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Abstract Background Right ventricular (RV) function assessment by echocardiography can be challenging due to its complex morphology. Also, increasing use of sedation rather than general anesthesia for transfemoral approach transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) reduces the need for intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). Recent clinical studies have demonstrated the importance of 3-dimensional (3D) echocardiography and a longitudinal strain for RV function assessment. In this study, we compared RV function echocardiographic assessment methodologies in TAVR and investigated its clinical utility. Methods This was a prospective, observational study of TAVR at a large academic hospital. Inclusion criteria were adult patients undergoing TAVR requiring intraoperative TEE between April 2023 and October 2023. Exclusion criteria include an absolute contraindication to TEE, a pacemaker, or suboptimal intraoperative echocardiography images. The primary goal is to assess the correlation of 3D RV ejection fraction (EF) with RV fraction area change (FAC), and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE). The secondary goal is to assess the correlation of RV free wall longitudinal strain (FWLS) with any newly diagnosed postoperative ventricular arrhythmia, including complete atrioventricular block (CAVB) and left bundle branch block (LBBB). Results Among 33 patients who underwent TAVR, 4 patients were excluded due to poor image quality, and 7 patients were excluded due to existing pacemaker. Thus, data for 22 patients were analyzed in this study. There was a good correlation between 3D RVEF and RV FAC (correlation coefficient 0.789. p = 0.0000482), but poor correlation between 3D RVEF and TAPSE (correlation coefficient 0.182. p = 0.444). Eight patients developed a new left or right BBB and CAVB postoperatively, and 3 patients required permanent pacemaker. Regression analysis of pre and post valve deployment showed RV free wall RVFWLS was each correlated with postoperative new BBB or CAVB (pre valve deployment: hazard ratio 1.272, 95% CI 1.075 to 1.505, p = 0.004981; post valve deployment: hazard ratio 1.134, 95% CI 1.001 to 1.286, p = 0.04846). No mortality was reported during the follow-up period, and no significant tricuspid regurgitation (more than moderate) was reported. Conclusion 3D RVEF and RV FAC showed a good correlation. Intraoperative RVFWLS has the potential to predict postoperative new occurrence of BBB or CAVB.

Objective This study aimed to explore psychologists experiences when providing culturally responsive psychological practice working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander1 clients.Method Psychologists (N = 108, Female 83.2%, Male 16.8%, Aboriginal 13.9%, non-Indigenous 86.1%, age range 22–83) responded to an electronic mixed method survey. Statistical and content analysis were undertaken using data gathered to address the study aims.Results The findings highlighted and validated challenging, successful, and unsuccessful psychological practice adjustments used by psychologists when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients. Aboriginal psychologist’s voices were privileged as traditional knowledge holders.Conclusions There is diversity in opinion and practices utilised by psychologists when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The uncertainty applied to the effectiveness of treatments, and/or outcomes. To enhance social and emotional wellbeing higher education institutes need to embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander content in psychology curriculum to better prepare non-Indigenous psychologists to work in a culturally responsive way with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients.

IntroductionA fundamental challenge for charities that facilitate distribution of animal health products to small-scale livestock producers (SSPs) in low and middle income countries (LMICs) is identifying the products and market mechanisms that provide the greatest positive impact for SSPs and estimating their associated impact. This paper describes a pragmatic approach to modeling the impact of market-led product distribution initiatives based on estimating the net economic benefit of administration of animal health products.MethodsThe model estimates the economic impact of diseases at the individual animal level for poultry, small ruminants, and cattle. The economic impact of mortality and growth inhibition associated with disease are then estimated in conjunction with the losses averted or recovered by preventing or treating the disease. Economic benefit is estimated in 2014–2017 values and also adjusted to 2023 values. The flexible model structure allows for addition of new geographies, new products, and increased granularity of modeled production systems.ResultsApplied to the Global Alliance for Livestock Veterinary Medicines (GALVmed) product distribution initiatives conducted in Africa and South Asia (SA) between 2014 and 2017, the model estimates an adjusted total net economic benefit of 139.9 million USD from sales of vaccines and poultry anthelminthics in these initiatives. Within SSA, the greatest net economic benefit was realized from East Coast fever and Newcastle disease vaccines, while in SA, peste des petits ruminants and Newcastle disease vaccines had the greatest net economic benefits. This translated to an adjusted $37.97 of net economic benefit on average per SSP customer, many of whom were small poultry producers.DiscussionWhile the model currently estimates impacts from mortality and growth inhibition in livestock, there is the potential to extend it to cover impacts of further initiatives, including interventions targeted at diseases that impact production of milk, eggs, and reproduction.

