Postnatal surgical treatment and complications following intrauterine vesicoamniotic shunting with the SOMATEX® intrauterine shunt. A single center experience.

INTRODUCTION: Intrauterine vesicoamniotic shunting (VAS) using a Somatex® shunt was shown to significantly affect survival of male fetuses with megacystis in suspected lower urinary tract obstruction (LUTO) [Figure 1]. Data on postnatal surgical management and complications are largely lacking. OBJECTIVE: To describe the postnatal management of patients with prenatal VAS for megacystitis in suspected severe LUTO. STUDY DESIGN: All male newborns with previous intrauterine VAS using a Somatex® shunt treated in our institution were retrospectively analyzed. We evaluated the spectrum of urethral pathologies and postnatal surgical management, especially focusing on shunt removal. RESULTS: Between 2016 and 2022, 17 patients (all male) were treated postnatally in our institution after VAS for suspected severe LUTO. Five fetuses with dislocated shunts underwent re-implantation in utero. Overall, premature birth before the 38th week of gestation was observed in eight patients (8/17). Seven shunts could be removed without further anesthesia as a bedside procedure. Ten patients required surgical shunt removal under general anesthesia due to migration (59%). Laparoscopic shunt extraction was performed in 8/10 cases. Most frequently, dislocated shunts were located incorporated in the detrusor in eight cases and the removal required a bladder suture in 2/8 patients. In one case, the shunt was removed from the abdominal wall and in one case from the intestine wall [Figure 2]. Posterior urethral valves were found in 8/17 patients, 6/17 patients showed a urethral atresia and one patient had urethral duplication. In two patients, we identified a high grade bilateral vesicoureteral reflux without LUTO. CONCLUSION: In our observation, more than half of the newborns with megacystis in suspected LUTO require a shunt removal surgery after early VAS using a Somatex® shunt. Urethral atresia may be found more frequently in these patients. These data should be taken into consideration for prenatal counselling of parents and planning of postnatal management.

A retrospective case-control cohort analysis of comorbidity and health expenditure in hospitalized adults diagnosed with obesity utilizing ICD-10 diagnostic coding.

The cost and comorbidity of obesity in hospitalized inpatients, is less known. A retrospective study of patients presenting to a large district hospital in Western Sydney (April 2016-February 2017) using clinical, pathological as well as diagnostic coding data for obesity as per ICD-10. Of 43 212 consecutive hospital presentations, 390 had an obesity-coded diagnosis (Ob, 0.90%), of which 244 were gender and age-matched to a non-obesity coded cohort (NOb). Weight and BMI were higher in the Ob vs NOb group (126 ± 37 vs 82 ± 25 kg; BMI 46 ± 12 vs 29 ± 8 kg/m2 , P < .001) with a medical record documentation rate of 62% for obesity among Ob. The Ob cohort had 2-5× higher rates of cardiopulmonary and metabolic complications (P < .001), greater pharmacologic burden, length of stay (LOS, 225 vs 89 hours, P < .001) and stay in intensive care but no differences in the prevalence of mental disorders. Compared with BMI <35 kg/m2 , inpatients with BMI >35 kg/m2 were 5× more likely to require intensive care (OR 5.08 [1.43-27.3, 95% CI], P = .0047). The initiation of obesity-specific interventions by clinical teams was very low. People with obesity who are admitted to hospital carry significant cost and complications, yet obesity is seldom recognized as a clinical entity or contributor.

[Emergency treatment of dislocation of large joints]. / Notfallbehandlung von Luxationen großer Gelenke.

Joint dislocations are always accompanied by rupture of the joint capsule. Depending on the forces exerted on the joint as well as individual bone quality, fractures (dislocation fractures) and injuries to ligaments occur. As blood vessels and nerves can also be damaged, reduction is an urgent measure. Only impaired peripheral perfusion, loss of motor function or sensation justify reduction without radiological documentation. As reduction can be a painful procedure, analgosedation is nearly always necessary. Evidence for superiority of individual maneuvers is weak. Reduction is followed by immobilization and documented by another control X­ray. Follow-up treatment depends on concomitant injuries, age and individual demands on joint function. Even with correct follow-up treatment, deficits often persist. This article deals with the diagnostics and treatment of dislocations of the shoulder, elbow, hip, patella and knee.

