Temporal Dynamics of Influenza A(H5N1) Subtype before and after the Emergence of H5N8

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses continue to circulate worldwide, causing numerous outbreaks among bird species and severe public health concerns. H5N1 and H5N8 are the two most fundamental HPAI subtypes detected in birds in the last two decades. The two viruses may compete with each other while sharing the same host population and, thus, suppress the spread of one of the viruses. In this study, we performed a statistical analysis to investigate the temporal correlation of the HPAI H5N1 and HPAI H5N8 subtypes using globally reported data in 2015–2020. This was joined with an in-depth analysis using data generated via our national surveillance program in Egypt. A total of 6412 outbreaks were reported worldwide during this period, with 39% (2529) as H5N1 and 61% (3883) as H5N8. In Egypt, 65% of positive cases were found in backyards, while only 12% were found in farms and 23% in live bird markets. Overall, our findings depict a trade-off between the number of positive H5N1 and H5N8 samples around early 2017, which is suggestive of the potential replacement between the two subtypes. Further research is still required to elucidate the underpinning mechanisms of this competitive dynamic. This, in turn, will implicate the design of effective strategies for disease control.

Download Full-text

Enhancing Spatial Ability Through Sport Practice

Journal of Individual Differences ◽

10.1027/1614-0001/a000075 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 33 (2) ◽

pp. 83-88 ◽

Cited By ~ 58

Author(s):

David Moreau ◽

Jérome Clerc ◽

Annie Mansy-Dannay ◽

Alain Guerrien

Keyword(s):

Mental Rotation ◽

Spatial Representations ◽

Mental Rotation Test ◽

Sport Training ◽

Sport Practice ◽

Undergraduate University Students ◽

Before And After ◽

Cognitive Plasticity ◽

Reported Data ◽

The Relationship

This experiment investigated the relationship between mental rotation and sport training. Undergraduate university students (n = 62) completed the Mental Rotation Test ( Vandenberg & Kuse, 1978 ), before and after a 10-month training in two different sports, which either involved extensive mental rotation ability (wrestling group) or did not (running group). Both groups showed comparable results in the pretest, but the wrestling group outperformed the running group in the posttest. As expected from previous studies, males outperformed women in the pretest and the posttest. Besides, self-reported data gathered after both sessions indicated an increase in adaptive strategies following training in wrestling, but not subsequent to training in running. These findings demonstrate the significant effect of training in particular sports on mental rotation performance, thus showing consistency with the notion of cognitive plasticity induced from motor training involving manipulation of spatial representations. They are discussed within an embodied cognition framework.

Download Full-text

Migration Patterns and Labor Market Outcomes

10.1093/oso/9780198799863.003.0010 ◽

2018 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Anda David ◽

Mohamed Ali Marouani

Keyword(s):

Labor Market ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Labor Market Outcomes ◽

Wealth Index ◽

Transition Matrices ◽

Market Outcomes ◽

Migration Patterns ◽

Depth Analysis ◽

Before And After ◽

Spatial Composition

This chapter focuses on the external effects of emigration on non-migrants, and particularly on the interactions with labor market outcomes in Tunisia before and after the revolution. Using the new Tunisia Labor Market Panel Survey (TLMPS), we conduct an in-depth analysis of the structure and dynamics of migration, including the profile of migrants and their origin households, mainly in terms of skills and spatial composition. We investigate transition matrices, employment status, income for current migrants and returnees, and the evolution of remittances. Our analysis confirms the role of emigration as a safety valve for the Tunisian labor market. Moreover, origin households of migrants have a significantly higher wealth index. Our analysis also tends to confirm the effects of remittances on labor supply of non-migrants, which can have a negative impact on Tunisia’s unemployment rate when a crisis in destination countries affects the remittance rate negatively.

Download Full-text

Temporal dynamics of encrusting communities during the Late Devonian: a case study from the Central Devonian Field, Russia

Paleobiology ◽

10.1017/pab.2017.8 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 43 (4) ◽

pp. 550-568 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Michał Zatoń ◽

Tomasz Borszcz ◽

Michał Rakociński

Keyword(s):

