The extraordinary evolutionary history of the reticuloendotheliosis viruses

The reticuloendotheliosis viruses (REVs) comprise several closely related amphotropic retroviruses isolated from birds. These viruses exhibit several highly unusual characteristics that have not so far been adequately explained, including their extremely close relationship to mammalian retroviruses, and their presence as endogenous sequences within the genomes of certain large DNA viruses. We present evidence for an iatrogenic origin of REVs that accounts for these phenomena. Firstly, we identify endogenous retroviral fossils in mammalian genomes that share a unique recombinant structure with REVs—unequivocally demonstrating that REVs derive directly from mammalian retroviruses. Secondly, through sequencing of archived REV isolates, we confirm that contaminated Plasmodium lophurae stocks have been the source of multiple REV outbreaks in experimentally infected birds. Finally, we show that both phylogenetic and historical evidence support a scenario wherein REVs originated as mammalian retroviruses that were accidentally introduced into avian hosts in the late 1930s, during experimental studies of P. lophurae, and subsequently integrated into the fowlpox virus (FWPV) and gallid herpesvirus type 2 (GHV-2) genomes, generating recombinant DNA viruses that now circulate in wild birds and poultry. Our findings provide a novel perspective on the origin and evolution of REV, and indicate that horizontal gene transfer between virus families can expand the impact of iatrogenic transmission events

Aspects Epidémiologiques, Cliniques et Prise en Charge Chirurgicale des Fibromyomes Utérins au Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique de l’Hôpital National Ignace Deen-CHU de Conakry 2022

Introduction: L’objectif était d’étudier les aspects épidémiologiques, cliniques et prise en charge chirurgicale des fibromyomes utérins au service de gynécologie-obstétrique de l’hôpital national Ignace Deen du CHU de Conakry en 2022. Méthodologie : Il s’agissait d’une étude descriptive transversale, allant du 1er Mai au 30 octobre 2022 soit une période de six (6) mois. Ont été étudié les variables épidémiologiques, cliniques et prise en charge, les données ont été collectées à l’aide de la fiche d’enquête préétablie et prétestée, le logiciel SPSS version 21 a été utilisé pour l’analyse des données. Résultats : les interventions chirurgicales pour fibromyome utérin ont occupé 48,90% des activités chirurgicales pour pathologie gynécologique. L’âge moyen de nos patientes était de 38,38 ±9 ans avec les extrêmes 22 et 70 ans, les nullipares étaient les plus représentées (48,70%), il s’agissait des femmes non scolarisées (42,10%), en foyer (73,30%), exerçant une profession libérale (40,80%), cliniquement, l’indice de masse corporelle (IMC) de nos malades se situait entre 18,5-24,99 soit 52,6%, la ménorragie était le motif de consultation le plus fréquent (28,53%),  le volume utérin simulant une grossesse de 12- 20 SA (72,40%) était plus représenté, la classification de FIGO  à l’échographie a été utilisée (9,20%), utérus polymyomateux était l’indication opératoire la  plus rependue (65,79%), le traitement était conservateur (myomectomie) dans 64,50% des cas, toutes nos pièces opératoires ont été examinées avec une confirmation de léiomyome utérin. La complication post opératoire immédiate la plus fréquemment rencontrée était l’anémie (5,26%). Nous avons utilisé le logiciel SPSS version 21 pour l’analyse des données. Conclusion : le traitement conservateur pour la prise en charge du fibromyome utérin constitue une option salutaire pour les femmes en âge de procréer.   Introduction: The aim was to study the epidemiological, clinical aspects and surgical management of uterine fibromyomas in the gynecology-obstetrics department of the Ignace Deen National Hospital of Conakry University Hospital in 2022. Methodology : This was a descriptive cross-sectional study, running from May 1 to October 30, 2022, a period of six (6) months. Epidemiological, clinical and management variables were studied. Data were collected using a pre-established and pre-tested survey form, and SPSS version 21 software was used for data analysis. Results : Uterine fibromyoma surgery accounted for 55.64% of surgical activity for gynaecological pathology. The mean age of our patients was 38.38 ±9 years, with extremes of 22 and 70 years; nulliparous women were the most common (48.70%), with no schooling (42.10%), living at home (73.30%) and self-employed (40.80%); clinically, the body mass index (BMI) of our patients ranged from 18.5-24.99 (52.6%); menorrhagia was the most frequent reason for consultation (28, 53%), uterine volume simulating a pregnancy of 12-20 SA (72.40%) was the most common, FIGO ultrasound classification was used (9.20%), polymyomatous uterus was the most common operative indication (65.79%), treatment was conservative (myomectomy) in 64.50% of cases, all our surgical specimens were examined with confirmation of uterine leiomyoma. The most frequent immediate postoperative complication was anemia (5.26%).  Conclusion : conservative treatment for uterine fibromyoma is a beneficial option for women of childbearing age

