scholarly journals Detection and Genetic Characterization of Seoul Virus in Liver Tissue Samples From Rattus norvegicus and Rattus tanezumi in Urban Areas of Southern China

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenqiao He ◽  
Jiaqi Fu ◽  
Yuqi Wen ◽  
Mingji Cheng ◽  
Yun Mo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Southern China ◽  
The United States ◽  
Wild Rodents ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Tissue Samples ◽  
Protein Coding ◽  
Transmission Potential ◽  
Seoul Virus ◽  
Pcr Method

Rodents are important hosts of hantaviruses, and lungs and kidneys are known to be the preferred organs of these viruses. Recently, hantaviruses were detected in liver samples from wild rodents in Hungary and the United States, and feeder rats in the Netherlands. However, few studies have detected hantaviruses in the liver of rats from China. In this study, hantaviruses were investigated in liver samples from R. norvegicus and R. tanezumi trapped in urban areas of southern China. A total of 461 R. norvegicus and 64 R. tanezumi were trapped. Using a pan-hantavirus PCR method, hantaviruses were detected in liver, lung, and serum samples from these animals. About 7.43% of liver samples were positive for Seoul virus (SEOV). The detection rate of SEOV in liver samples from R. norvegicus (8.24%) was higher than that from R. tanezumi (1.56%), suggesting the predominant role of R. norvegicus in the transmission of SEOV in urban areas of China. Three R. norvegicus had SEOV RNA in their liver samples but not in their lung samples, suggesting that the liver might be one of the targeted organs of SEOV. The first full SEOV protein-coding sequences (CDS) of the S and M segments, and partial CDS of the L segment from R. tanezumi were amplified. Several full and partial CDS of the S, M, and L segments from R. norvegicus were also obtained. The SEOV sequences obtained from different animals were highly similar, suggesting the cross-species transmission potential of SEOV between R. norvegicus and R. tanezumi.

scholarly journals No Evidence of Toxoplasma Gondii Infection in Urban and Rural Squirrels in Southern Manitoba, Canada

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Riikka P. Kinnunen ◽  
Chloé Schmidt ◽  
Adrián Hernándes-Ortiz ◽  
Colin J. Garroway
Keyword(s):  
Toxoplasma Gondii ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Sciurus Carolinensis ◽  
Natural Environments ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Intermediate Hosts ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Tissue Samples ◽  
Important Intermediate ◽  
Toxoplasma Gondii Infection

ABSTRACTWhen wildlife colonizes cities, they can bring parasites that have implications for human health, yet knowledge underlying the ways host-pathogen interactions operate in cities is limited. The Coccidian parasite Toxoplasma gondii can infect humans and cause health issues. T. gondii also has host species that occur at higher densities in cities than in natural environments, including squirrel species (Sciuridae). Cats and other Felidae are the only known definitive hosts of T. gondii. In urban and suburban areas squirrels regularly share their territories with domestic cats where they can encounter infectious oocysts shed in cat feces in contaminated soil or in the food they eat. We hypothesized that urban squirrels might thus be particularly susceptible to T. gondii infection compared to squirrels in more natural areas. We investigated this using molecular and serological methods on samples collected from four squirrel species in and around the city of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. We tested a total of 272 tissue samples from 46 squirrels for T. gondii DNA using quantitative PCR, and 15 serum samples from grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) for T. gondii antibodies (IgG) by indirect ELISA. We found no evidence of T. gondii infection in squirrels in southern Manitoba. This suggests that squirrels are not important intermediate hosts of T. gondii in cities and that the prevalence of T. gondii oocysts in the environment in Manitoba is likely low. Consequently, squirrel management to prevent infection to humans or their pet cats is not needed in urban areas with abundant squirrel populations.

scholarly journals SURVEYING FOR RANAVIRUS IN GREEN FROGS (LITHOBATES CLAMITANS) AT FIVE LOCATIONS IN INDIANA

2016 ◽  
pp. 23-26
Author(s):  
Megan E. Winzeler ◽  
Rod N. Williams ◽  
Steven J. A. Kimble
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
The United States ◽  
The State ◽  
Green Frog ◽  
Emerging Pathogen ◽  
Tissue Samples ◽  
Frog Virus ◽  
The Status ◽  
Pcr Method ◽  
Management And Conservation

