Hepatic damage associated with fatal zinc phosphide poisoning in broiler chicks

AbstractZinc phosphide (Zn3P2) is a widely used rodenticide which has the potential to cause high mortality if ingested. The present study was designed in order to explore the hepatic injury in broiler chicks that were acutely intoxicated with Zn3P2. For this purpose, a total number of 12 broiler Saso chicks were divided into two equal groups. Birds of the first group were exposed to 300ppm Zn3P2 via food. Hepatic damage of intoxicated birds was evaluated biochemically and histologically using the transmission electron microscope and subsequently compared with another healthy non-treated controls (second group). The serum activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was significantly higher in those poisoned with Zn3P2, While, activities of both Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), as well as, zinc concentration of hepatic tissue did not represented a significant difference between treated and control birds. Histological examination revealed presence of numerous heterogenic shaped mitochondria in hepatocytes of non-treated birds. Glycogen deposits were also scattered in the form of large electron dense deposits. Kupffer cell was irregular in shape and had numerous pseudopods often projected into sinusoidal lumen. In hepatic cells of intoxicated birds, mitochondrial swelling with cristolysis, few glycogen deposits, vacuoles in the cytoplasm and shrunken darkly stained nuclei are the major ultra-structural changes which were detected. It was concluded that the mitochondria could be one of the main target in hepatocytes for the toxic effect of Zn3P2 in broiler chicks

Assessment of the relationship between serum soluble Klotho and carotid intima–media thickness and left ventricular dysfunction in hemodialysis patients

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of our study was to assess the relationship between soluble Klotho (s-Klotho) and carotid intima–media thickness (CIMT) and left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in hemodialysis (HD) patients.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study conducted on 88 patients with end-stage renal disease on regular HD. Serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone, and C-reactive protein were measured. The serum levels of s-Klotho and fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) were measured using an Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Echocardiography and measurement of CIMT were also conducted. The studied patients were divided according to the median s-Klotho level into 2 groups: patients with low s-Klotho (Group I) and patients with high s-Klotho (Group II).ResultsMean value of s-Klotho was significantly low in HD patients compared to controls (P = 0.001), and mean value of FGF-23 was significantly high in HD patients compared to controls (P = 0.001). The mean values of parathyroid hormone, FGF-23, and phosphorus were significantly high in Group I compared to Group II, whereas the mean value of serum calcium was significantly low in Group I compared to Group II. The mean values of CIMT, LV mass (LVM), LVM index, and LV ejection fraction (LVEF) were high in Group I compared to Group II. Patients with low s-Klotho had significantly more coronary artery disease (CAD). In a regression analysis of s-Klotho with different markers of cardiovascular diseases, s-Klotho showed significant association with CIMT, LVEF, and CAD, but not with LVM and LVM index.ConclusionThe present study showed that patients with a low s-Klotho were more often associated with increased CIMT, LV dysfunction, and CAD, and it seems that there was independent association between s-Klotho and CIMT, LVEF, and CAD

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Burnout among surgeons before and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: an international survey

Background: SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has had many significant impacts within the surgical realm, and surgeons have been obligated to reconsider almost every aspect of daily clinical practice. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study reported in compliance with the CHERRIES guidelines and conducted through an online platform from June 14th to July 15th, 2020. The primary outcome was the burden of burnout during the pandemic indicated by the validated Shirom-Melamed Burnout Measure. Results: Nine hundred fifty-four surgeons completed the survey. The median length of practice was 10 years; 78.2% included were male with a median age of 37 years old, 39.5% were consultants, 68.9% were general surgeons, and 55.7% were affiliated with an academic institution. Overall, there was a significant increase in the mean burnout score during the pandemic; longer years of practice and older age were significantly associated with less burnout. There were significant reductions in the median number of outpatient visits, operated cases, on-call hours, emergency visits, and research work, so, 48.2% of respondents felt that the training resources were insufficient. The majority (81.3%) of respondents reported that their hospitals were included in the management of COVID-19, 66.5% felt their roles had been minimized; 41% were asked to assist in non-surgical medical practices, and 37.6% of respondents were included in COVID-19 management. Conclusions: There was a significant burnout among trainees. Almost all aspects of clinical and research activities were affected with a significant reduction in the volume of research, outpatient clinic visits, surgical procedures, on-call hours, and emergency cases hindering the training. Trial registration: The study was registered on clicaltrials.gov "NCT04433286" on 16/06/2020

Impact of opioid-free analgesia on pain severity and patient satisfaction after discharge from surgery: multispecialty, prospective cohort study in 25 countries

