Exploring the geographical distribution of cryptosporidiosis in the cattle population of Southern Ontario, Canada, 2011-2014

Cryptosporidiosis is an infectious disease of relevance to the cattle industry. The southern region of the Canadian province of Ontario is characterised by widespread cattle farming that is a key contributor to the Canadian dairy industry. Given Ontario’s key role in the Canadian dairy industry and the potential impact that cryptosporidiosis can have on cattle operations, identifying areas of increased risk for bovine cryptosporidiosis is important. The primary goal of this study was to explore the distribution of bovine cryptosporidiosis, across the geographical areas served by the 29 Public Health Units (PHUs) of Southern Ontario, in the period 2011-2014. Laboratory data on bovine cryptosporidiosis were collected from the Animal Health Laboratory at the University of Guelph, Canada. Using veterinary clinic locations as a proxy for farm location, choropleth and isopleth maps were produced. Highrisk clusters of bovine cryptosporidiosis were identified using the flexible spatial scan test. Assessment of the potential for spatial misclassification bias resulting from a proxy location variable was conducted. The overall raw farm-level prevalence of bovine cryptosporidiosis was 45% [95% confidence interval, CI: 42%-48%]. A cluster was identified in the central-west region of Southern Ontario (relative risk 1.30 [95% CI: 1.07-1.54, P=0.026]) meaning that cattle in the areas served by the Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound, Huron, Wellington-Dufferin Guelph and Waterloo PHUs were at a higher risk for infection. Given that this area is known for having a high-density of dairy cattle, it should be considered as a target for further surveillance.

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No Evidence for Classic Thrombotic Microangiopathy in COVID-19

Journal of Clinical Medicine ◽

10.3390/jcm10040671 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (4) ◽

pp. 671

Author(s):

Tanja Falter ◽

Heidi Rossmann ◽

Philipp Menge ◽

Jan Goetje ◽

Steffen Groenwoldt ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Thrombotic Microangiopathy ◽

Medical Center ◽

Laboratory Data ◽

Systemic Infection ◽

Study Data ◽

Risk Of Death ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Low Blood Pressure ◽

Almost All ◽

The University

Background: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) triggers systemic infection with involvement of the respiratory tract. There are some patients developing haemostatic abnormalities during their infection with a considerably increased risk of death. Materials and Methods: Patients (n = 85) with SARS-CoV-2 infection attending the University Medical Center, Mainz, from 3 March to 15 May 2020 were retrospectively included in this study. Data regarding demography, clinical features, treatment and laboratory parameters were analyzed. Twenty patients were excluded for assessment of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) due to lack of laboratory data. Results: COVID-19 patients (n = 65) were investigated, 19 with uncomplicated, 29 with complicated, and 17 with critical course; nine (13.8%) died. Seven patients showed overt DIC according to the ISTH criteria. The fibrinogen levels dropped significantly in these patients, although not below 100 mg/dl. Hallmarks of TMA, such as thrombocytopenia and microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia, were not detected in any of our COVID-19 patients. ADAMTS13 activity was mildly to moderately reduced in 4/22 patients, all having strongly elevated procalcitonin levels. Conclusion: DIC occurred in 7/65 COVID-19 patients but fibrinogen and platelet consumption were compensated in almost all. ADAMTS13 assays excluded TTP and hallmarks of classic TMA were absent in all investigated patients. We hypothesize that the lacking erythrocyte fragmentation and only mild platelet consumption in severe COVID-19 are due to a microangiopathy predominantly localized to the alveolar microcirculation with a low blood pressure gradient.

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Sharing of Worldwide Spread Knowledge Using Hypermedia Facilities & Fast Communication Protocols (Mosaic and World Wide Web): The Example of ExPASy

Methods of Information in Medicine ◽

10.1055/s-0038-1634588 ◽

1995 ◽

Vol 34 (01/02) ◽

pp. 75-78 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

R. D. Appel ◽

O. Golaz ◽

Ch. Pasquali ◽

J.-C. Sanchez ◽

A. Bairoch ◽

...