Ranaviruses are an emerging pathogen within the United States that infects amphibians, reptiles, and fish. A Frog Virus 3-like (FV3) ranavirus has been detected at only two locations in Indiana; however, there have been few attempts to broadly sample for ranaviruses to determine their distribution across the state. This knowledge is necessary for the continued management and conservation of native amphibian populations. Our objective was to assess the occurrence of FV3-like ranaviruses in larval Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans) populations at five sites located in different regions of Indiana. Tissue samples were collected from 166 individuals and were assayed using both conventional and qPCR methods. We did not detect the presence of any FV3-like ranaviruses at any of the five sites with either PCR method, suggesting the possibility that at these sites, FV3-like ranaviruses may not be present. However, continued sampling should be carried out to monitor the status of the presence of ranaviruses in this portion of the Midwest.

scholarly journals Toxoplasma gondii in Aborted Fetuses of Sheep in Ardebil Ar-ea, North-West of Iran

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gholamreza SHAHBAZI ◽  
Nasser HOGHOOGHI RAD ◽  
Rassoul MADANI ◽  
Somaieh MATIN ◽  
Pedjman MORTAZAVI ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nested Pcr ◽  
Fetal Brain ◽  
The United States ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Toxoplasma Infection ◽  
North West ◽  
Pcr Method ◽  
Area North ◽  
Thoracic And Abdominal

Background: One of the severe complications of toxoplasmosis is the induction of abortion in sheep, goats, and human beings. The rate of abortions related to toxoplasmosis in sheep varies between 10% and 23% in the United States and European countries. In Iran, Toxoplasma infection were diagnosed in aborted ovine fetuses between 13.5% and 69% in the brain samples based on PCR. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of abortions related to T. gondii among the aborted fetuses of sheep in Ardabil area, North-West of Iran. Methods: The brains of 75 aborted sheep fetuses in Ardebil area were investigated with nested PCR method using fragments of the GRA6 gene during lambing seasons in 2014-2015. Meanwhile, thoracic and abdominal fluids of aborted fetuses and 200 serum samples collected from the herds affected by abortion were examined for the existence of anti-T. gondii IgG. Results: For 48 out of the 75 fetal brain samples (64%), the results of nested PCR test were found to be positive. Furthermore, antibodies against Toxoplasma was observed in 136 (68%) collected samples of sheep and 21 samples (28%) of fetal fluids. Conclusion: There is the significant role of T. gondii in the abortions of sheep in Ardabil area. Meanwhile, this condition can also be dangerous for human beings because of their consumption of sheep meat.

scholarly journals Epidemiological Characteristics and Genetic Diversity of Chicken Infectious Anemia Virus (CIAV) in Guangdong Province, China

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fancong Zeng ◽  
Wenfeng Li ◽  
Junhong Ke ◽  
Feng Wen ◽  
Jinyue Guo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Southern China ◽  
Guangdong Province ◽  
Economic Loss ◽  
Epidemiological Surveillance ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Tissue Samples ◽  
Chicken Infectious Anemia Virus ◽  
Chicken Infectious Anemia ◽  
Anemia Virus ◽  
Epidemiological Characteristics

Abstract Chicken infectious anemia virus (CIAV) is an immunosuppressive disease that causes enormous economic loss to the poultry industry worldwide, transmitted vertically and horizontally. In recent years, CIAV outbreaks have frequently occurred in southern China since 2014, especially in the Guangdong province. However, there is a lack of epidemiological studies of CIAV in Guangdong province. We performed PCR by using the serum and tissue samples collected from seven cities of Guangdong province. The PCR-positive tissue samples were inoculated into SPF eggs and MSB1 cells for virus isolation by blind-passages three times. This study isolated and characterized 325 serum samples and four tissue samples, the total positive CIAV rate of 62.15% in serum samples, and all four tissues were positive for the CIAV. However, the virus could only be isolated from MSB1 cells. Sequence analysis revealed that the four isolated comparisons with those in the GenBank showed high nucleotide similarities and were near clade C2. Our data showed over 60% of positive cases for CIAV serological analysis consist of seven cities, Which may lead to severe immunosuppressive effects in chickens. In summary, these findings provide new insights to guide molecular epidemiological surveillance of CIAV in Guangdong province.

scholarly journals Presentation, Management, and Outcomes across the Rural-Urban Continuum for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kali Zhou ◽  
Trevor A Pickering ◽  
Christina S Gainey ◽  
Myles Cockburn ◽  
Mariana C Stern ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatocellular Carcinoma ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Tumor Stage ◽  
The United States ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Urban Residents ◽  
Place Of Residence ◽  
Incidence And Mortality ◽  
Receive Treatment