Theory and simulation of open systems out of equilibrium.

We consider the theoretical model of Bergmann and Lebowitz for open systems out of equilibrium and translate its principles in the adaptive resolution simulation molecular dynamics technique. We simulate Lennard-Jones fluids with open boundaries in a thermal gradient and find excellent agreement of the stationary responses with the results obtained from the simulation of a larger locally forced closed system. The encouraging results pave the way for a computational treatment of open systems far from equilibrium framed in a well-established theoretical model that avoids possible numerical artifacts and physical misinterpretations.

[Autopneumonectomie. A Forgotten Disease]. / Autopneumonektomie. Ein vergessenes Krankheitsbild.

HISTORY: An 80-year old female was referred to our hospital with left internal carotid artery stenosis and a childhood history of hemoptysis. INVESTIGATIONS AND DIAGNOSIS: The ECG showed 2nd degree Mobitz atrio-ventricular block. The chest x-ray and computerized tomography identified a shift of the mediastinum and the heart to the left. The left lung was completely destroyed whilst the right lung was enlarged and crossed the midline. Pulmonary function tests revealed a moderate restrictive ventilation disorder. The diagnosis of autopneumonectomy was based on patient history together with radiological findings. TREATMENT AND COURSE: A pacemaker was implanted with two stimulation electrodes via a left cephalic venous cutdown. A carotid endarterectomy was also performed without any complication. CONCLUSION: After autopneumonectomy, postpneumonectomy like syndrome may occur in very rare cases, whereupon operative treatment is mandatory. Any respiratory infections should be treated with antibiotics. Pacemaker electrode placement via the subclavian vein is contraindicated due to the risk of a catastrophic pneumothorax.

A descriptive analysis of an outbreak of measles and a multilevel mixed-effects analysis of factors associated with case isolation in healthcare settings, London (February-June 2016).

OBJECTIVES: We described the epidemiology and healthcare exposures during a measles outbreak in London and identified factors associated with isolation on arrival to healthcare premises. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a cohort study including all confirmed measles cases in London residents from February 1, 2016, to June 30, 2016, and semistructured interviews with two infection prevention and control teams (IPCTs). METHODS: We described the outbreak and conducted a multilevel mixed-effects analysis to assess the relationship between sociodemographic and clinical factors and isolation on arrival to healthcare premises. We summarised the interviews. RESULTS: There were 182 cases, mostly aged 17-35 years (46%; 84). Excluding cases younger than one year, 76% (92/120) were unvaccinated, including two healthcare workers. The majority presented with rash (97%; 174), and 42% (70/166) required hospitalisation. Of the recorded cases, 93% of cases (164/178) had visited a healthcare setting during their infectious period (median number of visits = 2). In 33% (59/178) of the visits, the case was isolated on arrival; when not isolated, four healthcare exposures resulted in further transmission. Presenting to the hospital as opposed to a general practitioner (GP) was associated with higher odds of isolation (odds ratio = 2.23, 95% confidence interval = 1.1-4.4) when adjusted for age, gender and presenting with a cough. The IPCT identified measles training using standardised risk assessments by triage nurses in accident and emergency and intelligence regarding measles activity in the community as positive measures to prevent healthcare exposures. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend opportunistic immunisation of unvaccinated young adults by GPs and that occupational health departments ensure their staff are protected against measles. Raising measles awareness in healthcare settings via training or regular sharing of current measles surveillance activity from public health to the IPCT and GP may improve triage and isolation of cases on arrival to healthcare premises.

Monocyte-derived dendritic cells display a highly activated phenotype and altered function in patients with familial Mediterranean fever.

