State of research, feasibility, safety, acceptability, and outcomes examined on remotely delivered exercises using technology for older adult with cancer: a scoping review.

INTRODUCTION: Technology-based exercise is gaining attention as a promising strategy for increasing physical activity (PA) in older adults with cancer (OACA). However, a comprehensive understanding of the interventions, their feasibility, outcomes, and safety is limited. This scoping review (1) assessed the prevalence and type of technology-based remotely delivered exercise interventions for OACA and (2) explored the feasibility, safety, acceptability, and outcomes in these interventions. METHODS: Studies with participant mean/median age ≥ 65 reporting at least one outcome measure were included. Databases searched included the following: PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Cochrane Library Online, SPORTDiscus, and PsycINFO. Multiple independent reviewers completed screening and data abstractions of articles in English, French, and Spanish. RESULTS: The search yielded 2339 citations after removing duplicates. Following title and abstract screening, 96 full texts were review, and 15 were included. Study designs were heterogeneous, and sample sizes were diverse (range 14-478). The most common technologies used were website/web portal (n = 6), videos (n = 5), exergaming (n = 2), accelerometer/pedometer with video and/or website (n = 4), and live-videoconferencing (n = 2). Over half (9/15) of the studies examined feasibility using various definitions; feasibility outcomes were reached in all. Common outcomes examined include lower body function and quality of life. Adverse events were uncommon and minor were reported. Qualitative studies identified cost- and time-savings, healthcare professional support, and technology features that encourage engagement as facilitators. CONCLUSION: Remote exercise interventions using technology appear to be feasible and acceptable in OACA. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Some remote exercise interventions may be a viable way to increase PA for OACA.

Dairy goats helminthosis and its potential predictors in Greece: Findings from an extensive countrywide study.

The objectives of the present study were: (a) to describe the prevalence of helminth infections from pooled faecal samples from goat herds across Greece, (b) to evaluate herd-related factors potentially associated with the presence of these infections in the herds and (c) to compare the findings to those of a previous relevant study performed in sheep flocks. A cross-sectional study was carried out in 119 goat herds around Greece. Helminths were recovered from samples from 93.3% of herds: Dicrocoelium dendriticum (from 15.1% of herds), Paramphistomum cervi (from 0.8% of herds), Moniezia spp. (from 25.2% of herds), Trichostrongylidae (from 89.1% of herds), Nematodirus spp. (from 16.8% of herds), Strongyloides papillosus (from 5.0% of herds), Trichuris spp. (from 18.5% of herds) and lungworms (from 23.5% of herds). Mean epg counts in all herds in the study were 219 epg. In multivariable analyses, for 'high (> 300) epg counts in faecal samples' the age of kid removal from their dams (p = 0.045) was found to be a significant factor, for 'high proportion (> 64%) of Teladorsagia spp. in faecal samples' the month of the start of the kidding season (p = 0.045) was a significant factor, for 'high proportion (> 27%) of Haemonchus contortus in faecal samples' nutritional modifications during gestation (p = 0.002) and application of reproductive control practices in the farm (p = 0.013) were the significant factors and for 'presence of D. dendriticum in faecal samples' the number of veterinary visits to the farm annually (p = 0.040) was found to be significant.

Barriers and facilitators related to undertaking physical activities among men with prostate cancer: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer (PC) and its treatments lead to significant acute, chronic, or latent adverse effects that result in declines in patients' physical functions, quality of life and reduced sense of masculinities. Robust evidence shows that physical activity (PA) can improve many health outcomes in men with PC; however, less is known about the facilitators, preferences, and barriers to PA engagement in this population. The purpose of this scoping review is to document the nature and extent of literature related to these aspects of PA participation among men with PC. METHODS: We conducted a scoping review of PA among men with PC. Databases searched included Medline, CINAHL, Embase, Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Source, and SportDiscus from inception to June 30, 2020. Multiple reviewers were used in all screening and data abstractions. RESULTS: The search yielded 2788 individual citations after duplicates were removed. Following title and abstract screening, 129 underwent full-text review, and 46 articles were included. Quantitative data related to our research question showed that structured group exercise was the most commonly reported facilitator/preference among men with PC, whereas treatment-related effects and lack of time are the most common barriers. In terms of qualitative data, the most prominent theme noted related to masculinities and gender-specific needs within the context of having PC. CONCLUSION: Men with PC have unique facilitators and barriers concerning PA. More work is needed from the research and clinical practice perspectives to enable this population to engage and remain in regular PA.

Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy: A Single-Center Experience in Greece.

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy is an important tool in the treatment of various forms of adult hydrocephalus, and its use is evolving over the past years, proving in many cases more effective than the more traditional ventriculoperitoneal shunts. We present the experience from our department while comparing the results and complications with the international literature.

Giant Kidney Worm: Novel Report of Dioctophyma Renale in the Kidney of a Dog in Greece.

Dioctophyma renale is the largest nematode that infects domestic mammals and is the aetiologic agent of a serious renal disease, dioctophymatosis. It has an indirect life cycle with carnivores serving as final hosts and earthworms as intermediate hosts. The parasite can infect humans with signifi cant zoonotic potential. The pathogenesis of dioctophymatosis is mainly associated with the extent of renal atrophy caused by the parasites, the risk of bilateral renal infestation and the location of the parasite (extrarenal cases). Clinical diagnosis is challenging, and the only treatment option is nephrectomy or nephrotomy to remove the adult nematode. A 6-year-old female crossbreed dog presented with tachypnea, tachycardia and severe hematuria, but died shortly after presentation. Postmortem examination found the right kidney was enlarged and two adult nematodes were found in the renal pelvis. The left kidney was normal. The nematodes were collected and submitted for identifi cation. The two specimens were identifi ed as D. renale using specific identifi cation keys. Herein we present the first case of renal parasitosis by the nematode D. renale in a dog from Greece. This case highlights the need for investigation of the actual prevalence of the parasite and the use of measures for the control of its expansion aiming the protection of dogs and public health.

Field evidence for association between increased gastrointestinal nematode burden and subclinical mastitis in dairy sheep.

The objective of the present study was to study, under field conditions, potential associations between gastrointestinal nematode parasitism and subclinical mastitis in ewes during the lactation period. Faecal and milk samples were collected from 240 ewes in 16 farms, for parasitological and bacteriological plus cytological examination, respectively. In the population sampled, prevalence of gastrointestinal nematode infection was 63.0%; mean faecal count was 357.7 ± 32.4 eggs per gram (epg); Teladorsagia spp. larvae were identified more frequently in coprocultures (median proportion among farms: 53.0%). The prevalence of subclinical mastitis was 22.6%; coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp. were identified more frequently as causal agents (64.7% of isolates recovered from cases of the disease). There was clear evidence that the prevalence of subclinical mastitis was higher among ewes with gastrointestinal nematode infection than among ewes without: 26.4% and 16.1% (P = 0.047), respectively. Further, the prevalence of subclinical mastitis was higher in ewes with high faecal epg: 31.1% versus 18.6% in ewes with low faecal epg (P = 0.027). Mean epg counts in ewes with mastitis were significantly higher: 500 ± 84 (mean ± standard error of the mean), than epg counts in healthy ewes: 316 ± 36 (P = 0.024). The findings further underline the importance of concurrent parasitic and bacterial infections. Moreover, results also suggest further factors that can play a role in development of mastitis in ewes.

Evaluation of the pour-on administration of eprinomectin on milk yield and somatic cell counts in dairy ewes naturally infected with gastrointestinal nematodes.

The effect of pour-on eprinomectin administration on milk yield and somatic cell counts was studied in dairy ewes located on twelve farms in mainland Greece. On each farm, the selected ewes were randomly divided into three similar groups. Group 1 consisted of 10-15 untreated ewes (control group), Group 2 consisted of 10-13 ewes treated with a single dose of eprinomectin at Day 0 and Group 3 consisted of 6 ewes repeatedly treated with eprinomectin at Days 0, 42 and 70. Faecal egg counts and coprocultures were performed on Days 0, 7, 14, 28, 42, 56, 70, 84 and 98. The milk yield and somatic cell counts were measured. The topically administered eprinomectin was highly effective against gastrointestinal nematodes up to 42 days post treatment (94.1% and 99.7% for Groups 2 and 3, respectively). This beneficial effect was extended from Day 42 to 98, in ewes of Group 3. Ewes treated once or thrice presented an increase of daily milk yield by ca. 5% (50 mL/day) and 11% (105 mL/day), respectively, compared to untreated ewes. At the same frame, a significant decrease in somatic cell counts was observed in the eprinomectin treated ewes compared to the untreated ones. In conclusion, this study confirmed the high antiparasitic efficacy and the beneficial effect of pour-on eprinomectin on the milk yield and somatic cell counts in dairy ewes under semi-intensive management.

