Quantum-like approach to the transversal and longitudinal beam dynamics: The halo problem

An interpretation of the formation of halo in accelerators based on quantum-like theory by a diffraction model is given in terms of the transversal beam motion. Physical implications of the longitudinal dynamics are also examined

Disease associated with equine coronavirus infection and high case fatality rate.

BackgroundEquine coronavirus (ECoV) is associated with clinical disease in adult horses. Outbreaks are associated with a low case fatality rate and a small number of animals with signs of encephalopathic disease are described.ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to describe the epidemiological and clinical features of two outbreaks of ECoV infection that were associated with an high case fatality rate.Animals14 miniature horses and 1 miniature donkey testing fecal positive for ECoV from two related disease outbreaks.MethodsRetrospective study describing the epidemiological findings, clinicopathological findings, and fecal viral load from affected horses.ResultsIn EcoV positive horses, 27% (4/15) of the animals died or were euthanized. Severe hyperammonemia (677 μmol/L, reference range ≤ 60 μmol/L) was identified in one animal with signs of encephalopathic disease that subsequently died. Fecal viral load (ECoV genome equivalents per gram of feces) was significantly higher in the nonsurvivors compared to animals that survived (P = .02).Conclusions and clinical importanceEquine coronavirus had a higher case fatality rate in this group of miniature horses than previously reported in other outbreaks of varying breeds. Hyperammonemia could contribute to signs of encephalopathic disease, and the fecal viral load might be of prognostic value in affected horses

Simultaneous multiple breath washout and oxygen-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging in healthy adults.

Lung function testing and lung imaging are commonly used techniques to monitor respiratory diseases, such as cystic fibrosis (CF). The nitrogen (N2) multiple-breath washout technique (MBW) has been shown to detect ventilation inhomogeneity in CF, but the underlying pathophysiological processes that are altered are often unclear. Dynamic oxygen-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (OE-MRI) could potentially be performed simultaneously with MBW because both techniques require breathing of 100% oxygen (O2) and may allow for visualisation of alterations underlying impaired MBW outcomes. However, simultaneous MBW and OE-MRI has never been assessed, potentially as it requires a magnetic resonance (MR) compatible MBW equipment. In this pilot study, we assessed whether MBW and OE-MRI can be performed simultaneously using a commercial MBW device that has been modified to be MR-compatible. We performed simultaneous measurements in five healthy volunteers aged 25-35 years. We obtained O2 and N2 concentrations from both techniques, and generated O2 wash-in time constant and N2 washout maps from OE-MRI data. We obtained good quality simultaneous measurements in two healthy volunteers due to technical challenges related to the MBW equipment and poor tolerance. Oxygen and N2 concentrations from both techniques, as well as O2 wash-in time constant maps and N2 washout maps could be obtained, suggesting that simultaneous measurements may have the potential to allow for comparison and visualization of regional differences in ventilation underlying impaired MBW outcomes. Simultaneous MBW and OE-MRI measurements can be performed with a modified MBW device and may help to understand MBW outcomes, but the measurements are challenging and have poor feasibility

What is the impact of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs)? The results of a survey among a regional network of infectious disease centres

Discontinuation of antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) and increased antibiotic use were described during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. In order to measure COVID-19 impact on ASPs in a setting of high multidrug resistance organisms (MDRO) prevalence, a qualitative survey was designed. In July 2021, eighteen ID Units were asked to answer a questionnaire about their hospital characteristics, ASPs implementation status before the pandemic and impact of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on ASPs after the 1st and 2nd pandemic waves in Italy. Nine ID centres (50%) reported a reduction of ASPs and in 7 cases (38.9%) these were suspended. After the early pandemic waves, the proportion of centres that restarted their ASPs was higher among the ID centres where antimicrobial stewardship was formally identified as a priority objective (9/11, 82%, vs 2/7, 28%). SARS-CoV-2 pandemic had a severe impact in ASPs in a region highly affected by COVID-19 and antimicrobial resistance but weaknesses related to the pre-existent ASPs might have played a role

Genetic variants of Anaplasma phagocytophilum from 14 equine granulocytic anaplasmosis cases

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Equine Granulocytic Anaplasmosis (EGA) is caused by <it>Anaplasma phagocytophilum</it>, a tick-transmitted, obligate intracellular bacterium. In Europe, it is transmitted by <it>Ixodes ricinus</it>. A large number of genetic variants of <it>A. phagocytophilum </it>circulate in nature and have been found in ticks and different animals. Attempts have been made to assign certain genetic variants to certain host species or pathologies, but have not been successful so far. The purpose of this study was to investigate the causing agent <it>A. phagocytophilum </it>of 14 cases of EGA in naturally infected horses with molecular methods on the basis of 4 partial genes (<it>16S rRNA</it>, <it>groEL</it>, <it>msp2</it>, and <it>msp4</it>).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>All DNA extracts of EDTA-blood samples of the horses gave bands of the correct nucleotide size in all four genotyping PCRs. Sequence analysis revealed 4 different variants in the partial <it>16S rRNA</it>, <it>groEL </it>gene and <it>msp2 </it>genes, and 3 in the <it>msp4 </it>gene. One <it>16S rRNA </it>gene variant involved in 11 of the 14 cases was identical to the "prototype" variant causing disease in humans in the amplified part [GenBank: <ext-link ext-link-id="U02521" ext-link-type="gen">U02521</ext-link>]. Phylogenetic analysis revealed as expected for the <it>groEL </it>gene that sequences from horses clustered separately from roe deer. Sequences of the partial <it>msp2 </it>gene from this study formed a separate cluster from ruminant variants in Europe and from all US variants.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The results show that more than one variant of <it>A. phagocytophilum </it>seems to be involved in EGA in Germany. The comparative genetic analysis of the variants involved points towards different natural cycles in the epidemiology of <it>A. phagocytophilum</it>, possibly involving different reservoir hosts or host adaptation, rather than a strict species separation.</p