bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship between climate change induced natural disasters and selected nutrition outcomes: a case of cyclone Idai, Zimbabwe
Authors: Dembedza Vimbainashe Prisca , Chopera Prosper , Mapara Jacob , Mpofu-Hamadziripi Nomalanga , Kembo George , Macheka Lesley
Published: January 2023

Background

The increased frequency of climate induced natural disasters has exacerbated the risks of malnutrition in the already vulnerable regions. This study was aimed at exploring the effects of Cyclone Idai on nutrition outcomes of women of child-bearing age and children under 5 years.

Method

The household-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Eastern Zimbabwe. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews to determine food consumption score (FCS) and household dietary diversity (HDDS), minimum dietary diversity for women (MDD-W) and minimum dietary diversity for children (MDD-C). Severity of Cyclone Idai was grouped into five categories based on the extent of damage to infrastructure and loss of human lives. Association between continuous and categorical variables was tested using Pearson correlation test and Chi square test, respectively. Linear and binary logistic regression was performed to investigate determinants of food security.

Results

A total of 535 households were interviewed. There was a significant correlation between severity of Cyclone Idai and MDD-W (p = 0.011), HDDS (p = 0.018) and FCS (p = 0.001). However, severity of Cyclone Idai was not a determinant of any nutrition outcome, but gender of household head was a negative predictor of HDDS (β = − 0.734,p = 0.040), and marital status of household head was a positive predictor (β = 0.093,p = 0.016) of FCS.

Conclusion

The findings provide a good baseline to inform future programming of food aid activities during disasters. More so, our findings call for evidence-based policies regarding composition of a food aid basket and targeting of beneficiaries. The main strength of this study is that it is the first to investigate the effects of cyclones on food and nutrition security indicators and is based on a large sample size thus making our results generalisable.
Set up and assessment of progression criteria for internal pilots: the Brushing RemInder 4 Good oral HealTh (BRIGHT) trial example
Authors: Ainsworth Hannah , Marshman Zoe , Whiteside Katie , Sykes Debbie , Fairhurst Caroline , Turner Emma , Chestnutt Ivor , Day Peter , Dey Donna , Elliott Louise , El-Yousfi Sarab , Hewitt Catherine , Jones Claire , Pavitt Sue , Robertson Mark , Torgerson David , Innes Nicola
Published: January 2023

Background

Dental caries is common in young people and has wide-ranging ramifications for health and quality of life. Text messaging interventions show promise as a means to promote oral health behaviour change among young people. This paper reports the internal pilot of the Brushing RemInder 4 Good oral HealTh (BRIGHT) trial, which is evaluating an intervention comprising an oral health classroom lesson and text messages about toothbrushing, on caries in young people. Pilot trial objectives were to evaluate the feasibility and appropriateness of recruitment and data collection methods, the randomisation strategy, and intervention delivery against progression criteria for the main trial.

Methods

This is an internal pilot trial embedded within an assessor-blinded, two-arm, cluster randomised controlled trial. Participants were pupils aged 11–13 years (in year 7/S1 or year 8/S2) in secondary schools in England, Scotland, and Wales with above average pupil eligibility for free school meals. Following completion of pupil baseline questionnaires and dental assessments, year groups within schools were randomised to the intervention or control arm. Approximately 12 weeks later, participants completed a follow-up questionnaire, which included questions about sources of oral health advice to assess intervention contamination between year groups. At the end of the pilot phase, trial conduct was reviewed against pre-specified progression criteria.

Results

Ten schools were recruited for the pilot, with 20 year groups and 1073 pupils randomised (average of 54 pupils per year group). Data collection methods and intervention delivery were considered feasible, the response rate to the follow-up questionnaire was over 80%, there was an indication of a positive effect on self-reported toothbrushing, and interest was obtained from 80% of the schools required for the main trial. Despite partial intervention contamination between year groups, within-school randomisation at the level of the year-group was considered appropriate for the main trial, and the sample size was revised to account for partial contamination. Facilitators and barriers to recruitment and data collection were identified and strategies refined for the main trial.

Conclusions

Progression to the main trial of BRIGHT, with some design refinements, was concluded. The internal pilot was an efficient way to determine trial feasibility and optimise trial processes.

Trial registration

ISRCTN registry, ISRCTN12139369, registered 10/05/2017
Second-generation antipsychotic medications and metabolic disturbance in children and adolescents
Authors: Makary Samy , Abd El Moez Khaled , Elsayed Mona , Hassan Haydy
Published: January 2023

Background

The second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) are a group of antipsychotic drugs, used to treat psychiatric conditions. SGAs have been shown to precipitate rapid weight gain and dyslipidemia, as well as to promote insulin resistance, leading to the emergence of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Prescriptions of SGAs in children have increased 6- to 10-fold during the last decade. This research work designed to find correlation between duration of second-generation antipsychotics (SGA) use, in children and adolescent, and the increase in metabolic syndrome disturbance components including weight gain, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes mellitus. This is cross-sectional analytic study was carried out in Suez Canal University Hospital, Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic on Children and adolescent aged 4–17 years. It included 151 children and adolescents diagnosed by Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 (DSM-5). They were divided into two groups, 72 patients who regular on (SGA) as treated group and 79 patients who did not receive pharmacological medication as control group.

