

ACES: A new framework for the application of the 2018 periodontal status classification scheme to epidemiological survey data.

AIM: To propose a framework for consistently applying the 2018 periodontal status classification scheme to epidemiological surveys (Application of the 2018 periodontal status Classification to Epidemiological Survey data, ACES). PROPOSED FRAMEWORK: We specified data requirements and workflows for either completed or planned epidemiological surveys, utilizing commonly collected measures of periodontal status (clinical attachment levels [CAL], probing depths, bleeding on probing), as well as additional necessary variables for the implementation of the 2018 periodontal status classification (tooth loss due to periodontitis and complexity factors). Following detailed instructions and flowcharts, survey participants are classified as having periodontal health, gingivitis or periodontitis. Rates of edentulism must also be reported. In cases of periodontitis, instructions on how to compute the stage and extent are provided. Assessment of grade can be derived from CAL measurements (or from radiographic alveolar bone loss data) in relation to root length and the participant's age. CONCLUSIONS: ACES is a framework to be used in epidemiological studies of periodontal status that (i) have been completed, and in which stage and grade according to the 2018 classification are inferred retroactively, or (ii) are being planned. Consistent use of the proposed comprehensive approach will facilitate the comparability of periodontitis prevalence estimates across studies.

Impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic on Medical Practices in Awaji Island.

Introduction: Since the first confirmed case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in China, COVID-19 continues to be a global threat and exerts a significant impact on medical practices. This study aims to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on medical practices in Awaji Island, a remote island in Japan. Methods: First, we conducted a survey on the epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 on Awaji Island before and during the pandemic. Next, using a questionnaire, we conducted a survey with doctors working full time at Hyogo Prefectural Awaji Medical Center, which is the only designated infectious disease hospital on Awaji Island. Results: The COVID-19 infection rate of Awaji Island was lower than that of Hyogo Prefecture and of Japan as a whole, although the peaks occurred simultaneously. Outpatient visits as well as hospitalized patients, i.e., inpatients, decreased during the pandemic as a result of restrictions on surgeries and hospitalizations, with no changes in the disease composition ratio. The results of the questionnaire show that during the pandemic, doctors working full time at our hospital worked less and slept more. Furthermore, data obtained from the Medical Affairs Department showed a decrease in overtime hours worked and an increase in the number of days of paid holidays taken. Conclusions: Epidemiologically, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Awaji Island showed a similar trend to that in Japan, but the results of the survey questionnaire indicated that doctors working full time at our hospital were not necessarily adversely affected.

Physical activity of adolescents and the urban environment of Brazilian capitals: National School Health Survey, 2015.

This study aimed to evaluate the practice of physical activity (PA) among adolescents and its association with characteristics of the urban environment of Brazilian capitals. Study with adolescents from the 26 Brazilian capitals and the Federal District participating in the National School Health Survey, 2015 edition. The association between regular practice of PA (≥300 minutes/week) and the dimensions of urban well-being (urban mobility, urban environmental conditions, urban housing conditions, urban collective services, and urban infrastructure) was examined using multilevel logistic regression. A total of 50,904 adolescents were evaluated, among which 20.7% were active. It was observed in the multiple model that adolescents who live in capitals with better urban environmental conditions, such as the presence of tree coverage, less open sewage, and less accumulated garbage around the houses, are more likely to be active (OR = 1.06; 95% CI:1.01;1.12). Adolescents who live in cities with less urban disorder are more likely to be active.

Sarcopenia in Thai community-dwelling older adults: a national, cross-sectional, epidemiological study of prevalence and risk factors.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia is an age-related condition characterized by a progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass. It leads to declining physical performance, potentially culminating in a diminished quality of life or death. This study investigated the prevalence of sarcopenia and its associated risk factors among Thai community-dwelling individuals of advanced age. METHODS: Between March 2021 and August 2022, we conducted a nationwide community-based epidemiological survey across all six major regions of Thailand. Participants with sarcopenia were identified according to the 2019 criteria of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS). The risk factors were examined using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Of the 2456 participants, the overall prevalence of sarcopenia was 18.1%, with nearly two-thirds (66.9%) classified as having severe sarcopenia. Multivariate analysis identified six associated risk factors for sarcopenia. They are a lower body mass index (odds ratio [OR] = 11.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 7.8-17.4), suboptimal leg calf circumference (OR = 6.3, 95% CI = 4.3-9.5), male sex (OR = 2.8, 95% CI = 2.2-3.7), a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR = 2.3, 95% CI = 2.3-5.0), advanced age (OR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.3-3.3), and an increasing time in the timed up-and-go test (OR = 1.1, 95% CI = 1.0-1.1). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first large-scale national study to represent the prevalence and risk factors for sarcopenia in Thai community-dwelling individuals of advanced age using the AWGS 2019 criteria. Interventions such as lifestyle modifications and appropriate nutrition should be promoted throughout adulthood to maintain muscle strength and delay the onset of sarcopenia, particularly in males. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The Central Research Ethics Committee of the National Research Council of Thailand authorized the study protocol (approval number COA-CREC023/2021).

