Novel Reassortant Influenza A(H5N8) Viruses among Inoculated Domestic and Wild Ducks,South Korea, 2014

An outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza, caused by a novel reassortant influenza A (H5N8) virus, occurred among poultry and wild birds in South Korea in 2014. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pathogenesis in and mode of transmission of this virus among domestic and wild ducks. Three of the viruses had similar pathogenicity among infected domestic ducks: the H5N8 viruses were moderately pathogenic (0%–20% mortality rate); in wild mallard ducks, the H5N8 and H5N1 viruses did not cause severe illness or death; viral replication and shedding were greater in H5N8-infected mallards than in H5N1-infected mallards. Identification of H5N8 viruses in birds exposed to infected domestic ducks and mallards indicated that the viruses could spread by contact. We propose active surveillance to support prevention of the spread of this virus among wild birds and poultry, especially domestic ducks.     

Pharmacovigilance in Russia: current state of affairs,challenges, and prospects

This review outlines current issues of the pharmacovigilance (PV) system in the Russian Federation, namely the present state of regulatory aspects, regulatory requirements in both Russia and the Eurasian Economic Union, and review of causes of under-reporting of adverse drug reactions. Specific attention will be focused on how the system is designed to monitor drug safety functions, reporting and accountability of pharmaceutical products, their manufacturers and medical staff, the role played by regional centers for drug-safety monitoring, and insufficient understanding of the part taken by patients in the system of PV. The prospects of the Russian PV system and its harmonization with global practice will also be discussed.     

Six-year surveillance of Newcastle disease virus in wild birds in north-eastern Spain (Catalonia)

Given that Newcastle disease (ND) is one of the major threats for the poultry industry, testing of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) has been carried out since 2010 in cases of mortality in wild birds (passive surveillance) in Catalonia. The objective is to provide an early warning system to prevent the infection of poultry. Since 2010, 35 episodes of mortality in wild birds were attributed to NDV infection. Throughout this period there was a progressive expansion of NDV to new areas, with an increase in the episodes of mortality, although it is not clear whether they were the result of the spread of the virus, or of the improvement of the surveillance. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that two distinct sublineages of NDV, 4a and 4b, were circulating in Catalonia. Both sublineages seem to be endemic in the wild bird population, affecting mainly Eurasian-collared doves, with a clear pattern in relation to its spatial distribution (coincident with the distribution of this species), and its temporal distribution (with the majority of cases between September and February). So far, endemicity in wild birds has not resulted in ND outbreaks in poultry. However, there are still many uncertainties about, for example, whether NDV may expand to new areas of Catalonia (with higher poultry density), or about the threat that the apparently more novel sublineage 4a may represent. Hence, efforts should be made so that measures to prevent infection of poultry farms (particularly in high-risk areas and periods) are encouraged, and surveillance is maintained.     

The Eurasian Nose: Aesthetic Principles and Techniques for Augmentation of the Asian Nose with Autogenous Grafting

Nasal augmentation is a highly popular technique used among Asian patients to change the characteristic flat Asian nose to a more prominent nose. The extent of augmentation is determined by the aesthetic desires of the patient, and the method of augmentation is provided by the surgeon, who takes into account the technical limitations of his or her preferred technique and the proposed surgical result. Although a silicone prosthesis is the most common implant used to improve the nasal appearance, the author prefers an autogenous approach with the olecranon bone used as a dorsal implant and conchal cartilages used to improve nasal tip projection because of the long-term stable results. A series of 31 cases over 15 years is reviewed. The technique varies little from that described for saddle nose by Hodgkinson in 1992 [5]. The procedure is a variation of the ulnar donor site originally described by Antia et al. [1].     

Forensic and population genetic characteristics of 62 X chromosome SNPs revealed by multiplex PCR and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry genotyping in 4 North Eurasian populations

X chromosome genetic markers are widely used in basic population genetic research as well as in forensic genetics. In this paper we analyze the genetic diversity of 62 X chromosome SNPs in 4 populations using multiplex genotyping based on multi-locus PCR and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, and report forensic and population genetic features of the panel of X-linked SNPs (XSNPid). Studied populations represent Siberian (Buryat and Khakas), North Asian (Khanty) and Central Asian (Kazakh) native people. Khanty, Khakas and Kazakh population demonstrate average gene diversity over 0.45. Only East Siberian Buryat population is characterized by lower average heterozygosity (0.436). AMOVA analysis of genetic structure reveals a relatively low but significant level of genetic differentiation in a group of 4 population studied (F_ST = 0.023, p = 0.0000). The XSNPid panel provides a very high discriminating power in each population. The combined probability of discrimination in females (PDf) for XSNPid panel ranged between populations from 0.99999999999999999999999982 in Khakas to 0.9999999999999999999999963 in Buryats. The combined discriminating power in males (PDm) varies from 0.999999999999999792 to 0.9999999999999999819. The developed multiplex set of X chromosome SNPs can be a useful tool for population genetic studies and for forensic identity and kinship testing.     

