Incidence and type of peripheral intravenous catheter complications documented in hospitalised dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To report the incidence and type of peripheral intravenous catheter complications in hospitalised dogs. METHODS: A prospective, observational trial was performed. Peripheral intravenous catheters were monitored for complications. Complications were documented and classified as extravasation, phlebitis, dislodgement, occlusion and line breakage. If phlebitis was present, the Visual Infusion Phlebitis Scale was used to assign a grade (0 to 5). Fisher's exact test was used to compare the type of complications between the critical care unit and the intermediate care unit. A univariate logistic model was used to compare the incidence of complications between the critical care unit and the intermediate care unit and adjusted odds ratios were used to compare the groups. RESULTS: The incidence of peripheral intravenous catheter complications was 24.2% in the Critical Care Unit and 13.1% in the Intermediate Care Unit, with an overall incidence of 19.9%. Phlebitis was the most common peripheral intravenous catheter complication in the Critical Care Unit, and line breakage was the most common complication in the Intermediate Care Unit. Length of hospitalisation and weight had a significant effect on the likelihood of complication. In a multivariable logistic regression model, the odds of a peripheral intravenous catheter complication was not significantly higher in CCU than IMCU, accounting for length of hospitalisation and weight (adjusted odds ratio, 1.84; 95% confidence interval, 0.98 to 3.48). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Peripheral intravenous catheter complications are common in hospitalised dogs and may result in an increased expense for owners, failure to deliver prescribed treatments, venous depletion (lack of peripheral vessels for intravenous catheter placement) and pain experienced by the patient. Techniques to reduce peripheral intravenous catheter complications should be further evaluated and may include the use of peripheral intravenous catheter placement and maintenance checklists, use of force-activated separation devices, or patient sedation.

Characterization of intentional lurasidone ingestions using the United States National Poison Data System.

Introduction: The ziprasidone analogue lurasidone is approved for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder for adults and children older than 10 years. Small studies and case reports suggest lurasidone overdose is not generally associated with major adverse effects, but no large sample has been published.Objective: To describe intentional lurasidone overdoses reported to poison centers.Methods: Retrospective analysis of single-substance intentional lurasidone ingestions from the National Poison Data System (NPDS) from 2011 to 2018.Results: There were 1753 single-substance intentional overdoses. Average age was 28.6 years (SD = 13.3 years) and 1199 (68.4%) of patients were female. Most cases (86.6%) were coded as suspected suicide. Regarding final management site, 1143 (65.2%) were discharged or admitted to psychiatric facilities; 328 (18.8%) were admitted, half of whom were admitted to critical care units (CCUs). Major effect was coded in 12 (0.7%), moderate effect in 259 (14.8%), minor effect in 531 (30%), and no effect in 614 (35%). There were no deaths. For cases for which dose information was available, there was not a statistically significant difference between median doses when analyzed by clinical effect. Most common adverse effects were drowsiness (449, 25.6%), tachycardia (254, 14.5%), vomiting (121, 6.9%), and hypertension (115, 6.6%). Most cases had either no therapy reported, or therapy was recommended by the poison center but confirmed not to have been administered (1010, 57.6%). Of the 164 patients admitted to CCUs, 80 (48.8%) received either no therapy or intravenous fluids alone.Discussion: These data suggest major effects are uncommon from lurasidone overdose. Despite a high rate of admission to CCUs, a substantial proportion received no critical therapies.Conclusions: This report demonstrates intentional lurasidone overdoses reported to poison centers generally have a favorable clinical course.

Quantifying individual fruit fly consumption with Anastrepha suspensa (Diptera: Tephritidae).

