scholarly journals Broad Host Range of SARS-CoV-2 Predicted by Comparative and Structural Analysis of ACE2 in Vertebrates

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joana Damas ◽  
Graham M. Hughes ◽  
Kathleen C. Keough ◽  
Corrie A. Painter ◽  
Nicole S. Persky ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Structural Analysis ◽  
Species Conservation ◽  
Population Data ◽  
Broad Host Range ◽  
Angiotensin I Converting Enzyme ◽  
Ranking Score ◽  
Human Care ◽  
Multiple Species ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Very High

AbstractThe novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is the cause of Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19). The main receptor of SARS-CoV-2, angiotensin I converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), is now undergoing extensive scrutiny to understand the routes of transmission and sensitivity in different species. Here, we utilized a unique dataset of 410 vertebrates, including 252 mammals, to study cross-species conservation of ACE2 and its likelihood to function as a SARS-CoV-2 receptor. We designed a five-category ranking score based on the conservation properties of 25 amino acids important for the binding between receptor and virus, classifying all species from very high to very low. Only mammals fell into the medium to very high categories, and only catarrhine primates in the very high category, suggesting that they are at high risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection. We employed a protein structural analysis to qualitatively assess whether amino acid changes at variable residues would be likely to disrupt ACE2/SARS-CoV-2 binding, and found the number of predicted unfavorable changes significantly correlated with the binding score. Extending this analysis to human population data, we found only rare (<0.1%) variants in 10/25 binding sites. In addition, we observed evidence of positive selection in ACE2 in multiple species, including bats. Utilized appropriately, our results may lead to the identification of intermediate host species for SARS-CoV-2, justify the selection of animal models of COVID-19, and assist the conservation of animals both in native habitats and in human care.

scholarly journals Broad host range of SARS-CoV-2 predicted by comparative and structural analysis of ACE2 in vertebrates

2020 ◽  
Vol 117 (36) ◽  
pp. 22311-22322 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joana Damas ◽  
Graham M. Hughes ◽  
Kathleen C. Keough ◽  
Corrie A. Painter ◽  
Nicole S. Persky ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Structural Analysis ◽  
Population Data ◽  
Spike Protein ◽  
Broad Host Range ◽  
Angiotensin I Converting Enzyme ◽  
Binding Score ◽  
Accelerated Evolution ◽  
Human Care ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Very High

The novel coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the cause of COVID-19. The main receptor of SARS-CoV-2, angiotensin I converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), is now undergoing extensive scrutiny to understand the routes of transmission and sensitivity in different species. Here, we utilized a unique dataset of ACE2 sequences from 410 vertebrate species, including 252 mammals, to study the conservation of ACE2 and its potential to be used as a receptor by SARS-CoV-2. We designed a five-category binding score based on the conservation properties of 25 amino acids important for the binding between ACE2 and the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Only mammals fell into the medium to very high categories and only catarrhine primates into the very high category, suggesting that they are at high risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection. We employed a protein structural analysis to qualitatively assess whether amino acid changes at variable residues would be likely to disrupt ACE2/SARS-CoV-2 spike protein binding and found the number of predicted unfavorable changes significantly correlated with the binding score. Extending this analysis to human population data, we found only rare (frequency <0.001) variants in 10/25 binding sites. In addition, we found significant signals of selection and accelerated evolution in the ACE2 coding sequence across all mammals, and specific to the bat lineage. Our results, if confirmed by additional experimental data, may lead to the identification of intermediate host species for SARS-CoV-2, guide the selection of animal models of COVID-19, and assist the conservation of animals both in native habitats and in human care.

