Widespread correction of brain pathology in feline alpha-mannosidosis by dose escalation of intracisternal AAV vector injection.

Alpha-mannosidosis is caused by a genetic deficiency of lysosomal alpha-mannosidase, leading to the widespread presence of storage lesions in the brain and other tissues. Enzyme replacement therapy is available but is not approved for treating the CNS, since the enzyme does not penetrate the blood-brain barrier. However, intellectual disability is a major manifestation of the disease; thus, a complimentary treatment is needed. While enzyme replacement therapy into the brain is technically feasible, it requires ports and frequent administration over time that are difficult to manage medically. Infusion of adeno-associated viral vectors into the cerebrospinal fluid is an attractive route for broadly targeting brain cells. We demonstrate here the widespread post-symptomatic correction of the globally distributed storage lesions by infusion of a high dose of AAV1-feline alpha-mannosidase (fMANB) into the CSF via the cisterna magna in the gyrencephalic alpha-mannosidosis cat brain. Significant improvements in clinical parameters occurred, and widespread global correction was documented pre-mortem by non-invasive magnetic resonance imaging. Postmortem analysis demonstrated high levels of MANB activity and reversal of lysosomal storage lesions throughout the brain. Thus, CSF treatment by adeno-associated viral vector gene therapy appears to be a suitable complement to systemic enzyme replacement therapy to potentially treat the whole patient.

A retrospective study of Monteggia fractures in 8 dogs and 1 cat.

Monteggia fractures (MFs) are proximal ulnar fractures with concurrent dislocation of the radial head. This retrospective study aims to report the clinical findings and discuss the treatments and outcomes in MFs cases of 9 cases. Previous medical records of the animals were reviewed for history, clinical features, radiographic findings and choice of treatment. Treatment follow-up was evaluated over the telephone by discussion with the owners. Six animals included in the study were presented 2 days after the initial trauma. Five dogs were presented after common road traffic accidents and two after unknown traumas. All dogs had type I MFs, while the cat had a type III MF. Radiographical findings showed that six animals had extra-articular ulnar fractures, while three animals had intra-articular ulnar fractures. All animals were treated with open reduction of the ulna and internal fixation surgical methods. Six ulnar fractures were stabilized with intramedullary pin(s) with cerclage wire. The clinical outcome was assessed by the owners as full function in 3 dogs, acceptable function in 2 dogs and unacceptable function in 2 dogs with intraarticular ulnar fractures. The cat case was rated as full function. One dog died from a pulmonary fat embolism. The findings presented here provide some support that cerclage wire placement could be a satisfactory method for annular ligament reconstruction as a simple and economical treatment option. Also, to the authors' knowledge, this is the third report of MFs with intraarticular ulnar fractures. In this series, comminuted, intraarticular fractures were related to major postoperative complications.

Streptococcus canis Native Aortic Valve Endocarditis Linked to Cat Exposure: A Case Report and Review.

Streptococcus canis is an uncommon human pathogen, but documented infections have been mostly associated with exposure to dogs. There are only five documented cases of endocarditis secondary to streptococcus canis, with all cases except one documenting exposure to a canine. We present a 74-year-old male with a history of Type 2 diabetes mellitus, CKD 3, moderate aortic stenosis and remote exposure to agent orange, who was found to have Streptococcus canis native valve endocarditis without exposure to a dog. To the best of our knowledge this case is the first case of endocarditis linked to feline exposure.

Does "Dr. Google" improve discussion and decisions in small animal practice? Dog and cat owners use of internet resources to find medical information about their pets in three European countries.

Modern dog and cat owners increasingly use internet resources to obtain information on pet health issues. While access to online information can improve owners' knowledge of patient care and inform conversations with their veterinarian during consultations, there is also a risk that owners will misinterpret online information or gain a false impression of current standards in veterinary medicine. This in turn can cause problems or tensions, for example if the owner delays consulting their veterinarian about necessary treatment, or questions the veterinarian's medical advice. Based on an online questionnaire aimed at dog and cat owners in Austria, Denmark and the United Kingdom (N = 2117) we investigated the use of internet resources to find veterinary medical information, the type of internet resources that were used, and whether owner beliefs explain how often they used the internet to find medical information about their pet. Approximately one in three owners reported that they never used internet resources prior to (31.7%) or after (37.0%) a consultation with their veterinarian. However, when owners do make use of the internet, our results show that they were more likely to use it before than after the consultation. The most common internet resources used by owners were practice websites (35.0%), veterinary association websites (24.0%), or 'other' websites providing veterinary information (55.2%). Owners who believe that the use of internet resources enables them to have a more informed discussion with their veterinarians more often use internet resources prior to a consultation, whereas owners who believed that internet resources help them to make the right decision for their animal more often use internet resources after a consultation. The results suggest that veterinarians should actively ask pet owners if they use internet resources, and what resources they use, in order to facilitate open discussion about information obtained from the internet. Given that more than a third of pet owners use practice websites, the findings also suggest that veterinarians should actively curate their own websites where they can post information that they consider accurate and trustworthy.