Trends and projection in the proportion of (heavy) cannabis use in Germany from 1995 to 2021.

AIMS: To measure the current trends of cannabis use in Germany, measure trends in the proportion of heavy cannabis users and estimate future cannabis use rates. DESIGN: Repeated waves of the Epidemiological Survey on Substance Abuse, a cross-sectional survey conducted between 1995 and 2021 with a two-stage participant selection strategy where respondents completed a survey on substance use delivered through the post, over the telephone or on-line. SETTING: Germany. PARTICIPANTS/CASES: German-speaking participants aged between 18 and 59 years living in Germany who self-reported on their cannabis use in the past 12 months (n = 78 678). With the application of a weighting scheme, the data are nationally representative. MEASUREMENTS: Questions on the frequency of cannabis use in the past 12 months and self-reported changes in frequency of use due to the COVID-19 pandemic. FINDINGS: The prevalence of past 12-month cannabis users increased from 4.4% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 3.7, 5.1] in 1995 to 10.0% (95% CI = 8.9, 11.3) in 2021. Modeling these trends revealed a significant increase that accelerated over the past decade. The proportion of heavy cannabis users [cannabis use (almost) daily or at least 200 times per year] among past-year users has remained steady from 1995 (11.4%, 95% CI = 7.7, 16.5) to 2018 (9.5%, 95% CI = 7.6, 11.9), but significantly increased to 15.7% (95% CI = 13.1, 18.8) in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Extrapolating from these models, the prevalence of 12-month cannabis users in 2024 is expected to range between 10.4 and 15.0%, while the proportion of heavy cannabis users is unclear. CONCLUSIONS: Trends from 1995 to 2021 suggest that the prevalence of past 12-month cannabis users in Germany will continue to increase, with expected rates between 10.4 and 15.0% for the German-speaking adult population, and that at least one in 10 cannabis users will continue to use cannabis heavily (almost daily or 200 + times in the past year).

Epidemiological survey, molecular profiling and phylogenetic analysis of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), an emerging vector-borne ailment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan, exhibits diverse spread patterns and outbreaks. METHODS: To comprehend its epidemiology and identify parasite species, we conducted an active survey on suspected CL cases (n=8845) in KPK. RESULTS: Microscopy and internal transcribed spacer-1 PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) molecular techniques detected Leishmania spp. in blood samples. Phylogenetic analysis gauged genetic affinities with other areas. District Bannu displayed the highest CL impact (14.58%), while Swat had the lowest impact (4.33%) among cases. Annual blood examination rate, parasite incidence and slide positivity rate were 4.96 per 1000 people, 0.0233 and 0.047%, respectively. CL infections were prevalent in 1- to 20-y-olds, with males (57.17%) more vulnerable than females (42.82%). Single lesions occurred in 43.73% of patients, while 31.2% people had two lesions, 17.31% had three lesions and 7.74% had more than three lesions. Most had sand-fly exposure but lacked preventive measures like repellents and bed nets. Leishmania tropica was confirmed via RFLP analysis in amplified samples. Phylogenetic analysis unveiled genetic parallels between L. tropica of KPK and isolates from China, Iran, Afghanistan, India, Syria and Morocco. CONCLUSIONS: Urgent comprehensive control measures are imperative. Early detection, targeted interventions and raising awareness of CL and sand-fly vectors are vital for reducing the disease's impact. International collaboration and monitoring are crucial to tackle Leishmania spp.'s genetic diversity and curtail its cross-border spread.

Clinical characteristics of motor functional neurological disorder manifesting as limb weakness after vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019: A case series.

