Examination of Oil Structural Motifs and Temperature in Promoting Reversible Self-Assembly of Gold Nanoparticle Langmuir Films.

The interaction between gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with other components and phases has important consequences on their use in materials and devices as well as their fate in the environment or at biological interfaces. Previously we determined that long oil chain lengths and lower temperatures optimized the mixing of n-alkanes with alkanethiol-capped AuNPs which improved nanoparticle self-assembly into superlattices at aqueous interfaces. In this study, a variety of liquid phase hydrocarbon oils with structural and functional variations were surveyed for their mixing efficacy and propensity to enable reversible self-assembly of nanoparticle domains. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images and pressure vs area isotherms across this series reveal isotherm features that distinguish between the mixing and inclusion of the oil at the interface and that which enables reversible self-assembly. Structural and functional characteristics of the oil for promoting reversible self-assembly are identified which surpass the importance of chain length previously described. Temperatures below the ligand order-disorder transition were found to improve the reversibility of AuNP domains and are understood by application of a reparametrized x-DLVO model.

Emergency department reorganisation to cope with COVID-19 outbreak in Milan university hospital: a time-sensitive challenge.

BACKGROUND: In March 2020 we faced a huge spread of the epidemic of SARS-CoV2 in northern Italy; the Emergency Departments (ED) and the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were overwhelmed by patients requiring care. The hospitals were forced to reorganize their services, and the ED was the focal point of this challenge. As Emergency Department in a metropolitan area of the region most affected, we saw an increasing number of patients with COVID-19, and we made some structural and staff implementations according to the evolution of the epidemic. METHODS: We analysed in a narrative way the weaknesses and the point of strength of our response to COVID-19 first outbreak, focusing point by point on main challenges and minor details involved in our ED response to the pandemics. RESULTS: The main stems for our response to the pandemic were: use of clear and shared contingency plans, as long as preparedness to implement them; stockage of as much as useful material can be stocked; training of the personnel to be prepared for a fast response, trying to maintain divided pathway for COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients, well-done isolation is a key factor; preparedness to de-escalate as soon as needed. CONCLUSIONS: We evaluated our experience and analysed the weakness and strength of our first response to share it with the rest of the scientific community and colleagues worldwide, hoping to facilitate others who will face the same challenge or similar challenges in the future. Shared experience is the best way to learn and to avoid making the same mistakes.

[Feline leukemia virus infection: importance and current situation in Switzerland]. / Die feline Leukämievirus-Infektion: Bedeutung und aktuelle Situation in der Schweiz.

INTRODUCTION: Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) leads to fatal disease in cats with progressive infection. The aim of this study was to determine the importance of FeLV infection in Switzerland and make a comparison with previous studies. Of 881 blood samples taken from cats living in Switzerland (minimum of 20 samples per Canton), 47 samples were provirus-positive (5.3%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.9-7.0%) and 18 samples were antigen-positive (2%; 95% CI 1.2-3.2%). Together with data previously collected in similar studies, these findings demonstrated a decrease in prevalence between 1997 and 2003 followed by a relative constant low prevalence thereafter. Young cats (=2 years) were more frequently infected than older cats, but FeLV-positive cats were up to 15 (antigen-positive) and 19 (provirus-positive) years old. Sexually intact cats were more frequently viremic than neutered cats; purebred cats were somewhat less frequently FeLV-positive than non-purebred cats. In a second study, in which 300 saliva samples were analyzed, samples from 5 cats were FeLV-RNA positive (1.7%; 95% CI, 0.5-3.8%), although one young feral cat had been falsely assumed to be FeLV-negative based on a point-of-care test. Of the 300 cats, only 50% were FeLV tested or vaccinated, although 90% of the cats were at risk of exposure to FeLV. Testing and vaccination of all cats with exposure risk may help further decrease the prevalence of FeLV infection. Moreover, characteristics of FeLV tests should be considered, such as the risk of false negative results in the early phase of infection when performing antigen testing.

