Browsing by Author "Munday JS"
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- ItemA domestic cat whole exome sequencing resource for trait discovery(Springer Nature Limited, 2021-03-30) Rodney AR; Buckley RM; Fulton RS; Fronick C; Richmond T; Helps CR; Pantke P; Trent DJ; Vernau KM; Munday JS; Lewin AC; Middleton R; Lyons LA; Warren WCOver 94 million domestic cats are susceptible to cancers and other common and rare diseases. Whole exome sequencing (WES) is a proven strategy to study these disease-causing variants. Presented is a 35.7 Mb exome capture design based on the annotated Felis_catus_9.0 genome assembly, covering 201,683 regions of the cat genome. Whole exome sequencing was conducted on 41 cats with known and unknown genetic diseases and traits, of which ten cats had matching whole genome sequence (WGS) data available, used to validate WES performance. At 80 × mean exome depth of coverage, 96.4% of on-target base coverage had a sequencing depth > 20-fold, while over 98% of single nucleotide variants (SNVs) identified by WGS were also identified by WES. Platform-specific SNVs were restricted to sex chromosomes and a small number of olfactory receptor genes. Within the 41 cats, we identified 31 previously known causal variants and discovered new gene candidate variants, including novel missense variance for polycystic kidney disease and atrichia in the Peterbald cat. These results show the utility of WES to identify novel gene candidate alleles for diseases and traits for the first time in a feline model.
- ItemAltered Hypoxia-Induced and Heat Shock Protein Immunostaining in Secondary Hair Follicles Associated with Changes in Altitude and Temperature in Tibetan Cashmere Goats(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2021-09-25) He Y; Liu X; De J; Kang S; Munday JS; Bleach EThis experiment compared secondary hair follicles (SFs) in Tibetan cashmere goats from two different steppes that were at different altitudes and had different temperatures. Twenty-four 2-year-old goats were studied. Twelve goats were from Rikaze in Tibet which is at an altitude of above 5000 m with an average temperature of 0 °C. The other 12 studied goats were from Huan County of Gansu Province which is around 2000 m above sea level with an average temperature of 9.2 °C. The structural features of SFs were assessed using light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The presence of HIF-1a, HIF-2a, HIF-3a, HSP27, and HOXC13 proteins was studied using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Light and electron microscopy revealed that the SFs of the Tibetan cashmere goats that lived in the Rikaze Steppe were in the proanagen stage in May. However, the SFs of the goats from the lower warmer Huan County were in the anagen stage at the same time. Immunohistochemistry revealed intense immunostaining for HIF-1a protein in the inner root sheath (IRS) and hair shaft (HS); immunostaining against HIF-2a in the outer root sheath (ORS) and IRS; HIF-3a protein immunostaining in the ORS; HSP27 immunostaining in the ORS, IRS, and HS; and HOXC13 immunostaining in the ORS and HS. HIF-1a protein expression in the IRS and HS was higher than the expression in the ORS (p < 0.05) while the expression of HIF-2a protein was higher in the ORS and IRS than the HS (p < 0.05). The expression of HIF-3a protein was higher in the ORS than in the IRS (p < 0.05). Expression of HOXC13 protein was higher in the ORS than in the IRS and HS (p < 0.05). Immunostaining of HIF-1a, HIF-2a, and HSP27 protein was significantly higher in SFs from cashmere goats from Rikaze than in goats from Huan (p < 0.05). In contrast, HOX13 protein immunostaining was significantly higher in cashmere goats from Huan than from Rikaze (p < 0.05). Significant differences were observed in the SFs of cashmere goats from two locations that differ in altitude and temperature. This suggests the differences in the secondary hair follicles could be due to the hypoxia and lower temperatures experienced by the goats in Rikaze. These results are useful in understanding how altitude and temperature influence SF development. Hair produced by the SFs are used for down fiber. Therefore, understanding of the factors that influence SF development will allow the production and harvest of these valuable fibers to be maximized.