Background: The characteristics of functional limb weakness (FLW) as one of the manifestations of functional neurological disorder after vaccination against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remain controversial. Methods: In this descriptive case series, we aimed to elucidate the characteristics of Japanese patients with FLW who claimed muscle weakness after COVID-19 vaccination among patients who visited our outpatient clinic between 1 June 2021 and 31 December 2022. Results: Nine patients were diagnosed with FLW (mean age: 30.8 years), including two men and seven women. Seven patients were vaccinated with the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine and two with the mRNA-1273 Moderna vaccine. All patients demonstrated various positive signs for FLW. Magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography indicated no abnormality that could explain their symptoms. At the time of the clinic visit, five patients were treated for psychiatric disorders, including depression, insomnia, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and Asperger's syndrome. Muscle weakness spread to the limbs beyond the vaccinated arm in seven patients. Conclusions: We describe the basic characteristics of FLW in Japanese patients after COVID-19 vaccination. Further recognition of these characteristics could aid the diagnosis of FLW by physicians allowing them to support these patients effectively.

Prevalence of mental disorders among Norwegian college and university students: a population-based cross-sectional analysis.

Background: Self-report data indicate a sharp increase in mental health problems among college and university students in recent years, but accurate prevalence estimates of mental disorders are lacking. The current study used a validated psychiatric diagnostic survey, developed into a self-administered electronic version, to examine the prevalence of common mental disorders in a large national sample of college and university students in Norway. Methods: Participants (aged 18-35 years) from the national Students' Health and Wellbeing (SHOT) Study in 2022 were recruited to a follow-up online survey of mental disorders from January to February 2023 (n = 10,460). Current (30-days), 12-months and lifetime prevalence of common mental disorders were examined using a newly developed self-administered electronic version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI 5.0). Findings: The prevalence of a current mental disorder was high for both women (39.7% [2737/6886], 95% CI 38.6-40.9) and men (25.7% [751/2918], 95% CI 24.2-27.4). The most common disorders were major depressive episode (females 17.1% [1250/7329] and males 10.8% [331/3059]) and generalized anxiety disorder (females 16.0% [1157/7221] and males 8.2% [250/3032]), while 5.6% [387/6948] and 7.7% [228/2963] of the females and male students, respectively, fulfilled the criteria for an alcohol use disorder. The prevalence estimates for 12-month and lifetime were, as expected, even higher. Interpretation: The findings suggest an alarmingly high prevalence of several mental disorders among Norwegian college and university students. Implications and potential methodological and contextual explanations of these findings are discussed. Funding: Norwegian Ministry of Education and Research.

Epidemiological analysis of axillary apocrine bromhidrosis in China: a survey from Chinese higher education students.

Background: There are few epidemiological data on axillary apocrine bromhidrosis (AAB) in the Chinese population, making it impossible to accurately estimate its prevalence or impact on individuals. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of AAB in China, and to survey and compare the psychological status of individuals with and without AAB. Methods: Students in several universities in China were surveyed online for AAB, and the prevalence of AAB was calculated. The Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90) was used to evaluate the psychological status. Results: The prevalence of AAB in the surveyed students was 7.5% (194/2571). The projected number of Chinese higher education students with AAB was about 3 million. The onset age of AAB was mainly between 11 and 20 years old (79.90%, 155/194). 68.04% (132/194) of individuals with AAB had a positive family history, and 60.30% (117/194) had wet earwax. Individuals with AAB often felt depression, anxiety, loneliness and social alienation, and scored significantly higher on the nine primary psychological symptom dimensions than individuals without AAB. Conclusion: AAB affects a small proportion but large numbers of Chinese population. China and the West or East-Asia and the West have different perception, recognition and treatment preferences for AAB.

Estimating the cumulative incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Costa Rica: modelling seroprevalence data in a population-based cohort.

