Antimicrobial prophylaxis in companion animal surgery: A scoping review for European Network for Optimization of Antimicrobial Therapy (ENOVAT) guidelines

Surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis (SAP) is widely used to reduce the risk of surgical site infections (SSI), but there is uncertainty as to what the proportion of SSI reduction is. Therefore, it is difficult for surgeons to properly weigh the costs, risks and benefits for individual patients when deciding on the use of SAP, making it challenging to promote antimicrobial stewardship in primary practice settings. The objective of this study was to map the veterinary evidence focused on assessing the effect of SAP on SSI development and in order to identify surgical procedures with some research evidence and possible knowledge gaps. In October 2021 and December 2022, Scopus, CAB Abstracts, Web of Science Core Collection, Embase and MEDLINE were systematically searched. Double blinded screening of records was performed to identify studies in companion animals that reported on the use of SAP and SSI rates. Comparative data were available from 34 out of 39123 records screened including: eight randomised controlled trials (RCT), 23 cohort studies (seven prospective and 16 retrospective) and three retrospective case series representing 12476 dogs and cats in total. Extracted data described peri- or post-operative SAP in nine, and 25 studies, respectively. In the eight RCTs evaluating SAP in companion animals, surgical procedure coverage was skewed towards orthopaedic stifle surgeries in referral settings and there was large variation in SAP protocols, SSI definitions and follow-up periods. More standardized data collection and agreement of SSI definitions is needed to build stronger evidence for optimized patient care.

Clinical Features and Voxel-Based-Symptom-Lesion Mapping of Silent Aspiration in Acute Infratentorial Stroke

Post-stroke dysphagia (PSD) is a severe and common complication after ischemic stroke. The role of silent aspiration as an important contributing factor in the development of a dysphagia-associated complications, in particular aspiration-associated pneumonia has been insufficiently understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics and risk factors of silent aspiration in patients with acute infratentorial stroke by FEES and to identify culprit lesions in stroke patient with a high risk of silent aspiration via voxel-based-symptom-lesion mapping (VBS/ML). This study is a retrospective observational study based on a prospectively collected FEES and stroke database. Consecutive patient cases with acute ischemic infratentorial stroke and FEES examination between 2017 and 2022 were identified. Group allocation was performed based on PAS scores. Imaging analysis was performed by manual assignment and by VBS/ML. Group comparisons were performed to assess silent aspiration characteristics. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine if baseline clinical, demographic, and imaging parameters were helpful in predicting silent aspiration in patients. In this study 84 patient cases with acute infratentorial stroke who underwent FEES examination were included. Patients were moderately affected at admission (mean NIH-SS score at admission 5.7 SD ± 4.7). Most lesions were found pontine. Overall 40.5% of patients suffered from silent aspiration, most frequently in case of bilateral lesions. Patients with silent aspiration had higher NIH-SS scores at admission (p < 0.05), had a more severe swallowing disorder (p < 0.05) and were 4.7 times more likely to develop post-stroke pneumonia. Patients who underwent FEES examination later than 72 h after symptom onset were significantly more likely to suffer from silent aspiration and to develop pneumonia compared to patients who underwent FEES examination within the first 72 h (p < 0.05). A binary logistic regression model identified NIH-SS at admission as a weak predictor of silent aspiration. Neither in manual assignment of the lesions to brain regions nor in voxel-wise statistic regression any specific region was useful in prediction of silent aspiration. Silent aspiration is common in patients with infratentorial stroke and contributes to the risk for pneumonia. Patients with silent aspiration are more severely affected by stroke, but cannot reliably be identified by NIH-SS at admission or lesion location. Patients suffering from acute infratentorial stroke should been screened and examined for PSD and silent aspiration.