Accuracy of the COMPASS-CAT thrombosis risk assessment scale in predicting venous thromboembolism in cancer patients: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aims to assess the accuracy of the COMPASS-CAT tool in predicting venous thromboembolism (VTE) among cancer patients. METHODS: Relevant studies were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL, OVID, CBM, CNKI, WanFang Data, and VIP database from their inception up to April 19, 2023. The quality of studies was appraised using the diagnostic test accuracy study bias assessment tool (QUADAS-2). Quantitative analysis was performed using Stata MP 17.0. RESULTS: Thirteen studies involving 8,665 patients were included. Meta-analysis indicated that the COMPASS-CAT score had a pooled sensitivity of 0.76 [95%CI (0.61, 0.86)], specificity of 0.67 [95%CI (0.52, 0.79)], positive likelihood ratio of 2.3 [95%CI (1.7, 3.1)], negative likelihood ratio of 0.36 [95%CI (0.23, 0.54)], diagnostic odds ratio of 6 [95%CI (4, 10)], and an area under the Summary Receiver Operating Characteristic (SROC) curve (AUC) of 0.77 [95%CI (0.74, 0.81)]. Funnel plots indicated no publication bias. Meta-regression and subgroup analysis suggested that country and diagnostic setting might be potential sources of heterogeneity. The sensitivity of the COMPASS-CAT assessment tool in international outpatient settings was 0.94 with an AUC of 0.86, while in domestic inpatient settings, the sensitivity was 0.65 with an AUC of 0.78. CONCLUSION: The COMPASS-CAT score had a certain diagnostic value for VTE in cancer patients and can effectively identify patients at risk of VTE. Most studies focus on patients with lung cancer. Future research should investigate more tumor types, and high-quality, large-sample, multi-center prospective studies on larger populations with cancers are warranted.

SGLT2 inhibitor use in the management of feline diabetes mellitus.

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are routinely used in the management of human type 2 diabetes and have been shown to effectively mitigate hyperglycemia and reduce the risks of cardiovascular and renal compromise. Two SGLT2 inhibitors, namely bexagliflozin and velagliflozin, were recently FDA approved for the treatment of uncomplicated feline diabetes mellitus. These oral hypoglycemic agents are a suitable option for many newly diagnosed cats, with rapid improvements in glycemic control and clinical signs. Suitable candidates must have some residual ß-cell function, as some endogenous insulin production is required to prevent ketosis. Appropriate patient selection and monitoring are necessary, and practitioners should be aware of serious complications such as euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis.

Using a three-dimensional-printed device with the patient's maxillary dental impression allows to perform minimally invasive brain biopsies in dogs and cats: a preliminary study.

OBJECTIVE: To develop an innovative process for stereotactic brain biopsies in dogs and cats that would provide a definitive diagnosis and optimize the management of patients with brain lesions. ANIMALS: 4 dogs and 1 cat diagnosed with 1 or more brain lesion(s) underwent brain biopsies between March 24, 2023, and October 25, 2023. METHODS: Based on trajectories selected on images of MRI and CT scan performed on each patient, a computerized software program was used to design a 3-D-printed patient-specific device with maxillary dental impression located on a baseplate to secure the patient's head and with insertion ports for the biopsy instrumentations located on a C-arm. As proof of concept, the device was successfully used in 2 cadavers before being used on clinical patients. All biopsy samples were submitted for histopathological examination. RESULTS: Histological diagnosis was obtained in 80% (4/5) of the cases (choroid plexus tumor, astrocytoma, meningioma, and chronic meningoencephalitis of unknown origin). In 1 patient, the results of biopsy were nondiagnostic; postmortem diagnosis was consistent with a low-grade oligodendroglioma. All the patients were discharged within 24 hours after the procedure without complications. This novel stereotactic system allows the surgeon to perform safe, easy-to-use, inexpensive, and minimally invasive precise brain biopsies in dogs and cats, without complications. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This unique technique could be applied to any size and type of skull and for any type of brain lesions and would provide diagnostic information that would be valuable for future treatment planning and prognosis.