Aspects Epidémiologiques, Cliniques et Prise en Charge Chirurgicale des Fibromyomes Utérins au Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique de l’Hôpital National Ignace Deen-CHU de Conakry 2022

Introduction: L’objectif était d’étudier les aspects épidémiologiques, cliniques et prise en charge chirurgicale des fibromyomes utérins au service de gynécologie-obstétrique de l’hôpital national Ignace Deen du CHU de Conakry en 2022. Méthodologie : Il s’agissait d’une étude descriptive transversale, allant du 1er Mai au 30 octobre 2022 soit une période de six (6) mois. Ont été étudié les variables épidémiologiques, cliniques et prise en charge, les données ont été collectées à l’aide de la fiche d’enquête préétablie et prétestée, le logiciel SPSS version 21 a été utilisé pour l’analyse des données. Résultats : les interventions chirurgicales pour fibromyome utérin ont occupé 48,90% des activités chirurgicales pour pathologie gynécologique. L’âge moyen de nos patientes était de 38,38 ±9 ans avec les extrêmes 22 et 70 ans, les nullipares étaient les plus représentées (48,70%), il s’agissait des femmes non scolarisées (42,10%), en foyer (73,30%), exerçant une profession libérale (40,80%), cliniquement, l’indice de masse corporelle (IMC) de nos malades se situait entre 18,5-24,99 soit 52,6%, la ménorragie était le motif de consultation le plus fréquent (28,53%),  le volume utérin simulant une grossesse de 12- 20 SA (72,40%) était plus représenté, la classification de FIGO  à l’échographie a été utilisée (9,20%), utérus polymyomateux était l’indication opératoire la  plus rependue (65,79%), le traitement était conservateur (myomectomie) dans 64,50% des cas, toutes nos pièces opératoires ont été examinées avec une confirmation de léiomyome utérin. La complication post opératoire immédiate la plus fréquemment rencontrée était l’anémie (5,26%). Nous avons utilisé le logiciel SPSS version 21 pour l’analyse des données. Conclusion : le traitement conservateur pour la prise en charge du fibromyome utérin constitue une option salutaire pour les femmes en âge de procréer.   Introduction: The aim was to study the epidemiological, clinical aspects and surgical management of uterine fibromyomas in the gynecology-obstetrics department of the Ignace Deen National Hospital of Conakry University Hospital in 2022. Methodology : This was a descriptive cross-sectional study, running from May 1 to October 30, 2022, a period of six (6) months. Epidemiological, clinical and management variables were studied. Data were collected using a pre-established and pre-tested survey form, and SPSS version 21 software was used for data analysis. Results : Uterine fibromyoma surgery accounted for 55.64% of surgical activity for gynaecological pathology. The mean age of our patients was 38.38 ±9 years, with extremes of 22 and 70 years; nulliparous women were the most common (48.70%), with no schooling (42.10%), living at home (73.30%) and self-employed (40.80%); clinically, the body mass index (BMI) of our patients ranged from 18.5-24.99 (52.6%); menorrhagia was the most frequent reason for consultation (28, 53%), uterine volume simulating a pregnancy of 12-20 SA (72.40%) was the most common, FIGO ultrasound classification was used (9.20%), polymyomatous uterus was the most common operative indication (65.79%), treatment was conservative (myomectomy) in 64.50% of cases, all our surgical specimens were examined with confirmation of uterine leiomyoma. The most frequent immediate postoperative complication was anemia (5.26%).  Conclusion : conservative treatment for uterine fibromyoma is a beneficial option for women of childbearing age

