Self-reported chronic conditions and COVID-19 public health measures among Canadian adults: an analysis of the Canadian longitudinal study on aging.

OBJECTIVES: During the COVID-19 pandemic, public health measures were used to reduce the spread of COVID-19; it is unknown whether people with chronic conditions differentially adhered to public health measures. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the association between chronic conditions and adherence and to explore effect modification by sex, age, and income. STUDY DESIGN: An analysis of data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging COVID-19 Questionnaires (from April to September 2020) was conducted among middle-aged and older adults aged 50-96 years (n = 28,086). METHODS: Self-reported chronic conditions included lung disease, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, obesity, anxiety, and depression. Multinomial logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between chronic conditions and low, medium, and high levels of adherence. Effect modification was evaluated using statistical interaction and stratification. RESULTS: Most people (n = 17,435; 62%) had at least one chronic condition, and 2866 (10%) had three to seven chronic conditions. Among those with high adherence to public health measures, 69% had one or more chronic condition (n = 2266). Having three to seven chronic conditions, compared with none, was associated with higher adherence to public health measures (OR: 2.14; 95% CI: 1.12-1.42). Higher adherence was also noted across chronic conditions, for example, those with diabetes had higher adherence (OR: 1.72; 95% CI: 1.53-1.93). There was limited evidence of effect modification by sex, age, or income. CONCLUSIONS: Canadians with chronic conditions were more likely to adhere to public health measures; however, future research is needed to understand whether adherence helped to prevent adverse COVID-19 outcomes and if adherence had unintended consequences.

[IgG4-related disease: A proteiform pathology with frequent chest manifestations]. / Maladie associée aux IgG4 : une maladie protéiforme aux manifestations thoraciques fréquentes.

INTRODUCTION: While IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) was initially described in the early 2000s, its polymorphic clinical manifestations were previously reported under different names ; they have in common the presence of IgG4+ oligoclonal plasma cells and fibrosis. STATE OF THE ART: Ruling out certain differential diagnoses, the diagnosis of IgG4-RD is based on a bundle of clinical, biological and histological features. Chest involvement is variable and can affect the mediastinum, bronchi, parenchyma, pleura and/or, more rarely, bones and (pericardium, aorta, coronary…) vascular structures. The most frequent radiological manifestations are peribronchovascular thickening, mediastinal lymphadenopathy, and nodular or interstitial patterns. Pleural involvement and posterior mediastinal fibrosis are less frequent, while thoracic paravertebral tissue thickening is highly specific. Systemic corticosteroids are the cornerstone of treatment. In case of relapse or as frontline therapy in case of risk factors for relapse and/or poor tolerance of corticosteroids), a steroid-sparing agent (most often rituximab) is added, and biannual maintenance infusions are associated with a lower risk of relapse. PERSPECTIVES: An international consensus has recently led to the development of classification criteria that should standardize the diagnostic approach and homogenize the enrolment of patients in epidemiological as well as therapeutic studies. Other treatments are also under evaluation, including biologics targeting T2 inflammation, CD-19 (inebilizumab, obexelimab), SLAMF7 (elotuzumab) surface proteins, Bruton's tyrosine kinase, and the JAK/STAT pathway. CONCLUSIONS: Substantial progress has been made over recent years in understanding IgG4-RD pathophysiology, and personalized patient care seems to be an achievable medium-term goal.

Life-threatening chlorpromazine-induced acquired haemophilia A in a patient with a cavernous malformation involving the medulla oblongata.

INTRODUCTION: Chlorpromazine is a commonly used drug in several medical conditions associated with a wide range of side effects. Few cases of hemostatic disorder have been reported in the literature. CASE REPORT: A 39-year-old man had previously been diagnosed with a cavernous malformation of the medulla oblongata. Chlorpromazine was started to treat persistent hiccups. Twenty days later, the patient presented hepatitis and a pruritic rash. Haemostasis tests revealed a prolonged partial thromboplastin time associated with isolated decrease of factor VIII level and anti-factor VIII antibodies. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed recent asymptomatic bleeding. Introduction of eptacog alfa and prednisone allowed clinical and biological improvement as well as a prolonged remission after 12 months of follow-up.