Background: Balancing opioid stewardship and the need for adequate analgesia following discharge after surgery is challenging. This study aimed to compare the outcomes for patients discharged with opioid versus opioid-free analgesia after common surgical procedures.Methods: This international, multicentre, prospective cohort study collected data from patients undergoing common acute and elective general surgical, urological, gynaecological, and orthopaedic procedures. The primary outcomes were patient-reported time in severe pain measured on a numerical analogue scale from 0 to 100% and patient-reported satisfaction with pain relief during the first week following discharge. Data were collected by in-hospital chart review and patient telephone interview 1 week after discharge.Results: The study recruited 4273 patients from 144 centres in 25 countries; 1311 patients (30.7%) were prescribed opioid analgesia at discharge. Patients reported being in severe pain for 10 (i.q.r. 1-30)% of the first week after discharge and rated satisfaction with analgesia as 90 (i.q.r. 80-100) of 100. After adjustment for confounders, opioid analgesia on discharge was independently associated with increased pain severity (risk ratio 1.52, 95% c.i. 1.31 to 1.76; P < 0.001) and re-presentation to healthcare providers owing to side-effects of medication (OR 2.38, 95% c.i. 1.36 to 4.17; P = 0.004), but not with satisfaction with analgesia (beta coefficient 0.92, 95% c.i. -1.52 to 3.36; P = 0.468) compared with opioid-free analgesia. Although opioid prescribing varied greatly between high-income and low- and middle-income countries, patient-reported outcomes did not.Conclusion: Opioid analgesia prescription on surgical discharge is associated with a higher risk of re-presentation owing to side-effects of medication and increased patient-reported pain, but not with changes in patient-reported satisfaction. Opioid-free discharge analgesia should be adopted routinely

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication

The evolving SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Africa: Insights from rapidly expanding genomic surveillance

INTRODUCTION Investment in Africa over the past year with regard to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) sequencing has led to a massive increase in the number of sequences, which, to date, exceeds 100,000 sequences generated to track the pandemic on the continent. These sequences have profoundly affected how public health officials in Africa have navigated the COVID-19 pandemic. RATIONALE We demonstrate how the first 100,000 SARS-CoV-2 sequences from Africa have helped monitor the epidemic on the continent, how genomic surveillance expanded over the course of the pandemic, and how we adapted our sequencing methods to deal with an evolving virus. Finally, we also examine how viral lineages have spread across the continent in a phylogeographic framework to gain insights into the underlying temporal and spatial transmission dynamics for several variants of concern (VOCs). RESULTS Our results indicate that the number of countries in Africa that can sequence the virus within their own borders is growing and that this is coupled with a shorter turnaround time from the time of sampling to sequence submission. Ongoing evolution necessitated the continual updating of primer sets, and, as a result, eight primer sets were designed in tandem with viral evolution and used to ensure effective sequencing of the virus. The pandemic unfolded through multiple waves of infection that were each driven by distinct genetic lineages, with B.1-like ancestral strains associated with the first pandemic wave of infections in 2020. Successive waves on the continent were fueled by different VOCs, with Alpha and Beta cocirculating in distinct spatial patterns during the second wave and Delta and Omicron affecting the whole continent during the third and fourth waves, respectively. Phylogeographic reconstruction points toward distinct differences in viral importation and exportation patterns associated with the Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron variants and subvariants, when considering both Africa versus the rest of the world and viral dissemination within the continent. Our epidemiological and phylogenetic inferences therefore underscore the heterogeneous nature of the pandemic on the continent and highlight key insights and challenges, for instance, recognizing the limitations of low testing proportions. We also highlight the early warning capacity that genomic surveillance in Africa has had for the rest of the world with the detection of new lineages and variants, the most recent being the characterization of various Omicron subvariants. CONCLUSION Sustained investment for diagnostics and genomic surveillance in Africa is needed as the virus continues to evolve. This is important not only to help combat SARS-CoV-2 on the continent but also because it can be used as a platform to help address the many emerging and reemerging infectious disease threats in Africa. In particular, capacity building for local sequencing within countries or within the continent should be prioritized because this is generally associated with shorter turnaround times, providing the most benefit to local public health authorities tasked with pandemic response and mitigation and allowing for the fastest reaction to localized outbreaks. These investments are crucial for pandemic preparedness and response and will serve the health of the continent well into the 21st century

