Complicaciones obstétricas relacionadas con la terapia antirretroviral en gestantes infectadas por el VIH / Obstetric complications related to antiretroviral therapy in pregnant women with HIV infection

IntroducciónEl porcentaje de gestantes infectadas por VIH que demandan embarazo ha aumentado en los países desarrollados debido a la estabilidad de la infección y la disminución de la transmisión vertical por los tratamientos antirretrovirales (TAR) y las medidas preventivas. Sin embargo, existe poca información respecto al efecto del TAR sobre el embarazo.MétodosEstudio retrospectivo de las gestantes infectadas por VIH con TAR controladas en el Hospital La Paz entre los años 2000-2017. Se estudiaron las complicaciones maternofetales.ResultadosSe recogieron 141 gestaciones en 112 mujeres infectadas por VIH. El TAR más utilizado fue la combinación de 2 inhibidores de la transcriptasa inversa análogos nucleosídicos+1 inhibidor de la proteasa (58,1%), con diferencias significativas entre los distintos tratamientos en cuanto a la carga viral plasmática, siendo indetectable en mayor medida con 2 inhibidores de la transcriptasa inversa análogos nucleosídicos +1 inhibidor de la transcriptasa inversa no nucleosídico, segunda pauta más utilizada. Las tasas de neonatos a término de bajo peso (<2.500g) (11,3%), partos pretérmino (11,1%) y rotura prematura de membranas pretérmino (5,6%) fueron mayores que en la población general. Aunque no hubo asociación, estas complicaciones fueron más frecuentes en gestantes con un inhibidor de la proteasa/ritonavir. No se relacionaron con la carga viral plasmática. No se encontró aumento en la tasa de interrupciones gestacionales, malformaciones ni diabetes gestacional.ConclusiónEn las gestantes infectadas por VIH con TAR está aumentada la tasa de neonatos a término de bajo peso, prematuridad y rotura prematura de membranas pretérmino en comparación con la población general, relacionándose especialmente con el tratamiento con un inhibidor de la proteasa, aunque sin asociación significativa.

IntroductionThe percentage of HIV-infected pregnant women seeking pregnancy has increased in developed countries due to the stability of the infection and the decrease in vertical transmission due to antiretroviral treatment (ART) and preventive measures. However, there is little information regarding the effect of ART on pregnancy.MethodsRetrospective study of HIV-infected pregnant women on ART monitored at Hospital La Paz between 2000-2017. Maternal-foetal complications were studied.ResultsOne hundred and forty-one gestations were collected in 112 HIV-infected women. The most commonly used ART was the combination of 2 nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor analogues+1 protease inhibitor (58.1%), with significant differences between the different treatments in terms of plasma viral load being undetectable to a greater extent with 2 nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor analogues+1 non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor, the second most used regimen. The rates of low birth weight (<2,500g) term neonates (11.3%), preterm delivery (11.1%) and preterm premature rupture of membranes (5.6%) were higher than in the general population. Although there was no association, these complications were more frequent in pregnant women with a protease inhibitor/ritonavir. They were not related to plasma viral load. No increase in the rate of gestational terminations, malformations or gestational diabetes was found.ConclusionHIV-infected pregnant women on ART have an increased rate of low birth weight, prematurity, and preterm premature rupture of membranes at term compared to the general population, especially related to treatment with protease inhibitor, although without significant association.

Incidence and risk factors for acute kidney injury: a prospective, randomized, single-blind clinical trial comparing total knee arthroplasty with and without tourniquet.

PURPOSE: Identify the incidence and risk factors for acute kidney injury (AKI) following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with and without tourniquet. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 100 patients were randomized into two groups. Postoperative AKI was defined as the postoperative creatinine level 0.3 mg/dl compared with baseline. Potential variables associated with AKI were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression model to identify the AKI risk factors in TKA patients with and without tourniquet. RESULTS: AKI rate was 22%, tourniquet use (OR = 2.66, p = 0.014), blood loss > 500 cm3 (OR = 3.99, p = 0.001), postoperative Hb < 10 g/dl (OR = 2.68, p = 0.008), blood transfusions (OR = 2.86, p = 0.012) and diabetes (OR = 2.80, p = 0.006) were associated with increased risk of postoperative AKI. CONCLUSIONS: The use of tourniquet should be indicated with caution and should not be used routinely in patients with other risk factors for the development of acute kidney dysfunction, other measures to achieve trans-surgical hemostasis should be implemented in our environment to reduce the incidence of acute kidney dysfunction related to the use of the tourniquet.