Summary: Background: Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) can lead to the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). In some patients with non-resolvable (NR) COVID-19, lung injury can progress rapidly to the point that lung transplantation is the only viable option for survival. This fatal progression of lung injury involves a rapid fibroproliferative response and takes on average 15 weeks from initial symptom presentation. Little is known about the mechanisms that lead to this fulminant lung fibrosis (FLF) in NR-COVID-19. Methods: Using a pre-designed unbiased PCR array for fibrotic markers, we analyzed the fibrotic signature in a subset of NR-COVID-19 lungs. We compared the expression profile against control lungs (donor lungs discarded for transplantation), and explanted tissue from patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Subsequently, RT-qPCR, Western blots and immunohistochemistry were conducted to validate and localize selected pro-fibrotic targets. A total of 23 NR-COVID-19 lungs were used for RT-qPCR validation. Findings: We revealed a unique fibrotic gene signature in NR-COVID-19 that is dominated by a hyper-expression of pro-fibrotic genes, including collagens and periostin. Our results also show a significantly increased expression of Collagen Triple Helix Repeat Containing 1(CTHRC1) which co-localized in areas rich in alpha smooth muscle expression, denoting myofibroblasts. We also show a significant increase in cytokeratin (KRT) 5 and 8 expressing cells adjacent to fibroblastic areas and in areas of apparent epithelial bronchiolization. Interpretation: Our studies may provide insights into potential cellular mechanisms that lead to a fulminant presentation of lung fibrosis in NR-COVID-19. Funding: National Institute of Health (NIH) Grants R01HL154720, R01DK122796, R01DK109574, R01HL133900, and Department of Defense (DoD) Grant W81XWH2110032 to H.K.E. NIH Grants: R01HL138510 and R01HL157100, DoD Grant W81XWH-19-1-0007, and American Heart Association Grant: 18IPA34170220 to H.K.-Q. American Heart Association: 19CDA34660279, American Lung Association: CA-622265, Parker B. Francis Fellowship, 1UL1TR003167–01 and The Center for Clinical and Translational Sciences, McGovern Medical School to X.Y.

Pigeon circovirus (PiCV) is considered to be genetically diverse, with a relatively small circular single-stranded DNA genome of 2 kb that encodes for a capsid protein (Cap) and a replication initiator protein (Rep). Australasia is known to be the origin of diverse species of the Order Columbiformes, but limited data on the PiCV genome sequence has hindered phylogeographic studies in this species. To fill this gap, this study was conducted to investigate PiCV in 118 characteristic samples from different birds across Australia using PCR and sequencing. Eighteen partial PiCV Rep sequences and one complete PiCV genome sequence were recovered from reservoir and aberrant hosts. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that PiCV circulating in Australia was scattered across three different subclades. Importantly, one subclade dominated within the PiCV sequenced from Australia and Poland, whereas other PiCV sequenced in this study were more closely related to the PiCV sequenced from China, USA and Japan. In addition, PiCV Rep sequences obtained from clinically affected plumed whistling duck, blue billed duck and Australian magpie demonstrated natural spillover of PiCV unveiled host generalist characteristics of the pigeon circovirus. These findings indicate that PiCV genomes circulating in Australia lack host adapted population structure but demonstrate natural spillover infection.

