BACKGROUND: The mammalian Leukocyte Receptor Complex (LRC) chromosomal region may contain gene families for the killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) and/or leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor (LILR) collections as well as various framing genes. This complex region is well described in humans, mice, and some domestic animals. Although single KIR genes are known in some Carnivora, their complements of LILR genes remain largely unknown due to obstacles in the assembly of regions of high homology in short-read based genomes. METHODS: As part of the analysis of felid immunogenomes, this study focuses on the search for LRC genes in reference genomes and the annotation of LILR genes in Felidae. Chromosome-level genomes based on single-molecule long-read sequencing were preferentially sought and compared to representatives of the Carnivora. RESULTS: Seven putatively functional LILR genes were found across the Felidae and in the Californian sea lion, four to five genes in Canidae, and four to nine genes in Mustelidae. They form two lineages, as seen in the Bovidae. The ratio of functional genes for activating LILRs to inhibitory LILRs is slightly in favor of inhibitory genes in the Felidae and the Canidae; the reverse is seen in the Californian sea lion. This ratio is even in all of the Mustelidae except the Eurasian otter, which has a predominance of activating LILRs. Various numbers of LILR pseudogenes were identified. CONCLUSIONS: The structure of the LRC is rather conservative in felids and the other Carnivora studied. The LILR sub-region is conserved within the Felidae and has slight differences in the Canidae, but it has taken various evolutionary paths in the Mustelidae. Overall, the process of pseudogenization of LILR genes seems to be more frequent for activating receptors. Phylogenetic analysis found no direct orthologues across the Carnivora which corroborate the rapid evolution of LILRs seen in mammals.

• MeSH
• Canidae * MeSH
• Carnivora * genetics   MeSH
• Felidae * MeSH
• Phylogeny MeSH
• Genomics MeSH
• Sea Lions * MeSH
• Leukocytes MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Mustelidae * MeSH
• Mice MeSH
• Receptors, Immunologic genetics   MeSH
• Receptors, KIR genetics   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Mice MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH

Natural killer (NK) cells belong to the innate immune system. The germline-encoded natural killer cell receptors represent activating and inhibitory receptors regulating multiple NK cell activities. The natural cytotoxicity receptors (NCRs) are activating natural cytotoxicity triggering receptors 1, 2, and 3 (NKp46, NKp44, and NKp30), encoded by the genes NCR1, NCR2, and NCR3, respectively. NCRs may be expressed in different cell types engaged in mechanisms of innate and adaptive immunity. The family Felidae, comprising the domestic cat and a wide variety of free-ranging species represents a well-suited model for biomedical and evolutionary studies. We characterized the NCR1, NCR2, and NCR3 genes in a panel of felid species. We confirmed the presence of potentially functional genes NCR1, NCR2, and NCR3 in all species. All three genes are conserved within the family and are similar to other phylogenetically related mammalian families. The NCR1 and NCR2 phylogenetic trees based on both nucleotide and protein sequences corresponded to the current zoological taxonomy, with some exceptions suggesting effects of different selection pressures in some species. Highly conserved NCR3 sequences did not allow a robust phylogenetic analysis. Most interspecific differences both at the nucleotide and protein level were found in NCR2. Within species, the most polymorphic CDS was detected in NCR1. Selection analyses indicated the effects of purifying selection on individual amino acid sites in all three genes. In stray cats, a rather high intraspecific diversity was observed.

• MeSH
• Alleles MeSH
• Killer Cells, Natural MeSH
• Felidae * genetics   metabolism   MeSH
• Phylogeny MeSH
• Cats MeSH
• Nucleotides MeSH
• Natural Cytotoxicity Triggering Receptor 1 * genetics   MeSH
• Receptors, Natural Cytotoxicity Triggering genetics   metabolism   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Cats MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH

We report an outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 lineage alpha in gorillas and felid species in a zoo in Prague, Czech Republic. The course of illness and clinical signs are described, as are the results of characterization of these particular SARS-CoV-2 variants by next-generation sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. The putative transmission routes are also discussed.