Treatment of Eosinophilic Annular Erythema: Retrospective multicenter study and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Eosinophilic annular erythema (EAE) is a rare eosinophil-related skin disease which typically manifests with annular erythematous plaques and severe pruritus. Besides the diagnosis, the treatment of EAE is challenging since relevant published data are sparse. METHODS: The aim of this study was to assess the underlying diseases, treatments and outcomes of patients with EAE. To this end, we conducted a retrospective multicenter study and a systematic review of the MEDLINE database. RESULTS: We included 18 patients with EAE followed in 8 centers. The MEDLINE database search yielded 37 relevant publications reporting 55 cases of EAE with 106 treatment sequences. The most common and efficient treatments included topical or systemic corticosteroids, hydroxychloroquine and dapsone. In refractory patients, a combination of systemic corticosteroids with hydroxychloroquine was associated with 88% of complete clinical response. DISCUSSION: To improve the management of EAE patients, we discuss the following treatment strategy: in topical steroid-resistant patients, hydroxychloroquine can be given as first-line systemic treatment. Dapsone, hydroxychloroquine or systemic corticosteroids are second-line options to consider. Last, monoclonal antibodies or JAK inhibitors targeting type 2 inflammation could represent promising last-resort options in refractory patients.

Concomitant association of giant cell arteritis and malignancy: a multicenter retrospective case-control study.

INTRODUCTION: Some studies suggest that there is an increased risk of malignancies in giant cell arteritis (GCA). We aimed to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of GCA patients with concomitant malignancy and compare them to a GCA control group. METHOD: Patients with a diagnosis of GCA and malignancy and with a maximal delay of 12 months between both diagnoses were retrospectively included in this study and compared to a control group of age-matched (3:1) patients from a multicenter cohort of GCA patients. RESULTS: Forty-nine observations were collected (median age 76 years). Malignancies comprised 33 (67%) solid neoplasms and 16 (33%) clonal hematologic disorders. No over-representation of a particular type of malignancy was observed. Diagnosis of GCA and malignancy was synchronous in 7 (14%) patients, while malignancy succeeded GCA in 29 (59%) patients. Malignancy was fortuitously diagnosed based on abnormalities observed in laboratory tests in 26 patients, based on imaging in 14 patients, and based on symptoms or clinical examination in the nine remaining patients. Two patients had a concomitant relapse of both conditions. When compared to the control group, patients with concomitant GCA and malignancy were more frequently male (p < 0.001), with an altered general state (p < 0.001), and polymyalgia rheumatica (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This study does not indicate an over-representation of any particular type of malignancy in GCA patients. Initial follow-up dictated by vasculitis may have led to an early identification of malignancy. Nevertheless, GCA male patients with an altered general state and polymyalgia rheumatica might more frequently show concomitant malignancies.

Bacillus Calmette-Guerin infection following intravesical instillation: Does the strain matter?

PURPOSE: Intravesical BCG is the standard treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. No difference has yet been reported in the safety profiles of the various BCG strains. METHODS: A nationwide multidisciplinary retrospective survey was conducted between January 2013 and December 2016 to identify cases of BCG infection and differentiate them based on the type of BCG strain used. RESULTS: Forty patients were identified (BCG RIVM 28; other strains 8; unknown 4). Patients treated with BCG RIVM were less severely ill, with fewer occurrences of septic shock (3.6% vs. 50%, P=0.003) and ICU admission (7.1% vs. 62.5%, P=0.003). A higher frequency of pulmonary miliaries (71.4% vs. 12.5%, P=0.005) but lower transaminase levels (mean AST 65 vs. 264 U/L, P=0.001) were observed in these patients. No difference in terms of recovery was reported. CONCLUSION: The type of BCG strain could correlate with the frequency and severity of subsequent BCG infections.

[BCG infection following intravesicular immunotherapy for bladder cancer]. / BCGites après immunothérapie pour cancer de vessie, une pathologie hétérogène: physiopathologie, description clinique, prise en charge diagnostique et thérapeutique.

