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Objective: We aimed to evaluate the demographic, etiologic, and clinical characteristics, complicating factors, laboratory and radiodiagnostic evaluations, treatment practices, and follow-up processes of hospitalized patients diagnosed with acute pyelonephritis (APN). Materials and Methods: The files of 241 patients diagnosed with APN in the emergency department and admitted to clinics in our center between May 1, 2012, and May 1, 2016, were accessed through the automation information system of our hospital. Demographic characteristics, seasonal distribution, complaints, clinical findings, laboratory tests and imaging results, treatment, follow-up, and outcome status of the patients were retrospectively scanned and evaluated. Results: The mean age of the patients was 66.00±19.61 years. 54.4% were women. The most common presenting complaints were fever and flank pain; physical examination finding was suprapubic tenderness; predisposing factor was urinary catheterization; and comorbid diseases were chronic renal failure and DM. The most common causative agent was Escherichia coli The most common imaging findings were hydronephrosis and urolithiasis. The duration of hospitalization was 10.81±7.09 days; 1.2% of patients died. Conclusion: The most common predisposing factors for the development of APN were recent antibiotic use, particularly in the last two weeks, history of hospitalization in the last two weeks, chronic renal failure, and diabetes mellitus. APN may present as a spectrum ranging from mild to urosepsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Fournier's gangrene is a rapidly progressive necrotizing fasciitis, involving perineum mainly. The purpose of the study is to evaluate etiology, treatment, and outcome of Fournier's gangrene so that such type patient's management can be done by primary care physicians with best outcomes. Method: This was a retrospective study including 156 patients, treated for Fournier's gangrene, between Jan 2012 and Dec 2018. The outcome and prognosis of Fournier's gangrene were reviewed. Result: The mean age and mode among survival patients were 47.94 ± 14.9 and 60 years, and the mean age and mode in nonsurvival patients was 47.64 ± 15.9 and 65 years. The most common predisposing factor was diabetes mellitus (n = 49, 31.4%) having mortality rate was 9% (n = 14). Most common causative bacteria were E. coli. In the study, the survival rate was 100% in patients having Fournier Gangrene Severity Index (FGSI)≤3. As FGSI increased from 3, the mortality rate increased. Conclusion: Fournier gangrene is a surgical emergency. Early diagnosis, serial surgical debridement, and broad-spectrum antibiotics decrease the mortality and morbidity of patients. The sensitivity and specificity of FGSI determine the prognosis of Fournier's gangrene. FGSI is a simple method to know the severity and prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A variety of natural and human-induced factors can trigger landslides. A combination of these factors, with several key factor characteristics, may increase the risk of landslides. This paper reviews the comprehensive conditioning factors that contribute to landslide occurrence. Landslide occurrence varied with the conditioning factors and has been documented in response to the need to understand and mitigate the risks associated with these natural events. Twenty-six conditioning factors were identified in landslide occurrences from 16 articles reviewed using a systematic literature review with PRISMA guidelines. All 16 articles study landslides: Malaysia (66% of the article), Indonesia (13% of the article), Vietnam, Philippines and Brazil (7% of the article for each country) mostly applied the conditioning factors for landslides susceptibility map modeling. The discussion of this work focuses on the conditioning factor of landslides in tropical forests. This study is crucial in improving risk assessment and developing effective mitigation and management strategies. In addition, the information from this study can be used in future studies to develop and validate models that simulate landslide processes under different conditions and are essential for predicting potential landslide events and their impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although some methods have been proposed to measure the absolute importance of landslide predisposing factors, they are unfortunately complicated by inherent difficulties. In this study, a robust analytical index – ‘decisiveness,’ is proposed for measuring factor absolute importance. The idea is to evaluate factor importance according to the capability of differentiating landslide-susceptible and landslide-insusceptible areas; that is, those factors that can zone the target area into units either highly favorable or highly unfavorable to landslides will be of high importance for landslides. For a specific factor, the favorability values of all grid cell units in the target area are first calculated using the certainty factor method. Then, the magnitudes of all those favorability values are integrated to constitute the decisiveness index. The decisiveness ranges within [0, 1], with higher values indicating greater importance. Updated versions of the open software ALSA can be used to calculate favorability values and further decisiveness. The significance and robustness of decisiveness were validated in a case study. Although decisiveness has been proposed to measure the factor importance for landslides, the novel idea and index can also be used to evaluate the importance of factors in determining the spatial distribution of other objects or phenomena.

Introduction: Fournier’s gangrene is a rapidly progressive necrotizing fasciitis, involving perineum mainly. The purpose of the study is to evaluate etiology, treatment, and outcome of Fournier’s gangrene so that such type patient’s management can be done by primary care physicians with best outcomes. Method: This was a retrospective study including 156 patients, treated for Fournier’s gangrene, between Jan 2012 and Dec 2018. The outcome and prognosis of Fournier’s gangrene were reviewed. Result: The mean age and mode among survival patients were 47.94 ± 14.9 and 60 years, and the mean age and mode in nonsurvival patients was 47.64 ± 15.9 and 65 years. The most common predisposing factor was diabetes mellitus (n = 49, 31.4%) having mortality rate was 9% (n = 14). Most common causative bacteria were E. coli. In the study, the survival rate was 100% in patients having Fournier Gangrene Severity Index (FGSI)≤3. As FGSI increased from 3, the mortality rate increased. Conclusion: Fournier gangrene is a surgical emergency. Early diagnosis, serial surgical debridement, and broad-spectrum antibiotics decrease the mortality and morbidity of patients. The sensitivity and specificity of FGSI determine the prognosis of Fournier’s gangrene. FGSI is a simple method to know the severity and prognosis.