- ItemAnal fibropapillomas containing bovine papillomavirus type 2 DNA in two groups of heifers(Taylor and Francis Group on behalf of the New Zealand Veterinary Association, 2018-06-11) Munday JS; Cullum AA; Thomson NA; Bestbier M; McCormack T; Julian AFCASE HISTORY Anal warts were observed in heifers in two unrelated groups of animals. Heifers in one group developed visible warts 4 months after manual rectal examination and heifers in the other group developed warts 5 months after examination using a hand-held rectal ultrasound probe. CLINICAL FINDINGS Large exophytic proliferative anal masses were observed in 5/15 (33%) heifers in one group and 13/149 (9%) heifers in the second group. Heifers in the second group were also noted to have similar masses on the underside of the tail at sites previously used for venepuncture and some of the heifers had skin warts. Despite the large size of the anal masses, none of the heifers showed clinical signs of systemic illness. HISTOPATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS An anal mass was removed from one heifer in each of the two groups. Sections from both masses showed hyperplastic epithelium covering a proliferation of well-differentiated fibroblasts consistent with fibropapillomas. Small numbers of cells within the epidermis had clear cytoplasm with clumped keratohyalin granules. MOLECULAR BIOLOGY Bovine papillomavirus (BPV) type 2 DNA was amplified from both fibropapillomas by PCR. DIAGNOSIS Multiple anal fibropapillomas associated with BPV-2. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Bovine anal fibropapillomas have only been reported in heifers that have undergone rectal examination, and infection of anal microabrasions in an immunologically naïve animal appears to be associated with disease development. The source and method of spread of BPV-2 within these groups could not be determined. However spread of BPV-2 within the groups by the veterinarian performing rectal examinations may have been most likely. While these fibropapillomas had a dramatic appearance, like fibropapillomas elsewhere on the body, they did not have any significant effect on the health of the affected heifers. As these lesions can be diagnosed by clinical examination and self-resolve without treatment, it is important that veterinarians are aware of this rare manifestation of papillomavirus infection of cattle.
- ItemDetection of a Novel Papillomavirus Type within a Feline Cutaneous Basal Cell Carcinoma(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2022-12-01) Munday JS; Hunt H; Orbell G; Pfeffer H; Bennett PA 4 cm diameter exophytic mass was excised from the left flank of a 10-year-old domestic short-haired cat. Histology of the superficial aspects of the mass revealed epidermal cells arranged in nests and trabeculae while the deeper parts of the mass consisted of small round cells arranged in sheets or bundles of elongate spindle-shaped cells. A diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) was made. Approximately 40% of the cells throughout the neoplasm contained prominent papillomaviral (PV)-induced cell changes. The BCC recurred three months after excision and grew rapidly. At this time a smaller mass was observed on the thorax. Due to the rapid recurrence of the BCC, the cat was euthanatized. As in the initial mass, histology of the recurrent mass revealed pleomorphic cells that often contained PV-induced cell changes. In contrast, the thoracic mass appeared as a more typical BCC and contained no histological evidence of PV infection. A novel PV DNA sequence was amplified from the flank BCC. While the sequence was most (75.1%) similar to Felis catus papillomavirus (FcaPV) 6, the level of similarity between the sequences is consistent with a novel PV type. No PV DNA was amplifiable from the thoracic mass. The case is unique due to the histological features of the BCC and the presence of a putative novel PV type. Observations from the present case add to the number of PV types associated with disease in cats as well as increasing the spectrum of PV-induced lesions in this species.