Dendritic cells (DCs) are sentinels of the immune system that bridge innate and adaptive immunity. By capturing antigens in peripheral tissue, processing and presenting them with concurrent expression of co-stimulatory molecules and cytokine secretion they control and modulate immune reactions. Through pattern recognition receptors, DCs sense molecules that are associated with infection or tissue damage, frequently resulting in the formation of inflammasomes upon intracellular stimulation. The inherited autoinflammatory familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is associated with deregulated activity of the pyrin inflammasome leading to acute inflammatory episodes. However, differentiation and function of DCs in this disease are as yet unclear. Therefore, we first determined DC subpopulation frequency in peripheral blood of a cohort of FMF patients. Joint evaluation without classification according to specific patient characteristics, such as mutational status, did not disclose significant differences compared to healthy controls. For the further examination of phenotype and function, we used immature and mature monocyte-derived DCs (imMo-DCs, mMo-DCs) that were generated in vitro from FMF patients. Immunophenotypical analysis of imMo-DCs revealed a significantly elevated expression of CD83, CD86 and human leukocyte antigen D-related (HLA-DR) as well as a significant down-regulation of CD206, CD209 and glycoprotein NMB (GPNMB) in our FMF patient group. Furthermore, FMF imMo-DCs presented a significantly higher capacity to migrate and to stimulate the proliferation of unmatched allogeneic T cells. Finally, the transition towards a more mature, and therefore activated, phenotype was additionally reinforced by the fact that peripheral blood DC populations in FMF patients exhibited significantly increased expression of the co-stimulatory molecule CD86.

4D-Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced MRI for Preoperative Localization in Patients with Primary Hyperparathyroidism.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Our aim was to test the hypothesis that our recently introduced 4D-dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging with high spatial and temporal resolution has equivalent accuracy to 4D-CT for preoperative gland localization in primary hyperparathyroidism without requiring exposure to ionizing radiation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Inclusion criteria were the following: 1) confirmed biochemical diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism, 2) preoperative 4D-dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging, and 3) surgical cure with >50% decrease in serum parathyroid hormone intraoperatively. 4D-dynamic contrast-enhanced studies were reviewed independently by 2 neuroradiologists to identify the side, quadrant, and number of abnormal glands, and compared with surgical and pathologic results. RESULTS: Fifty-four patients met the inclusion criteria: 37 had single-gland disease, and 17, multigland disease (9 with double-gland hyperplasia; 3 with 3-gland hyperplasia; and 5 with 4-gland hyperplasia). Interobserver agreement (κ) for the side (right versus left) was 0.92 for single-gland disease and 0.70 for multigland disease. Interobserver agreement for the quadrant (superior versus inferior) was 0.70 for single-gland disease and 0.69 for multigland disease. For single-gland disease, the gland was correctly located in 34/37 (92%) patients, with correct identification of the side in 37/37 (100%) and the quadrant in 34/37 (92%) patients. For multigland disease, the glands were correctly located in 35/47 (74%) patients, with correct identification of the side in 35/47 (74%) and the quadrant in 36/47 (77%). CONCLUSIONS: The proposed high spatial and temporal resolution 4D-dynamic contrast-enhanced MR imaging provides excellent diagnostic performance for preoperative localization in primary hyperparathyroidism, with correct gland localization of 92% for single-gland disease and 74% in multigland disease, superior to 4D-CT studies.

[Acceptance of "voices" in people with or without psychiatric disorders: Francophone validation of the 9-item VAAS scale]. / Acceptation des « voix ¼ chez les personnes avec ou sans troubles psychiatriques : validation francophone de l'échelle VAAS à 9 items.