The Chinese soft-shelled turtle (CSST) (Pelodiscus sinensis) is the most farmed reptile in Asia because of its high nutritional and medicinal value. Increase in production due to intensified culture has led to increase in infectious diseases adversely impacting the CSST industry. To develop effective disease control strategies there is need for a comprehensive understanding of major diseases and predisposing factors leading to infections in CSSTs. Thus, this review puts together a summation of diseases adversely impacting the CSST industry. Major viral diseases include the red neck disease caused by the soft-shelled turtle iridovirus (STIV), soft-shelled turtle systemic septicemia (STSS) caused by STSS spherical virus (STSSSV) and trionyx sinensis hemorrhagic syndrome (TSHS) caused by TSHS virus (TSHSV). Bacteria cause the largest proportion of infectious diseases in CSSTs with the majority being caused by Aeromonas and Bacillus spp. They include the red neck, hemorrhagic septicemia, furunculosis, and red spot diseases caused by different Aeromonas spp. as well as craned neck, twisted necks and generalized edema caused by Bacillus spp. As for predisposing factors, the amphibious nature of CSSTs could be a disposure to waterborne pathogens like Aeromonas, Edwardsiella, Flavobacterium and Vibrio spp. during habitation in aquatic environments while exposure to saprophytic pathogens like Bacillus spp. could be linked to hibernation. Also, the omnivorous nature of CSSTs could be a disposure to ingestion of infected organisms while the presence of feral species can be a source of contact with infected feral species. Overall, this review identifies priority diseases that need vaccine development, and it also highlights the predisposing factors needed for the design of effective disease control measures.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to elucidate the patterns of recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma and to analyze factors that can predict recurrence after complete response to radioembolization. Materials and Methods: A total of 289 consecutive patients who underwent radioembolization for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma at a single tertiary center were retrospectively reviewed. Baseline characteristics were collected and compared between the group showing complete response and the group showing noncomplete response. Data on recurrence status, time to recurrence, and the patterns of recurrence among the patients who showed radiologic complete response were collected. The group that maintained complete response and the group that experienced recurrence were compared, and the risk factors affecting recurrence were evaluated by logistic regression analysis. Results: The complete response rate was 24.9% (73/289). Age, sex, tumor markers, maximum tumor diameter, multiplicity, presence of vascular invasion, and target radiation dose were significantly different between the complete response and noncomplete response groups. The recurrence rate after complete response was 38.4% (28/73), and 67.9% (19/28) of recurrences occurred by 8 months after complete response. Eight patients who underwent resection/transplantation after complete response experienced no recurrence. Multiple tumors and a lower target radiation dose were independent risk factors of recurrence after complete response in the multivariate logistic regression. Conclusion: Hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence following complete response after radioembolization is not uncommon and frequently occurs within 1 year after complete response. Multiple tumors and a lower target radiation dose may be risk factors for recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous complications of type 1 diabetes (T1D) may be prevented through suitable glycemic control. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) may be one of the markers for the early detection of the metabolic imbalance characteristic of the disease. However, optimal control of diabetes is not achieved in a large group of patients. It was demonstrated that numerous factors (sociodemographic, psychological, and clinical) contributed to this condition. The aim of the study was to identify factors influencing the control of diabetes measured via glycated hemoglobin concentrations in people with T1D. Independent factors influencing better diabetes control measured via HbA1c in the study group included higher disease acceptance, higher nutritional adherence, lower BMI, and a lower risk of eating disorders. Describing the determinants will allow for the improvement of the system of care provided to people with T1D and for it to comprise important psychological variables related to self-care and acceptance of the disease.

Although some methods have been proposed to measure the absolute importance of landslide predisposing factors, they are unfortunately complicated by inherent difficulties. In this study, a robust analytical index -- 'decisiveness,' is proposed for measuring factor absolute importance. The idea is to evaluate factor importance according to the capability of differentiating landslide-susceptible and landslideinsusceptible areas; that is, those factors that can zone the target area into units either highly favorable or highly unfavorable to landslides will be of high importance for landslides. For a specific factor, the favorability values of all grid cell units in the target area are first calculated using the certainty factor method. Then, the magnitudes of all those favorability values are integrated to constitute the decisiveness index. The decisiveness ranges within [0, 1], with higher values indicating greater importance. Updated versions of the open software ALSA can be used to calculate favorability values and further decisiveness. The significance and robustness of decisiveness were validated in a case study. Although decisiveness has been proposed to measure the factor importance for landslides, the novel idea and index can also be used to evaluate the importance of factors in determining the spatial distribution of other objects or phenomena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yifei Zeng,1,2 Dongxiao Zhang,1 Wenjie Zhao,1 Na Fu,1 Qiao Huang,1 Shuqi Li,2 Chang Gao,2 Jiale Yu2 1Department of Galactophore, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China; 2Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Dongxiao Zhang, Department of Galactophore, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, No. 23, Art Museum Back Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86 13811077684, Email morningdong@163.comBackground: Despite the rising incidence rate of granulomatous lobular mastitis (GLM), uncertainties persist about its etiologic and predisposing factors to guide clinical treatment and early prevention. The objective of this study is to explore the predisposing factors for GLM.Patients and methods: This case-control study was conducted from 2018 to 2021 at Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University. Patients with GLM (cases) were matched with healthy examinees (controls) in a 1:1 ratio according to gender and living area. We analyzed their demographic features and investigated 75 factors that may be relevant to GLM using a standard questionnaire. Univariate and multivariable binary conditional logistic regression analyses were used to compare the differences between the two groups and evaluate the predisposing factors that may induce GLM.Results: There were 594 female GLM patients and 594 matched controls included in the study. The average age of the cases was 32.78 years (mainly 20 to 40). The incidence was high within five years after childbirth, and lesions were mainly in the unilateral breast. Univariate and multivariable conditional logistic regression analyses obtained six relevant factors and six high-risk factors. The six relevant factors included age, marriage, emotional abnormality, high prolactin, psychiatric drug intake, and sex hormone intake. Additionally, the independent high-risk factors for GLM included gestation, nipple invagination, blunt trauma, non-iatrogenic massage, lactation disorder, and nipple discharge (odds ratio (OR)=17.378, 8.518, 4.887, 3.116, 2.522, 1.685, P< 0.05). Menopause was an independent protective factor (OR=0.249, P< 0.05).Conclusion: The factors that increase milk and secretion production in the mammary duct are the main risk factors of GLM, especially when the nipples are invaginated. These factors can obstruct the duct and induce inflammation. Additionally, hormonal disorders, extrinsic trauma, and emotional abnormalities can accelerate the occurrence of GLM.Keywords: granulomatous lobular mastitis, GLM, predisposing factor, risk factor, case-control study, etiology

Numerous complications of type 1 diabetes (T1D) may be prevented through suitable glycemic control. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) may be one of the markers for the early detection of the metabolic imbalance characteristic of the disease. However, optimal control of diabetes is not achieved in a large group of patients. It was demonstrated that numerous factors (sociodemographic, psychological, and clinical) contributed to this condition. The aim of the study was to identify factors influencing the control of diabetes measured via glycated hemoglobin concentrations in people with T1D. Independent factors influencing better diabetes control measured via HbA1c in the study group included higher disease acceptance, higher nutritional adherence, lower BMI, and a lower risk of eating disorders. Describing the determinants will allow for the improvement of the system of care provided to people with T1D and for it to comprise important psychological variables related to self-care and acceptance of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: In this study conducted in a single tertiary care center, it was aimed to examine the sociodemographic, clinical, biochemical, microbiological and follow-up results of cellulitis patients. Materials and Methods: Demographic characteristics, presence of predisposing factors, cellulitis involvement area, attack characteristics, hospitalization status/duration, agents used in treatment and their durations, tissue/wound/blood culture, biochemistry and ultrasonography characteristics of the patients were examined and the results were compared by grouping the patients according to first attack/recurrent attack, inpatient/outpatient treatment, presence of concomitant diabetes and obesity. Results: In the recurrent attack group, the frequency of diabetes, obesity, venous insufficiency, lymphedema and onychomycosis were significantly higher than in the initial attack group (p values; <0.001, <0.001, 0.025, <0.001, 0.002, respectively). The prevalence of obesity, diabetes mellitus and changing the initial antibiotic was significantly higher in the inpatient group compared to the outpatient group (p values; <0.001, 0.004, <0.001, respectively). Conclusion: Diabetes, obesity, venous insufficiency, lymphedema, and conditions that impair skin integrity are important predisposing factors for both the development and recurrence of cellulitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The National Medical Products Administration demands that the relevant requirements for drug clinical studies initiated since July 31, 2023 follow the “E14: the clinical evaluation of QT/ QTc interval prolongation and proarrhythmic potential for non-antiarrhythmic drugs ”. This paper introduces QT interval and QTc, nonantiarrhythmic drugs potentially leading to QT interval prolongation and even torsade de pointes, the mechanism of QT interval prolongation, predisposing factors, and other related issues. It is aimed to arouse more attention to the effects of new non-antiarrhythmic drugs on QT/ QTc interval among clinicians, and to improve the safety of drug use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Hangman fracture is the second most common injury of the upper cervical spine, and neurological deficit with Hangman fracture is not rare. To our knowledge, few reports have statistically analyzed the predisposing factors for this injury. The objective of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics of neurological deficit associated with Hangman fracture and evaluate its risk factors. Methods In this retrospective study, 97 patients with Hangman fractures were included. Data on the age, sex, injury etiology, neurological deficits, and associated injuries were obtained and evaluated. The pretreatment parameters, anterior translation and angulation of C2/3, presence of the posterior vertebral wall (PVW) fractures of C2, and presence of spinal cord signal changes were measured. Twenty-three patients with neurological deficits after Hangman fractures comprised group A, and 74 patients without neurological deficit comprised group B. Student’s t-test or a nonparametric test and the chi-square test were used to evaluate the differences between groups. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors for neurological deficit. Results Among the 23 patients in group A, 2 were American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) scale B, 6 were C, and 15 were D, and spinal cord magnetic resonance imaging signal change was observed at the level of C2–C3 disc, C2, or both. Patients with the combination of PVW fractures and ≥ 50% significant translation or angulation of C2/3 were significantly more likely to have a neurological deficit. Both factors remained significant in binary logistic regression analysis. Conclusions Neurological deficit after Hangman fractures always presents clinically as a partial neurological impairment. The combination of PVW fractures with ≥ 1.8 mm of translation or ≥ 5.5° of angulation of C2/3 was the predisposing factor for neurological deficit with Hangman fractures.

