Host range of mammalian orthoreovirus type 3 widening to alpine chamois

Mammalian orthoreoviruses (MRV) type 3 have been recently identified in human and several animal hosts, highlighting the apparent lack of species barriers. Here we report the identification and genetic characterization of MRVs strains in alpine chamois, one of the most abundant wild ungulate in the Alps. Serological survey was also performed by MRV neutralization test in chamois population during five consecutive years (2008-2012). Three novel MRVs were isolated on cell culture from chamois lung tissues. No respiratory or other clinical symptoms neither lung macroscopic lesions were observed in the chamois population. MRV strains were classified as MRV-3 within the lineage III, based on S1 phylogeny, and were closely related to Italian strains identified in dog, bat and diarrheic pig. The full genome sequence was obtained by next-generation sequencing and phylogenetic analyses showed that other segments were more similar to MRVs of different geographic locations, serotypes and hosts, including human, highlighting genome reassortment and lack of host specific barriers. By using serum neutralization test, a high prevalence of MRV-3 antibodies was observed in chamois population throughout the monitored period, showing an endemic level of infection and suggesting a self-maintenance of MRV and/or a continuous spill-over of infection from other animal species

Detection and genetic characterization of domestic cat hepadnavirus in cats with cavitary effusions

: After the identification of the novel domestic cat hepadnavirus (DCH) in 2018, its potential pathogenetic role in feline hepatic diseases has been suggested. Following the detection of DCH in a cat's serum and peritoneal effusion, the aim of this study was to retrospectively investigate the presence of DCH in cats with and without cavitary effusions along with DCH presence in effusions. Stored serum and effusion samples from cats with and without effusions admitted to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Lodi (Italy) in 2020-2022 were included based on results of hematobiochemical parameters. Effusions were classified based on cytological and physicochemical findings. The likelihood of liver damage was estimated based on clinical and laboratory findings. Samples were tested for DCH presence by quantitative PCR (qPCR). Positive samples were subjected to whole genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. DCH was detected in both serum and peritoneal effusion samples of 2/72 (2.8%) enrolled cats, included in the group with effusions (2/33; 6.1%), with one cat showing inflammatory and the other non-inflammatory effusion. Both DCH-positive cats belonged to the group with a likelihood of liver damage (2/22, 9.1%). Phylogeny showed that the DCH sequences from this study clustered with the prototypic Australian strain but were not included in the clade with other Italian DCH sequences. Results suggest the circulation of different DCH variants in Italy and show the presence of DCH in effusion samples from DCH-positive cats, mirroring the presence of HBV in body fluids from HBV-infected humans. Further studies are still recommended to define the pathogenic role of DCH in cats

BVDV permissiveness and lack of expression of co-stimulatory molecules on PBMCs from calves pre-infected with BVDV

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) has been detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of immunocompetent animals, not being clear whether the development of a specific humoral immune response can prevent BVDV infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of non-cytopathic BVDV to replicate and produce infectious virus in PBMCs from calves pre-infected with BVDV and to elucidate the immunomodulatory effect of BVDV on these cells in an in vitro model. Quantification of virus was by quantitative PCR, while its replicative capacity and shedding into the extracellular environment was evaluated by viral titration. Apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry analysis of annexin V and propidium iodide, and by expression of caspase-3/7. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the expression of CD14/CD11b/CD80, CD4/CD8/CD25, MHC-I/MHC-II and B-B2 markers. Our results showed that PBMCs from cattle naturally infected with BVDV were more susceptible to in vitro BVDV infection and showed a more severe apoptosis response than those from na\uefve animals. Non-cytopathic BVDV in vitro infection also resulted in a lack of effect in the expression of antigen presentation surface markers. All these findings could be related to the immunosuppressive capacity of BVDV and the susceptibility of cattle to this infection

