Impact of inland waters on highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks in neighboring poultry farms in South Korea

Background@#Since 2003, the H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) subtype has caused massive economic losses in the poultry industry in South Korea. The role of inland water bodies in avian influenza (AI) outbreaks has not been investigated. Identifying water bodies that facilitate risk pathways leading to the incursion of the HPAI virus (HPAIV) into poultry farms is essential for implementing specific precautionary measures to prevent viral transmission. @*Objectives@#This matched case-control study (1:4) examined whether inland waters were associated with a higher risk of AI outbreaks in the neighboring poultry farms. @*Methods@#Rivers, irrigation canals, lakes, and ponds were considered inland water bodies.The cases and controls were chosen based on the matching criteria. The nearest possible farms located within a radius of 3 km of the case farms were chosen as the control farms.The poultry farms were selected randomly, and two HPAI epidemics (H5N8 [2014–2016] and H5N6 [2016–2017]) were studied. Conditional logistic regression analysis was applied. @*Results@#Statistical analysis revealed that inland waters near poultry farms were significant risk factors for AI outbreaks. The study speculated that freely wandering wild waterfowl and small animals contaminate areas surrounding poultry farms. @*Conclusions@#Pet birds and animals raised alongside poultry birds on farm premises may wander easily to nearby waters, potentially increasing the risk of AI infection in poultry farms. Mechanical transmission of the AI virus occurs when poultry farm workers or visitors come into contact with infected water bodies or their surroundings. To prevent AI outbreaks in the future, poultry farms should adopt strict precautions to avoid contact with nearby water bodies and their surroundings.

Anterior surgical interventions in spinal tuberculosis

To evaluate and compare the effectiveness of the modified Hong Kong procedure performed with and without additional instrumentation, in terms of improvement in neurological and kyphotic disabilities in spinal tuberculosis. Quasi-experimental study. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rawalpindi General Hospital, Rawalpindi, from June 1999 to May 2006. Sixty-two cases of tuberculosis of spine, underwent modified Hong Kong procedure. In 44 cases [group A], no instrumentation was used, while in 18 cases [group B], additional anterior instrumentation in the form of narrow Dynamic Compression Plate [DCP], fixator spinae or Moss Miami instrumentation was used. Changes in the neurological status [following Frankel classification system] and kyphotic angle [as measured on X-ray] after an average of 18 months post-operative follow-up were evaluated and also compared between the two groups using t-test. There were 23 males and 39 females with mean age of 31.6 +/- 17.1 years. An average neurological improvement of 1.1 +/- 0.7 Frankel grade was achieved overall, which was statistically significant [p < 0.05]. There was no significant difference in degree of neurological improvement on comparing the two groups [p = 0.272]. In group A patients, mean improvement in kyphotic angle of 2.8 +/- 5.5 was achieved. In group B patients, treated with additional instrumentation, an average 8.9 +/- 7.6 correction was recorded. The difference in improvement between the two groups was statistically significant [p < 0.05]. Modified Hong Kong procedure alone for spinal tuberculosis [TB] was successful in producing significant neurological recovery. The addition of stabilization instruments achieved better and maintained correction of kyphosis

Significance of bone marrow Trephine biopsy in the diagnosis of haematological and non-haematological disorders

To evaluate the frequency and document the histological pattern of various haematologic and non 'haematologic malignancies and infections, which can be diagnosed by Bone marrow trephine biopsy. A retrospective, cross sectional study was carried out at Histopathology department of Army Medical College Rawalpindi from January 2000 to December 2004. The bone marrow trephine biopsies were taken with Jamshidi's - type needle. The tissues were fixed in 10% formal- saline and then decalcified in 5% nitric acid. These were processed under standard conditions. A total of 789 cases with age range of 9 years to 75 years were studied during a period of five years. Majority of the cases showed male preponderance [69.83%] as compared to females [30.16%]. The most common histological findings in order of frequency were reactive changes [22.43%], unremarkable marrow [16.09%], inadequate biopsy [9.63%], megaloblastic anaemia [7.73%], acute leukaemia [6.21%], erythroid hyperplasia [5.95%]. The less common lesions were multiple myeloma [3.92%], lymphoproliferative disorders [3.80%], hypoplastic marrow [3.54%], chronic granulomatous inflammation [2.53%] and myelofibrosis [2.40%]. The miscellaneous group [5.70%] comprises rare diseases. Bone marrow trephine biopsy is a valuable diagnostic tool in the diagnosis of various types of infections and hematologic and non'hematologic malignancies. Majority of our patients showed reactive changes followed by acute leukaemia and erythroid hyperplasia. It has also been proved useful in detecting micrometastases when primary is not known with the other available diagnostic modalities