- ItemEvidence from a Series of 104 Equine Sarcoids Suggests That Most Sarcoids in New Zealand Are Caused by Bovine Papillomavirus Type 2, although Both BPV1 and BPV2 DNA Are Detectable in around 10% of Sarcoids(MDPI (Basel, Switzerand), 2021-10-29) Munday JS; Orbell G; Fairley RA; Hardcastle M; Vaatstra B; Bailey SEquine sarcoids are common mesenchymal neoplasms of horses that are caused by cross-species infection by deltapapillomaviruses. While bovine papillomavirus (BPV) 1 and 2 are the most common causes, there are differences between countries regarding which of these BPV types cause the majority of sarcoids. Additionally, no causative PV can be detected in a subset of sarcoids, suggesting that other PV types could be rarer causes of these neoplasms. In the present study, consensus PCR primers and PCR primers specific for the five deltapapillomavirus types currently known to cause mesenchymal neoplasia (BPV1, BPV2, BPV13, BPV14, and Ovis aries PV2 DNA) were used to investigate the presence of PV DNA in 104 sarcoids from three defined regions in New Zealand and from two distinct time periods separated by 15 years. PV DNA was detected in 94 (90.4%) sarcoids. Of the sarcoids containing PV DNA, 83 (88.3%) contained only BPV2 DNA, 9 (9.6%) BPV1 and BPV2 DNA, and 2 (2.1%) only BPV1 DNA. No other PV types were detected. The predominance of BPV2 is consistent with studies of sarcoids from North America but dissimilar to studies of sarcoids from Europe and Australia. Detection rates of BPV1 and BPV2 were similar in sarcoids from different regions of New Zealand and in sarcoids from different time periods. These results suggest that most equine sarcoids in New Zealand are caused by BPV2 and thus if vaccines are developed to prevent sarcoids, vaccines that provide good protection against BPV2 will be required in this country.
- ItemFelis catus papillomavirus type 2 virus-like particle vaccine is safe and immunogenic but does not reduce FcaPV-2 viral loads in adult cats(Elsevier BV, 2019-07) Thomson NA; Howe L; Weidgraaf K; Thomas DG; Young V; Ward VK; Munday JSFelis catus papillomavirus type 2 (FcaPV-2) commonly infects the skin of domestic cats and has been associated with the development of skin cancer. In the present study, a FcaPV-2 virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine was produced and assessed for vaccine safety, immunogenicity, and impact on FcaPV-2 viral load. This is the first report of the use of a papillomavirus VLP vaccine in domestic cats. The FcaPV-2 VLP vaccine was given to ten adult cats that were naturally infected with FcaPV-2, and a further ten naturally infected cats were sham vaccinated as a control group. The rationale for vaccinating cats already infected with the virus was to induce neutralizing antibody titers that could prevent reinfection of new areas of skin and reduce the overall viral load, as has been demonstrated in other species. Reducing the overall FcaPV-2 viral load could reduce the risk for subsequent PV-associated cancer. The vaccine in this study was well-tolerated, as none of the cats developed any signs of local reaction or systemic illness. In the treatment group, the geometric mean anti-papillomavirus endpoint antibody titers increased significantly following vaccination from 606 (95% CI 192-1913) to 4223 (2023-8814), a 7.0-fold increase, although the individual antibody response varied depending on the level of pre-existing antibodies. Despite the immunogenicity of the vaccine, there was no significant change in FcaPV-2 viral load in the treatment group compared to the control group, over the 24 week follow-up period. A possible reason is that FcaPV-2 was already widespread in the basal skin layer of these adult cats and so preventing further cells from becoming infected had no impact on the overall viral load. Therefore, these results do not support the use of a FcaPV-2 VLP vaccine to reduce the risk for PV-associated cancer in cats in which FcaPV-2 infection is already well established. However, these results justify future studies in which the vaccine is administered to younger cats prior to FcaPV-2 infection becoming fully established.
- ItemGenomic Characterisation of Canis Familiaris Papillomavirus Type 24, a Novel Papillomavirus Associated with Extensive Pigmented Plaque Formation in a Pug Dog(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2022-10-26) Munday JS; Gedye K; Knox MA; Ravens P; Lin X; Dalianis TNumerous large dark plaques developed over the ventrum, legs and head of a 9-year-old pug dog over a 4-year-period. Histology confirmed a diagnosis of viral pigmented plaque and a short section of a novel papillomavirus (PV) type was amplified using consensus PCR primers. Taking advantage of the circular nature of PV DNA, 'outward facing' PCR primers allowed amplification of the full sequence. As this is the 24th PV known to infect dogs, the novel PV was designated canine papillomavirus (CPV) type 24. The CPV24 genome contained putative coding regions for 5 early proteins and 2 late ones. The CPV24 open reading frame L1 showed the highest (78.2%) similarity to CPV4 and phylogenetic analysis showed that CPV24 clustered with CPV4 and CPV16 suggesting CPV24 is the third species 2 Chipapillomavirus type identified in dogs. This is the third report of extensive pigmented plaques covering a high proportion of the skin. Both previous cases were caused CPV4 and, considering the high genetic similarity between CPV4 and CP24, infection by these CPV types may predispose to more severe clinical disease. In addition, as plaques caused by CPV16 appear more likely to progress to neoplasia, the detection of a species 2 Chipapillomavirus within a pigmented plaque may indicate the potential for more severe disease.