PROPÓSITO: Identificar la incidencia y factores de riesgo para lesión renal aguda (LRA) después de la artroplastia total de rodilla (ATR) con y sin uso de torniquete. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se dividieron 100 pacientes en dos grupos. Se definió la LRA como una elevación postoperatoria de la creatinina 0.3 mg/dl comparada con el nivel basal preoperatorio. Las potenciales variables asociadas con la DRA fueron analizadas con un modelo de regresión logística multivariada para identificar los factores de riesgo de DRA en pacientes sometidos a ATR con y sin torniquete. RESULTADOS: La incidencia de LRA fue de 22%. El uso de torniquete (OR = 2.66, p = 0.014), pérdida sanguínea > 500 cm3 (OR = 3.99, p = 0.001), Hb postoperatoria < 10 g/dl (OR = 2.68, p = 0.008), transfusión sanguínea (OR = 2.86, p = 0.012) y la diabetes (OR = 2.80, p = 0.006) fueron asociados a un mayor riesgo postoperatorio de LRA. CONCLUSIONES: El uso de torniquete debe estar indicado con precaución y no debe utilizarse de forma rutinaria en pacientes con otros factores de riesgo para el desarrollo de disfunción renal aguda, otras medidas para lograr la hemostasia transquirúrgica deben implementarse en nuestro entorno para reducir la incidencia de disfunción renal aguda relacionada con el uso del torniquete.

Regional disparity of HIV incidence and prevalence among men who have sex with men.

BACKGROUND: HIV incidence can be estimated with cross-sectional studies using clinical, serological, and molecular data. Worldwide, HIV incidence data in only men who have sex with men (MSM) are scarce and principally focus on those with healthcare or under treatment. However, better estimates can be obtained through studies with national representativeness. The objective was to estimate the prevalence, incidence, and factors associated with acquiring HIV in a national sample of MSM who attend meeting places, considering geographical regions. METHODS: A nationally representative survey of MSM attending meeting places was performed in Mexico. Participants answered a questionnaire, and a dried blood spot (DBS) was collected. Samples were classified as recent infections using an algorithm with HIV status, antiretroviral therapy, and the result of BED-EIA assay. Parameters were analysed considering regions and demographic and sexual behaviour characteristics. RESULTS: The national HIV prevalence was 17.4% with regional differences; the highest prevalence (20.7%) was found in Mexico City, and the lowest prevalence was found in the West region (11.5%). The incidence was 9.4 per 100 p/y, with regional values from 6.2 to 13.2 for the Northeast and the Centre regions, respectively. Age, age at sexual debut, low wealth index, and rewarded sex were associated with HIV prevalence. Centre region, use of private clinics as health services, and having sex exclusively with men were associated with recent HIV infections. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence and prevalence showed regional differences, suggesting a difference in the dynamics of HIV transmission; some regions have a greater case accumulation, and others have a greater rate of new infections. Understanding this dynamic will allow developing health programs focused on HIV prevention or treating people already living with HIV.

Estimating Bordetella pertussis seroprevalence in adolescents and young adults in Mexico using the 2012 National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT).