Abstract Background Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of few cancers with rising incidence and mortality in the United States. Little is known about disease presentation and outcomes across the rural-urban continuum. Methods Using the population-based SEER registry, we identified adults with incident hepatocellular carcinoma between 2000–2016. Urban, suburban and rural residence at time of cancer diagnosis were categorized by the Census Bureau’s percent of the population living in non-urban areas. We examined association between place of residence and overall survival. Secondary outcomes were late tumor stage and receipt of therapy. Results Of 83,368 cases, 75.8%, 20.4%, and 3.8% lived in urban, suburban, and rural communities, respectively. Median survival was 7 months (IQR 2–24). All stage and stage-specific survival differed by place of residence, except for distant stage. In adjusted models, rural and suburban residents had a respective 1.09-fold (95% CI = 1.04–1.14, p < .001) and 1.08-fold (95% CI = 1.05–1.10, p < .001) increased hazard of overall mortality as compared to urban residents. Furthermore, rural and suburban residents had 18% (OR = 1.18, 95% CI 1.10–1.27, p < .001) and 5% (OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.02–1.09, p = .003) higher odds of diagnosis at late stage and were 12% (OR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.80–0.94, p < .001) and 8% (OR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.88–0.95, p < .001) less likely to receive treatment, respectively, compared to urban residents. Conclusions Residence in a suburban and rural community at time of diagnosis was independently associated with worse indicators across the cancer continuum for liver cancer. Further research is needed to elucidate the primary drivers of these rural-urban disparities.

scholarly journals PRRSV detection by qPCR in processing fluids and serum samples collected in a positive stable breeding herd following mass vaccination of sows with a modified live vaccine

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Lebret ◽  
P. Berton ◽  
V. Normand ◽  
I. Messager ◽  
N. Robert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
The United States ◽  
Live Vaccine ◽  
Mass Vaccination ◽  
Respiratory Syndrome Virus ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Stability Monitoring ◽  
Breeding Herd ◽  
Modified Live Vaccine ◽  
Processing Fluid

AbstractIn the last two decades, in France, Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) stabilization protocols have been implemented using mass vaccination with a modified live vaccine (MLV), herd closure and biosecurity measures. Efficient surveillance for PRRSV is essential for generating evidence of absence of viral replication and transmission in pigs. The use of processing fluid (PF) was first described in 2018 in the United States and was demonstrated to provide a higher herd-level sensitivity compared with blood samples (BS) for PRRSV monitoring. In the meantime, data on vertical transmission of MLV viruses are rare even as it is a major concern. Therefore, veterinarians usually wait for several weeks after a sow mass vaccination before starting a stability monitoring. This clinical study was conducted in a PRRSV-stable commercial 1000-sow breed-to-wean farm. This farm suffered from a PRRS outbreak in January 2018. After implementing a stabilisation protocol, this farm was controlled as stable for more than 9 months before the beginning of the study. PF and BS at weaning were collected in four consecutive batches born after a booster sow mass MLV vaccination. We failed to detect PRRSV by qPCR on PF and BS collected in a positive-stable breeding herd after vaccination with ReproCyc® PRRS EU (Boehringer Ingelheim, Ingelheim, Germany).

scholarly journals Transmission Potential of Zika Virus by Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) and Ae. mediovittatus (Diptera: Culicidae) Populations From Puerto Rico

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca A Zimler ◽  
Donald A Yee ◽  
Barry W Alto
Keyword(s):  
Puerto Rico ◽  
Aedes Aegypti ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Mosquito Species ◽  
The United States ◽  
Infection Rates ◽  
Transmission Potential ◽  
Transmission Rates ◽  
Higher Doses ◽  
Local Transmission

Abstract Recurrence of local transmission of Zika virus in Puerto Rico is a major public health risk to the United States, where mosquitoes Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus) and Aedes mediovittatus (Coquillett) are abundant. To determine the extent to which Ae. mediovittatus are capable of transmitting Zika virus and the influence of viremia, we evaluated infection and transmission in Ae. mediovittatus and Ae. aegypti from Puerto Rico using serial dilutions of infectious blood. Higher doses of infectious blood resulted in greater infection rates in both mosquitoes. Aedes aegypti females were up to twice as susceptible to infection than Ae. mediovittatus, indicating a more effective midgut infection barrier in the latter mosquito species. Aedes aegypti exhibited higher disseminated infection (40–95%) than Ae. mediovittatus (<5%), suggesting a substantial midgut escape barrier in Ae. mediovittatus. For Ae. aegypti, transmission rates were low over a range of doses of Zika virus ingested, suggesting substantial salivary gland barriers.

