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1.
Eur Respir J ; 63(6)2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38697648

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Elevated markers of systemic and pulmonary inflammation are associated with failure to recover lung function following pulmonary exacerbations in people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF). Our aim was to determine whether adjuvant oral prednisone treatment would improve recovery of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) % pred in CF pulmonary exacerbations not responding to antibiotic therapy. METHODS: This was a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in pwCF treated with intravenous antibiotics for a pulmonary exacerbation. At day 7, those who had not returned to >90% baseline FEV1 % pred were randomised to adjuvant prednisone 1 mg·kg-1 twice daily (maximum 60 mg·day-1) or placebo for 7 days. The primary outcome was the difference in proportion of subjects who recovered >90% baseline FEV1 % pred at day 14 of i.v. antibiotic therapy. RESULTS: 173 subjects were enrolled, with 76 randomised. 50% of subjects in the prednisone group recovered baseline FEV1 on day 14 compared with 39% of subjects in the placebo group (difference of 11%, 95% CI -11-34%; p=0.34). The mean±sd change in FEV1 % pred from day 7 to day 14 was 6.8±8.8% predicted in the prednisone group and 4.6±6.9% predicted in the placebo group (mean difference 2.2% predicted, 95% CI -1.5-5.9%; p=0.24). Time to subsequent exacerbation was not prolonged in prednisone-treated subjects (hazard ratio 0.83, 95% CI 0.45-1.53; p=0.54). CONCLUSIONS: This study failed to detect a difference in FEV1 % pred recovery between adjuvant oral prednisone and placebo treatment in pwCF not responding at day 7 of i.v. antibiotic therapy for pulmonary exacerbations.


Subject(s)
Anti-Bacterial Agents , Cystic Fibrosis , Prednisone , Humans , Cystic Fibrosis/drug therapy , Cystic Fibrosis/physiopathology , Cystic Fibrosis/complications , Male , Female , Prednisone/administration & dosage , Prednisone/therapeutic use , Double-Blind Method , Anti-Bacterial Agents/administration & dosage , Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use , Forced Expiratory Volume , Administration, Oral , Adult , Young Adult , Adolescent , Disease Progression , Treatment Outcome , Lung/physiopathology , Lung/drug effects
2.
Zoo Biol ; 43(3): 213-223, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38294092

ABSTRACT

Vitamin E, as α-tocopherol, is an essential antioxidant protecting the body from free radicals. The vitamin E requirement of managed wildlife species is known to be greater than their wild counterparts, predominantly due to higher dietary lipid content and potentially stressful environments. The plains-wanderer (Pedionomus torquatus, Family Pedionomidae [monotypical]) is a critically endangered, superficially quail-like bird that is the focus of an ongoing captive breeding programme in Australia. It is estimated that plains-wanderers have a high vitamin E requirement (compared with domestic poultry species) to offset a high lipid diet and their naturally flighty temperament. This study therefore aims to gain a greater understanding of the nutritional status and vitamin E requirements of plains-wanderers in managed environments. Total lipid and α-tocopherol intake were quantified for 26 zoo-managed plains-wanderers over a series of diet intake trials in addition to measurement of plasma α-tocopherol and cholesterol concentrations. Plains-wanderers that consumed higher portions of dietary fat had significantly lower circulating α-tocopherol concentrations than birds that consumed lower total dietary fat (p < .001). Additionally, plasma cholesterol concentrations of managed plains-wanderers were found to be significantly greater than all other bird species reviewed, irrespective of Family or feeding type. We also present the first published data quantifying the nutritional makeup of stomach contents of a wild plains-wanderer for use as a potential guide for diet formulation. This study forms a vital foundational insight into the nutritional management of plains-wanderers, but further research is required to understand their dietary habits and cholesterol metabolism.


Subject(s)
Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena , Animals, Zoo , Diet , Vitamin E , Animals , Diet/veterinary , Vitamin E/analysis , Animal Feed/analysis , Male , Female , Cholesterol/blood , Dietary Fats/analysis , alpha-Tocopherol/blood , alpha-Tocopherol/analysis
3.
J Pediatr ; 263: 113665, 2023 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37572862

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To assess the utility of the Curaçao criteria by age over time in children with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). STUDY DESIGN: This was a single-center, retrospective analysis of patients attending the HHT clinic at the Hospital for Sick Children (Toronto, Canada) between 2000 and 2019. The evaluation of the Curaçao criteria was completed during initial and follow-up visits. Screening for pulmonary and brain arteriovenous malformations was completed at 5 yearly intervals. RESULTS: A total of 116 patients with genetic confirmation of HHT were included in the analysis. At initial screening at a median (IQR) age of 8.4 (2.8, 12.9) years, 41% met criteria for a definite clinical diagnosis (≥3 criteria). In children <6 years at presentation, only 23% fulfilled at least 3 criteria initially. In longitudinal follow-up, 63% reached a definite clinical diagnosis, with a median (IQR) follow-up duration of 5.2 (3.2, 7.9) years (P = .005). Specifically, more patients met the epistaxis and telangiectasia criteria at last visit compared with initial (79% vs 60%; P = .006; 47% vs 30%; P = .02) but not for the arteriovenous malformation criterion (59% vs 57%; P = .65). CONCLUSIONS: In the pediatric population, most patients do not meet definite clinical criteria of HHT at initial presentation. Although the number of diagnostic criteria met increased over time, mainly due to new onset of epistaxis and telangiectasia, accuracy remained low during follow-up visits. Relying solely on clinical criteria may lead to underdiagnosis of HHT in children.