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Tropical Race 4 (Foc TR4) (Syn. Fusarium odoratissimum) is a devastating soil-borne pathogen that infects the roots of banana plants and causes Fusarium wilt disease. Colombia is one of the world's leading banana producers; therefore, new uncontrolled outbreaks could have serious consequences. Despite this, little is known about the susceptibility of Musaceae lands in Colombia to Foc TR4. This work presents a pioneering study on the susceptibility of Colombian soils to Foc TR4. For this, a study was carried out to characterize climatic, edaphic, and density factors of Musaceae productive systems at the Colombian level, articulated with expert criteria to map and define areas with different levels of susceptibility to Foc R4T. These criteria are typically selected based on the existing scientific literature, consultation with domain experts, and consideration of established methods for assessing soil health and disease susceptibility in Musaceae plantations. By joining the analyzed susceptibility factors, differentiated areas were generated that imply a greater or lesser predisposition to the disease. Subsequently, a validation of the classification was made with Random Forest. The results indicate that at the level of climate, soil, and farm density as a fit factor, practically 50% of the cultivated territory of Musaceae are areas high and very highly susceptible to the pathogen (572,000 km2). The results showed that from the total Musaceae area, Antioquia, Bolívar, Chocó, and Santander turned out to be the departments with the highest proportion of very high susceptibility class of the production farms. The analysis of Random Forest classification performance shows that the model has a relatively low out-of-bag (OOB) error rate (0.023). The study on the susceptibility is highly novel and original, as it represents the first systematic investigation of Foc TR4 susceptibility in Colombian soils. This paper provides important insights into the susceptibility of Musaceae lands in Colombia to Foc TR4. The study highlights the need for ongoing monitoring, containment, and control measures to prevent the spread of this deadly pathogen and protect Colombia's important banana industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hangman fracture is the second most common injury of the upper cervical spine, and neurological deficit with Hangman fracture is not rare. To our knowledge, few reports have statistically analyzed the predisposing factors for this injury. The objective of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics of neurological deficit associated with Hangman fracture and evaluate its risk factors. Methods: In this retrospective study, 97 patients with Hangman fractures were included. Data on the age, sex, injury etiology, neurological deficits, and associated injuries were obtained and evaluated. The pretreatment parameters, anterior translation and angulation of C2/3, presence of the posterior vertebral wall (PVW) fractures of C2, and presence of spinal cord signal changes were measured. Twenty-three patients with neurological deficits after Hangman fractures comprised group A, and 74 patients without neurological deficit comprised group B. Student's t-test or a nonparametric test and the chi-square test were used to evaluate the differences between groups. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors for neurological deficit. Results: Among the 23 patients in group A, 2 were American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) scale B, 6 were C, and 15 were D, and spinal cord magnetic resonance imaging signal change was observed at the level of C2–C3 disc, C2, or both. Patients with the combination of PVW fractures and ≥ 50% significant translation or angulation of C2/3 were significantly more likely to have a neurological deficit. Both factors remained significant in binary logistic regression analysis. Conclusions: Neurological deficit after Hangman fractures always presents clinically as a partial neurological impairment. The combination of PVW fractures with ≥ 1.8 mm of translation or ≥ 5.5° of angulation of C2/3 was the predisposing factor for neurological deficit with Hangman fractures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Th is study was carried out to find out the etiology and predisposing factors of calves having diarrhea from Kayseri province and its neighboring cities between January 2016 and September 2019. A total of 270 neonatal diarrheic calves were included to this study. Comprehensive information was obtained by face-to-face interviews with the animal owners about administrative practices such as the vaccination status of the dams, farm type, colostrum intake status. Th e etiological agents were determined using the lateral fl ow immunochromatographic test kits. As a result of this investigation, out of 270 diarrheic cases; 21.9% (59) Cryptosporidium spp., 15.6% (42) E. coli K99+, 14.1% (38) bovine coronavirus (BCoV), 10.4% (28) bovine rotavirus (BRV), 9.3% (25) Cryptosporidium spp.+BRV, 8.5% (23) BRV+BCoV were found. Interms of shelter type; 85.2% (230) were traditional and 14.8% (40) were modern type. Regarding the colostrum intake situation; 7.4% (20) received no colostrum, 11.1% (30) received insufficient colostrum and 81.5% (220) received colostrum adequately and on time. Additionally, 36.7% (99) calf mothers were vaccinated and 63.3% (171) were unvaccinated. Compared to those born in autumn, calves born in winter; 6.5-fold, in the spring season; 3.6-fold and in summer; 5.2-fold more likely to develop diarrhea caused by E. coli K99+. Th ese findings may generate valuable information not only for the clinicians and researchers but also animal health experts, policy makers, farmer etc.

