Clinical-parasitological screening for respiratory capillariosis in cats in urban environments

Respiratory capillariosis is a widely distributed zoonotic parasitic disease caused by the nematode Capillaria aerophila (Trichocephalida, Trichuridae) that commonly infects wild carnivores butalso cats and dogs. This retrospective study aims to describe cases of respiratory capillariosis incats from the city of Belgrade, Serbia. Between 2015 and 2019, a total of 155 pet cats with or without respiratory symptoms were submitted to physical examination and parasitological examination of the feces. All cats lived indoor but had free access to outdoor. In suburban settlements, wild carnivores commonly share their living environments with owned cats and dogs. It can be assumed that more intense urbanization spreading into the natural habitats of will carnivores creates the opportunity for closer and more frequent contacts between the population of cats and feral carnivores whichmight increase the risk of feline contamination. The findings confirm the existence of capillaries in cats in urban areas of the city of Belgrade, contribute to a better understanding of the epidemiology of this nematode and warn that, because of close contacts between cats of pets and humans, capillaries can cause human infection

Grey-matter abnormalities in clinical high-risk participants for psychosis

The current study examined the presence of abnormalities in cortical grey-matter (GM) in a sample of clinical high-risk (CHR) participants and examined relationships with psychosocial functioning and neurocognition. CHR-participants (n = 114), participants who did not fulfil CHR-criteria (CHR-negative) (n = 39) as well as a group of healthy controls (HC) (n = 49) were recruited. CHR-status was assessed using the Comprehensive Assessment of At-Risk Mental State (CAARMS) and the Schizophrenia Proneness Interview, Adult Version (SPI-A). The Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia Battery (BACS) as well as tests for emotion recognition, working memory and attention were administered. In addition, role and social functioning as well as premorbid adjustment were assessed. No significant differences in GM-thickness and intensity were observed in CHR-participants compared to CHR-negative and HC. Circumscribed abnormalities in GM-intensity were found in the visual and frontal cortex of CHR-participants. Moreover, small-to-moderate correlations were observed between GM-intensity and neuropsychological deficits in the CHR-group. The current data suggest that CHR-participants may not show comprehensive abnormalities in GM. We discuss the implications of these findings for the pathophysiological theories of early stage-psychosis as well as methodological issues and the impact of different recruitment strategies

Clinical Use and Therapeutic Potential of IVIG/SCIG, Plasma-Derived IgA or IgM, and Other Alternative Immunoglobulin Preparations

Intravenous and subcutaneous immunoglobulin preparations, consisting of IgG class antibodies, are increasingly used to treat a broad range of pathological conditions, including humoral immune deficiencies, as well as acute and chronic inflammatory or autoimmune disorders. A plethora of Fab- or Fc-mediated immune regulatory mechanisms has been described that might act separately or in concert, depending on pathogenesis or stage of clinical condition. Attempts have been undertaken to improve the efficacy of polyclonal IgG preparations, including the identification of relevant subfractions, mild chemical modification of molecules, or modification of carbohydrate side chains. Furthermore, plasma-derived IgA or IgM preparations may exhibit characteristics that might be exploited therapeutically. The need for improved treatment strategies without increase in plasma demand is a goal and might be achieved by more optimal use of plasma-derived proteins, including the IgA and the IgM fractions. This article provides an overview on the current knowledge and future strategies to improve the efficacy of regular IgG preparations and discusses the potential of human plasma-derived IgA, IgM, and preparations composed of mixtures of IgG, IgA, and IgM

Die Rolle des Zahnarztes in der heutigen forensischen Altersschätzung

The increase of international movements has led to a greater demand for forensic age estimation of foreigners without valid identification documents. Age estimation on living individuals is part of asylum and criminal proceedings. Age estimation has become also important within identification of victims, because of the fact of increasing natural disasters and events of terrorism. Therefore dentists are more and more appointed to this job. There are varieties of methods in age estimation. Dental examination and analysis of panoramic x-ray are usually used for dental age estimation

[The role of the dentist in modern forensic age determination]

The increase of international movements has led to a greater demand for forensic age estimation of foreigners without valid identification documents. Age estimation on living individuals is part of asylum and criminal proceedings. Age estimation has become also important within identification of victims, because of the fact of increasing natural disasters and events of terrorism. Therefore dentists are more and more appointed to this job. There are varieties of methods in age estimation. Dental examination and analysis of panoramic x-ray are usually used for dental age estimation

RHD zygosity predicts degree of platelet response to anti-D immune globulin treatment in children with immune thrombocytopenia

Anti-D immunoglobulin is a common front-line treatment for childhood immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) that typically results in a rapid and significant increase in platelet count. Unpredictable treatment responses and interpatient variability limit more widespread use. We hypothesized that anti-D response variability is influenced by RHD gene zygosity and erythrocyte D antigen expression. We compared RHD zygosity and quantitative D antigen expression to anti-D treatment results. Hemizygous RHD subjects demonstrated significantly higher platelet increases and peak platelet counts than homozygous RHD subjects. Future studies should investigate the mechanisms by which RHD zygosity and D antigen expression affect platelet responses to anti-D immunoglobulin. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc

Long-term follow-up of patients with isolated left ventricular noncompaction: role of electrocardiography in predicting poor outcome

BACKGROUND: Abnormal baseline electrocardiograms (ECGs) are common in patients with isolated left ventricular noncompaction (IVNC). Whether certain electrocardiographic parameters are associated with a poor clinical outcome, however, remains elusive. The present study was therefore designed to comprehensively assess the predictive value of baseline ECG findings in patients newly diagnosed with IVNC. METHODS AND RESULTS: 74 patients diagnosed with IVNC were included in the analysis. During follow-up, 8 patients (11%) died of a cardiovascular cause or underwent heart transplantation (primary outcome measure). On univariate analysis, several variables, including repolarization abnormalities (ST segment elevation/depression, T-wave inversion) in the inferior leads (5-year estimator: 67.1 ± 10.7% vs. 98 ± 2.2%; P = 0.001), an increase in PQ- (hazard ratio (HR) 1.032, P=0.004) and QTc-duration (HR 1.037, P=0.001), were predictive of cardiovascular death or heart transplantation. On multivariate analysis, only PQ- and QTc-duration and the presence of repolarization abnormalities in the inferior leads remained significantly predictive of a poor outcome. CONCLUSIONS: PQ duration, QTc duration, and repolarization abnormalities in the inferior leads are independently predictive of a poor prognosis in IVNC. Further prospective studies are required to conclusively investigate the usefulness of baseline ECG parameters for risk stratification in patients with IVNC