A longitudinal study of bovine viral diarrhea virus in a semi-closed management dairy cattle herd, 2020–2022

IntroductionBovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) brings great economic loss to the cattle industry worldwide. Developing a control/prevention strategy requires the prior assessment of certain epidemiological parameters. To determine the BVD incidence rate and associated risk factors, a dairy cattle herd in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia was monitored between 2020 and 2022.MethodsNasal swabs (n = 190), rectal swabs (n = 190), and sera (n = 190) were collected from 79 cows in this herd. Collected sera and swabs were tested using the commercially available ELISAs for the BVDV antibodies and antigens, respectively. Collected sera were also tested for the presence of BVDV nucleic acids using commercial real-time RT-PCR kits.Results and discussionOur data show BVDV seroprevalence (18.8%, 15%, and 8.2%) in the tested animals in 2020–2022, respectively. None of the collected nasal swabs, rectal swabs, or sera tested positive for the BVDV antigen, whereas 10.1%, 10%, and 18.1% of the tested sera were positive for BVDV nucleic acid in 2020–2022, respectively. The incidence rate was estimated at 0.02446 new cases/year despite the detection of BVDV in seronegative animals on single or two occasions at ≥6-month intervals. Young calves and bulls remained apparently unexposed to BVDV despite their presence with BVDV-infected females, with no significant physical separation. Both seropositivity and nucleic acid detectability showed significant positive and negative correlations, respectively, with reproductive performance. Collectively, the present study provides useful clues about the transmissibility of BVDV in the presence of possibly persistently infected animals. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first longitudinal study of BVDV in the Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia. Further detailed characterization of the circulating BVDVs is encouraged

Avian encephalomyelitis virus in backyard chickens

Background and Aim: Avian viral diseases usually cause high economic losses because of high morbidity and mortality and poor growth. The rearing of chickens in backyards could have an important role in the spread of certain diseases, particularly those of viral origin. Infected birds might be prone to many viral infections for several reasons, including a lack of vaccination programs, the mixing of different bird species in the same location, and the close interactions of these birds with wild and migratory birds carrying various pathogens. This study aimed to conduct serological surveillance of avian encephalomyelitis virus (AEV) in some backyard chickens in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: Serum samples (n = 368) were collected from domestic chickens reared in 10 backyards in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. None of the domestic birds in these 10 backyards were vaccinated against the virus. In addition, 78 serum samples were collected from free-ranging birds belonging to Columbidae, such as pigeons and doves, in common areas near the domestic backyards. We tested these sera for specific antibodies against AEV. Results: Our results revealed seroconversion to AEV among the examined chickens (14.6%). None of the tested pigeons and doves displayed seroconversion to AEV. Conclusion: Seroconversion of these non-vaccinated birds against AEV was suggestive of a recent natural infection by this virus. Further studies with a large number of birds are required to molecularly characterize the circulating strains of this virus in this area

Burnout among surgeons before and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: an international survey

Background: SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has had many significant impacts within the surgical realm, and surgeons have been obligated to reconsider almost every aspect of daily clinical practice. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study reported in compliance with the CHERRIES guidelines and conducted through an online platform from June 14th to July 15th, 2020. The primary outcome was the burden of burnout during the pandemic indicated by the validated Shirom-Melamed Burnout Measure. Results: Nine hundred fifty-four surgeons completed the survey. The median length of practice was 10 years; 78.2% included were male with a median age of 37 years old, 39.5% were consultants, 68.9% were general surgeons, and 55.7% were affiliated with an academic institution. Overall, there was a significant increase in the mean burnout score during the pandemic; longer years of practice and older age were significantly associated with less burnout. There were significant reductions in the median number of outpatient visits, operated cases, on-call hours, emergency visits, and research work, so, 48.2% of respondents felt that the training resources were insufficient. The majority (81.3%) of respondents reported that their hospitals were included in the management of COVID-19, 66.5% felt their roles had been minimized; 41% were asked to assist in non-surgical medical practices, and 37.6% of respondents were included in COVID-19 management. Conclusions: There was a significant burnout among trainees. Almost all aspects of clinical and research activities were affected with a significant reduction in the volume of research, outpatient clinic visits, surgical procedures, on-call hours, and emergency cases hindering the training. Trial registration: The study was registered on clicaltrials.gov "NCT04433286" on 16/06/2020