INTRODUCTION: Le virus leucémogène félin (FeLV) conduit la plupart du temps à une maladie mortelle chez le chat avec une infection progressive. Le but du présent travail est de mettre en évidence l'importance de l'infection à FeLV en Suisse sur la base de recherches actuelles et de la comparer avec les résultats de recherches antérieures. Afin de répondre à la question de savoir combien de chats présentés à la consultation étaient porteurs du FeLV (positifs au provirus) respectivement excréteurs de FeLV (positifs à l'antigène), on a analysé 881 échantillons sanguins provenant de toute la Suisse (au minimum 20 par canton) : 47 échantillons étaient positifs au provirus (5.3%; 95% intervalle de confiance (CI) 3.9­7.0%) et 18 positifs à l'antigène (2%; 95% CI 1.2­3.2%). Une comparaison avec des recherches semblables faites antérieurement montre que la prévalence du FeLV a diminué entre 1997 et 2003 mais qu'elle stagne depuis lors. Actuellement ce sont plutôt les jeunes chats (=2 ans) qui sont touchés plutôt que les vieux; des chats ont toutefois été trouvés positifs jusqu'à l'âge de 15 ans (positifs à l'antigène) respectivement de 19 ans (positifs au provirus). Les chats non castrés étaient plus souvent virémiques que les castrés et les chats de races étaient aussi, mais un peu moins fréquemment FeLV-positifs. Dans une autre étude suisse, dans laquelle 300 échantillons de salive de chats ont été testés quant à la présence d'ARN-FeLV, 5 chats étaient excréteurs (1.7%; 95% CI 0.5­3.8%). Un jeune chat trouvé, qui avait été testé négatif au test rapide, a été trouvé infecté par le FeLV au moyen de la mise en évidence d'ARN. Sur ces 300 chats, seuls environ 50% avaient été testés quant au FeLV respectivement vaccinés, bien qu'environ 90% aient présenté un risque d'exposition au FeLV. Pour diminuer encore la prévalence du FeLV, il conviendrait de tester et de vacciner tous les chats avec un risque d'exposition au virus. Dans ce contexte, il faut tenir compte des différentes caractéristiques des tests comme la non reconnaissance de la phase d'infection très précoce au moyen du test FeLV rapide.

Ligand Shell Composition-Dependent Effects on the Apparent Hydrophobicity and Film Behavior of Gold Nanoparticles at the Air-Water Interface.

Nanoparticles with well-defined interfacial energy and wetting properties are needed for a broad range of applications involving nanoparticle self-assembly including the formation of superlattices, stability of Pickering emulsions, and for the control of nanoparticle interactions with biological membranes. Theoretical, simulated, and recent experimental studies have found nanometer-scale chemical heterogeneity to have important effects on hydrophobic interactions. Here we report the study of 4 nm gold nanoparticles with compositionally well-defined mixed ligand shells of hydroxyl-(OH) and methyl-(CH3) terminated alkylthiols as Langmuir films. Compositions ranging from 0-25% hydroxyl were examined and reveal nonmonotonic changes in particle hydrophobicity at the air-water interface. Unlike nanoparticles capped exclusively with a methyl-terminated alkylthiol, extensive particle aggregation is found for ligand shells containing <2% hydroxyl-terminated chains. This aggregation was lessened upon increasing the quantity of OH-terminated chains. Nanoparticles capped with 25% OH yield films of well-separated nanoparticles exhibiting a fluid-phase regime in the surface pressure vs area isotherm. Compression-expansion hysteresis, monolayer collapse, and mean nanoparticle area measurements support the TEM-observed changes in film morphology. Such clear changes in the hydrophobicity of nanoparticles based on very small changes in the ligand shell composition are shown to impact the process of interfacial nanoparticle self-assembly and are an important demonstration of nanoscale wetting with consequences in both materials and biological applications of nanoparticles that require tunable hydrophobicity.

