Cat Hair Research Articles

How cat hair brought down a pair of art forgers

How cat hair brought down a pair of art forgers

リコイ猫の被毛と皮膚に関する臨床的および組織学的記述

イエネコの被毛や皮膚の異常は同定が容易であり，外胚葉形成不全の疾患も出るにもなっている。新種の猫であるリコイ猫の被毛は印象的な形態を示しているが，臨床的および組織学的記述はこれまでのところ存在しない。本研究では7頭のリコイ猫ならびに7頭の皮膚科学的に健常な短毛種猫を対象に，ダーモスコーピーを用いた評価ならびに皮膚生検が行われた。全ての検体について，垂直方向および水平方向の組織切片が作成されて解析に供された。またCD3とサイトケラチン8/18に関する免疫組織化学染色が行われ，短毛種猫と比較解析が行われた。さらにダーモスコーピー画像についても比較解析が行われた。毛単位あたりの毛包数の平均値を比較したところ，リコイ猫（14.7 ± 2.9）では短毛種猫（23.4 ± 5.4）よりも低値を示した。毛単位あたりの毛包数の中央値（範囲）は，リコイ猫で1.3（0.4–5.7）であったのに対し，短毛種猫では18.8（10.6–26.6）であった。 毛包の深さの平均値（±標準偏差）は，リコイ猫で0.95 ± 0.15 mmであったのに対し，短毛種猫では1.14 ± 0.21 mmであった。一次毛の直径の平均（±標準偏差）は，リコイ猫で39 ± 0.029 μmであったのに対し，短毛種猫では47 ± 0.011 μmであった。毛単位あたりの脂腺面積の平均（±標準偏差）は，リコイ猫で19,937.7 ± 10,254.9 pixels2であったのに対し，短毛種猫では9,833.7 ± 5,784.5 pixels2であった。短毛種猫とは異なり，リコイ猫では毛包周囲または毛包上皮における軽度～重度のリンパ球浸潤が77％の毛単位で認められ，毛包は狭小化ないし拡張し，異形成を呈していた。リコイ猫は特徴的な表現型を呈し，新たな皮膚科学的疾患モデルとなる可能性が示唆された。

Assessment of iron in uterine and testicular tissues and hair of free-ranging and household cats.

Iron (Fe) represents a highly essential element for various biological processes. In spite of this very little is known as regards its status in mammalian reproductive tissues and factors that may potentially influence it. At the same time, there is an ongoing debate as to whether analyses of the Fe content in hair can provide reliable information on its tissue burden. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the content of Fe in the testicular and uterine tissues, and hair of the domestic cat (Felis catus) and how this content relates to an animal's age, weight, physical activity, inhabited environment and diet. The median Fe content in the feline reproductive tissues amounted to 50.8 ppm and in hair to 180.2 ppm. As found, free-ranging cats were characterized by a significantly higher Fe content in reproductive tissues, particularly in the uterus. Age, weight and physical activity had no effect on determined Fe levels. The type of commercial diet (wet, dry or combined) given to household cats also had no influence upon Fe status in hair and tissue although males fed exclusively on dry food had a lower Fetestis:Fehair ratio. Hair Fe level was positively correlated with that found in the reproductive tissues (Rs=0.30). This study extends the body of information on Fe distribution in felines, demonstrates the difference between free-ranging and household cats and provides evidence that Fe hair status may, at least partially, reflect the status of this element in the feline reproductive system.

Forensic analysis of mitochondrial control region DNA from single cat hairs

Although different parts of the mitochondrial control region (CR) have been described as forensically relevant, factors such as geographical location and breed may influence their forensic value. Analysis of multiple CR regions has been shown to increase the evidential value for certain populations, but due to large amplicon size, PCR success could be influenced when single shed hairs are used for analysis.A new strategy was developed to circumvent amplification of the repeat element RS2 without dramatically decreasing the number of potentially informative nucleotide positions sequenced bidirectional.DNA-extracts of 40 shed cat hairs were typed to compare the PCR success of this duplex strategy to the single amplicon approach. Amplicons were obtained from all tested hairs using the duplex strategy, compared to 60% using the single amplicon, illustrating the applicability of this strategy to case type samples.