BACKGROUND: Bacille of Calmette et Guérin (BCG) immunotherapy is the most effective treatment for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Yet, potentially severe localized or systemic mycobacterial infections can happen. STATE OF KNOWLEDGE: In a patient who underwent BCG instillation for bladder cancer, the diagnosis of BCG infection is usually suggested by more than 3 days of high-grade fever and systemic and/or local symptoms with no other plausible alternative diagnosis. BCG infection can be localized (usually to the genitourinary tract, the bones or blood vessels) or systemic (mainly with pulmonary and hepatic involvements). The presence of granuloma in tissue biopsies (other than from the genitourinary tract) supports the diagnosis. The advent of polymerase chain reaction has recently improved the sensitivity of microbiological investigations. The management of BCG infection is not well established but relies on broad-spectrum antimycobacterial therapy (with the exclusion of pyrazinamide), glucocorticoids (in the context of general symptoms refractory to antimicrobial therapy alone) and occasionally surgery. CONCLUSION: BCG infection is a rare but not exceptional complication of BCG immunotherapy with heterogeneous clinical presentation. Prospective studies are warranted in order to improve treatment outcomes.

Socioeconomic gradients in cardiovascular risk in Canadian children and adolescents.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its risk factors show clear socioeconomic gradients in Canadian adults. Whether socioeconomic gradients in cardiovascular risk emerge in childhood remains unclear. The objective of this study was to determine whether there are socioeconomic gradients in physiological markers of CVD risk in Canadian children and adolescents. METHODS: Using combined cross-sectional data from the Canadian Health Measures Survey 2007-2011, we examined the following cardiovascular risk markers: overweight (including obesity), aerobic fitness score (AFS), blood pressure (BP), blood lipids (total as well as HDL and LDL cholesterol and triglycerides), glucose metabolism and C-reactive protein (CRP) by sex in 2149 children (ages 6-11 years) and 2073 adolescents (ages 12-17 years). Multivariate linear and logistic regression analyses were used to identify patterns in cardiovascular risk across strata of household income adequacy and parental educational attainment, adjusting for age and ethnicity, and stratified by age group and sex. RESULTS: Young boys showed markedly higher prevalence of obesity than young girls (prevalence of 18.5%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 15.6-21.5 vs. 7.7%, 95% CI: 5.2-10.3). However, negative SES gradients in adiposity risk were seen in young and adolescent girls rather than boys. Young and adolescent boys were more physically fit than girls (mean AFS of 541, 95% CI: 534-546 vs. 501, 95% CI: 498-505 in children; 522, 95% CI: 514-529 vs. 460, 95% CI: 454-466 in adolescents; p < 001). Although a positive income gradient in AFS was observed in both boys and girls, statistical significance was reached only in girls (p =.006). A negative gradient of parental education in BP was observed in young children. While we observed substantial sex differences in systolic BP, total and HDL cholesterol, fasting glucose and CRP in adolescents, sex-specific socioeconomic gradients were only observed for systolic BP, HDL and LDL cholesterol. Further studies with large samples are needed to confirm these findings. CONCLUSION: This study identified important sex difference and socioeconomic gradients in adiposity, aerobic fitness and physiological markers of CVD risk in Canadian school-aged children. Population health interventions to reduce socioeconomic gradients in CVD risk should start in childhood, with a particular focus on preventing obesity in young boys of all SES and girls of low SES, promoting physical fitness especially in girls and in all ages of youth in low-SES groups, and increasing parental awareness, especially those with low educational attainment, of early CVD risks in their children.