Background This study determined whether the naturally attenuated, thermotolerant Newcastle disease vaccine virus I-2 could acquire virulence after five in vivo passages through SPF chickens. Methods Study design was to international requirements including European Pharmacopoeia, Ph. Eur., v9.0 04/2013:0450, 2013. I-2 Working Seed (WS) was compared with five-times-passaged I-2 WS (5XP WS) in intracerebral pathogenicity index (ICPI), Fo cleavage site sequencing and Safety tests. Results The first passage series used a 50% brain: 50% tracheal tissue challenge homogenate and was unsuccessful as I-2 was not detected after the fourth passage. A second passage series used 10% brain: 90% tracheal tissue homogenates. I-2 was isolated from tracheal tissue in each passage. However harvested titres were below the minimum challenge level (107 EID50) specified for the ICPI and Safety tests, possibly reflecting I-2’s inherently low pathogenicity (interestingly caecal tonsils yielded significant titres). Given this the WS and 5XP WS comparisons proceeded. ICPI values were 0.104 and 0.073 for the WS group and the 5XP WS group respectively confirming that I-2, whether passaged or not, expressed low pathogenicity. F0 amino-acid sequences for both WS and 5XP WS were identified as 112R-K-Q-G-R-↓-L-I-G119 and so compatible with those of avirulent ND viruses. In safety, no abnormal clinical signs were observed in both groups except for two chicks in the 5XP WS group, where one bird was withdrawn due to a vent prolapse, and another bird died with inconclusive necropsy results. Conclusions: These data, the issue of low passage titres with little or no virus isolation from brain tissues and the genomic copy approach suggest a need to amend Ph. Eur. v9.0 04/2013:0450, 2013 for naturally attenuated, low pathogenicity vaccine viruses such as I-2. From an international regulatory perspective, the study provides further definitive data demonstrating that Newcastle disease vaccine virus I-2 is safe for use.

Background: Livestock mortality impacts farmer livelihoods and household nutrition. Capturing trends in livestock mortality at localised or national levels is essential to planning, monitoring and evaluating interventions and programs aimed at decreasing mortality rates. However, livestock mortality data is disparate, and indicators used have not been standardised. This review aims to assess livestock mortality indicator definitions reported in literature, and define the ages where mortality has greatest impact. Methods: A systematic review was conducted, limited to articles focussed on mortality of cattle, sheep and goats. Peer-reviewed articles in Web of Science until year 2020 were assessed for inclusion of age-based definitions for mortality indicators and data on age distribution of mortality. Indicator definitions for each species were collated and similar terms and age groups most targeted were compared. The cumulative distribution of age at mortality was compared across studies graphically where possible; otherwise, age patterns for mortality were collated. Results: Most studies reported mortality risk rather than rate, and there was little agreement between indicator definitions used in the literature. The most common indicators reported were perinatal and neonatal mortality in cattle, and for perinatal, neonatal and pre-weaning mortality indicators for sheep and goats. Direct comparison of age distribution of mortality was only possible for cattle, which found that approximately 80% of all mortalities within the first 12 months had occurred by six months of age. A significant finding of the study is the variation in age groups for which mortality is reported, which impedes the comparison of mortality risk across studies, particularly for sheep and goats. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the importance and value of standardising mortality risk indicators for general use, including a young stock mortality risk indicator measuring mortality in the highest risk period of birth to six months of age in cattle, sheep and goats.

We describe a case of unilateral renal lymphangiectasia (RLM) in a 30-year-old male with severe, refractory hypertension (HTN) and end-organ effects despite five anti-hypertensives. After diagnostic testing, the patient ultimately underwent a successful right laparoscopic nephrectomy with significant improvement of HTN. We review the literature regarding the pathophysiology and management strategies of HTN in patients with renal lymphangiectasia.

