Sequence and phylogenetic analysis of virulent Newcastle disease virus isolates from Pakistan during 2009–2013 reveals circulation of new sub genotype

AbstractDespite observing the standard bio-security measures at commercial poultry farms and extensive use of Newcastle disease vaccines, a new genotype VII-f of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) got introduced in Pakistan during 2011. In this regard 300 ND outbreaks recorded so far have resulted into huge losses of approximately USD 200 million during 2011–2013. A total of 33 NDV isolates recovered during 2009–2013 throughout Pakistan were characterized biologically and phylogenetically. The phylogenetic analysis revealed a new velogenic sub genotype VII-f circulating in commercial and domestic poultry along with the earlier reported sub genotype VII-b. Partial sequencing of Fusion gene revealed two types of cleavage site motifs; lentogenic 112GRQGRL117 and velogenic 112RRQKRF117 along with some point mutations indicative of genetic diversity. We report here a new sub genotype of virulent NDV circulating in commercial and backyard poultry in Pakistan and provide evidence for the possible genetic diversity which may be causing new NDV out breaks

Sequence and phylogenetic analysis of H7N3 avian influenza viruses isolated from poultry in Pakistan 1995-2004

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Avian influenza virus (AIV) infections have caused heavy economic losses to the poultry industry in Pakistan as well as numerous other regions worldwide. The first introduction of H7N3 AIV to Pakistan occurred during 1995, since then H7N3, H9N2 and H5N1 AIVs have each been sporadically isolated. This report evaluates the genetic origin of the H7N3 viruses from Pakistan collected 1995-2004 and how they disseminated within the country. To accomplish this we produced whole genome sequences for 6 H7N3 viruses and data for the HA and NA genes of an additional 7 isolates. All available sequence from H7N3 AIV from Pakistan was included in the analysis.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Phylogenetic analysis revealed that there were two introductions of H7 into Pakistan and one N3 introduction. Only one of the H7 introductions appears to have become established in poultry in Pakistan, while the other was isolated from two separate outbreaks 6 years apart. The data also shows that reassortment has occurred between H7N3 and H9N2 viruses in the field, likely during co-infection of poultry. Also, with the exception of these few reassortant isolates, all 8 genes in the predominant H7N3 virus lineage have evolved to be phylogenetically distinct.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Although rigorous control measures have been implemented in commercial poultry in Pakistan, AIV is sporadically transmitted to poultry and among the different poultry industry compartments (broilers, broiler breeders, table egg layers). Since there is one primary H7 lineage which persists and that has reassorted with the H9N2 AIV in poultry, it suggests that there is a reservoir with some link commercial poultry. On a general level, this offers insight into the molecular ecology of AIV in poultry where the virus has persisted despite vaccination and biosecurity. This data also illustrates the importance of sustained surveillance for AIVs in poultry.</p

Community perception and utilization of services for the severe wasted children aged 6–59 months in the Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals and their nearest host communities in Bangladesh: a qualitative exploration

IntroductionThere is a paucity of data on community perception and utilization of services for wasted children in Forcibly Displaced Myanmar Nationals (FDMN) and their nearest host communities.MethodsWe conducted a qualitative study to explore community perceptions and understand the utilization of services for severely wasted children among the FDMN and their nearest host communities in Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar. We carried out 13 focus group discussions and 17 in-depth interviews with the caregivers of the children of 6–59 months, and 8 key informant interviews.ResultsCaregivers’ perceived causes of severe wasting of their children included caregivers’ inattention, unhygienic practices, and inappropriate feeding practices. However, the context and settings of the FDMN camps shaped perceptions of the FDMN communities. Caregivers in both the FDMN and host communities sought care from healthcare providers for their children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) when they were noticed and encouraged by their neighbors or community outreach workers, and when their SAM children suffered from diseases such as diarrhea and fever. Some caregivers perceived ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) as a food to be shared and so they fed it to their non-SAM children.DiscussionCaregivers of the children having SAM with complications, in the FDMN and host communities, were reluctant to stay in stabilization centers or complex respectively, due to their households’ chores and husbands’ unwillingness to grant them to stay. The findings of this study are expected to be used to design interventions using locally produced RUTF for the management of SAM children in the FDMN, as well as to inform the health sector working on SAM child management in the host communities

Intracranial Haemorrhage in Patients with Congenital Bleeding Disorders

Background To study patients with congenital bleeding disorders presenting with intracranial haemorrhage in relation to the severity of bleeding disorder, presenting features, diagnosis, management and complications.Methods: This descriptive study included all the patients who presented with intracranial bleed. Age, gender, type and severity of bleeding disorder, presence of inhibitor, history of trauma, presenting symptoms and signs, diagnosis, management and complications were documented.Results: Out of 659 registered patients, twenty one presented with twenty three episodes of intracranial haemorrhage. Majority of the patients, presenting with intracranial bleed were of Haemophilia A (61.9%). Intracranial haemorrhage was confirmed by computed tomography except in one case that died immediately after arrival at the centre. Headache(85.7%), vomiting (71.4%) and seizures ( 38.1%) were common presentations.Conclusion: Intracranial haemorrhage needs an index of suspicion in patients with bleeding disorders who present with headaches. As adequate treatment prevents morbidity and mortality, efforts should be made for provision of factor concentrates to ensure adequate management