Challenges associated with electronic and in-person directly observed therapy during a randomized trial

BACKGROUND: Electronic directly observed therapy (eDOT) has been proposed as an alternative to traditional in-person DOT (ipDOT) for monitoring TB treatment adherence. Information about the comparative performance and implementation of eDOT is limited.METHODS: The frequency of challenges during DOT, challenge type, and effect on medication observation were documented by DOT method during a crossover, noninferiority randomized controlled trial. A logistic mixed-effects model that adjusted for the study design was used to estimate the percentage of successfully observed doses when challenges occurred.RESULTS: A total of 20,097 medication doses were scheduled for observation with either eDOT (15,405/20,097; 76.7%) or ipDOT (4,692/20,097; 23.3%) for 213 study participants. In total, one or more challenges occurred during 17.3% (2,672/15,405) of eDOT sessions and 15.6% (730/4,692) of ipDOT sessions. Among 4,374 documented challenges, 27.3% (n = 1,192) were characterized as technical, 65.9% (n = 2,881) were patient-related, and 6.9% (n = 301) were program-related. Estimated from the logistic model (n = 6,782 doses, 173 participants), the adjusted percentage of doses successfully observed during problematic sessions was 21.7% (95% CI 11.2-37.8) for eDOT and 4.2% (95% CI 1.1-14.7) for ipDOT.CONCLUSION: Compared to ipDOT, challenges were encountered in a slightly higher percentage of eDOT sessions but were more often resolved to enable successful dose observation during problematic sessions.

Scintillation light detection in the 6-m drift-length ProtoDUNE Dual Phase liquid argon TPC

DUNE is a dual-site experiment for long-baseline neutrino oscillation studies, neutrino astrophysics and nucleon decay searches. ProtoDUNE Dual Phase (DP) is a 6  ×  6  ×  6 m 3 liquid argon time-projection-chamber (LArTPC) that recorded cosmic-muon data at the CERN Neutrino Platform in 2019-2020 as a prototype of the DUNE Far Detector. Charged particles propagating through the LArTPC produce ionization and scintillation light. The scintillation light signal in these detectors can provide the trigger for non-beam events. In addition, it adds precise timing capabilities and improves the calorimetry measurements. In ProtoDUNE-DP, scintillation and electroluminescence light produced by cosmic muons in the LArTPC is collected by photomultiplier tubes placed up to 7 m away from the ionizing track. In this paper, the ProtoDUNE-DP photon detection system performance is evaluated with a particular focus on the different wavelength shifters, such as PEN and TPB, and the use of Xe-doped LAr, considering its future use in giant LArTPCs. The scintillation light production and propagation processes are analyzed and a comparison of simulation to data is performed, improving understanding of the liquid argon properties.

Inventory of Sources of Stress During Medical Education - Further Validation

Introduction

The Inventory of Academic Sources of Stress in Medical Education (IASSME) evaluates the presence and intensity of the main sources of academic stress for Portuguese Medicine students in five dimensions: Course demands/CD, Human demands/HD, Lifestyle/LS, Academic competition/AC, and Academic adjustment/AA.

Objectives

To further validate the ISSME using Confirmatory Factor Analysis and to analyze[ATP1] the psychometric properties of a new version including additional sources of stress.

Methods

Participants were 666 Portuguese medicine (82.6%) and dentistry (17.4%) students (81.8% girls); they answered an online survey including the ISSME and other validated questionnaires: Maslach Burnout Inventory – Students Survey (MBI-SS) and Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS).

Results

Confirmatory Factor Analysis showed that the second order model composed of five factors (the original structure by Loureiro et al. 2008), but excluding item 11 (loading=.371), presented good fit indexes (χ²/df=3.274; RMSEA=.0581, p<.001; CFI=.917; TLI=.904, GFI=.919). The Cronbach’s alfas were α=.897 for the total and from α=.669 (F2-HD) to α=.859 (F1-CD) for the dimensions. The expanded version, including two additional items related to lack of interest in medicine/dentistry (F6, α=.543) and two additional COVID-19 stress-related-items (F7, α=.744) also showed acceptable fit indexes (χ²/df=3.513; RMSEA=.061, p<.001; CFI=.88.; TLI=.866, GFI=.892). This new version’s α was of .896. Pearson correlations between ISSME and the other measures were significant (p<.01) and high: >.55 with DASS and >.50 with MBI-SS. Girls presented significantly higher ISSME scores. F6 score was significantly higher in dentistry students.