Evaluation of the pour-on administration of eprinomectin on milk yield and somatic cell counts in dairy ewes naturally infected with gastrointestinal nematodes.

The effect of pour-on eprinomectin administration on milk yield and somatic cell counts was studied in dairy ewes located on twelve farms in mainland Greece. On each farm, the selected ewes were randomly divided into three similar groups. Group 1 consisted of 10-15 untreated ewes (control group), Group 2 consisted of 10-13 ewes treated with a single dose of eprinomectin at Day 0 and Group 3 consisted of 6 ewes repeatedly treated with eprinomectin at Days 0, 42 and 70. Faecal egg counts and coprocultures were performed on Days 0, 7, 14, 28, 42, 56, 70, 84 and 98. The milk yield and somatic cell counts were measured. The topically administered eprinomectin was highly effective against gastrointestinal nematodes up to 42 days post treatment (94.1% and 99.7% for Groups 2 and 3, respectively). This beneficial effect was extended from Day 42 to 98, in ewes of Group 3. Ewes treated once or thrice presented an increase of daily milk yield by ca. 5% (50mL/day) and 11% (105mL/day), respectively, compared to untreated ewes. At the same frame, a significant decrease in somatic cell counts was observed in the eprinomectin treated ewes compared to the untreated ones. In conclusion, this study confirmed the high antiparasitic efficacy and the beneficial effect of pour-on eprinomectin on the milk yield and somatic cell counts in dairy ewes under semi-intensive management.

Hemorrhagic pneumonia in neonatal minks in Greece concomitant with Leismania infantum detection.

In the present study a severe outbreak of hemorrhagic pneumonia (HP) in neonatal minks concomitant with Leismania infantum (L. infantum) detection is reported. The outbreak took place on a Greek mink farm and affected 1,362 mink kits, with 524 dying. Macroscopic lesions of 14 necropsied affected kits were confined to the respiratory system with dark red, consolidated lung lobes and to the small intestine with severe, acute, hemorrhagic and necrotic enteritis. Microscopic examination of lung sections revealed severe hemorrhagic pyogranulomatous pneumonia. Bacteria were obtained in pure culture from the lungs of all necropsied animals and were confirmed as Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). Three out of 14 (21.4%) animals were positive for the presence of L. infantum DNA. The outbreak was attributed to the infection of minks with P. aeruginosa, possibly as a consequence of being immuno-suppressed by L. infantum. Further research is necessary, especially on the pathogenesis of P. aeruginosa/L. infantum co-infection and the implications of this interaction on HP disease outcome.

Avian mite dermatitis: Diagnostic challenges and unmet needs.

The avian mite Dermanyssus gallinae (poultry red mite, PRM) is of major economic and veterinary importance for the poultry and egg industry worldwide. The accumulating reports on the opportunistic nonavian feeding of D. gallinae raise concerns on PRM host expansion. However, the consequent threats to human health remain largely unclear. PRM infestation in humans is usually manifested as a local or generalized noncharacteristic skin reaction referred to as gamasoidosis. This report presents the current state of the art and the new developments on PRM-associated dermatitis, sharing neither the authors' personal experience nor focusing on differential diagnosis. Specifically, it reflects the outcome of the critical assessment of the available literature by European medical and veterinary experts in the field under the "One Health" approach.

Anatomical considerations of C2 lamina for the placement of translaminar screw: a review of the literature.