Results

The overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the current study was high 27.81% in SGA-treated children compared to 0.60% in control group. In the SGA-treated group, 22.22% had type 2 diabetes, compared with 2.53% in the control group. SGA-treated patients showed a highly significant increase in their weight, body mass index and waist circumference compared to their control group patients. The correlation of different metabolic syndrome indices and SGAs duration showed positive correlation with body mass index, fasting blood sugar, and blood lipids (low density lipoproteins and cholesterol) but negative correlation with high density lipoproteins. Blood pressure did not correlate with SGA-duration in the studied patients. Indices which showed correlation could be predictors of the metabolic syndrome developments. Although the correlation and regression model showed moderate degree of association, this is considered important issue for the young patients.

Conclusion

SGA treatment in children and adolescence confers a significantly increased risk for metabolic syndrome and SGA-treatment duration is important for MtS development.
Expert system: use of CLIPS software to evaluate solar energy for residences and businesses
Authors: David Thamyres Machado , de Souza Teófilo Miguel , Rizol Paloma Maria Silva Rocha
Published: January 2023

The use of energy is important in all sectors, considered essential in industrial, commercial and residential activities. In view of this and the environmental problems caused by energy sources with fossil fuel origin, methods of energy production with renewable sources have been increasingly addressed. Studies that estimate the impact and evaluations of solar technologies in homes are scarce. In this sense, the applied method addresses the use of CLIPS for the development of a knowledge base for preliminary diagnosis and evaluation of solar energy for homes and businesses, thus obtaining a prototype of an expert system, the method also approaches the use of artificial intelligence with a heuristic characteristic and its target audience is people with little or no knowledge in the area, thus contributing to the social impact. As a result, the developed programming helps people with little or no knowledge about solar energy and its residential application to have access and thus verify the applicability. It is worth noting that this is the first empirical study carried out in Brazil, a country of crucial importance for the development of solar energy.
Marburg virus disease: the paradox of Nigeria’s preparedness and priority effects in co-epidemics
Authors: Reuben Rine Christopher , Abunike Sarah Adamma
Published: January 2023

Background

The recent outbreaks of Marburg virus disease (MVD) in Guinea and Ghana have become a major public health concern not only to the West African sub-region but a threat to global health.

Main body of the abstract

Given the poorly elucidated ecological and epidemiological dynamics of the Marburg virus, it would be imprudent to preclude the possibility of another pandemic if urgent efforts are not put in place. However, the prior emergence and impact of COVID-19 and other co-occurring epidemics may add ‘noise’ to the epidemiological dynamics and public health interventions that may be required in the advent of a MVD outbreak in Nigeria.

Short conclusion

Paying attention to the lessons learned from previous (and current) multiple epidemics including Avian Influenza, Yellow fever, Ebola virus disease, Monkeypox, Lassa fever, and COVID-19 could help avoid a potentially devastating public health catastrophe in Nigeria.
Measuring the most important factors affecting the success of different logistic zones
Authors: Aboul-Atta Tarek Abdel-Latif , El-Lebody Yara Menshawy
Published: January 2023

Logistic zones play an important role in supporting global trade movements and supply chains; it also helps to achieve development in many countries of the world.

Therefore, this paper aims to explore the most important affecting factors that must be available to establish successful logistic zones through quantitative analysis for184 variables at the global and site characteristics. These include many variables such as location, infrastructure, and political and economic situation. This analysis is done for 38 logistic zones different in type, size, and degree in several countries of the world using the statistical program SPSS to get the most important factors affecting it using principal component analysis test. The research also tries to find relationship between the site characteristic variables and national variables through the linear regression test. As a result, the variables were reduced to reach the most important variables of influence, as well as the strength of the relationship between national and site characteristic variables, which shows that the success of the logistic zones requires the integration of many related development sectors such as transport, infrastructure, information technology, laws, and commercial facilities at all levels.
Adverse Events Related to Tirzepatide
Authors: Mishra Rahul , Raj Rishi , Elshimy Ghada , Zapata Isain , Kannan Lakshmi , Majety Priyanka , Edem Dinesh , Correa Ricardo
Published: January 2023

Context

Tirzepatide is a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in May 2022 for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Objective

We aimed to determine the rates of individual adverse events (AEs) related to 3 studied doses of tirzepatide.

Methods

We performed a systematic review with meta-analysis including 5 databases (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science) for all clinical trials reporting AEs related to tirzepatide. The safety data from individual studies were extracted and analyzed through meta-regression to assess rates of individual AEs. Study quality assessment was performed using the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Quality Assessment Tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies.

Results

Ten trials (6836 participants) were included. Gastrointestinal (GI) AEs were the most commonly reported AEs and were dose dependent 39% (95% CI, 35%-43%), 46% (95% CI, 42%-49%), and 49% (95% CI, 38%-60%) for the 5, 10, and 15 mg dose, respectively. Among all GI AEs, nausea and diarrhea were most frequent at any dose of tirzepatide. Drug discontinuation due to AEs was highest with the 15 mg dose of tirzepatide (10%). Incidence of mild hypoglycemia (blood glucose < 70 mg/dL) was highest with tirzepatide 10 mg dose 22.6% (9.2%-39.8%). Rates of fatal AEs, severe hypoglycemia, acute pancreatitis, cholelithiasis, and cholecystitis were extremely low (≤ 1%) across all doses of tirzepatide.