BACKGROUND: Low vaccination rates and under-detection of pertussis infections in adolescents and young adults have an impact on the transmission of pertussis to infants. In this study, the proportion of adolescents and young adults with IgG antibodies against B. pertussis antigens, representing recent infection or vaccination, was estimated in a population-based probabilistic survey in Mexico. METHODS: Sera and data from 1,581 subjects, including 1,102 adolescents and 479 young adults (10-19 and 20-25 years old, respectively) randomly selected from Mexico's 2012 National Health and Nutrition Survey, were analyzed. IgG antibodies against pertussis toxin (PT) were measured with the CDC/FDA ELISA. A subset of 234 samples was additionally tested with Bp-IgG PT ELISA kit (EUROIMMUN AG, Lubeck, Germany). Threshold values from corresponding test kits were used to identify recent infection or vaccination. RESULTS: Overall anti-PT IgG seroprevalence was 3.9% (95% CI: 2.3-6.3); 3.1% (95% CI: 1.9-5.0) in adolescents, and 4.9% (95% CI: 2.2-11) in young adults. Seroprevalence did not significantly vary by sex, socioeconomic status, region or rural/urban location. Compared to the CDC/FDA ELISA, the EUROIMMUN test showed a 76% sensitivity and 88% specificity. The weighted estimates represent a considerable burden of recent infection in adolescents and young adults; however, most adolescents and adults were seronegative and, therefore, susceptible to pertussis infection. CONCLUSION: Since booster vaccination to B. pertussis after toddlerhood is not recommended in the Mexican national policy, anti-PT IgG seropositivity may be reasonably attributed to recent infection. Assessing pertussis seroprevalence requires careful consideration of the diagnostic test threshold interpretation and epidemiological model used.

Incidence and risk factors for acute kidney injury: a prospective, randomized, single-blind clinical trial comparing total knee arthroplasty with and without tourniquet / Incidencia y factores de riesgo para lesión renal aguda: Un ensayo clínico ciego, prospectivo y aleatorizado comparando la artroplastía total de rodilla con y sin torniquete

Abstract: Purpose: Identify the incidence and risk factors for acute kidney injury (AKI) following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with and without tourniquet. Material and methods: 100 patients were randomized into two groups. Postoperative AKI was defined as the postoperative creatinine level ≥ 0.3 mg/dl compared with baseline. Potential variables associated with AKI were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression model to identify the AKI risk factors in TKA patients with and without tourniquet. Results: AKI rate was 22%, tourniquet use (OR = 2.66, p = 0.014), blood loss > 500 cm3 (OR = 3.99, p = 0.001), postoperative Hb < 10 g/dl (OR = 2.68, p = 0.008), blood transfusions (OR = 2.86, p = 0.012) and diabetes (OR = 2.80, p = 0.006) were associated with increased risk of postoperative AKI. Conclusions: The use of tourniquet should be indicated with caution and should not be used routinely in patients with other risk factors for the development of acute kidney dysfunction, other measures to achieve trans-surgical hemostasis should be implemented in our environment to reduce the incidence of acute kidney dysfunction related to the use of the tourniquet.

Resumen: Propósito: Identificar la incidencia y factores de riesgo para lesión renal aguda (LRA) después de la artroplastia total de rodilla (ATR) con y sin uso de torniquete. Material y métodos: Se dividieron 100 pacientes en dos grupos. Se definió la LRA como una elevación postoperatoria de la creatinina ≥ 0.3 mg/dl comparada con el nivel basal preoperatorio. Las potenciales variables asociadas con la DRA fueron analizadas con un modelo de regresión logística multivariada para identificar los factores de riesgo de DRA en pacientes sometidos a ATR con y sin torniquete. Resultados: La incidencia de LRA fue de 22%. El uso de torniquete (OR = 2.66, p = 0.014), pérdida sanguínea > 500 cm3 (OR = 3.99, p = 0.001), Hb postoperatoria < 10 g/dl (OR = 2.68, p = 0.008), transfusión sanguínea (OR = 2.86, p = 0.012) y la diabetes (OR = 2.80, p = 0.006) fueron asociados a un mayor riesgo postoperatorio de LRA. Conclusiones: El uso de torniquete debe estar indicado con precaución y no debe utilizarse de forma rutinaria en pacientes con otros factores de riesgo para el desarrollo de disfunción renal aguda, otras medidas para lograr la hemostasia transquirúrgica deben implementarse en nuestro entorno para reducir la incidencia de disfunción renal aguda relacionada con el uso del torniquete.

Brainstem auditory evoked responses and bone conduction assessment in alpacas.

