Accusing Narendra Modi government of trying to impose its ideology on people, Sonia Gandhi on Saturday said communal frenzy is being created, innocents are killed on rumours and intellectuals are targeted under its rule which is threatening the country’s democratic and social fabric.
All posts by nedhamson
Kenyan camel coronaviruses…
Two studies have now found antibodies from Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV)-like coronaviruses in dromedary camels (DCs). The “like” bit reflects that unless we have some sequence, we can’t say for certain that the virus that infected those camels in the past, causing them to respond with these antibodies, was a MERS-CoV variant. The virus(es) may have been a different camel CoV that just so happens to share some antigens and is detected by MERS-CoV-“specific” antibody detection tests. The old story of “we don’t know what we don’t know” can perhaps be extended here to “we can’t validate a test against viruses we haven’t found yet”. Or that may just be too nerdy.
Anyhoo, we have two papers to look at here.
Antibodies against MERS coronavirus in dromedary camels, Kenya, 1992-2013
This paper went into the August edition of Emerging Infectious Diseases, authored by Corman and team (online much earlier but no way to track that thanks to no date of ePub ahead of print – loud sigh!) from Germany, Kenya, the Netherlands and Sweden.[1]
The introduction sets the scene for a paper seeking to know about where the MERS-CoV we know and love today, may have come from to be so common amongst camels. We suspect that this could be from another animal in its current form, or by recombination and mutation from a different ancestral form that has yet to be discovered in an animal (or human). This study seeks out MERS-CoV or a MERS-CoV like virus, or an ancestor, from camels in Kenya using their blood to look for footprints of previous infection – in this case, antibodies.
774 DC blood and stored sera collected from three regions of Kenya between 1992 and 2013 were subjected to a multi-step testing process:
- All samples, diluted 1:100, were screened using MERS-CoV spike protein subunit 1–based ELISA (rELISA; described before at [2])
.228 of 774 (29%) were positive - The 228, diluted 1:40, were next examined using a recombinant immunofluorescence assay using Vero cells expressing MERS-CoV spike protein (rIFA; described before at [3]
.213 of 228 (93%; 28% of the 774) were still positive in the second tier of testing - The third tier of testing of samples diluted between 1:80 and 1:800 used a highly specific MERS-CoV microneutralization assay (MNT assay; also previously described in [3])
.119 of 213 (56%; 15% of the 774) had titres (dilutable levels) greater than or equal to 1:80 and 14 had titres above 800
.Some counties of Kenya had 60-100% of samples test positive
| Figure 1. From Corman et al, Emerg Infect Dis. 2014 Vol 20, No 8. 1319:1322.[1] Click on image to enlarge. |
North-eastern and northern regions generally had higher titres (Fig.1).These are regions closer to other countries with known antibody-positive camels (Egypt, Sudan, Somalia and Ethiopia). Further, nomadic camels from the East had higher antibody titres than those farmed in the north-west of the Rift Valley. Nomadic camels are taken across borders for trade.[2] DCs that had been kept isolated since 1998 were negative signs of past MERS-CoV virus.
| Figure 2. Quote from [1] Click on image to enlarge. |
Camel density was also important. More camels were antibody positive in areas with higher densities of camels – also presumably because virus can spread better from one infected DC to others when more DC contacts are around. Similar story for humans, a contributing factor for those super-spreading conditions. The authors also made a comment that is very important to the answer the question of why human cases have not been found in areas with animal infections (see Figure 2).
Moving on to the next publication from Kenya.
Serological Evidence of MERS-CoV Antibodies in Dromedary Camels (Camelus dromedaries) in Laikipia County, Kenya
This one just came out on PLOS|ONE authored by Deem and colleagues from the United Stets of America, Kenya, New Zealand and the Netherlands.[4]
The introduction also reminds us that understanding MERS-CoV in camels in countries with herds, can help us assess and manage the risk for humans in those countries. In this case, Kenya has over 3 million DCs and mean and milk is worth $USD 11 million a year. These figures that may help you understand why DC interests don’t want to have a significant human pathogen harboured by their animals.
This study is based in Laikipia County, almost in the centre of Kenya (Fig 1), which has a growing camel population.
335 camels were sample from 9 easily accessed herds.
- All samples, diluted 1:20, were screened using a MERS-CoV, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV, human CoV (HCoV)-OC43 spike domain S1 antigen protein-microarray method used previously by this group [5,6,7,8,9]
_46.9% of DCs were seropositive (had antibodies) including at least 1 animal per herd
_60.8% of adult DCs were seropositive and 21.3% of the juvenile animals
_bovine CoV (tested for by including the HCoV-OC43 antigens) seroprevalence was high, as it often is in DCs
_this study did not see a significant difference in seroprevalence between nomadic herds or those managed in more commercial ways and no differences between different degrees of herd isolation
| Figure 3. Quote from [4] Click on image to enlarge. |
Clearly, camels are commonly infected by MERS-CoV or a close relative in parts of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula which receives camel imports from Africa.