Conclusion

Tirzepatide is associated with a dose-dependent increase in incidence of GI AEs and AEs leading to drug discontinuation. Severe hypoglycemia, fatal AEs, acute pancreatitis, cholelithiasis, and cholecystitis are rare with this medication.
The ACSM American Fitness Index: Using Data to Identify Opportunities to Support Physical Activity
Authors: Zollinger Terrell W. , Ainsworth Barbara E. , Thompson Walter R. , Volpe Stella L. , Keith NiCole R. , Patch Gretchen S. , Coffing Jessica M. , Craft Lynette L.
Published: January 2023

Since 2008, the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) American Fitness Index program has provided data, materials, resources, and connections to help city officials, public health professionals, and community-based organizations assess the fitness of their residents, identify opportunities to improve health outcomes, and enable physically active lifestyles. The purpose of this article was to describe the development and methods used to create the annual scores and rankings for the Fitness Index. Fitness Index indicators were originally selected by ACSM content experts and other nationally recognized fitness experts who understood the importance of community assets to improve health behaviors and outcomes. Indicator values for the 100 largest US cities were gathered from reputable, regularly updated, publicly available data sources. Indicator values for the cities were ranked, weighted, and combined into a personal health subscore, a community/environment subscore, and a total score that were then ranked from the most fit (rank 1) to least fit (rank 100) cities. Fitness Index indicators are reviewed by ACSM content experts and updated annually to ensure the Fitness Index stays true to its goal. Strengths of the Fitness Index include the use of multiple indicators related to the health and behaviors of residents as well as community assets and policies. Some data limitations for the Fitness Index include sample variability from year to year, use of self-reported survey data with well-known biases and variability, and lack of availability of important data indicators. The annual summary report suggests how these rankings and data can be translated into action within cities. Additional resources for the American Fitness Index, including an interactive tool that allows comparison of indicator values among cities, are available online.
Perforation of the superior vena cava by a tunnel-cuffed hemodialysis catheter via the right internal jugular vein in an elderly woman
Authors: Li Xiaodong , Ran Fang , Guo Yancong
Published: January 2023

Oliguric patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) often requires an internal jugular vein or femoral venous catheter to establish vascular access for emergency hemodialysis. Puncture with catheterization (PC) of the right internal jugular vein (RIJV) is relatively simple and is often the first choice for hemodialysis catheters insertion. However, complications such as bleeding and hematoma at the puncture site can occur, and in rare cases, the hemodialysis catheter (HDC) can be misplaced into the internal carotid artery, subclavian artery, subclavian vein, or even the thoracic cavity and mediastinum, leading to intractability for processing next. In this study, we report a case of an elderly female patient with AKI who underwent RIJV puncture for long-term HDC because her renal function had not recovered in the short term, and the lower end of the catheter penetrated the superior vena cava (SVC) into the mediastinum due to operator’s carelessness. We did not perform open surgery or endovascular interventions, and instead, the HDC was retained in that place for four weeks and then directly removed without surgery. The patient did not experience any problems, such as bleeding or hematoma, and has been receiving hemodialysis from femoral catheter subsequently since then.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.2.6674

How to cite this: Li X, Ran F, Guo Y. Perforation of the superior vena cava by a tunnel-cuffed hemodialysis catheter via the right internal jugular vein in an elderly woman. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(2):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.2.6674

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Perceptions of medical students regarding brain drain and its effects on Pakistan’s socio-medical conditions: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Nadir Fizzah , Sardar Hassan , Ahmad Husnain
Published: January 2023

Background and Objective: The term “brain drain” refers to the exodus of educated or professional individuals to another nation, industry, or field, typically in search of a higher salary or living standard. Our objective was to look into the reasons why medical students leave after graduation, how it affects Pakistan’s socio-medical situation, and what may be done to address it.

Methods: After receiving approval from the ethical committee, a cross-sectional survey was carried out among 420 undergraduate medical students of both genders at two different medical colleges in Pakistan for the current academic year 2021–2022. The core data was gathered via an organized questionnaire. The non-probability sampling method was employed to collect the sample. The data were analyzed with SPSS software.

Results: Out of 420 medical students of both genders, 140 (33.3%) plan to leave Pakistan after graduation, while 280 (66.66%) want to pursue a career in Pakistan. Additionally, when asked about the amenities offered to Pakistani doctors throughout their training, the vast majority of medical students expressed satisfaction with living in Pakistan. However, among medical students who prefer to immigrate, the United States was at the top of their list. Although there are numerous reasons that affect doctors’ immigration choices, the majority of students think that poor pay and long working hours are the main ones that lead to poor patient management and inadequate training. This may be prevented by improving the pay and service structure.