Conducting a successful diet trial for the diagnosis of food allergy in dogs and cats.

A limited antigen diet trial and subsequent food provocation is currently the optimal method of confirming a diagnosis of food allergy in dogs and cats. However, performing an effective diet trial can be challenging as it requires a high level of client and pet compliance, appropriate diet selection and correct interpretation of the provocative challenge. This narrative guides the clinician through the process, highlights potential pitfalls and specifies how these can be avoided to achieve a successful outcome.

Serological and molecular survey of Toxoplasma gondii infection and associated risk factors in urban cats in Kunming, Southwest China.

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a worldwide zoonotic parasite that can infect almost warm-blood animals, including humans, which seriously affect the health of host. Cats are known to be the only definitive host of T. gondii and continuously excrete highly infectious oocysts. This parasite carried by the companion animals leads to a great public health risk. However, there is little information on epidemiology of T. gondii in urban cats in Kunming, Southwest China. In the present study, a total of 231 serum and fecal samples were collected in Kunming aera, and then seroprevalence of T. gondii IgG antibodies in serum and molecular investigation in feces were analyzed to elucidate T. gondii infection in urban cats. The results revealed that 168 of 231 cats (72.7%) were positive for T. gondii antibodies, and 1 of 74 cat feces (1.4%) also showed a positive PCR for T. gondii DNA. The positive fecal sample was sequenced and then phylogenetically analyzed, and the isolate of T. gondii in the present study was closely related to T. gondii strain CN. In addition, the food, water and age of cats were identified as the risk factor for seropositivity. Overall, our findings indicate the widespread occurrence of T. gondii infection in urban cats in Kunming, Southwest China and identify food, water and age are the risk factors associated with T. gondii infection, which can provide effective information for developing strategies to prevent and control this zoonosis.

Cat scratch disease unveils hidden breast carcinoma: A diagnostic twist.

Cat scratch disease is a rare condition that can present with different clinical manifestations, including axillary lymphadenopathy. Here, we report the case of a 45-year-old female who presented with axillary lymphadenopathy attributable to a process of differential diagnosis to cat scratch disease. During the thorough investigation of her condition, a routine mammogram was performed, due to the unilateral axillary lymphadenopathy, revealing the presence of previously undiagnosed breast carcinoma in situ; in fact, a DCIS (invasive ductal carcinoma with spread to the ipsilateral axillary nodes) was incidentally found. This case highlights the importance of comprehensive differential diagnosis and a multidisciplinary approach in managing patients with atypical presentations of common diseases, given that other alarming but unrelated findings are visible.

Asymptomatic colonization of stray dogs and domestic cats with Trichophyton mentagrophytes II* in Northern Iran.

BACKGROUND: Despite changes in the epidemiology of dermatophyte infections, the incidence of fungal infections associated with Trichophyton species still remains high among dogs and cats. The objective of the present study was to isolate and characterize dermatophytes from dogs and cats in Iran. METHOD: From December 2022 to May 2023, skin and hair samples were collected from symptomatic and asymptomatic cats and dogs in Mazandaran, a northern province of Iran. The samples were then inoculated into Mycosel™ Agar. Dermatophyte isolates were identified by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer region. Antifungal susceptibility tests were conducted using the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI-M38-A3). RESULT: Of the 250 samples collected (from 200 dogs and 50 cats), 20 (from 19 dogs and one cat) (8.0 %) were positive for dermatophyte growth. Based on sequence and phylogenetic analysis, all isolates belonged to T. mentagrophytes II*. Of these positive samples, 14 (70.0 %), 3 (15.0 %), 2 (10.0 %), and 1 (2.0 %) were isolated from asymptomatic stray dogs, symptomatic stray dogs, symptomatic domestic dogs, and symptomatic cats, respectively. Luliconazole and terbinafine displayed potent activity against all T. mentagrophytes isolates, with Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 0.016 µg/ml. Miconazole and griseofulvin demonstrated higher MIC (1 and 8 µg/ml). CONCLUSION: The present study indicated that T. mentagrophytes II* asymptomatic carriage is frequent in stray dogs in Iran. The potential risk to public health needs to be evaluated However, T. mentagrophytes genotype VIII, considered as an endemic and emerging human pathogenic clone in several countries, was not detected during the present survey.