TITRE: Gradients socioéconomiques du risque cardiovasculaire chez les enfants et les adolescents canadiens. INTRODUCTION: Les maladies cardiovasculaires (MCV) et leurs facteurs de risque présentent des gradients socioéconomiques clairs chez les adultes canadiens, mais présentent des ambiguïtés chez les enfants. L'objectif de cette étude est de vérifier l'existence ou non de gradients socioéconomiques dans les marqueurs physiologiques du risque de MCV chez les enfants et les adolescents canadiens. MÉTHODOLOGIE: À partir des données transversales combinées de l'Enquête canadienne sur les mesures de la santé 2007-2011, nous avons étudié, chez 2 149 enfants (6 à 11 ans) et 2 073 adolescents (12 à 17 ans) et selon le sexe, les marqueurs de risque cardiovasculaire suivants : excès de poids (y compris l'obésité), score de capacité aérobique (SCA), pression artérielle (PA), lipides sanguins (totaux, cholestérol LDL et HDL, triglycérides), métabolisme du glucose et protéine C réactive (CRP). Des analyses de régression logistique et de régression linéaire multidimensionnelles ont permis de dégager les tendances relatives au risque cardiovasculaire en fonction de la suffisance du revenu du ménage et du niveau de scolarité des parents, après ajustement en fonction de l'âge et de l'origine ethnique, et après stratification par groupe d'âge et par sexe. RÉSULTATS: La prévalence de l'obésité était sensiblement plus élevée chez les jeunes garçons que chez les jeunes filles (prévalence de 18,5 %, intervalle de confiance [IC] à 95 % : 15,6 à 21,5 contre 7,7 %, IC à 95 % : 5,2 à 10,3). Toutefois, des gradients socioéconomiques négatifs ont été observés en ce qui concerne le risque d'adiposité chez les jeunes filles et les adolescentes, et non chez les garçons. Parmi les enfants et les adolescents, les garçons étaient en meilleure condition physique que les filles (SCA moyen de 541, IC à 95 % : 534 à 546 contre 501, IC à 95 % : 498 à 505 chez les enfants; 522, IC à 95 % : 514 à 529 contre 460, IC à 95 % : 454 à 466 chez les adolescents; p < 0,001). Bien qu'un gradient positif lié au revenu ait été observé relativement au SCA tant chez les garçons que chez les filles, la signification statistique a été atteinte seulement chez les filles (p = 0,006). Un gradient négatif a été observé en fonction du niveau de scolarité des parents relativement à la PA des jeunes enfants. Bien que nous ayons constaté des différences importantes selon le sexe en ce qui concerne la PA systolique, le cholestérol total, le cholestérol HDL, la glycémie à jeun et la CRP chez les adolescents, des gradients socioéconomiques spécifiques au sexe ont uniquement été observés pour la PA systolique, le cholestérol HDL et le cholestérol LDL. Des études fondées sur de grands échantillons devront être réalisées afin de confirmer ces observations. CONCLUSION : Cette étude a révélé d'importantes différences selon le sexe et des gradients socioéconomiques en ce qui concerne l'adiposité, la capacité aérobique et les marqueurs physiologiques du risque de MCV chez les enfants canadiens d'âge scolaire. Des interventions de santé visant à atténuer les gradients socioéconomiques du risque de MCV devraient être mises en place dès l'enfance dans la population, en particulier en ce qui touche la prévention de l'obésité chez les jeunes garçons de tout statut socioéconomique (SSE) et chez les filles dont le SSE est faible, la promotion d'une bonne condition physique, en particulier auprès des filles et des jeunes de tous âges dans les groupes à faible SSE, et enfin la sensibilisation des parents, spécialement de ceux qui ont un faible niveau de scolarité, à l'égard du risque de MCV précoce chez les enfants.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its risk factors in Canadian children and adolescents: Canadian Health Measures Survey Cycle 1 (2007-2009) and Cycle 2 (2009-2011).

INTRODUCTION: We investigated the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its risk factors, and the influence of socioeconomic status, in Canadian children and adolescents. METHODS: Canadian Health Measures Survey cycle 1 (2007-2009) and cycle 2 (2009-2011) respondents aged 10 to 18 years who provided fasting blood samples were included (n = 1228). The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) consensus definition for children and adolescents (10-15 years) and worldwide adult definition (≥ 16 years) were used to diagnose MetS. Prevalence of MetS and its risk factors were calculated and differences by socioeconomic status were examined using χ2 tests. RESULTS: The prevalence of MetS was 2.1%. One-third (37.7%) of participants had at least one risk factor, with the most prevalent being abdominal obesity (21.6%), low HDL-C (19.1%) and elevated triglyceride levels (7.9%). This combination of abdominal obesity, low HDL-C and elevated triglyceride levels accounted for 61.5% of MetS cases. Participants from households with the highest income adequacy and educational attainment levels had the lowest prevalence of one or more MetS risk factors, abdominal obesity and low HDL-C. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of MetS (2.1%) was lower than previously reported in Canada (3.5%) and the USA (4.2%¬-9.2%), potentially due to the strict application of the IDF criteria for studying MetS. One-third of Canadian children and adolescents have at least one risk factor for MetS. Given that the risk for MetS increases with age, these prevalence estimates, coupled with a national obesity prevalence of almost 10% among youth, point to a growing risk of MetS and other chronic diseases for Canadian youth.