Keyword(s):

World Wide Web ◽

World Wide ◽

Relevant Literature ◽

Communication Protocols ◽

Laboratory Data ◽

Central Element ◽

University Hospital ◽

New Information ◽

The University ◽

Link Information

Abstract:The sharing of knowledge worldwide using hypermedia facilities and fast communication protocols (i.e., Mosaic and World Wide Web) provides a growth capacity with tremendous versatility and efficacy. The example of ExPASy, a molecular biology server developed at the University Hospital of Geneva, is striking. ExPASy provides hypermedia facilities to browse through several up-to-date biological and medical databases around the world and to link information from protein maps to genome information and diseases. Its extensive access is open through World Wide Web. Its concept could be extended to patient data including texts, laboratory data, relevant literature findings, sounds, images and movies. A new hypermedia culture is spreading very rapidly where the international fast transmission of documents is the central element. It is part of the emerging new “information society”.

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AB0566 NAILFOLD EXTENT OF REDUCED CAPILLARY DENSITY IS ASSOCIATED WITH DIGITAL ULCERS AND WITH AN INCREASED RISK OF DIGITAL ULCERS IN SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases ◽

10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-eular.4173 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽

pp. 1580.2-1580

Author(s):

R. De Angelis ◽

F. Salaffi

Keyword(s):

Systemic Sclerosis ◽

Laboratory Data ◽

Quantitative Measure ◽

Capillary Density ◽

Optical Probe ◽

Typical Feature ◽

Slight Reduction ◽

Digital Ulcers ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Significant Difference

Background:A growing evidence supports the role of microvasculopathy as a primary pathogenic event in systemic sclerosis (SSc). The most commonly used imaging technique to identify microangiopathy in SSc is high magnification videocapillaroscopy (NVC), and reduced capillary density and/or capillary loss, which is a typical feature of “scleroderma microangiopathy”, easily identified by NVC, has been associated with digital ulcers (DUs). Different approaches have been proposed to measure capillary density or capillary loss. Some of these were qualitative methods, others semi-quantitative, others only concerned a limited nailfold area, without ever evaluating the overall density, which is more suitable for quantitative estimate.Objectives:To assess the association between the extent of different values of nailfold capillary density and the presence of DUs and to identify the risk of developing DUs, based on quantitative parameters.Methods:The study involved 54 SSc selected patients (47 women and 7 men, mean age 59.5 years, 50 with limited and 4 with diffuse). The study population came from an ongoing database, that includes clinical and laboratory data of patients with definite SSc. A videocapillaroscope (VideoCap® 3.0, DS Medica, Milan, Italy) with a 200x optical probe was used. During examination, eight fingers (fingers 2–5 of each hand), 4 fields per finger, according to the standard literature were assessed. For each patient, a total of 32 images were collected, then classified as having either “normal”, “non-specific” or the “scleroderma pattern” (SP). Capillary density was defined as the number of capillaries/mm in the distal row, regardless of its shape and morphology. Avascular areas were defined by the absence of loops within a width/area extending over more than 500 microns. For each patient, the SP images were further graded with no/slight reduction of the capillary density (7-9 loops/mm) (NOR), with a well-defined reduction of capillary density (6-4 loops/mm) (RED) and with loss of capillaries (<4) plus avascular areas (AA). Then, the overall percentages were calculated (the number with SP, the number with NOR, with RED and with AA, respect to 32), thus obtaining the quantitative measures. All data were analysed using the MedCalc® version 18.6; 64-bit (MedCalc Software, Mariakerke, Belgium).Results:A total of 1728 images were analyzed. Patients with DUs were 16/54 (29.6%). All patients had a SP, but only five patients showed a SP along the entire nailfold. A comparison between patients with or without DUs showed a significant difference both for the overall extent of AA (p=0.032), and particularly for the overall extent of RED (p<0.001). No significant difference was found regarding the overall extent of the SP (p=0.085). Factor significantly associated with DUs in multivariate analysis was the overall extent of RED (p=0.0286). The ROC curve was very effective at discriminating the capillary feature able to distinguish patients with DUs from patients without DUs. The discriminatory power of the overall extent of RED was very good, with an AUC of 0.948 (95 % CI 0.852 ± 0.990). Then, we calculated the cut-off values of the overall extent of RED for presence/absence of DUs with the highest combination of sensitivity and specificity. The resulting cut-off value (Yourden index of 0.825) was >68.7 (sensitivity 92.31 %; specificity 90.24 %) with a LR+ of 9.46.Conclusion:Our data strongly support that the capillary density between 4 and 6 loops/mm is the best capillaroscopic quantitative measure associated with DUs and able to discriminate the probability of having DUs. If all SSc-specific antibodies and/or other laboratory/clinical parameters are not yet available, the overall capillary density can allow physicians to assess SSc patients easily, regarding DUs and risk for developing DUs.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