Effect of alcaftadine 0.25% on ocular itch associated with seasonal or perennial allergic conjunctivitis: a pooled analysis of two multicenter randomized clinical trials.

PurposeSeasonal and perennial allergic conjunctivitis represent the majority of cases of ocular allergy. This analysis was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of once-daily alcaftadine 0.25% in preventing ocular itching associated with seasonal or perennial allergic conjunctivitis.Subjects and methodsPooled data from two double-masked, multicenter, placebo-controlled studies using the conjunctival allergen challenge (CAC) model of allergic conjunctivitis were analyzed. Subjects randomized to receive treatment with alcaftadine 0.25% or placebo were challenged with seasonal (grass, ragweed, trees) or perennial (cat dander, cat hair, dog dander, dust mites, cockroach) allergens, 16 hours after treatment instillation. The primary efficacy measure was subject-evaluated mean ocular itching at 3 minutes post-CAC. Secondary measures included ocular itching at 5 and 7 minutes post-CAC. The proportion of subjects with minimal itch (itch score <1) and zero itch (itch score =0), and safety were also assessed.ResultsA total of 189 subjects enrolled in the two studies were treated with alcaftadine or placebo. Overall, 129 subjects were challenged with seasonal allergens and 60 subjects were challenged with perennial allergens. Alcaftadine 0.25% achieved a statistically significant reduction in mean itch score at 3, 5, and 7 minutes post-CAC compared with placebo in subjects challenged with seasonal allergens (P<0.0001 at all time points) and those challenged with perennial allergens (P<0.0001 at all time points). A higher percentage of subjects treated with alcaftadine compared with placebo achieved minimal itch (P≤0.001 versus placebo at all time points) and zero itch (P<0.05 at all time points except 7 minutes for perennial) when challenged with either seasonal or perennial allergens. No treatment-related or serious adverse events were reported.ConclusionOnce-daily alcaftadine 0.25% ophthalmic solution was well tolerated and demonstrated effective relief of ocular itching in subjects challenged with allergens classic for triggering either seasonal or perennial allergic conjunctivitis.

Free-Ranging Farm Cats: Home Range Size and Predation on a Livestock Unit In Northwest Georgia

This study’s objective was to determine seasonal and diurnal vs. nocturnal home range size, as well as predation for free-ranging farm cats at a livestock unit in Northwest Georgia. Seven adult cats were tracked with attached GPS units for up to two weeks for one spring and two summer seasons from May 2010 through August 2011. Three and five cats were tracked for up to two weeks during the fall and winter seasons, respectively. Feline scat was collected during this entire period. Cats were fed a commercial cat food daily. There was no seasonal effect (P > 0.05) on overall (95% KDE and 90% KDE) or core home range size (50% KDE). Male cats tended (P = 0.08) to have larger diurnal and nocturnal core home ranges (1.09 ha) compared to female cats (0.64 ha). Reproductively intact cats (n = 2) had larger (P < 0.0001) diurnal and nocturnal home ranges as compared to altered cats. Feline scat processing separated scat into prey parts, and of the 210 feline scats collected during the study, 75.24% contained hair. Of these 158 scat samples, 86 contained non-cat hair and 72 contained only cat hair. Other prey components included fragments of bone in 21.43% of scat and teeth in 12.86% of scat. Teeth were used to identify mammalian prey hunted by these cats, of which the Hispid cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus) was the primary rodent. Other targeted mammals were Peromyscus sp., Sylvilagus sp. and Microtus sp. Invertebrates and birds were less important as prey, but all mammalian prey identified in this study consisted of native animals. While the free-ranging farm cats in this study did not adjust their home range seasonally, sex and reproductive status did increase diurnal and nocturnal home range size. Ultimately, larger home ranges of free-ranging cats could negatively impact native wildlife.