- ItemGenomic Characterization of Canis Familiaris Papillomavirus Type 25, a Novel Papillomavirus Associated with a Viral Plaque from the Pinna of a Dog(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2023-06-02) Munday JS; Gedye K; Knox MA; Robinson L; Lin XA 14-year-old West Highland White terrier dog developed multiple raised plaques that were confined to the concave surface of the right pinna. Histology allowed a diagnosis of viral plaque, although the lesions contained some unusual microscopic features. A papillomaviral (PV) DNA sequence was amplified from the plaque using consensus PCR primers. The amplified sequence was used as a template to design 'outward facing' PCR primers, which allowed amplification of the complete PV DNA sequence. The sequence was 7778 bp and was predicted to code for five early genes and two late genes. The ORF L1 showed the highest (83.9%) similarity to CPV15, and phylogenetic analysis revealed the novel PV clustered with the species 3 ChiPVs. The novel PV was designated as canine papillomavirus (CPV) type 25. As CPV25 was not previously detected in a canine viral plaque, this PV type may be a rare cause of skin disease in dogs. However, as plaques that remain confined to the pinna were not previously reported in dogs, it is possible that CPV25 could be more common in plaques from this area of skin. The findings from this case expand the number of PV types that cause disease in dogs. Evidence from this case suggests that, compared to the other canine ChiPV types, infection by CPV25 results in viral plaques in atypical locations with unusual histological features.
- ItemIdentification of Felis catus papillomavirus 3 in skin neoplasms from four cats.(2018-03) Munday JS; Thomson NA; Henderson G; Fairley R; Orbell GMBowenoid in situ carcinomas (BISCs) are papillomavirus (PV)-induced skin neoplasms that are thought to be caused by Felis catus papillomavirus (FcaPV) 2. As BISCs are typically multiple and can become extensive, they can be difficult to treat. Herein we describe 4 cats that developed skin neoplasms that contained FcaPV-3 DNA. One cat developed multiple basal cell carcinomas (BCCs), 1 a BISC with unusual extension into hair follicles, and 2 developed a single typical-appearing BISC. All neoplasms contained prominent PV-induced cell changes and intense p16CDKN2a protein immunostaining. Results from these 4 cats provide evidence that FcaPV-3 could cause a proportion of feline skin cancers, albeit less frequently than FcaPV-2. Excision of the typical BISCs and the BCCs appeared curative. Although the cat with the unusual BISC was euthanized because of the large size of the lesion, evidence from these 4 cats suggests that skin neoplasms that contain FcaPV-3 DNA may have a less aggressive clinical behavior than those associated with FcaPV-2. A consistent feature of the neoplasms in all 4 cats was the presence of prominent basophilic intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies; these inclusions have not been reported in lesions caused by FcaPV-2, to our knowledge, and their detection may allow differentiation between the different PV types and could therefore be a useful prognostic feature.