Description of Babesia galileei sp. nov. A Piroplasmid species causing severe disease in domestic cats.

BACKGROUND: Babesiosis is a tick-borne infection caused by piroplasmid protozoa and associated with anemia and severe disease in humans, domestic animals and wildlife. Domestic cats are infected by at least six Babesia spp. that cause clinical disease. METHODS: Infection with a piroplasmid species was detected by microscopy of stained blood smears in three sick cats from Israel. Genetic characterization of the piroplasmid was performed by PCR amplification of the 18S rRNA, cytochorme B (CytB) and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) genes and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) locus, DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. In addition, Haemaphysalis adleri ticks collected from two cats were analyzed by PCR for piroplasmids. RESULTS: The infected cats presented with anemia and thrombocytopenia (3/3), fever (2/3) and icterus (1/3). Comparison of gene and loci sequences found 99-100% identity between sequences amplified from different cats and ticks. Constructed phylogenetic trees and DNA sequence comparisons demonstrated a previously undescribed Babesia sp. belonging to the Babesia sensu stricto (clade X). The piroplasm forms detected included pear-shaped merozoite and round-to-oval trophozoite stages with average sizes larger than those of Babesia felis, B. leo and B. lengau and smaller than canine Babesia s.s. spp. Four of 11 H. adleri adult ticks analyzed from cat # 3 were PCR positive for Babesia sp. with a DNA sequence identical to that found in the cats. Of these, two ticks were PCR positive in their salivary glands, suggesting that the parasite reached these glands and could possibly be transmitted by H. adleri. CONCLUSIONS: This study describes genetic and morphological findings of a new Babesia sp. which we propose to name Babesia galileei sp. nov. after the Galilee region in northern Israel where two of the infected cats originated from. The salivary gland PCR suggests that this Babesia sp. may be transmitted by H. adleri. However, incriminating this tick sp. as the vector of B. galilee sp. nov. would require further studies.

Unusual sex chromosomal DSD in a domestic Shorthair cat with a 37,X/38,XY mosaic karyotype.

BACKGROUND: Sex chromosome abnormalities associated with disorders of sexual development (DSD) are rarely described in cats, mainly due to the lack of chromossome studies that precisely reveal the condition. Genetic approaches are therefore required in order to detect sex chromossomes abnormalities as variations in the number and structure of chromosomes, or the presence of a second cell line as mosaicim or chimerism. CASE PRESENTATION: A male Shorthair cryptorchid cat was presented with clinical signs of anorexia, tenesmus and hyperthermia. Ultrasonography revealed a fluid-filled structure, with approximately 1 cm in diameter, adjacent to the descending colon. Computed tomography evidenced a tubular structure, ventral to the descending colon and caudal to the bladder, which extended cranially, through two branches. Histopathological evaluation confirmed the presence of two atrophic uterine horns and one hypoplastic testicle with epididymis at the end of one of the uterine horns. The end of the other uterine horn was attached to a structure composed by a mass of adipocytes. Cytogenetic analysis revealed a mosaic 37,X/38,XY karyotype. The two cell lines were found in 15% and 85% of the lymphocytes, respectively. Genetic analysis confirmed the presence of SRY and ZFY genes in blood and hair bulbs, and revealed a marked reduction in SRY expression in the testicle. Additionally, this case presented exceptionally rare features, such as a Leydig' cell tumour and a chronic endometritis in both uterine horns. CONCLUSIONS: Complete imaging workup, cytogenetic analysis and SRY gene expression should be systematically realized, in order to properly classify disorders of sexual development (DSD) in cats.

Owner experience and veterinary involvement with unlicensed GS-441524 treatment of feline infectious peritonitis: a prospective cohort study.