Conclusion: According to this survey, one in three medical students aspires to move overseas after graduation owing to a lack of resources and ineffective management, which has been adversely affecting Pakistan’s socio-medical situation. As a result, it is important for Pakistan’s health officials to launch campaigns to address the issues faced by medical students and physicians in order to prevent brain drain.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.2.7139

How to cite this: Nadir F, Sardar H, Ahmad H. Perceptions of medical students regarding brain drain and its effects on Pakistan’s socio-medical conditions: A cross-sectional study. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(2):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.2.7139

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
«Κυπραίοι» και «καλαμαράδες»: Διαπραγματεύσεις της ελληνικής ηγεμονίας από την περιφέρεια του ελληνόφωνου κόσμου
Authors: Καραθανάσης Παυσανίας
Published: January 2023

Το άρθρο βασίζεται σε εθνογραφική έρευνα που πραγματοποιήθηκε στην Ελλάδα και την Κύπρο την περίοδο 2020-2021 και αφορά τις σχέσεις μεταξύ των δύο χωρών και μεταξύ των πολιτών τους. Με αφορμή πρόσφατες αλλαγές στο εσωτερικό των δύο χωρών και, συγκεκριμένα, τη νέα ελληνική μετανάστευση της κρίσης, διερευνώνται σύγχρονες διαπραγματεύσεις και μετασχηματισμοί που πραγματοποιούνται τόσο στο επίσημο επίπεδο των σχέσεων μεταξύ των δύο χωρών, όσο και στη βιωμένη καθημερινότητα των πολιτών τους. Ειδικότερα, στο άρθρο διερευνώνται ζητήματα οικειότητας, πολιτισμικής απόστασης και πολιτισμικής ηγεμονίας, όπως αυτά εμφανίζονται ανάμεσα στο κρυπτο-αποικιακό ελληνικό και το μετα-αποικιακό κυπριακό, πλαίσιο και μετασχηματίζονται στην περιφέρεια του ελληνόφωνου κόσμου.
Losers of globalization, losers in representation? The impact of education on unequal policy representation in Europe
Authors: Tsatsanis Emmanouil , Belchior Ana Maria
Published: January 2023

The article focuses on the impact of education on policy representation. It examines degrees of congruence between political elites and citizens on policy preferences across different policy issues, trying to discern whether there is a representation gap between the so-called “winners” and “losers” of globalization in Europe as captured via the proxy measure of educational attainment. Additionally, we examine whether this representation gap, as well as overall levels of congruence, are affected by contextual factors related to the economy and the ideological orientation of governments. Using data from the 2014 European Election Studies and the 2014 Chapel Hill Expert Survey, our findings largely confirm the existence of a representation gap along educational lines. Contextual factors related to the economy present weak or no direct and moderating effects whereas ideologically left-leaning governments accentuate, for the most part, the representation gap between individuals of low and high educational attainment.
Διερεύνηση του διαστατού της κλίμακας αξιών του Schwartz: Δεδομένα από την Ευρωπαϊκή Κοινωνική Έρευνα του 2010 για την Ελλάδα
Authors: Χαραλάμπη Αναστασία
Published: January 2023

Κατά την προσέγγιση οποιασδήποτε κλίμακας μέτρησης στάσεων τίθεται το κρίσιμο ερώτημα περί αξιοπιστίας και εγκυρότητάς της. Η παρούσα μελέτη αποσκοπεί στη διερεύνηση της θεωρητικής δομής και στην εκτίμηση των ψυχομετρικών ιδιοτήτων της σύντομης εκδοχής της κλίμακας ανθρωπίνων αξιών του Schwartz. Η διερεύνηση αυτή βασίστηκε στα δεδομένα της Ελλάδας για τον 5o γύρο (2010) διεξαγωγής της Ευρωπαϊκής Κοινωνικής Έρευνας (ESS).

Η ανάλυση οδήγησε σε δύο αξιόπιστες και έγκυρες υπο-κλίμακες: Ευρύτητα αντιλήψεων σε αλλαγές και Αυτο-εξύψωση. Τα αποτελέσματα δεν επιβεβαιώνουν το διαστατό της κλίμακας ανθρωπίνων αξιών του Schwartz, όπως προτάθηκε στη βιβλιογραφία. Προσφέρεται, όμως, ένα χρήσιμο μεθοδολογικό και ερμηνευτικό εργαλείο στους κοινωνικούς επιστήμονες.
Investigation of phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of isolated Vibrio anguillarum strains in rainbow trout cage farms in Kahramanmaraş city of Turkey
Authors: Özcan M , Donat E
Published: January 2023