TITRE: Prévalence du syndrome métabolique et de ses facteurs de risque chez les enfants et les adolescents canadiens : Enquête canadienne sur les mesures de la santé, cycle 1 (2007-2009) et cycle 2 (2009-2011). INTRODUCTION: Nous avons étudié la prévalence du syndrome métabolique (SMet) et de ses facteurs de risque ainsi que l'influence du statut socioéconomique chez les enfants et les adolescents canadiens. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Nous avons inclus dans notre étude les 1228 répondants de l'Enquête canadienne sur les mesures de la santé, cycle 1 (2007-2009) et cycle 2 (2009-2011), âgés de 10 à 18 ans et ayant fourni un échantillon de sang à jeun. Nous avons utilisé les définitions consensuelles du SMet proposées par la Fédération internationale du diabète (FID) pour les enfants et adolescents (10 à 15 ans) et pour les adultes (16 ans et plus). Nous avons mesuré la prévalence du SMet et de ses facteurs de risque ainsi que les différences en fonction du statut socioéconomique au moyen de tests du χ2. RÉSULTATS: La prévalence du SMet était de 2,1 %. Le tiers (37,7 %) des répondants présentaient au moins un facteur de risque, les plus répandus étant l'obésité abdominale (21,6 %), un faible taux de C-HDL (19,1 %) et un taux de triglycérides élevé (7,9 %). Cette combinaison d'obésité abdominale, de faible taux de C-HDL et de taux élevé de triglycérides correspondait à 61,5 % des cas de SMet. Les participants des ménages de la tranche supérieure de revenu et bénéficiant d'un niveau de scolarité élevé présentaient la plus faible prévalence d'un ou de plusieurs facteurs de risque du SMet, d'obésité abdominale et de faible taux de C-HDL. CONCLUSION : La prévalence du SMet (2,1 %) s'est révélée inférieure à celle mesurée auparavant pour le Canada (3,5 %) et les États-Unis (4,2 % à 9,2 %), sans doute en raison de l'application stricte des critères de la FID pour l'étude du SMet. Le tiers des enfants et des adolescents canadiens présentaient au moins un facteur de risque de SMet. Comme le risque de SMet augmente avec l'âge, ces estimations de la prévalence, couplées à une prévalence nationale de l'obésité d'environ 10 % chez les jeunes, laissent entrevoir un accroissement du risque de SMet et d'autres maladies chroniques chez les jeunes Canadiens.

Evidence Brief--Trends and projections of obesity among Canadians.

The prevalence of obesity, defined as body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or higher for adults and as 2 standard deviations above the World Health Organization growth standard mean for children, has increased in many parts of the world. Obese adults are at an increased risk of certain chronic conditions, including hypertension, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and some cancers, and of premature death. Obese children have increased cardiometabolic risk, including dyslipidemia, insulin resistance and elevated blood pressure. Excess childhood body weight that continues into adulthood can affect quality of life, educational attainment and earnings over the lifecourse. The Public Health Agency of Canada has projected an annual direct health care cost (including physician, hospitalization and medication costs) of those categorized as obese in Canada in constant 2001 Canadian dollars. Calculated as $7.0 billion in 2011, this annual direct health care cost is projected to rise to $8.8 billion by 2021, based on simulated average direct health care costs, which are higher among the obese ($2,283) than the overweight ($1,726), the underweight ($1,298) and those at normal weight ($1,284). Canadian estimates from 2006 and 2008 that used different methodologies place the annual economic burden (direct and indirect costs) of obesity between $4.6 billion and $7.1 billion. The purpose of this evidence brief is to show current Canadian obesity prevalence rates and estimates for the future using objectively measured height and weight to calculate BMI. The use of objectively measured height and weight to derive BMI is strongly recommended, especially for children and adolescents, as self- or proxy-reported height and weight tend to underestimate actual weight and consequently BMI and obesity prevalence.