Renal cell carcinoma incidence rates and trends in young adults aged 20-39 years

Background: The burden of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in young adults received marginal attention. We assessed contemporary gender, race and stage-specific incidence and trends of RCC among young adults (20-39 years-old) in the United States.Methods: Within Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (2000-2016), patients aged 20-39 years with histologically confirmed RCC were included. Age-standardized incidence rates (ASR per 100,000 person-years) were estimated. Temporal trends were calculated through joinpoint regression analyses to describe the average annual percent change (AAPC).Results: From 2000-2016, 7767 new RCC cases were recorded (ASR 0.6, AAPC + 5.0 %, p < 0.001). ASRs were higher in males than in females (0.7 and 0.5, respectively) and increased significantly in both genders (AAPC + 5.0 % and + 4.7 % both p < 0.001, respectively). Non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native had the highest incidence (ASR 1.0) vs. non-Hispanic Asian or Pacific Islander the lowest (ASR 0.3). ASRs significantly increased in all ethnic groups. T1aNOMO and T1bNOMO stages showed the highest incidence and increase (ASR 0.3, AAPC + 5.9 %, p < 0.001 and ASR 0.1, AAPC + 5.7 %, p < 0.001, respectively). Also regional and distant stages increased (AAPC + 3.7 %, p = 0.001 and AAPC + 1.5 %, p = 0.06). The most frequent tumor characteristics were G2 (44.4 %, ASR 0.3, AAPC + 6.3 %, p < 0.001) and G1 (13.1 %, ASR 0.1, AAPC + 1.1 %, p = 0.2), as well as clear cell histology (54.8 %, ASR 0.3, AAPC + 7.6 %, p < 0.001).Conclusions: RCC in young adults is rare, but increasing. This is mainly due to T1aN0M0 tumors. Nonetheless, also regional diseases are significantly increasing. Differences between ethnic groups exist and may warrant further research

Are tree squirrels involved in the circulation of flaviviruses in Italy?

West Nile virus (WNV), Usutu virus (USUV) and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) are emerging zoonotic flaviviruses (family Flaviviridae), which have circulated in Europe in the past decade. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess exposure to these antigenically related flaviviruses in eastern grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) in Italy. Seventeen out of 158 (10.8%; CI95%: 5.9-15.6) squirrels' sera tested through bELISA had antibodies against flaviviruses. Specific neutralizing antibodies to WNV, USUV and TBEV were detected by virus neutralization tests. Our results indicate that tree squirrels are exposed to Culex and tick-borne zoonotic flaviviruses in Italy. Moreover, this study shows for the first time USUV and TBEV exposure in grey squirrels, broadening the host range reported for these viruses. Even though further studies are needed to define the real role of tree squirrels in the epidemiology of flaviviruses in Europe, this study highlights that serology could be an effective approach for future investigations aimed at broadening our knowledge about the species exposed to these zoonotic infections

Metabolic syndrome predicts worse perioperative outcomes in patients treated with partial nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVE: To test the association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components (high blood pressure, body mass index [BMI] 65 30, altered fasting glucose, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high triglycerides) on perioperative outcomes after partial nephrectomy (PN). METHODS: Within the National Inpatient Sample database (2000-2015) we identified all PN patients. First, temporal trends of MetS were reported. Second, the effect of MetS components was tested in multivariable logistic regression models predicting overall and specific perioperative complications. Third, we tested for dose-response from the concomitant effect of multiple MetS components. All models were weighted and adjusted for clustering, as well as all available patient and hospital characteristics. RESULTS: Of 25,875 patients: (1) 59.3% had high blood pressure, (2) 14.7% had BMI 65 30, (3) 21.7% had altered fasting glucose, (4) 20.2% had high triglycerides, and (5) <0.01% had low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. One vs 2 vs 3 vs 4 MetS components were recorded in 34.9% vs 22.9% vs 8.9% vs 2.2% patients. Of all, 11.1% exhibited 65 3 components and qualified for MetS. The rates of MetS increased over time (estimated annual percentage changes: +12.0%;P <.001). The 4 tested MetS components (high blood pressure, BMI 65 30, altered fasting glucose, and high triglycerides) achieved independent predictor status in multivariable models predicting overall, cardiac, miscellaneous medical, vascular, and respiratory complications, as well as transfusions. Moreover, a statistically significant dose-response was confirmed for the same endpoints. CONCLUSION: MetS and its components consistently and strongly predict perioperative complications after PN. Moreover, the strength of the effect was directly proportional to the number of MetS components exhibited by each individual patient, even if formal MetS diagnosis of 65 3 components has not been m

Highlighting priority areas for bovine viral diarrhea control in Italy : a phylogeographic approach

