Child health, household environment, temperature and rainfall anomalies in Honduras: a socio-climate data linked analysis.

BACKGROUND: As climate research continues to highlight the global shifts in temperature and precipitation, more research is needed to understand how climate anomalies impact human health outcomes. In this paper, we analyze one of the paths through which climate anomalies affect health (in particular, child's health) within one of poorest countries in the world (Honduras). METHODS: Using the GPS location of the household, we link information on child health and house amenities from the Honduras Demographic Health Survey 2011-2012 dataset (a nationally representative sample) with climate data (1981-2012) from the Climate Research Unit (CRU TS3.21). We use generalized estimating equations for binary logistic models and spatial association to analyze these data. RESULTS: We show that 1) areas experiencing significant temperature anomalies are also the ones with the worst child respiratory problems and 2) in households with poor amenities - such as access to sanitation and clean water, children tend to have a high incidence of respiratory diseases and diarrhea . CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that, as climate change increases the incidence of climate anomalies, tackling in advance those household environmental factors responsible for poor child health outcomes (better sanitation and clean cooking fuel) can prevent a further deterioration of children's health in Honduras.

Effectiveness of a steam cleaning unit for disinfection in a veterinary hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the application of steam to a variety of surface types in a veterinary hospital would effectively reduce the number of bacteria. SAMPLE: 5 surface types. PROCEDURES: Steam was applied as a surface treatment for disinfection to 18 test sites of 5 surface types in a veterinary hospital. A pretreatment sample was obtained by collection of a swab specimen from the left side of each defined test surface. Steam disinfection was performed on the right side of each test surface, and a posttreatment sample was then collected in the same manner from the treated (right) side of each test surface. Total bacteria for pretreatment and posttreatment samples were quantified by heterotrophic plate counts and for Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas spp, and total coliforms by counts on selective media. RESULTS: Significant reductions were observed in heterotrophic plate counts after steam application to dog runs and dog kennel floors. A significant reduction in counts of Pseudomonas spp was observed after steam application to tub sinks. Bacterial counts were reduced, but not significantly, on most other test surfaces that had adequate pretreatment counts for quantification. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Development of health-care-associated infections is of increasing concern in human and veterinary medicine. The application of steam significantly reduced bacterial numbers on a variety of surfaces within a veterinary facility. Steam disinfection may prove to be an alternative or adjunct to chemical disinfection within veterinary practices.

Hidden dangers in the kitchen: common foods toxic to dogs and cats.

Many foods and food additives that are safe for human consumption can be extremely toxic to pets. Recognizing the clinical signs and clinicopathologic changes associated with these toxins allows prompt initiation of appropriate therapy. As with many other toxins, decontamination and supportive care are the mainstays of therapy for food toxicosis. Educating owners about foods and food additives that are unsafe for dogs and cats can help prevent toxicosis.

Bacterial culture and antibiotic susceptibility testing.

Complicated bacterial infections should prompt clinicians to pursue a definitive diagnosis. Two methods of bacterial culture and antibiotic susceptibility testing are commonly used in veterinary medicine: (1) the disk diffusion technique and (2) the broth dilution technique. Both methods identify the infecting pathogen and the antibiotics that are likely to inhibit its growth. The broth dilution test also provides the minimal inhibitory concentration, which can help in making the best antibiotic choice.