Bu çalışma, Kahramanmaraş, Türkiye bölgesindeki kafes çiftliklerinde kültürlenen gökkuşağı alabalığındaki Vibrio anguillarum suşlarının fenotipik ve genotipik özelliklerinin izolasyonu ve incelenmesi ile ilgilidir . Bu amaç için, karaciğer, dalak, böbrek ve bağırsak örnekleri fenotipik özelliklerini ve biyokimyasal kimlik incelemek üzere Haziran 2014 farklı kafes çiftliklerinde yaklaşık 250-300 g ağırlığında alabalık farklı gökkuşağı alınmıştır V. anguillarum , Biolog Sistemi, gökkuşağı alabalığından alınan örneklerden elde edilen saf vibrio suşlarına uygulandı. 20 V. anguillarumu doğrulamak için spesifik bir primer ile polimeraz zincir reaksiyon tekniği kullanıldıfenotipik ve biyokimyasal özelliklere göre belirlenen suşlar. Daha sonra, bunların hepsinin V. anguillarum olduğu doğrulandı . Örneklerden elde edilen V. anguillarum suşlarının sekans analizi gerçekleştirildi ve daha sonra bunların karşılık gelen verileri yorumlandı. Bu çalışmanın sonucunda V. anguillarum bakterileri iki farklı alabalık kafesi çiftliğinde tespit edilmiştir. V. anguillarum'un tanımlanma süresi kültür yöntemi ile üç hafta sürerken , kısa sürede PCR tekniği ile yapıldı.
The effects of boron on oxidative stress, reproductive parameters, and DNA damage in testicular tissue in wistar rats on a fatty diet
Authors: Avdatek F , Demirel HH , Küçükkurt İ , Acaröz DA , İNCE S
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of boron (B) against fat diet (FD)-induced spermatological, histopathological, biochemical and DNA damage in Wistar Albino Rats. Male rats were divided into five groups; the control group was fed a normal diet, the FD group was fed a normal diet with 40% beef tallow the FD+B5 group was fed a fat diet containing 5 mg/kg/daily boron, the FD+B10 group was fed a fat diet containing 10 mg/kg/daily boron, and the FD+B20 group was fed a fat diet containing 20 mg/kg/daily boron. The spermatozoon motility, membrane integrity and glutathione (GSH) level increased in the rats' testicular tissue in the groups given B. Conversely, the abnormal sperm rate, malondialdehyde (MDA) level and DNA damage were high in the FD group. Histopathologically, it was observed that decreased spermatozoa concentration in tubules seminiferous contortus lumen in FD and FD+B5 groups. FD+B10 administration reversed FD-induced spermatological parameters, MDA level and DNA damage in the rats' testes. These results indicated that boron protects spermatological parameters and repairs DNA damage, reduces FD-induced high MDA levels, enhances the antioxidant defense system and eliminates tissue injury in rats' testes.
Beta-lactam and Fluoroquinolone Resistant Extraintestinal Escherichia coli from Broiler Chickens and Ducks: Public Health Threat
Authors: Abo Hashem M , El-Mahallawy HS , Moursi M , Abd El-Fattah R , Enany M
Published: January 2023

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a zoonotic bacterial pathogen commonly found in human, birds and animals. The widespread use of broad-spectrum beta-lactams for poultry treatment, has resulted in the production of extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) in E. coli. In this study, we analyzed the antimicrobial resistance pattern of E. coli isolates from broiler chickens and ducks with clinical colibacillosis, and investigated the presence of beta-lactam (blaTEM, blaSHV, ampC, and blaCTX-M) and fluoroquinolone (qnrS and qepA) resistance genes using PCR. E. coli isolates showed a higher resistance against beta-lactams: penicillin G and ceftriaxone (97.5%), cephalexin (92.5%), ampicillin (77.5%), amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (62.5%), with somewhat lower resistance for nalidixic acid (45%), ciprofloxacin (35%), and norfloxacin (32.5%) from fluoroquinolone group. Isolates showed considerable sensitivity to cefotaxime (65%) and levofloxacin (55%). All tested isolates carried blaTEM, blaSHV and ampC resistance genes, and this was associated with the phenotypic resistance too. Although some isolates showed phenotypic intermediate resistance to fluoroquinolones, or resistance to only one agent from this class, the qnrS (83.3%) has been detected with high frequency. The blaCTX-M (27.87%) and qepA (16.7%) showed the lowest occurrence and had been detected in isolates from broiler chickens only. The occurrence of these resistant E. coli serotypes in broiler chickens and ducks pose a potential threat to poultry industry, and constitutes a public health risk to human consumers, slaughterhouse and poultry packing plant workers due to dissemination of beta-lactam and fluoroquinolone resistant E. coli serotypes.
The effect of reduced dose of PGF2α on certain reproductive parameters in awassi yearlings in anestrus synchronisation protocol following the end of the of the breeding season
Authors: Ozbilek I , Ergun Y , Gözer A , Bahan O , Alasahan S
Published: January 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the administration of half or full dose of prostaglandinF2α (PGF2α; Gestavet Prost, d-cloprostenol, HIPRA®) injection in a routine synchronization protocol following theend of the breeding period including intravaginal sponge (medroxyprogesterone acetate; Espanjovet, HIPRA®) andeCG (Oviser 500, HIPRA®) on certain fertility parameters in ewes.Two hundred thirty-eight Awassi yearlings (agedone year old) divided into two groups:116 ewes received a half dose (HSDP; 37.5 μg) of PGF2α and 122 ewes receivedfull dose (FSDP;75 μg).The pregnancy rates were 67.2% and 72.1% for HSDP and FSDP, respectively (P>0.05).The lambing rates were 64.7% and 63.9% for HSDP and FSDP, respectively (P>0.05).The single lambing rate inHSDP(94.7%) was higher (P<0.05) compared to that in FSDP (73.1%). The twin and multiple birth rates of FSDPwas higher (P<0.05) than HSDP. As a result, it was inferred that aHSDP could be used in Awassi yearlings withoutexperience of lamb care and in a herd in which single lambing was preferable. Moreover, due to the fact that it is moreaffordable and not detrimentalto fertility, it was concluded that HSDPcan offer an advantage in large flocks and can beused for manipulating fecundity ratesin yearlings.
Molecular identification of virulence features of Salmonella enterica isolated from fresh chicken meat sold at retail shops and markets in Peshawar, Pakistan
Authors: Rahat Shaista , Ahmad Kafeel , Ali Amjad
Published: January 2023