Conclusions

This further validation study underlines that IASSME presents good validity (construct and convergent) and reliability.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Inventory of Sources of Stress During Medical Education - Further Validation

Introduction

The Inventory of Academic Sources of Stress in Medical Education (IASSME) evaluates the presence and intensity of the main sources of academic stress for Portuguese Medicine students in five dimensions: Course demands/CD, Human demands/HD, Lifestyle/LS, Academic competition/AC, and Academic adjustment/AA.

Objectives

To further validate the ISSME using Confirmatory Factor Analysis and to analyze the psychometric properties of a new version including additional sources of stress.

Methods

Participants were 666 Portuguese medicine (82.6%) and dentistry (17.4%) students (81.8% girls); they answered an online survey including the ISSME and other validated questionnaires: Maslach Burnout Inventory – Students Survey (MBI-SS) and Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS).

Results

Confirmatory Factor Analysis showed that the second order model composed of five factors (the original structure by Loureiro et al. 2008), but excluding item 11 (loading=.371), presented good fit indexes (χ2/df=3.274; RMSEA=.0581, p<.001; CFI=.917; TLI=.904, GFI=.919). The Cronbach’s alfas were α=.897 for the total and from α=.669 (F2-HD) to α=.859 (F1-CD) for the dimensions. The expanded version, including two additional items related to lack of interest in medicine/dentistry (F6, α=.543) and two additional COVID-19 stress-related-items (F7, α=.744) also showed acceptable fit indexes (χ2/df=3.513; RMSEA=.061, p<.001; CFI=.88.; TLI=.866, GFI=.892). This new version’s α was of .896. Pearson correlations between ISSME and the other measures were significant (p<.01) and high: >.55 with DASS and >.50 with MBI-SS. Girls presented significantly higher ISSME scores. F6 score was significantly higher in dentistry students.

Conclusions

This further validation study underlines that IASSME presents good validity (construct and convergent) and reliability.

Disclosure

No significant relationships.

Optimal liver metabolism and proliferation require the tight junction protein claudin-3

Objective

The expression of hepatic tight junction proteins and their contribution to homeostasis and regeneration remained largely unexplored. Here, we determine the cell type specific expression of tight junction genes in murine livers. We further explore the regulation and functional importance of the transmembrane protein CLDN3 in normal and regenerating livers.

Methods

Murine livers were used for tissue- and single cell RNA-seq. CLDN3 localization was determined by immunofluorescence. CLDN3+/+ or CLDN3-/- livers were analysed by electron microscopy, fluorescence-activated cell sorting and liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Lipid content was quantified with oil-red. Mice were subjected to 2/3 partial hepatectomy. Proliferation was quantified with Ki67 and pHH3 stainings. Cell cycle gene expression was determined by RT-qPCR. Barrier impairments were assessed with total bile acid measurements. Differential gene expression was analysed by tissue RNAseq with DESeq2.

Results

We determined the profile of tight junction gene expression the main liver cell types, showing that tight junction transcripts can be found in hepatocytes and cholangiocytes but also on non-parenchymal cell populations. CLDN3 was among the highly expressed- and regulated genes in native and regenerating livers. CLDN3 had a zonated expression pattern. CLDN3-/- mice had microscopically intact tight junctions, but showed significantly downregulated hepatic energy metabolism and suboptimal cell proliferation in the regeneration model.

Conclusion

Our data suggests a functional role of CLDN3 for maintenance of energy homeostasis and optimal regeneration, proving that the function of hepatic tight junction proteins extends beyond basic membrane sealing.

Prospects for beyond the Standard Model physics searches at the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment: DUNE Collaboration

The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) will be a powerful tool for a variety of physics topics. The high-intensity proton beams provide a large neutrino flux, sampled by a near detector system consisting of a combination of capable precision detectors, and by the massive far detector system located deep underground. This configuration sets up DUNE as a machine for discovery, as it enables opportunities not only to perform precision neutrino measurements that may uncover deviations from the present three-flavor mixing paradigm, but also to discover new particles and unveil new interactions and symmetries beyond those predicted in the Standard Model (SM). Of the many potential beyond the Standard Model (BSM) topics DUNE will probe, this paper presents a selection of studies quantifying DUNE's sensitivities to sterile neutrino mixing, heavy neutral leptons, non-standard interactions, CPT symmetry violation, Lorentz invariance violation, neutrino trident production, dark matter from both beam induced and cosmogenic sources, baryon number violation, and other new physics topics that complement those at high-energy colliders and significantly extend the present reach.