Auditory loss has been reported in camelids using brainstem auditory evoked responses (BAER). Differentiation between conductive versus sensorineural dysfunction has not been investigated. Therefore, the objective of the study was to investigate auditory function using BAER and bone conduction (BC). Twenty-four alpacas: 15 females, 9 intact males (2-16 years of age) were included in a randomized clinical trial. BAER and BC were recorded using two derivations (vertex to mastoid and vertex to cranial aspect of second cervical vertebra). All alpacas underwent complete physical examinations and were sedated with xylazine hydrochloride at 0.6 mg/kg IM. Peaks, when present, were identified and latencies, amplitudes, and amplitude ratios were determined. Eleven alpacas had normal responses and 13 had auditory loss based on BAER. The latter consisted of complete absence of peaks bilaterally (n = 3), absence of peaks unilaterally (n = 1), delayed latencies bilaterally (n = 4), and delayed latencies unilaterally (n = 5). Distinct peaks on BC supported conductive auditory loss in 6 alpacas, difficult to interpret due to stimulus artifact and additional undefined peaks in 4, and absent peaks in 3 alpacas. The cause of auditory loss was presumed to be due to otitis in 6, aging in 4 (10-16 years old), and congenital sensorineural (absent peaks on BAER and BC) in 3 alpacas with unpigmented fiber and irises. BAER and BC are useful and non-invasive to perform techniques for the investigation of auditory loss in alpacas, and further characterization as conductive or sensorineural.

Prevalence of active infection by herpes simplex virus type 2 in patients with high-risk human papillomavirus infection: A cross-sectional study.

The aim is to determine the prevalence of active infection by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) among Mexican women with high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) cervical infection, recruited from public gynecology and colposcopy services. In a cross-sectional study, HSV-2 antibodies, HSV-2 DNA, and HR-HPV DNA were quantified. Significant differences in HSV-2 seroprevalence and HSV-2 active infection rates were found between negative and positive HR-HPV cases. HSV-2 seroprevalence was 28.15% and 16.1% (P = .0001), while HSV-2 active infection rates were 6.83% and 0.62% (P = .001) for positive and negative HR-HPV groups, respectively. The risk of HSV-2 seropositivity was 1.7 times greater for HR-HPV-positive cases (P = .02). Similarly, HR-HPV-positive cases were nine times more likely to have an HSV-2 active infection than HR-HPV-negative cases (P = .03). High HSV-2/h-HPV coinfection rates were observed among women recruited from public gynecology and colposcopy services. The main factors related to an HSV-2 active infection are a history of risky sexual behavior and HR-HPV infection. The prevalence of HSV-2 active infection among positive HR-HPV subjects indicate that these infections constitute an important group of STIs in Mexico.

Clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, and outcome of adult horses with equine coronavirus infection at a veterinary teaching hospital: 33 cases (2012-2018).

Equine coronavirus (ECoV) is a recently described enteric virus with worldwide outbreaks; however, there are little data available on clinical presentation, diagnosis, and outcome. The study objective was to document case management of ECoV in adult horses presented to a referral hospital and compare to a cohort of horses that tested negative for ECoV. A retrospective case series was performed based on positive real-time quantitative PCR results for ECoV on faeces from horses treated at the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital from 1 March 2012 to 31 March 2018. Horses negative for ECoV were matched to the ECoV-positive group as controls. Data collected included signalment, history, exam findings, diagnostics, treatment, and follow-up. Thirty-three horses (median age, 11 years; range, 2-37 years) tested ECoV-positive, including three horses with co-infections. Presenting complaints for ECoV-infected horses included historic fevers (n = 25/30; 83%), anorexia (n = 14/30; 47%), and colic (n = 13/30; 43%). ECoV-positive horses had significantly lower white blood cell (median, 3.0 × 109/L; range, 0.68-16.2 × 109/L), neutrophil (median, 1.26 × 109/L; range, 0.15-14.4 × 109/L), and lymphocyte (median, 0.86 × 109/L; range, 0.42-3.47 × 109/L) counts than ECoV-negative horses. Electrolyte and metabolic derangements and scant faeces were common. Twenty-seven horses were hospitalised for a median of 5 days (range, 0.5-14 days), with 26/27 (96%) horses surviving to discharge. ECoV infection should be a differential diagnosis for adult horses with fever, colic, anorexia, and leukopenia. The disease has a low mortality rate, but horses may require intensive care to resolve severe leukopenia, systemic inflammation, and metabolic disturbances.

