Characterization, phylogeny and prevalence of the coding-complete genomes of aviadenoviruses and siadenovirus in young racing pigeons.

Adenoviruses are a concern for pigeon breeders due to their impact on animal health. Furthermore, they have been studied for nearly five decades and are one of the most studied viruses in pigeons. However, the number of complete genomic sequences of pigeon-infecting adenoviruses available is very low, and the pathogenic effect of these viruses on pigeons is still yet to be thoroughly explored.

Successful Collaborations that Resulted in Increased U.S. Diagnostic Testing During the 2022 Mpox Outbreak.

Context: The first case of mpox was detected in the United States in a Laboratory Response Network (LRN) laboratory at the Massachusetts Department of Public Health on May 17, 2022. Through previous years of smallpox preparedness efforts by the United States government, testing capacity in LRN laboratories across the United States utilizing the FDA-cleared Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Non-variola orthopoxvirus (NVO) test was approximately 6000 tests weekly across the nation prior to the mpox outbreak. By early June 2022, the LRN laboratories had capacity to perform up to 8000 tests per week.

Occurrence of astrovirus in young racing pigeons and genome characterization of 2 new astrovirus genomes representing 2 new species.

Enteropathies are a serious concern in racing pigeons as they significantly impair performance in races and their training, and viruses are suspected to be one of the main factors. Astroviruses are well-known to be responsible for causing enteric disease in humans and various other animals including birds, although their prevalence and pathogenicity in pigeons is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated 2 groups of young racing pigeons (sick-study group and healthy-control group) to assess the correlation between the number of astrovirus genome copies in cloacal swabs and the occurrence of enteropathy.

Validating Combination Throat-Nasal Swab Specimens for COVID-19 Tests Would Improve Early Detection, Especially for the Most Vulnerable.

Early detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection by diagnostic tests can prompt actions to reduce transmission and improve treatment efficacy, especially for vulnerable groups such as immunocompromised individuals. Recent evidence suggests that sampling the throat in addition to the nose improves clinical sensitivity during early infection for both antigen and molecular coronavirus disease 2019 tests. We urge test manufacturers to validate tests for use with throat swab, in combination with nasal swabs.

Recombinant Viruses from the Family Occurring in Racing Pigeons.

Viruses from family are known pathogens of poultry, although the information on their occurrence and pathogenicity in pigeons is scarce. In this research, efforts are made to broaden the knowledge on and prevalence, phylogenetic relationship with other avian picornaviruses and their possible connection with enteric disease in racing pigeons. As a result of Oxford Nanopore Sequencing, five and two pigeon picornavirus B-like genome sequences were recovered, among which three recombinant strains were detected.

The pigeon circovirus evolution, epidemiology and interaction with the host immune system under One Loft Race rearing conditions.

This study was aimed to investigate the frequency of PiCV recombination, the kinetics of PiCV viremia and shedding and the correlation between viral replication and host immune response in young pigeons subclinically infected with various PiCV variants and kept under conditions mimicking the OLR system. Fifteen racing pigeons originating from five breeding facilities were housed together for six weeks. Blood and cloacal swab samples were collected from birds every seven days to recover complete PiCV genomes and determine PiCV genetic diversity and recombination dynamics, as well as to assess virus shedding rate, level of viremia, expression of selected genes and level of anti-PiCV antibodies.

The impact of full-fat larvae meal on the health and immune system function of broiler chickens.

Introduction: Alternative protein sources have recently been attracting growing interest as potential components of livestock nutrition. This study evaluated the effect on broiler health of replacing the soybean protein component of poultry feed with processed insect protein from farmed (HI) larvae.

Material And Methods: A total of 384 male broiler chicks were divided into four diet groups (eight pens/treatment and 12 birds/pen) and reared to the 42 day of life (dol).

Performance of Rapid Antigen Tests to Detect Symptomatic and Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Infection : A Prospective Cohort Study.

Background: The performance of rapid antigen tests (Ag-RDTs) for screening asymptomatic and symptomatic persons for SARS-CoV-2 is not well established.

Objective: To evaluate the performance of Ag-RDTs for detection of SARS-CoV-2 among symptomatic and asymptomatic participants.

Design: This prospective cohort study enrolled participants between October 2021 and January 2022.

Design and implementation of a digital site-less clinical study of serial rapid antigen testing to identify asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Background: Rapid antigen detection tests (Ag-RDT) for SARS-CoV-2 with emergency use authorization generally include a condition of authorization to evaluate the test's performance in asymptomatic individuals when used serially. We aim to describe a novel study design that was used to generate regulatory-quality data to evaluate the serial use of Ag-RDT in detecting SARS-CoV-2 virus among asymptomatic individuals.

Methods: This prospective cohort study used a siteless, digital approach to assess longitudinal performance of Ag-RDT.

The NIH-led research response to COVID-19.

Investment, collaboration, and coordination have been key.

Flexible SbSI/Polyurethane Nanocomposite for Sensing and Energy Harvesting.

The dynamic development of flexible wearable electronics creates new possibilities for the production and use of new types of sensors. Recently, polymer nanocomposites have gained great popularity in the fabrication of sensors. They possess both the mechanical advantages of polymers and the functional properties of nanomaterials.

