Urinalysis and culture results of free-catch urine samples in dogs: a randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence of bacterial presence in free-catch urine samples preceded by either a standardised prepped ("clean-catch") protocol versus unprepped (non-cleaned) voiding. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was a single-centre prospective single-blinded randomised controlled trial. Urine samples were obtained from 100 client-owned dogs presenting for routine evaluation. Dogs were randomly assigned to either the prepped group (preputial or peri-vulvar area cleaned with sterile saline before collection) or the unprepped group (no preliminary cleansing) stratified by sex. Urinalysis and urine culture (blood and MacConkey agar) were performed on all samples. Significant bacterial presence on urine culture was defined as >104 colony forming units (CFU)/mL. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant associations between prepped versus unprepped collection method or sex with a urinalysis positive for bacteriuria. However, on culture, significant bacterial growth was almost five times more likely to be associated with males relative to females (odds ratio 4.59, 95% confidence interval 1.61 to 13.10). The probability of finding a positive culture was not statistically associated with prep method (odds ratio 1.43, 95% confidence interval 0.50 to 4.08). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: For the majority of dogs without clinical signs of urinary tract infection, free-catch urine collection does not result in significant bacteriuria found on analysis or culture. The presence of bacteria found in free-catch samples may be secondary to sample contamination or subclinical bacteriuria. Sample contamination or subclinical bacteriuria may be more prevalent in male dogs.

Attempting the Impossible: Keeping a Jail COVID-Free.

AbstractPrior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States housed 2.3 million inmates in 7,147 incarceration structures that, because of age, overcrowding, and poor ventilation, exacerbated the spread of airborne infections. The flow of individuals into and out of correctional facilities compounded the challenges in keeping them COVID-free. This article focuses on the work of the health and administrative leadership, in partnership with judicial and police personnel, to prevent COVID-19 inside the Albemarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail and to mitigate its spread when the jail population and/or its staff became infected. From the onset, implementing science-based policies and upholding the human right to health and healthcare for all were priorities.

Regional economic burden of revision total knee replacement: A cost-complexity analysis.

BACKGROUND: GIRFT tasked regional networks with addressing case-load, complexity-spread and cost of revision knee replacement (KR), but the regional cost burden is not clear. The tariff for revision KR is currently not dependent on surgical complexity. 2 years of revision KR complexity data using the validated Revision Knee Complexity Classification (RKCC) checklist as a demonstration of complexity spread in the region has previously been published. The aims of this study were to estimate the annual regional cost of revision TKR using existing data, and estimate the cost/saving of complexity-clustering using existing data from 8 revision centres. METHODS: Financial data from the regional high-volume centre for one year (2019) of RKCC data collection was obtained. Mean cost, tariff and balance was calculated for R1, R2 and R3 (RKCC), and applied to data from each revision centre to provide local estimates. Complexity clustering was considered using 3 hypothetical scenarios of high-volume centre absorbing R2s and/or R3s in place of R1s. RESULTS: Mean net loss was £2,290.08 for R1s, £6,471.42 for R2s and £6,454.26 for R3s. The estimated total annual loss for the region was £1,005,025. Complexity-clustering was associated with greater losses; £162,918 for high-volume centre taking R2s and R3s, £37,477.60 for taking just R3s and £125,440 for taking just R2s. CONCLUSION: Revision TKR surgery is expensive and insufficiently remunerated with current measures. Restructuring of regional workload would create additional financial burden on specialist centres with current tariff awards structure. Managing reimbursement at a regional or central level may help to incentivise compliance with GIRFT ideals.