Salmonella enterica is an important agent of food borne illnesses in humans.  Poultry meat and products are easily contaminated with different strains of Salmonella enterica. Consumption of such food causes salmonellosis in human. The main aim of present investigation was to survey the prevalence of virulence associated genes of Salmonella enterica isolated from fresh chicken meat available in retail shops and markets at District Peshawar, Pakistan. Fresh chicken meat samples were collected from retail shops and markets at District Peshawar, Pakistan. The samples were processed for isolation of Salmonella enterica using selective media. Presumptive isolates were confirmed as Salmonella enterica via different biochemical tests and by amplification of invA gene. Isolates were tested for the presence of eight different virulence genes invA, spiA, cdtB, prgH, orgA, lpfC, sopB, and pefA. Amongst all isolates, 90(100%) had invA gene, 44(48.8%) had lfpC gene, 40(44.4%) had sopB gene, 27(30%) had orgA gene, 24(26.6%) hand spiA gene, 19(21.1%) had pefA gene, 18(20%) had prgH gene and 6(6.6%) had cdtB gene. 15.5% of the isolates had five virulence genes and 21.1% had four virulence genes. The findings of this study highlight an alarming public health risk and demand for strict bio-safety hygiene measures to be taken.
Comparison of the effects of buparvaquone and paromomycin on oocyst excretion and clinical parameters in diarrheal calves naturally infected with cryptosporidiosis
Authors: Evci FZ , Şentürk S
Published: January 2023

Cryptosporidium is an obligate intracellular parasite that infects a wide variety of hosts. Twenty calves with cryptosporidiosis were divided into two groups. A single dose of 2.5 mg/kg buparvaquone was administered intramuscularly to one group, while 100 mg/kg/day paromomycin was administered orally to the other group. The results obtained from the study in which oocyst shedding and clinical parameters of sucking reflex, mental status, oocyst scattering were observed in both groups offer an effective control option with this study, which provides results that support the application of a single dose of buparvaquone injection against the complex treatment methods applied to calves with cryptosporidiosis in the field. In this study, a significant decrease in oocyst shedding and rapid improvement in clinical findings were observed in calves.
Occurrence, antibiogram, high-level vancomycin and aminoglycosides resistance and potential virulence factors of enterococci in dogs in Nigeria
Authors: Anyanwu MU , Eze UU , Nnamani JC , Ikenna-Ezeh NH , Akpa PO , Okorie-kanu OJ , Anene BM
Published: January 2023

AbstractThis study was conducted to isolate enterococci from dogs in Nigeria, and to determine the potential virulence, antibiotic susceptibility, phenotypic vancomycin (VAN), high-level ampicillin (AMP) and aminoglycosides susceptibility profile of the isolates. Rectal swabs were collected from 295 randomly-selected, clinically-healthy dogs. The isolation of enterococci was done using Slanetz and Bartley enterococcal selective medium. The resistance of 150 non-repetitive isolates was determined using disc diffusion method. VAN resistance was assessed by high-level disc diffusion and agar-screening methods. High-level AMP and aminoglycosides (gentamicin and streptomycin) resistance was determined by agar-screening method. Potential virulence factors were assayed using phenotypic methods. Out of 295 samples, 234 (80.7%) gave positive growth. From these, 250 enterococcal isolates comprised 229 (91.6%) non-pigmented and 21 (8.4%) pigmented strains, were obtained. Resistance of the isolates was 89% to erythromycin, 92% to rifampicin, 77% to chloramphenicol, 83% to tetracycline, 64% to ciprofloxacin, 32.7% to VAN, 24.7% to high-level streptomycin (HLS) and 6% to high-level gentamicin (HLG). Among 150 non-repetitive resistant isolates, 144 (96%), including all the VAN-, HLS- and HLG-resistant strains, exhibited resistance to at least 3 classes of antibiotics. The mean multiple antibiotic resistance index was 0.54 (range = 0.22 – 0.89). Of these 150 isolates, 94 (62.7%), including all the VAN-, HLS- and HLG-resistant strains, displayed virulence potentials as biofilm (44.7%), surface-layer (13.8%), haemolysin (21.3%), gelatinase (40.4%), caesinase (10.6%) and deoxyribonuclease (12.8%) activities. This study showed that dogs in Nigeria are potential reservoirs and disseminators of potentially-virulent, multidrug-, VAN- and high-level aminoglycosides-resistant enterococci.
When used in animals, a neem (Azadirachta indica)-based ectoparasiticide performs better than a synthetic one
Authors: Azeem S , Akbar H , Ahmad L , Ashraf M , Puvanendiran S
Published: January 2023