Presumed Neuroglycopenia Caused by Severe Hypoglycemia in Horses.

BACKGROUND: Neuroglycopenia refers to a shortage of glucose in the brain resulting in neuronal dysfunction and death if left untreated. Presumed neuroglycopenia has not been described in horses. OBJECTIVE: To report neurological signs in horses with presumed neuroglycopenia as the result of severe hypoglycemia. ANIMALS: Ninety horses (hours to 28 years of age) diagnosed with hypoglycemia (blood glucose concentration < 75 mg/dL [< 4.2 mmol/L]). METHODS: Retrospective study. Electronic medical records were searched. Signalment, history, complaint, clinical signs, laboratory findings including CSF analysis, electroencephalogram, clinical or definitive diagnosis, and outcome were recorded. Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance and logistic regression were used to investigate association between blood glucose concentration and data extracted. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Thirty-eight and 52 horses had mild (50-74 mg/dL [2.8-4.1 mmol/L]), and severe hypoglycemia (< 50 mg/dL [< 2.8 mmol/L]), respectively. Most common causes of hypoglycemia included liver and gastrointestinal (40%) disease, sepsis (33%), neoplasia (7%), and insulin-induced (4%). Most common neurologic deficits included obtundation (100%), seizures (42%), and disorientation (22%). CSF-glucose was severely low (mean 2.5 mg/dL [0.1 mmol/L], median 0 mg/dL). Paroxysmal discharges in support of seizures were identified in the occipital (visual) and parietal (closest to temporal-auditory) cortical regions upon EEG examination (8/8 horses). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Neuroglycopenia is presumed to occur in horses as the result of severe hypoglycemia. Subclinical seizures, and intermittent blindness and deafness of cortical origin can occur. Severe altered state of consciousness and seizures can be observed at a blood glucose cut-off value of < 42 mg/dL (< 2.3 mmol/L).

[Proinflammatory state in obese children]. / Estado proinflamatorio en niños obesos.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is a chronic disease that affects adults as well as children and is associated with insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. One of the reasons for the presence of low-grade inflammation in these patients could be that adipose tissue of the obese produces proin flammatory molecules that favor the development of atherosclerosis. OBJECTIVE: To determine serum levels of soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), interleukin 6 (IL-6), Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-α) and high sensitivity CRP (hsCRP), in an obese chil dren population compared to a control group, also to analyze the correlation of these molecules with the anthropometric and metabolic variables. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A cross-sectional, observational study was carried out on 37 obese children, aged 8 to 12 years, and 20 children with normal weight. Serum levels of sCD40L, MCP-1, IL-6, TNF-α and hsCRP were determined. Data were expressed as the median and interquartil range and Spearman coefficient was used to investigate correlations between variables. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, obese children presented significantly higher values of sCD40L, MCP-1, IL-6, TNF-α, and hsCRP than control group. Body mass index and waist circumference correlated positively with sCD40L and MCP-1. CONCLUSION: Elevated levels of the studied molecules studied suggest the presence of low-grade inflammation associated with obesity in this population.

