scholarly journals Anthropogenic Infection of Cats during the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 185 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret J. Hosie ◽  
Regina Hofmann-Lehmann ◽  
Katrin Hartmann ◽  
Herman Egberink ◽  
Uwe Truyen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Close Contact ◽  
Current Data ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Western World ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
Human Species ◽  
Species Barrier ◽  
Expert Opinions ◽  
Cat Diseases ◽  
Feline Coronavirus

COVID-19 is a severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) caused by a new coronavirus (CoV), SARS-CoV-2, which is closely related to SARS-CoV that jumped the animal–human species barrier and caused a disease outbreak in 2003. SARS-CoV-2 is a betacoronavirus that was first described in 2019, unrelated to the commonly occurring feline coronavirus (FCoV) that is an alphacoronavirus associated with feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). SARS-CoV-2 is highly contagious and has spread globally within a few months, resulting in the current pandemic. Felids have been shown to be susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Particularly in the Western world, many people live in very close contact with their pet cats, and natural infections of cats in COVID-19-positive households have been described in several countries. In this review, the European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases (ABCD), a scientifically independent board of experts in feline medicine from 11 European Countries, discusses the current status of SARS-CoV infections in cats. The review examines the host range of SARS-CoV-2 and human-to-animal transmissions, including infections in domestic and non-domestic felids, as well as mink-to-human/-cat transmission. It summarises current data on SARS-CoV-2 prevalence in domestic cats and the results of experimental infections of cats and provides expert opinions on the clinical relevance and prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection in cats.

scholarly journals Current Status of Putative Animal Sources of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Humans: Wildlife, Domestic Animals and Pets

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 868
Author(s):  
Max Maurin ◽  
Florence Fenollar ◽  
Oleg Mediannikov ◽  
Bernard Davoust ◽  
Christian Devaux ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Animal Species ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Experimental Models ◽  
Current Data ◽  
The Body ◽  
Receptor Expression ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Susceptible Animal

SARS-CoV-2 is currently considered to have emerged from a bat coronavirus reservoir. However, the real natural cycle of this virus remains to be elucidated. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to novel opportunities for SARS-CoV-2 transmission between humans and susceptible animal species. In silico and in vitro evaluation of the interactions between the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and eucaryotic angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor have tentatively predicted susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection of several animal species. Although useful, these data do not always correlate with in vivo data obtained in experimental models or during natural infections. Other host biological properties may intervene such as the body temperature, level of receptor expression, co-receptor, restriction factors, and genetic background. The spread of SARS-CoV-2 also depends on the extent and duration of viral shedding in the infected host as well as population density and behaviour (group living and grooming). Overall, current data indicate that the most at-risk interactions between humans and animals for COVID-19 infection are those involving certain mustelids (such as minks and ferrets), rodents (such as hamsters), lagomorphs (especially rabbits), and felines (including cats). Therefore, special attention should be paid to the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection associated with pets.

scholarly journals The Population Diversity of Candidate Genes for Resistance/Susceptibility to Coronavirus Infection in Domestic Cats: An Inter-Breed Comparison

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 778
Author(s):  
Jana Bubenikova ◽  
Leona Vychodilova ◽  
Karla Stejskalova ◽  
Jan Futas ◽  
Jan Oppelt ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Candidate Genes ◽  
Single Gene ◽  
Differential Susceptibility ◽  
Snp Markers ◽  
Population Diversity ◽  
Population Substructure ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
Coronavirus Infection ◽  
Breed Comparison ◽  
Feline Coronavirus

Feline coronavirus (FCoV) is a complex pathogen causing feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). Host genetics represents a factor contributing to the pathogenesis of the disease. Differential susceptibility of various breeds to FIP was reported with controversial results. The objective of this study was to compare the genetic diversity of different breeds on a panel of candidate genes potentially affecting FCoV infection. One hundred thirteen cats of six breeds were genotyped on a panel of sixteen candidate genes. SNP allelic/haplotype frequencies were calculated; pairwise FST and molecular variance analyses were performed. Principal coordinate (PCoA) and STRUCTURE analyses were used to infer population structure. Interbreed differences in allele frequencies were observed. PCoA analysis performed for all genes of the panel indicated no population substructure. In contrast to the full marker set, PCoA of SNP markers associated with FCoV shedding (NCR1 and SLX4IP) showed three clusters containing only alleles associated with susceptibility to FCoV shedding, homozygotes and heterozygotes for the susceptibility alleles, and all three genotypes, respectively. Each cluster contained cats of multiple breeds. Three clusters of haplotypes were identified by PCoA, two clusters by STRUCTURE. Haplotypes of a single gene (SNX5) differed significantly between the PCoA clusters.