Experimental Evolution of an Oncolytic Vesicular Stomatitis Virus with Increased Selectivity for p53-Deficient Cells

Experimental evolution has been used for various biotechnological applications including protein and microbial cell engineering, but less commonly in the field of oncolytic virotherapy. Here, we sought to adapt a rapidly evolving RNA virus to cells deficient for the tumor suppressor gene p53, a hallmark of cancer cells. To achieve this goal, we established four independent evolution lines of the vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) in p53-knockout mouse embryonic fibroblasts (p53−/− MEFs) under conditions favoring the action of natural selection. We found that some evolved viruses showed increased fitness and cytotoxicity in p53−/− cells but not in isogenic p53+/+ cells, indicating gene-specific adaptation. However, full-length sequencing revealed no obvious or previously described genetic changes associated with oncolytic activity. Half-maximal effective dose (EC50) assays in mouse p53-positive colon cancer (CT26) and p53-deficient breast cancer (4T1) cells indicated that the evolved viruses were more effective against 4T1 cells than the parental virus or a reference oncolytic VSV (MΔ51), but showed no increased efficacy against CT26 cells. In vivo assays using 4T1 syngeneic tumor models showed that one of the evolved lines significantly delayed tumor growth compared to mice treated with the parental virus or untreated controls, and was able to induce transient tumor suppression. Our results show that RNA viruses can be specifically adapted typical cancer features such as p53 inactivation, and illustrate the usefulness of experimental evolution for oncolytic virotherapy

Determinants of incomplete childhood hepatitis B vaccination in Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea: Analysis of national surveys (2018-2020).

Vaccination against hepatitis B virus (HBV) is effective at preventing vertical transmission. Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Guinea are hyperendemic West African countries; yet, childhood vaccination coverage is suboptimal, and the determinants of incomplete vaccination are poorly understood. We analyzed national survey data (2018-2020) of children aged 4-35 months to assess complete HBV vaccination (receiving 3 doses of the pentavalent vaccine) and incomplete vaccination (receiving <3 doses). Statistical analysis was conducted using the complex sample command in SPSS (version 28). Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify determinants of incomplete immunization. Overall, 11,181 mothers were analyzed (4,846 from Sierra Leone, 2,788 from Liberia, and 3,547 from Guinea). Sierra Leone had the highest HBV childhood vaccination coverage (70.3%), followed by Liberia (64.6%) and Guinea (39.3%). Within countries, HBV vaccination coverage varied by socioeconomic characteristics and healthcare access. In multivariate regression analysis, factors that were significantly associated with incomplete vaccination in at least one country included sex of the child, Muslim mothers, lower household wealth index, <4 antenatal visits, home delivery, and distance to health facility vaccination (all p < 0.05). Understanding and addressing modifiable determinants of incomplete vaccination will be essential to help achieve the 2030 viral hepatitis elimination goals

Detection of equine herpesvirus-4 and physiological stress patterns in young Thoroughbreds consigned to a South African auction sale