Subject(s)
Arteriovenous Malformations , Telangiectasia, Hereditary Hemorrhagic , Humans , Child , Telangiectasia, Hereditary Hemorrhagic/diagnosis , Telangiectasia, Hereditary Hemorrhagic/genetics , Retrospective Studies , Curacao , Epistaxis/etiology , Mutation , Endoglin/genetics , Activin Receptors, Type II/genetics , Arteriovenous Malformations/diagnosis , Arteriovenous Malformations/genetics
4.
Am J Respir Crit Care Med ; 203(8): 977-986, 2021 04 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33030967

ABSTRACT

Rationale: The lung clearance index (LCI) is responsive to acute respiratory events in preschool children with cystic fibrosis (CF), but its utility to identify and manage these events in school-age children with CF is not well defined.Objectives: To describe changes in LCI with acute respiratory events in school-age children with CF.Methods: In a multisite prospective observational study, the LCI and FEV1 were measured quarterly and during acute respiratory events. Linear regression was used to compare relative changes in LCI and FEV1% predicted at acute respiratory events. Logistic regression was used to compare the odds of a significant worsening in LCI and FEV1% predicted at acute respiratory events. Generalized estimating equation models were used to account for repeated events in the same subject.Measurements and Main Results: A total of 98 children with CF were followed for 2 years. There were 265 acute respiratory events. Relative to a stable baseline measure, LCI (+8.9%; 95% confidence interval, 6.5 to 11.3) and FEV1% predicted (-6.6%; 95% confidence interval, -8.3 to -5.0) worsened with acute respiratory events. A greater proportion of events had a worsening in LCI compared with a decline in FEV1% predicted (41.7% vs. 30.0%; P = 0.012); 53.9% of events were associated with worsening in LCI or FEV1. Neither LCI nor FEV1 recovered to baseline values at the next follow-up visit.Conclusions: In school-age children with CF, the LCI is a sensitive measure to assess lung function worsening with acute respiratory events and incomplete recovery at follow-up. In combination, the LCI and FEV1 capture a higher proportion of events with functional impairment.


Subject(s)
Cystic Fibrosis/complications , Cystic Fibrosis/physiopathology , Forced Expiratory Volume/physiology , Lung Diseases/etiology , Lung Diseases/therapy , Adolescent , Child , Female , Humans , Indiana , Male , Ontario , Prospective Studies , Respiratory Function Tests
5.
Eur Respir J ; 58(1)2021 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33542049

ABSTRACT

The lung clearance index (LCI) measured by the multiple breath washout (MBW) test is sensitive to early lung disease in children with cystic fibrosis. While LCI worsens during the preschool years in cystic fibrosis, there is limited evidence to clarify whether this continues during the early school age years, and whether the trajectory of disease progression as measured by LCI is modifiable.A cohort of children (healthy and cystic fibrosis) previously studied for 12 months as preschoolers were followed during school age (5-10 years). LCI was measured every 3 months for a period of 24 months using the Exhalyzer D MBW nitrogen washout device. Linear mixed effects regression was used to model changes in LCI over time.A total of 582 MBW measurements in 48 healthy subjects and 845 measurements in 64 cystic fibrosis subjects were available. The majority of children with cystic fibrosis had elevated LCI at the first preschool and first school age visits (57.8% (37 out of 64)), whereas all but six had normal forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) values at the first school age visit. During school age years, the course of disease was stable (-0.02 units·year-1 (95% CI -0.14-0.10). LCI measured during preschool years, as well as the rate of LCI change during this time period, were important determinants of LCI and FEV1, at school age.Preschool LCI was a major determinant of school age LCI; these findings further support that the preschool years are critical for early intervention strategies.


Subject(s)
Cystic Fibrosis , Breath Tests , Child , Child, Preschool , Disease Progression , Forced Expiratory Volume , Humans , Lung , Respiratory Function Tests
6.
J Surg Res ; 247: 115-120, 2020 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31812338

ABSTRACT

Trainee research collaborative networks have revolutionized how trainees participate in clinical research. Three North East of England trainee-led research groups, the Intensive Care and Anesthesia Research Network of North East Trainees (INCARNNET), the Northern Surgical Trainees Research Association (NOSTRA) in General Surgery and the Collaborative Orthopedic Research Network (CORNET) in Trauma and Orthopedics have joined, creating a multispecialty collaborative. This multispecialty collaborative undertook a two-phase research Delphi, between November 2017 and June 2018, to identify key research questions. This Delphi identified three high priority research questions common to the three specialties: what is the impact of diabetes control on perioperative outcomes, what factors affect theater efficiency, and how to prevent postoperative chest infection following emergency surgery? These research questions will be developed into collaborative projects. The Delphi also identified specialty-specific questions to be taken forward as research projects by each network.


