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Review of infectious agent occurrence in wild salmonids in British Columbia, Canada
No full textWild Pacific salmonids (WPS) are economically and culturally important to the Pacific North region. Most recently, some populations of WPS have been in decline. Of hypothesized factors contributing to the decline, infectious agents have been postulated to increase the risk of mortality in Pacific salmon. We present a literature review of both published journal and unpublished data to describe the distribution of infectious agents reported in wild Pacific salmonid populations in British Columbia (BC), Canada. We targeted 10 infectious agents, considered to potentially cause severe economic losses in Atlantic salmon or be of conservation concern for wild salmon in BC. The findings indicated a low frequency of infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus, piscine orthoreovirus, viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus, Aeromonas salmonicida, Renibacterium salmoninarum, Piscirickettsia salmonis and other Rickettsia-like organisms, Yersinia ruckeri, Tenacibaculum maritimum and Moritella viscosa. No positive results were reported for infestations with Paramoeba perurans in peer-reviewed papers and the DFO Fish Pathology Program database. This review synthesizes existing information, as well as gaps therein, that can support the design and implementation of a long-term surveillance programme of infectious agents in wild salmonids in BC
Prevalence and phylogenetic analysis of hepatitis E virus in pigs in Vietnam
No full textBackground
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a zoonotic disease and has been reported around the world. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the sero-prevalence and phylogenetic analysis of HEV in Vietnam. Pig blood and fecal pooled samples were collected to assess the prevalence of HEV. We assessed the true prevalence (TP) of HEV from apparent prevalence (AP) by taking into account the sensitivity and specificity of diagnostic tests using a Bayesian approach. For phylogenetic analysis, the data compared with worldwide HEV reference strains including all eight genotypes (G1-G8) which were identified in previous study.
Results
A total of 475 sera and 250 fecal pooled samples were collected at slaughterhouses and pig farms from five provinces, in Viet Nam. Overall, the sero-AP of HEV was 58.53% (95% confidence interval: 53.95–62.70) while the sero-TP was slightly higher (65.43, 95% credible interval: 47.19–84.70). In terms of pooled samples, overall, the RNA-AP was 6.80% (95% confidence interval: 4.01–10.66). One strain in Hanoi, two strains in Dak Lak, seven strains in An Giang, four strains in Son La and two strains in Nghe An were isolated. The phylogenetic tree demonstrated that 19 Vietnamese strains were clustered into HEV 3 and 4.
Conclusions
This study provided evidence that HEV is circulating in domestic pigs in Vietnam. From a public health perspective, it is very important to raise public awareness for high-risk groups (e.g. slaughterhouse workers, pig traders, farmers and market sellers) who have more opportunities to come in contact with pig and contaminated meats
Modeling sea lice dispersal from salmon farms in the Broughton Archipelago, British Columbia, Canada
No full textSalmon farming has sustainability challenges, mainly due to issues associated with disease and parasite management. Arguably, the largest of these challenges is that of sea lice control. Here we present results from a sea lice dispersal study, which simulated larvae releases from 20 salmon farms in the Broughton Archipelago, British Columbia, Canada. This was done utilizing a coupled biological and physical model for a time period of wild salmon smolt out-migrations (March - July), simulating the physical conditions of 2009. The output from the physical model was then used as input for a particle-tracking model. Each of the 20 salmon farms simulated a release of 50 particles every hour, on the hour, for 129 days. The particles were also assigned a biological model, mimicking “pre-parasitic” nauplii maturing into parasitic copepods. Both time and the temperature each particle encountered impacted the maturation rate, and both time and the salinity each particle encountered impacted the survival of the particle.
The output from the coupled simulation was used to:
i. Quantify the infestation pressure each farm exerted on each other farm and on itself (self-infestation) (chapter 3)
ii. Build a connectivity network among the farms (chapter 3)
iii. Define the role each farm played in the network (chapter 3)
iv. Explore temporal variability in connectivity (chapter 4)
v. Quantify which environmental drivers were responsible for the emergent patterns seen in the connectivity (chapter 4)
vi. Attempt ground-truthing using real sea lice abundance data collected by the veterinarians in the BA over 13 years (chapter 5)
From this analysis, several key patterns emerged. The underlying pattern of connectivity showed certain clusters of farms strongly connected via biologically-modeled particles. There were also some farms that had, overall, low connectivity to all other farms, and thus their locations would be ideal candidates for siting future farm locations. Additionally, there was high temporal variability in the farm connectivity, with overall low connectivity for the study period, interrupted with pulses of high connectivity. These pulses coincided with warming events. Thus, it would be ideal to manage the farms with a plan for these spikes in connectivity. Furthermore, the sea lice larvae’s survival was supressed throughout the simulation period due to an event typical of spring in the BA where the snowmelt from the surrounding mountains deluge the fjords of the BA (known as a freshet). The fresh, cold water of the freshet acts as a natural sea lice control aid, and highlights the risks associated with the possible lessening of the freshet due to climate change. Finally, we found support for the simulation’s patterns in the observed sea lice abundance data set. The clustering in the observed data set was similar to the highly connected farms in the simulated data set. The similarities provided some confidence in the reliability of the simulation and thus the management recommendations that emerged from the analysis.