Essential and toxic elements in seaweeds for human consumption.

Essential elements (K, Ca, P, S, Cl, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Ni, Br, and I) and nonessential or toxic elements (Al, Ti, Si, Rb, Sr, As, Cd, Sn, and Pb) were determined by energy-dispersive polarized x-ray fluorescence spectrometry in 14 seaweeds purchased in local specialty stores in Italy and consumed by humans. The differences in elements between the algae species reached up to 2-4 orders of magnitude. Lithothamnium calcareum showed the highest levels of Ca, Al, Si, Fe, and Ti. Palmaria palmata showed the highest concentrations of K, Rb, and Cl. The highest content of S was in Chondrus crispus. Laminaria digitata contained the highest concentrations of total As, Cd, Sn, Br, and I. The highest concentration of Zn was in Chlorella pyrenoidosa. Ulva lactuca displayed the highest levels of Cu, Ni, Mn, and Pb. Iodine levels ranged from 3.4 in Chlorella pyrenoidosa to 7316 mg/kg(dry) in Laminaria digitata. The nutrimental importance of essential elements was assessed using nutritional requirements. The results showed that the consumption of algae might serve as an important source of the essential elements. Health risk due to the toxic elements present in seaweed was estimated using risk estimators. Total As, Cd, and Pb concentrations ranged from <1 to 67.6, to 7.2 and to 6.7 mg/kg(dry) respectively; therefore, their contribution to total elemental intake does not appear to pose any threat to the consumers, but the concentrations of these elements should be controlled to protect the consumer against potential adverse health risks.

Detection of 'Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis' and other Anaplasmataceae and Rickettsiaceae in Canidae in Switzerland and Mediterranean countries.

INTRODUCTION: 'Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis' is an emerging tick-borne zoonotic agent that primarily affects immunocompromised human patients. Dogs and foxes are frequently exposed to ticks, and both species are in close proximity to humans. This is the first study to systematically investigate the occurrence of 'Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis' in Canidae in Europa. We analyzed 1'739 blood samples from dogs in Switzerland, Italy, Spain and Portugal and 162 blood samples from free-ranging red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Switzerland. All samples were tested using a previously described multiplex real-time PCR for the Anaplasmataceae family, the 'Candidatus Neoehrlichia' genus and the 'Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis' species. All Anaplasmataceae positive samples were subsequently tested using specific real-time PCRs for Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma platys, Ehrlichia canis and Rickettsia helvetica. Among the tested animals, one dog from Zurich tested positive for 'Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis'. The 12-year old West Highland white terrier had been splenectomized 3 months prior to the blood collection and presented with polyuria/polydipsia. Fanconi syndrome was diagnosed based on glucosuria with normoglycemia and hyperaminoaciduria. A. platys and E. canis were detected in 14/249 dogs from Sicily and Portugal; two of the dogs were coinfected with both agents. Four Swiss foxes tested positive for A. phagocytophilium. R. helvetica was detected for the first time in a red fox. In conclusion, 'Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis' infection should be considered in sick dogs, particularly when immunocompromised. The pathogen seems not to be widespread in Canidae in the investigated countries. Conversely, other Anaplasmataceae were more readily detected in dogs and foxes.