- ItemLongitudinal study of the effect of sporidesmin toxicity on lamb production and serum biochemistry in a flock of 46 Romney ewes using a standardised measure of liver damage.(2022-07) Lawrence KE; Flay KJ; Munday JS; Aberdein D; Thomson NA; Vignes M; Ridler ALAIMS: To evaluate the effect of sporidesmin toxicity on production outcomes and serum biochemistry analytes in mixed age Romney ewes, using a standardised measure of liver damage. METHODS: This was a prospective longitudinal study following 46 mixed age Romney ewes from sporidesmin intoxication in April 2019, to slaughter 8 months later. The ewes were blood-sampled up to eight times, with a panel of serum biochemistry tests performed on the final six samples. However, only gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity was measured in the first two samples collected at the end of sporidesmin intoxication and 2 weeks later. Body condition score, ewe weight and production data were also recorded. Using a standardised liver score, based on histology of liver samples collected at slaughter, ewes were assigned to one of three liver disease categories (LDC); low, middle, and high. These were then used as the outcome or predictor variables for statistical analyses. Finally, two separate decision tree models, using recursive partitioning (RP), were fitted to the biochemistry data and to the GGT data collected at FE outbreak, to predict ewes in the low LDC. RESULTS: There was no evidence of a difference for the effect of LDC on ewe weight (p = 0.86) with ewes, on average, gaining weight to weaning. Weaning percent, lamb rearing percent and ewe flock efficiency were lower in ewes with high LDC, and scanning-to-weaning lamb loss was significantly higher in sheep with high LDC (p = 0.02). Serum activities of GGT and glutamate dehydrogenase and concentration of globulin were significantly lower in sheep with low LDC than in sheep with middle or high LDC (p < 0.05). However, there was no evidence of a difference for the effect of LDC on other biochemistry variables (p > 0.05). The final RP model for the biochemistry data categorised ewes as low LDC if their GGT was <122 IU/L, 3 months after sporidesmin intoxication, or if their GGT was <514 IU/L, <18 days after sporidesmin intoxication. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Sheep with gross and histological evidence of severe sporidesmin-induced liver damage were able to maintain or gain body weight, suggesting that sporidesmin intoxication alone is not causative of poor body condition. Similarly, many of the serum biochemistry tests were not associated with evidence of liver damage. Lamb production was reduced in ewes with evidence of severe liver damage and the decision tree model showed promise as a basis to select ewes for culling.
- ItemLower-Than-Expected Vitamin A Concentrations in a Commercial Diet Associated with Uroliths and Pyelonephritis in Rats(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2022-05-18) Munday JS; Castillo-Alcala F; Jaros P; Satou TFive of 95 rats in an oral safety study developed uroliths, with two of these rats also developing pyelonephritis. Histology of the urinary tract revealed squamous metaplasia suggestive of vitamin A deficiency. Analysis of the diet showed around half the expected concentration of vitamin A, although the concentrations were close to the published nutritional requirements for rats. Due to the presence of squamous metaplasia of the transitional epithelium and the low vitamin A concentration in the diet, a presumptive diagnosis of vitamin A deficiency was made, although an interaction between the low vitamin A concentrations and other dietary components appears possible. Although the uroliths did not cause clinical signs of disease, the lesions observed during this study could have been misinterpreted as being due to the test substance. Observations from this study highlight the need for high-quality food to ensure background lesions do not develop when performing safety studies in rats.
- ItemMultimodal Blockade of the Renin-Angiotensin System in the Treatment of Cancer in Dogs Has Mild Adverse Effects in Some Dogs.(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2024-06-17) Dittmer KE; Wetzel S; Odom T; Munday JS; Flatt EA; Wilson IJ; Hughes C; Tan ST; Ferreira F; Sparger EEThe renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is increasingly being recognized to play a role in the tumor microenvironment, promoting tumor growth. Studies blocking a single part of the RAS have shown mixed results, possibly due to the existence of different bypass pathways and redundancy within the RAS. As such, multimodal blockade of the RAS has been developed to exert more complete inhibition of the RAS. The aim of the present study was to assess the safety of multimodal RAS blockade in dogs. Five dogs (four with appendicular osteosarcoma, one with oral malignant melanoma) were treated with atenolol, benazepril, curcumin, meloxicam, and metformin. The dogs underwent clinical examination, blood pressure measurement, and hematology and serum biochemistry tests performed at 0, 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 weeks, then every 3 months thereafter. End-of-life decisions were made by the owners. None of the dogs developed hypotension. One dog had intermittent vomiting during the 64 weeks it was on the trial. One dog had a one-off increase in serum SDMA(symmetrical dimethylarginine) concentration. Dogs were euthanized at weeks 3 (osteosarcoma), 10 (osteosarcoma), 17 (osteosarcoma), and 26 (oral malignant melanoma), and one dog was still alive at the end of the trial at 64 weeks (osteosarcoma). This is the first assessment of multimodal blockade of the RAS in dogs, and the results suggest it causes only mild adverse effects in some animals. The efficacy of the treatment was not assessed due to the small number of dogs. This pilot study allows for future larger studies assessing multimodal RAS blockade for the treatment of canine cancer.