Background: The true incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Costa Rica was likely much higher than officially reported, because infection is often associated with mild symptoms and testing was limited by official guidelines and socio-economic factors. Methods: Using serology to define natural infection, we developed a statistical model to estimate the true cumulative incidence of SARS-CoV-2 in Costa Rica early in the pandemic. We estimated seroprevalence from 2223 blood samples collected from November 2020 to October 2021 from 1976 population-based controls from the RESPIRA study. Samples were tested for antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid and the receptor-binding-domain of the spike proteins. Using a generalized linear model, we estimated the ratio of true infections to officially reported cases. Applying these ratios to officially reported totals by age, sex, and geographic area, we estimated the true number of infections in the study area, where 70% of Costa Ricans reside. We adjusted the seroprevalence estimates for antibody decay over time, estimated from 1562 blood samples from 996 PCR-confirmed COVID-19 cases. Findings: The estimated total proportion infected (ETPI) was 4.0 times higher than the officially reported total proportion infected (OTPI). By December 16th, 2021, the ETPI was 47% [42-52] while the OTPI was 12%. In children and adolescents, the ETPI was 11.0 times higher than the OTPI. Interpretation: Our findings suggest that nearly half the population had been infected by the end of 2021. By the end of 2022, it is likely that a large majority of the population had been infected. Funding: This work was sponsored and funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases through the National Cancer Institute, the Science, Innovation, Technology and Telecommunications Ministry of Costa Rica, and Costa Rican Biomedical Research Agency-Fundacion INCIENSA (grant N/A).

Quality of life in patients with PICC diagnosed with mesothelioma: Results of a multicenter epidemiological survey (LifePICC).

BACKGROUND: Pleural mesothelioma (PM) is a rare and aggressive cancer. PICC devices are widely used in cancer patients. The aim of the study is to evaluate the quality of life of patients with PICC diagnosed with PM treated at the Hospital of Casale Monferrato and Alessandria (Italy), an area with a high incidence of asbestos-related diseases. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Longitudinal prospective observational study with data collection at PICC insertion (T0), after 3 months (T1), 6 months (T2), and 9 months (T3). Participants were aged >18 years, diagnosed with PM, eligible for PICC insertion. Questionnaires used: EORTC QLQ-C30, EORTC QLQ-LC13, and HADS rating scale. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients were enrolled. The mean age was 68.93 years (SD 9.13), mostly male (57.1%). The most frequent cancer stage at diagnosis was III (39.3%), then I (32.1%), and IV (21.4%). 85.7% were treated with chemotherapy, 14.3% also with immunotherapy. 96.4% of patients reported no complications during PICC implantation. The perception of health status and quality of life, measured on a scale of 1-7, was in line with an average score of 5 during the evaluation period. The total anxiety and depression score remained normal for most patients (0-7). CONCLUSIONS: The PICC management involved a multidisciplinary team with different skills: study findings revealed the key role that dedicated nurses play in PICC placement and ensuring patient problems are promptly addressed. From our study results, PICC placement does not seem to negatively impact the patient's quality of life.

Investigation of the prevalence and risk factors of Helicobacter pylori infection and the value of different gastric cancer screening methods in a low-risk region of gastric cancer in China.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this current study was to identify the prevalence and risk factors of H. pylori infection in the low-risk area of gastric cancer in China, and evaluate the value of different gastric cancer screening methods. METHODS: An epidemiological study was conducted in Yudu County, Jiangxi, China, and participants were followed up for 6 years. All participants completed a questionnaire, laboratory tests and endoscopy. Patients were divided into H. pylori positive and negative groups, and risk factors for H. pylori infection were identified using multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 1962 residents were included, the prevalence of H. pylori infection was 33.8%. Multivariate analysis showed that annual income ≤20,000 yuan (OR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.18-1.77, p < 0.001), loss of appetite (OR: 1.71, 95% CI: 1.29-2.26, p < 0.001), PG II >37.23 ng/mL (OR: 2.11, 95% CI: 1.50-2.97, p < 0.001), G-17 > 1.5 and ≤5.7 pmol/L (OR: 2.52, 95% CI: 1.93-3.30, p < 0.001), and G-17 > 5.7 pmol/L (OR: 1.96, 95% CI: 1.48-2.60, p < 0.001) were risk factors of H. pylori infection, while alcohol consumption (OR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.54-0.91, p = 0.006) was a protective factor. According to the new gastric cancer screening method, the prevalence of low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia in the low-risk group, medium-risk group and high-risk group was 4.4%, 7.7% and 12.5% respectively (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In a low-risk area of gastric cancer in China, the infection rate of H. pylori is relatively low. Low income, loss of appetite, high PG II, and high G-17 were risk factors for H. pylori infection, while alcohol consumption was a protective factor. Moreover, the new gastric cancer screening method better predicted low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia than the ABC method and the new ABC method.

THE FIRST SURVEY OF BOVINE BABESIA SPECIES INFECTING YAKS (BOS GRUNNIENS) IN MONGOLIA.