Neuraxial anesthesia and postoperative opioid administration for cesarean delivery in patients with placenta accreta spectrum disorder: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus on optimal anesthetic and analgesic management of patients presenting for cesarean delivery with suspected placenta accreta spectrum disorder. Neuraxial anesthesia is preferred for uncomplicated procedures, but general anesthesia may be indicated for those at risk of hemorrhage and hysterectomy. We compared the effect of anesthesia techniques on postoperative maternal opioid administration and neonatal respiratory distress. METHODS: A single-center retrospective study from 2016 to 2019 using electronic records to identify singleton pregnancies with a high index of suspicion of placenta accreta spectrum disorder. Patients were categorized by the anesthetic technique they received: general, neuraxial, or neuraxial with conversion to general anesthesia following delivery. Postoperative maternal opioid administration (oral morphine in mg equivalents) and risk of neonatal respiratory distress were compared using linear mixed models. RESULTS: Thirty-nine records were analyzed. Mean-adjusted oral morphine mg equivalents were 192 for patients receiving general anesthesia vs. 90 for neuraxial anesthesia only (P=0.009) and 104 for neuraxial with conversion to general anesthesia (P=0.052). Neonates delivered under general anesthesia had a 3.5 times relative risk (95% CI 1.3 to 9.8, P=0.017) of respiratory distress compared with those exposed to neuraxial anesthesia alone. CONCLUSION: Patients receiving general anesthesia alone were administered more opioids than those undergoing neuraxial anesthesia or neuraxial with conversion to general anesthesia. This finding was maintained when accounting for whether or not the patient underwent hysterectomy. Deciding on anesthetic management requires consideration of patient comorbidities, severity of placenta accreta spectrum pathology, and surgical requirements.

Revision total knee replacement: A two-year review of complexity data and regional workload in South West England.

BACKGROUND: The GIRFT report (2012) sought to address the need for sustainable orthopaedic treatment delivered through regional "networks"; the aim being improved care, decreased cost and reduced revision rate. The aims of this study were to record the number and complexity of revision total knee replacements within a regional network using a validated classification over a two-year period and audit this against National Joint Registry (NJR) records. METHODS: A region-wide network model where revision TKR cases are assessed locally using the Revision Knee Complexity Classification (RKCC) and local multi-disciplinary team (MDT) was introduced. Data was collected from 8 revision centres over a two-year period using the RKCC. The case volume was audited against the NJR records. RESULTS: In year 1 (01/01/2018-31/12/2018) 237 RKCC forms were collected from eight centres. 46% of R2s and 63% of R3s were carried out at the higher volume centre. 211 K2 forms were received by the NJR. In year 2 (01/01/2019-31/12/2019) 252 RKCC forms were collected. 46% of R2s and 64% of R3s were carried out at the higher volume centre. 267 K2 forms were received by the NJR. CONCLUSION: This is the first published set of revision knee data showing complexity percentages across a region. The RKCC has been successfully introduced into the region and this has been sustained. The findings show that a successful network has been established and majority of complex revision knee surgery is occurring in the high-volume centre. NJR data suggests that the RKCC is capturing the complexity and volume of our work accurately.

A postbiotic consisting of heat-treated lactobacilli has a bifidogenic effect in pure culture and in human fermented faecal communities.

The gut microbiota has a significant impact on host health. Dietary interventions using probiotics, prebiotics and postbiotics have the potential to alter microbiota composition and function. Other therapeutic interventions such as antibiotics and faecal microbiota transplantation have also been shown to significantly alter the microbiota and its metabolites. Supplementation of a faecal fermentation model of the human gut with a postbiotic product Lactobacillus LB led to changes in microbiome composition (i.e. increase in beneficial bifidobacteria) and associated metabolic changes (i.e. increased acid production). Lactobacillus LB is a heat-treated preparation of cellular biomass and a fermentate generated by Limosilactobacillus fermentum CNCM MA65/4E-1b (formerly known as Lactobacillus fermentum CNCM MA65/4E-1b) and Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. delbrueckii CNCM MA65/4E-2z, medically relevant strains used to produce antidiarrheal preparations. In pure culture, Lactobacillus LB also stimulates the growth of a range of bifidobacterial species and strains. Lactobacillus LB-like preparations generated using other Lactobacillaceae, including commercially available probiotic bacteria, did not have the same impact on a model strain (Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis ATCC 15697). This bifidogenic activity is heat- and enzyme-stable and cannot be attributed to lactose, which is a major constituent of Lactobacillus LB. L fermentum CNCM MA65/4E-1b is largely responsible for the observed activity and there is a clear role for compounds smaller than 1 kDa.Importance In general, disruptions to the gut microbiota are associated with multiple disorders in humans. The presence of high levels of Bifidobacterium spp. in the human gut is commonly considered to be beneficial. Bifidobacteria can be supplemented in the diet (as probiotics) or those bifidobacteria already present in the gut can be stimulated by the consumption of prebiotics such as inulin. We demonstrate that Lactobacillus LB (a product consisting of two heat-killed lactic acid bacteria and their metabolites) can stimulate the growth of bifidobacteria in human fermented faecal communities and in pure culture. Given the heat-treatment applied during the production process, there is no risk of the lactic acid bacteria colonising (or causing bacteraemia) in vulnerable consumers (infants, immunocompromised, etc). Lactobacillus LB has the potential to affect human health by selectively promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria.