TITRE: Synthèse portant sur les données probantes - Tendances et projections relatives à l'obésité chez les Canadiens. INTRODUCTION: La prévalence de l'obésité ­ soit un indice de masse corporelle (IMC) supérieur ou égal à 30 kg/m2 chez les adultes ou deux écarts-types au-dessus de la médiane de la norme de croissance de l'Organisation mondiale de la santé chez les enfants ­ a augmenté dans de nombreuses régions du monde. Les adultes obèses sont plus susceptibles d'être atteints de certaines affections chroniques, notamment d'hypertension, de diabète de type 2, de cardiopathies et de certains cancers, ainsi que de mourir prématurément. Les enfants obèses présentent aussi un risque cardiométabolique accru (dyslipidémie, résistance à l'insuline et hypertension artérielle). Un excès pondéral pendant l'enfance qui se poursuit à l'âge adulte peut nuire à la qualité de vie, au rendement scolaire et au revenu tout au long de la vie. L'Agence de la santé publique du Canada a estimé les coûts annuels directs, en dollars canadiens constants de 2001, des soins de santé (coûts liés aux médecins, aux hospitalisations et aux médicaments) pour les personnes classées comme obèses au Canada. Évalués à 7,0 milliards de dollars en 2011, ils devraient atteindre 8,8 milliards de dollars d'ici 2021, d'après un calcul à partir des moyennes actuelles qui font qu'ils sont plus élevés chez les obèses (2 283 $) que chez les personnes en surpoids (1 726 $), les personnes en insuffisance pondérale (1 298 $) et les personnes de poids normal (1 284 $). Des estimations canadiennes antérieures, de 2006 et 2008 et obtenues par des méthodologies différentes, ont évalué le fardeau économique annuel (coûts directs et indirects) de l'obésité dans une fourchette allant de 4,6 à 7,1 milliards de dollars. Cette synthèse fondée sur des données probantes vise à présenter les taux de prévalence de l'obésité au Canada à la fois actuels et projetés, à partir d'un calcul de l'IMC reposant sur des mesures objectives de la taille et du poids. L'utilisation de mesures objectives de la taille et du poids pour calculer l'IMC est fortement recommandée, particulièrement chez les enfants et les adolescents, car lorsque la taille et le poids sont autodéclarés ou obtenus par procuration, le poids réel est généralement sous-estimé, ce qui fait que l'IMC et la prévalence de l'obésité le sont également.

Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist for refractory anti-MDA5 clinically amyopathic dermatomyopathy.

Autoantibodies targeting the melanoma-differentiation-associated gene-5 (MDA5)-encoded ribonucleic acid helicase are associated with clinically amyopathic dermatomyopathy (CADM). Marked systemic inflammation, skin ulcers and severe interstitial lung disease seem frequent. DM treatment consists of immunosuppressants and/or intravenous immunoglobulins, but evidence-based knowledge is lacking. Anakinra (an interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA)) use in this setting has never been reported. Herein, we report on a case of anakinra dramatic and rapid efficacy against general and extramuscular (e.g. calcinosis, arthritis, skin ulcers) in a patient with severe and refractory CADM. Unfortunately, short-term follow-up prevented efficacy evaluation against interstitial lung disease. IL-1RA could be a promising treatment for refractory CADM.

Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-PE) infections: are carbapenem alternatives achievable in daily practice?

OBJECTIVES: To avoid the use of carbapenems, alternatives such as cephamycin, piperacillin-tazobactam, and others are suggested for the treatment of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-PE) infections. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency and the feasibility of antimicrobial de-escalation for ESBL-PE-related infections. METHODS: A prospective observational, bi centric cohort study was conducted. All patients with ESBL-PE infections were included. De-escalation was systematically suggested if patients were clinically stable and the isolate was susceptible to possible alternatives. RESULTS: Seventy-nine patients were included: 36 (45.6%) were children, 27 (34.1%) were hospitalized in intensive care units, and 37 (47%) were immunocompromised. Urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and catheter-related bloodstream infections accounted for 45.6%, 19%, and 10%, respectively, of the cohort. Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Enterobacter cloacae were the three most frequent causative organisms isolated. On day 5, 47 (59.2%) of the patients were still receiving carbapenems. Antimicrobial resistance (44.7%), infection relapse (26.9%), and clinical instability (19.2%) were the most important reasons for not prescribing alternatives. E. coli-related infections appeared to be a protective factor against maintaining the carbapenem prescription (odds ratio 0.11, 95% confidence interval 0.041-0.324; p=0.0013). CONCLUSIONS: In clinical practice, less than 50% of patients with ESBL-PE-related infections were de-escalated after empirical treatment with carbapenems.

Discovery and spectroscopy of the young jovian planet 51 Eri b with the Gemini Planet Imager.