Temporal Dynamics ◽

Small Sample ◽

Time Interval ◽

Faunal Turnover ◽

Central Devonian Field ◽

Before And After ◽

Substrate Size ◽

Mass Extinction Event ◽

Diversity Dynamics

AbstractIn this study we focused on the dynamics of encrusting assemblages preserved on brachiopod hosts collected from upper Frasnian and lower Famennian deposits of the Central Devonian Field, Russia. Because the encrusted brachiopods come from deposits bracketing the Frasnian/Famennian (F/F) boundary, the results also shed some light on ecological differences in encrusting communities before and after the Frasnian–Famennian (F-F) event. To explore the diversity dynamics of encrusting assemblages, we analyzed more than 1300 brachiopod valves (substrates) from two localities. Taxon accumulation plots and shareholder quorum subsampling (SQS) routines indicated that a reasonably small sample of brachiopod host valves (n=50) is sufficient to capture the majority of the encrusting genera recorded at a given site. The richness of encrusters per substrate declined simultaneously with the number of encrusting taxa in the lower Famennian, accompanied by a decrease in epibiont abundance, with a comparable decrease in mean encrustation intensity (percentage of bioclasts encrusted by one or more epibionts). Epibiont abundance and occupancy roughly mirror each other. Strikingly, few ecological characteristics are correlated with substrate size, possibly reflecting random settlement of larvae. Evenness, which is negatively correlated with substrate size, shows greater within-stage variability among samples than between Frasnian and Famennian intervals and may indicate the instability of early Famennian biocenoses following the faunal turnover. The occurrence distribution of encrusters points to nonrandom associations and exclusions among several encrusting taxa. However, abundance and occupancy of microconchids remained relatively stable throughout the sampled time interval. The notable decline in abundance (~60%) and relatively minor decline in diversity (~30%) suggest jointly that encrusting communities experienced ecological collapse rather than a major mass extinction event. The differences between the upper Frasnian and lower Famennian encrusting assemblages may thus record a turnover associated with the F-F event.

Download Full-text

Evaluating the effectiveness of measures to control the novel coronavirus disease 2019 in Jilin Province, China

BMC Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1186/s12879-021-05936-9 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Qinglong Zhao ◽

Yao Wang ◽

Meng Yang ◽

Meina Li ◽

Zeyu Zhao ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Prevention And Control ◽

Good Control ◽

Asymptomatic Infection ◽

Jilin Province ◽

Control Measures ◽

First Case ◽

Before And After ◽

Novel Coronavirus ◽

Reported Data ◽

And Control

Abstract Background Based on differences in populations and prevention and control measures, the spread of new coronary pneumonia in different countries and regions also differs. This study aimed to calculate the transmissibility of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and to evaluate the effectiveness of measures to control the disease in Jilin Province, China. Methods The data of reported COVID-19 cases were collected, including imported and local cases from Jilin Province as of March 14, 2019. A Susceptible–Exposed–Infectious–Asymptomatic–Recovered/Removed (SEIAR) model was developed to fit the data, and the effective reproduction number (Reff) was calculated at different stages in the province. Finally, the effectiveness of the measures was assessed. Results A total of 97 COVID-19 infections were reported in Jilin Province, among which 45 were imported infections (including one asymptomatic infection) and 52 were local infections (including three asymptomatic infections). The model fit the reported data well (R2 = 0.593, P < 0.001). The Reff of COVID-19 before and after February 1, 2020 was 1.64 and 0.05, respectively. Without the intervention taken on February 1, 2020, the predicted cases would have reached a peak of 177,011 on October 22, 2020 (284 days from the first case). The projected number of cases until the end of the outbreak (on October 9, 2021) would have been 17,129,367, with a total attack rate of 63.66%. Based on the comparison between the predicted incidence of the model and the actual incidence, the comprehensive intervention measures implemented in Jilin Province on February 1 reduced the incidence of cases by 99.99%. Therefore, according to the current measures and implementation efforts, Jilin Province can achieve good control of the virus’s spread. Conclusions COVID-19 has a moderate transmissibility in Jilin Province, China. The interventions implemented in the province had proven effective; increasing social distancing and a rapid response by the prevention and control system will help control the spread of the disease.

Download Full-text

Tick surveillance of migratory birds during 2010–2011 on Hong and Heuksan Islands, Jeollanam Province, Republic of Korea

Systematic and Applied Acarology ◽

10.11158/saa.23.11.13 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 23 (11) ◽

pp. 2214 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Sung-Tae Chong ◽

Heung Chul Kim ◽

Jong-Gil Park ◽

Chang-Yong Choi ◽

Chang-Uk Park ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Disease Surveillance ◽

National Park ◽

Migratory Birds ◽

Bird Species ◽

Republic Of Korea ◽

Surveillance Program ◽

Haemaphysalis Longicornis ◽

Haemaphysalis Concinna ◽

Park Service ◽

The Republic

Migratory birds were captured, examined, banded and then released in accordance with a bird banding protocol of the Bird Research Center, National Park Research Institute, Korea National Park Service, from January-December 2010–2011 on Hong and Heuksan Islands, Jeollanam (Jeonnam) Province, in the Republic of Korea (ROK). Concurrently, ticks were collected from captured birds as part of a tick-borne disease surveillance program. A total of 381 ticks belonging to three genera and eight species – Ixodes turdus (297 ticks), Ixodes nipponensis (16), Haemaphysalis flava (46), Haemaphysalis longicornis (9), Haemaphysalis formosensis (5), Haemaphysalis ornithophila (6), Haemaphysalis concinna (1), and Amblyomma testudinarium (1)—were collected from 32 bird species belonging to 3 families. This is the first host report of A. testudinarium (1 nymph) collected from White’s Thrush, Zoothera aurea (Aves: Passeriformes: Turdidae), in the ROK. Most ticks were collected from birds during the months of April (44.1%) and November (54.2%).