Objectives: Recurrence is a relatively common outcome following endoscopic decompression in sigmoid volvulus (SV). This study aims to evaluate the factors affecting recurrence in SV. Methods: In 434 patients with SV treated between June 1986 and January 2022, probable recurrence-affecting factors including age, age of SV onset, gender, dietary habit, defecation habit, altitude of living area, and SV attack count were analyzed in prospectively collected data. Results: Of 434 patients, 111 (25.6%) had recurrent SV with mean 1.6 ± 2.3 of volvulus episodes (range: 1-21 attacks). SV recurrence demonstrated a significant linear increase with age (14.3%, 17.1%, 21.5%, and 29.9%, respectively, in young, middle aged, mature, and elderly patients, p < 0.001). Recurrent SV was also significantly higher in male gender (28.5% vs 12.7%, p = 0.004), high-fiber diet habit (32.9% vs 17.7%, p < 0.001), and living at high altitude (26.9% vs 12.5%, p = 0.047). Although SV recurrence was higher in patients with chronic constipation, the difference was not significant (36.7% vs. 20.3%, p = 0.594). When compared with that of the patients with mature onset or elderly onset patients, SV attack count was significantly higher in young-onset cases (1.3±0.9 and 1.1±0.3 vs 4.6±6.9, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Elderliness, early-onset, maleness, high-fiber diet habit, high altitude, and most likely chronic constipation may be the practical clinical parameters of recurrent SV. These parameters, as well as the presence of previous SV episode history, must be considered in the decision-making process in the elective treatment of SV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Internal carotid artery dissection (ICAD) is the major cause of ischemic stroke in young to middle-aged people. Recognition of predisposing factors may facilitate in early individual risk prediction and expand treatment. Purpose: To evaluate the association between a carotid web and dissection in patients with ICAD using vessel wall magnetic resonance imaging (VW-MRI). Material and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted of 223 patients who underwent VW-MRI. Of these patients, 58 patients with craniocervical artery dissection (CCAD) (33 ICAD and 25 vertebrobasilar artery dissection [VBAD]) were included. The control group (n = 165) consisted of patients without arterial dissection who had undergone VW-MRI. The presence of a carotid web in the posterior aspect of carotid bulb was recorded. The distance between the carotid web and start of dissection in ICA was recorded. Results: The presence of a carotid web showed a significant difference between the ICAD, VBAD, and control groups (19 [57.6%] vs. 5 [20%] vs. 36 [21.8%], respectively; P < 0.001). In multi-nominal analysis, the presence of a carotid web showed a significant difference between the ICAD and VBAD groups and the ICAD and control groups (P < 0.05), with odds ratios of 5.41 (95% confidence interval [CI]=1.634–17.973) and 4.81 (95% CI=2.176–10.651), respectively. Out of 19 ICAD patients with carotid web, 16 had occurrence of dissection in the C1 segment of the ICA with a mean distance of 1.91 ± 1.71 cm from the carotid web. Conclusion: Presence of a carotid web was more frequent in patients with ICAD. The carotid web may be one of the predisposing factors for development of dissection in patients with ICAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medical record data were analyzed for serum creatinine level in dogs to determine useful associations between the data. Differences in sex, age, and breed were analyzed using Fisher"s exact test, and multiple factors such as sex were analyzed by contingency table analysis. Of the 3347 dogs that were tested for serum creatinine level, 243 dogs had creatinine over 1.4 mg/dL more than once. The overall rate of renal dysfunction in all breeds was 7.3%, but the rate for cavalier King Charles Spaniels was 14.1% (P

To find out incidence, prevalence, various modes and pattern of cutthroat injury during COVID-19 pandemic and compare with prior non pandemic period. To find out the various factor influencing the suicidal cutthroat and establish the temporal association of suicidal cutthroat with COVID-19 pandemic. It is a retrospective study of cutthroat patients who were managed in ENT Dept. VIMSAR, Burla, Sambalur, Odisha, India from 1st September 2019 to 31st August 2020. Source of information are casualty, IPD and OT registers and online data. Total cases were divided into group-A (prior to COVID-19 pandemic) and group-B (during COVID-19 pandemic) and analysed. Total 24 cutthroat injury cases were treated over 1 year in department of ENT, VIMSAR, Burla, which was 0.054% of total cases attended at casualty and 2.371% of total IPD patients treated. In GROUP-A, total 10 cases with M:F = 9:1,suicidal 4 cases (40%), homicidal 6 cases (60%), and no accidental cases were recorded. While in GROUP-B, total 14 case with M:F = 14:0, suicidal 9 cases (64.28%), homicidal 3 cases (21.42%) and accidental 2 (14.28%) cases were recorded. In our study majority of cases were male with M:F = 23:1. Common age group belongs to 20–30 years with LSES and farmer by occupation. Zone II injury had incidence of 70.83%. Homicide cases proportionally high during non-COVID period while suicide cases high during COVID-19 pandemic. Association of COVID-19 pandemic with suicidal cut throat injury is seems to be significant. Among predisposing risk factors for suicidal, depression during COVID-19 pandemic had seen in 53.84% of total suicidal cases. Incidence and prevalence of Cut throat injury is comparatively high in western odisha which again increases during months of July and August parallel to COVID-19 pandemic. The common mode of cutthroat injury is homicidal, which suddenly changes to suicidal during COVID-19 pandemic. More vulnerable groups were young unemployed male, farmers and labours. Cutthroat injury cases definitely increases during COVID-19 pandemic with most common mode of injury being suicidal attempt, which may be due to economical and psychological imbalances, due to loss of job and fear and social stigma for COVID-19 diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Tropical Race 4 (Foc TR4) (Syn. Fusarium odoratissimum) is a devastating soil-borne pathogen that infects the roots of banana plants and causes Fusarium wilt disease. Colombia is one of the world’s leading banana producers; therefore, new uncontrolled outbreaks could have serious consequences. Despite this, little is known about the susceptibility of Musaceae lands in Colombia to Foc TR4. This work presents a pioneering study on the susceptibility of Colombian soils to Foc TR4. For this, a study was carried out to characterize climatic, edaphic, and density factors of Musaceae productive systems at the Colombian level, articulated with expert criteria to map and define areas with different levels of susceptibility to Foc R4T. These criteria are typically selected based on the existing scientific literature, consultation with domain experts, and consideration of established methods for assessing soil health and disease susceptibility in Musaceae plantations. By joining the analyzed susceptibility factors, differentiated areas were generated that imply a greater or lesser predisposition to the disease. Subsequently, a validation of the classification was made with Random Forest. The results indicate that at the level of climate, soil, and farm density as a fit factor, practically 50% of the cultivated territory of Musaceae are areas high and very highly susceptible to the pathogen (572,000 km2). The results showed that from the total Musaceae area, Antioquia, Bolívar, Chocó, and Santander turned out to be the departments with the highest proportion of very high susceptibility class of the production farms. The analysis of Random Forest classification performance shows that the model has a relatively low out-of-bag (OOB) error rate (0.023). The study on the susceptibility is highly novel and original, as it represents the first systematic investigation of Foc TR4 susceptibility in Colombian soils. This paper provides important insights into the susceptibility of Musaceae lands in Colombia to Foc TR4. The study highlights the need for ongoing monitoring, containment, and control measures to prevent the spread of this deadly pathogen and protect Colombia’s important banana industry.