The Current and forecasted Status of Type 2 Diabetes in the Arab Society of Israel

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdelnaser Zalan ◽  
Ahmad Sheikh-Muhammad ◽  
Mohammad Khatib ◽  
Rajech Sharkia
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Expenditures ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Progressive Increase ◽  
Current Data ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Global Challenge ◽  
The Status ◽  
Health Related

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is considered one of the main causes of mortality, morbidity, and health care expenditures. Effectively treating this disease is of crucial importance and imposes a global challenge. The incidence of Type 2 DM (T2DM) is rapidly rising in both developing and developed countries. The Arab community in Israel is a distinct ethnic group with unique characteristics. Recently, this community has undergone major changes in its lifestyle, adopting the Westernized one, which could have caused an increase in the T2DM incidence rate. Objective: This review aims to shed light on various studies undertaken to explore the prevalence of diabetes and determine its current status in the Arab society of Israel, resting on previous and current data. It is presented to highlight the status of diabetes globally and to focus on its current situation in the Arab society of Israel, attempting to forecast its direction in the upcoming decade. Methods: Data were obtained from our previous comprehensive socio-economic and health cross-sectional surveys for successive periods from 2004 to 2017. These surveys were conducted on the Arab society of Israel by the Galilee Society. Results: Our results showed a progressive increase in the prevalence of T2DM from 3.4% to 7.6% in the Arab society of Israel. This trend is expected to continue rising in the coming decade, and based on our predictions, may exceed 12% in 2030. Conclusion: Substantial and practical health-related actions must be initiated to prevent an increasing number of adults from developing diabetes and its complications.

scholarly journals Occurrence of Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in the Domestic Cat Population of Germany

Vaccines ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 772
Author(s):  
Anna Michelitsch ◽  
Donata Hoffmann ◽  
Kerstin Wernike ◽  
Martin Beer
Keyword(s):  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Companion Animals ◽  
Cross Reactivity ◽  
Human Infection ◽  
Domestic Cat ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Transmission Cycle

Domestic cats (Felis catus) are popular companion animals that live in close contact with their human owners. Therefore, the risk of a trans-species spreading event between domestic cats and humans is ever-present. Shortly after the emergence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its rapid spread around the world, the role of domestic cats in the transmission cycle was questioned. In the present study, the first large-scale survey of antibody occurrence in the domestic cat population in Germany was conducted, in order to assess the incidence of naturally occurring human to cat transmission of SARS-CoV-2. A total of 920 serum samples, which were collected from April to September of 2020, were screened by an indirect multispecies ELISA. Positive samples were verified using an indirect immunofluorescence test (iIFT) and additionally tested for neutralizing antibodies. Furthermore, serum samples were screened for antibodies against feline coronavirus (FCoV), in order to rule out cross-reactivity in the described test systems. Overall, 0.69% (6/920) of serum samples were found to be positive for antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 by ELISA and iIFT. Two of these reactive sera also displayed neutralizing antibodies. No cross-reactivity with FCoV-specific antibodies was observed. The finding of SARS-CoV-2 antibody-positive serum samples in the domestic cat population of Germany, during a period when the incidence of human infection in the country was still rather low, indicates that human-to-cat transmission of SARS-CoV-2 happens, but there is no indication of SARS-CoV-2 circulation in cats.

scholarly journals Feline leukaemia virus infection: A practical approach to diagnosis

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (9) ◽  
pp. 831-846
Author(s):  
Regina Hofmann-Lehmann ◽  
Katrin Hartmann
Keyword(s):  
Accurate Determination ◽  
Molecular Techniques ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
Immunological Parameters ◽  
Leukaemia Virus ◽  
Diagnostic Assays ◽  
Feline Leukaemia Virus ◽  
Cat Diseases

