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One Health conceptualization of sustainable diets looking at low- and middle-income settings: a systematic literature review
No full textUnhealthy diets are proven risks for non-communicable diseases and mortality globally. Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) are equally faced with food/nutrition insecurity, poor health outcomes, and the need for sustainable food systems transformation to cater for the growing population within safe planetary boundaries. Despite significant progress globally, persistent challenges necessitate a more holistic and systemic approach to healthy sustainable diets, particularly in LMICs which are often underrepresented in global studies. This review conceptualizes sustainable diets looking at LMICs by assessing sustainability through the One Health approach which considers the interdependencies among humans, animals, plants, and the environment. Using the preferred reporting items of systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and the checklist for One Health epidemiological reporting of evidence (COHERE) standards, four databases were searched (Embase, Global Health, Web of Science, and Scopus) between 1947 and June 2023. Dietary sustainability was assessed in LMICs by evaluating coverage across the four One Health pillars (human, animal, plant, and environmental health) and five dietary sustainability dimensions (diet/nutrition, health, environment, economic, and social). Extracted data were analyzed qualitatively. The database searches yielded 3,122 studies. After removing duplicates and screening for eligibility, 35 studies were selected for inclusion. Most studies were from upper (77%) and lower (20%) middle-income countries. While 20 studies (57%) assessed human and environmental health, none assessed plant or animal health, nor all four One Health pillars combined. No study assessed all five dietary sustainability dimensions. Most studies assessed two (54%) or three (34%) dimensions, and the most frequently assessed dimension was the environment (71%). Thus, highlighting the non-comprehensive nature and the dearth of research on sustainable diets conducted in LMICs, particularly, low-income countries, and that the research so far mainly focuses on environmental impacts. Overall, studies found that LMICs' diets, particularly middle-income countries, are unsustainable due to low quality, low diversity, and high environmental effects, with associated inequities. The underrepresentation of LMICs, particularly low-income countries, in this review is a wake-up call urging the generation of more country-specific data incorporating more dietary sustainability dimensions and One Health pillars (especially plant and animal health) for progress and monitoring toward attaining global dietary sustainability
Recovery of Novel Osteological Specimens (Mammuthus) from the Mammoth Site of Hot Springs, South Dakota, USA
No full textEvaluation of tumour biomarkers associated with invasion, metastasis and immune escape in cats with exocrine pancreatic carcinoma
No full textIn humans and cats, pancreatic carcinoma (PC) arising from the exocrine pancreas is considered an aggressive cancer associated with a poor prognosis due to its high metastatic rate. The aim of this retrospective multi-institutional study was to investigate tissue expression of biomarkers of tumour invasiveness, metastasis and immune escape in cats with PC. A secondary aim was to correlate the overall immunohistochemical scores (OISs) with histological characteristics, presence of metastasis and survival. Immunohistochemistry for COX-2, E-cadherin, CD44, c-KIT and PD-L1 was performed on 40 PC tissue samples. CD44 was expressed in all PCs with 27 (67 %) having a moderate to high OIS. PD-L1, E-cadherin, COX-2 and c-KIT expression was seen in 20 (50 %), 21 (52 %), 18 (45 %) and 14 (35 %) cases, respectively, with predominantly low OISs. Metastasis was present in 43 % of cats with a median survival time (MST) of 7 days (95 % CI 0–20; range, 1–1,094) and a 1-year survival rate of 13.8 %. When excluding cats that died or were euthanized at diagnosis, the MST was 19 days (95 % CI 0–99; range, 2–1,094). No statistical associations were found between COX-2, E-cadherin, PD-L1, CD44 or c-KIT OIS and histological subtype, necrosis, vascular invasion, mitotic count, presence of metastasis or survival. Positive E-cadherin expression was significantly associated with the presence of perineural invasion (P = 0.009; OR 1.50 [95 % CI 1.11–2.03])
Minimum inhibitory concentrations of veterinary pathogens for sulfonamides and trimethoprim: new data for old antibiotics
No full textTargeted interpretation of antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) raw data is highly dependent on the availability of appropriate interpretative criteria, such as clinical breakpoints (CBP) or at least epidemiological cut-off values (ECOFF) as potential surrogates for CBPs. However, these criteria have not yet been defined for important first line antibiotics used to treat infections with veterinary pathogens. Therefore, the aims of our study were (1) to produce minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) distributions for important veterinary pathogens with trimethoprim - sulfamethoxazole 1:19 combination and with sulfamethoxazole, sulfadiazine, sulfadimethoxine, and trimethoprim alone, furthermore, aim (2) was the estimation of the proportion of microbiological resistance to sulfonamides and trimethoprim in the selected bacterial species, and lastly, aim (3) was the proposal of presumptive quality control (QC) ranges for potential QC strain candidates.MIC determination was carried out by broth microdilution according to the recommendations of the European committee on antimicrobial susceptibility testing (EUCAST). For the majority of the veterinary pathogens analysed, MIC distributions for trimethoprim - sulfamethoxazole 1:19, sulfamethoxazole, and trimethoprim met the EUCAST criteria and presumptive ECOFFs could be proposed. In contrast, for sulfadiazine and sulfadimethoxine the tested concentration ranges (> 256 mg/L) were too low for generating data acceptable for estimation of presumptive ECOFFs.The presented MIC distributions form the basis for an inter-laboratory study with the goal to generate aggregated MIC data to be submitted to the EUCAST steering committee for setting missing ECOFFs for sulfonamides and trimethoprim and thereby supporting the use of these first-line antibiotics.
