Prevalence and some risk factors with therapeutic trial of sheep dermatophytosis in Egypt

Dermatophytosis is a fungal disease that affects the superficial skin layers and hair of farm animals all over the world including Egypt. Despite being a self-limiting disease, it has serious effects on public health and devastating economic losses due to its serious skin damage, a long course of treatment, and loss of weight. This study determines the most prevalent species of dermatophyte in sheep and identifies the incriminated species by both microscopic and culture methods with an assessment of animal and environmental risk factors. Moreover, it evaluates the effectiveness of three antifungal compounds (tioconazole cream and clotrimazole spray, and fluconazole capsule), on twenty-four naturally infected sheep. One hundred and three sheep from Sharkia and Dakahalia governorates were examined with clinically suggestive lesions from 2018 to 2019. 47.6% of the cases were positive for the dermatophyte infection either by clinical signs, microscopic or culture, or both. The highest registered infection rate is in males, at the age of ˂ 6 months, and in the winter season. Three antifungal medications are used for the first time in the treatment of ovine dermatophytosis. They are proved to have been effective in subsiding skin lesions with hair growth to return to its normal clinical state with a 100% curative rate. The treatment with preferable and easily applicable topical cures, especially tioconazole cream, is highly effective in the short run. This cream treatment is easily applicable and provides a good alternative to the traditional antifungal medication for sheep. Consequently, such treatment can reduce the possibility of spreading the infection by other animals, and may allow the adaption of efficient control measures

Use of radiographic and histologic scores to evaluate cats with idiopathic megacolon grouped based on the duration of their clinical signs

Since the duration of clinical signs could be used to identify cases of chronic constipation, in addition, prolonged duration is often associated with irreversible changes. Thus, the main objective of this study was to determine whether the duration of clinical signs of idiopathic megacolon in cats affected their diagnosis and prognosis after treatment. Medical records of cats that either had confirmed megacolon for an unknown cause (cat patients) or with normal bowels (control cats) were reviewed. Cat patients were grouped based on the duration of their clinical signs (constipation/obstipation) to cats <6 months and ≥6 months. For all feline patients, abdominal radiographs (for colonic indexes) and resected colon specimens (for histology) were assessed vs. control cats. Treatment applied to cat patients was also evaluated. Cat patients were older (p = 0.0138) and had a higher maximum colon diameter (MCD; mean 41.25 vs. 21.67 mm, p < 0.0001) and MCD/L5L ratio (1.77 vs. 0.98, p < 0.0001) than controls. Compared to cats with <6 months, cats ≥6 months showed a higher MCD (43.78 vs. 37.12 mm, p < 0.0001) and MCD/L5L ratio (1.98 vs. 1.67, p < 0.0001). Histologically, increased thickness of the smooth muscularis mucosa (54.1 vs. 22.33 μm, p < 0.05), and inner circular (743.65 vs. 482.67 μm, p < 0.05) and outer longitudinal (570.68 vs. 330.33 μm, p < 0.05) smooth muscular layers of the muscularis externa was noted only in cat patients with ≥6 months compared to controls. Similarly, fewer ganglion cells (0.93 vs. 2.87, p < 0.005) and more necrotized myocytes (2.25 vs. 0.07, p < 0.005) were observed in cats with ≥6 months. In contrast to <6 months, the majority of cats (94.4%) with ≥6 months duration did not show any response to medical treatment and therefore underwent surgery with favorable results. In conclusion, this study suggests that the duration of clinical signs should be considered in conjunction with maximal colon scores to evaluate cats for idiopathic megacolon and determine the level of treatment. Functional abnormalities of the colonic smooth muscles may be a possible cause of idiopathic megacolon in cats

Assessing emotional intelligence domains and levels in substance use disorders

Abstract Background Many individuals with substance use disorders face challenges in their social interactions and often have strained relationships with peers. Challenges related to problem-solving, stress management, and impulsivity often contribute to their substance use disorders. Emotional intelligence plays a pivotal role in assisting individuals with substance use disorders in coping with stress, enhancing peer connections, resolving problems, and preventing relapse. Consequently, our study aimed to assess emotional intelligence in individuals with substance use disorders and explore the factors influencing it. A cross-sectional study compared 50 individuals with substance use disorders and 50 healthy individuals. We assessed various factors, including clinical data, sociodemographic variables, family socioeconomic status, Addiction Severity Index (ASI) scores, and Emotional Intelligence (EI) scale scores. Results Individuals with substance use disorders had significantly lower mean scores in total EI and its subscales compared to the healthy control group. Additionally, a higher percentage of individuals with substance use disorders exhibited low EI levels, while healthy individuals demonstrated better EI. Furthermore, there was a substantial association between higher ASI scores in individuals with substance use disorders and lower EI scores. Conclusions Lower EI scores are associated with an increased risk of substance use disorders. Also, can contribute to difficulties in impulse control, and challenges in managing relationships and stress. These findings underscore EI crucial role in preventing and treating substance use disorders