Retrospective detection of Porcine circovirus 3 (PCV-3) in pig serum samples from Spain

Porcine circovirus 3 (PCV‐3) is an emerging circovirus species that has recently been reported in different countries around the world, suggesting a widespread circulation. In this study, sera samples originating from 654 pigs of different production phases and clinical/pathological conditions, submitted for diagnostic purposes between 1996 and 2017, were randomly selected. Detection of PCV‐3 genome in such samples was attempted with a previously described PCR method, and the partial genome sequence was obtained from selected PCV‐3‐positive samples from different years. Compiled data confirmed that PCV‐3 has been circulating in the Spanish pig population since 1996. The overall frequency of PCV‐3 PCR‐positive samples in the study period was 11.47% (75 of 654). Phylogenetic analysis of twelve PCV‐3 partial sequences obtained showed a high nucleotide identity with the already known PCV‐3 sequences, with minor variations among years. No significant correlation was found between the detection of PCV‐3 and any production phase nor clinical/pathological condition. These results confirm PCV‐3 circulation at least since 1996 in the Spanish pig population with a low/moderate frequency. Although the information obtained was limited, PCV‐3 did not appear to be linked to any specific pathological condition or age group.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

The bacterial community structure in an alkaline saline soil spiked with anthracene

Background: The application of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) will affect the bacterial community structure as some groups will be favoured and others not. An alkaline saline soil with electrolytic conductivity (EC) 56 dS m-1 was spiked with anthracene and acetone while their effect on bacterial community structure was investigated. Results: The percentages of Acidobacteria and Actinobacteria decreased over time, while the percentage of Proteobacteria, mostly Xanthomonadales, increased. The percentage of the phylotypes belonging to the Nocardioides , Rhodococcus and Streptomyces , known degraders of PAHs, was larger in the anthracene-amended soil than in the acetone-amended and unamended soil at day 14. The phylotypes belonging to the genera Sphingomonas , also a known degrader of PAHs, however, was lower. Weighted and unweighted PCoA with UniFrac indicated that phylotypes were similar in the different treatments at day 0, but changed at day 1. After 14 days, phylotypes in the unamended and acetone-amended soil were similar, but different from those in the anthracene-spiked soil. Conclusions: It was found that incubating the soil and contaminating it with anthracene changed the bacterial community structure, but spiking the soil with acetone had little or no effect on the bacterial community structure compared to the unamended soil

Mortality and pulmonary complications in patients undergoing surgery with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection: an international cohort study

Background: The impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on postoperative recovery needs to be understood to inform clinical decision making during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study reports 30-day mortality and pulmonary complication rates in patients with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods: This international, multicentre, cohort study at 235 hospitals in 24 countries included all patients undergoing surgery who had SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed within 7 days before or 30 days after surgery. The primary outcome measure was 30-day postoperative mortality and was assessed in all enrolled patients. The main secondary outcome measure was pulmonary complications, defined as pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, or unexpected postoperative ventilation. Findings: This analysis includes 1128 patients who had surgery between Jan 1 and March 31, 2020, of whom 835 (74·0%) had emergency surgery and 280 (24·8%) had elective surgery. SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed preoperatively in 294 (26·1%) patients. 30-day mortality was 23·8% (268 of 1128). Pulmonary complications occurred in 577 (51·2%) of 1128 patients; 30-day mortality in these patients was 38·0% (219 of 577), accounting for 81·7% (219 of 268) of all deaths. In adjusted analyses, 30-day mortality was associated with male sex (odds ratio 1·75 [95% CI 1·28–2·40], p\textless0·0001), age 70 years or older versus younger than 70 years (2·30 [1·65–3·22], p\textless0·0001), American Society of Anesthesiologists grades 3–5 versus grades 1–2 (2·35 [1·57–3·53], p\textless0·0001), malignant versus benign or obstetric diagnosis (1·55 [1·01–2·39], p=0·046), emergency versus elective surgery (1·67 [1·06–2·63], p=0·026), and major versus minor surgery (1·52 [1·01–2·31], p=0·047). Interpretation: Postoperative pulmonary complications occur in half of patients with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection and are associated with high mortality. Thresholds for surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic should be higher than during normal practice, particularly in men aged 70 years and older. Consideration should be given for postponing non-urgent procedures and promoting non-operative treatment to delay or avoid the need for surgery. Funding: National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland, Bowel and Cancer Research, Bowel Disease Research Foundation, Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeons, British Association of Surgical Oncology, British Gynaecological Cancer Society, European Society of Coloproctology, NIHR Academy, Sarcoma UK, Vascular Society for Great Britain and Ireland, and Yorkshire Cancer Research

Inventory of current EU paediatric vision and hearing screening programmes

Background: We examined the diversity in paediatric vision and hearing screening programmes in Europe. Methods: Themes relevant for comparison of screening programmes were derived from literature and used to compile three questionnaires on vision, hearing and public-health screening. Tests used, professions involved, age and frequency of testing seem to influence sensitivity, specificity and costs most. Questionnaires were sent to ophthalmologists, orthoptists, otolaryngologists and audiologists involved in paediatric screening in all EU fullmember, candidate and associate states. Answers were cross-checked. Results: Thirty-nine countries participated; 35 have a vision screening programme, 33 a nation-wide neonatal hearing screening programme. Visual acuity (VA) is measured in 35 countries, in 71% more than once. First measurement of VA varies from three to seven years of age, but is usually before the age of five. At age three and four picture charts, including Lea Hyvarinen are used most, in children over four Tumbling-E and Snellen. As first hearing screening test otoacoustic emission (OAE) is used most in healthy neonates, and auditory brainstem response (ABR) in premature newborns. The majority of hearing testing programmes are staged; children are referred after one to four abnormal tests. Vision screening is performed mostly by paediatricians, ophthalmologists or nurses. Funding is mostly by health insurance or state. Coverage was reported as >95% in half of countries, but reporting was often not first-hand. Conclusion: Largest differences were found in VA charts used (12), professions involved in vision screening (10), number of hearing screening tests before referral (1-4) and funding sources (8)

Comment On The Proposed Conservation Of Usage Of The Names Phymaturus Gravenhorst, 1837 And Lacerta Palluma Molina, 1782 (Currently Phymaturus Palluma; Reptilia, Sauria) By Designation Of A Neotype For Lacerta Palluma. Case 3225

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