Residue 39 of Kir6.2 drives a difference in ATP sensitivity in human and canine beta-cell KATP channels
No full textATP-sensitive potassium (K-ATP) channels link beta-cell metabolism to electrical activity. By modulating the beta-cell membrane potential, they finely regulate glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. K-ATP channels are hetero-octameric complexes composed of four pore-forming subunits (Kir6.2, encoded by KCNJ11) and four regulatory subunits (SUR1, encoded by ABCC8). A multi-species alignment of the KCNJ11 gene revealed that, although the sequence is highly conserved, residue 39 varies among different mammals. Previous studies have shown that this residue plays a critical role in regulating K-ATP channel activity and its mutation results in neonatal diabetes in humans. We therefore explored whether the canine and human K-ATP channel show different ATP sensitivities as a result of their sequence variation. We used patch-clamp electrophysiology to investigate species variation in the ATP sensitivity of the K-ATP channel. Functional studies showed that canine K-ATP channels exhibit reduced ATP sensitivity compared to human channels. However, stimulation by MgADP was unaffected. We next compared the ATP sensitivity of hybrid channels (human Kir6.2 with canine SUR1, and vice versa), as well as K-ATP channels in which residue 39 was swapped between human and canine Kir6.2. In each case, ATP sensitivity was mainly determined by the identity of the residue at position 39. Our study suggests that the ATP sensitivity of the pancreatic K-ATP channel differs between human and dog. This suggests that the beta-cell membrane potential and potentially insulin release may be fine-tuned differently across species
Hunting, non-timber forestry products, and jaguars (Panthera onca): How livelihoods influence views toward jaguars in protected areas of the Bolivian Amazon
No full textJaguar (Panthera onca) populations are increasingly threatened by human activities, yet research on conflict over jaguar within protected areas remains scarce, especially in regions without cattle ranching. In the Bolivian Amazon, where local people rely on various forest-based income sources, we examined how two income sources, hunting and non-timber forestry (Brazil nut harvesting, acai berry harvesting, and small-scale agroforestry), along with demographic factors such as age, level of education, and gender influence psychological drivers and norms, along with past and future behavioral intentions toward jaguars. Through analysis of structured in-person interviews (n = 171), we found that hunting activity, whether one practiced hunting or increased their time spent or income derived from hunting, had predominantly negative influence on attitudes, beliefs, and behavioral intentions toward jaguars. In contrast, non-timber forestry, whether one participates in the activity or increased their time spent or income derived from the activity, had a positive influence. Additionally, withingroup variations in economic activities (e.g., time invested and income derived) were as important as whether the economic activity, specifically within hunting and non-timber forestry activities, was practiced at all. Contrary to findings from previous studies, demographic factors such as education had little effect on these psychological variables, with gender only influencing fear, and geographic area influencing norms. To support jaguar conservation, we recommend management strategies that reduce perceived risks and fears among hunters and promote non-timber forestry as a positive economic alternative
Natural infections of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus H5N1 in wild birds between 2020 and 2023 in the UK: a retrospective study with focus on microscopic lesions, viral distribution and neurotropism
No full textSince the emergence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4 Goose/Guangdong lineage in Europe in 2014, an unprecedented outbreak occurred during the 2021-2022 epidemiological year, causing mass mortalities in wild birds, including birds of prey, but also increasingly affecting Charadriiformes, which has imposed substantial ecological and infection pressure at the wild-bird-poultry and avian-mammalian interface. Neurological signs have been associated with higher fatalities in birds but pathological examinations of natural cases, including viral distribution, are currently lacking. In this study, we have thoroughly assessed the histopathological lesions and antigen distribution by immunohistochemistry (IHC) from 115 PCR-positive wild birds that died naturally from HPAI, including Charadriiformes, birds of prey, gamebirds, waterfowl and captive wild birds. The commonest histological lesion was pancreatic necrosis followed by splenic necrosis, encephalitis or neuronal necrosis, myocardial necrosis or myocarditis, necrosis of the respiratory tract and hepatic necrosis. Overall, 96 birds tested positive by IHC in multiple organs and most of the viral antigen was detected in the brain followed by the respiratory tract, heart, pancreas and kidney. In the brain, viral antigen was most commonly detected in neurons, neuropil and endothelium. In conclusion, HPAI-associated mortality in different wild birds can be associated with multisystemic viral dissemination and tissue damage, with endothelial tropism being a key feature in neuroinvasion and disease pathogenesis