Genetic and Antigenic Evolution of European Swine Influenza A Viruses of HA-1C (Avian-Like) and HA-1B (Human-Like) Lineages in France from 2000 to 2018

This study evaluated the genetic and antigenic evolution of swine influenza A viruses (swIAV) of the two main enzootic H1 lineages, i.e., HA-1C (H1_av) and -1B (H1_hu), circulating in France between 2000 and 2018. SwIAV RNAs extracted from 1220 swine nasal swabs were hemagglutinin/neuraminidase (HA/NA) subtyped by RT-qPCRs, and 293 virus isolates were sequenced. In addition, 146 H1_avNy and 105 H1_huNy strains were submitted to hemagglutination inhibition tests. H1_avN1 (66.5%) and H1_huN2 (25.4%) subtypes were predominant. Most H1 strains belonged to HA-1C.2.1 or -1B.1.2.3 clades, but HA-1C.2, -1C.2.2, -1C.2.3, -1B.1.1, and -1B.1.2.1 clades were also detected sporadically. Within HA-1B.1.2.3 clade, a group of strains named “Δ146-147” harbored several amino acid mutations and a double deletion in HA, that led to a marked antigenic drift. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that internal segments belonged mainly to the “Eurasian avian-like lineage”, with two distinct genogroups for the M segment. In total, 17 distinct genotypes were identified within the study period. Reassortments of H1_av/H1_hu strains with H1N1pdm virus were rarely evidenced until 2018. Analysis of amino acid sequences predicted a variability in length of PB1-F2 and PA-X proteins and identified the appearance of several mutations in PB1, PB1-F2, PA, NP and NS1 proteins that could be linked to virulence, while markers for antiviral resistance were identified in N1 and N2. Altogether, diversity and evolution of swIAV recall the importance of disrupting the spreading of swIAV within and between pig herds, as well as IAV inter-species transmissions.     

Prevalence,genetics, and transmissibility in ferrets of Eurasian avian-like H1N1 swine influenza viruses

Pigs are important intermediate hosts for generating novel influenza viruses. The Eurasian avian-like H1N1 (EAH1N1) swine influenza viruses (SIVs) have circulated in pigs since 1979, and human cases associated with EAH1N1 SIVs have been reported in several countries. However, the biologic properties of EAH1N1 SIVs are largely unknown. Here, we performed extensive influenza surveillance in pigs in China and isolated 228 influenza viruses from 36,417 pigs. We found that 139 of the 228 strains from pigs in 10 provinces in China belong to the EAH1N1 lineage. These viruses formed five genotypes, with two distinct antigenic groups, represented by A/swine/Guangxi/18/2011 and A/swine/Guangdong/104/2013, both of which are antigenically and genetically distinct from the current human H1N1 viruses. Importantly, the EAH1N1 SIVs preferentially bound to human-type receptors, and 9 of the 10 tested viruses transmitted in ferrets by respiratory droplet. We found that 3.6% of children (≤10 y old), 0% of adults, and 13.4% of elderly adults (≥60 y old) had neutralization antibodies (titers ≥40 in children and ≥80 in adults) against the EAH1N1 A/swine/Guangxi/18/2011 virus, but none of them had such neutralization antibodies against the EAH1N1 A/swine/Guangdong/104/2013 virus. Our study shows the potential of EAH1N1 SIVs to transmit efficiently in humans and suggests that immediate action is needed to prevent the efficient transmission of EAH1N1 SIVs to humans.Pigs play a pivotal role in the ecology of influenza A viruses, being regarded as intermediate hosts for the generation of novel and potentially dangerous influenza viruses for humans. Cellular receptors containing α-2,3–linked sialic acids (Sias) (avian-like receptors) and α-2,6–linked Sias (human-like receptors) in the pig trachea favor the productive replication of viruses from both the avian and mammalian lineages (1). Influenza viruses of the subtypes H1N1, H1N2, and H3N2 are circulating in pigs globally (2). Two lineages of H1N1 swine influenza viruses (SIVs), classical H1N1 SIVs and Eurasian avian-like H1N1 (EAH1N1) SIVs, have been circulating in pigs since 1918 and 1979, respectively (3, 4). The classical H1N1 SIVs emerged in humans as a reassortant (2009/H1N1) and caused the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic (5). The EAH1N1 SIVs have been detected in pigs in many Eurasian countries (6) and have caused several human infections in European countries and also in China (7–11), where a fatal case was reported (11). EAH1N1 SIVs are reported to be most prevalent in pigs that have been brought into Hong Kong since 2005 (12). However, the evolution and biologic properties of the EAH1N1 SIVs are largely unknown.China is the largest pork-producing country in the world. Pigs in China are not vaccinated against influenza, and therefore, influenza viruses can spread freely once they are introduced into pig herds. In this study, we performed active surveillance in pigs and found that the EAH1N1 SIVs are predominant in the pig population in China; we further found that the EAH1N1 SIVs pose an imminent threat with regard to their ability to cause a human influenza pandemic.     