The prevalence and genetic diversity of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in a geographic area are largely influenced by live animal trade and management practices. Despite control and eradication programs currently underway in several European countries, the risk of BVDV spread within and among countries is still present. BVDV-1 is the predominant type circulating in European cattle population. In this study, a phylogeographic analysis was applied to the BVDV-1 highest prevalent subtypes in Italy to reconstruct the origin and spatial-temporal distribution and to trace main viral flows between different locations to highlight priority areas for BVDV control. A comprehensive dataset of BVDV-1b (n\u202f=\u202f173) and 1e (n\u202f=\u202f172) 5' UTR sequences was analysed, including both novel and published sequences from Italy and from European countries bordering and/or with commercial cattle flows with Italy. A common phylogeographic pattern was observed for BVDV-1b and 1e subtypes: interspersion from multiple Italian areas and European countries was widespread until the end of the last century, whereas significant local clusters were observed starting from 2000. These findings support a continuous viral flow among different areas over long time scales with no evidence of significant geographical structure, while local transmission networks are limited to more recent years. Northern Italy has been confirmed as the area of origin of the main clades of both BVDV subtypes at national level, acting both as a crucial area for introduction and a maintenance source for other areas. Piedmont, Central and Southern Italian regions contributed to limited geographical distribution and local BVDV-1b and 1e persistence. On the whole, priority control measures for BVDV-1b and 1e in Italy should be focused on: i) implementation of BVDV systematic control in all Northern Italian regions to break the viral flow from larger to smaller animal populations; and ii) breaking the dynamics of infections in regions with self-maintenance of BVDV by voluntary control programs

Impact of Age on Outcomes of Patients With Pure Carcinoma In Situ of the Bladder: Multi-Institutional Cohort Analysis

Introduction: The aim of this multicenter study was to investigate the role of age (cut-off 70 years) at diagnosis in predicting oncologic behavior of pure carcinoma in situ of the bladder. Material and methods: Inclusion criteria were: patients with pure CIS confirmed and that followed intravesical BCG treatment. Pure CIS was defined at any CIS not associated with another urothelial cancer. Exclusion criteria were: any CIS associated with invasive urothelial carcinoma. A total of 172 with pure CIS treated between January 1, 2002 and December 31, 2012 at 8 academic institutions met the inclusion criteria. The maintenance schedule was generally according to the EAU guidelines at the time RESULTS: A total of 99 (57.6%) patients had an age >70 years prior to TURBT. There was no difference between clinico-pathologic features among groups (group 1, age ≤ 70 years and group 2, age > 70 years), except that patients aged ≤ 70 years presented a larger size of CIS (35.6% vs. 21.2%), P = .02. In multivariable Cox regression analyses, the same clinico-pathologic factors (age, multifocality, and recurrent tumor state) were independently associated with worse RFS. Harrell's C-index was 65.75.In multivariable Cox regression analyses in addition to age (P = .006) and multifocality (P < .001) also BMI (P = .04) was independently associated with worse PFS. Harrell's C-index was 74.71 CONCLUSION: Advanced age at diagnosis appears to be associated with an increased risk of recurrence and progression of pure carcinoma in situ of the bladder. Elderly patients might fail to respond to BCG therapy

Impact of Age on Outcomes of Patients With Pure Carcinoma In Situ of the Bladder: Multi-Institutional Cohort Analysis

Introduction: The aim of this multicenter study was to investigate the role of age (cut-off 70 years) at diagnosis in predicting oncologic behavior of pure carcinoma in situ of the bladder. Material and Methods: Inclusion criteria were: patients with pure CIS confirmed and that followed intravesical BCG treatment. Pure CIS was defined at any CIS not associated with another urothelial cancer. Exclusion criteria were: any CIS associated with invasive urothelial carcinoma. A total of 172 with pure CIS treated between January 1, 2002 and December 31, 2012 at 8 academic institutions met the inclusion criteria. The maintenance schedule was generally according to the EAU guidelines at the time Results: A total of 99 (57.6%) patients had an age >70 years prior to TURBT. There was no difference between clinico-pathologic features among groups (group 1, age ≤ 70 years and group 2, age > 70 years), except that patients aged ≤ 70 years presented a larger size of CIS (35.6% vs. 21.2%), P =.02. In multivariable Cox regression analyses, the same clinico-pathologic factors (age, multifocality, and recurrent tumor state) were independently associated with worse RFS. Harrell's C-index was 65.75.In multivariable Cox regression analyses in addition to age (P =.006) and multifocality (P <.001) also BMI (P =.04) was independently associated with worse PFS. Harrell's C-index was 74.71 Conclusion: Advanced age at diagnosis appears to be associated with an increased risk of recurrence and progression of pure carcinoma in situ of the bladder. Elderly patients might fail to respond to BCG therapy