Identification of Potential Freight Parking Locations in Urban Areas

2021 ◽  
pp. 036119812110130
Author(s):  
Glenn Vorhes ◽  
Ernest Perry ◽  
Soyoung Ahn
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Information System ◽  
Satellite Imagery ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
The United States ◽  
Truck Drivers ◽  
Short List ◽  
Automated Processes ◽  
Parking Facilities ◽  
Urban Sites

Truck parking is a crucial element of the United States’ transportation system as it provides truckers with safe places to rest and stage for deliveries. Demand for truck parking spaces exceeds supply and shortages are especially common in and around urban areas. Freight operations are negatively affected as truck drivers are unable to park in logistically ideal locations. Drivers may resort to unsafe practices such as parking on ramps or in abandoned lots. This report seeks to examine the potential parking availability of vacant urban parcels by establishing a methodology to identify parcels and examining whether the identified parcels are suitable for truck parking. Previous research has demonstrated that affordable, accessible parcels are available to accommodate truck parking. When used in conjunction with other policies, adaptation of urban sites could help reduce the severity of truck parking shortages. Geographic information system parcel and roadway data were obtained for one urban area in each of the 10 Mid America Association of Transportation Officials region states. Area and proximity filters were applied followed by spectral analysis of satellite imagery to identify candidate parcels for truck parking facilities within urban areas. The automated processes created a ranked short list of potential parcels from which those best suited for truck parking could be efficiently identified for inspection by satellite imagery. This process resulted in a manageable number of parcels to be evaluated further by local knowledge metrics such as availability and cost, existing infrastructure and municipal connections, and safety.

The Rural-Urban Continuum of Polarization: Understanding the Geography of the 2018 Midterms

The Forum ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth M. Johnson ◽  
Dante J. Scala
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Metropolitan Areas ◽  
Political Attitudes ◽  
The United States ◽  
Rural America ◽  
Rural Regions ◽  
Urban America ◽  
Urban And Rural Areas ◽  
The Continuum

Abstract This study of the 2018 congressional midterms demonstrates how voting patterns and political attitudes vary across a spectrum of urban and rural areas in the United States. Rural America is no more a monolith than is urban America. The rural-urban gradient is better represented by a continuum than a dichotomy. This is evident in the voting results in 2018, just as it was in 2016. We found that the political tipping point lies beyond major metropolitan areas, in the suburban counties of smaller metropolitan areas. Democrats enjoyed even greater success in densely populated urban areas in 2018 than in 2016. Residents of these urban areas display distinctive and consistent social and political attitudes across a range of scales. At the other end of the continuum in remote rural areas, Republican candidates continued to command voter support despite the challenging national political environment. Voters in these rural regions expressed social and political attitudes diametrically opposed to their counterparts in large urban cores.

scholarly journals Exposure of Domestic Cats to Three Zoonotic Bartonella Species in the United States

Pathogens ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 354
Author(s):  
Lynn M. Osikowicz ◽  
Kalanthe Horiuchi ◽  
Irina Goodrich ◽  
Edward B. Breitschwerdt ◽  
Bruno Chomel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New England ◽  
The United States ◽  
Severe Illness ◽  
Domestic Cats ◽  
Bartonella Species ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
North Central ◽  
Middle Atlantic ◽  
South Central ◽  
Central Regions

Cat-associated Bartonella species, which include B. henselae, B. koehlerae, and B. clarridgeiae, can cause mild to severe illness in humans. In the present study, we evaluated 1362 serum samples obtained from domestic cats across the U.S. for seroreactivity against three species and two strain types of Bartonella associated with cats (B. henselae type 1, B. henselae type 2, B. koehlerae, and B. clarridgeiae) using an indirect immunofluorescent assay (IFA). Overall, the seroprevalence at the cutoff titer level of ≥1:64 was 23.1%. Seroreactivity was 11.1% and 3.7% at the titer level cutoff of ≥1:128 and at the cutoff of ≥1:256, respectively. The highest observation of seroreactivity occurred in the East South-Central, South Atlantic, West North-Central, and West South-Central regions. The lowest seroreactivity was detected in the East North-Central, Middle Atlantic, Mountain, New England, and Pacific regions. We observed reactivity against all four Bartonella spp. antigens in samples from eight out of the nine U.S. geographic regions.

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