Practical relevance: Feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus of domestic cats worldwide. Cats lacking strong FeLV-specific immunity and undergoing progressive infection commonly develop fatal FeLV-associated disease. Many aspects of FeLV infection pathogenesis have been elucidated, some during more recent years using molecular techniques. It is recommended that the FeLV status of every cat is known, since FeLV infection can influence the prognosis and clinical management of every sick cat. Moreover, knowledge of a cat’s FeLV status is of epidemiological importance to prevent further spread of the infection. Clinical challenges: Diagnosing FeLV infection remains challenging due to different outcomes of infection, which can vary over time depending on the balance between the virus and the host’s immune system. Furthermore, testing for FeLV infection has become more refined over the years and now includes diagnostic assays for different viral and immunological parameters. Knowledge of FeLV infection pathogenesis, as well as the particulars of FeLV detection methods, is an important prerequisite for correct interpretation of any test results and accurate determination of a cat’s FeLV status. Aims: The current review presents recent knowledge on FeLV pathogenesis, key features to be determined in FeLV infection, and frequently used FeLV detection methods, and their characteristics and interpretation. An algorithm for the diagnosis of FeLV infection in a single cat, developed by the European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases, is included, and FeLV testing in specific situations is addressed. As well as increasing awareness of this deadly infection in domestic cats, the aim is to contribute diagnostic expertise to allow veterinarians in practice to improve their recognition, and further reduce the prevalence, of FeLV infection.

Digital humanities and new directions in South Korea

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 772-790
Author(s):  
Jisu Lee ◽  
Hye-Eun Lee
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
South Korea ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Digital Humanities ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Western World ◽  
Global Networks ◽  
Social Sciences And Humanities ◽  
The Status ◽  
Late Start

Abstract The course of reprocessing knowledge and information about social sciences and humanities using digital technology is taking root as a new field of academia called the ‘digital humanities’ (DH). While the social sciences and humanities in South Korea have shown a marked reluctance toward the integration of digital technology, the perception of its necessity as a new methodology for developing these fields in the digital age is growing. Until recently, analytical studies on the status and contents of DH were conducted on data from the western world. Despite their late start, however, Asian countries have begun conducting research on DH with enthusiasm. In order for DH to be properly established in each country, it is essential to set the direction by investigating the pre-requisites for DH studies in that country, as well as the current and future demands. As such, this study discusses the current status and issues regarding DH in South Korea by analyzing the trends of DH research published in South Korea, as well as by examining the status and perception of DH among actual scholars. Based on this study’s findings, we present strategies for improving education programs on DH in South Korea and promulgate the necessity of using DH methodologies in the study of social sciences and humanities to develop global networks and academic communication.

scholarly journals Origin and transmission of Feline coronavirus type I in domestic cats from Northern Italy: a phylogeographic approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 244 ◽  
pp. 108667 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefania Lauzi ◽  
Angelica Stranieri ◽  
Alessia Giordano ◽  
Camilla Luzzago ◽  
Gianguglielmo Zehender ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Northern Italy ◽  
Type I ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
Feline Coronavirus

scholarly journals SPIN AND ORBITAL ANGULAR MOMENTUM IN THE PROTON

2009 ◽  
Vol 18 (05n06) ◽  
pp. 1116-1134 ◽  
Author(s):  
ANTHONY W. THOMAS
Keyword(s):  
Angular Momentum ◽  
Orbital Angular Momentum ◽  
Current Data ◽  
Proton Spin ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Nucleon Structure ◽  
Upper Limits ◽  
European Muon Collaboration ◽  
Spin Crisis

Since the announcement of the proton spin crisis by the European Muon Collaboration there has been considerable progress in unravelling the distribution of spin and orbital angular momentum within the proton. We review the current status of the problem, showing that not only have strong upper limits have been placed on the amount of polarized glue in the proton but that the experimental determination of the spin content has become much more precise. It is now clear that the origin of the discrepancy between experiment and the naive expectation of the fraction of spin carried by the quarks and anti-quarks in the proton lies in the non-perturbative structure of the proton. We explain how the features expected in a modern, relativistic and chirally symmetric description of nucleon structure naturally explain the current data. The consequences of this explanation for the presence of orbital angular momentum on quarks and gluons is reviewed and comparison made with recent results from lattice QCD and experimental data.

scholarly journals Increased Infectivity of Anchorless Mouse Scrapie Prions in Transgenic Mice Overexpressing Human Prion Protein

2015 ◽  
Vol 89 (11) ◽  
pp. 6022-6032 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brent Race ◽  
Katie Phillips ◽  
Kimberly Meade-White ◽  
James Striebel ◽  
Bruce Chesebro
Keyword(s):  
Amino Acid ◽  
Amino Acid Sequence ◽  
Transgenic Mice ◽  
Prion Protein ◽  
Prion Diseases ◽  
Human Species ◽  
Species Barrier ◽  
Gpi Anchor ◽  
Prion Infection ◽  
Barrier Model