OBJECTIVES: Hearing voices is a common experience for people with schizophrenia. Perceived voices are in most cases a source of great distress for patients. This experience also exists in the general population and is considered as "non-clinical". Much research has focused on the psychological and neuropsychological mechanisms behind the emergence of voices. With regard to voice persistence factors, the acceptance of the voice-hearing phenomenon is still relatively unexplored. In addition, there are few standardized tools that specifically assess this dimension of voice experience. The Voices Acceptance and Actions Scale (VAAS) is the only validated tool to address voice acceptance in individuals with schizophrenia. However, to date, there is no French version. The objective of this research was to validate the VAAS in a French speaking population. METHOD: Our sample consisted of individuals with schizophrenia (N=65) and voice hearers from the general population (N=321). For the clinical population, individuals with schizophrenia and auditory hallucinations were assessed using the VAAS scale in its two abbreviated versions (9 and 12 items). In order to validate the measure in French, we administered psychopathology scales (BPRS) and voice belief scales (BAVQ-R) for convergent and divergent validity. For the non-clinical population, we administered the VAAS scale online (via LimeSurvey), accompanied by a brief sociodemographic questionnaire (age, sex, country of origin, existence of medical or psychological follow-up). RESULTS: The psychometric properties of the VAAS scale were satisfactory and similar to the original English-language tool for both versions, with a slight advantage for the one with 9-items. The convergent validity measured with the BAVQ-R scale, and the divergent one measured with the BPRS depression subscale, were found to be satisfactory. In addition, the re-test performed 6 weeks after the first test (N=30) was satisfactory for both scales, with a Pearson correlation index greater than 70 (r=0.70; P<0.001 for the VAAS 9 items) and (r=0.79; P<0.001 for the 12 item version). In individuals with schizophrenia (clinical population), the level of voice acceptance was low and strongly correlated with depression. This point seems to corroborate the current data in the field suggesting that voice hearing in this population is associated with significant distress and has a significant impact on their lives. Conversely, the level of acceptance obtained from the non-clinical population was much higher, reflecting a higher level of acceptance in this population. People from the non-clinical population seemed to accept and experience their voices with less distress than people from the clinical population in this study. CONCLUSION: To date, a paucity of studies have investigated the acceptance of auditory hallucinations. Our results support the psychometric validity of the French version of the VAAS, particularly the 9-item version. Furthermore, our study supports the need to continue studying voice acceptance, as it appears to be strongly linked to depression in people with psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia. In addition, our study is novel in that it also explored, with a standardized tool, the level of voice acceptance in a non-clinical population and found people to be more accepting of the voices they hear and better at living with them. These data provide new evidence to better understand the links between the level of acceptance of voices, their experiences, and depression. Clinically, it seems essential to conduct more systematic and regular evaluations of the level of voice acceptance in those hearing voices. Finally, in terms of rehabilitation, voice acceptance can become a therapeutic target in order to improve the psychological and behavioral functioning of the person.

On the selection of endogenous and exogenous signals.

Alerting is one of the three components of attention which involves the eliciting and maintenance of arousal. A seminal study by Posner et al. (Posner MI, Klein R, Summers J, Buggie S. 1973 Mem. Cognit. 1, 2-12 (doi:10.3758/BF03198062)) focused on how changing the interval between an alerting signal and a target would impact the speed and accuracy of responding. Participants indicated whether targets were presented on the left or right side of the fixation point. Auditory warning signals were played at various intervals prior to the target to alert participants and prepare them to make a response. Reaction times revealed a robust, U-shaped, preparation function. Importantly, a clear speed-accuracy trade-off (SAT) was observed. In the current experiment, we replicated the methodological components of this seminal study while implementing a novel auditory warning signal (Lawrence MA, Klein RM. 2013 J. Exp. Psychol. General 142, 560 (doi:10.1037/a0029023)) that was either purely endogenous (change in quality without a change in intensity; analogous to isoluminant colour change in vision) or a combination of endogenous and exogenous (change in both quality and intensity). We expected to replicate the U-shaped preparation function and SAT observed by Posner and colleagues. Based on Lawrence and Klein's findings we also expected the SAT to be more robust with the intense signal in comparison to the isointense signal.

Optimization and diagnostic evaluation of monoclonal antibody-based blocking ELISA formats for detection of neutralizing antibodies to Hendra virus in mammalian sera.