PURPOSE: The thorough knowledge of C2 lamina anatomy is essential for the avoidance of complications during screw fixation. We performed a review of the literature, aiming to detect what was found about anatomical feasibility of C2 translaminar fixation in different populations, along with possible recommendations for the avoidance of complications, and to detect whether factors such as race or gender could influence axis lamina anatomy and fixation feasibility. METHODS: We performed a search in PubMed and Cochrane database of systematic reviews for studies which correlated axis lamina anatomy with fixation feasibility. We extracted data concerning measurements on C2 lamina, the methods and conclusions of the studies. RESULTS: Twenty-six studies met our inclusion criteria. The studies mainly focused on Asian populations. Male gender was generally related to larger anatomical parameters of C2 lamina. The use of a C2 translaminar screw with a diameter of 3.5 mm was generally feasible, even in children, but there was disagreement about risk of vertebral artery injury. Computed tomography was most frequently recommended preoperatively. Three-dimensional reconstruction was suggested by some authors. CONCLUSION: C2 lamina anatomy generally permitted screw fixation in most studies, but there was disagreement about risk of vertebral artery injury. Preoperative computed tomography was generally recommended, while, according to some authors, three-dimensional reconstruction could be essential. However, there is a relative lack of studies about non-Asian populations. More research could further illustrate the anatomy of C2 lamina, clarify the safety of axis fixation for more populations and perhaps modify preoperative imaging protocols.

Spreading of Thelazia callipaeda in Greece.

Thelazia callipaeda (Spirurida, Thelaziidae), the so-called oriental eyeworm, has been increasingly reported as an agent of infection in animals and humans from many European countries. Clinical signs range from subclinical to moderate or severe ocular disorders (e.g., epiphora, photophobia, conjunctivitis, keratitis, ulcers). The disease has been also diagnosed in animals from countries of the Balkan area (e.g., Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia), but only a single case of canine thelaziosis, presumably autochthonous, was reported in Northern Greece. In this study, we provide robust information of the occurrence of thelaziosis in Greece by reporting autochthonous cases of thelaziosis in dogs (n = 46), cats (n = 3) and in one rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) living in Northern and Central regions of Greece. The occurrence of a single haplotype of the cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 gene confirms that the same zoonotic haplotype of the parasite circulating in Europe is also spreading in Greece. The increased awareness of this parasitosis is crucial to limit the risk of further infections in both humans and animals in European countries.

Regression models to assess the risk factors of canine gastrointestinal parasitism.

Gastrointestinal parasites, protozoa and helminths, remain a common important finding in dogs presented to veterinary medical practices. Moreover, dogs may play an active role in the transmission of enteric parasites to humans, given their cohabitation, making canine gastrointestinal parasitism an issue of major concern for public health. To get an overview of the current state of canine gastrointestinal parasites' prevalence in Greece, a total of 1036 faecal samples were collected from dogs either presented in veterinary clinics or in animal shelters. Samples were examined by a combined sedimentation-flotation technique. Possible risk factors (age, ownership status, co-existence with other animals, coinfection with other parasites) were assessed using binary regression models for each one of the most prevalent parasites. The overall gastrointestinal parasite prevalence in dogs' faecal samples was 39%. A total of 11 intestinal parasitic species were detected and up to five different parasites were isolated in the same faecal sample. Toxocara canis was the most prevalent parasite in the studied population, followed by Isospora spp., Giardia spp., Uncinaria spp., Trichuris vulpis, Ancylostoma spp., Toxascaris leonina, and Dipylidium caninum. Additionally, other genera (Taenia, Capillaria and Angiostrongylus) were also detected in very low percentages. Young, stray, living without other dogs, coinfected with T. vulpis or T. canis and free of Isospora spp. dogs were more likely to be infected by Giardia spp. Likewise, young, stray, coinfected with T. vulpis or T. canis but free of Giardia spp. dogs were more likely to be infected by Isospora spp. T. canis infections were more common in dogs coinfected with Isospora spp., Giardia spp., D. caninum, Τaenia spp., T. vulpis and T. leonina Finally, T. vulpis more often infected older dogs and dogs coinfected with Isospora spp., Giardia spp. and T. canis Consequently, the prevalence of parasitized dogs was high and the diversity of parasites found was notable, which calls for a greater awareness among veterinarians and pet owners. The proposed prediction models should be taken under consideration in diagnostic approach of clinical cases, as well as in planning sustainable antiparasitic strategies.

Gastrointestinal trichostrongylosis can predispose ewes to clinical mastitis after experimental mammary infection.