INTRODUCTION: 'Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis' est un agent de zoonose transmis par les tiques qui gagne en importance et concerne principalement les patients immunosupprimés. Les chiens comme les renards sont souvent concernés par des morsures de tiques et vivent en contact étroit avec les êtres humains. Dans le présent travail, nous étudions pour la première fois systématiquement la présence de 'Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis' chez les canidés en Europe. Les échantillons sanguins analysés provenaient de 1'739 chiens de Suisse, d'Italie, d'Espagne et du Portugal ainsi que de 162 renards (Vulpes vulpes) de Suisse. Tous les échantillons ont été examinés avec un test de PCR multiplex en temps réel déjà publié quant à la présence d'agents de la famille des Anaplasmataceae, du genre 'Candidatus Neoehrlichia' et de l'espèce 'Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis'. Les échantillons positifs aux Anaplasmataceae ont ensuite été testés avec un test PCR en temps réel spécifique quant à Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma platys, Ehrlichia canis und Rickettsia helvetica. Parmi les échantillons examinés se trouvait celui d'un chien de Zürich qui était infecté par 'Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis'. Ce West Highland White Terrier de 12 ans avait été présenté pour polyurie/polydipsie; il avait été splénectomisé trois mois avant la prise de l'échantillon. Au vu d'une glycosurie et d'une hyperaminoacidurie accompagnées d'une glycémie normale, on a posé le diagnostic de syndrome de Fanconi. A. platys et E. canis ont été mis en évidence chez 14/249 chiens provenant de Sicile et du Portugal; deux chiens étaient infectés par les deux agents pathogènes. Quatre renards suisses étaient positifs à A. phagocytophilium et R. helvetica a été trouvé pour la première fois chez un renard. En résumé, on peut dire qu'une infection à 'Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis' chez un chien malade doit être prise en considération comme diagnostic différentiel, particulièrement chez les anomaux immunosupprimés. Toutefois cet agent n'est pas très répandu chez les canidés des pays examinés, contrairement aux autres Anaplasmataceae spp. qui ont été trouvées plus souvent chez les chiens et les renards.

Essential and toxic elements in honeys from a region of central Italy.

Levels of iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) in several types of honey produced in a region of Central Italy were determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The degree of humidity, sugar content, pH, free acidity, combined acidity (lactones), and total acidity were also measured. These elements were found to be present in honey in various proportions depending upon (1) the area foraged by bees, (2) flower type visited for collection of nectar, and (3) quality of water in the vicinity of the hive. Strong positive correlations occurred between Pb and Hg, Pb and Cd, Pb and Fe, Pb and Cr, Hg and Cd, and Hg and Fe. The honey products synthesized in Central Italy were of good quality, but not completely free of heavy metal contamination. Compared with established recommended daily intakes, heavy metals or trace element intoxication following honey consumption in Italy was found not to be a concern for human health.

Effects on the self-assembly of n-alkane/gold nanoparticle mixtures spread at the air-water interface.

Nanoparticle films formed at the air-water interface readily form rigid films, where the nanoparticles irreversibly associate into floating "islands", often riddled with voids and defects, upon solvent evaporation. Improving the nanoparticle mobility in these films is key to achieving control over the nanoparticle packing parameters, which is attractive for a variety of applications. In this study, a variety of n-alkanes were mixed with tetradecanethiol-capped 2 nm gold nanoparticles and studied as Langmuir films at 18 and 32 °C. Pressure-area isotherms at 18 °C reveal a mixed liquid-expanded phase of nanoparticles and alkane at the air-water interface, but only for n-alkanes that are equal to or exceed the nanoparticle capping ligand in carbon chain length. Transmission electron microscopy images of the corresponding films suggest that the nanoparticles are mixed with a continuous hydrocarbon phase at 0 mN/m and that the hydrocarbon is squeezed out of the nanoparticle film during compression.

Feline infectious peritonitis: still an enigma?

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is one of the most important fatal infectious diseases of cats, the pathogenesis of which has not yet been fully revealed. The present review focuses on the biology of feline coronavirus (FCoV) infection and the pathogenesis and pathological features of FIP. Recent studies have revealed functions of many viral proteins, differing receptor specificity for type I and type II FCoV, and genomic differences between feline enteric coronaviruses (FECVs) and FIP viruses (FIPVs). FECV and FIP also exhibit functional differences, since FECVs replicate mainly in intestinal epithelium and are shed in feces, and FIPVs replicate efficiently in monocytes and induce systemic disease. Thus, key events in the pathogenesis of FIP are systemic infection with FIPV, effective and sustainable viral replication in monocytes, and activation of infected monocytes. The host's genetics and immune system also play important roles. It is the activation of monocytes and macrophages that directly leads to the pathologic features of FIP, including vasculitis, body cavity effusions, and fibrinous and granulomatous inflammatory lesions. Advances have been made in the clinical diagnosis of FIP, based on the clinical pathologic findings, serologic testing, and detection of virus using molecular (polymerase chain reaction) or antibody-based methods. Nevertheless, the clinical diagnosis remains challenging in particular in the dry form of FIP, which is partly due to the incomplete understanding of infection biology and pathogenesis in FIP. So, while much progress has been made, many aspects of FIP pathogenesis still remain an enigma.