Stress in client-owned dogs related to clinical exam location: a randomised crossover trial.

OBJECTIVES: To quantify the effects of wellness examinations conducted in the common treatment area on fear, anxiety and stress indicators in client-owned dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was a prospective, non-blinded, randomised, two-period two-treatment crossover trial. Client-owned healthy adult dogs presenting for wellness or dental evaluations at a single veterinary teaching hospital received three consecutive rapid assessment exams; a baseline exam (owner present), followed by two identical physical exams differing in location and presented in random order (isolated exam room with owner present versus common treatment area, owner absent). Primary endpoints were a cumulative fear, anxiety and stress score for five standardised behaviours and heart rate (bpm) measured for each exam. RESULTS: Forty-four dogs were enrolled. Modal fear, anxiety and stress score at baseline was 1 of 5, indicating none to mild stress. Both fear, anxiety and stress and heart rates measured in the common treatment area were clinically elevated relative to assessments conducted in the exam room. Relative to baseline, animals examined in the common treatment area showed increased fear, anxiety and stress (+2.6 units, se 0.5; P<0.0001) and heart rate (20 bpm, 95% confidence interval 13, 28; P<0.0001. Twenty-eight dogs (64%) exhibited fear, anxiety and stress scores ≥3 of 5 (moderate to severe stress) in the common treatment area, compared to 19 (43%) during exam room assessments. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Stress assessments in this study may have been biased by inability to blind assessors to location. However, stress metrics showed clinically significant, consistent and directionally symmetrical increases when dogs were examined in the common treatment area. When physical exam locations are highly stimulating, dogs may experience increased stress and anxiety, with detrimental effects on clinical assessments and behavioural welfare. Whenever possible, physical exams and procedures should take place in low-stress environments with the owner present.

E-cigarettes and health risks: more to the flavor than just the name.

The growing interest in regulating flavored E-liquids must incorporate understanding of the "flavoring profile" of each E-liquid-which flavorings (flavoring chemicals) are present and at what concentrations not just focusing on the flavor on the label. We investigated the flavoring profile of 10 different flavored E-liquids. We assessed bronchial epithelial cell viability and apoptosis, phagocytosis of bacteria and apoptotic cells by macrophages after exposure to E-cigarette vapor extract (EVE). We validated our data in normal human bronchial epithelial cells (NHBE) and alveolar macrophages (AM) from healthy donors. We also assessed cytokine release and validated in the saliva from E-cigarette users. Increased necrosis/apoptosis (16.1-64.5% apoptosis) in 16HBE cells was flavor dependent, and NHBEs showed an increased susceptibility to flavors. In THP-1 differentiated macrophages phagocytosis was also flavor dependent, with AM also showing increased susceptibility to flavors. Further, Banana and Chocolate were shown to reduce surface expression of phagocytic target recognition receptors on alveolar macrophages. Banana and Chocolate increased IL-8 secretion by NHBE, whereas all 4 flavors reduced AM IL-1ß secretion, which was also reduced in the saliva of E-cigarette users compared with healthy controls. Flavorant profiles of E-liquids varied from simple 2 compound mixtures to complex mixtures containing over a dozen flavorants. E-liquids with high benzene content, complex flavoring profiles, high chemical concentration had the greatest impacts. The Flavorant profile of E-liquids is key to disruption of the airway status quo by increasing bronchial epithelial cell apoptosis, causing alveolar macrophage phagocytic dysfunction, and altering airway cytokines.

Sleep deficiency and breast cancer risk among postmenopausal women in the California teachers study (CTS).