Trans fatty acid elimination policy in member states of the Eurasian Economic Union: Implementation challenges and capacity for enforcement

Removing trans fatty acids (TFAs) from the food supply in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) are one of the most effective public health interventions for reducing the risk of noncommunicable diseases. EAEU Member States have taken important steps to reduce TFA in oil and fat products to <2% of the total fat content. The authors summarize existing policies in the region, identify challenges in implementation, and suggest measures to strengthen regulation to achieve compliance with WHO guidelines. Documents published between 2011 and 2019 in Russian and English were reviewed, including EAEU and Member State restrictions on TFA in food products, data on TFA content in foods, and food labeling policies. The EAEU has established TFA limits in oil and fat products; however, Member States are currently not achieving the WHO guideline of <2% of total fat content in food products. A lack of harmonized monitoring systems and sanctions create challenges in monitoring compliance. The authors recommend developing an EAEU‐wide monitoring system to test TFA content and organize population intake surveys. Discrepancies exist within regulatory frameworks that allow higher levels of TFAs in dairy products and infant formula. The authors recommend extending the current regulation to mandate TFA limits for all food products. Research found that strengthening regulation to meet the WHO guidelines should be prioritized. Member States should implement actions to replace TFAs with healthier fats, develop standardized surveillance methods, and scale‐up strategic communication to ensure the food industry and the public follow public health recommendations to protect the health of the EAEU population.     

Seasonal changes in adrenocortical responses to acute stress in Eurasian tree sparrow (Passer montanus) on the Tibetan Plateau: comparison with house sparrow (P. domesticus) in North America and with the migratory P. domesticus in Qinghai Province

Seasonal modulation of the adrenocortical response to stress appears to be ubiquitous in arctic-breeding and temperate-zone-breeding birds, but has not been well investigated in alpine-breeding species at mid-latitude. We examined the adrenocortical response to acute stress (capture, handling and restraint) in populations of Eurasian tree sparrow (Passer montanus) among seasons and migratory house sparrow (P. domesticus bactrianus) in pre-breeding on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau (the Tibetan Plateau). A population of house sparrow (Passer domesticus domesticus) was also sampled in lowland Phoenix, Arizona during breeding and wintering stages. In Eurasian tree sparrows, baseline corticosterone (CORT) does not differ among life history stages, but stress-induced CORT level (maximal CORT, total and corrected integrated CORT) is significantly higher in late breeding stage than those in early breeding and prebasic molt stages. In house sparrows, stress-induced CORT level does not differ between sites and life history stages, but baseline CORT is significantly lower in pre-breeding from Qinghai compared with those in breeding and wintering stages from Phoenix. Interestingly, both baseline CORT and maximal CORT do not differ between the populations of Eurasian tree sparrow and house sparrow in early/pre-breeding stage although tree sparrow is resident species whereas house sparrow is migratory in Qinghai. Our results suggest that the extreme environment of the Tibetan Plateau does not have significant effects on adrenocortical responses to acute stress in Eurasian tree sparrows and house sparrows, which may be a result of masking by human activities. These invasive human commensals may have a unique HPA axis response to different environments because they can take advantage of human food sources and shelter (i.e. buildings).     

Fatal leptospirosis in free‐ranging Eurasian beavers (Castor fiber L.), Switzerland

Leptospirosis was first diagnosed in free‐ranging Eurasian beavers (Castor fiber L.) in Switzerland in 2010. Pathologic, serologic, molecular and epidemiologic analyses were carried out on 13 animals submitted for necropsy from 2010 through 2014. Typical lesions included alveolar haemorrhages in the lungs, tubular degeneration and interstitial nephritis in the kidneys. Microscopic agglutination test results were positive for serogroups Icterohaemorrhagiae, Australis, Autumnalis and Sejroe. Molecular analysis identified four distinct profiles belonging to serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae or Copenhageni. The severity and features of the lesions were consistent with a fatal disease associated with leptospires similarly to what has been reported in other animals and humans. The spatiotemporal occurrence of leptospirosis in beavers suggested an upstream spread of the bacteria and coincided with an increased incidence of leptospirosis in dogs and a case cluster in humans. However, an epidemiologic link among beaver cases and among species was not supported neither by the serologic nor molecular data.