BACKGROUND : The prevalence of equine herpesvirus types-1 and -4 (EHV-1 and -4) in South African Thoroughbreds at auction sales is currently undefined. Commingling of young Thoroughbreds from various populations together with physiological stress related to their transport and confinement at a sales complex, may be associated with shedding and transmission of EHV-1 and -4. This prospective cohort study sampled 90 young Thoroughbreds consigned from eight farms, originating from three provinces representative of the South African Thoroughbred breeding demographic to a sales complex. Nasal swabs for quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay to detect EHV-1 and -4 nucleic acid and blood samples for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for EHV-1 and -4 antibodies were collected from all horses on arrival and departure. Additional nasal swabs for qPCR were obtained serially from those displaying pyrexia and, or nasal discharge. Daily faecal samples were used for determination of faecal glucocorticoid metabolite (FGM) concentrations as a measurement of physiological stress and these values were modelled to determine the factors best explaining FGM variability. RESULTS : EHV-4 nucleic acid was detected in 14.4 % and EHV-1 from none of the animals in the study population. Most (93.3 %) and very few (1.1 %) of this population showed antibodies indicating prior exposure to EHV-4 and EHV-1 respectively. Pyrexia and nasal discharge were poor predictors for detecting EHV-4 nucleic acid. The horses’ FGM concentrations increased following arrival before decreasing for most of the remaining study period including the auction process. Model averaging showed that variation in FGM concentrations was best explained by days post-arrival and transport duration. CONCLUSIONS : In this study population, sales consignment was associated with limited detection of EHV-4 nucleic acid in nasal secretions, with most showing prior exposure to EHV-4 and very few to EHV-1. The physiological stress response shown by most reflected the combination of stressors associated with transport and arrival and these are key areas for future investigation into management practices to enhance health and welfare of young Thoroughbreds during sales consignment.Racing South Africa (Pty) Ltd, the Equine Research Centre and Departments of Companion Animal Clinical Studies and Production Animal Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa.http://www.biomedcentral.com/bmcvetresam201

From staff-mix to skill-mix and beyond: towards a systemic approach to health workforce management

Throughout the world, countries are experiencing shortages of health care workers. Policy-makers and system managers have developed a range of methods and initiatives to optimise the available workforce and achieve the right number and mix of personnel needed to provide high-quality care. Our literature review found that such initiatives often focus more on staff types than on staff members' skills and the effective use of those skills. Our review describes evidence about the benefits and pitfalls of current approaches to human resources optimisation in health care. We conclude that in order to use human resources most effectively, health care organisations must consider a more systemic approach - one that accounts for factors beyond narrowly defined human resources management practices and includes organisational and institutional conditions

Detection of infectious bronchitis virus 793B, avian metapneumovirus, Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae in poultry in Ethiopia

A survey was conducted into respiratory infectious diseases of poultry on a chicken breeder farm run by the Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), located in Debre Zeit, Ethiopia. Oropharyngeal swabs were collected from 117 randomly selected birds, and blood was taken from a subset of 73 of these birds. A combination of serological and molecular methods was used for detection of pathogens. For the first time in Ethiopia, we report the detection of variant infectious bronchitis virus (793B genotype), avian metapneumovirus subtype B and Mycoplasma synoviae in poultry. Mycoplasma gallisepticum was also found to be present; however, infectious laryngotracheitis virus was not detected by PCR. Newcastle disease virus (NDV) was not detected by PCR, but variable levels of anti-NDV HI antibody titres shows possible exposure to virulent strains or poor vaccine take, or both. For the burgeoning-intensive industry in Ethiopia, this study highlights several circulating infectious respiratory pathogens that can impact on poultry welfare and productivity

Platform for Plasmodium vivax vaccine discovery and development

Plasmodium vivax is the most prevalent malaria parasite on the American continent. It generates a global burden of 80-100 million cases annually and represents a tremendous public health problem, particularly in the American and Asian continents. A malaria vaccine would be considered the most cost-effective measure against this vector-borne disease and it would contribute to a reduction in malaria cases and to eventual eradication. Although significant progress has been achieved in the search for Plasmodium falciparum antigens that could be used in a vaccine, limited progress has been made in the search for P. vivax components that might be eligible for vaccine development. This is primarily due to the lack of in vitro cultures to serve as an antigen source and to inadequate funding. While the most advanced P. falciparum vaccine candidate is currently being tested in Phase III trials in Africa, the most advanced P. vivax candidates have only advanced to Phase I trials. Herein, we describe the overall strategy and progress in P. vivax vaccine research, from antigen discovery to preclinical and clinical development and we discuss the regional potential of Latin America to develop a comprehensive platform for vaccine development