Estado proinflamatorio en niños obesos / Proinflammatory state in obese children

INTRODUCCIÓN: La presencia de un estado de inflamación de bajo grado en niños obesos, se debería, entre otros factores, a que el tejido adiposo de los obesos produce moléculas proinflamatorias que contribuyen al desarrollo de aterosclerosis. OBJETIVO: Determinar en una población de niños obesos los niveles séricos de ligando CD-40 soluble (sCD40L), proteína quimioatractante de monocitos 1 (MCP-1), interleuquina 6 (IL-6), Factor de Necrosis tumoral a (TNF-a) y Proteína C Reactiva ultrasensible (PCR-us), comparados con un grupo control y analizar la correlación de estas moléculas con las variables antropométricas y metabólicas. PACIENTES Y MÉTODO: Estudio transversal de 37 niños obesos de 8 a 12 años y 20 niños con peso normal. A todos los pacientes se les realizó una historia clínica consignando edad, peso, talla, IMC, circunferencia de cintura, estadios de Tanner y antecedentes familiares. Se determinaron los niveles séricos de sCD40L, MCP-1, IL-6, TNF-a y PCR-us mediante ELISA, PCR-us por quimioluminiscencia, glucemia, insulina plasmática, perfil lipídico y se calculó el índice HOMA. Los datos se expresaron como la mediana y rango intercuartil y se utilizó el coeficiente de Spearman para investigar las correlaciones entre variables. RESULTADOS: Los niños obesos presentaron valores significativamente mayores de sCD40L, MCP-1, IL-6, TNF-a, PCR-us que los niños controles. El índice de masa corporal y la circunferencia de cintura se correlacionaron positivamente con sCD40L y MCP-1. CONCLUSIÓN: Los niveles elevados de las moléculas estudiadas sugieren la presencia de inflamación de bajo grado asociada a obesidad en esta población.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is a chronic disease that affects adults as well as children and is associated with insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. One of the reasons for the presence of low-grade inflammation in these patients could be that adipose tissue of the obese produces proin flammatory molecules that favor the development of atherosclerosis. OBJECTIVE: To determine serum levels of soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), interleukin 6 (IL-6), Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-Α) and high sensitivity CRP (hsCRP), in an obese chil dren population compared to a control group, also to analyze the correlation of these molecules with the anthropometric and metabolic variables. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A cross-sectional, observational study was carried out on 37 obese children, aged 8 to 12 years, and 20 children with normal weight. Serum levels of sCD40L, MCP-1, IL-6, TNF-Α and hsCRP were determined. Data were expressed as the median and interquartil range and Spearman coefficient was used to investigate correlations between variables. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, obese children presented significantly higher values of sCD40L, MCP-1, IL-6, TNF-Α, and hsCRP than control group. Body mass index and waist circumference correlated positively with sCD40L and MCP-1. CONCLUSION: Elevated levels of the studied molecules studied suggest the presence of low-grade inflammation associated with obesity in this population.

Investigation of Known Genetic Mutations of Arabian Horses in Egyptian Arabian Foals with Juvenile Idiopathic Epilepsy.

BACKGROUND: The carrier status of lavender foal syndrome (LFS), cerebellar abiotrophy (CA), severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), and occipitoatlantoaxial malformation (OAAM1) in foals with juvenile idiopathic epilepsy (JIE) is unknown. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To determine the carrier status of LFS, CA, SCID, and OAAM1 in foals with JIE. ANIMALS: Ten foals with JIE. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Archived DNA samples were tested for known genetic mutations causing LFS, CA, SCID, and OAAM1. The inclusion criteria consisted of having been diagnosed with JIE by ruling out other causes of seizures in foals and supported by electroencephalographic examination. RESULTS: Ten Egyptian Arabian horses (5 females and 5 males) were phenotyped as foals with JIE by electroencephalography (EEG). All foals were negative for the genetic mutations that cause LFS, CA, SCID, and OAAM1 except for 1 foal that was a carrier of CA. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Juvenile idiopathic epilepsy of Egyptian Arabian foals and LFS appear to be phenotypically and genetically distinct disorders. There was no apparent association between JIE and LFS, CA, SCID, and OAAM1.

Outcomes after medical and surgical interventions in horses with temporohyoid osteoarthropathy.