Leukocyte populations and their cell adhesion molecules expression in newborn dromedary camel calves

Background and Aim: Different properties of the newborn immune system have been characterized in many species. For the newborn camel calf, however, the phenotype and composition of blood leukocytes have so far not been evaluated. The current study aimed to analyze the distribution of leukocyte subpopulations and their expression pattern of cell adhesion molecules in newborn and adult dromedary camels. Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from 17 newborn camel calves and 32 adult camels. For each sample, total leukocytes were separated and analyzed for their composition and cell adhesion molecules expression by flow cytometry. Results: In comparison to adult camels, newborn camel calves had higher leukocyte numbers and higher numbers of neutrophils, monocytes, and lymphocytes but lower numbers of eosinophils in their blood. Among the lymphocyte populations in calves, the fractions of B cells and γδ T cells were elevated when compared to adults, whereas CD4-positive T cells were reduced. The comparison between camel calves and adult camels revealed significantly lower expression of the cell adhesion molecules CD11a, CD11b, and CD18 on granulocytes, monocytes, and lymphocytes in calves. Conclusion: Newborn camel calves show a distinct composition and phenotype pattern of blood leukocytes when compared to adult camels. The observed rise in many leukocyte populations in calf blood may be due to reduced migratory activity in calf leukocyte populations

Occurrence of Multidrug-Resistant Strains of Acinetobacter spp.: An Emerging Threat for Nosocomial-Borne Infection in Najran Region, KSA

Multidrug-resistant strains are frequent causes of nosocomial infections. The majority of nosocomial infections, particularly in critical care units (ICU), have been linked to A. baumannii, which has major clinical significance. The current paper attempts to identify the potential risk and prognosis factors for acquiring an infection due to A. baumannii compared to that of other nosocomial bacteria. In our study, we employed antibiotics generally prescribed for the initial course of treatment such as colistin, meropenem, amikacin, trimethoprime-sulfamethoxazole, levofloxacin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, and piperacillin-tazobactam. We found that the isolated A. baumannii were resistant at a high rate to meropenem, piperacillin–tazobactam, amikacin, levofloxacin, and ciprofloxacin, while they were partially susceptible to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Our study revealed that A. baumannii was most susceptible to gentamicin and colistin at 85.8% and 92.9%, respectively, whereas the combination of colistin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole was 100% active. The patients were the primary source of infection with A. baumannii, followed by inanimate objects present in the ICU and hospital premises, and then the hospital staff who were taking care of the ICU patients. Gentamicin and colistin were the most sensitive antibiotics; of the 13 tested in total, the rate of drug resistance was above 50%. The very high rate of antibiotic resistance is alarming

Data_Sheet_1_Detection of Avian Orthoavulavirus-1 genotypes VI.2.1 and VII.1.1 with neuro-viscerotropic tropism in some backyard pigeons (Columbidae) in Eastern Saudi Arabia.docx

IntroductionAvian orthoavulavirus-1 (AOAV1) has a wide host range, including domestic and wild birds. The present study aimed to identify the currently circulating AOAV1 strains from some outbreaks in some backyard pigeons in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia (ERSA).MethodsTracheal/cloacal swabs and tissue specimens were collected from eight backyards in Al-Ahsa, ERSA, between January 2021 and March 2023. Samples were tested for the presence of AOAV1 using commercial real-time RT-PCR. Part of the fusion gene was also amplified by gel-based RT-PCR, and the obtained amplicons were sequenced.Results and discussionAOAV1 was detected in samples from the eight flocks. The retrieved sequences from samples of 6/8 pigeon backyards are reported. Phylogenetic analysis based on the obtained sequences from these backyard pigeons showed the segregation of the obtained sequences in AOAV1 genotypes VI.2.1 and VII.1.1. Clinically, nervous manifestations were dominant in pigeons infected with both genotypes. Respiratory manifestations and significantly higher overall mortality rate were induced by genotype VI.2.1. The deduced amino acid sequences of the fusion protein cleavage site (FPCS) showed that all the detected isolates belong to velogenic strains. Differences in clinical profiles induced by the natural infection of pigeons with AOAV1 genotypes VI.2.1 and VII.1.1 were reported. The present findings highlight the potential roles of some backyard pigeons in the long-distance spread and cross-species transmission of the reported AOAVI genotypes. Further research is required to perform biotyping and pathotyping of the reported strains.</p