Tunable Approach to Induce the Formation of Flexible Nanofilms from Small (3 nm) Gold Nanoparticles at Oil-Water Interfaces.

The self-assembly of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) into thin films at the liquid-liquid interface has promising applications in industries such as catalysis, optics, and sensors. However, precise control over their formation is complex, influenced by several factors which scale differently with core size. Due to their small free energy of adsorption, there are few examples of AuNPs with core diameters <10 nm. The present research evaluates the adsorption of ∼3 nm AuNPs from either side of the oil-aqueous interface with variations in ligand shell composition, the oil phase composition, and the structure of alcohol additives to best drive thin-film formation. Film formation and quality are evaluated, and a recent thermodynamic model is used to gain insight into the primary forces promoting this adsorption. Results demonstrate that longer-chain alcohol additives (namely, n-butanol and n-hexanol) induced adsorption more efficiently than shorter-chain alcohols (ethanol). The volume of alcohol additive needed to induce adsorption was dependent upon the ligand composition, suggesting that the mechanism for induced interfacial adsorption is via interaction with the AuNP ligand shell. Comparison with the thermodynamic model indicates that the driving force for this induced adsorption is the alteration of the three-phase contact angle. Additionally, the use of various oils demonstrates that as oil-water interfacial tension increases, more AuNPs adsorb to the interface. This relationship is also supported by the model. Insight gained for favorable conditions of adsorption for AuNPs < 10 nm as well as the underlying thermodynamic mechanism is important in working toward the ability to fine-tune such films for industrial applications.

Effect of alkanethiol chain length on gold nanoparticle monolayers at the air-water interface.

In this study, we report the effects of the alkyl chain length on alkanethiol-capped gold nanoparticle Langmuir films. Gold nanoparticles (2-3 nm) capped with C(n)H(2n+1)SH (n = 5-12, 14-16, 18) were prepared via a two-phase synthesis. The films were sampled by Langmuir-Schaefer horizontal transfer at various points in the pressure-area isotherm and monitored with transmission electron microscopy. Changes in surface pressure, temperature, and alkyl chain length did not lead to observable differences in the mesoscale film morphology. Pressure-area isotherms at 22 °C, however, revealed that the work of compression and the collapse pressure are directly dependent on alkyl chain lengths of 14 carbons or greater. Variable temperature isotherms suggest that the work of compression is strongly affected by the phase state (i.e., crystalline vs liquid-like) of the gold-thiolate self-assembled monolayer (SAM) capping the nanoparticles.

Multiparametric cytotoxicity assessment: the effect of gold nanoparticle ligand functionalization on SKOV3 ovarian carcinoma cell death.

Gold nanoparticles (AuNP) are promising anti-cancer agents because of their modifiable properties and high biocompatibility. This study used multiple parallel analyses to investigate the cytotoxic properties of 5 nm AuNP conjugated to four different ligands with distinct surface chemistry: polyethylene glycol (PEG), trimethylammonium bromide (TMAB), 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP), and carboxyl (COOH). We used a range of biochemical and high-content microscopy methods to evaluate the metabolic function, oxidative stress, cell health, cell viability, and cell morphology in SKOV3 ovarian cancer cells. Each AuNP displayed a distinct cytotoxicity profile. All AuNP species assessed exhibited signs of dose-dependent cytotoxicity when morphology, clonogenic survival, lysosomal uptake, or cell number were measured as the marker of toxicity. All particles except for AuNP-COOH increased SKOV3 apoptosis. In contrast, AuNP-TMAB was the only particle that did not alter the metabolic function or induce significant signs of oxidative stress. These results demonstrate that AuNP surface chemistry impacts the magnitude and mechanism of SKOV3 cell death. Together, these findings reinforce the important role for multiparametric cytotoxicity characterization when considering the utility of novel particles and surface chemistries.