Microbiological quality and safety of minimally processed parsley (Petroselinum crispum) sold in food markets, southeastern Brazil

AIMS

This study evaluated the microbiological quality and safety of minimally processed parsley sold in southeastern Brazilian food markets.

METHODS AND RESULTS

One hundred samples were submitted to the enumeration of Enterobacteriaceae by plating on MacConkey agar. Colonies of Enterobacteriaceae were randomly selected and identified by MALDI-TOF MS. Samples were also tested for Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella sp. The mean count of Enterobacteriaceae was 6·0 ± 1·0 log CFU per gram, while 18 genera (including 30 species) of bacteria belonging to this family were identified. Salmonella and L. monocytogenes were not detected, while L. innocua was found in two samples and L. fleischmannii was found in one sample. Moreover generic Escherichia coli was found in three samples, all from different brands of minimally processed parsley.

CONCLUSIONS

Even though microbial pathogens were not isolated, a variety of indicator micro-organisms were identified, including vegetable spoilers and species capable of causing human opportunistic infections. These results suggest hygienic failures and/or lack of temperature control during processing and storage of these ready-to-eat products.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY

This study highlights the need for control measures during the production chain of minimally processed parsley in order to reduce microbial contamination and the risks of foodborne diseases.

Important marine areas for the conservation of northern rockhopper penguins within the Tristan da Cunha Exclusive Economic Zone

The designation of Marine Protected Areas has become an important approach to conserving marine ecosystems that relies on robust information on the spatial distribution of biodiversity. We used GPS tracking data to identify marine Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) for the Endangered northern rockhopper penguin Eudyptes moseleyi within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Tristan da Cunha in the South Atlantic. Penguins were tracked throughout their breeding season from 3 of the 4 main islands in the Tristan da Cunha group. Foraging trips remained largely within the EEZ, with the exception of those from Gough Island during the incubation stage. We found substantial variability in trip duration and foraging range among breeding stages and islands, consistent use of areas among years and spatial segregation of the areas used by neighbouring islands. For colonies with no or insufficient tracking data, we defined marine IBAs based on the mean maximum foraging range and merged the areas identified to propose IBAs around the Tristan da Cunha archipelago and Gough Island. The 2 proposed marine IBAs encompass 2% of Tristan da Cunha’s EEZ, and are used by all northern rockhopper penguins breeding in the Tristan da Cunha group, representing ~90% of the global population. Currently, one of the main threats to northern rockhopper penguins within the Tristan da Cunha EEZ is marine pollution from shipping, and the risk of this would be reduced by declaring waters within 50 nautical miles of the coast as ‘areas to be avoided’.

Heath care utilization after birth in Brazil: a national study

Background

The Brazilian Ministry of Health recommends primary health care actions for women and babies in the first week after birth, with the aim of monitoring health status, screening for diseases, vaccination, support for breastfeeding and promoting contraception. However, data on these actions are not available at the national level. This study aims to estimate the use of outpatient health services in the postpartum period and to verify the demographic, socioeconomic and obstetric factors associated with this use.

Methods

National hospital-based study, conducted in 2011-2012, with an interview of 23,894 women. Estimates were calculated for eight indicators of health service use with performance assessed as “satisfactory” (75-100%), “partial” (50-74%) and “unsatisfactory” (&lt;50%). Multiple logistic regression was performed to verify the association between women's characteristics and each of the analyzed indicators.

Results

”Demand for postpartum consultation” (73.9%; 95% CI: 72.4-75.3%), “demand for newborn consultation” (91.6%; 95% CI: 90.6% - 92.5%), “BCG vaccination” (99.0%; 95% CI 98.7% - 99.2%) and “Hepatitis B vaccination” (96.8%; 95% CI 96.0%-97.5%) were considered satisfactory. “Neonatal screening test in the first week of life” was considered partial (60.1%; 95% CI 57.6% - 62.6%), while “consultation of the woman in the first 15 days after delivery” (37.0% 95% CI 35.0-39.0%),”consultation of the newborn in the first seven days of life”(21.8% 95% CI 20.2% - 23.5%) and “receiving the result of neonatal screening in the first month of life” (29.8% CI 95% 27.6%-32.2%) were considered unsatisfactory. Regional and social inequalities were identified, with the worst performance of all indicators in the less developed North and Northeast regions and in the most vulnerable women.