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Association of breastfeeding and risk of metabolic syndrome and its components in postmenopausal parous women: Korea national health and nutrition examination survey (2010 ~ 2016)

Archives of Public Health ◽

10.1186/s13690-021-00607-2 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 79 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Jusuk Lee ◽

Taehong Kim

Keyword(s):

Metabolic Syndrome ◽

Laboratory Data ◽

Multivariate Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Density Lipoprotein ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Korean Women ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Nationally Representative ◽

Study Participants

Abstract Background Understanding the relationship between breastfeeding (BF) and metabolic syndrome (Mets) is important for maternal long-term health benefits and disease prevention. This study aimed to examine the association between BF and Mets and its components among postmenopausal parous Korean women. Methods This cross-sectional study on 10,356 Korean women used nationally representative data from the KNHANES from 2010 to 2016. Anthropometric, laboratory data and manual BP were measured. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the association of BF with Mets and its components after adjusting for potential confounding variables. A p-value < 0.05 was to be considered statistically significant. Results Mets was present in 42% of the study participants. The BF group had low household income and education level. The prevalence of Mets in the BF group was higher than that in the non-BF group (42.69% vs. 34.76%, p < 0.001). BF was associated with increased risk of Mets (odds ratio [OR]: 1.4, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.18–1.65, p < 0.001). The BF group was at higher risks for diabetes (OR: 1.5, 95%CI: 1.14–1.98), hypertension (OR: 1.32, 95%CI: 1.03–1.68), hypertriglyceridemia (OR: 1.42, 95%CI: 1.02–1.99) and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR: 1.32, 95%CI: 1.06–1.65). Conclusion In this study, BF did not affect decreasing the prevalence of Mets and its components.

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Baseline T-lymphocyte subset absolute counts can predict both outcome and severity in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients: a single center study

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-021-90983-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Marco Iannetta ◽

Francesco Buccisano ◽

Daniela Fraboni ◽

Vincenzo Malagnino ◽

Laura Campogiani ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Hospital Mortality ◽

T Lymphocyte ◽

Lymphocyte Subsets ◽

Severe Disease ◽

Laboratory Data ◽

Lymphocyte Subset ◽

Multivariable Logistic Regression Analysis ◽

Double Positive ◽

Increased Risk ◽

T Lymphocyte Subset

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate the role of baseline lymphocyte subset counts in predicting the outcome and severity of COVID-19 patients. Hospitalized patients confirmed to be infected with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) were included and classified according to in-hospital mortality (survivors/nonsurvivors) and the maximal oxygen support/ventilation supply required (nonsevere/severe). Demographics, clinical and laboratory data, and peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets were retrospectively analyzed. Overall, 160 patients were retrospectively included in the study. T-lymphocyte subset (total CD3+, CD3+ CD4+, CD3+ CD8+, CD3+ CD4+ CD8+ double positive [DP] and CD3+ CD4− CD8− double negative [DN]) absolute counts were decreased in nonsurvivors and in patients with severe disease compared to survivors and nonsevere patients (p < 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that absolute counts of CD3+ T-lymphocytes < 524 cells/µl, CD3+ CD4+ < 369 cells/µl, and the number of T-lymphocyte subsets below the cutoff (T-lymphocyte subset index [TLSI]) were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. Baseline T-lymphocyte subset counts and TLSI were also predictive of disease severity (CD3+ < 733 cells/µl; CD3+ CD4+ < 426 cells/µl; CD3+ CD8+ < 262 cells/µl; CD3+ DP < 4.5 cells/µl; CD3+ DN < 18.5 cells/µl). The evaluation of peripheral T-lymphocyte absolute counts in the early stages of COVID-19 might represent a useful tool for identifying patients at increased risk of unfavorable outcomes.