We needed a technique to compare the consumption of baits by individual Carribbean fruit fly, Anastrepha suspensa (Loew). By improving consumption and determining individual dose, we could lower pesticide concentration while retaining bait/pesticide efficacy and potentially reduce the environmental impact of fruit fly bait/pesticide eradication methods. We report here a precise dye-based technique for the quantification of consumption by individual adult A. suspensa fruit flies. Fluorescein, measured at 491 nm, and cresol red, measured at 573 nm, were efficiently extracted with 0.1 M NaOH and quantified with a spectrophotometer. The lower limit for this method with 0.1% dye concentration is 300 nl consumed by an individual fly. Dye movement to the hindgut and possible defecation occurred in approximately 4 h; maximum ingestion occurred in approximately 1 h. Maximum experimental time is limited to 4 h. Flies preferred feeding upside down compared with right side up when given a choice; consumption was equal when flies were given no choice of feeding position. Thus, maximum bait/pesticide efficacy might be achieved with an upside-down presentation. Regurgitation led to a 100% overestimation of actual consumption with the J-tube presentation of food. Our individual fly consumption technique will be useful in comparing consumption in phagostimulant studies, estimating dose in oral toxicity tests, differentiating behavioral and physiological resistance in toxicant studies, ultimately leading to improved bait/pesticide methods and reduced environmental impact of area wide fruit fly eradication programs. This technique could be applied to studies of tephritid consumption, to the consumption of other insects, and to regurgitation studies.

Abundance of Diaprepes abbreviatus (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) neonates falling to the soil under tree canopies in Florida citrus groves.

The purpose of these experiments was to estimate the number and distribution of Diaprepes abbreviatus (L.) neonate larvae dropping from the canopy of infested citrus trees. The number of neonates was monitored in the field using passive funnel traps in two simultaneous experiments and a separate experiment for an additional year. In one experiment, traps were placed from trunk to dripline in the cardinal directions under each of five trees (132 traps total). In a second experiment, eight traps were placed under each tree in the cardinal directions, one trap 30 cm from the trunk and one trap 30 cm from the dripline/direction for 25 trees (200 traps total). Larvae were collected weekly for 50 wk in conical tubes containing ethylene glycol as a preservative. Traps closer to the tree trunk captured more larvae than traps nearer the dripline. The area under the tree canopy was positively correlated with the total estimated number of larvae captured per tree. The estimated number of total larvae/tree over the course of our experiments ranged from 955 to 7,290. The highest number of neonate larvae observed in 1 wk was 67 +/- 6/m2. There was an inverse relationship between the number of traps beneath a tree and the number of trees that needed to be sampled to estimate mean population density with a given precision. However, there was a direct relationship between number of traps/tree and the total number of traps needed for a given precision. This passive technique could be used to quantify the destructive larval stage and to assess D. abbreviatus management strategies.

Sampling methods as abundance indices for adult Diaprepes abbreviatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in citrus.

Beat sampling and two type of traps, cup traps and Tedders traps, were evaluated as sampling methods to detect and estimate population densities of adult Diaprepes abbreviatus L. weevils newly colonizing young citrus trees. The study was conducted over a 65-wk period across a 0.25-ha area of 80 citrus trees [Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck] (1.2-1.5 m tall). Beat samples were taken weekly to determine the number of trees infested and number of new adult weevils per tree. Sixteen of the 80 trees studied were each monitored weekly using one of the following trapping methods: cup traps in trees, cup traps on a stake in the ground within the tree drip line, cup traps on a stake in the ground outside of the drip line, Tedders traps on the ground within the drip line, and Tedders traps on the ground outside of the drip line. Weevils collected each week from trees and traps were removed from the study site. Based on the coefficients associated with Taylor's power law, the optimum numbers of trees to sample for an SEM equal to 25% of the mean estimate decreased from 50 trees at a mean of 0.5 new weevils per tree to 30 trees at a mean of 0.8 new weevils per tree. A significant relationship was found between the weekly mean number of new weevils per tree and the proportion of trees infested, a binomial relationship that could be further explored in the search for a sampling program for adult D. abbreviatus. Regression analyses indicated that three of the trapping methods served at least as weak indices of the presence and abundance of new weevils: cup traps in trees, Tedders traps inside the dripline and Tedders traps outside the dripline. Cup traps in trees and Tedders traps inside the dripline captured the most weevils and most frequently detected weevils. Although relatively inefficient as abundance indices of populations of new weevils, these two trapping methods appeared to have some value with respect to signaling when weevils first appeared in trees during the spring.

Effectiveness of postmigration screening in controlling tuberculosis among refugees: a historical cohort study, 1984-1998.