Feline leukemia virus outbreak in the critically endangered Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus): high-throughput sequencing of envelope variable region A and experimental transmission.

The Iberian lynx is the most endangered felid species. During winter/spring 2006/7, a feline leukemia virus (FeLV) outbreak of unexpected virulence killed about 2/3 of the infected Iberian lynxes. All FeLV-positive animals were co-infected with feline hemoplasmas. To further characterize the Iberian lynx FeLV strain and evaluate its potential virulence, the FeLV envelope gene variable region A (VRA) mutant spectrum was analyzed using the Roche 454 sequencing technology, and an in vivo transmission study of lynx blood to specified-pathogen-free cats was performed. VRA mutations indicated weak apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme and catalytic polypeptide-like cytidine deaminase (APOBEC) restriction of FeLV replication, and variants characteristic of aggressive FeLV strains, such as FeLV-C or FeLV-A/61C, were not detected. Cats exposed to FeLV/Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum-positive lynx blood did not show a particularly severe outcome of infection. The results underscore the special susceptibility of Iberian lynxes to infectious diseases.

Mortality reduction in cardiac anesthesia and intensive care: results of the first International Consensus Conference.

There is no consensus on which drugs/techniques/strategies can affect mortality in the perioperative period of cardiac surgery. With the aim of identifying these measures, and suggesting measures for prioritized future investigation we performed the first International Consensus Conference on this topic. The consensus was a continuous international internet-based process with a final meeting on 28 June 2010 in Milan at the Vita-Salute University. Participants included 340 cardiac anesthesiologists, cardiac surgeons, and cardiologists from 65 countries all over the world. A comprehensive literature review was performed to identify topics that subsequently generated position statements for discussion, voting, and ranking. Of the 17 major topics with a documented mortality effect, seven were subsequently excluded after further evaluation due to concerns about clinical applicability and/or study methodology. The following topics are documented as reducing mortality: administration of insulin, levosimendan, volatile anesthetics, statins, chronic ß-blockade, early aspirin therapy, the use of pre-operative intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation, and referral to high-volume centers. The following are documented as increasing mortality: administration of aprotinin and aged red blood cell transfusion. These interventions were classified according to the level of evidence and effect on mortality and a position statement was generated. This International Consensus Conference has identified the non-surgical interventions that merit urgent study to achieve further reductions in mortality after cardiac surgery: insulin, intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation, levosimendan, volatile anesthetics, statins, chronic ß-blockade, early aspirin therapy, and referral to high-volume centers. The use of aprotinin and aged red blood cells may result in increased mortality.

Housing and care of laboratory cats: from requirements to practice.

Increased public awareness of the welfare and well-being of laboratory animals in biomedical research and related ethical considerations inspired us to review recent developments and recommendations for the care and housing of laboratory cats. The present review focuses on the practical requirements for maintaining domestic cats as laboratory animals - from the construction of animal shelters to the termination of an experiment. An excellent standard of housing and care will reduce the bias of experimental results due to stress. To provide cats with living conditions that best meet their natural physical requirements and permit natural social behaviour, laboratories should spare no effort to achieve high housing standards. Hence, the present report not only aims to be a practical reference for those who are involved in the care and husbandry of cats, but it also aims to motivate researchers to improve their knowledge in this field and to provide humane conditions for all cats kept for scientific purposes.