Sensitization to aeroallergens in patients with allergic rhinitis, asthma, and atopic dermatitis in Shiraz, Southwestern Iran

Background: Aeroallergens as one of the most common cause of allergic disease derived from pollens, dust mites, fungi, and animals. The prevalence of aeroallergens is different in various areas. Objectives: This study was designed to identify the frequency of sensitization to aeroallergens in patients with allergy in Shiraz, Southwestern Iran. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study included 656 patients with allergy from Southwestern Iran from July to December 2014. Sensitization to aeroallergens was assessed by skin prick test using a panel of common 15 aeroallergens in studied patients. Results: A positive skin test to at least one of the applied allergens was seen in 74.5% of our patients. The female to male ratio and mean age of the patients were 1.27 and 27.6 ± 14.7 years, respectively. Pollens were the most common type of aeroallergens (64.6%), followed by dust mites (34.6%), cockroach (30.6%), and molds and cat hair (16% for each). Among pollens, the frequency of sensitization to weeds, grasses, and trees was in turn. Conclusion: The results of the present study revealed that pollens play as a main sensitizing allergen in asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eczema. This pattern was compatible with the results from studies carried out in this area.

Feline mitochondrial DNA sampling for forensic analysis: When enough is enough!

Pet hair has a demonstrated value in resolving legal issues. Cat hair is chronically shed and it is difficult to leave a home with cats without some level of secondary transfer. The power of cat hair as an evidentiary resource may be underused because representative genetic databases are not available for exclusionary purposes. Mitochondrial control region databases are highly valuable for hair analyses and have been developed for the cat. In a representative worldwide data set, 83% of domestic cat mitotypes belong to one of twelve major types. Of the remaining 17%, 7.5% are unique within the published 1394 sample database. The current research evaluates the sample size necessary to establish a representative population for forensic comparison of the mitochondrial control region for the domestic cat. For most worldwide populations, randomly sampling 50 unrelated local individuals will achieve saturation at 95%. The 99% saturation is achieved by randomly sampling 60–170 cats, depending on the numbers of mitotypes available in the population at large. Likely due to the recent domestication of the cat and minimal localized population substructure, fewer cats are needed to meet mitochondria DNA control region database practical saturation than for humans or dogs. Coupled with the available worldwide feline control region database of nearly 1400 cats, minimal local sampling will be required to establish an appropriate comparative representative database and achieve significant exclusionary power.

Enzyme immunoassays as a method for quantifying hair reproductive hormones in two felid species.

Non-invasive monitoring of wild felid reproductive states is important, given that many species reproduce poorly in captivity. Despite extensive work in faecal hormone analysis in felids, continued development of techniques is necessary, particularly with wild populations. In this study, our aims were as follows: (i) biochemical validation of enzyme immunoassays for estrogen, testosterone and progesterone in Canada lynx and domestic cat hair extracts; (ii) assessment of the use of hair reproductive hormones to differentiate between reproductive states (intact, estrus, pregnant and spayed/neutered), using domestic cats as a model; and (iii) assessment of the use of hair reproductive hormones to differentiate between age and sex, accounting for potential regional variability in wild lynx populations. Analysis of hair hormone levels showed prospective value in detecting pregnancy states, with pregnant domestic cats having higher levels of progesterone than spayed females. However, intact and pregnant cats did not differ in progesterone levels. Yet, two female domestic cats had higher levels of hair progesterone following a 38-day oral progestin treatment, perhaps providing a preliminary pharmacological validation of the method. Estrogen and testosterone did not differ statistically according to reproductive states of domestic cats, although intact males had higher levels of hair testosterone than neutered males. When we applied these techniques to lynx fur, we determined that hormone levels were not sufficiently precise to differentiate age classes. Hair reproductive hormone ratios differed between sexes, with the estrogen-to-progesterone ratio demonstrating the highest accuracy in differentiating males from females. Hair hormone levels differed regionally for wild lynx, indicating that spatial variability should be a consideration in wildlife hormone studies spanning large spatial scales. We conclude that use of hair hormone analysis by enzyme immunoassay may hold promise for differentiating sex in felids, but the technique will require further refinement and validation before it can be applied broadly and reliably.

