We conducted a cross-sectional study in live bird markets (LBMs) in Dhaka and Chittagong, Bangladesh, to estimate the prevalence of avian influenza A(H5) and A(H9) viruses in different types of poultry and environmental areas by using Bayesian hierarchical logistic regression models. We detected these viruses in nearly all LBMs. Prevalence of A(H5) virus was higher in waterfowl than in chickens, whereas prevalence of A(H9) virus was higher in chickens than in waterfowl and, among chicken types, in industrial broilers than in cross-breeds and indigenous breeds. LBMs with >1 wholesaler were more frequently contaminated by A(H5) virus than retail-only LBMs. Prevalence of A(H9) virus in poultry and level of environmental contamination were also higher in LBMs with >1 wholesaler. We found a high level of circulation of both avian influenza viruses in surveyed LBMs. Prevalence was influenced by type of poultry, environmental site, and trading.

A new class of surface-immobilized protein nanomachines can be reversibly actuated by cycling the solution pH between 2.5 and 12.3, which induces a conformational change, thereby modulating the thickness of superoxide dismutase (SOD1) tethered to the Au thin film. By placing Au nanoparticles (AuNP) atop the immobilized SOD1 by means of a gold-thiol assembly, the nanoscale motion of SOD1 at the interface produces mechanical work to lift and then lower the AuNP from the Au substrate by a distance of ca. 3 nm and transduces this motion into an easily measurable reflectivity change in the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectrum. As-made supported conjugate consisting of SOD1 and AuNP is quite robust and stable, and its operation in response to pH variations, which mirrors the conformational changes of responsive SOD1 at the interface, is found to be highly reversible and reproducible. This is the first demonstration of the development of novel solid-state sensors and/or switching devices based on substrate-bound protein conformational changes and AuNP enhanced SPR spectroscopy.

Objectives The objective of this study was to investigate potential risk factors for the diagnosis of feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) in cats living in a primarily indoor environment. Methods A case-control study focusing on a cohort of cats attending a first-opinion veterinary practice in Seoul, South Korea, from 2012-2016, was undertaken. Data were collected from cats' owners by questionnaire and analysed using a multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results Fifty-eight cases of FIC and 281 randomly selected controls were surveyed. Over 90% of the cases and controls had no access to the outside, and 100% and 91% of the cases and controls, respectively, were neutered. The estimated prevalence of an FIC diagnosis was 1.77% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.36-2.18). The final logistic regression model included five variables associated with an FIC diagnosis. Males had 2.34 times the odds of being diagnosed with FIC compared with females (95% CI 1.18-4.62; P = 0.015). Cats reported as not having vantage points had 4.64 times the odds of an FIC diagnosis compared with those reported as having vantage points (95% CI 2.05-10.49; P <0.001). Cats living in an apartment had 2.53 times the odds of an FIC diagnosis compared with those living in a house (95% CI 1.30-4.93; P = 0.006). Cats cohabiting with other cats were more likely to be diagnosed with FIC than those living alone (odds ratio 3.16, 95% CI 1.61-6.22; P = 0.001). Cats using non-clumping litter had 2.62 times the odds of an FIC diagnosis compared with those using clumping litter (95% CI 1.38-4.96; P = 0.003). Conclusions and relevance This study was conducted in a different epidemiological context from previous studies in that the overwhelming majority of the cats studied were housed entirely indoors. This study identified several significant associations related to a cat's indoor environment. These findings suggest that the cat's physical and social environment may play a role in the development of FIC.

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