Human allergy to cats: A review of the impact on cat ownership and relinquishment

Purification of living environments using photocatalysts: Inactivation of microorganisms and decomposition of allergens

Many emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases are prevalent, and the number of patients with allergies is increasing. Therefore, the importance of purifying the living environment is increasing. Photocatalysts undergo extreme redox reactions and decompose organic matter upon exposure to the excitation light. In contrast to ultraviolet light and disinfectants, which are standard methods for inactivating viruses and eliminating microorganisms, photocatalysts can decompose toxic substances, such as endotoxins and allergens, rendering them harmless to the human body. Photocatalysts have attracted significant attention as potential antiviral and antimicrobial agents. This review outlines the antiviral, antimicrobial, and anti-allergenic effects of photocatalysts. Especially, we have discussed the inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 in liquids and aerosols, elimination of Legionella pneumophila in liquids, decomposition of its endotoxin, decomposition of cat and dog allergens, and elimination of their allergenicity using photocatalysts. Furthermore, we discuss future perspectives on how photocatalysts can purify living environments, and how photocatalytic technology can be applied to companion animals and the livestock industry.

TiO2-Photocatalyst-Induced Degradation of Dog and Cat Allergens under Wet and Dry Conditions Causes a Loss in Their Allergenicity

Allergies to dogs and cats can cause enormous damage to human health and the economy. Dog and cat allergens are mainly found in dog and cat dander and are present in small particles in the air and in carpets in homes with dogs and cats. Cleaning houses and washing pets are the main methods for reducing allergens in homes; however, it is difficult to eliminate them completely. Therefore, we aimed to investigate whether a TiO2 photocatalyst could degrade dog and cat allergens. Under wet conditions, exposure to the TiO2 photocatalyst for 24 h degraded Can f1, which is a major dog allergen extracted from dog dander, by 98.3%, and Fel d1, which is a major cat allergen extracted from cat dander, by 93.6-94.4%. Furthermore, under dry conditions, the TiO2 photocatalyst degraded Can f1 and Fel d1 by 92.8% and 59.2-68.4%, respectively. The TiO2 photocatalyst abolished the binding of dog and cat allergens to human IgE by 104.6% and 108.6%, respectively. The results indicated that the TiO2 photocatalyst degraded dog and cat allergens, causing a loss in their allergenicity. Our results suggest that TiO2 photocatalysis can be useful for removing indoor pet allergens and improving the partnership between humans and pets.

When and Why Cats Are Returned to Shelters

There is considerable research on why cats are initially relinquished to shelters, but much less attention has been given to returns, despite the significant implications for shelter capacity and cat welfare. Furthermore, the structure of many databases fails to account for cats who are returned beyond 30 days, despite this making up a substantial portion of returns. In the current study, we examined common risk factors and reasons for return in a population of 2642 shelter cats. We found that cats who were older at the time of adoption or had a bite history had an increased risk of return, whereas cats that were in foster care prior to adoption had a decreased risk of return. We divided the returns by the time to return (<30 days: short term, >30 days: long term) to examine whether time to return had an impact. Approximately half the cats were returned in the short term. Cats were more likely to be returned for reasons, such as behavior, unwanted, and other pet in the short term and personal reasons, cost, euthanasia, and stray in the long-term return. Strategies to reduce returns should consider different solutions for short and long returns to maximize effectiveness.

PREDICTION OF ASTHMA CONTROL STATUS IN SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN SENSITIZED TO CAT ALLERGENS

OBJECTIVE

The aim: To develop a model for predicting asthma control status in school-age children sensitized to cat allergens.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Materials and methods: The study included 302 children aged 6-17 years who were sensitized to cat allergens. The ALEX² test (Macro Array Diagnostics GmbH, Austria) was used to analyze the sensitization profile in these children. After 12 months of treatment, control of clinical asthma symptoms was achieved in 185 (61.26%) children. Single-factor logistic regression models were constructed to analyze the probability of achieving asthma control in school-age children with sensitization to cat allergens.

RESULTS

Results: It was found that asthma control status depended on the FeNO dynamics after 3 months of treatment, the number of cat allergens to which sensitization was detected, and the duration of exposure to a domestic cat after sensitization tests, which were conducted to verify the allergic capacity to cat allergens. The investigation resulted in the creation of a mathematical model for predicting the probability of asthma control, sensitivity 94.6 (95% CI 90.3 - 97.4) %, specificity - 81.2 (95% CI 72.9 - 87.8) %, PPV = 88.8 (95% CI 84.5 - 92.1) %, NPV = 90.5 (95% CI 83.8 - 94.6) %.

CONCLUSION

Conclusions: A model for predicting the probability of asthma control was created. The formula is used to calculate the patient's P. P > 0.44 allows predicting the achievement of asthma control after 12 months of treatment.