The methodology employed here could be widely applicable to many epidemiological questions around marine disease dispersal pathways, and thus may be of interest to a wider audience than aquaculture and coastal managers
Dual RNA-Seq characterization of host and pathogen gene expression in liver cells infected with Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus
No full textCrimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is a tick-borne virus that can cause a hemorrhagic fever in humans, with a case fatality rate of up to 40%. Cases of CCHFV have been reported in Africa, Asia, and southern Europe; and recently, due to the expanding range of its vector, autochthonous cases have been reported in Spain. Although it was discovered over 70 years ago, our understanding of the pathogenesis of this virus remains limited. We used RNA-Seq in two human liver cell lines (HepG2 and Huh7) infected with CCHFV (strain IbAr10200), to examine kinetic changes in host expression and viral replication simultaneously at 1 and 3 days post infection. Through this, numerous host pathways were identified that were modulated by the virus including: antiviral response and endothelial cell leakage. Notably, the genes encoding DDX60, a cytosolic component of the RIG-I signalling pathway and OAS2 were both shown to be dysregulated. Interestingly, PTPRR was induced in Huh7 cells but not HepG2 cells. This has been associated with the TLR9 signalling cascade, and polymorphisms in TLR9 have been associated with poor outcomes in patients. Additionally, we performed whole-genome sequencing on CCHFV to assess viral diversity over time, and its relationship to the host response. As a result, we have demonstrated that through next-generation mRNA deep-sequencing it is possible to not only examine mRNA gene expression, but also to examine viral quasispecies and typing of the infecting strain. This demonstrates a proof-of-principle that CCHFV specimens can be analyzed to identify both the virus and host biomarkers that may have implications for prognosis.Canadian Institutes of Health ResearchPublic Health Agency of Canad
Emergency triage nurses’ knowledge of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
No full textObstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a leading cause of death and disability on Prince Edward Island (PEI) and is a serious public and personal health issue. Individuals with COPD are frequent users of Emergency Department (ED) resources. Emergency triage nurses frequently care for individuals with COPD, yet their knowledge of the disease is unknown. The purpose of this study was: a) to determine PEI ED triage nurses' knowledge about COPD and b) to identify if there is a difference in that knowledge based on years of emergency nursing experience and years of triage nursing experience. The study design was a descriptive, correlational, cross-sectional quantitative design. A Modified Bristol COPD Knowledge Questionnaire© (MBCKQ©) was used to determine the nurses' knowledge of COPD. Benner's Novice to Expert Model was used to compare nurses’ knowledge of COPD to their years of emergency and years of triage nursing experience. Fifty emergency triage nurses participated in the research. The emergency triage nurses' correct answers ranged from 40 (62%) to 60 (92%) out of a total 65 possible answers with a mean total score of 51 (SD 4.01) or 78.5%. While many COPD topics were answered accurately by the nurses, the topics of breathlessness (55.6%) and inhaled steroids (62.4%) were the least correctly answered. This study identified a statistically significant association between level of COPD knowledge and the employment site of the study participants (p>0.001). The results did not show an association between the level of COPD knowledge and years of emergency nursing or years of emergency triage experience. The findings suggest that COPD education should be available to all PEI nurses across the province. Study results will be used to inform clinical practice and support educational activities among PEI nurses
Bovine parainfluenza-3 antibodies in veal calves supplemented with cinnamaldehyde or lactoferrin
No full textObjective
Our objective was to investigate the effects of 2 immune modulatory compounds, cinnamaldehyde and lactoferrin, on potentiating the immune response to bovine parainfluenza-3 virus (bPI3) vaccination.
Materials
On arrival to the growing facility, veal calves were randomized to 1 of 3 treatments: control (no supplement), lactoferrin (1 g/d in milk replacer for 7 d), or cinnamaldehyde (1 g/d in milk replacer for 21 d). Plasma anti-bPI3 IgG response was assayed by indirect ELISA before (d 0) and 28 d after vaccination. Antibody titers were represented as sample-to-positive ratio, and a mixed linear regression analysis was used to compare titers between treatments, cohorts, and d 0 versus d 28.
Results and Discussion
Stress and crowding during transit leaves veal calves susceptible to respiratory viral pathogens. Bovine parainfluenza-3 virus is a principle etiological agent of bovine respiratory disease complex. Prophylactic antibiotic administration is a common practice to prevent diseases; however, this can lead to antibiotic resistance. Therefore, research on antimicrobial alternatives is warranted. Antibody titers against bPI3 were different between d 0 and 28 (P < 0.0001), but no effect was observed between treatments (P = 0.21) or treatment by day (P = 0.74); however, antibody titers were different from d 0 and 28 between cohorts (P = 0.01).