- ItemMultimodal Blockade of the Renin-Angiotensin System Is Safe and Is a Potential Cancer Treatment for Cats(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2022-08-05) Munday JS; Odom T; Dittmer KE; Wetzel S; Hillmer K; Tan STThe role of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in cancer growth and progression is well recognized in humans. However, studies on RAS inhibition with a single agent have not shown consistent anticancer effects, potentially due to the neoplastic cells utilizing alternative pathways for RAS activation. To achieve more complete RAS inhibition, multimodal therapy with several medications that simultaneously block multiple steps in the RAS has been developed for use in humans. In the present study, the safety of multimodal RAS inhibition using atenolol, benazepril, metformin, curcumin, and meloxicam was assessed in six cats with squamous cell carcinomas. Cats were treated for 8 weeks, with blood pressure measured and blood sampled five times during the treatment period. None of the cats developed hypotension, azotemia, or increased serum liver enzyme concentrations. The packed cell volume of one cat decreased to just below the reference range during treatment. One cat was reported to have increased vomiting, although this occurred infrequently. One cat was withdrawn from the study due to difficulties administering the medications, and another cat died of an unrelated cause. Two cats were euthanatized during the study period due to cancer progression. Two cats completed the 8-week study period. One was subsequently euthanized due to cancer progression while the other cat is still alive 32 weeks after entering the study and is still receiving the multimodal blockade of the RAS. This is the first evaluation of multimodal blockade of the RAS in veterinary species. The study showed that the treatment is safe, with only mild adverse effects observed in two treated cats. Due to the small number of cats, the efficacy of treatment could not be evaluated. However, evidence from human studies suggests that a multimodal blockade of RAS could be a safe and cost-effective treatment option for cancer in cats.
- ItemNovel viruses: Update on the significance of papillomavirus infections in cats(SAGE Publications on behalf of the International Society of Feline Medicine and American Association of Feline Practitioners, 2019-05) Munday JS; Sharp CR; Beatty JAPRACTICAL RELEVANCE: Prior to 1990 papillomaviruses (PVs) were not recognised to infect or cause disease in domestic cats. Since this time, the use of histology, immunohistochemistry and, more recently, molecular techniques has revealed that PVs almost certainly cause feline viral plaques and Bowenoid in situ carcinomas, oral papillomas and feline sarcoids. In addition, there is increasing evidence that PVs play a significant role in the development of feline cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas, one of the most common skin cancers of cats. Recent studies have also revealed that most cats are asymptomatically infected with PVs. This raises a critical question that is currently unanswered: why do only a small proportion of infected cats develop disease? In the future it may be possible to prevent PV-induced diseases by using a vaccine to prevent PV infection. Alternatively, novel therapies may be developed that prevent PVs from causing clinical disease by stimulating the host immune response. CLINICAL CHALLENGES: A recognition of the skin diseases caused by PVs is important to more accurately predict disease progression. Unfortunately, there are currently no non-surgical treatments that have been proven to be beneficial in cats and clinical management of PV-induced skin disease in cats can be challenging. GLOBAL IMPORTANCE: PVs have a worldwide distribution and negatively impact feline health and welfare globally. AUDIENCE: This review is aimed at clinicians, especially those who regularly treat cats with skin disease. The review will also be useful to oncologists and researchers who have an interest in how cancer develops in cats. EVIDENCE BASE: In producing this update the authors have drawn on recently published peer-reviewed literature.