This study investigated the effect of supplementation of ewes with calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) in late gestation and early lactation on the plasma mineral concentration, hormone profile and immunity responses of ewes and their lambs. Twin bearing ewes were allocated between four dietary treatment groups (n = 11 per treatment): control (0.33% DM Ca and 0.28% DM Mg); high Ca (0.72% DM Ca and 0.28% DM Mg); high Mg (0.33% DM Ca, 0.48% DM Mg); and high Ca+Mg (0.66% DM Ca and 0.47% DM Mg), offered as part of a whole ration. Ewes were fed the treatment supplement from around one month prior to lambing to one month after lactation. Blood and urine samples were collected at seven time-points: weekly starting at 5 weeks prior to lambing; within 12 h post lambing (+12 h); and then at fortnightly intervals at 2 week (+2 W) and at 4 week (+4 W) post lambing. Colostrum/milk samples from ewes and blood samples from lambs were collected at +12 h, +2 W and +4 W. Live weight of lambs were measured at +12 h, +2 W and +4 W.The plasma concentration of PTH, 1,25(OH)2D3 and 25(OH)D3 was lowest at +2 W (P ≤ 0.002). Ewes from the Ca+Mg group had the lowest mean concentration of 1,25(OH)2D3 than the other groups (P = 0.005). Magnesium supplementation improved the plasma Mg concentration over time in ewes (P

BackgroundOutcomes in peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) vary. We sought to determine whether severity of left or right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) at PPCM diagnosis differentially associates with adverse outcomes. Methods and ResultsWe conducted a single‐center retrospective cohort study of 53 patients with PPCM. The primary outcome was a composite of left ventricular assist device implantation, cardiac transplantation, or death. We used Kaplan‐Meier curves to examine event‐free survival and Cox proportional hazards models to examine associations of left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction

Australia has a comprehensive system of capabilities and functions to prepare, detect and respond to health security threats. Strong cooperative links and coordination mechanisms exist between the human (public health) and animal arms of the health system in Australia. Wildlife is included in this system. Recent reviews of both the animal and human health sectors have highlighted Australia’s relative strengths in the detection and management of emerging zoonotic diseases. However, the risks to Australia posed by diseases with wildlife as part of their epidemiology will almost certainly become greater with changing land use and climate change and as societal attitudes bring wildlife, livestock and people into closer contact. These risks are not isolated to Australia but are global. A greater emphasis on wildlife disease surveillance to assist in the detection of emerging infectious diseases and integration of wildlife health into One Health policy will be critical in better preparing Australia and other countries in their efforts to recognize and manage the adverse impacts of zoonotic diseases on human health. Animal and human health practitioners are encouraged to consider wildlife in their day to day activities and to learn more about Australia’s system and how they can become more involved by visiting www.wildlifeheathaustralia.com.au.

Quasispecies variants and recombination were studied longitudinally in an emergent outbreak of beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) infection in the orange-bellied parrot (Neophema chrysogaster). Detailed health monitoring and the small population size (

Previous research suggests that visual and haptic object recognition are viewpoint-dependent both within- and cross-modally. However, this conclusion may not be generally valid as it was reached using objects oriented along their extended y-axis, resulting in differential surface processing in vision and touch. In the present study, we removed this differential by presenting objects along the z-axis, thus making all object surfaces more equally available to vision and touch.Participants studied previously unfamiliar objects, in groups of four, using either vision or touch. Subsequently, they performed a four-alternative forced-choice object identification task with the studied objects presented in both unrotated and rotated (180 degrees about the x-, y-, and z-axes) orientations. Rotation impaired within-modal recognition accuracy in both vision and touch, but not cross-modal recognition accuracy. Within-modally, visual recognition accuracy was reduced by rotation about the x- and y-axes more than the z-axis, whilst haptic recognition was equally affected by rotation about all three axes. Cross-modal (but not within-modal) accuracy correlated with spatial (but not object) imagery scores.The viewpoint-independence of cross-modal object identification points to its mediation by a high-level abstract representation. The correlation between spatial imagery scores and cross-modal performance suggest that construction of this high-level representation is linked to the ability to perform spatial transformations. Within-modal viewpoint-dependence appears to have a different basis in vision than in touch, possibly due to surface occlusion being important in vision but not touch.