Download Full-text

Multiple Influenza A (H3N2) Mutations Conferring Resistance to Neuraminidase Inhibitors in a Bone Marrow Transplant Recipient

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy ◽

10.1128/aac.03667-14 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 58 (12) ◽

pp. 7188-7197 ◽

Cited By ~ 37

Author(s):

Alireza Eshaghi ◽

Sarah Shalhoub ◽

Paul Rosenfeld ◽

Aimin Li ◽

Rachel R. Higgins ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Influenza Virus ◽

Antiviral Therapy ◽

Influenza A ◽

Antiviral Treatment ◽

Marrow Transplant ◽

Viral Fitness ◽

H3n2 Virus ◽

Resistance Mutations ◽

Depth Analysis ◽

Resistant Strains

ABSTRACTImmunocompromised patients are predisposed to infections caused by influenza virus. Influenza virus may produce considerable morbidity, including protracted illness and prolonged viral shedding in these patients, thus prompting higher doses and prolonged courses of antiviral therapy. This approach may promote the emergence of resistant strains. Characterization of neuraminidase (NA) inhibitor (NAI)-resistant strains of influenza A virus is essential for documenting causes of resistance. In this study, using quantitative real-time PCR along with conventional Sanger sequencing, we identified an NAI-resistant strain of influenza A (H3N2) virus in an immunocompromised patient. In-depth analysis by deep gene sequencing revealed that various known markers of antiviral resistance, including transient R292K and Q136K substitutions and a sustained E119K (N2 numbering) substitution in the NA protein emerged during prolonged antiviral therapy. In addition, a combination of a 4-amino-acid deletion at residues 245 to 248 (Δ245-248) accompanied by the E119V substitution occurred, causing resistance to or reduced inhibition by NAIs (oseltamivir, zanamivir, and peramivir). Resistant variants within a pool of viral quasispecies arose during combined antiviral treatment. More research is needed to understand the interplay of drug resistance mutations, viral fitness, and transmission.

Download Full-text

Low diversity and high intra-island variation in prevalence of avian Haemoproteus parasites on Barbados, Lesser Antilles

Parasitology ◽

10.1017/s0031182009990497 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 136 (10) ◽

pp. 1121-1131 ◽

Cited By ~ 26

Author(s):

L. MARIA ◽

E. SVENSSON ◽

ROBERT E. RICKLEFS

Keyword(s):

Bird Species ◽

Host Population ◽

Genetic Differences ◽

Haemosporidian Parasite ◽

Pcr Screening ◽

Limited Sampling ◽

Haemosporidian Parasites ◽

Free Region ◽

Host Genetic ◽

Coereba Flaveola

SUMMARYCommon bird species were screened during May and June 2007 on Barbados for haemosporidian parasites (Haemosporida) of the genera Haemoproteus and Plasmodium to determine whether the low parasite diversity reported in previous studies might have reflected limited sampling. PCR screening and DNA sequencing revealed a single predominant lineage of Haemoproteus identified as H. coatneyi. Sixty-two out of 257 birds were infected with Haemoproteus spp. on Barbados in 2007. Fifty-nine of the infections were identified as H. coatneyi (lineage HC), the only lineage recovered in the previous study in 1993. Two of the infections recovered from the bananaquit (Coereba flaveola) were identified as Haemoproteus spp. (lineage HD), which is the prevalent haemosporidian parasite in C. flaveola on Grenada. We discuss the possibility of infrequent colonization events and absence of vectors as explanations for Barbados's low avian haemosporidian diversity. In our study, the parasites were absent from the southeast of the island, whereas they were abundant in several host species in the northwest. Accordingly, environmental and host population genetic differences were also investigated between the areas with and without parasites. No host genetic differences were found between the parasite-free and the parasite-afflicted regions. However, the parasite-free region is slightly warmer and drier, and it supports less vegetation than the parasite-afflicted region. The influence that this harsher environment may have on vector survival is discussed.