Meningoencephalitis of unknown origin in dogs under veterinary referral care in England (2017–2021): a multicenter case control study
No full textBackground A considerable body of published research on meningoencephalitis of unknown origin (MUO) exists; however, certain fundamental aspects relating to the epidemiology remain poorly characterized. These include the frequency of MUO diagnosis at referral level, reliable demographic risk factors, and the extent to which proposed diagnostic criteria are applied in referral clinical settings. Methods Based on 1,121 MUO cases (from 01 January 2017 to 31 December 2021) treated at 13 referral centers in England and 750,000 control dogs from the VetCompass Programme, this study investigated a range of demographic risk factors using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Additionally, we report on clinical methods used for diagnosis. Results Meningoencephalitis of unknown origin represented 2.21% (95% CI: 2.08-2.34) of new neurological referrals (1,121/50721). Clinical diagnosis included both magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis in 1026 (91.5%) cases. Of these, 961 (89.3%) showed results indicative of MUO in both MRI and CSF. Abnormal MRI but normal CSF were found in 55 cases (5.4%), while normal MRI and abnormal CSF were found in 36 cases (3.5%). Both normal MRI and normal CSF were reported in 19 cases (1.5%). Screening for infectious disease was carried out in 1037 (92.5%) of cases. The diagnosis of MUO peaked at 4 years (median 4.33, IQR 2.50-6.92, range 0.30-15.00) and declined after age 10. Welsh Springer Spaniel (OR 23.76, 95% CI 10.37-54.43), Maltese (OR 20.53, 95% CI 14.53-29.01), Papillon (OR 17.48, 95% CI 7.66-39.91), Boston Terrier (OR 17.31, 95% CI 11.17-26.82), and French Bulldog (OR 9.14, 95% CI 7.14-11.71) had the highest MUO odds compared to crossbreed dogs. Brachycephalic breeds had 2.56 times higher odds (95% CI 2.23-2.95) than mesocephalic breeds. Dogs >= 15 kg had lower odds than those <10 kg. Conclusion This study provides the largest referral-based analysis of MUO cases to date, offering updated insights into breed predispositions and clinical diagnosis. This more precise characterization of the demographic factors adds valuable context for future research design, particularly in breed-focused investigations and risk stratification. By documenting current diagnostic practices used by referral specialists, this work lays the foundation for greater consistency in case recognition and offers practical guidance for structuring future MUO clinical trials
Peripheral vestibular syndrome in cats: Clinical presentation, diagnostic findings and outcome in 196 cases
No full textBackgroundDisorders of the vestibular system are frequent in cats. This study aimed to describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, underlying aetiologies and outcome of cats with peripheral vestibular syndrome (PVS).MethodsThis was a retrospective study of cats presented with PVS at four referral hospitals. All of the cats underwent magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography of the head. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify clinical variables associated with the most common diagnoses.ResultsA total of 196 cats were included. The most common diagnosis was otitis media/interna (OMI) alone (n = 91) or with aural polyps (n = 49), followed by idiopathic vestibular syndrome (IVS) (n = 47), middle ear neoplasia (n = 7) and congenital vestibular syndrome (n = 2). A diagnosis of OMI was associated with younger age (odds ratio [OR] = 0.993, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.986-1.000, p = 0.044), longer duration of clinical signs (OR = 1.034, 95% CI: 1.008-1.061, p = 0.009), history of otitis externa/upper respiratory signs (OR = 5.245, 95% CI: 1.849-14.882, p = 0.002), facial nerve paralysis (OR = 6.531, 95% CI: 1.287-31.335, p = 0.023) and Horner syndrome (OR = 15.804, 95% CI: 2.014-124.02, p = 0.009). Follow-up data for 104 cats revealed full recovery in 33 cats, partial recovery in 67 cats and no recovery in four cats.LimitationsThe limitations of this study include its retrospective nature, multicentre approach and incomplete outcome data.ConclusionOMI is the most common cause of PVS in cats and is associated with younger age, longer duration of clinical signs, history of otitis externa/upper respiratory signs, facial nerve paralysis and Horner syndrome. The majority of cats diagnosed with OMI and IVS experience at least partial recovery from the vestibular signs