Maxwell's Equations in the Myers-Perry Geometry

We demonstrate separability of the Maxwell's equations in the Myers-Perry-(A)dS geometry and derive explicit solutions for various polarizations. Application of our construction to the four-dimensional Kerr black hole leads to a new ansatz for the Maxwell field which has significant advantages over the previously known parameterization.Comment: 94 pages. V2: Appendix F added, typos fixe

Spatial and simultaneous representative seroprevalence of anti-<i>Toxoplasma gondii</i> antibodies in owners and their domiciled dogs in a major city of southern Brazil

<div><p>Toxoplasmosis, caused by <i>Toxoplasma gondii</i>, has traditionally been considered an important water and foodborne protozoonosis with important public health considerations. Although felids play a well-established role as definitive hosts, canine epidemiological involvement in the parasite’s life cycle remains questionable and controversial. The increasing closeness of the human-dog bond, particularly seen in urban settings, has been recognized as a historically unprecedented worldwide movement. Sharing daily lives in the same households, dogs may be exposed to similar associated risks of <i>T</i>. <i>gondii</i> infection as their owners. Thus, epidemiological assessment of the intra-domiciled environment, especially among socio-economically different human populations, may provide novel information regarding the actual role of dogs in animal and human toxoplasmosis. Despite spatial approaches being recently used for other water and foodborne diseases, no study has been conducted on the simultaneous spatial seroprevalence of both human and animal IgG anti-<i>T</i>. <i>gondii</i> antibodies in urban areas of major cities. Accordingly, the aim of the present study was to assess the seroprevalence and associated variables of <i>Toxoplasma</i> infection in owners and their domiciled dogs in Londrina, southern Brazil. Human and canine seroprevalence rates and variables associated with seroprevalence were investigated through representative random sampling among 564 households, which included 597 owners and 729 dogs. Overall, statistically significant differences between the seroprevalence of human and dog anti-<i>T</i>. <i>gondii</i> antibodies were found by Immunofluorescence Antibody Testing in 248/597 (41.54%) owners and 119/729 (16.32%) dogs. Through multiple analysis, significant concomitant variables for seropositivity of household individuals (people and dogs) were determined, including public sewer service, yard cleaning frequency, and having a dirty yard. Although no statistically significant multiple logistic model was observed among owners, univariate analysis detected associations with monthly income, soil contact, and occupation. Among dogs, the absence of other dogs and the absence of a dirty yard were concomitant significantly protective associated factors. Age differences between seropositive and seronegative individuals was significant only for human beings, with the median age of negative individuals significantly higher than positive individuals. Although no spatial clusters were identified for humans or residences, a significant cluster was identified for dogs. In conclusion, characteristics of urban toxoplasmosis may include significantly higher owner seroprevalence than their owned dogs, with canine seroprevalence directly associated with having more dogs and a dirty backyard, and spatial differences in both human and dog exposures. Although not a good indicator for human foodborne diseases, dogs may be a reliable sentinel for environmental infection. Moreover, such a holistic approach may provide crucial information for more focused prevention and monitoring programs, particularly in households with multiple pets and trash-filled backyards.</p></div

Histogram of age for positive and negative owners for <i>T</i>. <i>gondii</i> serology in the urban area of Londrina, from July 2015 to July 2016.

<p>Histogram of age for positive and negative owners for <i>T</i>. <i>gondii</i> serology in the urban area of Londrina, from July 2015 to July 2016.</p

Yesple distribution and relative spatial risk for positive and negative humans, dogs and households (human and/or dogs) for <i>T</i>. <i>gondii</i> infection in the urban area of Londrina, from July 2015 to July 2016.

<p>Yesple distribution and relative spatial risk for positive and negative humans, dogs and households (human and/or dogs) for <i>T</i>. <i>gondii</i> infection in the urban area of Londrina, from July 2015 to July 2016.</p

Histogram of age for positive and negative dogs for <i>T</i>. <i>gondii</i> serology in the urban area of Londrina, from July 2015 to July 2016.

<p>Histogram of age for positive and negative dogs for <i>T</i>. <i>gondii</i> serology in the urban area of Londrina, from July 2015 to July 2016.</p

Kernel density analyses of human, dog and household (human and/or dogs) positivity and negativity for <i>T</i>. <i>gondii</i> infection in the urban area of Londrina, from July 2015 to July 2016.

<p>Kernel density analyses of human, dog and household (human and/or dogs) positivity and negativity for <i>T</i>. <i>gondii</i> infection in the urban area of Londrina, from July 2015 to July 2016.</p

An outbreak of caprine toxoplasmosis - investigation and case report

<div><p>ABSTRACT: The present study aimed to investigate an abortion outbreak in a dairy goat herd in the municipality of Arapoti, Parana, Brazil. At the beginning of the outbreak, blood samples were collected from 33 goats with clinical signs; later, of the whole goat herd, two cats and two dogs. Milk samples were collected from 78 lactating goats. Four environmental soil samples and four samples of feed residue from goat feeders were collected too. Immunofluorescence antibody test (IFA) was used for serodiagnosis, the molecular analysis was conducted by means of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), for the isolation of the etiological agent the bioassay was used. The results of the IFA revealed that 76.53% (137/179) of the goats, two dogs and two cats were seropositive for Toxoplasma gondii. Bioassay revealed one buffy coat and two milk sample having viable T. gondii. In the PCR, 11 whole blood samples, eight milk, three feeder troughs, and all soil samples were positive. The findings of the present study confirmed an outbreak caused by environmental contamination (of soil and feed) with T. gondii oocysts that could have been shed by kittens that lived on the farm and had access to the stock of goat food, facilitating this contamination, which reinforces the need for veterinary assistance and good management practices on farms.</p></div