Also very clearly, DCs survive the experience apparently fine and unharmed lending more support for MERS-CoV in DCs being just a “camel cold”. The camels do not need to be culled the way we do to other ill virus-infected animals (I’m looking at you chooks with high pathogenicity influenza A(H5N1) virus..or other flu viruses). We just need to remove camels from humans – or better manage the interactions we have to have. It’s not rocket science but it will take thoughtful, considered and collaborative discussions.
References…
- Antibodies against MERS coronavirus in dromedary camels, Kenya, 1992-2013
Corman VM, Jores J, Meyer B, Younan M, Liljander A, Said MY, Gluecks I, Lattwein E, Bosch BJ, Drexler JF, Bornstein S, Drosten C, Müller MA.
http://1.usa.gov/1kdiX0v - http://1.usa.gov/1hKk8Tw
- http://1.usa.gov/1kdiVpC
- Serological Evidence of MERS-CoV Antibodies in Dromedary Camels (Camelus dromedaries) in Laikipia County, Kenya
Sharon L. Deem , Eric M. Fèvre, Margaret Kinnaird, A. Springer Browne, Dishon Muloi, Gert-Jan Godeke, Marion Koopmans, Chantal B. Reusken
http://bitly.com/1kdiVpE - http://bitly.com/1kdiX0A
- http://bitly.com/1kdiX0C
- http://bitly.com/1hKk99P
- http://bitly.com/1kdiVFU
- http://1.usa.gov/1hKkaKW
This content was originally published at http://bitly.com/1Kas2vY
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Junipero Serra Statue Decapitated at Lower Presidio Park
Published October 17, 2015
MONTEREY, CALIFORNIA—Police in Monterey, California are looking for the individual(s) responsible for decapitating the Junipero Serra granite statue at Lower Presidio Historic Park sometime late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.
The statue’s head has not been recovered. Monterey historian Dennis Copeland told a local newspaper “the entire park was swept for the head, but it has not turned up.”
The vandalism is the third such act on a Serra statue since Junipero Serra was canonized by Pope Francis in September 23, 2015 in Washington, D.C. during his United States visit. Two weeks ago, a statue of Serra was painted green at the nearby Carmel Mission, where Serra is entombed. Another Serra statue in Carmel was toppled within days of the first incident.
Law enforcement officers are attempting to determine if the three vandalism acts were committed by the same individual(s).
Serra, who established the Catholic mission system in California, is controversial among American Indians, who opposed Pope Francis canonizing him. They opposed Serra’s canonization because under his Catholic mission system, American Indians were whipped and beaten – even fatally.
Admitting to the violence perpetrated on American Indians, Serra wrote:
“I am willing to admit that in the infliction of [flogging], there may have been inequalities and excesses committed on the part of the some of the priests, and that we are all exposed to err in that regard.”
The Serra statue has been at Lower Presidio Historic Park since 1891.
Officials said even if they cannot recover the statue’s head, it can be repaired, but it will be costly.
The post Junipero Serra Statue Decapitated at Lower Presidio Park appeared first on Native News Online.
Ojibwe Mother Fights to Improve the La Grange YMCA
Andrea Barnwell fighting local YMCAPublished October 17, 2015“We need to believe that evil people know they’re evil, or else that would open the door to the fact that we might be evil without knowing it.” – David WongLA GRANGE, ILLINOIS — Earlier this year, Andrea Barnwell (White Earth Ojibwe) and her children moved from Chicago to the suburb of La Grange, Illinois, hoping for better opportunities. Shortly thereafter, she was confronted with a previously unknown situation that challenges a system of thinking so many American Indians have seen time and again, to either stay silent and ignore the consequences or confront a program that is a staple in this community.Her local YMCA offers a program designed to strengthen the bond between fathers and daughters entitled Indian Guides and Princesses. All this is from the intentions of people to promote good values and spend quality-bonding time through American Indian values and practices. Hypothetically, this all sounds wholesome and tolerant, teaching children to respect and understand various American Indian cultures and their communities as contemporary peoples.And then, this happens… Comanche Cheer set to “Who Let the Dogs Out”“I have looked up the information on the Indian Princesses and I find it to be extremely racist and offensive,” Barnwell wrote in an email to YMCA officials. “The participants dress in Native American [costumes], call themselves names based on real tribes, and drum and (chant) in a style they deem to be Native American.”The problem is that this group truly believes they’re doing a great service for these kids, the community, and—let’s face it—history. Unfortunately, many non-American Indians developed the mentality that it is up to them to perpetuate the “mystique” and antiquity of America’s indigenous peoples. The Indian Guides and Princesses program comes from another parent-child program developed in the 1920s by Joe Friday (First Nations Ojibway) and later adopted by the Prairie Trail Federation, which consists of over 3,000 members and ninety-two “tribes.” Originally designed to develop father/son wilderness survival skills, the program shifted to incorporate father/daughter camping activities and ceremonies by concentrating on American Indian themes.Barnwell went on to say, “I think this sets a bad precedent for what kids learn about Native American culture, and it makes me sad to think that dads are teaching their chil
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Scientist under attack after he kills bird that took decades to find
Case of the moustached kingfisher pits those who think ‘collecting’ can save a species against those who believe we should never kill rare animals
For Christopher Filardi of the American Museum of Natural History, there is nothing like the thrill of finding a mysterious species. Such animals live at the intersection of myth and biology – tantalising researchers with the prospect that they may be real, but eluding trustworthy documentation and closer study. Indeed, last month, Filardi waxed poetic on the hunt for the invisible beasts that none the less walk among us.