Chicken meat as a source of avian influenza virus persistence and dissemination. Int J Poultry Sci 6:871–874

Abstract: A study was conducted to investigate the persistence of Avian Influenza Virus (AIV) serotype H9N2 in the processed and frozen meat from chickens earlier exposed to this virus. For this purpose a group of chickens were experimentally infected with a field isolate (A/Chicken/Pakistan/NARC-02/2002) of AIV H9N2 . After ten days post-inoculation, chickens were euthanized and their carcasses were cut into small pieces and stored at -20°C till further use. Subsequently, after every week selected pieces of frozen chicken were processed for isolation of AIV subtype H9N2 through embryonated egg inoculation. The data indicated that the AI virus was recoverable at different HA titres from various parts of chicken meat which includes neck, wings, breast, oscoxy, legs and bone marrow. It was possible to recover the AI virus using standard in ovo propagation techniques up to six weeks post-storage from most parts of the stored chicken

Impact of Strategic Human Resource Management on Rule Breaking and Job Satisfaction: Moderating Role of Servant Leadership and Mediating Role of Rules Control: Muhammad Siddique Malik, Kamran Ali, Naila Kausar, Muhammad Amir Chaudhry

Although all forms of resources are necessary for organizational success, the literature seems to agree that human capital and its management have a substantial influence on the performance of corporations. In today's dynamic world, where communication and technologies continually grow, the actions and behavior of employees in their organizations are gaining importance with regard to the workers’ performance, SHRM, and servant leadership positions. In this study, the impact of SHRM, servant leadership, and rule control on Job Satisfaction and rule-breaking behavior of employees have been analyzed. Our study consists of a sample population of 287 white collar employees in the public and private sectors of Pakistan. Analysis was carried out using SPSS and AMO programs. Hypotheses were tested by the structural equation model. Finding reveals that SHRM has a positive and significant influence on job satisfaction but an insignificant impact on the rule-breaking behavior of employees. Servant leadership positively influenced job satisfaction and significantly moderates the association between SHRM and job satisfaction indicating that the servant attitude of the manager increases the satisfaction of the personnel. Rules control plays a significant mediating role. The current study contributed that employee exhibit greater levels of persistence, competence, and competitiveness while they are motivated by servant leaders. Managing workers from different backgrounds and with different work ethics require proactive leadership that disciplines organizational life according to predetermined guidelines for job involvement

Sequence and phylogenetic analysis of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 viruses isolated during 2006–2008 outbreaks in Pakistan reveals genetic diversity

Abstract Background Since the first outbreak recorded in northern areas of Pakistan in early 2006, highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 viruses were isolated from commercial poultry and wild/domestic birds from different areas of Pakistan up to July 2008. Different isolates of H5N1 were sequenced to explore the genetic diversity of these viruses. Results Phylogenetic analysis revealed close clustering and highest sequence identity in all 8 genes to HPAI H5N1 isolates belonging to unified H5 clade 2.2, sub-lineage EMA-3 recovered from Afghanistan during the same time period. Two subgroups within Pakistani H5N1 viruses, from domestic and wild birds, were observed on the basis of their sequence homology and mutations. HPAI motif, preferred receptor specificity for α-(2, 3) linkages, potential N-linked glycosylation sites and an additional glycosylation site at the globular head of HA protein of four Pakistani H5N1 isolates. While, the amino acids associated with sensitivities to various antiviral drugs (Oseltamivir, Zanamivir, Amantadine) were found conserved for the Pakistani H5N1 isolates. Conspicuously, some important mutations observed at critical positions of antigenic sites (S141P, D155S, R162I & P181S) and at receptor binding pocket (A185T, R189K & S217P) of HA-1. A high sequence similarity between Pakistani HP H5N1 and LP H9N2 viruses was also observed. Avian like host specific markers with the exception of E627K in PB2, K356R in PA, V33I in NP, I28V in M2 and L107F in NS2 proteins were also observed. Conclusions Various point mutations in different genes of H5 viruses from Pakistan were observed during its circulation in the field. The outbreaks started in Khyber Pakhtoon Khawa (North West) province in 2006 and spread to the Southern regions over a period of time. Though migratory birds may have a role for this continued endemicity of clade 2.2 H5N1 viruses during 2006–2008 in Pakistan, the possibility of their transmission through legal or illegal poultry trade across the borders cannot be ignored.</p