- ItemPapillomaviruses in dogs and cats.(2017-07) Munday JS; Thomson NA; Luff JAPapillomaviruses (PVs) cause disease in both dogs and cats. In dogs, PVs are thought to cause oral papillomatosis, cutaneous papillomas and canine viral pigmented plaques, whereas PVs have been rarely associated with the development of oral and cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas in this species. In cats, PVs are currently thought to cause oral papillomas, feline viral plaques, Bowenoid in situ carcinomas and feline sarcoids. Furthermore, there is increasing evidence that PVs may also be a cause of cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas and basal cell carcinomas in cats. These diseases are discussed in this review. Additionally, there is a brief overview of PV biology, including how these viruses cause disease. Diagnostic techniques and possible methods to prevent PV infection are also discussed.
- ItemPapillomaviruses in Domestic Cats(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2021-08-22) Munday JS; Thomson NA; Beatty JA; Tasker SPapillomaviruses (PVs) are well established to cause hyperplastic papillomas (warts) in humans and animals. In addition, due to their ability to alter cell regulation, PVs are also recognized to cause approximately 5% of human cancers and these viruses have been associated with neoplasia in a number of animal species. In contrast to other domestic species, cats have traditionally been thought to less frequently develop disease due to PV infection. However, in the last 15 years, the number of viruses and the different lesions associated with PVs in cats have greatly expanded. In this review, the PV life cycle and the subsequent immune response is briefly discussed along with methods used to investigate a PV etiology of a lesion. The seven PV types that are currently known to infect cats are reviewed. The lesions that have been associated with PV infections in cats are then discussed and the review finishes with a brief discussion on the use of vaccines to prevent PV-induced disease in domestic cats.
- ItemPrevalence of spinal abnormalities in Chinook salmon smolt and influence of early rearing temperature and growth rates(John Wiley and Sons, Ltd, 2018-06-11) Munday JS; Perrott MR; Symonds JE; Walker SP; Preece MA; Davie PSSpinal abnormalities can be detected at harvest in around 40% of farmed Chinook salmon in New Zealand. However, whether these abnormalities are present in smolt is unknown. Radiographs of 3,736 smolt were taken immediately prior to transfer to sea water and evaluated for fusions, compressions, vertical shifts, and lordosis, kyphosis and/or scoliosis (LKS). The survey included smolt from two different chilling strategies that had been graded into slow- or fast-growing fish. Overall, 4.34% of Chinook salmon smolt had at least one spinal abnormality, similar to the rates of reported in Atlantic salmon smolt. The rate of abnormality was significantly higher in faster-growing fish. Fusions were most common with 2.68% of smolt affected. Smolt subjected to longer chilling times had lower rates of fusions. Compressions and vertical shifts were both observed in 1.31% of smolt. Although LKS is the most common abnormality of harvested fish, LKS was detected in just five smolt. The results suggest that some fusions in harvest fish have developed at the time of seawater transfer while LKS develops late in the production cycle. Overall, spinal abnormalities are uncommon in Chinook salmon smolt and may be influenced by chilling times and growth rates.
- ItemRapid Patient-Side Evaluation of Endothelial Glycocalyx Thickness in Healthy Sedated Cats Using GlycoCheck® Software.(2021) Yozova ID; Londoño LA; Millar KK; Sano H; Weidgraaf K; Thomson NA; Munday JSThe endothelial glycocalyx (EG) determines transvascular fluid fluxes, and influences inflammation, coagulation, and capillary blood flow. The GlycoCheck® software calculates EG thickness using sidestream dark field videomicroscopy recordings. This method has not been evaluated for use in cats. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the use of GlycoCheck® for estimating EG thickness in healthy cats, and to investigate the variability of EG thickness in this population. One hundred and one healthy research-purposed cats were included in the study. The cats were sedated, and a handheld videomicroscope, connected to GlycoCheck® software, was used to evaluate the sublingual microvasculature. The parameters measured included perfused boundary region (PBR, an indirect measurement of EG thickness) in vessels between 5 and 25 μm in diameter, valid vessel density, percentage red blood cell filling, and median red blood cell column width. Heart rate, respiratory rate, pulse oximetry and oscillometric blood pressure readings were also recorded. There were 35 neutered male cats, 11 intact males, 38 neutered females, and 17 intact females. The average age was 63 months (range, 11-160 months). Tolerance intervals for PBR (vessel diameter 5-25 μm) were 1.89-3.00 μm (95% CI, lower limit 1.76-2.04, upper limit 2.83-3.13 μm); for valid vessel density were 73.33-333.33 μm/mm2 (95% CI, lower limit 77.00-99.33, upper limit 312.67-350.33 μm/mm2); for percentage red blood cell filling were 59.85-85.07% (95% CI, lower limit 58.97-63.33, upper limit 83.07-88.20 %); and for median red blood cell column width were 5.63-8.59 μm (95% CI, lower limit 5.28-6.07, upper limit 8.14-9.51 μm). There was a negative association between median red blood cell column width and body weight (p = 0.007). The median red blood cell column was significantly wider in intact females when compared to spayed females (p = 0.033). The GlycoCheck® analysis was easily performed in healthy sedated cats. Clinical variables did not have an effect on the EG thickness. These results suggest that this technique could be valuable for evaluation of the EG and microvascular parameters in cats.