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Clinical Stratification of Pregnant COVID-19 Patients based on Severity: A Single Academic Center Experience

American Journal of Perinatology ◽

10.1055/s-0041-1723761 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 38 (05) ◽

pp. 515-522

Author(s):

Marissa Berry ◽

Amanda Wang ◽

Shannon M. Clark ◽

Hassan M. Harirah ◽

Sangeeta Jain ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pregnant Women ◽

Disease Severity ◽

Gestational Age ◽

Laboratory Data ◽

Population Characteristics ◽

Neonatal Outcomes ◽

P Value ◽

Asymptomatic Patients ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Maternal And Neonatal Outcomes

Objective This study aimed to describe baseline characteristics of a cohort of pregnant women infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and determine if these correlate with disease severity and perinatal outcomes. Study Design This was a retrospective cohort trial conducted at the University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston, Texas. All pregnant women presented to our medical center, who were screened and tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 virus, were included. We stratified our study population in three groups: asymptomatic, symptomatic not requiring oxygen therapy, and patients requiring oxygen support to maintain oxygen saturation >94%. Relevant population characteristics, laboratory data, and maternal and neonatal outcomes were abstracted. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Between March and July 2020, 91 women tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 upon admission to our labor and delivery unit. Among these, 61.5% were asymptomatic, 34.1% were symptomatic, and 4.4% required oxygen support. Our population was mainly Hispanic (80.2%), multiparous (76.9%), obese (70.3%), and with a median age of 27 years. Median gestational age at symptom onset or diagnosis was 36 weeks. Significant differences were found between gestational age and disease severity. Maternal characteristics including age, body mass index (BMI), and presence of comorbid conditions did not appear to influence severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Significant laboratory findings associated with increasing disease severity included decreasing hemoglobin and white blood cell count, lymphopenia, and increasing levels of inflammatory markers including CRP, ferritin, and procalcitonin. Maternal and neonatal outcomes did not differ among groups. No SARS-CoV-2 was detected by polymerase chain reaction testing in neonates of mothers with COVID-19. Conclusion Pregnant patients with COVID-19 infection are predominantly asymptomatic. Patients appear to be at increased risk for more severe infection requiring oxygen support later in pregnancy. Key Points

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Prevalence, Persistence, and Factors Associated with SARS-CoV-2 IgG Seropositivity in a Large Cohort of Healthcare Workers in a Tertiary Care University Hospital in Northern Italy

Viruses ◽

10.3390/v13061064 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (6) ◽

pp. 1064

Author(s):

Gitana Scozzari ◽

Cristina Costa ◽

Enrica Migliore ◽

Maurizio Coggiola ◽

Giovannino Ciccone ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Tertiary Care ◽

Multivariable Analysis ◽

Northern Italy ◽

University Hospital ◽

Care Workers ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Never Smokers ◽

The University ◽

Job Profile ◽

Pandemic Wave

This observational study evaluated SARS-CoV-2 IgG seroprevalence and related clinical, demographic, and occupational factors among workers at the largest tertiary care University-Hospital of Northwestern Italy and the University of Turin after the first pandemic wave of March–April 2020. Overall, about 10,000 individuals were tested; seropositive subjects were retested after 5 months to evaluate antibodies waning. Among 8769 hospital workers, seroprevalence was 7.6%, without significant differences related to job profile; among 1185 University workers, 3.3%. Self-reporting of COVID-19 suspected symptoms was significantly associated with positivity (Odds Ratio (OR) 2.07, 95%CI: 1.76–2.44), although 27% of seropositive subjects reported no previous symptom. At multivariable analysis, contacts at work resulted in an increased risk of 69%, or 24% for working in a COVID ward; contacts in the household evidenced the highest risk, up to more than five-fold (OR 5.31, 95%CI: 4.12–6.85). Compared to never smokers, being active smokers was inversely associated with seroprevalence (OR 0.60, 95%CI: 0.48–0.76). After 5 months, 85% of previously positive subjects still tested positive. The frequency of SARS-COV-2 infection among Health Care Workers was comparable with that observed in surveys performed in Northern Italy and Europe after the first pandemic wave. This study confirms that infection frequently occurred as asymptomatic and underlines the importance of household exposure, seroprevalence (OR 0.60, 95%CI: 0.48–0.76).