Clinicopathological Studies on the Effect of Nano Selenium Particles in Broilers

The reason for this research was to analyze the potential immune-stimulating and antioxidant properties of nano-selenium (nano-Se) in broiler chickens. The study utilized 150 one-day-old Cobb broiler chickens, which were arbitrarily allocated to six groups of 25 chickens every: G1 (control), G2 (0.3 ml nano-selenium/L water), G3 (0.5 ml nano-selenium/L water), G4 (E. coli 2 x 107 cfu), G5 (0.3 ml nano-selenium/L water and E. coli), and G6 (0.5 ml nano-selenium/L water and E. coli). Various immune response, antioxidant, and oxidative stress parameters were evaluated. The results revealed that infected chickens had significantly lower levels of immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, IgA), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and interleukin-4 (IL-4) compared to the control group. Conversely, the infected chickens revealed a marked higher in interleukin-2 (IL-2), interferon-gamma (IF-γ), and malondialdehyde (MDA). In contrast, infected and nano-se treated chickens exhibited a rise in IgG, IgM, IgA, GSH, GPX, SOD, and IL-4 with a notable decline in IF-γ, IL-2, and MDA relative to the infected group. These findings suggest that nano-se may play a significant role in immune response, antioxidant activity, and control and prevention of E. coli infections in broiler chickens. These results imply that nano-se may have a substantial role in strengthening the immune response, antioxidant activity, and management and prevention of E. coli infections in broiler chickens.Bottom of Form &nbsp

Histological, ultrastructural, and genetic investigatory comparison between different types of experimentally - Induced antemortem burns

Background: Burn is a cutaneous injury that is caused by heat, electricity, chemicals, freezing, and radiation. Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to differentiate between dry heat burn injury and other common cutaneous burn injuries. Materials and Methods: For this, different types of dermal burns were created experimentally in four groups of rats, 5 rats for each, as the following: dry heat burn model, scalding model, chemical burn model, and electrical burn model. The burnt skin and hair samples were subjected to scanning electron microscopic examination, molecular assay of aquaporin-3 (AQP-3) gene expression, and histopathological investigation. Results: There were crakes, holes, and cuticular irregularity in hairs exposed to both dry heat and sulfuric acid (chemical burn), while the major lesion observed in hairs exposed to boiling water (scald injury) was cuticular cell loss. On the other hand, dry burnt skin showed empty orifices of the hair and sebaceous gland with overlapped smooth lamella, while scald induced irregularity of collagen fibers. The sulfuric acid produces separation of the epidermis from the dermis and irregularity in collagen fiber. Rat skin exposed to electric current appears with fissure, lacerated edges, and erected broken hairs. Despite AQP-3 gene expression was significantly upregulated in the burnt skin of all experimental models in comparing with control rats, dry heat burned skin showed the highest upregulated level. In addition, the coagulation of the dermoepidermal cells and vesicles formation were the most pronounced lesions observed in all types of burns, while scald was distinguished by appearance of elongated cellular nuclei. Conclusion: These observations suggest the possibility to differentiate between dry thermal burn, scald injury, chemical burn, and electrical burn using the combination between scanning electron microscopic examination, analysis of cutaneous AQP-3 gene expression, and histological investigation

Spanlastic-laden in situ gel as a promising approach for ocular delivery of Levofloxacin: In-vitro characterization, microbiological assessment, corneal permeability and in-vivo study

The objective of this study was to encapsulate the antibacterial drug levofloxacin hemihydrate (LF) into spanlastics (SLs) followed by incorporation into gelrite in situ gel to enhance its antibacterial activity and sustain ocular delivery. A combination of Span 60 as main vesicle component and Tweens as an edge activator (EA) was used to prepare SLs using the thin film hydration method. A 32 factorial design was applied to study the effect of formulation variables (ratio of Span 60: EA and type of EA) on SLs characteristics (encapsulation efficiency (EE%), particle size (PS), zeta potential (ZP) and percentage of drug released). In-vitro antimicrobial study was conducted to determine the antibacterial activity of the optimized formula. Finally confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was applied to monitor SLs corneal penetration. The optimum formulation (F5), contains 240 mg Span 60 and 60 mg Tween 60 as EA. F5 exhibited EE% = 59.7 ± 4.2%, PS = 177.6 ± 1.8 nm, PDI = 0.27 ± 0.022 and ZP = -40.6 ± 0.68 mV. Furthermore, only 39.37 ± 0.72% of LF amount was released after 4 h compared to complete release from drug solution. The apparent permeation coefficient was (14.7 × 10−3 cm/h) compared to (9.7 × 10−3 cm/h) for LF solution. Moreover, F5 exhibited 200% and 100% increase in the antibacterial efficacy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus respectively