Maintenance of Hendra virus (HeV) in pteropid bat populations has been associated with spillover events in horses, humans and dogs. Experimental studies have demonstrated infections for several other species including guinea pigs, cats and ferrets. The criteria of a sensitive and specific serological test that is effective for a range of species, but which does not require use of live virus, has not been satisfactorily addressed by currently available tests. We have evaluated the use of two HeV neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in a blocking format enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (bELISA) to detect serum antibody against a recombinant expressed HeV G protein (sol G) in several animal species. The human mAb m102.4 neutralises both HeV and the closely related Nipah virus (NiV); the mouse mAb 1.2 neutralises only HeV. Given these functional differences, we have investigated both antibodies using a bELISA format. Diagnostic sensitivity (DSe) and diagnostic specificity (DSp) were optimized using individual thresholds for mAb 1.2 and m102.4. For mAb 1.2 the positive threshold of >33% inhibition yielded DSe and DSp values of 100% (95% CI 95.3-100.0) and 99.5 (95% CI 98.8-99.8) respectively; for mAb m102.4 a positive threshold of >49% inhibition gave DSe and DSp values of 100 (95% CI 95.3-100.0) and 99.8 (95% CI 99.2-100.0) respectively. At these thresholds the DSe was 100% for both tests relative to the virus neutralization test. Importantly, the occurrence of false positive reactions did not overlap across the assays. Therefore, by sequential and selective application of these assays, it is possible to identify false positive reactions and achieve a DSp that approximates 100% in the test population.

Probing spatial locality in ionic liquids with the grand canonical adaptive resolution molecular dynamics technique.

We employ the Grand Canonical Adaptive Resolution Simulation (GC-AdResS) molecular dynamics technique to test the spatial locality of the 1-ethyl 3-methyl imidazolium chloride liquid. In GC-AdResS, atomistic details are kept only in an open sub-region of the system while the environment is treated at coarse-grained level; thus, if spatial quantities calculated in such a sub-region agree with the equivalent quantities calculated in a full atomistic simulation, then the atomistic degrees of freedom outside the sub-region play a negligible role. The size of the sub-region fixes the degree of spatial locality of a certain quantity. We show that even for sub-regions whose radius corresponds to the size of a few molecules, spatial properties are reasonably reproduced thus suggesting a higher degree of spatial locality, a hypothesis put forward also by other researchers and that seems to play an important role for the characterization of fundamental properties of a large class of ionic liquids.

The independence of endogenous and exogenous temporal attention.

Temporal attention is the focusing of perceptual resources at a particular point in time. Valid temporal cue information has the capability to improve performance by reducing reaction times, while invalid information has the possibility of impairing performance. The performance difference between valid and invalid conditions is called a temporal cueing effect (TCE). We explored how different alerting mechanisms interact with a participant's ability to utilize temporal information cues, using the Kingstone (The Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, 44(1), 69-104, 1992) temporal cueing paradigm. Extracting the alerting procedure from Lawrence and Klein (Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 142(2), 560-572, 2013), one of two different temporally contingent warning signals were presented to participants during a trial. The "hi-intensity" warning signal increases intensity and elicits both exogenous and endogenous alerting mechanisms. The "no-intensity" warning signal is isointense relative to baseline and elicits only endogenous alerting mechanisms. Two experiments conducted previously using a discrimination task showed interference between the signal intensity and task difficulty, where the "no-intensity" signal failed to elicit TCEs. In the present study, we implemented a detection task, reducing the mental effort required for a response. The results showed equal TCEs in both signal conditions. We argue for independence of these alerting mechanisms, by way of Sternberg's (Acta Psychologica, 30, 276-315, 1969) additive factor method. Arguments contrasting what mechanism is being impacted by this paradigm are further outlined.