PURPOSE: There is provocative, yet inconsistent, evidence that sleep deficiency may influence the development of breast cancer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the risk of breast cancer associated with sleep deficiency among postmenopausal women in the California Teachers Study (CTS). METHODS: We conducted a case-control study of 2,856 invasive breast cancer cases and 38,649 cancer-free controls, nested within the CTS. Self-administered questionnaires were used to ascertain several components of sleep deficiency, including quality, latency, duration, disturbance and use of sleep medications. Additionally, a Global Sleep Index (GSI) was created by summing the individual sleep components and categorizing into quartiles. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (OR, 95% CI). RESULTS: Increased breast cancer risks were associated with sleep deficiency. With the exception of duration, linear increases in risk were associated with all the other individual components of sleep deficiency (p-trend ≤ 0.002). The OR for the highest GSI quartile vs. lowest was 1.24, 95% CI 1.12-1.38; p-trend < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Sleep deficiency may be a risk factor for breast cancer. Additional prospective studies and those aimed at elucidating underlying mechanism are warranted.

Getting animated about trauma - Using video animation as part of informed consent.

INTRODUCTION: Trauma patients are often required to make an informed decision about surgery within a short space of time. Coming to terms with their injury may mean they have limited bandwidth for absorbing information, and it may be that they don't appreciate the risks and benefits of surgery discussed during consent. Current consent practice puts the emphasis on the clinician to ensure that all reasonable steps have been taken to explain risks and benefits to patients. We propose the use of video animations that patients can watch prior to surgery as a means of improving their understanding and overall experience. METHODS: The video script was written and evaluated so that a high standard was achieved using the "Discern" instrument. The experiences of a focus group of 5 patients were used to guide script content. Using GoAnimate (GoAnimate Inc., San Mateo) a video was made with voice over provided by local drama students. The video was shown to 30 consecutive patients over a 2 month period. We included any patient with an ankle fracture managed operatively who had been consented (form 1). Evaluation consisted of interview with patients consisting of 2 focussed questions and one open. Responses to the questions were collated and grouped into positive and negative descriptors. RESULTS: 68 (81%) positive descriptors were recorded from patients' interviews versus 16 (19%) negative. Positive descriptors related to improved retention, information giving, technical detail, consolidations of information given during consent. Negatives were caveats that video couldn't replace face-to-face consent, the degree of detail being off-putting and not adding anything to standard consent. CONCLUSION: The video was well received by patients with subjective improvements being made to their understanding, retention and sharing of technical detail. The face-to-face discussion between patient and doctor remains very important to them and the video should look to augment this.

Residents' perspective on professionalism in the learning environment.

All accrediting organizations for medical education in the US require teaching hospitals to ensure the learning environment fosters professionalism behaviors of trainees and faculty. This study analyzes the learning environment of professionalism from the perspective of residents. An on-line anonymous survey that explored the learning climate of professionalism was sent to all residents at the University of Virginia in 2013-14. Residents rated their personal commitment, their residency program's, and the institution's commitment to demonstrating professionalism behaviors, described professionalism education, reasons for not participating in curricular offerings, the quality of role modeling, and barriers to professionalism. Nearly half the residents completed the survey (47%, N = 365/771). Residents rated their personal commitment and commitment of their residency program significantly greater than the institution's commitment to demonstrating professionalism.(p < 0.001) They noted only 25% of faculty modeled these behaviors all the time; and more than half stated poor role modeling impacted their attitudes about the importance of professionalism. Other areas in need of improvement include communicating with patients with cultural differences, and inter-professional teamwork. Despite accreditation requirements for learning environments, residency curricula, and faculty development programs to promote professionalism, residents perceive their commitment to professionalism greater than the institution where they work.

Asylum Seekers in a Time of Record Forced Global Displacement: the Role of Physicians.

In 2016, over 65 million individuals were displaced from their homes due to human rights abuses, and 262,000 people applied for asylum in the USA. Individuals who have experienced persecution are present in many primary and specialty clinics. A medical forensic evaluation can increase the likelihood of a successful asylum case. This paper reviews the legal framework for asylum and the contribution forensic evaluations can make to this vulnerable population. Physicians without asylum expertise can help these patients by recognizing their legal right to residential protection and referring them to lawyers and physicians with expert skills. Performing forensic examinations of asylum seekers offers physicians the opportunity to collaborate with attorneys, immigration officials, and human rights experts. Clinicians who do this work find it personally and professionally rewarding, especially when they impart their expert knowledge and skills to future clinicians by involving trainees in these evaluations. Physicians who encounter refugees or asylum seekers in their roles as providers or as preceptors should have familiarity with the field of asylum medicine to enhance the comprehensive care they deliver.