Sexual violence has often caused distress to many people, and a lot has been written proposing solutions to this vice. Restoring hope among people who have been affected by sexual violence in Secondary schools in Bundibugyo District requires concerted effort and adopting ways that help to relieve the affected people of stress resulting from their experience with sexual violence. The current study focused on how therapeutic painting can be utilised to describe in detail lived experiences relating to ever-increasing sexual violence in secondary schools in the Bundibugyo district. Despite the various forms of violence that affect secondary school students, sexual violence seems to be a vice that greatly affects school children, and young children are always shy to verbally express how they are affected. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between Visual art therapy and sexual violence expression by students in selected Secondary Schools in Bundibugyo District. The following objective guided the study: To examine the statistical relationship between therapeutic painting and sexual violence expression by students in selected Secondary Schools in Bundibugyo District. 400 S2 students participated in this study, these included; Semuriki High School-Izahura-163, Bukonjo Seed School-17, Bundikahungu Seed school-75, St Mary's Simbya Secondary School-145. Methodology entailed methods such as in-session semistructured interviews, observation methods, and focus group discussion. An explanatory sequential design was adopted in this study. The study established that there was a statistically significant difference in means; thus, there was a relationship between therapeutic painting and sexual violence expressed by students in selected Secondary Schools in Bundibugyo District (z =-6.736, p <0.0001). Hence, the null hypothesis was rejected. The findings led to the conclusion that therapeutic painting intervention helped to improve the expression of sexual violence among victims, helped them to gain relaxation, lost hope, and lessened the anxiety that had resulted from their experience with sexual violence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Category: Midfoot/Forefoot; Basic Sciences/Biologics Introduction/Purpose: Charcot Marie Tooth disease (CMT) is a progressive genetic neurological condition that, despite heterogeneity in genotype and expression, presents with characteristic cavovarus foot deformity consisting of a varus hindfoot with a high arch and valgus forefoot. Bony morphology differences have been identified in CMT but have not been studied between demyelinating and axonal subtypes. Existing work has predominantly utilized automated angle measures from weight-bearing computed tomography (WBCT), which has limitations for describing a complex 3-dimensional deformity. Statistical shape modeling (SSM) from WBCT images is a mathematical tool that can be used to quantify morphology and alignment in foot pathologies. The objective of this study is to use SSM to analyze differences in osseous morphology between demyelinating and axonal subtypes of CMT and controls. Methods: Retrospective chart review identified patients with CMT who had received WBCT scans before any foot or ankle surgery and healthy controls (IRB: 00154634). This yielded 11 WBCT scans in the demyelinating group, 11 scans in the axonal group, and 15 controls. Images were automatically segmented then manually edited and verified. 3-dimensional parts were aligned using an iterative closest point algorithm. A 14 bone SSM was created for the tibia through metatarsals and single-bone SSMs were created for each individual bone. Principal component analysis was used to calculate modes of variation and parallel analysis was used to identify statistically significant modes across the population. Along each mode of variation, PCA component scores between demyelinating, axonal, and control groups were tested for normality then compared with a t-test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, or ANOVA with a Holm-Sidak correction with a significance value of α=0.05. Results: Differences along at least one PCA mode were identified between axonal and demyelinating groups in the tibia, fibula, cuneiforms, and metatarsals (Figure 1). The tibia and fibula showed a shortened medial malleolus and alteration of the attachment sites of the deep transverse faschia and posterior tibio-fibular ligament in the demyelinating group as compared to axonal and control groups. In the cuneiforms, different patterns of variation were evident between subtypes primarily around the attachment sites of cuneo-navicular and cuneo-cuboid ligaments and the plantar Lisfranc ligament. In the first and second metatarsals, differences between subtypes are present in the morphology of the metatarsal heads and at the attachment of the peroneus longus tendon. Conclusion: There are differences in osseous morphology between subtypes of CMT. In the tibia and fibula, these support axonal CMT as a milder presentation that demyelinating CMT. However, different patterns of morphology variation between subtypes in the midfoot suggest a difference in bone adaptation between groups. Studying demyelinating and axonal groups is a simplification of the genetic variability in CMT, and additional work is necessary to characterize differences based on specific mutations. These findings are relevant to surgical planning as soft tissue surgeries may be less effective with bony deformity. Improved characterization of osseous morphology may improve surgical treatment of CMT.