ABSTRACT
Insecticides are important in agriculture, to reduce human disease, and to decrease the nuisance of biting insects. Despite this, many have the potential for environmental impacts and toxicity in nontarget organisms. We reviewed data on the effects of insecticides based on toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) and Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (Btk) on amphibians. The few peer-reviewed publications that are available for Bti provide variable conclusions, ranging from few observable effects to evidence of acute toxicity at high concentrations. We briefly highlight the current controversies and identify key areas for future investigation.
Subject(s)
Bacillus thuringiensis , Amphibians , Animals , Biological Control Agents/toxicity , Humans , Larva , SerogroupABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Varisation distal femoral osteotomy is a well-described treatment for lateral compartment arthrosis in the young, active patient. This treatment may potentially alter the length of the lower limb . The objective of this study was to quantify the change in leg length following lateral opening wedge distal femoral osteotomy using a blade plate. METHODS: Between 1998 and 2011, 29 lateral opening wedge distal femoral osteotomies were performed for symptomatic genu valgum with signs of lateral compartment arthrosis or patello-femoral symptoms. The mean age was 44.4 years (±11.3). Average follow-up was 80.2 months (±50.6). RESULTS: The mean osteotomy opening was 8.3° (±2.3). The femoro-tibial mechanical axis (mFTA) was improved significantly, from 187.8° (±3.5) to 180.4° (±2.6) post-operatively (p < 0.001). The pre-operative leg length discrepancy was -0.7 cm, compared to -0.6 cm post-operatively, which was not significant (n.s.). There were five revisions to arthroplasty for disease progression at meantime of 166.6 months post-operatively. The probability of survival at 60 months was 91.4% (95% CI 74.9-100%) with end-point of revision to total knee arthroplasty and 87.6% (95% CI 74.1-100%) of revision for complications. CONCLUSIONS: Lateral opening wedge distal femoral osteotomy, performed for symptomatic genu valgum, has no effect on leg length. This technique allows good correction of the axis of the lower limb; however, the complication rate is not insignificant (14%). Complications occurred mainly in post-traumatic cases and may be avoidable with attention to technique and optimum rehabilitation. The procedure should be reserved for young, active patients with significant symptoms. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.
Subject(s)
Femur/surgery , Lower Extremity/anatomy & histology , Lower Extremity/diagnostic imaging , Osteotomy/methods , Adult , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Genu Valgum/surgery , Humans , Male , RadiographyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: When the modified single-patch technique for atrioventricular septal defect (AVSD) repair was introduced by Dr Benson Wilcox, there was concern that these patients might be at risk for late subaortic stenosis and left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO). This review evaluated our modified single-patch population for LVOTO in the postoperative period. METHODS: Between January 2000 and 2013, 77 infants underwent AVSD repair with a modified single-patch technique. Median age was 4.2 months, and median weight was 5 kg. Eight patients had a prior repair of coarctation of the aorta via left thoracotomy in the newborn period. RESULTS: The median hospital stay was 10 days. No patient required a pacemaker. The mean and median follow-up times were 4.6 and 3.7 years, respectively. Only 2 patients (2.5%) required reoperation for LVOTO; both had prior repair of coarctation of the aorta (2 of 8 vs 0 of 69, p = 0.01). A discrete fibrous subaortic membrane developed in the first patient that required resection at 3 and 7 years after repair. The other patient had LVOTO from accessory chordae of the left atrioventricular valve and required mitral valve replacement 5 months after repair. One early death occurred at 4 months postoperatively due to liver failure related to hyperalimentation. CONCLUSIONS: At intermediate term follow-up, LVOTO does not appear to be a significant postoperative issue after modified single-patch repair of AVSD. Coarctation of the aorta was the most significant predictor of late LVOTO after repair of AVSD with the modified single-patch technique.
Subject(s)
Aortic Stenosis, Subvalvular/epidemiology , Cardiac Surgical Procedures/adverse effects , Cardiac Surgical Procedures/methods , Heart Septal Defects/surgery , Aortic Stenosis, Subvalvular/etiology , Child , Child, Preschool , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Infant , Length of Stay , Male , Reoperation , Retrospective Studies , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
This study compares gender differences regarding knowledge, practice, and symptoms of intoxication when handling pesticides in farming. Data were gathered in La Paz County, Bolivia, in 2008 and 2009. Poor knowledge on safe handling, hazardous working practices, and use of very toxic pesticides were seen. Being a female and having a low educational level were risk factors for "poor knowledge on pesticides" and a "risky behavior when handling pesticides." Females reported more symptoms of intoxication. The gender differences on knowledge and handling practices might explain why females report more symptoms. To minimize this gap, education and agricultural services should be made more accessible to female farmers in Bolivia.