OBJECTIVES: This study assessed the effectiveness of postmigration screening for the control of tuberculosis (TB) among refugee migrants. METHODS: We conducted a historical cohort study among 24 610 predominantly Southeast Asian refugees who had arrived in Sydney, Australia, between 1984 and 1994. All had been screened for TB before arrival and had radiologic follow-up for 18 months after arrival. Incident cases of TB were identified by record linkage analysis with confirmatory review of case notes. RESULTS: The crude annual incidence rate over 10-year follow-up was 74.9 per 100 000 person-years. Only 29.6% of the cases were diagnosed as a result of routine follow-up procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Enhanced passive case finding is likely to be more effective than active case finding for the control of TB among refugees.

The incidence of tuberculosis in a cohort of South-East Asian refugees arriving in Australia 1984-94.

We have used record linkage analysis to describe the incidence of tuberculosis in a cohort of 24 652 predominantly south-east Asian refugees who arrived in Sydney, Australia during the period 1984 to 1994. Cases that had been registered with the State Department of Health were confirmed by examination of case records. After an average follow-up interval of 10.3 years there were 189 cases of tuberculosis, equivalent to an average incidence rate of 74.9 cases per 100 000 person-years. The highest incidence rate was in 40-49 year olds and 47% of cases were in women. One hundred and twenty seven cases (67%) were pulmonary and, of these, 64 (50%) were direct smear positive. The incidence of tuberculosis in this cohort is similar to that observed among Vietnamese migrants to Australia and the USA and substantially higher than the incidence among people born in Australia. It is important to maintain awareness of the diagnosis of tuberculosis, especially in countries such as Australia, where the incidence in the general population is low but where there are large populations of migrants and refugees in whom a higher incidence is expected.

Incidence of tuberculosis among a cohort of tuberculin-positive refugees in Australia: reappraising the estimates of risk.

Estimates of the lifetime risk of tuberculosis have varied widely and may not be applicable in all current settings. The aim of this study was to measure the incidence of reactivation of latent tuberculosis in a cohort of 15,489 predominantly Southeast Asian refugees aged 12 yr and over who arrived in Sydney, Australia during the period 1984 to 1994 and who had a clear chest X-ray on arrival. Tuberculin skin test (TST) reaction size and the presence of a BCG scar were recorded at entry. Incident cases of tuberculosis, occurring before June 1998, were identified by record linkage analysis with confirmatory review of case notes. There were 122 cases of tuberculosis over an average 10.3 yr of follow-up (crude annual incidence, 76.2/100,000). There was a linear increase in risk with increasing TST reaction size above 10 mm. The risk, and the relation of risk to TST reaction size, were unrelated to BCG scar status. Among those whose initial TST reaction was >/= 15 mm, the annual incidence rate in the first 3 yr was 213 (95% CI, 150 to 300) per 100,000 person-years and in the subsequent 10 yr the rate averaged 122 (95% CI, 90 to 165) per 100,000 person-years. The observed rates are similar to those estimated in the general population of the United States in the 1950s and 1960s. Further data on the prognosis of tuberculosis and the effects of isoniazid preventive therapy in Southeast Asian migrants to Western countries are required to inform policy and practice for the prevention of tuberculosis in this population.

Sodium tetraborate effects on mortality and reproduction of Anastrepha suspensa (Diptera: Tephritidae).

When flies were treated with 0- 0.5% sodium tetraborate by feeding for 24 h, mortality in treatments was not different from controls. Fecundity and fertility were reduced by 0.5% sodium tetraborate. When flies were fed for 48 h, mortality of both males and females increased in the 0.5% sodium tetraborate treatment; oviposition was eliminated for 20 d after treatment. When treatment was extended to 168 h, 0.1% sodium tetraborate caused increased mortality and decreased fecundity and fertility. Fed for 168 h, 0.2 and 0.5% sodium tetraborate killed almost all flies within the 7-d treatment. Oviposition of survivors in 0.1 and 0.2% sodium tetraborate treatments was arrested for 20 d after treatment.

Rhizogenesis in Forsythia×intermedia and Syringa vulgaris; application of a simple internode experimental system.