Directly detecting thermal emission from young extrasolar planets allows measurement of their atmospheric compositions and luminosities, which are influenced by their formation mechanisms. Using the Gemini Planet Imager, we discovered a planet orbiting the ~20-million-year-old star 51 Eridani at a projected separation of 13 astronomical units. Near-infrared observations show a spectrum with strong methane and water-vapor absorption. Modeling of the spectra and photometry yields a luminosity (normalized by the luminosity of the Sun) of 1.6 to 4.0 × 10(-6) and an effective temperature of 600 to 750 kelvin. For this age and luminosity, "hot-start" formation models indicate a mass twice that of Jupiter. This planet also has a sufficiently low luminosity to be consistent with the "cold-start" core-accretion process that may have formed Jupiter.

A DASH dietary pattern and the risk of colorectal cancer in Canadian adults.

INTRODUCTION: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a high incidence cancer affecting many Canadian adults each year. Diet is important in the etiology of CRC with many dietary components identified as potential risk factors. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet is a well-established pattern to characterize overall eating. The purpose of this study was to characterize a DASH pattern within the Canadian context and to assess its relationship to the risk of CRC in Canadian adults. METHODS: Unconditional multiple logistic regression with control for confounding variables was performed using data from the National Enhanced Cancer Surveillance Study. Dietary intake was captured for this case-control study through a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and categorized into a DASH score ranging from 0 to 10 representing a poor to a strong DASH pattern respectively. RESULTS: Consuming a strong DASH pattern of eating (score ≥ 8) was not common in the 3161 cases and 3097 controls. Overall, only 10.8% of men and 13.6% of women had a strong DASH pattern. Multivariate analysis demonstrated a trend for decreasing risk of CRC in men with increasing DASH scores (p value for trend = .007). Men with a strong DASH score had a 33% reduction in risk of CRC compared to those with a low DASH score. There were no significant trends for women for CRC or for colon or rectal cancers separately. CONCLUSION: Our findings are similar to other researchers suggesting a benefit with a strong DASH pattern associated with a decreased risk of CRC, especially in men. Research should further investigate our gender-based differences.

TITRE: Régime DASH et risque de cancer colorectal chez les adultes canadiens. INTRODUCTION: Le cancer colorectal (CCR) est un cancer à taux d'incidence élevé qui touche de nombreux adultes canadiens chaque année. L'alimentation joue un rôle important dans l'étiologie du CCR et de nombreuses composantes alimentaires sont considérées comme des facteurs de risque potentiels. L'utilisation du profil DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, régime alimentaire qui vise à lutter contre l'hypertension) est un moyen efficace de caractériser l'alimentation générale des individus. L'objectif de cette étude a été de déterminer un profil DASH en contexte canadien et de vérifier ses liens avec le risque de CCR chez les adultes canadiens. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Nous avons effectué une régression logistique multiple inconditionnelle avec contrôle des variables de confusion en utilisant des données de l'étude nationale de surveillance accrue du cancer. Dans cette étude cas-témoins, l'information sur l'alimentation a été recueillie au moyen d'un questionnaire de fréquence de consommation des aliments (QFCA) et un score de 0 à 10 correspondant au profil DASH a été attribué, le score de 0 représentant le profil DASH le plus faible et le score de 10, le profil DASH le plus fort. RÉSULTATS: Les profils DASH forts (score de 8 ou plus) n'étaient pas fréquents parmi les 3 161 cas et les 3 097 témoins : dans l'ensemble, seuls 10,8 % des hommes et 13,6 % des femmes avaient un profil DASH fort. L'analyse multivariée a révélé une tendance à la baisse du risque de CCR chez les hommes avec l'augmentation du score DASH (valeur p de la tendance : 0,007) : chez les hommes à score DASH élevé, le risque de CCR était de 33 % moindre que chez les hommes à score DASH faible. Chez les femmes, il n'y avait aucune tendance statistiquement significative en ce qui concerne le risque de CCR, ou le risque de cancer du côlon ou de cancer du rectum séparément. CONCLUSION: Nos résultats sont similaires à ceux d'autres chercheurs et laissent entendre qu'un profil DASH fort aurait un effet bénéfique associé à une diminution du risque de CCR, en particulier chez les hommes. Des travaux de recherche ultérieurs devraient viser à élucider les différences que nous avons observées entre les sexes.