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

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

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

Extended genetic diversity of bovine viral diarrhea virus and frequency of genotypes and subtypes in cattle in Italy between 1995 and 2013

Genetic typing of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) has distinguished BVDV-1 and BVDV-2 species and an emerging putative third species (HoBi-like virus), recently detected in southern Italy, signaling the occurrence of natural infection in Europe. Recognizing the need to update the data on BVDV genetic variability in Italy for mounting local and European alerts, a wide collection of 5 \u2032 UTR sequences (n = 371) was selected to identify the frequency of genotypes and subtypes at the herd level. BVDV-1 had the highest frequency, followed by sporadic BVDV-2. No novel HoBi-like viruses were identified. Four distribution patterns of BVDV-1 subtypes were observed: highly prevalent subtypes with a wide temporal-spatial distribution (1b and 1e), low prevalent subtypes with a widespread geographic distribution (1a, 1d, 1g, 1h, and 1k) or a restricted geographic distribution (1f), and sporadic subtypes detected only in single herds (1c, 1j, and 1l). BVDV-1c, k, and l are reported for the first time in Italy. A unique genetic variant was detected in the majority of herds, but cocirculation of genetic variants was also observed. Northern Italy ranked first for BVDV introduction, prevalence, and dispersion. Nevertheless, the presence of sporadic variants in other restricted areas suggests the risk of different routes of BVDV introduction