Introduction: Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) has historically been a fatal coronavirus disease in cats. In recent years, the therapeutic agent GS-441524, developed by Gilead Sciences, was found to be a successful treatment for FIP in most patients in clinical trials. However, this particular drug has remained stalled in the therapeutic pipeline, leaving patients and cat owners without a licensed medication. In the meantime, online social media platforms began to emerge, connecting cat owners with a community of citizen non-veterinary professionals sourcing unlicensed GS-441524. Methods: This study prospectively followed participants (N = 141) that successfully completed 12 weeks of treatment, capturing their treatment experiences with self-administered GS-441524-like medication. A one-time survey was administered to enrolled participants with mixed format of questions (open-ended and multiple-choice) asking about treatment administration techniques, observed side effects of GS-441524, accrued cost, veterinarian involvement, impact on the cat-human bond, and social media usage. Results: Our results show cat owners experienced a shift in treatment modality from injectable GS-441524 to pill formulation across the treatment period. The average total cost of medication has decreased since 2021 to approximately USD 3100, and participants reported the human-animal bond being affected negatively. Additionally, there was an increased trend in veterinarian awareness of GS-441524-like therapeutics and monitoring of clients undergoing treatment. Social media usage was reported as being important at the beginning of treatment to establish treatment administration but lessened by the end of treatment. Discussion: This study is the first detailed, prospective account of owner experiences with unlicensed GS-441524, raising an important discussion surrounding citizen veterinary medicine.

Revealing microbial community characteristics in healthy human, cat and canine salivas and looking for species-specific microbes.

As two kinds of increasingly popular pets, the saliva of cat or canine is most likely to be left at the crime scene compared with the common types of body fluids in forensics. Accurately identifying the species of saliva samples found at the crime scene involving pets will help the investigators find available testing materials, reduce the consumption of reagents and save the investigative time of the case. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the characteristics and differences of saliva microbiomes of cat, canine and human. In this study, 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing technology was used to reveal microbial communities of saliva samples of healthy human, cat, and canine. Alpha diversity analyses indicated that canine saliva demonstrated the highest microbial diversity, followed by cat saliva, whereas human saliva microbial diversity was the lowest. The saliva samples of the three species all had their own unique microbial community compositions, and the dominant phyla of canine and cat salivas were Proteobacteria and Bacteroidete, while the dominant phyla of human saliva were Firmicutes and Proteobacteria. There was no significant statistical difference in the salivary microbiota obtained by the two collection methods (cotton swab and liquid saliva). The gender of cats and canines might have no effect on the salivary microbiota, but the different breeds had an impact on their saliva microbiomes. Principal coordinates analysis, non-metric multidimensional scaling analysis and random forest analysis all indicated significant differences in microbial community structures among the three species, allowing inference on the species sources of saliva samples by microbiome method. Differential microbial biomarkers for the salivas of three species were screened out using a variety of bioinformatics analyses, and the results demonstrated that Prevotella melaninogenica, Veillonella parvula, and Haemophilus parainfluenzae could be used as species-specific microbial biomarkers of human saliva. The detections of human species-specific microbes provide a potential method for determining human saliva.

Generation of Olfactory Compounds in Cat Food Attractants: Chicken Liver-Derived Protein Hydrolysates and Their Contribution to Enhancing Palatability.

The present study investigated the impact of four chicken liver protein hydrolysate-based cat food attractants on palatability. Aroma compounds were analyzed in these attractants, which were subsequently sprayed onto four different types of cat foods. Results revealed that CF4 exhibited the highest intake ratio and the first choice ratio, followed by CF2 sample. Orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) demonstrated significant differences among 50 volatile compounds identified from the four cat foods. Using variable importance in projection (VIP) values, we selected 17 key flavor compounds responsible for distinguishing between the four cat foods. Peptides with a molecular mass <180 Da showed correlation with nonanoic acid and cedrol, while those >3000 Da correlated with hexanoic acid ethyl ester. Regression coefficients (RCs) calculated from partial least-squares regression (PLSR) results showed positive correlations between compound content and palatability for six compounds, whereas negative correlations were observed for ten compounds. Validation experiments confirmed that nonanal, 2-propylpyridine, and 3-octen-2-one enhanced palatability and correlated with peptides ranging from 180 to 500 Da; conversely, nonanoic acid ethyl ester and 3-methyl-pentanoic acid reduced palatability and correlated with peptides ranging from 1000 to 3000 Da.

Viral pathogens in domestic cats in southern Italy: A retrospective analysis in Sicily, 2020-2022.

A retrospective study was carried out on selected feline viral pathogens detected in domestic cat in Sicily, southern Italy. Samples from 64 cats, collected from 2020 to 2022, were analysed for the presence of feline panleukopenia virus, canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2), feline coronavirus (FCoV), feline calicivirus (FCV), feline herpesvirus type 1, norovirus (NoV), and rotavirus (RoV). Single (45 %) or mixed (38 %) viral infections were detected. FPV, related with other Italian FPV strains, remains the main viral cause of infection (66 %). CPV-2c Asian lineage strains (3 %) were detected for the first time in domestic cats in Europe. FCoV (29.6 %), either enteric or systemic, and systemic FCV (18.7 %) infections were detected in positive cats. Less commonly reported viruses (GIV.2/GVI.2 NoVs, RoV), potentially related to the animal/human interface, were detected at lower rates as well (5 %). The present epidemiological data suggest the need to improve disease prevention, immunization, and biosecurity strategies.