Finding alternate ways to relieve animals from the ectoparasites is one of the most important aspects under One-Health concept. Herbal ectoparasiticides offer a promising alternate to chemical ectoparasiticides. The present study was designed to evaluate the ectoparasiticide efficacy of Nimboliâ (Neem: Azadirachta indica extract) in various animal species, keeping in view the objectives of One-Health. The ectoparasiticide efficacy of Nimboliâ was also compared with a commercial chemical ectoparasiticide Tagafon (Hydroxyethyl Phosporic Acid). Various animals infested with ticks, fleas, lice, flies, and maggots and presented at clinics were treated with Nimboliâ(n=36)and Tagafon (n=19). Mean time taken by each ectoparasiticide to knock-down various ectoparasites was recorded. The present study suggested significantly higher efficacy of Nimboliâ against ticks, fleas, lice, flies and maggots as compared with Tagafon. The mean time taken by Nimboli® to knockdown various ectoparasites of same and different kinds and their larvae was also less compared to the mean time taken by Tagafon. The present study indicated that Nimboliâ is an eco-friendly ectoparasiticide that is safe-to-use both for animals and their handlers, hence can replace chemical ectoparasiticides. The present study highlights the importance of herbal ectoparasiticides, especially those containing neem in the treatment and control of ectoparasites in animals. This information have special relevance for countries that have native neem trees such as Sri Lanka, Pakistan, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Senegal, and Thailand. Since herbal ectoparasiticides are biodegradable, they offer an added advantage of maintaining ecological health.
Concurrent infection by Clostridium perfringens type A, Clostridium septicum, and Clostridium sordelli in mouflon (Ovis aries musimon) - A case report
Authors: Milovanović BZ , Đorđević MM , Savić BM , Jezdimirović NV , Zdravković NM , Zurovac-Sapundžić Z , Glišić D , Ninković M , Kureljušić B
Published: January 2023

A female mouflon, weighing 40 kilograms, was submitted to the diagnostic laboratory of the Institute of Veterinary Medicine of Serbia for determining the potential cause of death. Necropsy revealed massive hemorrhages in subcutaneous and intermuscular tissue and on papillary muscle. Petechiae and ecchymoses were found on the omentum, mesentery and adipose tissue of heart, kidney and costal pleura. Haemorrhagic-necrotic enteritis in duodenum and jejunum was characterized by catarrhal hemorrhagic inflammation with the presence of mucous and bloody content, whereas gas bubbles in the submucosa have also been confirmed. Bacterial cultures from sampled organs were identified as Clostridium perfringens type A, Clostridium septicum, and Clostridium sordelli. Based on the established pathological and histological changes and the results of the bacteriological, biochemical, and molecular examination, the state of septic shock and toxemia with disseminated massive bleeding was  the immediate cause of mouflon death. The septic condition is a consequence of enterotoxemia caused by Clostridium perfringens type A, Clostridium septicum, and Clostridium sordelli infection.
A case of giant cell osteosarcoma in a Scottish fold cat
Authors: Dayı B , Mutlu AM , Akkoç A , Sevimli A
Published: January 2023

This study describes a case of giant cell osteosarcoma (GCO) localised on the right scapulae in a six-year-old neutered male Scottish Fold cat. GCO is a rare tumour in domestic animals. This tumour is also known as giant cell-rich osteosarcoma. Multinucleated giant cells and osteoid structures are observed in GCO. The mass was 4.6 x 4.4 x 4.3 cm in size and very firm. Microscopically, fusiform spindle-shaped cells and multinucleated giant cells were observed. There were 4-8 mitotic figures in three random high-power fields (400x). Osteoid structures and necrosis were detected in several areas. In these areas, atypia was observed in the cells. Immunohistochemically, vimentin expression was observed in neoplastic cells and multinucleated giant cells. No immunoreactivity against actin and cytokeratin was observed in neoplastic cells. Additionally, vimentin expression was detected in the periphery of blood vessels and actin expression in blood vessel smooth muscle cells. As a result of histopathological and immunohistochemical findings, the mass was determined to be GCO.
Expression profiling of IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 genes in lung tissues of Aseel, Crossbred Naked neck, and White Leghorn chicken challenged with H9N2 Influenza virus
Authors: Malik KM , Zahoor I , Khalique A , Sahota AW , Basheer A
Published: January 2023

Aseel and Naked neck are major chicken breeds of the tropics and well-known for their thermotolerance and robustness. However, both of them especially Aseel are very susceptible to Avian Influenza (AI) which cause huge mortalities. The role of cytokines in relation to the pathology and severity of the disease caused by the endemic strain (H9N2) of AIV in these breeds remained thus far unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of H9N2 AIV on the expression level of IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 in the lung tissues of Aseel, crossbred Naked Neck, and White Leghorn (WLH). In total 60 birds, 20 from each breed, were used in this study, whereas 30 birds (10 from each breed) were challenged intranasally with H9N2 virus with a concentration of 106 EID50 at 6wk of age and other half were treated as control. The lung tissues were sampled at 5th day post-infection to study the differential expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 using qRT-PCR. Our data revealed a significant difference (P<0.001) in the gene expression levels among all the breeds in response to viral challenge. It was also observed that after exposure to H9N2 virus, Aseel birds showed the highest increase in their expressions of interleukin (IL-1 β, IL-6, and IL-8) genes followed by Naked Neck and WLH respectively suggesting greater susceptibility of Aseel to AIV compared with other breeds. However, these results are in agreement with the severity of disease and incidence of mortality caused by AI in these breeds.
A novel approach to sperm selection: Nanoparticle-based purification improves quality of Angora cryopreserved buck’s semen
Authors: Alemdar H , Tırpan MB
Published: January 2023

The Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the applicability of an up-to-date method, sperm selection with nanoparticles at different temperatures (37ºC, 21ºC, and 4ºC), on Angora buck semen. Material and Methods: Semen samples were collected from 3 Angora bucks with 7 repetitions and each sample was diluted and divided into 4 groups. Nanopurification procedure was applied by using a nanoparticle dose of 10 μg/ml to the three groups at 37ºC, 21ºC, and 4ºC while in the control group samples were cryopreserved without nanopurificiation treatment. Post-thaw motility and morphology parameters of the sperm samples were analyzed by using computer-aided sperm analysis (CASA) and fluorescein microscopy.Results: After nanopurification at 37ºC total motility, linearity (LIN) (P<0.05), curvilinear velocity (VCL), straight-line velocity (VSL), and acrosome integrity parameters (P<0.001) were higher than the control group while the semen samples nanopurified at 21ºC were superior to the control group in terms of LIN, straightness (STR) (P<0.05), VCL, VSL, average path velocity (VAP), wobble and acrosome integrity (P<0.001). There was no significant difference between the control and the 4ºC group.Conclusion: In conclusion, nanopurification procedure on buck semen was useful in terms of parameters that affect fertility and the method can be performed at 21ºC, as well as 37ºC, to adapt the procedure to field conditions;
Antimicrobial and antibiofilm forming activity of Origanum munzurense against some Gram-Positive bacteria and yeast
Authors: Zeybek E , Kart A , Yalcin H
Published: January 2023

In vitro antimicrobial and antibiofilm forming activities of Origanum munzurense extract were investigated against some gram-positive bacteria and yeast strains. Liquid microdilution method and microplate method were used for antimicrobial and antibiofilm forming activities, respectively. Minimal inhibitory concentration values were found to be 2 mg/ml for Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, 64 mg/ml for Listeria monocytogenes RSKK 02028, 2 mg/ml for L. monocytogenes RSKK 472, 2 mg/ml for Bacillus cereus NRRL 569 , 128 mg/ml for S. aureus ATCC 25923, 32 mg/ml for S. aureus (MRSA) ATCC 43300 strain, 64 mg/ml for Candida tropicalis ATCC 13803, 2 mg/ml for C. albicans ATCC 90028, 1 mg/ml for S. aureus FRI 918 and 1 mg/ml for Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 12228 strain. The extract prevented the biofilm formations of E. faecalis ATCC 29212, S. aureus FRI 918 and S.epidermidis ATCC 12228 at concentrations of 2 mg/ml, 500 µg/ml and 250 µg/ml, respectively. No biofilm formation was observed for the other bacteria tested.As a result, Origanum munzurense extract has antibacterial and antibiofilm activity on the selected pathogenic microorganisms tested. Due to these properties of O. munzurense, it could be considered as a plant-based antimicrobial agent to be used especially in the food industry.
Genetic polymorphisms of MASP2, TG5, and DQA1 genes in Holstein and Brown Swiss dairy cows
Authors: El Zeer A , Fouda M , Darwish R , Ateya A
Published: January 2023

The objective of this study was to investigate polymorphisms of MASP2, TG5 and DQA1 genes using PCR-DNA sequencing in seventy Holstein, and Brown Swiss dairy cows (35 cows each). Under complete aseptic condition, blood samples were collected from each animal into tubes containing disodium EDTA as an anticoagulant for DNA extraction. PCR was carried out for amplification of 305-bp of MASP2, 545-bp of TG5, and 373-bp of DQA1 genes. DNA sequencing assessment elaborated nucleotide sequence variations in forms of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) between two breeds. The SNPs identified in the investigated genes for Holstein breed were A46G in MASP2 gene and C371T in TG5 gene. A characteristic T53C SNP was also reported for Brown Swiss breed in DQA1 gene. Chi-square revealed a significant variation in distribution of all identified SNPs (P < 0.001). Consequently, identified SNPs could be used as candidates and a reference guide for efficient characterization of Holsteins, and Brown Swiss breeds; therefore, developing a marker assisted selection (MAS) for production and immunity traits in breeds of dairy cattle.
Effective maNagement of depression among patients witH cANCEr (ENHANCE): A protocol for a qualtiative study on stakeholder perspectives of Network Meta-Analysis findings on the most effective treatments for depression
Authors: Pertl Dr. Maria , Walsh Dr. Aisling , Beghean Rahela , Kinsella Ellen , Collier Dr. Sonya , Guinan Professor. Emer , Verling Ms. Katie , Monahan Mr Garret , Wallace Dr. Emma , Doyle Professor Frank
Published: January 2023

Depression is very common among patients with cancer, yet many patients with depression do not receive treatments for depression that may help them. The best available evidence for the management of depression among patients with cancer comes from systematic reviews of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that use network-meta analysis (NMA) to compare different treatment approaches and rank these in terms of effectiveness. However, patient and healthcare provider stakeholders should be involved in interpreting this evidence and determining how it can best be put into practice to meet patients’ needs. The aim of the current study is to explore stakeholders’ views of the best available evidence on the management of depression among patients with cancer, and their views on the implementation of this evidence in Ireland. We will hold 8 online focus group discussions (FGDs; n = 4 - 8) with patients who have experience of cancer and depression and healthcare providers (i.e., doctors and nurses who specialise in the delivery of cancer care, psychologists, psychiatrists, physiotherapists, and healthcare professionals working in charities that support patients with cancer). Participants will be recruited through advertisements in newsletters, e-mail distribution lists and the social media accounts of various cancer-related groups and healthcare professional bodies. FGDs will be video-recorded and will involve a brief presentation of findings from an NMA, followed by a discussion using a semi-structured topic guide. Digital recordings will be transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. This study will help to inform psycho-oncology guidelines and policy in Ireland by identifying key factors likely to affect the application of the findings on the effectiveness of depression interventions among patients with cancer.