- ItemThe Development of Novel Primer Sets to Specifically Amplify Each of the Five Different Deltapapillomaviruses That Cause Neoplasia after Cross-Species Infection(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2021-09-26) Munday JS; Gedye K; Daudt C; Chaves Da Silva FBovine papillomavirus (BPV) types 1 and 2 are recognized as the main cause of equine sarcoids. However, some studies report that up to a quarter of these tumors do not contain detectible BPV1 or BPV2 DNA. The absence of detectible BPV1 or BPV2 in these sarcoids suggests the possible involvement of other papillomavirus types. Currently, five deltapapillomaviruses are recognized to cause mesenchymal neoplasia after cross-species infection. In addition to BPV1 and BPV2, BPV13 has been associated with equine sarcoids in Brazil, BPV14 has been associated with feline sarcoids, and Ovis aries papillomavirus 2 caused a sarcoid-like lesion in a pig. To investigate the cause of equine sarcoids, PCR primers were developed to specifically amplify each of the five different deltapapillomaviruses that have been associated with mesenchymal neoplasia. The specificity of these primers was confirmed using samples of formalin-fixed tissue known to contain each PV type. These primers allow rapid and sensitive detection of deltapapillomavirus DNA in equine sarcoids. As studies have revealed marked regional variability in the cause of equine sarcoids, these primers will be useful to determine the predominant PV type causing sarcoids in a region. Additionally, there is a single report describing mixed infections by BPV1 and BPV2 in equine sarcoids. The specific primer sets are expected to enable more sensitive detection of mixed infections in equine sarcoids. Determining the cause of equine sarcoids is important as vaccines are developed to prevent these common malignant neoplasms.
- ItemToxicological Assessment of Pure Lolitrem B and Ryegrass Seed Infected with the AR37 Endophyte Using Mice(MDPI (Basel, Switzerland), 2022-10-28) Finch SC; Hawkes AD; Fitzgerald JM; Broadhurst RB; Staincliffe MR; Munday JS; Newman J; Johnson LFungal endophytes in perennial ryegrass are essential to New Zealand's pastoral system due to anti-insect effects. However, endophytes also produce compounds which can be detrimental to animals. Furthermore, as these toxins have been detected in the milk and fat of animals grazing common-toxic (containing lolitrem B) or AR37 endophyte-infected herbage they could enter the human food chain. To assess the risk to human health mice were fed for 90 days with three dose rates of lolitrem B and of AR37. Parameters indicative of animal health were measured as well as chemical, hematological and histological analysis of samples collected on day 90. Since endophyte toxin residues have been detected in milk, they could be transferred from mother to offspring via breast milk. To evaluate possible effects on reproduction two complete generations of mice were fed lolitrem B or AR37. At the dose rates given no adverse effects were observed in either study. The 100-fold safety factor to allow the use of animal data in human health assessments was applied and by considering the concentrations of lolitrem B or AR37 metabolites which could be ingested by a consumer it is highly unlikely that they pose any risk to human health.