Virus-neutralising antibody responses in horses following vaccination with Equivac® HeV: a field study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the antibody responses to a commercial Hendra virus vaccine (Equivac® HeV) in a field environment. METHODS: A group of 61 horses received a primary vaccination course comprising two doses administered 3-6 weeks apart (V1, V2) and a 3rd dose (V3) given 6 months after the second. This was followed by booster vaccinations at 12 monthly intervals (V4, V5). Antibody titres were assessed using a virus-neutralisation test. RESULTS: Neutralising antibodies against HeV were not detected prior to vaccination. Antibodies were detected in 54/57 horses at 3 weeks after V1 and 51/51 had titres ≥ 32 at 8 weeks after V2. At 6 months after V2, antibody titres decreased in most (31/34) horses and were not detected in three horses. A rapid increase in antibody titres was recorded in 35/36 horses at 1 week following V3. By the first annual booster vaccination (V4), antibodies were still detectable in 29/29 horses, although titres had decreased; in 26/29 horses, titres remained ≥ 32. All horses showed an increase in antibody titres after V4. There was no statistically significant increase in mean antibody titre after V5, compared with after V4. CONCLUSION: Horses administered Equivac® HeV, using a primary vaccination course followed by annual booster vaccinations, mounted an effective secondary immune response and acquired antibody responses that were consistent with protective immunity against HeV in the form of virus-neutralising antibodies. No adverse events were observed after vaccine administration.

Backyard pigs are a reservoir of zoonotic hepatitis E virus in southern Brazil.

Background: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the causative agent of acute hepatitis worldwide. There is no seroprevalence study in backyard farms, which are characterized by suboptimal hygienic conditions in Brazil. We aimed to determine the seroprevalence and genetic diversity of HEV in backyard pigs in Brazil. Methods: Swine serum samples collected in 2012 (n=731) and 2014 (n=713) were analysed. The presence of anti-HEV immunoglobulin G in pig serum was evaluated by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed and phylogenetic analyses were carried out based on the partial ORF1 and ORF2 coding regions. Results: Anti-HEV antibodies were detected in 77.6% (567/731; 95% confidence interval [CI] 74.5 to 90.6%) of serum samples in 2012 and 65.5% (467/713; 95% CI 62.0 to 69.0%) in 2014. The herd seroprevalence was 91.7% (187/204; 95% CI 91% to 99%) in 2012 and 83.7% (164/196; 95% CI 78% to 89%) in 2014. Further, HEV RNA was detected in 0.8% (6/713) of samples from 2014. Phylogenetic analysis showed three different genotype 3 subtypes with high similarity to human HEV strains. Conclusions: This study showed that backyard pigs are a reservoir of HEV and alerts us to the need to control infection and spillover from backyard farms. GenBank accession numbers: MF438128-MF438135.

Caracterização microbiológica de carcaças de frangos de corte produzidas no estado de Minas Gerais / Microbiological characterization of broiler carcasses produced in the state of Minas Gerais

In order to evaluate the microbiological quality of broiler chickens produced in Minas Gerais State, 240 samples of broiler carcasses from the five regions of the Minas Gerais State were collected, by official inspection services, for one year. The samples were submitted to counts of total and thermotolerant coliforms, coagulase-positive and negative Staphylococcus, besides Campylobacter spp., Listeria monocytogenes, E.coli O157:H7, and Salmonella spp. resource. The results showed the presence of total and thermotolerant coliforms in 34.2% and 13.5% of broiler carcasses evaluated, respectively. All tested samples were positive for Staphylococcus spp., 9.1% for Salmonella spp., 15.5% for Listeria monocytogenes, and 2.1% for Campylobacter spp. E.coli O157:H7 was not isolated from the samples.(AU)

Survey results of currently used techniques and materials by dentists for fabrication of complete removable dental prostheses.

The present study was based on the screening of procedures and materials used by dentists in constructing complete removable dental prostheses, considering their professional background and years of experience. Questions arose regarding differences and similarities within the local dental society, of which approximately 75% were trained in Europeans countries with differences in academic background, and compared to international dentistry. A questionnaire web site was used in order to anonymously collect answers to the survey by general practicing and specialist dentists. The survey contained 28 multiple choice questions that were based on 5 parameters: years of experience, location of dental studies, specialization, location and field of specialization. One hundred one survey sheets were collected. The results show statistical significance (p less than 0.05) for the following comparisons: practicing time had an impact on practitioner-technician interaction, while the level of qualification had an effect on articulator and face-bow usage. Location of dental studies, specialization and residency had impact on final impression materials, teeth set-up as well as tooth shape and color selection. The differences found between dentists’ working techniques set the ground for future research that should focus on rating the success of the different methods towards a goal of creating recommendations for an ideal set of working techniques.