• MeSH
• COVID-19 * MeSH
• Felidae * MeSH
• Phylogeny MeSH
• Hominidae * MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• SARS-CoV-2 genetics   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Geographicals
• Czech Republic MeSH

Neotropical wild felids (NWF) are obligate carnivore species present in Central and South America, and some are considered endangered due to constantly decreasing populations. NWF can become infected by a wide range of protozoan and metazoan parasites, some of them affecting their health conditions and others having anthropozoonotic relevance. Parasitological studies on NWF are still very scarce, and most data originated from dead or captive animals. On this account, the current study aimed to characterize gastrointestinal parasites of free-ranging jaguars (Panthera onca), pumas (Puma concolor), ocelots (Leopardus pardalis), and jaguarundis (Herpailurus yagouaroundi), i.e., four out of six NWF species endemic to Colombia. Fecal samples from jaguars (n = 10) and ocelots (n = 4) were collected between 2012 and 2017 as part of the Jaguar Corridor Initiative from six geographic locations in Colombia. In addition, cestode specimens were obtained during puma and jaguarundi necropsies. Scat samples were processed by standardized sodium acetate-acetic acid-formalin (SAF), sedimentation, and flotation techniques and by carbol fuchsin-stained fecal smears. Morphological evaluation of feces showed the presence of one cestode (Spirometra sp.), a nematode (Toxocara cati), an acanthocephalan (Oncicola sp.), and one cyst-forming coccidian (Cystoisospora-like oocysts). Feces oocysts were submitted to a Toxoplasma gondii-specific PCR for species identification, but no product was amplified. The cestodes isolated from a puma and jaguarundi were molecularly characterized by sequencing cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, identifying them as Taenia omissa and as a T. omissa sister lineage, respectively. These results collectively demonstrate the potential role of NWF as natural reservoir hosts for neglected zoonotic parasites (e.g., Spirometra sp., T. cati) and highlight their possible role in parasite transmission to human communities. Due to public health concerns, the occurrence of these parasites should be monitored in the future for appropriate zoonotic management practices in conservation strategies and wild felid health management programs.

• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH

Visual attractiveness and rarity often results in large carnivores being adopted as flagship species for stimulating conservation awareness. Their hunting behaviour and prey selection can affect the population dynamics of their prey, which in turn affects the population dynamics of these large carnivores. Therefore, our understanding of their trophic ecology and foraging strategies is important for predicting their population dynamics and consequently for developing effective conservation programs. Here we concentrate on an endangered species of carnivores, the snow leopard, in the Himalayas. Most previous studies on snow leopard diet lack information on prey availability and/or did not genetically check, whether the identification of snow leopard scats is correct, as their scats are similar to those of other carnivores. We studied the prey of snow leopard in three Himalayan regions in Nepal (Sagarmatha National Park (SNP), Lower Mustang (LM) and Upper Manang (UM) in the Annapurna Conservation Area, during winter and summer in 2014-2016. We collected 268 scats along 139.3 km linear transects, of which 122 were genetically confirmed to belong to snow leopard. Their diet was identified by comparing hairs in scats with our reference collection of the hairs of potential prey. We determined prey availability using 32-48 camera-traps and 4,567 trap nights. In the SNP, the most frequent prey in snow leopard faeces was the Himalayan tahr in both winter and summer. In LM and UM, its main prey was blue sheep in winter, but yak and goat in summer. In terms of relative biomass consumed, yak was the main prey everywhere in both seasons. Snow leopard preferred large prey and avoided small prey in summer but not in winter, with regional differences. It preferred domestic to wild prey only in winter, and in SNP. Unlike most other studies carried out in the same area, our study uses genetic methods for identifying the source of the scat. Studies solely based on visual identification of samples may be strongly biased. Diet studies based on frequency of occurrence of prey tend to overestimate the importance of small prey, which may be consumed more often, but contribute less energy than large prey. However, even assessments based on prey biomass are unlikely to be accurate as we do not know whether the actual size of the prey consumed corresponds to the average size used to calculate the biomass eaten. For example, large adults may be too difficult to catch and therefore mostly young animals are consumed, whose weight is much lower. We show that snow leopard consumes a diverse range of prey, which varies both regionally and seasonally. We conclude that in order to conserve snow leopards it is also necessary to conserve its main wild species of prey, which will reduce the incidence of losses of livestock.

• MeSH
• Felidae physiology   MeSH
• Carnivory physiology   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Male MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Geographicals
• Nepal MeSH

Five of the 13 known species of Mammomonogamus have been described in members of the family Felidae, including domestic cats, making felids the most frequent hosts of Mammomonogamus. The occurrence of Mammomonogamus in felids is geographically scattered and information on the life cycle and other aspects of infections is lacking. The paucity of data opens the questions on possible conspecificity of some of the described species of Mammomonogamus and on the existence of possible reservoirs for infections in domestic cats in geographically isolated endemic foci of infection. To test such hypotheses, we compared sequences of mitochondrial and nuclear markers obtained from Mammomonogamus adults or eggs collected from domestic cats in three geographically distant localities. Based on morphology, geographic origin and site of infection, the worms examined can be referred to as Mammomonogamus ierei and Mammomonogamus auris. Phylogenetic analyses of both mitochondrial and ribosomal DNA markers showed monophyly of the genus Mammomonogamus and suggested the existence of at least two species in cats. Review of the literature, the existence of several species and the discontinuous geographic distribution of Mammomonogamus infections in domestic cats suggest an historical spillover of infection from wild reservoirs, presumably wild felids.