A FRAMEWORK FOR MONITORING MULTIPLE-SPECIES CONSERVATION PLANS

2005 ◽  
Vol 69 (4) ◽  
pp. 1333-1345 ◽  
Author(s):  
CAMERON W. BARROWS ◽  
MONICA B. SWARTZ ◽  
WENDY L. HODGES ◽  
MICHAEL F. ALLEN ◽  
JOHN T. ROTENBERRY ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Conservation ◽  
Multiple Species ◽  
Conservation Plans

scholarly journals Prevalence of amphistomes in Black Bengal goats in Mymensingh district

1970 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 103-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
MZ Uddin ◽  
T Farjana ◽  
N Begum ◽  
MMH Mondal
Keyword(s):  
Key Words ◽  
Summer Season ◽  
Mixed Infections ◽  
Lower Prevalence ◽  
Gastrothylax Crumenifer ◽  
Control Procedures ◽  
Multiple Species ◽  
Paramphistomum Cervi ◽  
Very High

To investigate the prevalence of amphistome parasites in Black Bengal goats slaughtered at different slaughterhouses of Mymensingh district, a total of 144 gastro-intestinal tracts were examined during the period of July 1998 to June 1999 in the Department of Parasitology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. Out of 144 Black Bengal goats, 105 (72.92%) were infected with a single or multiple species of amphistomes.  In present investigation, three species of amphistomes viz Paramphistomum cervi, Cotylophoron cotylophorum and Gastrothylax crumenifer were identified. The highest infection was observed with Paramphistomum cervi (65.28%) and lowest infection with Cotylophoron cotylophorum (36.11%). Mixed infections with two or more species of amphistomes were found in 60.42%. Age had a significant (p < 0.01) influence on the prevalence of amphistomes in goat. A higher prevalence (89.58%) was observed in older animals followed by young animals (78.57%), whereas a lower prevalence (45.0%) in growing animals. However, the prevalence increased with the increase of age. The females (75.0%) were found more (1.44 times) susceptible to amphistomes infection than the males (67.5%). The prevalence of amphistomes was very high all the year round and the rate of infection was 83.64%, 69.23% and 64.0% during monsoon, winter and summer season respectively. The present study concluded that Black Bengal goats are susceptible to amphistome infection irrespective of age, sex and season of the year. So, control of these parasites is essential and the further investigation is needed, focusing on control procedures of amphistomes infection in goats. Key Words: Amphistomes, prevalence, Black Bengal goats DOI = 10.3329/bjvm.v4i2.1292 Bangl. J. Vet. Med. (2006). 4 (2): 103-106

scholarly journals Prevalence of carotid and femoral artery atherosclerosis among the Ivanovo Oblast population: data from the ATEROGEN-Ivanovo study

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 2994
Author(s):  
A. I. Ershova ◽  
T. V. Balakhonova ◽  
A. N. Meshkov ◽  
V. A. Kutsenko ◽  
E. B. Yarovaya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Femoral Artery ◽  
Carotid Atherosclerosis ◽  
Subclinical Atherosclerosis ◽  
Population Data ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Russian Regions ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Age Range ◽  
Very High ◽  
Low Cardiovascular Risk

Aim. To study the prevalence of carotid (CA) and femoral artery (FA) atherosclerosis among Russian population, mainly in middle age group, using a representative sample of one of the Central Russian regions.Material and methods. The analysis included participants of the ATEROGEN-Ivanovo study (sub-study of the ESSE-RF conducted in the Ivanovo region) aged 40-67 years, who were invited for CA and FA ultrasound to assess plaque presence. A total 1102 people were examined, which was >80% of the original sample.Results. The age of subjects was 54 [48; 60] years (men, 28%). Only 11,2% of participants took statins; 30,9% had low cardiovascular risk (CVR), 35,6% — moderate CVR, 21,8% — high CVR, and 11,8% — very high CVR. The incidence of at least one plaque in CA or FA was 73,6%. The prevalence of CA atherosclerosis was 76,4% in men and 59,1% in women, FA atherosclerosis — 54,9% and 28,3%, respectively. Furthermore, plaques were detected already at the age of 40. The incidence of plaques significantly increased with age, with the exception of carotid atherosclerosis in men, a significant increase in the incidence of which stopped at 45 years of age.Conclusion. Among the Ivanovo population aged 40-67 with a predominance of low-to-moderate CVR patients, there is a high prevalence of carotid and femoral atherosclerosis, which indicates a high potential for using ultrasound for diagnosing subclinical atherosclerosis in assessing CVR in people of this age range.