Prevalence of sensitization to allergens in 1 139 patients with allergic rhinitis in Zhengzhou area

To investigate the main allergens in patients with allergic rhinitis in Zhengzhou district. Twenty standardization allergens were used to perform skin prick test in 1 139 patients with allergic rhinitis. The samples were divided into four groups according to the age of the patients. The distributions of different allergens in the four groups were analyzed. The top five inhaled allergens were dermatophagoides farina (920 cases, 80.8%), dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (870 cases, 76.4%), cat hair (517 cases, 45.4%), herbs (397 cases, 34.9%) and poaceae (353 cases, 31.0%); the top five ingestive ones were shrimp (143 cases, 12.6%), peanut (66 cases, 5.8%), egg (56 cases, 4.9%), carp (51 cases, 4.5%) and meat (48 cases, 4.2%). The distribution of allergens was different among the different age groups. Dust mites, cat hair, herbs and poaceae were the most common allergens in Zhengzhou district.

Histological and dermatoscopic description of sphynx cat skin.

Histological and hair coat abnormalities of the alopecic sphynx cat have not been described in detail. The hairless allele (hr) in sphynx cats represents a mutation in the gene for keratin71, a protein expressed in the inner root sheath of humans and mice. To describe the histological and dermatoscopic abnormalities of sphynx cat skin. Skin biopsies were collected from 14 sphynx cats and five cats with normal coats. Dermatoscopic examinations were performed on 11 sphynx cats and six additional control cats. Vertical and horizontal sections of skin biopsy samples from sphynx and control cats were reviewed. Dermatoscopic images were compared between sphynx and control cats. Sphynx cat hair follicles were often small, curved and kinked and demonstrated infundibular hyperkeratosis and dilatation. Changes in the inner root sheath of sphynx cats included a poorly defined Henle's layer in addition to vacuolar-like changes and eosinophilic globules in Huxley's layer. Dermal papillae in sphynx cat anagen bulbs lacked the normal flame shape and were surrounded by epithelial cells arranged in a disorderly manner. The degree of follicular abnormalities varied between follicles. Follicular density was similar for both sphynx cats and control animals. Sphynx cat hair shafts were misshapen, smaller in diameter and rarely medullated. Dermatoscopy revealed similar hair coat density in sphynx and control cats. Sphynx cats demonstrated hair follicle dysplasia, with abnormal shaft production but without a decrease in follicle quantity. Abnormalities in sphynx cat follicles are similar to those in murine KRT71 mutants and suggest abnormal hair shaft keratinization.

In vitro detection and analysis of allergen-specific IgE antibodies in 2 036 patients with allergic diseases

Objective To detect allergen-specific IgE (sIgE)antibodies in patients with allergic diseases and to assess their clinical relevance.Methods Serum samples were collected from 2 036 outpatients with allergic diseases (including 163 cases of atopic dermatitis,268 eczema,1 522 urticaria,61 allergic rhinitis,22 allergic asthma) as well as 142 healthy human controls.Immunoblotting was performed to detect sIgE antibodies in these samples.A survey was conducted with a self-designed questionnaire to assess clinical reactivity to tested allergens in these subjects.Results The proportions of patients with a sIgE score of grade ≥ 2 and those with a sIgE score of grade ≥ 3 were 54.60％ and 38.04％ in patients with atopic dermatitis,respectively,significantly higher than those in patients with eczema (35.07％ and 20.15％,respectively,both P ＜ 0.001)and patients with urticaria (36.47％ and 19.05％,respectively,both P ＜ 0.001).The coincidence rate between sIgE detection results and self-reported allergy was 61.11％ and 83.05％ in atopic dermatitis patients with a sIgE score of grade 3 and grade ≥ 4,respectively,significantly higher than that in eczema patients (9.61％ and 14.63％,respectively,both P ＜ 0.001) and urticaria patients (7.36％ and 15.43％,respectively,both P ＜ 0.001).The five most common allergens were dust mite (15.95％),Artemisia argyi (11.04％),cat hair (7.36％),egg white (6.14％) and house dust (5.52％)among patients with atopic dermatitis.Conclusion sIgE detection appears to be of higher clinical value to patients with atopic dermatitis than to those with eczema or urticaria. Key words: Dermatology ; Anaphylaxis ; Immunoglobulin E ; Allergens ;