Yak (Bos grunniens) farming is an important part of Mongolia's livestock industry. Yaks survive in harsh mountain environments; provide meat, milk, and wool; and serve as a mode of transportation. In Mongolia, yaks are frequently raised alongside other livestock animals such as cattle, Bactrian camels, sheep, goats, and horses. Recently, we demonstrated that Babesia bovis, Babesia bigemina, and Babesia naoakii-parasites with the potential to cause clinical bovine babesiosis-infect not only cattle but also Bactrian camels in Mongolia. However, yaks have never been surveyed for Babesia infections in this country. In the present study, we surveyed yaks in 8 Mongolian provinces: Bayankhongor, Bayan-Ulgii, Khovd, Khovsgol, Omnogovi, Ovorkhangai, Uvs, and Zavkhan. Blood samples were taken and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted from 375 yaks. Furthermore, Giemsa-stained thin smears were prepared from 315 of the 375 blood samples and then examined for the microscopic detection of Babesia parasites. Microscopy revealed that 34 (10.8%) of 315 blood smears were positive for Babesia parasites. All 375 DNA samples were then tested for B. bovis, B. bigemina, and B. naoakii infection using specific polymerase chain reaction assays. We observed that 238 (63.5%) yaks in all surveyed provinces and 8 (2.1%) yaks in 3 provinces (Bayankhongor, Bayan-Ulgii, and Omnogovi) were positive for B. bovis and B. bigemina, respectively. However, all yaks tested were negative for B. naoakii. This epidemiological survey, the first to report Babesia infection in Mongolian yaks, suggests that disease management strategies for yaks in this country should further address bovine babesiosis.

One year of SARS-CoV-2 circulation in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, February 2021-2022, France.

Background: Since 2021, 3 variants of concern (VOC) have spread to France, causing successive epidemic waves. Objectives: To describe the features of Alpha, Delta and Omicron VOC circulation in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, France, between February 2021 and February 2022. Study design: Data from the three university hospitals (UH) of Nouvelle-Aquitaine were used to describe regional SARS-CoV-2 circulation (RT-PCR positive rates and identified VOC) as well as its consequences (total number of hospitalizations and admissions in intensive care unit). They were analyzed according to the predominant variant and compared with national data. Results: A total of 611,106 SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR tests were performed in the 3 Nouvelle-Aquitaine UH during the study period. The 37,750 positive samples were analyzed by variant-specific RT-PCR or whole-genome sequencing. In 2021, Alpha VOC was detected from week 5 until week 35. Delta became the most prevalent variant (77.3%) in week 26, reaching 100% in week 35. It was replaced by Omicron, which was initially detected week 48, represented 77% of positive samples in week 52 and was still predominant in February 2022. The RT-PCR positive rates were 4.3, 4.2, and 21.9% during the Alpha, Delta and Omicron waves, respectively. The ratio between intensive care unit admissions and total hospitalizations was lower during the Omicron wave than during the two previous waves due to the Alpha and Delta variants. Conclusion: This study highlighted the need for strong regional cooperation to achieve effective SARS-CoV-2 epidemiological surveillance, in close association with the public health authorities.

The outer membrane proteins based seroprevalence strategy for Brucella ovis natural infection in sheep.

Introduction: The diagnosis of brucellosis largely relies on tiger red plate agglutination test (RBPT). However, it is difficult to distinguish between natural infection antibody positive and vaccination antibody positive, nevertheless, the identification of specific Brucella species natural infection. Methods: Here, we analyzed the structure of main outer membrane proteins (OMPs), OMP25 and OMP31 from Brucella ovis (B. ovis) and Brucella melitensis (B. melitensis), which are the main pathogens of sheep brucellosis, and found the OMP25 and OMP31 could be used as the differential antigens for B. ovis and B. melitensis antibody. Then we expressed the OMP25 from B. ovis (OMP25o) and OMP31 from B. melitensis (OMP31m). Results: They have equally efficiency in antibody detection of vaccinated sheep serum, consistent with the RBPT results. However, through epidemiological investigations, we found some RBPT positive samples were negative by the OMP31m based serum antibody detection, but these samples gave positive results by the OMP25o. We verified these OMP31m negative but OMP25o positive samples by B. ovis and B. melitensis specific primers based PCR detection, and all these samples were B. melitensis negative. However, four out of six samples are B. ovis positive. These results showed that we could use the OMP25o and OMP31m to diagnose sheep brucellosis antibody, especially to discriminate the infection of the B. ovis. Discussion: Currently, China has not yet approved a vaccine based on B. ovis and B. ovis positive samples should be naturally infected. There should be some implicit transmission of B. ovis in Jilin province. Further epidemiological investigation should be conducted to monitor the B. ovis natural infection.