Nisin Z and lacticin 3147 improve efficacy of antibiotics against clinically significant bacteria.

Aim: To determine if bacteriocins improve antibiotic efficacy. Materials & methods: Deferred antagonism assays identified bacteriocins with activity. Growth curves and time kill assays demonstrated bactericidal activity of antimicrobial combinations, and checkerboard assays confirmed synergy. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus-infected porcine skin model determined ex vivo efficacy. Results: Subinhibitory concentrations of lacticin with penicillin or vancomycin resulted in complete growth inhibition of strains and the improved inhibitory effect was apparent after 1 h. Nisin with methicillin proved more effective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus than either antimicrobial alone, revealing partial synergy and significantly reduced pathogen numbers on porcine skin after 3 h compared with minimal inhibition for either antimicrobial alone. Conclusion: Nisin Z and lacticin 3147 may support the use of certain antibiotics and revive ineffective antibiotics.

Evaluation of unfractionated heparin versus low-molecular-weight heparin and fondaparinux for pharmacologic venous thromboembolic prophylaxis in critically ill patients with cancer.

Essentials Critically ill cancer patients require pharmacologic prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism (VTE). Patients from 566 hospitals in the United States between 2010 and 2014 were included. Low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) prophylaxis was not associated in a reduction of VTE rates. LMWH prophylaxis was associated with a reduction in bleeding and heparin induced thrombocytopenia. SUMMARY: Background Critically ill patients with cancer are at increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) from physical and cellular factors, requiring pharmacologic prophylaxis to reduce the risk of VTE. Objectives To assess whether low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) prophylaxis reduces in-hospital rates of VTE or improves clinical outcomes compared with unfractionated heparin (UFH) prophylaxis in critically ill patients with cancer. Methods We used a propensity-matched comparative-effectiveness cohort from the Premier Database. Patients aged 18 years or older with a primary diagnosis of cancer, intensive care unit admission and VTE prophylaxis within 2 days of admission between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2014 were included. Patients were divided into LMWH or UFH prophylaxis groups. Results A total of 103 798 patients were included; 75 321 (72.6%) patients received LMWH and 28 477 (27.4%) patients received UFH. Propensity analysis matched (2 : 1) 42 343 LMWH patients and 21 218 UFH patients. Overall, LMWH was not associated with a decreased incidence of VTE (5.32% vs. 5.50%). LMWH prophylaxis was associated with a reduction in pulmonary embolism (0.70% vs. 0.99%), significant bleeding (13.3% vs. 14.8%) and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) (0.06% vs. 0.19%). In non-metastatic solid disease, LMWH was associated with decreased VTE (4.27% vs. 4.84%) and PE (0.47% vs. 0.95%). Conclusions The use of an LMWH for VTE prophylaxis was not associated with a reduction in the incidence of in-hospital VTE as compared with UFH, but was associated with significant reductions in PE, clinically important bleeding events, and incidence of HIT in critically ill patients with cancer.

Improving the knowledge and behavior of workplace chemical exposures in Vietnamese-American nail salon workers: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: We assessed the efficacy of trainings with Vietnamese nail salon owners and workers on knowledge and behaviors that could reduce exposures to toxic chemicals in nail products. METHODS: We trained Vietnamese salon owners in California (n = 77) who then trained their workers (n = 200) on best practices. In a cluster randomized controlled trial, we assessed the efficacy of the training on change in knowledge and self-reported behaviors. Data were collected from 2013 to 2016 and analyzed from 2016 to 2017. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, the intervention group had significantly greater increases in knowledge about: safer nail polishes [odds ratio (OR) 3.7 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.9, 7.2)]; proper ventilation methods (OR 4.2; 95% CI 2.2, 8.1); recommended glove types (OR 3.4; 95% CI 1.9, 6.3); and recommended product handling and storage (OR 4.1; 95% CI 1.7, 9.9). The intervention also increased best practices: using safer nail polishes (OR 3.6; 95% CI 1.9, 6.8); reading product labels (OR 2.6; 95% CI 1.3, 5.0); and wearing long sleeves (OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.3, 4.2). CONCLUSIONS: The owner-to-worker intervention with culturally and linguistically appropriate training for salon owners who then trained workers was effective in promoting knowledge and self-reported behaviors that can reduce workplace chemical exposures.