scholarly journals Minimum time required to detect population trends: the need for long-term monitoring programs

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Easton R White
Keyword(s):  
Time Series ◽  
Statistical Power ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Species Conservation ◽  
Population Data ◽  
Iucn Red List ◽  
Series Length ◽  
Large Variability ◽  
Monitoring Programs

Long-term time series are necessary to better understand population dynamics, assess species' conservation status, and make management decisions. However, population data are often expensive, requiring a lot of time and resources. What is the minimum population time series length required to detect significant trends in abundance? I first present an overview of the theory and past work that has tried to address this question. As a test of these approaches, I then examine 822 populations of vertebrate species. I show that 72% of time series required at least 10 years of continuous monitoring in order to achieve a high level of statistical power. However, the large variability between populations casts doubt on commonly used simple rules of thumb, like those employed by the IUCN Red List. I argue that statistical power needs to be considered more often in monitoring programs. Short time series are likely under-powered and potentially misleading.

scholarly journals Do conservation strategies that increase tiger populations have consequences for other wild carnivores like leopards?

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ujjwal Kumar ◽  
Neha Awasthi ◽  
Qamar Qureshi ◽  
Yadvendradev Jhala
Keyword(s):  
Species Conservation ◽  
Camera Trap ◽  
Conservation Strategies ◽  
Spatially Explicit ◽  
Large Carnivores ◽  
Catchment Scale ◽  
Large Carnivore ◽  
Positive Growth ◽  
Capture Recapture ◽  
Very High

Abstract Most large carnivore populations are declining across their global range except in some well managed protected areas (PA’s). Investments for conserving charismatic apex carnivores are often justified due to their umbrella effect on biodiversity. We evaluate population trends of two large sympatric carnivores, the tiger and leopard through spatially-explicit-capture-recapture models from camera trap data in Kanha PA, India, from 2011 to 2016. Our results show that the overall density (100 km−2) of tigers ranged between 4.82 ± 0.33 to 5.21 ± 0.55SE and of leopards between 6.63 ± 0.71 to 8.64 ± 0.75SE, with no detectable trends at the PA scale. When evaluated at the catchment scale, Banjar catchment that had higher prey density and higher conservation investments, recorded significant growth of both carnivores. While Halon catchment, that had lower prey and conservation investments, populations of both carnivores remained stable. Sex ratio of both carnivores was female biased. As is typical with large carnivores, movement parameter sigma (an index for range size), was larger for males than for females. However, sigma was surprisingly similar for the same genders in both carnivores. At home-range scale, leopards achieved high densities and positive growth rates in areas that had low, medium or declining tiger density. Our results suggest that umbrella-species conservation value of tigers is likely to be compromised at very high densities and therefore should not be artificially inflated through targeted management.

scholarly journals Passengers' destinations from China: low risk of Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) transmission into Africa and South America

2020 ◽  
Vol 148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Najmul Haider ◽  
Alexei Yavlinsky ◽  
David Simons ◽  
Abdinasir Yusuf Osman ◽  
Francine Ntoumi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
North America ◽  
South America ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Risk Index ◽  
World Health ◽  
Public Health Response ◽  
The World ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Very High