Objective was to study, in an experimental model, the possible role of gastrointestinal nematode infection in predisposing ewes to mastitis during the lactation period. Twenty-four ewes (A or B [n=12]), free from nematode and trematode helminths, were used. Group A animals received 5000 third-stage larvae of a trichostrongylid helminth cocktail and group B ewes were unparasitised controls. Animals in group A developed gastrointestinal trichostrongylosis confirmed by >500epg in faecal samples; mean epg of group B ewes were <20 (P<0.001). Ewes were challenged by deposition of Mannheimia haemolytica into the teat duct. In group A, 7 ewes developed clinical and 5 subclinical mastitis; no ewe in group B developed clinical mastitis, but only subclinical (12 ewes) (P=0.002). M. haemolytica was isolated from 132/132 and 121/132 udder samples from group A or B, respectively (P<0.015); increased leucocyte numbers were recorded in 66/66 and 61/66 samples, respectively (P=0.023). During post-mortem examination, mean number of helminths in gastrointestinal content was 2523 and 7.5 in group A or B, respectively (P<0.001); within group A, proportions of Teladorsagia and Haemonchus were significantly greater in ewes that developed clinical mastitis than in others which did not (0.709 and 0.162 versus 0.662 and 0.136, respectively; P<0.035). M. haemolytica was isolated from 36/36 and 19/36 udder tissue samples from group A or B, respectively (P<0.001). In ewes with subclinical mastitis (in group A or B), inducible-lymphoid-follicles were observed in the teat, which were not observed in ewes with clinical disease. Total pathology scores summed over all days were 127 and 73 for group A or B ewes, respectively (maximum possible 192; P<0.05). In general, there was positive correlation between intestinal helminth counts and pathology score (P<0.001) and between Teladorsagia counts and pathology score (P=0.002) in ewes that developed clinical mastitis. It is concluded that, in view of bacterial challenge, gastrointestinal trichostrongylosis and particularly Teladorsagia infection, might lead to clinical mastitis, through various pathogenetic pathways.

Long-term prognosis for 1-year relapse-free survivors of CD34+ cell-selected allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a landmark analysis.

CD34+ cell selection significantly improves GvHD-free survival in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). However, specific information regarding long-term prognosis and risk factors for late mortality after CD34+ cell-selected allo-HSCT is lacking. We conducted a single-center landmark analysis in 276 patients alive without relapse 1 year after CD34+ cell-selected allo-HSCT for AML (n=164), ALL (n=33) or myelodysplastic syndrome (n=79). At 5 years' follow-up after the 1-year landmark (range 0.03-13 years), estimated relapse-free survival (RFS) was 73% and overall survival (OS) 76%. The 5-year cumulative incidence of relapse and non-relapse mortality (NRM) were 11% and 16%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Comorbidity Index score⩾3 correlated with marginally worse RFS (hazard ratio (HR) 1.78, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.97-3.28, P=0.06) and significantly worse OS (HR 2.53, 95% CI 1.26-5.08, P=0.004). Despite only 24% of patients with acute GvHD within 1 year, this also significantly correlated with worse RFS and OS, with increasing grades of acute GvHD associating with increasingly poorer survival on multivariate analysis (P<0.0001). Of 63 deaths after the landmark, GvHD accounted for 27% of deaths and was the most common cause of late mortality, followed by relapse and infection. Although prognosis is excellent for patients alive without relapse 1 year after CD34+ cell-selected allo-HSCT, risks of late relapse and NRM persist, particularly due to GvHD.

Effect of colostrum quantity and quality on neonatal calf diarrhoea due to Cryptosporidium spp. infection.

This study was conducted to assess the effect of colostrum quality and quantity on Cryptosporidium spp. calf diarrhoea in an intensive dairy cattle farm in Greece. Faecal samples were collected from 100 dairy calves randomly selected and born during all 4 seasons (March 2015 to May 2016) of the year. In total, 71% of the selected calves were positive for Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts. The statistical analysis revealed influence of colostrum quality on faecal score. Linear regression showed that the colostrum quantity during the first day of life was negatively associated with the number of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts in faeces. During multivariable analysis, the variables representing the quality of colostrum and the season of the calf's birth were identified as confounders. Cryptosporidium spp. is a common pathogen participating in neonatal calf diarrhoea. Colostrum management and season influence the number of Cryprosporidium spp. oocysts and faecal consistency. The above findings demonstrate novel risk factors that should be included in the strategic approaches to control cryptosporidiosis in newborn calves.