Download Full-text

Impact of the first COVID-19 shelter-in-place order in the United States on emergency department utilization, Marin County, California

10.1101/2020.07.01.20144691 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Brett R. Bayles ◽

Michaela F George ◽

Haylea Hannah ◽

Patti Culross ◽

Rochelle R. Ereman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

United States ◽

San Francisco ◽

Large Scale ◽

Temporal Dynamics ◽

The United States ◽

Emergency Department Utilization ◽

Marin County ◽

Before And After ◽

Ed Visits ◽

The Impact

Background: The first shelter-in-place (SIP) order in the United States was issued across six counties in the San Francisco Bay Area to reduce the impact of COVID-19 on critical care resources. We sought to assess the impact of this large-scale intervention on emergency departments (ED) in Marin County, California. Methods: We conducted a retrospective descriptive and trend analysis of all ED visits in Marin County, California from January 1, 2018 to May 4, 2020 to quantify the temporal dynamics of ED utilization before and after the March 17, 2020 SIP order. Results: The average number of ED visits per day decreased by 52.3% following the SIP order compared to corresponding time periods in 2018 and 2019. Both respiratory and non-respiratory visits declined, but this negative trend was most pronounced for non-respiratory admissions. Conclusions: The first SIP order to be issued in the United States in response to COVID-19 was associated with a significant reduction in ED utilization in Marin County.

Download Full-text

Cloning recombinant pHW2000 vector carrying the HA gene for preparation of the primary influenza A/H5N1 vaccine strain

VNU Journal of Science Natural Sciences and Technology ◽

10.25073/2588-1140/vnunst.4554 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 33 (1S) ◽

Author(s):

Nguyen Thi Thu Hang ◽

Hoang Thi Thu Hang ◽

Nguyen Hung Chi ◽

Chu Hoang Ha ◽

Nguyen Trung Nam

Keyword(s):

Amino Acids ◽

Avian Influenza ◽

Influenza A ◽

Reverse Genetics ◽

Genetic Relationships ◽

Highly Pathogenic ◽

Ha Gene ◽

H5n1 Influenza ◽

Hpai H5n1 ◽

Clade 2.3.2.1C

Influenza A/H5N1 virus evolves rapidly and generate new variants, therefore it is essential to develop effective vaccines against the currently circulating influenza strains. Among clades and subclades of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 viruses circulating in Vietnam, H5N1 clade 1.1 and clade 2.3.2.1c possess genetic relationships to many strains of influenza; thus they are suggested to be used for producing vaccines against avian influenza. In this article, two HA gene segments of two types of A/H5N1 influenza clade have been designed: HA clade 1.1 gene consists 1825 nucleotides encoding 565 amino acids, HA clade 2.3.2.1c gene consists 1822 nucleotides, encoding 564 amino acids. Most importantly, nucleotide sequence of the pathogenic region of HA was removed. Each of the two HA segments corresponding to the two clades were successfully cloned into pHW2000 vector and will be used as a candidate for production of avian influenza vaccines using reverse genetics technique.

Download Full-text

Testing Whether Suicide Capability Has a Dynamic Propensity: The Role of Affect and Arousal on Momentary Fluctuations in Suicide Capability

Frontiers in Psychology ◽

10.3389/fpsyg.2021.590187 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Keyne C. Law ◽

Michael D. Anestis

Keyword(s):

Suicide Risk ◽

Pain Threshold ◽

Temporal Dynamics ◽

Critical Factor ◽

Pain Tolerance ◽

Affective States ◽

Before And After ◽

Core Components ◽

Main Effects

To prevent suicidal behaviors, it is crucial to understand the mechanisms and processes that enable an individual to act on suicidal thoughts. Suicide capability, which involves an increased pain tolerance and fearlessness of death, is a critical factor that enables an individual to endure the physical pain necessary to make a lethal suicide attempt. Extant research has largely conceptualized suicide capability as developing linearly in response to painful and provocative experiences, but the emerging literature on the temporal dynamics of suicide has been challenging the notion of linearity in suicide risk. Few studies have directly measured and compared changes in suicide capability in response to rumination on different affective states. We sought to experimentally test if rumination in the context of low vs. high arousal emotions will prompt distinct changes in two core components of suicide capability: pain tolerance and fearlessness of death on two undergraduate student samples. In both studies, participants provided measures of subjective emotional state as well as pain threshold, tolerance, and persistence before and after completing experimental manipulations which included both emotion and rumination induction procedures. In the second study, measures of fearlessness about death and physiological arousal (heart rate) were added to the experimental procedures. We found significant decreases in pain threshold, tolerance, and persistence following the experimental manipulations but found no main effects of rumination or suicide risk. These findings suggest that suicide capability can fluctuate but these changes may occur through a different mechanism and/or differ between individuals at varying levels of suicide risk.

Download Full-text