Pathogenicity and epidemiological survey of fowl adenovirus in Shandong Province from 2021 to 2022.

In recent years, the poultry industry had been markedly affected by adenoviral diseases such as hydropericardium syndrome and inclusion body hepatitis caused by fowl adenovirus (FAdV), which have become increasingly prevalent in China. Shandong Province, China, is an important area for poultry breeding where various complex and diverse FAdV serotypes were isolated. However, the dominant strains and their pathogenic characteristics are not yet reported. Therefore, a pathogenicity and epidemiological survey of FAdV was conducted, showing that the local dominant serotypes of FAdV epidemics were FAdV-2, FAdV-4, FAdV-8b, and FAdV-11. Their mortality rates in the 17-day-old specific-pathogen-free (SPF) chicks ranged from 10 to 80%; clinical signs included mental depression, diarrhea, and wasting. The maximum duration of viral shedding was 14 days. The highest incidence in all infected groups was on days 5-9, and then gradual regression occurred thereafter. The most pronounced symptoms occurred in chicks infected with FAdV-4, including pericardial effusion and inclusion body hepatitis lesions. Our results add to the current epidemiological data on FAdV in poultry flocks in Shandong and elucidate the pathogenicity of dominant serotypes. This information may be important for FAdV vaccine development and comprehensive epidemic prevention and control.

Influence of environmental factors on facial pigmented spots: Epidemiological survey of women living in the northern and southern regions of Japan.

BACKGROUND: Several epidemiological studies have been conducted to understand the relationship between environmental factors (including chronic sun exposure) and clinical signs of pigmented spots. However, no quantitative analysis has focused on the adverse effects of the detailed features of pigmented spots, including their color intensity, size, and number on the cheek. This study was performed to elucidate the adverse effects of environmental factors on clinical signs of pigmented spots. METHODS: We conducted an epidemiological survey of 102 Japanese women in 2 regions of high and low sun exposure (southern and northern regions, respectively). Using image analysis of high-resolution digital facial photographs, individual pigmented spots were quantified according to color, size, and total number on the cheek. Each indicator was then compared between the groups. RESULTS: For the number of pigmented spots on the cheek, the age-related increase curve showed a large slope in the southern group. For the size of pigmented spots, no significant difference was found between the two groups, and large pigmented spots were observed on the cheek even in the northern group. For the color intensity of the spots, the southern group showed a marked age-related change; among older subjects, the pigmented spots were significantly darker in the southern than northern group. CONCLUSION: Our results may indicate that environmental factors, including chronic exposure to sunlight, mainly increase the number of pigmented spots and darkening of these spots. However, the occurrence of large pigmented spots may be related to intrinsic factors represented by heredity rather than environmental factors.

Molecular epidemiology analysis of fowl adenovirus detected from apparently healthy birds in eastern China.

BACKGROUND: Fowl adenovirus is of major concern to the poultry industry worldwidely. In order to monitor the prevalent status of Fowl adenovirus in China, a total of 1920 clinical samples from apparently healthy birds in the 25 sites of poultry flocks, Slaughterhouse and living bird markets from 8 provinces in eastern China were collected and detected by PCR, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS: The epidemiological survey showed that Fowl adenoviruses were detected in living bird markets, and circulating in a variety of fowl species, including chickens, ducks, goose and pigeons. Among the 1920 clinical samples, 166 samples (8.65%) were positive in the fowl adenovirus PCR detection. In this study, totally all the 12 serotypes (serotypes of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8A, 8B, 9, 10 and 11) fowl adenoviruses were detected, the most prevalent serotype was serotype 1. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that 166 FAdVs of 12 serotypes were divided into 5 fowl adenovirus species (Fowl aviadenovirus A, B, C, D, E). CONCLUSIONS: In the epidemiological survey, 8.65% of the clinical samples from apparently healthy birds were positive in the fowl adenovirus PCR detection. Totally all the 12 serotypes fowl adenoviruses were detected in a variety of fowl species, which provided abundant resources for the research of fowl adenoviruses in China. The newly prevalent FAdV serotypes provides valuable information for the development of an effective control strategy for FAdV infections in fowls.