BACKGROUND: Temporohyoid osteoarthropathy (THO) is a cause of neurological disease in horses that is characterised by facial and vestibulocochlear nerve deficits. Studies reporting and comparing survival following medical or surgical treatment of THO are lacking. OBJECTIVES: To compare survival and prognosis in horses with THO treated medically or surgically, and to report surgical complications. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. METHODS: The medical records of horses diagnosed with THO were retrieved, and data on signalment, clinical signs and duration, corneal ulceration and bilateral occurrence were recorded. Neurological severity was graded according to clinical signs. Preoperative radiographic and endoscopic images were graded according to the severity of changes. Factors potentially affecting survival and treatment were compared using Cox proportional hazards regression. RESULTS: A total of 77 horses were identified as having THO during the period 1990-2014. Of these, 25 horses underwent ceratohyoid ostectomy (CHO) and eight underwent partial stylohyoid ostectomy (PSHO). Thirteen of 20, one of 25 and one of eight horses treated by medical therapy, CHO and PSHO, respectively, died or were subjected to euthanasia as a consequence of THO. Compared with CHO, medical therapy was significantly associated with nonsurvival, but there were no significant differences in survival between horses undergoing PSHO and medical therapy. The duration of clinical signs, and neurological, radiographic and endoscopic grades were not associated with survival of THO. However, the age of the horse was significantly associated with poorer survival. Survival time was significantly shorter in the medical therapy group compared with the two surgical groups combined, but did not differ significantly between the two surgical groups. No significant difference between groups was seen in the incidence of surgical complications (33.3% in the PSHO and 22.2% in the CHO group). MAIN LIMITATIONS: This was a nonrandomised study of treatment effects on survival and included a low number of cases. CONCLUSIONS: The survival prognosis in horses with THO is good to excellent in those submitted to surgical intervention, and fair in those treated with medical therapy alone.

Nitrogen doped carbon dots derived from Sargassum fluitans as fluorophore for DNA detection.

This work focused on the use of waste seaweed Sargassum fluitans (S. fluitans) as carbon source precursor to prepare nitrogen doped carbon dots (NCDs) by hydrothermal method. High resolution transmission electron microscopic (HR-TEM) studies revealed that the synthesized water soluble NCDs are in the size range of 2-8nm and exhibits excellent fluorescent properties with a quantum yield of 18.2%. Elemental nitrogen in NCDs was evidenced by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transformed infrared spectrum (FT-IR). The phytochemical analysis of S. fluitans using 1H NMR and 13C NMR revealed the presence of few amino acids which act as nitrogen source in the preparation of NCDs. Application of NCDs as fluorophore for double stranded DNA, single stranded DNA and RNA detection was highlighted in this study. Excellent fluorescent tagging abilities of NCDs with the biological nucleic acids were evidenced using gel electrophoresis. Significant increase in fluorescence was observed upon tagging of NCDs with nucleic acids and this particular phenomenon helps better in visualizing the nucleic acids. All three nucleic acids i.e. double stranded DNA, single stranded DNA and RNA showed similar phenomenon upon tagging with NCDs. Thus synthesized NCDs may be used as an alternate fluorophore for commercial toxic organic staining agents to visualize nucleic acids.

Skin-to-skin contact after birth and the natural course of neurosteroid levels in healthy term newborns.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the postnatal course of neurosteroid levels in relation to gender, mode of delivery and the extent of skin-to-skin (STS) contact during the first days of life in healthy term newborns. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational study of 39 neonates in which parents recorded total duration of STS in the first 2 days and nine neurosteroids (dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate, progesterone, pregnenolone, pregnenolone-sulfate, allopregnanolone, isopregnanolone, epipregnanolone, pregnanolone and pregnanolone-sulfate) were assayed from blood samples at birth and at 1-2 days of age. RESULTS: All nine neurosteroid levels declined significantly during the first 2 days of life. Gender did not significantly affect the change in neurosteroid levels. The decline in neurosteroid levels was generally more pronounced in vaginal deliveries, and there was a trend toward a larger decline with more exposure to STS. CONCLUSION: Ongoing studies may better characterize the role of neurosteroids and the influence of STS in more critically ill and premature neonates.

Deletion of 2.7 kb near HOXD3 in an Arabian horse with occipitoatlantoaxial malformation.