This study was carried out to find out the etiology and predisposing factors of calves having diarrhea from Kayseri province and its neighboring cities between January 2016 and September 2019. A total of 270 neonatal diarrheic calves were included to this study. Comprehensive information was obtained by face-to-face interviews with the animal owners about administrative practices such as the vaccination status of the dams, farm type, colostrum intake status. The etiological agents were determined using the lateral flow immunochromatographic test kits. As a result of this investigation, out of 270 diarrheic cases; 21.9% (59) Cryptosporidium spp., 15.6% (42) E. coli K99+, 14.1% (38) bovine coronavirus (BCoV), 10.4% (28) bovine rotavirus (BRV), 9.3% (25) Cryptosporidium spp.+BRV, 8.5% (23) BRV+BCoV were found. Interms of shelter type; 85.2% (230) were traditional and 14.8% (40) were modern type. Regarding the colostrum intake situation; 7.4% (20) received no colostrum, 11.1% (30) received insufficient colostrum and 81.5% (220) received colostrum adequately and on time. Additionally, 36.7% (99) calf mothers were vaccinated and 63.3% (171) were unvaccinated. Compared to those born in autumn, calves born in winter; 6.5-fold, in the spring season; 3.6-fold and in summer; 5.2-fold more likely to develop diarrhea caused by E. coli K99+. These findings may generate valuable information not only for the clinicians and researchers but also animal health experts, policy makers, farmer etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colibacillosis is the most common bacterial disease in poultry and it is caused by avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC), which is assigned to various O-serogroups. Previous studies have shown that APEC strains are more often related to certain O-serogroups such asO78, O2 and O1. E. coli has been reported to act either as a primary or secondary agent in complicating other infections. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of and characterize the O-serogroups of E. coli strains isolated from commercial layer and layer breeder flocks showing macroscopic lesions of colibacillosis and increased or normal mortality in Greece. Furthermore, we attempted to assess the interaction between infectious agents such as Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG), Mycoplasma synoviae (MS), infectious bronchitis (IBV) and infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) with E. coli infections in layer flocks with increased mortality. Our study revealed that in addition to the common serogroups (O78, O2), many other, and less common serogroups were identified, including O111. The O78, O111 and O2 serogroups were frequently detected in flocks with lesions of colibacillosis and increased mortality whereas O2, O88 and O8 were reported more commonly in birds with colibacillosis lesions but normal mortality rates. These data provide important information for colibacillosis monitoring and define preventative measures, especially by using effective vaccination programs because E. coli vaccines are reported to mainly offer homologous protection. Finally, concerning the association of the four tested infectious agents with E. coli mortality, our study did not reveal a statistically significant effect of the above infectious agents tested with E. coli infection mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Recurrent bacterial meningitis has been found to occur in about 5% of meningitis cases. Methods We analyzed adults with recurrent episodes in a prospective nationwide cohort study of community-acquired bacterial meningitis. Results Of 2264 episodes of community-acquired bacterial meningitis between 2006 and 2018, 143 (6%) were identified as recurrent episodes in 123 patients. The median age was 57 years (interquartile range [IQR], 43–66), and 57 episodes (46%) occurred in men. The median duration between the first and the current episode was 5 years (IQR, 1–15). For 82 of 123 patients (67%), it was the first recurrent episode, 31 patients had 2–5 previous episodes (25%), 2 had 6–10 episodes (2%), and 2 had >10 episodes (2%). Predisposing factors were identified in 87 of 118 patients (74%) and most commonly consisted of ear or sinus infections (43 of 120, 36%) and cerebrospinal fluid leakage (37 of 116, 32%). The most common pathogens were Streptococcus pneumoniae (93 of 143, 65%) and Haemophilus influenzae (19 of 143, 13%). The outcome was unfavorable (Glasgow outcome scale score, <5) in 24 episodes with recurrent meningitis (17%) vs 810 for nonrecurrent meningitis patients (39%, P <.001). Six of 143 died (4%) vs 362 of 2095 patients (17%, P <.001). Conclusions Recurrent meningitis occurs mainly in patients with ear or sinus infections and cerebrospinal fluid leakage. Predominant causative pathogens are S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae. The disease course is less severe, resulting in lower case fatality compared with nonrecurrent meningitis patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Piriformis syndrome is a neuromuscular condition characterized by hip and gluteal pain caused by abnormality of piriformis muscle. In clinical practice, this syndrome is usually misdiagnosed with other spinal disorders. There is no specific test in diagnosing piriformis syndrome, therefore by understanding the characteristics and predisposing factors, clinicians may be more aware in diagnosing this syndrome. Objective: To investigate the characteristics and predisposing factors of piriformis syndrome. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted on patients with gluteal pain in a referral hospital. Diagnosis was established by block injection on piriformis muscle and showed clinical improvement afterwards. Demographic characteristics, predisposing factors, and physical examination were analyzed. The data is collected and processed by SPSS 20.0. Results: The total of 65 patients were evaluated, with a male to female ratio 1:3. As much as 47.7% of patients were > 60 years old. Average weight was 60 kg and BMI (Body Mass Index) was within normal range (58.9%). Most subjects were housewives (55.4%) and the majority of subjects had history of microtrauma such as sitting on rigid surfaces (36.9%), walking or running long distances (18.5%), and cross-legged sitting (10.8%). Average sitting per day was approximately 5 hours. In 56.9% of subjects, exercises were conducted. There was no history of back pain in 81.5% of subjects. Conclusion: Our study showed age and housewives characteristics differ with other studies. The most predisposing factors were history of microtrauma, female, age, and normal BMI.

Colibacillosis is the most common bacterial disease in poultry and it is caused by avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC), which is assigned to various O-serogroups. Previous studies have shown that APEC strains are more often related to certain O-serogroups such asO78, O2 and O1. E. coli has been reported to act either as a primary or secondary agent in complicating other infections. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of and characterize the O-serogroups of E. coli strains isolated from commercial layer and layer breeder flocks showing macroscopic lesions of colibacillosis and increased or normal mortality in Greece. Furthermore, we attempted to assess the interaction between infectious agents such as Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG), Mycoplasma synoviae (MS), infectious bronchitis (IBV) and infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) with E. coli infections in layer flocks with increased mortality. Our study revealed that in addition to the common serogroups (O78, O2), many other, and less common serogroups were identified, including O111. The O78, O111 and O2 serogroups were frequently detected in flocks with lesions of colibacillosis and increased mortality whereas O2, O88 and O8 were reported more commonly in birds with colibacillosis lesions but normal mortality rates. These data provide important information for colibacillosis monitoring and define preventative measures, especially by using effective vaccination programs because E. coli vaccines are reported to mainly offer homologous protection. Finally, concerning the association of the four tested infectious agents with E. coli mortality, our study did not reveal a statistically significant effect of the above infectious agents tested with E. coli infection mortality.