Concordance of SARS-CoV-2 Results in Self-collected Nasal Swabs vs Swabs Collected by Health Care Workers in Children and Adolescents.

Importance: Despite the expansion of SARS-CoV-2 testing, available tests have not received Emergency Use Authorization for performance with self-collected anterior nares (nasal) swabs from children younger than 14 years because the effect of pediatric self-swabbing on SARS-CoV-2 test sensitivity is unknown.

Objective: To characterize the ability of school-aged children to self-collect nasal swabs for SARS-CoV-2 testing compared with collection by health care workers.

Design, Setting, And Participants: Cross-sectional study of 197 symptomatic children and adolescents aged 4 to 14 years old.

Performance of Rapid Antigen Tests to Detect Symptomatic and Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

Background: Performance of rapid antigen tests for SARS-CoV-2 (Ag-RDT) varies over the course of an infection, and their performance in screening for SARS-CoV-2 is not well established. We aimed to evaluate performance of Ag-RDT for detection of SARS-CoV-2 for symptomatic and asymptomatic participants.

Methods: Participants >2 years old across the United States enrolled in the study between October 2021 and February 2022.

Finding a Needle in a Haystack: Design and Implementation of a Digital Site-less Clinical Study of Serial Rapid Antigen Testing to Identify Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

Background: Rapid antigen tests (Ag-RDT) for SARS-CoV-2 with Emergency Use Authorization generally include a condition of authorization to evaluate the test's performance in asymptomatic individuals when used serially.

Objective: To describe a novel study design to generate regulatory-quality data to evaluate serial use of Ag-RDT in detecting SARS-CoV-2 virus among asymptomatic individuals.

Design: Prospective cohort study using a decentralized approach.

Occurrence and Phylogenetic Analysis of Avian Coronaviruses in Domestic Pigeons () in Poland between 2016 and 2020.

While disease control in racing pigeons and the potential role of pigeons as vectors transmitting viruses to poultry are of importance, there is still a paucity of data concerning the occurrence of coronaviruses in pigeons. In this study, 215 domestic pigeons were tested for the presence of coronaviral genetic material using the nested PCR method, which revealed 57 positive samples (26.51%).

Wildlife Waterfowl as a Source of Pathogenic Strains.

Background: The aim of the study was to determine whether free-living birds belonging to game species whose meat is used for human consumption can constitute a reservoir of pathogenic strains, spreading these bacteria to other hosts or directly contributing to human infection.

Methods: A total of 91 cloacal swabs were taken from different species of wildlife waterfowl to estimate the prevalence, the genetic diversity of the isolates, and the presence of virulence genes and to evaluate the antimicrobial resistance.

Results: The presence of spp.

Evidence of Mycoplasma spp. transmission by migratory wild geese.

Mycoplasma infections have been found in different species of waterfowl worldwide. However, the question of how the pathogens have been transmitted and dispersed is still poorly understood. Samples collected from clinically healthy greater white-fronted geese (Anser albifrons) (N = 12), graylag geese (Anser anser) (N = 6), taiga bean geese (Anser fabalis) (N = 10), and barnacle geese (Branta leucopsis) (N = 1) were tested for Mycoplasma spp.

Effect of a Mineral-Microbial Deodorizing Preparation on the Functions of Internal Organs and the Immune System in Commercial Poultry.

Animal production is identified as one of the main sources of high concentrations of odours, which are related to air pollution, health problems of living organisms and indirect negative impact on production results. One common method for reducing emissions of ammonia is using preparations containing probiotics and hygroscopic or disinfecting compounds. This study was undertaken in order to determine the impact of innovative mineral-microbial deodorizing preparation, which reduces odorous gases, applying to the litter once a week in poultry houses on the physiological status of breeder chickens, broiler chickens and turkeys.

A Pilot Study Investigating the Dynamics of Pigeon Circovirus Recombination in Domesticated Pigeons Housed in a Single Loft.

Pigeon circovirus (PiCV) infects pigeon populations worldwide and has been associated with immunosuppression in younger pigeons. Recombination is a common mechanism of evolution that has previously been shown in various members of the family, including PiCV. In this study, three groups of pigeons acquired from separate lofts were screened for PiCV, and their genome sequence was determined.

Phytoncides in The Prevention and Therapy of Blackhead Disease and Their Effect on The Turkey Immune System.

Introduction: Turkey histomonosis poses a serious threat to poultry production due to the ban on the use of effective drugs. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of a phytoncidal feed supplement on the course of histomonosis. The preparation was also analysed for immunomodulatory properties.

Complete Genome Sequence of a Phapecoctavirus Isolated from a Pigeon Cloacal Swab Sample.

The complete genome sequence of a bacteriophage in the genus (family ) isolated from a cloacal swab specimen from a domestic pigeon ( f. ) was identified using a high-throughput sequencing approach. The genome is 150,892 bp with a GC content of 39.

Occurrence and Role of Selected RNA-Viruses as Potential Causative Agents of Watery Droppings in Pigeons.

The diseases with watery droppings (diarrhea and/or polyuria) can be considered some of the most severe health problems in domestic pigeons of various ages. Although they do not always lead to bird death, they can contribute to poor weight gains and hindered development of young pigeons and, potentially, to poor racing results in sports birds. The gastrointestinal tract disorders of pigeons may be of various etiology, but some of the causative agents are viral infections.