Conclusions

There is a need for better organization and provision of services, aiming to increase the coverage of postpartum and childcare actions and to reduce health inequalities.

Key messages

Low coverage of postnatal actions limits access to effective health care practices, putting mothers and babies at greater risk of illness and death. Regional and social inequalities and worse performance of health actions that depend exclusively on primary care services suggest barriers to access and failures in the organization of services.

Molecular Diagnosis in House Dust Mite-Allergic Patients Suggests That Der p 23 Is Clinically Relevant in Asthmatic Children

BACKGROUND

Patterns of sensitization to house dust mites depend on geographic area and are important in clinical practice. However, the role of molecular diagnosis is not currently defined. We sought to characterize a pediatric population by focusing on sensitization to different mite species and major mite components in order to assess the clinical relevance of sensitization to allergenic components in our practice.

METHODS

Consecutive children with respiratory allergy sensitized to house dust mites (determined by skin prick test [SPT]) were recruited. We determined specific IgE to nDer p 1, rDer p 2, and rDer p 23 using ImmunoCAP and sIgE using ImmunoCAP-ISAC microarray. Patients were followed up for 3 years.

RESULTS

A total of 276 children were recruited. The frequency of sensitization was 86.6% for nDer p 1, 79.3% for rDer p 2, and 75.8% for rDer p 23. Lepidoglyphus species was the most common storage mite detected by SPT. Twenty-six patients (9.4%) were not sensitized to Der p 1 or Der p 2. It is noteworthy that IgE binding to Der p 23 was positive in 14 (53.8%). Asthmatic patients, especially those with a persistent moderate-severe phenotype, more frequently recognized the 3 major allergens.

CONCLUSIONS

Most patients with mite allergy were sensitized to the major allergens Der p 1, Der p 2, and Der p 23. Of the allergens evaluated, 5% were sensitized to Der p 23 but not to Der p 1 or Der p 2. Sensitization to Der p 23 should be considered in the diagnosis and treatment of mite allergy, especially in patients with moderate-severe asthma, because it may worsen the clinical phenotype.

Distribution of the stx1 and stx2 genes in Escherichia coli isolated from milk cattle according to season, age, and production scale in southwestern region of Goiás, Brazil

ABSTRACT This study determined the distribution of stx1 and stx2 genes in Escherichia coli isolated from dairy herds with regard to animal age, season, and farm production-scale, and analyzed the phylogenetic distribution of the groups A, B1, B2, and D of 276 isolates of bovine feces Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). The stx1 profile was the most common, detected in 20.4% (202/990) of the isolates, followed by stx2 (4.54%, 45/990) and stx1+stx2 (2.92%, 29/990). The stx1 gene was detected more frequently in calves than in adult animals. In the dry season (winter), the presence of stx1+stx2 profile in cattle feces was higher than in the rainy season (summer), while no significant changes were observed between seasons for the stx1 and stx2 profiles. The most predominant phylogenetic groups in adult animals were B1, A, and D, while groups A and B1 prevailed in calves. Our data highlight the importance of identifying STEC reservoirs, since 7.5% of the tested isolates were positive for stx2, the main profile responsible for the hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS). Moreover, these microorganisms are adapted to survive even in hostile environments and can contaminate the food production chain, posing a significant risk to consumers of animal products.

Tuberculosis among the homeless: should we change the strategy?

BACKGROUND

Tuberculosis (TB) is a major concern among high-risk populations such as the homeless.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate TB incidence and treatment outcomes among homeless patients in Portugal and to identify predictors of unsuccessful TB treatment outcomes among the homeless.

DESIGN

This was a retrospective cohort study of all TB patients notified in Portugal from 2008 to 2014. Characteristics of homeless TB patients were assessed and predictors of unsuccessful TB treatment were determined using logistic regression.