Hazal Boral,1 Murat Durdu,2 Macit Ilkit1 1Division of Mycology, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Çukurova, Adana, Turkey; 2Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Başkent University Adana Hospital, Adana, Turkey Abstract: Majocchi’s granuloma (MG) is a rare fungal infection of the dermis that is mainly caused by dermatophytes (in ≥95% of cases); the most frequently identified cause is anthropophilic Trichophyton rubrum. In the rest of the cases, the causes are non-dermatophytic fungi such as Aspergillus species. This review aimed to provide information about the current perspectives on MG regarding its clinical characteristics, predisposing factors, laboratory diagnosis, and treatment strategies. Although the lower extremities were reported to be the most common site of infection, facial involvement has been predominant in the past 5 years. Our literature research showed that the most common predisposing factor (55%) is the use of topical steroid creams without potassium hydroxide examination during treatment of erythematous squamous dermatoses. A reliable diagnosis of MG is based on histopathological examination, including fungal culture and molecular analyses. MG should be treated not only with topical agents but also with systemic antifungal agents that are continued until the lesions are completely resolved. In systemic treatment, the most preferred drug is terbinafine, because of its efficacy, side effects, and safety. Keywords: dermatomycosis, histopathology, immunosuppression, predisposing factor, Trichophyton rubrum

Abstract Background Interventions that promote adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) adherence are critical to improve breast cancer survival. The development of interventions would benefit from a better understanding of the reasons for adherence and the causal relationships of determinants using theoretical or model approaches. The aim of the present study was to identify reasons for AET adherence in breast cancer patients with sequential relationships and inter-relationships. Methods A total of 210 participants with estrogen receptor positive breast cancer who received AET completed a questionnaire assessing demographic/medical, psychological, and endocrine therapy (ET)-specific factors. A descriptive analysis was performed to identify meaningful variables. Selected variables were subjected to hierarchical regression and path analyses. The path model was tested and modified based on the research framework and the results of regression weights and model fit. Results Analysis of sequential effects showed that ET-specific factors contributed the largest proportion of variance (13.4%) to predict AET adherence, followed by psychological factors (4.6%) and demographic/medical factors (3.1%). Analysis of inter-relationships showed that demographic/medical factors such as AET regimen type and cancer stage have direct effects on AET adherence, whereas psychological factors contribute indirectly through the mediating effects of ET-specific factors. Conclusion Assessments and interventions that encompass the patient’s medication beliefs, self-efficacy, and depression are needed to promote AET adherence.

Background: Ileostomy-related high-output syndrome has become a major cause of postoperative morbidity after rectal cancer surgery. This study aimed to clarify the predisposing factors and clinical impact of high-output syndrome. Methods: Clinical parameters that were associated with high-output syndrome and clinical impact of high-output syndrome on nutritional status, electrolyte abnormality and renal dysfunction were retrospectively investigated in consecutive patients with rectal cancer undergoing resection with covering ileostomy during 2016–2017. Results: High-output syndrome developed in 44/195 eligible patients (22.6%). Multivariable analysis revealed that neoadjuvant (chemo)radiotherapy [odds ratio (OR): 2.4; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1–5.2; P = 0.02], postoperative complications (OR: 2.2; 95% CI 1.0–4.6; P = 0.049), postoperative maximal white blood cell ≥ 10,000 cells/μl (OR: 4.0; 95% CI 1.9–8.8; P = 0.0004), and postoperative maximal C-reactive protein ≥ 10 mg/dl (OR: 2.4; 95% CI 1.1–5.2; P = 0.02) were independently associated with high-output syndrome. High-output syndrome was associated with increased renal dysfunction at the time of ostomy closure (29.6% versus 11.9%, patients with high-output syndrome vs. without high-output syndrome, P = 0.008), but not with nutritional imbalance or electrolyte abnormalities. High-output syndrome (OR: 2.5; 95% CI 1.1–5.9; P = 0.03) and postoperative maximal C-reactive protein ≥ 10 mg/dl (OR: 2.4; 95% CI 1.0–5.6; P = 0.04) were independently associated with renal dysfunction at ostomy closure. Conclusion: Preoperative (chemo)radiotherapy, postoperative inflammatory response, and postoperative complications predisposed to high-output syndrome, and it significantly impacted postoperative renal dysfunction. Active monitoring and early intervention are warranted to prevent renal dysfunction in patients with these factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Clinicians face one of the most common bacterial infections in developing countries that is urinary tract infection (UTI). Current knowledge on antimicrobial susceptibility pattern is essential for selecting appropriate therapy. Aims: In this study, we investigated the various bacteria causing UTI and determined the sensitivity and resistance of antibiotics pattern against most prevalent uropathogens isolated from patients at tertiary hospital, Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia. Settings and Design: This was a retrospective study of urine culture conducted in King Fahad Hospital at Al-Baha in Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: Laboratory reports and patient medical files of both inpatient and outpatient were collected between June 2017 and May 2018, targeting both male and female of age above 18 years of age, who had been treated for UTI. Results: A total of 349 patients' urine report was studied to identify the uropathogens. Escherichia coli was the main etiologic agent in community and hospital-acquired infections. The majority of the bacteria was isolated from female (60%), whereas the remaining (40%) was from male. The most common isolates were E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterococcus faecalis, E. coli Extended spectrum betalactamases, Pseudomonas, and K. pneumoniae ESBL (these represented 37.82%, 19.20%, 10.89%, 10.32%, 6.59%, and 3.72%, of isolate, respectively). UTI due to E. coli was at a higher rate during summer than during winter. This study showed that ciprofloxacin (20.29%) and cefuroxime (16.14%) are most prescribed medications, followed by ceftriaxone (12.96%) and then tazocin (8.80%). Imipenem, meropenem, amikacin, vancomycin, tigecycline, linezolid, and colistin were highly sensitive for most types of bacteria, but gram-negative bacteria were highly resistant to ampicillin. Gram-positive bacteria showed highly resistance to cefoxitin. Conclusion: The microbial culture and sensitivity of the isolates from urine samples should be carried out as a routine before starting the antimicrobial therapy. Current knowledge of the antibiotic sensitivity/resistance patterns of uropathogens at a particular geographical region is a guiding factor for choosing an appropriate empirical antimicrobial treatment rather than following universal guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2017 North Sumatera province had a TB incident of 73,488 with CDR BTA(+) 65,7%, and CNR of 185/100.000 population higher than Indonesia. CDR BTA(+) Deli Serdang District is 61,6% is below than CDR average of North Sumatera province 65,7%. The Deli Serdang District is one of the fostered area of the international NGO KNCV to accelerate the process of elimination of TB by providing facilities assistance and improvement of human resources. The purpose of this research is to analyze the relationship predisposing factors of pulmonary TB staff in Health Centre to achieve the case notification of pulmonary TB through Rapid Moleculer Test with Xpert MTB/RIF and Specimen Transportation methods. This research using cross sectional design and population is all TB staff (34 staffs) in the Health Centres in Deli Serdang District where is each Health centre has 1 TB staff. Data collection is conducted with interviews using pre-tested questionnaires and get approval from the Ethics committee of the Faculty of Nursing Universitas Sumatera Utara. Analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test and Kruskall Wallis. The result of this research there is no relationship of predisposing factors with the Pulmonary TB case notification using Rapid Moleculer Test and Specimen Transportation method in Deli Serdang District. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caesarean Section (CS) is a life-saving surgical procedure when certain complications arise during pregnancy and labour. Currently, 18.6% of all births occur by cesarean section globally. Aim: To determine the incidence of surgical site infections in patients who have undergone Caesarean Section through record analysis and to identify the factors predisposing to surgical site infections (SSI) with Caesarean Section (CS). Design: Retrospective cross-sectional survey design was used for this study. The study was conducted at tertiary care hospital of Udupi district, Karnataka from January 2017 to March 2017. Consecutive 305 postoperative case records of Caesarean Section were enrolled in the study. The sample is selected purposively as per their availability in record room. Methods: It was a retrospective study screening the records of pregnant women who underwent cesarean section in selected tertiary care hospital from 1st January 2015 to 31st December 2015 and came for followup or readmission with surgical site infection at the incision site or not got discharged due to surgical site infection for a period of 6 weeks. Results: A total of 305 record are viewed, about 35.8% (n=107) were performed in elective and 64.92% (n=198) undertaken on emergency list. A total of 20 post-operative cases diagnosed with Surgical Site Infection were studied during the specified period. Of these n=17 (85%) had superficial infection and n=2 (10%) deep SSI and n=1 (5%) had organ space SSI. Odds ratio calculation and p-value calculation shows that booking status and wound closing material are responsible to develop SSI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the association between rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and deep neck infection (DNI).Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.Methods: Patients newly diagnosed with RA between 2000 and 2011 were identified from the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan. Moreover, patients without RA were randomly selected and matched at a 1:4 ratio by age, sex, urbanization level, income, and diabetes mellitus. The patients were followed up until death or the end of the study period (December 31, 2013). The primary outcome was the occurrence of DNI.Results: In total, 30,207 patients with RA and 120,828 matched patients without RA were enrolled. Patients with RA had a significantly higher cumulative incidence of DNI than those without RA (P < 0.001). The adjusted Cox proportional hazard model demonstrated that RA was significantly associated with a higher incidence of DNI (hazard ratio: 2.80, 95% confidence interval: 2.26-3.46, P < 0.001). Therapeutic methods (surgical or nonsurgical) did not differ significantly between the patients with RA-DNI and with non-RA-DNI. Patients with RA-DNI had higher rates of tracheostomy, mediastinitis, mediastinitis-related mortality, and mortality than patients with non-RA-DNI, although these differences were without statistical significance. RA patients receiving no therapy experienced higher rates of DNI compared with those receiving methotrexate alone, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, or biologic therapies.Conclusion: This study is the first to investigate the association between RA and DNI. We conclude RA is an independent predisposing factor for DNI.Level Of Evidence: 4 Laryngoscope, 130:1402-1407, 2020. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify the most frequently encountered factors in relation to the etiology of pericoronitis in young adults and to compare these findings with similar studies. Method and materials: The patients included in this prospective study were those presenting for treatment of signs and symptoms of pericoronitis in the mandibular third molar area during an 8-year period from 1994 to 2001. A standard check sheet of subjective and objective observations was completed, and female patients were asked about menstruation or pregnancy. Each patient with a diagnosis of pericoronitis was interviewed and observations were recorded. Patients were asked the symptoms related to the pericoronitis. Patients were divided into five 5-year age groups ranging from 16 to 40 years. Results: During the 8-year period, 2,151 patients presented diagnosed cases of pericoronitis; 932 (43.3%) patients were male and 1,219 (56.7%) were female. The peak age of occurrence of periocoronitis varied from 21 to 25 years (55.2% of the patients). The incidence of pericoronitis was highest in September (207 [9.6%]), followed by April (181 [5.2%]), followed by October (97 [4.5%]). The most frequently seen predisposing factor was upper respiratory tract infection in 815 (37.9%) patients, followed by stress in 473 (22%) patients. Conclusion: It was concluded that the upper respiratory tract infection was the most frequently predisposing factor, which could precipitate pericoronitis. (Quintessence Int 2003;34: 227-231) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Otomycosis is a fungal infection of external auditory canal frequently encountered by otorhinolaryngologists. It causes discomfort to patients with varied symptoms of pruritus, otorrhea, aural fullness and earache. People with a habit of using unnecessary ear drops, cleaning ear with unsterilized objects and those who use mustard oil are all prone to otomycosis. This study aims to find out the association between otomycosis and its predisposing factors. Methods: This study was undertaken in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology of a tertiary hospital from March 2018 to February 2019 and a total of 300 clinically diagnosed cases of otomycosis were enrolled for the study. Results: The mean age ±SD of the patients was 37.7 ± 18.8 years. Females (n=172, 57.3%) were more prone to otomycosis than males (n=128, 42.7%). The most common presenting symptom was pruritus only (n=95, 31.7%) with unilateral involvement being more common. The most common predisposing factor was mustard oil instillation (n=124, 41.3%). Aspergillus niger was the most common fungus causing otomycosis in this study (n=105, 34.7%). Positive fungal cultures were observed in 285 specimens (95%). The fungal growth (n=285) was high in patients with the history of instilling mustard oil (42.8%) into the ear, 34.0% in topical steroid containing ear drops and 23.2% in self-cleaning group. Conclusion: Otomycosis is common in people using unnecessary steroid containing ear drops, cleaning ear with unsterilized objects and instillation of mustard oil.

The netB -positive Clostridium perfringens has been considered as the requisite to consistently induce necrotic enteritis (NE). However, use of a netB -positive strain did not guarantee consistent NE reproduction unless high protein diets or Eimeria , conceived as 2 major predisposing factors, was incorporated. To establish a refined model, the roles of dietary fishmeal inclusion, Eimeria inoculation, and netB -positive C. perfringens challenge in NE induction and the confounding effects of Eimeria infection on NE were examined. The results showed that the use of netB -positive C. perfringens without a predisposing factor failed to induce NE. Fishmeal incorporation promoted the occurrence of NE but did not significantly affect the incidence of the disease in conjunction with challenge of netB -positive C. perfringens. However, the additional participation of Eimeria infection in the same induction procedure produced significantly higher numbers of NE cases and promoted more severe lesions in chickens (P < 0.05). Inoculation of Eimeria resulted in a significant higher incidence of NE compared to the non- Eimeria treated group (P < 0.05). The results demonstrated that both netB -positive C. perfringens and predisposing factors were required for the reproduction of disease. Mild-to-moderate coccidial infection (coccidial lesion score ≤ 2) was noted in NE cases in this model but severe coccidial infection did not correlate with the occurrence of NE, indicating mild coccidial infection may be beneficial for the development of NE. If multiple species infection of Eimeria precedes the challenge of C. perfringens , days 19 to 21 (1 to 3 D after the last clostridial challenge) was the time period favorable for observations of NE lesions. The time after this period may be subject to bias of severity, incidence, or mortality of NE owing to the profound coccidial lesions in the intestinal region. This study demonstrated that the co-infection with netB -positive C. perfringens and Eimeria species under fishmeal incorporation produced a desirable NE model, being of value in studying the effectiveness of novel feed additives and alternative mitigation strategies to prevent NE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Main implicated bacterial species from the ovine respiratory complex can be isolated from the respiratory tract of healthy sheep. • Stressor factors, including the management practices performed in the farm, may increase the incidence of ovine respiratory complex in the herd. • The understanding of the main factors involved in each case in the development of the ovine respiratory complex is the key point for an effective control of the disease. The ovine respiratory complex is an etiologically complex disease, occurring as a result of an interaction of the infectious agents with the host defence mechanisms, which are often compromised by environmental and management