Usefulness of needle biopsy in the diagnosis of paediatric liver disorders

To see the usefulness of liver biopsy in the diagnosis and to document the spectrum of paediatric liver diseases. A retrospective, cross sectional survey at Histopathology department of Army Medical College Rawalpindi from January 2000 to December 2003. The liver biopsies were taken with Menghini needle. The fixed tissues were processed under standard conditions. During four years period, a total of 100 cases with age range of 1.5 months to 16 years were studied. The most common histological findings in order of frequency were secondary haemochromatosis [30%], biliary atresia [20%], storage disorders [16%], cirrhosis of liver [10%] and neonatal hepatitis [10%]. The less common entities were chronic hepatitis [6%], nonspecific reactive hepatitis [3%] and granulomatous hepatitis [1%]. One case each of hepatoblastoma, haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and congenital fibrosis was also noted. These findings have been compared with local and international histological studies. Liver biopsy is a useful diagnostic technique in the diagnosis of paediatric liver diseases. Biliary atresia, strorage disorders and neonatal hepatitis are the most common entities in our set up

Morphological Feature correlation with serum tumour markers in prostatic carcinoma

To find out Gleason grades, scores and to see the correlation of these morphological features with tumour markers in prostatic carcinoma. Design: A descriptive study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Departments of Histopathology and Chemical Pathology, Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Rawalpindi, over a period of one year. Materials and Fifty cases of prostatic carcinoma were studied. Gleason grades and score of tumour were determined by doing haematoxylin and eosin [H and E] staining. Pre-operative serum prostatic acid phosphatase [PAP] and prostate-specific antigen [PSA] assays were carried out in these cases. The patients seen were between 50-102 years of age with an average of 70.9 years. There were 49 cases of adenocarcinoma and 01 case of mixed adeno and transitional cell carcinoma of prostate. Twenty-eight [56%] patients had Gleason score of 5-7. Twenty-nine [58%] patients were having serum PSA levels between 10.0 ng/ml and 50.0 ng/ml. Thirteen [26%] cases showed PSA assays > 50 ng/ml. The sensitivity of PSA test was 84% in these cases. Thirty-five [70%] patients were having PAP values > 3.7 U/l [sensitivity 70%]. The Gleason grading system is a specific morphological predictor. The serum PSA showed better sensitivity and specificity with Gleason grades and scores as compared to serum PAP. The serum PAP levels showed better correlation with morphological features as compared to serum PSA

Evaluating the results of conservative and operative methods of treatment in congenital talipes equinovarus

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the results of treatment, both conservative and operative, of Congenital Talipes Equinovarus [CTEV] with the aim of evolving a simple, objective follow-up procedure for uniform comparison of results. Fifty three patients of CTEV reporting to Orthopaedics Department. Shaikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore, between September 1986 and June 1988, were studied. Out of them 43.4% patients were treated conservatively while the rest [56.6%] were operated upon. The system of follow-up assessment evolved, was based on grading of function, appearance and growth. The system has the advantage of being practical objective and easily reproducible

Joint reconstruction in juxta-articular bone tumours using methylmethacrylate

Joint reconstruction technique using methylmethacrylate bone cement in juxta-articular osteolytic bone tumours is discussed. Five cases of tumours of musculoskcletal system presenting as osteolytic juxta-articular lesions, 4 cases of giant cell tumour and one of desmoid fibroma, treated by marginal resection and local reconstruction using bone cement are reported. The short term follow-up reveals excellent results with early painfree joint mobilization and good range of movements

Evaluating the results of conservative and operative methods of treatment in congenital talipes equinovarus

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the results of treatment, both conservative and operative, of Congenital Talipes Equinovarus [CTEV] with the aim of evolving a simple, objective follow-up procedure for uniform comparison of results. Fifty three patients of CTEV reporting to Orthopaedics Department. Shaikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore, between September 1986 and June 1988, were studied. Out of them 43.4% patients were treated conservatively while the rest [56.6%] were operated upon. The system of follow-up assessment evolved, was based on grading of function, appearance and growth. The system has the advantage of being practical objective and easily reproducible

Trees causing pollen allergy in Pakistan

A survey of trees causing pollen-allergy in various cities of the country showed that at least 18 species of trees known to cause pollen-allergy in man are cultivated or grow wild in most of our cities. These belong to the genera Acacia, Acer, Ailanthus, Broussonetia, Casuarina, Celtis, Cocos, Eucalyptus, Fraxinus, Juniperus, Ligustrum. Morus, Phoenix, Pinus, Platanus, Salix, Syringa and Thuja