Image_1_Detection of Avian Orthoavulavirus-1 genotypes VI.2.1 and VII.1.1 with neuro-viscerotropic tropism in some backyard pigeons (Columbidae) in Eastern Saudi Arabia.JPEG

IntroductionAvian orthoavulavirus-1 (AOAV1) has a wide host range, including domestic and wild birds. The present study aimed to identify the currently circulating AOAV1 strains from some outbreaks in some backyard pigeons in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia (ERSA).MethodsTracheal/cloacal swabs and tissue specimens were collected from eight backyards in Al-Ahsa, ERSA, between January 2021 and March 2023. Samples were tested for the presence of AOAV1 using commercial real-time RT-PCR. Part of the fusion gene was also amplified by gel-based RT-PCR, and the obtained amplicons were sequenced.Results and discussionAOAV1 was detected in samples from the eight flocks. The retrieved sequences from samples of 6/8 pigeon backyards are reported. Phylogenetic analysis based on the obtained sequences from these backyard pigeons showed the segregation of the obtained sequences in AOAV1 genotypes VI.2.1 and VII.1.1. Clinically, nervous manifestations were dominant in pigeons infected with both genotypes. Respiratory manifestations and significantly higher overall mortality rate were induced by genotype VI.2.1. The deduced amino acid sequences of the fusion protein cleavage site (FPCS) showed that all the detected isolates belong to velogenic strains. Differences in clinical profiles induced by the natural infection of pigeons with AOAV1 genotypes VI.2.1 and VII.1.1 were reported. The present findings highlight the potential roles of some backyard pigeons in the long-distance spread and cross-species transmission of the reported AOAVI genotypes. Further research is required to perform biotyping and pathotyping of the reported strains.</p

Occurrence of Multidrug-Resistant Strains of <i>Acinetobacter</i> spp.: An Emerging Threat for Nosocomial-Borne Infection in Najran Region, KSA

Multidrug-resistant strains are frequent causes of nosocomial infections. The majority of nosocomial infections, particularly in critical care units (ICU), have been linked to A. baumannii, which has major clinical significance. The current paper attempts to identify the potential risk and prognosis factors for acquiring an infection due to A. baumannii compared to that of other nosocomial bacteria. In our study, we employed antibiotics generally prescribed for the initial course of treatment such as colistin, meropenem, amikacin, trimethoprime-sulfamethoxazole, levofloxacin, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, and piperacillin-tazobactam. We found that the isolated A. baumannii were resistant at a high rate to meropenem, piperacillin–tazobactam, amikacin, levofloxacin, and ciprofloxacin, while they were partially susceptible to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Our study revealed that A. baumannii was most susceptible to gentamicin and colistin at 85.8% and 92.9%, respectively, whereas the combination of colistin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole was 100% active. The patients were the primary source of infection with A. baumannii, followed by inanimate objects present in the ICU and hospital premises, and then the hospital staff who were taking care of the ICU patients. Gentamicin and colistin were the most sensitive antibiotics; of the 13 tested in total, the rate of drug resistance was above 50%. The very high rate of antibiotic resistance is alarming

The compelling role of allopurinol in hyperuricemia-induced epilepsy: Unrecognized like tears in rain

Epilepsy is a common neurological disease characterized by the recurrent, paroxysmal, and unprovoked seizures. It has been shown that hyperuricemia enhances and associated with the development and progression of epilepsy through induction of inflammation and oxidative stress. In addition, uric acid is released within the brain and contributes in the development of neuronal hyperexcitability and epileptic seizure. Brain uric acid acts as damage associated molecular pattern (DAMP) activates the immune response and induce the development of neuroinflammation. Therefore, inhibition of xanthine oxidase by allopurinol may reduce hyperuricemia-induced epileptic seizure and associated oxidative stress and inflammation. However, the underlying mechanism of allopurinol in the epilepsy was not fully elucidated. Therefore, this review aims to revise from published articles the link between hyperuricemia and epilepsy, and how allopurinol inhibits the development of epileptic seizure