Advancing diagnostic precision: Unveiling sensitization relationships between cat, dog, and horse allergen molecules.

BACKGROUND: Recent advancements in molecular diagnostics have unveiled a multitude of allergen molecules (AMs) associated with animal sensitizations, revealing significant cross- and co-sensitization patterns among these seemingly distinct allergens. METHOD: We investigated the sensitization profiles of 120 children, sensitized to at least one of the 14 AMs from cat, dog, or horse using the Alex test, employing correlations and hierarchical clusters to explore relationship between sensitizations. RESULTS: Sensitizations to Fel d 1, Can f 4/5, and Equ c 4 differ from other cat, dog, and horse AM sensitizations, suggesting they may represent genuine sensitizations for their respective animals. High correlations were observed among various AMs, including lipocalins (Can f 1/2/6, Fel d 4/7, and Equ c 1), serum albumins (Fel d 2, Can f 3, and Equ c 3), and uteroglobins (Fel d 1 and Can f_Fd1). Hierarchical clustering of sensitizations identified two similarity clusters and one dissimilarity cluster, providing an estimation of the likelihood of cross-reactivity. Additionally, our method facilitated speculation regarding cross-, co-, or genuine sensitization. Moreover, we noted a potential increase in the number and level of sensitized animal AMs concurrent with increased sensitization to other aeroallergens with advancing age. No significant difference was detected for the presence or absence of various types of allergic comorbidities. CONCLUSION: Correlations and hierarchical clustering can unveil the extent and magnitude of cross-, co-, and genuine sensitization relationships among animal AMs. These insights can be leveraged to enhance artificial intelligence algorithms, improving diagnostic accuracy through the integration of other measures of sensitization.

Human Genetics of Tetralogy of Fallot and Double-Outlet Right Ventricle.

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) and double-outlet right ventricle (DORV) are conotruncal defects resulting from disturbances of the second heart field and the neural crest, which can occur as isolated malformations or as part of multiorgan syndromes. Their etiology is multifactorial and characterized by overlapping genetic causes. In this chapter, we present the different genetic alterations underlying the two diseases, which range from chromosomal abnormalities like aneuploidies and structural mutations to rare single nucleotide variations affecting distinct genes. For example, mutations in the cardiac transcription factors NKX2-5, GATA4, and HAND2 have been identified in isolated TOF cases, while mutations of TBX5 and 22q11 deletion, leading to haploinsufficiency of TBX1, cause Holt-Oram and DiGeorge syndrome, respectively. Moreover, genes involved in signaling pathways, laterality determination, and epigenetic mechanisms have also been found mutated in TOF and/or DORV patients. Finally, genome-wide association studies identified common single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with the risk for TOF.

Assessment and validation of the pet-owner relationship scale for Brazil.

Introduction: This study aimed to perform a cross-cultural adaptation of the cat-owner/dog-owner relationship scales. The method involved several stages: conceptual, item, semantic, operational, measurement, and functional equivalence. Procedures included translation, synthesis of translations, back-translation, consensus on the English versions, external evaluation by the original authors, expert committee evaluation, and pre-tests. Methods: The study surveyed 234 pet owners across Brazil using a 20-item questionnaire. Data analysis utilized confirmatory factor analysis, covariance-based modeling, and multigroup analysis. Results: The study confirmed the content and construct validity of the model, demonstrating good convergent validity. Hypotheses testing revealed significant inverse relationships between Perceived Cost and Perceived Emotional Closeness, and between Perceived Cost and Pet-Owner Interactions. A positive correlation was found between Perceived Emotional Closeness and Pet-Owner Interactions, with Perceived Emotional Closeness also mediating the relationship between Perceived Cost and Pet-Owner Interactions. No significant differences were found across different pet owner groups, indicating the scale's invariance and reliability across various demographics. Discussion: The study significantly expands understanding of the complex dynamics in pet-owner relationships and emphasizes the interplay between emotional and practical factors. It offers valuable insights for future research and practices in animal and human welfare.