Vitamin D Status and Prevalent Early Age-Related Macular Degeneration in African Americans and Caucasians: The Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study.

OBJECTIVES: Vitamin D status has been hypothesized to protect against development of early age-related macular degeneration (AMD) via its anti-inflammatory properties and its possible beneficial influence on blood pressure control. We investigated the association between vitamin D status and prevalent early AMD in a community-based cohort. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study. SETTING: This was a secondary data analysis of already existing data from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study (ARIC) cohort collected from 1990 to 1995. PARTICIPANTS: There were 9,734 (7,779 Caucasians, 1,955 African American) ARIC participants (aged 46 to 70 at visit 2 [1990-1992]) with 25(OH)D data available at visit 2, AMD assessment at visit 3 (1993-1995), and complete covariate data. MEASUREMENTS: Vitamin D status was assessed with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations from bloods drawn at visit 2. Prevalent, early AMD (n=511) was assessed at visit 3 (1993-95) with nonmydriatic retinal photographs of one randomly chosen eye. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for early AMD by categories of 25(OH)D in nmol/L (deficient <30, inadequate 30-<50, and two categories of adequate status: 50-<75 and ≥75). Linear trend was estimated using continuous 25(OH)D concentrations. ORs were adjusted for age, race, and smoking status. We further adjusted for hypertension status to examine if vitamin D status influenced early AMD via its effects on blood pressure. Exploratory analyses of effect modification by age, sex, race and high risk genotypes [Y402H complement factor H (CFH) rs1061170 and the A69S age-related maculopathy susceptibility 2 (ARMS2) rs10490924 polymorphisms] were conducted. RESULTS: The prevalence of early AMD was 5%, and 5% of participants were vitamin D deficient. The adjusted OR (95% CIs) for early AMD among those with adequate (≥75 nmol/L) compared to deficient (<30 nmol/L) vitamin D status was 0.94 (0.59-1.50), p-trend=0.86. Further adjustment for hypertension status did not influence results (OR [95% CI]=0.95 [0.59-1.52], p-trend=0.84). Results did not vary significantly by age, race, sex, early AMD subtype (soft drusen or retinal pigment epithelium depigmentation), or ARMS2 genotype. Results did not vary significantly by CFH genotype in African Americans. The p for multiplicative interaction between 25(OH)D and CFH genotype was 0.06 in Caucasians, but OR [95% CIs] for AMD by vitamin D status were similar in each CFH genotype and not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin D status was not associated with early AMD in this cohort sample.

Experimental Hendra virus infection of dogs: virus replication, shedding and potential for transmission.

OBJECTIVE: Characterisation of experimental Hendra virus (HeV) infection in dogs and assessment of associated transmission risk. METHODS: Beagle dogs were exposed oronasally to Hendra virus/Australia/Horse/2008/Redlands or to blood collected from HeV-infected ferrets. Ferrets were exposed to oral fluids collected from dogs after canine exposure to HeV. Observations made and samples tested post-exposure were used to assess the clinical course and replication sites of HeV in dogs, the infectivity for ferrets of canine oral fluids and features of HeV infection in dogs following contact with infective blood. RESULTS: Dogs were reliably infected with HeV and were generally asymptomatic. HeV was re-isolated from the oral cavity and virus clearance was associated with development of virus neutralising antibody. Major sites of HeV replication in dogs were the tonsils, lower respiratory tract and associated lymph nodes. Virus replication was documented in canine kidney and spleen, confirming a viraemic phase for canine HeV infection and suggesting that urine may be a source of infectious virus. Infection was transmitted to ferrets via canine oral secretions, with copy numbers for the HeV N gene in canine oral swabs comparable to those reported for nasal swabs of experimentally infected horses. CONCLUSION: HeV is not highly pathogenic for dogs, but their oral secretions pose a potential transmission risk to people. The time-window for transmission risk is circumscribed and corresponds to the period of acute infection before establishment of an adaptive immune response. The likelihood of central nervous system involvement in canine HeV infection is unclear, as is any long-term consequence.