• MeSH
• Animals, Wild parasitology   MeSH
• Felidae parasitology   MeSH
• Phylogeny MeSH
• Animals, Domestic parasitology   MeSH
• Strongylida Infections veterinary   MeSH
• Cats parasitology   MeSH
• DNA, Mitochondrial genetics   MeSH
• DNA, Ribosomal genetics   MeSH
• Animal Distribution MeSH
• Strongyloidea classification   isolation & purification   MeSH
• Disease Reservoirs parasitology   veterinary   MeSH
• Geography MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Cats parasitology   MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Review MeSH

Parasitic protists of the genus Cytauxzoon are detected in a wide range of wild and domestic felids. Bobcats are a confirmed reservoir of Cytauxzoon felis in North America while domestic cats are susceptible hosts suffering from severe or fatal illness. Cytauxzoon infections are mainly reported from American felids and, recently, several sub-clinical and clinical findings were reported from European, Asian, and African felids. In 2014, the collection of organs of 4 Eurasian lynx and 12 wild cats from 11 Romanian localities was carried out to determine the prevalence and genetic diversity of Cytauxzoon spp. We detected an overall high prevalence of 62.5% in both species of wild felids; 50% in wild cats and 100% in Eurasian lynx. The phylogenetic analysis indicates 2 distinct clades of Cytauxzoon in felids, with all of our sequences clustering with sequences of Cytauxzoon sp./Cytauxzoon manul from Palaearctic felids. Further studies, development of new genetic markers, and experimental transmission studies are required for clarifying the taxonomy and life cycle of feline Cytauxzoon in the Old World.

• MeSH
• Arachnid Vectors parasitology   MeSH
• Bayes Theorem MeSH
• Animals, Wild parasitology   MeSH
• Felidae parasitology   MeSH
• Felis parasitology   MeSH
• Phylogeny MeSH
• Ticks parasitology   MeSH
• Lynx parasitology   MeSH
• Piroplasmida classification   pathogenicity   MeSH
• Prevalence MeSH
• Protozoan Infections, Animal epidemiology   parasitology   transmission   MeSH
• Disease Reservoirs veterinary   MeSH
• Animals MeSH
• Check Tag
• Animals MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Geographicals
• Europe epidemiology   MeSH
• Romania epidemiology   MeSH

Kniha obsahuje podrobně zpracované dějiny výroby sanitních vozidel na našem území, informace o dnes již zapomenutých firmách vyrábějících speciální zdravotnické nástavby, technické údaje automobilových podvozků používaných pro stavbu sanitních vozidel, přehled významných konstruktérů a výrobců sanitní techniky, terminologický slovník a další zajímavosti týkající se záchranných složek.

• MeSH
• Automobiles history   MeSH
• Ambulances history   MeSH
• Emergency Medical Services MeSH
• Publication type
• Review MeSH
• Geographicals
• Czech Republic MeSH
• Slovakia MeSH

• Conspectus
• Dopravní prostředky
• NML Fields
• technika

Žádný domácí automobil se nedočkal takového nevděku a kritiky jako Škoda 1203. Přitom to byl v době svého vzniku vůz moderní, a při průběžné kultivaci se mohl stát ikonou jako třeba VW Transporter. Jenže to by se nesměl rodit třináct let způsobem, jakým se rodil. Jak, to poutavě přibližuje kniha o historii, technice i rozmanitém užití dvanáctsettrojky, řečené též razdvatrojka, dvanáctsettroska či dokonce jen troska. Vozila novorozence z porodnice, řemeslníky na stavbu, hasiče, zraněné i nebožtíky. Vpravdě "kolébka má i rakev" na kolech.; Žádný domácí automobil se nedočkal takového nevděku a kritiky jako Škoda 1203. Přitom to byl v době svého vzniku vůz moderní, a při průběžné kultivaci se mohl stát ikonou jako třeba VW Transporter. Jenže to by se nesměl rodit třináct let způsobem, jakým se rodil. Jak, to poutavě přibližuje kniha o historii, technice i rozmanitém užití dvanáctsettrojky, řečené též razdvatrojka, dvanáctsettroska či dokonce jen troska. Vozila novorozence z porodnice, řemeslníky na stavbu, hasiče, zraněné i nebožtíky. Vpravdě „kolébka má i rakev“ na kolech.

• Keywords
• slovníky odborné, slovník věcný, slovník synonymický,
• Publication type
• Dictionary MeSH

• Conspectus
• Čeština
• NML Fields
• lingvistika, lékařská terminologie