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OAC Elmira winter barley

Canadian Journal of Plant Science ◽

10.4141/p96-023 ◽

1997 ◽

Vol 77 (4) ◽

pp. 639-640 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

D. E. Falk ◽

E. Reinbergs ◽

G. Meatherall

Keyword(s):

Disease Resistance ◽

Hordeum Vulgare ◽

Winter Hardiness ◽

Winter Barley ◽

High Yield ◽

Science Department ◽

Hordeum Vulgare L ◽

Southern Ontario ◽

Agriculture And Food ◽

The University

OAC Elmira is a high-yielding, disease-resistant, hardy winter barley adapted to Southern Ontario. OAC Elmira has good winter hardiness and high hectoliter weight. It has better disease resistance than any of the check cultivars and long straw with a lax, nodding head. It was developed by the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food through the Crop Science Department of the University of Guelph. Key words: Hordeum vulgare L., high yield, disease resistance, winter hardiness

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Strategie e strumenti per la valorizzazione delle produzioni nella filiera bovina: il fattore genoma

ECONOMIA AGRO-ALIMENTARE ◽

10.3280/ecag2012-002004 ◽

2012 ◽

pp. 63-83

Author(s):

Francesco Zecca ◽

Elisabetta Capocchi

Keyword(s):

Bovine Genome ◽

Animal Health ◽

Genetic Selection ◽

Analytical Framework ◽

Cattle Industry ◽

Cattle Feed ◽

Use Of Technology ◽

Representative Species ◽

Working Set ◽

Target Characteristics

The aim of the project was to examine the features involved in product quality and animal health for the purposes of genetic selection in order to achieve the best quality in each of the species and/or breeds under consideration. Among the tasks carried out the working group had to verify the socio-economic development of the most satisfactory end results as determined by the working set of genetic selections in the light of continuous advances in knowledge regarding the bovine genome. The analysis was limited to cattle as they were considered the most representative species for the purpose of the study. The study started with an analysis of the sector to investigate the proactive dynamics concerning the use of technology in the cattle industry The approach used is one which has become customary in studies examining issues in this sector related to the system of farming/livestock and which allows us to detect not only the most crucial quantitative but also qualitative aspects that exist and have been established among the various components of the system, with particular reference to the types of productive performance which are determined by the use of different technical patterns, especially those related to improvement and genetic selection. The study's aim was to follow the analytical framework of the supply chain in order to highlight important conditions that contribute to an interpretation of the key economic characteristics for the selective breeding industry under analysis. All this is due to the gradual revelation of the genetic basis of biodiversity by means of genome sequencing. Thanks to genomics, subjects to be used for propagation can be selected in terms of the target characteristics to be achieved, such as greater energy efficiency, resulting in the ability to produce better cattle feed, more resistance to disease, or a reduction in environmental impact by reducing emissions of methane gas. Regarding the methodology adopted, an examination of the context is followed by an evaluation of the most suitable production factors for the enhancement of the cattle population and the article concludes with some suggestions for possible future interventions.

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Rendimiento diagnóstico de la videocápsula endoscópica en el sangrado del intestino delgado manifiesto

Acta gastroenterológica latinoamericana ◽

10.52787/dzvw9801 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 50 (4) ◽

Author(s):

María Alejandra Arriola ◽

Diana Valencia ◽

Carolina Olano

Keyword(s):

Small Bowel ◽

Capsule Endoscopy ◽

Diagnostic Yield ◽

Laboratory Data ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Frequent Finding ◽

Male Sex ◽

Lower Endoscopy ◽

Small Bowel Bleeding ◽

Nonspecific Inflammation

Introduction. The small bowel capsule endoscopy is the first line procedure in patients with suspected small bowel bleeding. Data regarding overt suspected small bowel bleeding and its predictive factors remain still limited. Aim. To assess the diagnostic yield of the capsule endoscopy and the factors predicting positive findings in patients with overt suspected small bowel bleeding. Methods. Patients with overt suspected small bowel bleeding (melena or enterorrhagia) and negative upper and lower endoscopy were included. A positive diagnostic yield was considered when the capsule endoscopy diagnosed one or more P2 or P3 type lesions (Modified Saurin Classification) Demographic and laboratory data were recorded. Results. 79 patients were included (mean age 62.92 (15-89); F:M 46:33). The diagnostic yield of the capsule endoscopy was 62%. The most frequent finding was angioectasia (44.8%), followed by nonspecific inflammation/ulceration (20.4%). The multivariate analysis found that age older than 50 years and male sex were independent variables that were associated with an increased risk of positive findings and angioectasia. Conclusions. In this group of patients with overt suspected small bowel bleeding, the capsule endoscopy was useful (with a diagnostic yield of 62%). The most frequent lesions were the vascular ones. Age over 50 and male sex were independent predictors of finding lesions and angioectasia.

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