factors. There may be several combinations of contributors that are sufficient to produce disease, with variable importance of an individual factor with the presence of other variables. The present article will review predisposing factors that lead to the emergence of ovine respiratory complex. These factors will be grouped into concurrent infections, host, environmental and management aspects. This manuscript will be completed by other four articles included in the same number of this journal, all of them dealing with different approaches to ovine respiratory complex disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute encephalopathy is an acute brain dysfunction after preceding infection, consisting of multiple syndromes. Some syndromes, such as acute encephalopathy with biphasic seizures and late reduced diffusion (AESD), are severe with poor outcome, whereas others, such as clinically mild encephalitis/encephalopathy with reversible splenial lesion (MERS), are mild with favorable outcome. Previous study reported the association of the thermolabile polymorphism in Carnitine Palmitoyltransferase 2 (CPT2) gene and severe syndromes of acute encephalopathy. To further explore the pathogenetic role of CPT2 in acute encephalopathy, we conducted a case-control association study of a typical thermolabile CPT2 polymorphism, rs2229291, in 416 patients of acute encephalopathy, including both severe and mild syndromes. The case cohort consisted of 416 patients, including AESD, MERS, and other syndromes. The control subjects were 100 healthy Japanese. rs2229291 was genotyped by Sanger sequencing. Genetic distribution was compared between the patients and controls using Cochran-Armitage trend test. Minor allele frequency of rs2229291 was significantly higher in AESD (p = 0.044), MERS (p = 0.015) and entire acute encephalopathy (p = 0.044) compared to the controls. The polymorphism showed no significant association with influenza virus, or with outcome. This study provided evidence that CPT2 is a susceptibility gene for overall acute encephalopathy, including both severe and mild syndromes, and suggested that impairment of mitochondrial metabolism is common to various syndromes of acute encephalopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past 50 years, intentional genetic selection within the broiler industry has led to major improvements in both body weight gain (BWG) and feed conversion efficiency. Next to its economic advantages, enhancing BWG can increase the risk of metabolic and skeletal disorders. The aim of this study was to examine whether higher BWG is a predisposing factor for broiler necrotic enteritis. In this study, 300 broilers were challenged with Clostridium perfringens using a well-established, previously described challenge model. It was found that birds with higher body weight (BW) and BWG before challenge were predisposed to develop more severe necrotic enteritis lesions. After challenge, the average BWG of the birds developing mild to severe lesions dropped significantly, negatively affecting bird welfare and performance. These results show a significant interplay between BWG and the development of necrotic enteritis lesions. This raises the question whether there is a limit to broiler performance with respect to maintaining intestinal health, and whether decreasing BWG (at certain stages of the growth cycle) can be part of a plan to prevent intestinal pathology. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS Higher body weight is a predisposing factor to necrotic enteritis in broilers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective of this review paper is the appraisal of predisposing factors for bacterial mastitis in ewes. Factors that predispose ewes to mastitis can be classified into non‐animal‐related factors (environmental and climatological factors, housing, nutrition, milking practices) and animal‐related factors (anatomic, genetic, litter size—ethological factors, number and stage of lactation period, health problems). There are clear management—environment—animal interactions in mastitis development in ewes, which underline its multifactorial nature. Research and studies regarding risk factors are important, in order to develop strategies for their elimination, control or correction. Control measures for bacterial mastitis, which attempt to eliminate predisposing factors for infection, can thus be developed and implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: The goal of this study was to assess the potential risk factors leading to flow-related aneurysm (FA) formation in patients with brain arteriovenous malformations (BAVMs) in Taiwanese.Methods: We recruited 890 patients with BAVMs: 72 had FA(s) and 818 did not. Several factors were assessed including patient's age, gender, BAVM volume and location, and Spetzler-Martin grade.Results: The 890 patients with BAVM had a mean age of 30 years (range: 2-84), mean BAVM volume of 10.6 mL (range: 0.13-91.4). BAVMs were ruptured in 42% of patients. Compared to BAVM patients without FAs, the 72 patients with FAs had older age (mean 41 yrs vs 31 yrs, p < 0.001); larger average BAVM volume (39.6 mL vs 16.1 mL, p < 0.001). No statistical significance in Spetzler-Martin grades (χ2 value = 8.687 and p = 0.122) was found in terms of formation of FA. FA demonstrated similar gender distribution and BAVM location distribution (the χ2-value was 0.242 and 0.812, respectively).Conclusion: Patients with older age and large BAVM volume are more prone to FA. Gender, BAVM location, and BAVM grade are not statistically significant predisposing factors for FA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sweet's syndrome is reportedly associated with preceding nontuberculous mycobacterial infections (NTMIs). Here, we report on a systemic Mycobacterium intracellulare infection in a patient on corticoid therapy for Sweet's syndrome. Literature searches show that 69.1% of patients with Sweet's syndrome and NTMIs developed this syndrome later than NTMIs and 89.3% of them developed during the clinical course of a rapidly growing mycobacterial infection. The residual cases were associated with slow-growing mycobacteria (14.3%), but only three cases of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infections before the onset of Sweet's syndrome have been reported, and all of them were caused by disseminated MAC disease. One of these cases developed during corticoid therapy for Sweet's syndrome, while another case had underlying diabetes mellitus. Hence, the occurrence of systemic MAC disease may be an inevitable consequence of long-term steroid use and underlying diseases. Literature searches also show that cervical lymphadenitis was a predominant symptom in NTMIs (90.5%). The present case did not have cervical lymphadenitis although the previously reported MAC cases did experience it. Therefore, lymphadenitis from NTMIs may be related to the pathogenesis of Sweet's syndrome. Hence, should a patient have systemic infection without lymphadenitis, it will be more difficult to clinically confirm that MAC disease is a predisposing factor for Sweet's syndrome.

Background: The apnea test is an essential component in the clinical determination of brain death, however it may incur a significant risk of complications such as hypotension, hypoxia and even cardiac arrest. We analyzed the risk factors associated with a failed apnea test during brain death assessment in order to predict and avoid these adverse events. Methods: Medical records on apnea tests performed for brain-dead donors at our institution between January 2009 and January 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Age, gender, etiology of brain death, use of catecholamines and results of arterial blood gas analysis (ABGA), systolic/diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP), mean arterial pressure and central venous pressure prior to apnea test initiation were collected as variables. A-a gradient and PaO2/FiO2 were calculated for more precise assessment of the respiratory system. In total, 267 cases were divided into two groups based on those who completed the apnea test and those who failed the test. Results: 13 cases failed the apnea test. Among them, seven cases failed due to severe hypotension (SBP < 60 mmHg) and the others failed due to refractory hypoxia. In terms of hemodynamic state, SBP was significantly higher in the completed test group than the failed group (126.5 ± 23.9 vs. 103 ± 15.2, respectively; p = 0.001). In ABGA, the completed test group showed significantly higher PaO2/FiO2 (313.6 ± 229.8 vs. 141.5 ± 131.0, respectively; p = 0.008) and a lower A-a gradient (278.2 ± 209.5 vs. 506.2 ± 173.1, respectively; p = 0.000). In multivariable analysis, low SBP (p = 0.003) and high A-a gradient (p = 0.044) were independent risk factors associated with a failed apnea test. Conclusions: Although the unexpected adverse events during the apnea test for brain death determination do not occur frequently, they can be fatal. If a brain-dead patient has low SBP and a high A-a gradient, clinicians should pay more attention and prepare for potential complications prior to the apnea test.