In vivo induction of interferon gamma expression in grey horses with metastatic melanoma resulting from direct injection of plasmid DNA coding for equine interleukin 12.

Whole blood pharmacokinetics of intratumourally injected naked plasmid DNA coding for equine Interleukin 12 (IL-12) was assessed as a means of in vivo gene transfer in the treatment of melanoma in grey horses. The expression of induced interferon gamma (IFN-g) was evaluated in order to determine the pharmacodynamic properties of in vivo gene transduction. Seven grey horses bearing melanoma were injected intratumourally with 250 µg naked plasmid DNA coding for IL-12. Peripheral blood and biopsies from the injection site were taken at 13 time points until day 14 post injection (p.i.). Samples were analysed using quantitative real-time PCR. Plasmid DNA was quantified in blood samples and mRNA expression for IFN-g in tissue samples. Plasmid DNA showed fast elimination kinetics with more than 99 % of the plasmid disappearing within 36 hours. IFN-g expression increased quickly after IL-12 plasmid injection, but varied between individual horses. Intratumoural injection of plasmid DNA is a feasible method for inducing transgene expression in vivo. Biological activity of the transgene IL-12 was confirmed by measuring expression of IFN-g.

[SARS-CoV-2 infections in cats, dogs, and other animal species: Findings on infection and data from Switzerland]. / SARS-CoV-2 Infektionen bei Katzen, Hunden und anderen Tieren: Erkenntnisse zur Infektion und Daten aus der Schweiz.

INTRODUCTION: The pandemic with the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has led to infections and deaths worldwide. Apart from humans, certain animal species are susceptible to the viral infection. Spillover between humans and animals is favored by close contact; thus, surveillance of animals is an important component to fight the pandemic from a One Health perspective. The Clinical Laboratory of the Vetsuisse Faculty Zurich has been investigating SARS-CoV-2 infections in animals since the beginning of the pandemic. In November 2020, the first SARS-CoV-2 positive Swiss cat was reported to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE-WAHIS). The cat showed respiratory signs and lived in a COVID-19 affected household. By now, over 500 natural SARS-CoV-2 infections have been recorded in animals worldwide. A prevalence study on SARS-CoV-2 infections in dogs and cats was carried out together with clinics from Germany and Italy during the first wave of the pandemic (March-July 2020). Among the tested 1137 animals, only one cat and one dog were positive. The prevalence of infection in dogs and cats presented to veterinary clinics was low, even in pandemic hotspot regions. However, recent studies that focused on animals in COVID-19 households found a higher prevalence of infection. A study is currently underway that specifically collects samples from pets from Swiss COVID-19 affected household and collects data on human-animal interaction.

INTRODUCTION: La pandémie à nouveau coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) a entraîné des infections et des décès dans le monde entier. En dehors de l'homme, certaines espèces animales sont sensibles à cette infection virale. Le passage entre les humains et les animaux est favorisé par un contact étroit, la surveillance des animaux est donc un élément important pour lutter contre la pandémie dans une perspective One Health. Depuis le début de la pandémie, le laboratoire clinique de la faculté Vetsuisse de Zurich étudie les infections par le SRAS-CoV-2 chez les animaux. En novembre 2020, le premier chat suisse positif au SARS-CoV-2 a été signalé à l'Organisation mondiale de la santé animale (OIE-WAHIS). Le chat a montré des signes respiratoires et vivait dans un ménage touché par le COVID-19. À l'heure actuelle, plus de 500 infections naturelles au SRAS-CoV-2 ont été enregistrées chez des animaux dans le monde. Une étude de prévalence sur les infections par le SRAS-CoV-2 chez les chiens et les chats a été réalisée avec des cliniques d'Allemagne et d'Italie pendant la première vague de la pandémie (mars-juillet 2020). Parmi les 1137 animaux testés, seuls un chat et un chien étaient positifs. La prévalence de l'infection chez les chiens et les chats présentés aux cliniques vétérinaires était faible, même dans les régions fortement touchées par la pandémie. Cependant des études récentes, qui se sont concentrées sur les animaux dans les ménages COVID-19, ont révélé une prévalence d'infection plus élevée. Une étude est actuellement en cours qui collecte spécifiquement des échantillons d'animaux de compagnie des ménages suisses touchés par le COVID-19 et enregistre des données sur l'interaction homme-animal.