In the horse, the term occipitoatlantoaxial malformation (OAAM) is used to describe a developmental defect in which the first cervical vertebra (atlas) resembles the base of the skull (occiput) and the second cervical vertebra (axis) resembles the atlas. Affected individuals demonstrate an abnormal posture and varying degrees of ataxia. The homeobox (HOX) gene cluster is involved in the development of both the axial and appendicular skeleton. Hoxd3-null mice demonstrate a strikingly similar phenotype to Arabian foals with OAAM. Whole-genome sequencing was performed in an OAAM-affected horse (OAAM1) and seven unaffected Arabian horses. Visual inspection of the raw reads within the region of HOXD3 identified a 2.7-kb deletion located 4.4 kb downstream of the end of HOXD4 and 8.2 kb upstream of the start of HOXD3. A genotyping assay revealed that both parents of OAAM1 were heterozygous for the deletion. Additional genotyping identified two of 162 heterozygote Arabians, and the deletion was not present in 371 horses of other breeds. Comparative genomics studies have revealed that this region is highly conserved across species and that the entire genomic region between Hoxd4 and Hoxd3 is transcribed in mice. Two additional Arabian foals diagnosed with OAAM (OAAM 2 and 3) were genotyped and did not have the 2.7-kb deletion. Closer examination of the phenotype in these cases revealed notable variation. OAAM3 also had facial malformations and a patent ductus arteriosus, and the actual malformation at the craniocervical junction differed. Genetic heterogeneity may exist across the HOXD locus in Arabian foals with OAAM.

Clinical Implications and Hospital Outcome of Immune-Mediated Myositis in Horses.

BACKGROUND: Immune-mediated myositis (IMM) is a cause of rhabdomyolysis, stiffness, and muscle atrophy predominantly affecting Quarter horses. Limited information is available with regard to outcome, prognostic indicators, and associations with concurrent diseases. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To report outcomes and associations between outcome and clinical and laboratory parameters, and presence of concurrent illness. ANIMALS: Sixty-eight horses; 52 Quarter horses and related breeds and 16 other breeds. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study (1991-2014). Medical records of horses with histological diagnosis of IMM were reviewed. Data recovery included signalment, laboratory variables, therapy, and outcome. Logistic regression was used to quantify the association between potential prognostic factors and survival to discharge. RESULTS: Quarter horses were younger (mean < 4 years, range 3 months-21 years) than other breeds (mean < 10 years, range 1-23 years). Pathogens causing concurrent or recent infection included S. equi equi, S. equi zooepidemicus, C. pseudotuberculosis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, herpes virus-1, and influenza. The most common clinical signs consisted of rapidly progressive diffuse symmetrical muscle atrophy (80%), stiff gait (74%), and fever (44%). All horses that received medical therapy immediately upon admission survived to discharge (survival proportion = 87%). Leucocytosis was a common finding (60%). Horses with concurrent fever and other illness had a poor prognosis for hospital discharge. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Horses with IMM can have a favorable outcome. Horses with concurrent fever and another illness had decreased probability of survival to discharge.

Seizure Disorders in Goats and Sheep.

BACKGROUND: Goats and sheep are more likely to be presented for examination for seizures than are cattle, possibly as a consequence of their relatively smaller body size. Currently, no reports describing seizure disorders in goats and sheep are available. OBJECTIVES: To describe clinical features and treatment outcomes of sheep and goats presented for seizures. ANIMALS: A total of 59 goats and 21 sheep presented for seizures. METHODS: Retrospective study. Medical records from 1994 to 2014 at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of California, Davis, were reviewed. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data. Logistic regression was performed to determine whether variables were associated with mortality. RESULTS: The majority of seizures in goats and sheep had structural or metabolic causes. Polioencephalomalacia (PEM) secondary to ruminal lactic acidosis or PEM of undetermined cause was the most frequently diagnosed cause of seizures in goats and sheep. The proportions of mortality in goats and sheep were 49.2 and 42.9%, respectively. Age increased the odds mortality (odds ratio [OR], 1.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07, 2.14) in goats. Goats with structural or metabolic causes of seizures had higher odds for mortality (OR, 37.48; 95% CI, 1.12, 99.10) than those with unknown causes. Age and etiological diagnosis were not significant (P > .05) predictors of mortality in affected sheep. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Seizure disorders in goats and sheep are associated with high mortality, despite treatment. Current treatment in goats and sheep with seizures warrants further investigation to determine whether treatments are beneficial or detrimental to survival.