“We search for them in earnest but they are seemingly beyond detection except by proxy and story,” he wrote. “They are ghosts, until they reveal themselves in a thrilling moment of clarity and then they are gone again. Maybe for another day, maybe a year, maybe a century.”
Senior doctors offer volunteer cover so juniors can protest – live
Medics prepare to fill central London streets as Jeremy Hunt reiterates accusation that union is misleading members
- Hunt: I would protest if I were ‘misled’
- Doctors ask Cameron to step into row
- ‘Shadowing a junior doctor was humbling’
2.01pm BST
The march is set to start in a few minutes at Waterloo Place, here’s a map of the route.
Map of the Junior Doctors London Protest – 17/10/15 @ 2pm #ourliveyourhands #juniorcontract http://bitly.com/1ROiAVq http://pic.twitter.com/kBd0hFCzm0
1.29pm BST
The Guardian’s health policy editor puzzles over the Health Secretary’s true agenda in pushing the junior contract:
What does Jeremy Hunt think he’s doing here? What’s his strategy for dealing with something when even the Daily Telegraph is warning that Conservative activists don’t understand why it’s become such a problem?
Gloria Steinem: ‘If men could get pregnant, abortion would be a sacrament’
She’s been at the forefront of the feminist movement since the 60s. What’s changed? Gloria Steinem talks about Sheryl Sandberg, Hillary Clinton – and the new threats to women’s rights
The pope is in town the morning I visit Gloria Steinem, staying a few blocks from her on the east side of Manhattan, a fact that tickles the 81-year-old activist. She is, needless to say, unimpressed by the pontiff’s liberal window-dressing. “I’m very glad that he cares about the environment,” she says drily. “And poverty. And dogs.” He has also relaxed the language around abortion, urging “forgiveness”, as opposed to damnation. Steinem, who is the nearest thing we have to a grande dame of feminism – a mantle she abhors – laughs. “Excuse me? Are you kidding me? Forgiveness?”
It is not easy to be an old hand in a political movement the very nature of which is, to some extent, to interrogate and reject the assumptions of what came before. When Steinem came of political age, in the late 1960s and early 70s, Betty Friedan ruled the roost, urging women to shuck off their domestic duties and grab the economic reins of power, something her feminist descendants praised even while deposing her for the reactionary scope of her interests. (As Bella Abzug said at the time, Friedan’s proposals were in danger of replacing “a white, male, middle-class elite with a white, female, middle-class elite”, a caution Steinem echoed: “We wanted to transform the system, not imitate it,” she says.)
Half of Britons believe weekend hospital admissions ‘more dangerous’
Amid junior doctor contract row, Observer/Opinium poll shows 35% of adults have delayed seeking medical help at weekend
Half of British adults believe they would be in greater danger if they were admitted to hospital at the weekend, new research suggests.
The Observer/Opinium poll, which found significant numbers of patients had delayed trips to the doctors on a Saturday and Sunday, was published on Saturday as thousands of junior doctors protested against government proposals to reform weekend working.
We’re Under Water: Germany Shows Signs of Strain from Mass of Refugees
50% plus of refugees from Syria are in Turkey and Lebanon. Spin and Right-wing field day in Germany and Hungary. Brown shirts flying off shelves in stores?
The unceasing influx of refugees is creating tremendous uncertainty in Germany. Many towns and cities are calling for help and the government appears to be rudderless. Pressure is mounting for Chancellor Angela Merkel to act. iBy SPIEGEL Staff/idiv style=”clear: both;”/divtable class=”tbl enclosures_tbl” id=”enclosures_tbl_6394241294″tbodytr class=”graylink”tdOriginal enclosures:/td/tr trtda class=”bluelink underlink” href=”http://www.spiegel.de/images/image-910129-thumbsmall-ttgk.jpg” target=”_blank”image-910129-thumbsmall-ttgk.jpg/a/td/tr/tbody/table
Source: Were Under Water: Germany Shows Signs of Strain from Mass of Refugees

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