Implications and Applications
Antibodies detected are suspected to be of maternal origin. Further research is necessary to determine an optimal vaccination schedule to overcome maternal immunity and to estimate mucosal IgA antibodies. In addition, an appropriate dose, duration, and route of administration of cinnamaldehyde and lactoferrin must be considered
Evaluation of companion animal behavior knowledge among first-year veterinary students before and after an introductory animal behavior course
No full textOBJECTIVE
To survey first-year veterinary students' knowledge of companion animal (dog, cat, and horse) behavior and popular-culture (ie, pop-culture) behavior myths related to animal body language, motivations, and learning prior to participation in an introductory animal behavior course; evaluate potential associations between sources of prior behavior knowledge and knowledge on the preclass survey; and determine whether postclass scores on the same survey were predictive of final examination score for the behavior class.
SAMPLE
156 first-year veterinary students.
PROCEDURES
Students were invited to participate in an anonymous electronic survey before and after a semester-long, 2-credit introductory animal behavior course. Demographic features, self-assessed animal behavior knowledge, and sources of prior behavior knowledge were evaluated as predictors of preclass survey knowledge scores. Postclass survey knowledge scores were evaluated for association with final examination scores as a measure of validity.
RESULTS
Preclass knowledge scores were low (mean ± SD, 49 ± 12.7%; n = 152). Reporting peer-reviewed journal articles as a source of incoming knowledge predicted 9% higher scores, whereas reporting magazines or online pop-culture articles as a source of incoming knowledge predicted 7.6% lower scores for preclass behavior knowledge, compared with scores for students not citing those respective sources. Companion animal ownership was not associated with preclass survey knowledge scores. Postclass knowledge scores were substantially improved (mean ± SD, 84.3 ± 8%) and predictive of final examination scores.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Results indicated a profound deficit of behavior knowledge among veterinary students at the start of their curriculum. Students graduating from veterinary institutions without a comprehensive behavior course may be at a disadvantage for day 1 competency in addressing animal behavior problems
A discrete and q asymptotic iteration method
No full textWe introduce a finite difference and q-difference analogues of the Asymptotic Iteration Method of Ciftci, Hall, and Saad. We give necessary, and sufficient condition for the existence of a polynomial solution to a general linear second-order difference or q-difference equation subject to a ‘terminating condition’, which is precisely defined. When a difference or q-difference equation has a polynomial solution, we show how to find the second solution.Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canad
Open educational resources in undergraduate open educational resources in undergraduate challenges.
No full textOpen Education Resources are pedagogical resources which are available under open licences for reuse and remixing. These resources support collaborative development of education material, the ongoing evolution and improvement of the material and easy access to both educators and students. Several initiatives exist for OER in Canada, and resources specifically targeting engineering are beginning to emerge. At the moment, those efforts are fragmented. In line with the mission to the Canadian Engineering Education Association (CEEA) OER SIG, this paper presents an overview of current Canadian and international Engineering OER initiatives. Based on the findings, several challenges and opportunities pertaining to engineering OER are identified and recommendations are provided for engineering instructors and institutions who wish to increase the use of OER in engineering programs. For instructors, this could be adapting OER where available. For those looking to develop OER, there may be grants and resources at the institutional and provincial levels to support this. For institutions, this may be supporting instructors in using or developing OER through grants or recognition
Inter‐facility transfers for advanced critical care services: Impacts on rural families
No full textAims and Objectives
The aim of this article is to provide an integrative review of rural family members' experiences of a relative's inter‐facility transfer to an urban tertiary care centre for advanced critical care services.
Background
Although there is an increasing awareness of the negative consequences of a relative's critical illness for family members, there has been limited research conducted on the impacts of this experience for families of patients in rural settings who require an inter‐facility transfer for advanced services.
Search strategy
The search strategy for this review was framed by the study purpose, research question, and a conceptual structure of key constructs. Databases and reference lists were electronically and manually searched.
Inclusion and exclusion criteria
Articles were included if they were research articles, available in English, and focused on family members' experiences of inter‐facility transfer during critical illness. Articles focusing on critical care transfers within a single urban setting, elective transfers undertaken for patient or family preference, transfers not associated with critical illness, and systematic or scoping reviews were excluded.
Conclusion
Stress and anxiety are central to the rural family members' experience of this phenomenon. These constructs are influenced by modifiable factors, including the actions of health care providers, the financial burden associated with the transfer, the family members' physical proximity to the patient, and their access to information and support networks. Further research is required to explore potential short‐ and long‐term consequences of this experience and the experience of family members who are left behind and to develop and test interventions to support families.
Relevance to clinical practice
This review highlights the concern that health care providers frequently misunderstand the needs of family members who are experiencing this phenomenon. Through a better understanding of this phenomenon, health care providers will be better positioned to effectively support these individuals during this unique experience