ABSTRACTPrion protein (PrP) is found in all mammals, mostly as a glycoprotein anchored to the plasma membrane by a C-terminal glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) linkage. Following prion infection, host protease-sensitive prion protein (PrPsen or PrPC) is converted into an abnormal, disease-associated, protease-resistant form (PrPres). Biochemical characteristics, such as the PrP amino acid sequence, and posttranslational modifications, such as glycosylation and GPI anchoring, can affect the transmissibility of prions as well as the biochemical properties of the PrPres generated. Previousin vivostudies on the effects of GPI anchoring on prion infectivity have not examined cross-species transmission. In this study, we tested the effect of lack of GPI anchoring on a species barrier model using mice expressing human PrP. In this model, anchorless 22L prions derived from tg44 mice were more infectious than 22L prions derived from C57BL/10 mice when tested in tg66 transgenic mice, which expressed wild-type anchored human PrP at 8- to 16-fold above normal. Thus, the lack of the GPI anchor on the PrPres from tg44 mice appeared to reduce the effect of the mouse-human PrP species barrier. In contrast, neither source of prions induced disease in tgRM transgenic mice, which expressed human PrP at 2- to 4-fold above normal.IMPORTANCEPrion protein (PrP) is found in all mammals, usually attached to cells by an anchor molecule called GPI. Following prion infection, PrP is converted into a disease-associated form (PrPres). While most prion diseases are species specific, this finding is not consistent, and species barriers differ in strength. The amino acid sequence of PrP varies among species, and this variability affects prion species barriers. However, other PrP modifications, including glycosylation and GPI anchoring, may also influence cross-species infectivity. We studied the effect of PrP GPI anchoring using a mouse-to-human species barrier model. Experiments showed that prions produced by mice expressing only anchorless PrP were more infectious than prions produced in mice expressing anchored PrP. Thus, the lack of the GPI anchor on prions reduced the effect of the mouse-human species barrier. Our results suggest that prion diseases that produce higher levels of anchorless PrP may pose an increased risk for cross-species infection.

scholarly journals La dinamización de las TIC en las escuelas

2010 ◽  
pp. a131
Author(s):  
Cinta Espuny ◽  
Mercè Gisbert ◽  
Jordi Coiduras
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Innovation Process ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Teaching Resources ◽  
Expert Opinions ◽  
Academic Courses ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Action Process ◽  
Teaching Learning

Este artículo presenta parte de los resultados de una investigación sobre la dinamización de las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación (TIC) desde un centro de recursos pedagógico en las escuelas de su comarca, el Baix Ebre (Tarragona) durante los cursos escolares 2006-2007 y 2007-2008. Asimismo se enmarca en una tesis doctoral: «Disseny, implementació i avaluació del Pla d'explotació de recursos TIC als centres de primària del Baix Ebre» (Espuny, 2008). En líneas generales, se expone una propuesta sobre cómo dinamizar las TIC, basada en el análisis del papel de los agentes fundamentales en cualquier proceso de innovación, y con el objetivo de ser un referente en el diseño de un plan de incorporación de las TIC de forma gradual y metodológicamente significativa en la escuela. Se parte de un enfoque metodológico de investigación-acción y se utilizan técnicas de recogida e interpretación de datos mixta, cualitativa y cuantitativa (entrevistas, diarios, cuestionarios, demandas, opiniones, observaciones, reflexiones de expertos, etc.). A partir de ellas, nuestras conclusiones nos permiten reflexionar sobre el estado actual de las TIC en los centros y servir como base a las Administraciones educativas, en general, y a las diferentes comunidades educativas, en particular, en la definición de los cambios necesarios que nos permitan implementar exitosamente las TIC como un potente instrumento pedagógico que mejora la calidad del proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje.AbstractThe article is based on the results of a research into dinamization of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). It's made by the Teaching Resources Centre of Baix Ebre (Tarragona) and it was applied in different schools located in the same area, during the academic courses 2006-2007, 2007-2008. This researching project is included in a thesis: «Design, implementation and assessment of a running plan of ICT resources in primary schools in the Baix Ebre area». (Espuny, 2008). In a general way it sets out a proposal to invigorate the ICT. This proposal is based on the study of the role the key agents that take part in every innovation process, and it has the objective of being an essential reference when designing a plan to involve or incorporate the ICT in schools in a methodological significative way. In this project the methodological research-action process has been taken as a reference. It used different resources to collect and analyze the data, mixed, qualitative and quantitative, (interviews, diaries, expert opinions...) The findings of the study are intended to reflect on the current status of ICT in schools, and to serve as a basis for the necessary changes that the educational authorities and the educational community may deem essential to enable ICT to be successfully implemented as a pedagogical tool that is to improve the quality of the teaching-learning process.

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