A SNP chip to detect introgression in wildcats allows accurate genotyping of single hairs

Genotyping non-invasively collected samples is challenging. Nevertheless, genetic monitoring of elusive species like the European wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris) mainly relies on such samples. Wildcats are likely threatened through introgression with domestic cats (F. silvestris catus). To determine introgression based on single cat hairs, we developed a 96.96 Fluidigm single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping array chip. To estimate the accuracy of this method, we compared genotypes of 17 cats called with both Sanger sequencing and Fluidigm. When Sanger sequencing genotypes were considered as a reference, the genotyping error rate with Fluidigm was 0.9 %. We subsequently compared 16 hair samples to tissue samples of the same individual. When the tissue samples were used as a reference, the genotyping error rate in hair samples was 1.6 %. This low error rate allowed reliable recognition of individuals and correct assessment of introgression levels. Thus, the genotyping method presented in this paper is suitable for non-invasively collected samples. It will help conservationists to monitor the introgression rate in wildcat populations based on non-invasive hair sampling and subsequently to conduct effective conservation measures.

Skin Prick Test Reactivity to Aeroallergens in Allergic Rhinitis Children in Guangzhou, Southern China

This retrospective study reviewed skin prick test (SPT) positive results to various aeroallergens among 2136 children with allergic rhinitis (AR) in Guangzhou City, Southern China. Most (74.67%) of the 2136 children who underwent skin test showed positive reaction to 2-4 allergens. The allergen group with the highest positive incidence was Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (der.p.) at 93.16%, followed by Dermatophagoides farinae (der.f.) at 86.23%, Tropical mites at 40.73%, Cat hair at 20.32% and Blattella germanica at 19.62%. Dust mites (der.p. & der.f) yielded strong positive reaction trend on AR children. The positive rate of der.p.,Cat hair and Blattella germanica was higher in school children group than preschool children group. Except for Blattella germanica, sensitization to every tested allergen varied in four season groups. These allergens should be given the highest priority when making the allergen avoidance strategies for AR children.

Impact of Allogrooming in Domestic Cats (Felis silvestris catus) on Mitochondrial DNA Profiling of Shed Hairs

Allogrooming is a normal behavior for socially bonded cats. Cat hairs may have epithelial cells on the shaft from at least two cat contributors, the host (groomee) and the donor (groomer). To determine the likelihood of obtaining a mixture or incorrect DNA profile in cat hairs, feline mtDNA control region from hairs of allogrooming cats was isolated and analyzed by direct sequencing. Two DNA extraction methods were tested; hair washes and complete digestion of hairs. For five allogrooming pairs with different mitotypes, thirteen of the 126 sequences (10.3%) matched the mitotype of the groomer, not the groomee. Forty-three sequences (34.13%) suggested the presence of both mitotypes, groomer and groomee. Approximately 2.4% of mtDNA sequences appeared heteroplasmic at mitotype defining sites. Heteroplasmy was not observed in 157 control sequences. Mitotypes from the groomer was 11-fold more difficult to obtain from hairs that were completely digested before DNA isolation and was not observed in samples if the hairs were washed prior to digestion. Unlike contamination issues in human forensic cases, obtaining more than one mtDNA profile from a feline hair sample could narrow the pool of suspects since the implicated cat(s) would have to be within the same vicinity and have social contact.

Light bulbs, Bill Evans, and cat hair: Exploring representations of creativity and education in images, videos, and blogs.

Light bulbs, Bill Evans, and cat hair: Exploring representations of creativity and education in images, videos, and blogs.