RESULTS

TB incidence among the homeless was 122/100,000 homeless persons and was positively correlated with TB incidence among non-homeless persons. Homeless TB patients had a higher prevalence of alcohol and/or drug use, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection, cavitary TB and smear positivity. The rate of unsuccessful treatment outcomes among the homeless was 28.6%, and was significantly associated with increased age, injection drug use (IDU) and HIV co-infection.

CONCLUSION

TB incidence among homeless persons was five times that among the non-homeless, and higher in regions with greater TB incidence among non-homeless persons. The successful treatment outcome rate was lower. Predictors of unsuccessful treatment were age, IDU and HIV co-infection. Integrated TB programmes targeting homeless and non-homeless patients, with measures targeting specific characteristics, may contribute to TB elimination in Portugal.

11 Early Induction of Luteolysis in Fixed-Time Artificial Insemination Protocols Increases Fertility in Beef Cows

Complete luteolysis is essential for pregnancy success in beef cows submitted to fixed-time AI (FTAI) protocols. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of prostaglandin F (PGF) administration on Day 7 compared with Day 8 of an FTAI protocol on serum progesterone (P4) concentration, oestrus behaviour, ovulatory follicle (OF) diameter, and pregnancy per AI (P/AI). A total of 469 nonlactating Angus cows [with corpus luteum (CL), n = 359 or without CL, n = 110], body condition score 2.9 ± 0.2 (1 to 5 scale), maintained on pasture were used. Cows received a 1-g progesterone-releasing intravaginal device (Reproneo; GlobalGen, Jaboticabal, Brazil) and 2 mg of oestradiol benzoate i.m. (Syncrogen; GlobalGen) on Day 0. On Day 7, animals were randomly allocated into 2 groups. Cows were treated with 500 μg of sodium cloprostenol, IM (Inducio; GlobalGen), on Day 7 (PGF7, n = 238) or Day 8 (PGF8, n = 231). Then, P4 devices were removed and 0.5 mg of oestradiol cypionate, IM (Cipion; GlobalGen) was injected in all females on Day 8. The FTAI was performed 48 to 52 h after P4 device removal. Females had sacral region painted with appropriate paint (TELL TAIL, GEA, Hamilton New Zealand) on Day 8 to detect expression of oestrus. Transrectal ultrasonography (7.5-MHz linear transducer, MediSono P3V, Wilmington, DE, USA) was performed on Day 0 to detect presence of CL, on Day 10 to measure OF diameter, and on Day 40 to diagnose pregnancy. Blood samples were collected on Days 8 and 10 to measure P4 serum concentration by radioimmunoassay. Oestrus behaviour and pregnancy rate were analysed as binary outcomes using logistic regression (Proc GLIMMIX, SAS; SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA). OF diameter and P4 concentration were submitted to analysis of variance (Proc GLIMMIX, SAS). The oestrus manifestation was greater (odds ratio = 2.9; P = 0.0002) in females of PGF7 group (91.6%; 218/238) than PGF8 group (78.8%; 182/231). The P/AI of cows that exhibited oestrus was 60.2% (241/400) v. 39.1% (27/69), resulting in higher chance (odds ratio = 2.4) of pregnancy associated with oestrus behaviour (P = 0.0014). Diameter of the OF did not differ (P = 0.0881) between PGF7 (11.7 mm) and PGF8 (11.3 mm). The P/AI was higher (P = 0.0034) for PGF7 (63.9%, 152/238) v. PGF8 (50.2%, 116/231). In group PGF7, P4 on Day 8 did not differ between pregnant (1.7 ng mL−1) and nonpregnant (1.9 ng mL−1) females. However, group PGF8 pregnant females had lower P4 concentration (2.6 ng mL−1) on Day 8 (P = 0.0005) than nonpregnant (3.4 ng mL−1) females. On Day 10, P4 did not differ between treatments (PGF7 = 0.11 ng mL−1 v. PGF8 = 0.09 ng mL−1) and did not affect fertility (P = 0.2515). According to results, OF diameter and P4 concentration on Day 10 were not influenced by the day of PGF administration; however, earlier PGF injection resulted in higher oestrus behaviour and increased fertility.