Commentary: Revisiting nanoparticle-assay interference: There's plenty of room at the bottom for misinterpretation.

Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) are a diverse class of materials whose distinct properties make them desirable in a multitude of applications. The proliferation of nanotoxicology research has improved our understanding of ENM toxicity, but an under appreciation for their potential to interfere with biochemical assays has hampered progress in the field. The physicochemical properties of ENMs can promote their interaction with membranes or biomacromolecules (e.g. proteins, genomic material). This can influence the activity of enzymes used as biomarkers or as reagents in biochemical assay protocols, bind indicator dyes in cytotoxicity tests, and/or interfere with the cellular mechanisms controlling the uptake of such dyes. The spectral characteristics of some ENMs can cause interference with common assay chromophores, fluorophores, and radioisotope scintillation cocktails. Finally, the inherent chemical reactivity of some ENMs can short circuit assay mechanisms by directly oxidizing or reducing indicator dyes. These processes affect data quality and may lead to significant misinterpretations regarding ENM safety. We provide an overview of some ENM properties that facilitate assay interference, examples of interference and the erroneous conclusions that may result from it, and a number of general and specific recommendations for validating cellular and biochemical assay protocols in nanotoxicology studies.

[Bovine fasciolosis in Switzerland: relevance and control]. / Bovine Fasciolose in der Schweiz: Bedeutung und Bekämpfung.

In Switzerland, bovine fasciolosis is an economically important but often overlooked disease of dairy cows. The intermediate host of Fasciola hepatica in Switzerland is Galba truncatula, an amphibious snail living in humid habitats which are infected by miracidia from recently hatched Fasciola eggs. The definitive hosts include cattle, sheep, goats, horses, and free-living ruminants. Infection of these hosts occur from metacercariae, usually encysted on vegetation. Infection risk depends on the location of the habitat on the farm. There is a lower risk for the intermediate host to become infected on pastures for young stock and dry cows than on pastures for dairy cows. This in turn results in a lower infection risk for young stock and dry cows than for dairy cows. When controlling the disease, epidemiologic factors such as treatment and pasture management strategies should be taken into account. If individual control measures are followed, infection pressure and prevalence in a herd can be significantly reduced. To support veterinarians and farmers in the control of fasciolosis, an interactive map showing potential risk areas for fasciolosis was created on the basis of geographical, meteorological, and biological data of the intermediate host and the free-living parasite stages.

Haemotropic mycoplasmas of cats and dogs: transmission, diagnosis, prevalence and importance in Europe.

Haemotropic mycoplasmas (or haemoplasmas) are the causative agents of infectious anaemia in many mammalian species. They were previously known as Haemobartonella and Eperythrozoon species. The development of sensitive, specific PCR assays has expanded our knowledge of these agents and PCR is the method of choice to diagnose and differentiate haemoplasma infections. In felids, Mycoplasma haemofelis, 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum' and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma turicensis' have been described. They vary strongly in their pathogenic potential and co-factors may influence the disease severity. In dogs, Mycoplasma haemocanis and 'Candidatus Mycoplasma haematoparvum' are known; clinical signs are mainly found in immunocompromised dogs. Transmission of haemoplasmas may occur via infected blood (aggressive interaction, transfusion) or blood-sucking arthropods. Infections can be treated with Doxycycline, although it is disputable whether the infection is completely eliminated. Feline haemoplasmas must be expected in cats all over Europe, while canine haemoplasmas are mainly encountered in dogs in Mediterranean countries but should also be considered in Swiss dogs with a travel history.