SENSITIZATION SPREAD AND SKIN SENSITIVITY TO HISTAMINE IN CHILDREN OF SCHOOL AGE IN TOMSK AND TOMSK REGION

научный биометрический журнал, который знакомит читателя с клиническими рекомендациями и особенностями применения лекарственных и вакцинных средств у детей, предоставляет исчерпывающую информацию о воздействии лекарственных средств на плод, о проводимых в

Efficacy of eight commercial disinfectants against Microsporum canis and Trichophyton spp. infective spores on an experimentally contaminated textile surface

An important part of treatment of dermatophytosis is the removal of infective material and decontamination of the environment. It is recognized that the role of disinfectants is to kill infective material not removed during the mechanical removal of debris and gross cleaning steps. A widely used disinfectant in the home is a dilute solution of sodium hypochlorite. To determine whether over-the-counter products, particularly ready-to-use formulations, with label claim as fungicidal are effective against Microsporum or Trichophyton spores isolated from cat hair. Eight commercial disinfectants were tested in vitro for fungicidal efficacy using three different trials and a 10 min contact time, as follows: a standard 1:10 spore dilution suspension test; 1 and 5 mL of disinfectant solution applied to contaminated gauze fabric; and, to simulate home use, one and five sprays of disinfectant applied to contaminated gauze. Good efficacy was defined as a product that completely inhibited growth. All products completely inhibited growth in the suspension test. Four of eight products showed complete inhibition of growth of both pathogens on the textile test after 1 mL or one spray; however, all eight products showed complete inhibition of pathogen growth after 5 mL or five sprays. Aggressive removal of contaminated material followed by thorough application of commercial ready-to-use disinfectants labelled as fungicidal against Trichophyton mentagrophytes are alternatives to dilute sodium hypochlorite.

Spezifische Immuntherapie

Currently, preparations containing native allergens or allergoids are used predominantly in allergen-specific immunotherapy (SIT) of inhaled allergies. The safety and efficacy of these preparations has been demonstrated. However, their reproducible production and standardisation requires substantial effort. Besides this, improved efficacy is often associated with higher doses and an increase in adverse events. The production of recombinant allergens could make SIT preparations more precisely definable, purer, more reproducible, safer and more efficacious. Furthermore, a more specific and individually tailored therapy would be conceivable. These effects could be further amplified by modification to hypoallergenic variants and peptides, or by the addition of adjuvants. Results of clinical trials with recombinant grass, birch and ragweed pollen, as well as with cat hair allergens have already been published. Particularly broad clinical experience exists for recombinant birch and grass pollen preparations, and results are promising for commercial application. Taken as a whole, this new technology can both improve the therapy of allergic diseases and deepen the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of SIT.

Allergy sensitization and asthma among 13-14 year old school children in Nigeria

The prevalence of asthma and role of atopy in asthma among children has not been clearly defined in Nigeria. To determine the prevalence of asthma and investigate risk factors related to allergy sensitization among urban and rural school children in southwest Nigeria. Validated ISAAC questionnaire was administered to 1736 high school children in randomly selected schools in rural and urban communities. Identified asthma cases were matched to controls. Allergy skin tests, blood eosinophil count, serum IgE and stool examination for parasites were performed. Dust samples from homes were also collected and analyzed for allergens. The prevalence of asthma was 7.5% (95% CI 6.0 to 9.2%) and 8% (95% CI 6.0-10.4%) in the rural and urban communities respectively . Risk factors for asthma included cigarette-smoking, cats in the home and family size. Eosinophil count (109/L) was elevated in asthmatics [0.70 (95% CI 0.48-1.11) vs. 0.32 (95% CI 0.19-0.69); p<0.01], but IgE levels were similar between the two groups (298±229 IU/mL vs. 288±257; p=0.97). Positive skin tests to cat hair, cockroach, mango blossom and mouse epithelium were more frequent in asthmatics than in healthy controls, especially in the rural communities. There was no correlation between allergens in dust collected from homes and skin test reactivity. Asthma prevalence is similar in rural and urban children in Southwest Nigeria and atopy with elevated IgE was not observed to be a major factor for asthma in our cohort of children in both communities.