Does any association exist between Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Erectile Dysfunction? The DECODED study

INTRODUCTION

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection for satisfactory sexual activity. Recent studies have shown an association between ED and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, this issue is often ignored. We aimed to evaluate the ED prevalence in COPD patients and its risk factors and to study the impact of dyspnea in sexual activity.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study that included sexually active male patients with COPD. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) questionnaire evaluated ED and the Respiratory Experiences with Sexuality Profile (RESP) was used to evaluate the impact of dyspnea on sexual activity. Risk factors for mild-moderate or moderate ED were determined using logistic regression.

RESULTS

84 patients were consecutively assessed for eligibility, 67 were included (median age: 65 years, 13% never-smokers). Twenty two percent had COPD 2011-GOLD A; 22% GOLD B, 14% GOLD C and 42% GOLD D. Fifty-eight patients (87%) had some degree of ED: 26 (45%) mild, 20 (34%) mild-moderate and 12 (21%) moderate ED. ED occurred in all GOLD stages of COPD, mainly in GOLD B and D stages. Higher CAT score was independently associated to mild-moderate/moderate ED. Most patients (85%) reported dyspnea during their sexual activity but 72% had never talked about it with their physician.

CONCLUSIONS

ED is highly prevalent among COPD patients and it is more severe in patients with higher CAT scores. Dyspnea affects their sexual activity but this is not a topic often discussed between patients and doctors, something which needs to be improved.

Biochemical composition of the hoof capsule of buffaloes and its influence on hoof quality

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to establish the biochemical parameters of the abaxial wall, dorsal wall and sole of the hoof of the medial thoracic, lateral, and medial pelvic digits of buffalos. The hoof samples were subjected to destructive biochemical analyses to identify the dry material (DM), mineral matter (MM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP) and ether extract (EE) contents. Sulfur (S), calcium (Ca), potassium (K), phosphorus (P), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) levels were determined based on nondestructive biochemical analyses. The parameters of dry material, mineral matter, organic matter, crude protein and ether extract of hoof capsule of the digits of buffalos can be determined by means of both destructive and nondestructive biochemical analysis. In addition, this study revealed that the highest concentrations of DM, CP and minerals such as, K, Zn and Cu are concentrated in the digits that bear the greatest body mass weight, suggesting that there is a positive correlation between the aforementioned parameters and the strength and growth of the hoof capsule in the digits. As for the element S, this study demonstrated that its highest concentration is located in the lateral digits of the pelvic members.

Results from the Survey of Antibiotic Resistance (SOAR) 2012-14 in Thailand, India, South Korea and Singapore

OBJECTIVES

To provide susceptibility data for community-acquired respiratory tract isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis collected in 2012-14 from four Asian countries.

METHODS

MICs were determined using Etest(®) for all antibiotics except erythromycin, which was evaluated by disc diffusion. Susceptibility was assessed using CLSI, EUCAST and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) breakpoints. For macrolide/clindamycin interpretation, breakpoints were adjusted for incubation in CO2 where available.

RESULTS

Susceptibility of S. pneumoniae was generally lower in South Korea than in other countries. Penicillin susceptibility assessed using CLSI oral or EUCAST breakpoints ranged from 21.2% in South Korea to 63.8% in Singapore. In contrast, susceptibility using CLSI intravenous breakpoints was much higher, at 79% in South Korea and ∼95% or higher elsewhere. Macrolide susceptibility was ∼20% in South Korea and ∼50%-60% elsewhere. Among S. pyogenes isolates (India only), erythromycin susceptibility (∼20%) was lowest of the antibiotics tested. In H. influenzae antibiotic susceptibility was high except for ampicillin, where susceptibility ranged from 16.7% in South Korea to 91.1% in India. South Korea also had a high percentage (18.1%) of β-lactamase-negative ampicillin-resistant isolates. Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid susceptibility for each pathogen (PK/PD high dose) was between 93% and 100% in all countries except for H. influenzae in South Korea (62.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

Use of EUCAST versus CLSI breakpoints had profound differences for cefaclor, cefuroxime and ofloxacin, with EUCAST showing lower susceptibility. There was considerable variability in susceptibility among countries in the same region. Thus, continued surveillance is necessary to track future changes in antibiotic resistance.