Differences in rhizogenesis between easy-to-root Forsythia×intermedia Zab. cv. Lynwood and difficult-to-root Syringa vulgaris L. cv. Madame Lemoine were measured in an experimental system based upon internodal stem sections excised from axillary shoot cultures. Root induction in Syringa was distinctly polar, responding best to distal application of indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), whereas Forsythia was equally responsive to IBA applied at either end. Root initiation in Syringa declined rapidly from 73% to 32% over 48 h when the application of a 24-h pulse of IBA was delayed following excision of the internode; in Forsythia a smaller decline (93-70%) occurred over 144 h. Forsythia internodes were the more responsive, and developed roots after distal or proximal application of 3 µM IBA, whereas Syringa required the distal application of 30 µM IBA.

Specificity of notification for tuberculosis among screened refugees in NSW.

OBJECTIVE: Epidemiological surveillance of tuberculosis (TB) in Australia is dependent on the accuracy of the notification data. We have investigated the specificity of TB notification for the diagnosis of this disease. METHOD: We used data from notifications to the NSW Department of Health to identify members of a cohort of refugees who were screened between 1984 and 1993 and subsequently developed TB during that period. We reviewed notification data and, in most instances, case notes and x-ray films, to independently confirm or refute the diagnosis of TB. RESULTS: Two hundred and fifty members of the cohort were identified in the notification database. After excluding refugees on treatment prior to arrival in Australia, and those who were notified as 'quiescent' and 'atypical' cases, there were 189 cases notified as active TB. There was evidence to support the diagnosis of active TB in 125 cases (66%) and evidence that subjects did not have active disease in 60 cases (32%). We could not determine the status of the remaining four notified cases. CONCLUSION: This study has shown that, in a population of refugees subject to screening, nearly one-third of cases notified as active tuberculosis from the study population were actually not active tuberculosis cases. IMPLICATIONS: The use of the TB notification database may result in overestimation of the incidence of TB in population groups who are subject to active screening.

Psychopathology in patients with endogenous Cushing's syndrome: 'atypical' or melancholic features.

OBJECTIVE: Prolonged elevations of glucocorticoids have been linked to the effective disturbances experienced by patients with Cushing's syndrome. Major depression has been most commonly reported in patients with endogenous Cushing's syndrome. The purpose of this study was to determine whether these patients experience melancholic or 'atypical' subtype depression and to determine relations between current psychological functioning and factors such as duration and severity of Cushing's syndrome. DESIGN AND PATIENTS: We examined 33 adult patients with documented Cushing's syndrome and 17 hospitalized, matched controls, using standardized structured interviews and tests. RESULTS: During the active phase of Cushing's syndrome (prior to and/or on admission), 66.7% of all patients reported histories meeting criteria for a psychiatric diagnosis. Of those with a diagnosis during Cushing's syndrome, 50% reported major depression. Upon presentation to this institution, atypical depression was the most common diagnosis involving 51.5% (n =17) of all enrolled patients. Of the 17 with atypical depression, 8 reported a co-morbid psychiatric disorder. The duration of Cushing's syndrome was an important factor in predicting whether patients sought psychological intervention or met criteria for psychiatric diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Patients with active endogenous Cushing's syndrome exhibit significant psychopathology expressed primarily by atypical depression. Longer duration of Cushing's syndrome may place them at increased risk of such psychopathology.

Caribbean fruit fly,Anastrepha suspensa (Loew), attraction to host fruit and host kairomones.

Extracts of 22 fruits were tested for their attractancy toAnastrepha suspensa (Loew), the Caribbean fruit fly. Box-orange, calamondin, carambola, cattley guava, loquat, and Surinam-cherry were about equal in attractiveness to males and females. Nine synthetic chemicals, including four found in box-orange ripe seed, were attractive to females. Five synthetic chemicals, including two in box-orange ripe seed, were attractive to males. Farnesol,α-phellandrene, and 3-carene were highest in attractiveness to both males and females. Females were more attracted than males to 12 synthetic chemicals. These data suggest that host chemicals serve as attractants and that female and male specific attractants and traps could be developed from host kairomone data. These data also suggest that the volatilization of chemicals from water may play an important role in kairomone biology.

Pleuropulmonary paragonimiasis in a Laotian immigrant to Australia.

A case of pleuropulmonary paragonimiasis that mimicked reactivation of pulmonary tuberculosis, pneumonia, and neoplasm occurred in a Laotian immigrant to Australia. The key to the diagnosis of this condition is awareness of the disease in persons from this region. The diagnosis was supported by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay testing. The patient was successfully treated with praziquantel.