Abstract Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV [SARS-COV-2]) was detected in humans during the last week of December 2019 at Wuhan city in China, and caused 24 554 cases in 27 countries and territories as of 5 February 2020. The objective of this study was to estimate the risk of transmission of 2019-nCoV through human passenger air flight from four major cities of China (Wuhan, Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou) to the passengers' destination countries. We extracted the weekly simulated passengers' end destination data for the period of 1–31 January 2020 from FLIRT, an online air travel dataset that uses information from 800 airlines to show the direct flight and passengers' end destination. We estimated a risk index of 2019-nCoV transmission based on the number of travellers to destination countries, weighted by the number of confirmed cases of the departed city reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). We ranked each country based on the risk index in four quantiles (4th quantile being the highest risk and 1st quantile being the lowest risk). During the period, 388 287 passengers were destined for 1297 airports in 168 countries or territories across the world. The risk index of 2019-nCoV among the countries had a very high correlation with the WHO-reported confirmed cases (0.97). According to our risk score classification, of the countries that reported at least one Coronavirus-infected pneumonia (COVID-19) case as of 5 February 2020, 24 countries were in the 4th quantile of the risk index, two in the 3rd quantile, one in the 2nd quantile and none in the 1st quantile. Outside China, countries with a higher risk of 2019-nCoV transmission are Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia, Canada and the USA, all of which reported at least one case. In pan-Europe, UK, France, Russia, Germany and Italy; in North America, USA and Canada; in Oceania, Australia had high risk, all of them reported at least one case. In Africa and South America, the risk of transmission is very low with Ethiopia, South Africa, Egypt, Mauritius and Brazil showing a similar risk of transmission compared to the risk of any of the countries where at least one case is detected. The risk of transmission on 31 January 2020 was very high in neighbouring Asian countries, followed by Europe (UK, France, Russia and Germany), Oceania (Australia) and North America (USA and Canada). Increased public health response including early case recognition, isolation of identified case, contract tracing and targeted airport screening, public awareness and vigilance of health workers will help mitigate the force of further spread to naïve countries.

scholarly journals Deskripsi Tingkat Kecemasan Perawat Saat Bertugas di Ruang Perawatan Covid-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (01) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yarwin Yari ◽  
Teti Oktianingsih ◽  
Irma gita ◽  
Desi Luanda ◽  
M.Khalid Fredy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Total Population ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Transmission Rate ◽  
Direct Care ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Isolation Room ◽  
Cross Sectional Design ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Severe Anxiety ◽  
Very High

Introduction: Novel Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19) caused by SARS-COV2 was first discovered in Wuhan, China, December 2019. WHO has designated Covid 19 as a pandemic which has resulted in an increase in mortality worldwide. Covid-19 attacks the respiratory system similar to pneumonia but has signs of decreased oxygen saturation. In Indonesia, all health workers and paramedics, especially for a nurse, must always be ready to serve and provide direct care, the transmission rate is very high and the number of cases is increasing every day. This will make nurses as health workers have more workloads and are very vulnerable to experiencing psychological problems in the form of anxiety. Objectives: This study aims to describe the anxiety level of nurses working in the COVID-19 isolation room. Method: This type of research is an analytic study with a cross sectional design. Total population 100 people, with inclusion and exclusion criteria. Result: This study showed that most of the nurses did not experience anxiety, 97 respondents (77.6%), 16 respondents (12.8%) mild anxiety, 11 respondents (8.8%), moderate anxiety, and 1 respondent (0.8%) severe anxiety. Conclusion: the picture of anxiety in nurses who work in the Covid-19 isolation room has the ability to respond to anxiety well.

scholarly journals Chemical and Structural Analysis of Newly Prepared Co-W-Al Alloy by Aluminothermic Reaction

Materials ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 658
Author(s):  
Štefan Michna ◽  
Anna Knaislová ◽  
Iryna Hren ◽  
Jan Novotný ◽  
Lenka Michnová ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phase Composition ◽  
High Temperature ◽  
Structural Analysis ◽  
Surface Coating ◽  
Al Alloy ◽  
Metal Carbides ◽  
Aluminothermic Reaction ◽  
Carbide Particles ◽  
Very High

This article is devoted to the characterization of a new Co-W-Al alloy prepared by an aluminothermic reaction. This alloy is used for the subsequent preparation of a special composite nanopowder and for the surface coating of aluminum, magnesium, or iron alloys. Due to the very high temperature (2000 °C–3000 °C) required for the reaction, thermite was added to the mixture. Pulverized coal was also added in order to obtain the appropriate metal carbides (Co, W, Ti), which increase hardness, resistance to abrasion, and the corrosion of the coating and have good high temperature properties. The phase composition of the alloy prepared by the aluminothermic reaction showed mainly cobalt, tungsten, and aluminum, as well as small amounts of iron, titanium, and calcium. No carbon was identified using this method. The microstructure of this alloy is characterized by a cobalt matrix with smaller regular and irregular carbide particles doped by aluminum.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document