Subject(s)
Biomedical Research/organization & administration , Delphi Technique , Intersectoral Collaboration , Anesthesiology/education , Anesthesiology/organization & administration , Diabetes Complications/prevention & control , Diabetes Mellitus/therapy , Efficiency , Emergency Treatment/adverse effects , England , General Surgery/education , General Surgery/organization & administration , Humans , Operating Rooms/organization & administration , Orthopedics/education , Orthopedics/organization & administration , Perioperative Care , Postoperative Complications/etiology , Postoperative Complications/prevention & control , Surgical Procedures, Operative/adverse effects
7.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27956166

ABSTRACT

Tasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii) are the largest carnivorous marsupial in Australia. Currently many animals are being held in captivity as a management procedure to combat Devil Facial Tumor Disease. Only one published study thus far has investigated nutrition in Tasmanian devils, determining their maintenance energy requirements and digestibility on a rodent diet. More information is needed on Tasmanian devil nutritional and gastrointestinal function to aid in their management. Our study aimed to investigate the current nutritional status of Tasmanian devils in a captive population and functional morphology and histology of their gastrointestinal tract. Animals were maintained on a diet of kangaroo, rabbit, quail and chicken wings and digestibility of these items by the devils was high (>85% for dry matter, protein and lipid). Kangaroo and rabbit were high protein diet items while the quail and chicken wings provided high lipid to the diet, and carbohydrates were minimal (≤3% energy). Maintenance energy requirements were determined to be 620kJkg-0.75d-1 with no significant difference between males and females. Opportunistic samples for gastrointestinal morphology were obtained from captive specimens. Tasmanian devils have a simple digestive tract similar to other dasyurid species. Both the morphology and histology of the gastrointestinal tract show specialization for a high protein carnivorous diet.


Subject(s)
Marsupialia/physiology , Animal Feed/analysis , Animals , Animals, Zoo , Australia , Carnivory/physiology , Dietary Fats/administration & dosage , Dietary Proteins/administration & dosage , Eating , Endangered Species , Facial Neoplasms/veterinary , Female , Gastrointestinal Tract/anatomy & histology , Gastrointestinal Tract/physiology , Male , Marsupialia/anatomy & histology , Nutritional Status
8.
Zoo Biol ; 36(1): 56-61, 2017 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-28111821

ABSTRACT

Short-beaked echidnas (Tachyglossus aculeatus) are myrmecophages, or ant and termite insectivore specialists, and replicating their exact diet in captivity is problematic. Diets for captive animals often incorporate raw meat, eggs and cat food mixed together with water, and vitamin and mineral supplements. These diets have promoted a number of health problems in captive echidnas, such as gastritis, cystitis, gut impaction, obesity, and diarrhea. A manufactured diet was designed and three echidnas from two zoos were transitioned onto this diet to assess the acceptability and digestibility of this diet for echidnas. The new "test" diet was readily accepted by the echidnas with a 1 week transition period. Daily digestible energy intake was 280 kJ kg-0.75 d-1 , similar to another myrmecophagous species. Digestibility values were above 74% for all macronutrients. It was determined that this diet was an acceptable replacement for the previous diets and it was decided that the remaining echidnas at both institutions would be transitioned to the new diet. The diet will also be used for wild echidnas being rehabilitated in the zoo hospitals prior to release and commercially available within Australia. Further data are being collected to assess the use of this diet for seasonal weight management, transitioning hand-reared puggles and effects on gastrointestinal tract health. Zoo Biol. 36:56-61, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.


Subject(s)
Animal Feed/analysis , Animals, Zoo , Diet/veterinary , Digestion/physiology , Tachyglossidae/physiology , Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena , Animals , Feces/chemistry , Female , Male
10.
Online J Issues Nurs ; 20(1): 2, 2015 Jan 31.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26824260

ABSTRACT

Suicide is at epidemic proportions both in the United States and across the globe. Yet, it is a preventable public health problem. Nurses practice on the front-lines and have the greatest number of opportunities to identify and intervene with suicidal patients. Most registered nurses (RNs) have little or no training in how to assess, evaluate, treat, or refer a suicidal patient. Because of this lack of training, RNs feel ill-prepared and afraid to talk to patients about suicide. The purpose of this article is to review the state of the science of suicide assessment training for nurses. Training RNs in how to assess, evaluate, treat, and refer a suicidal patient is key to suicide prevention. Research suggests that once RNs are trained in suicide assessment, they realize it is no different than assessing for any other type of illness and are then able to help those with suicidal tendencies. The article conclusion offers implications for education, research, and practice.


Subject(s)
Education, Nursing , Nursing Assessment , Suicide Prevention , Suicide, Attempted/prevention & control , Attitude of Health Personnel , Clinical Competence , Education, Nursing/methods , Humans , Nursing Assessment/methods , Nursing Assessment/standards , Primary Prevention/education , Risk Assessment , Risk Factors
11.
Ann Am Thorac Soc ; 21(3): 411-420, 2024 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37879036

ABSTRACT

Rationale: Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) provides prognostic information in cystic fibrosis (CF); however, its prognostic value for patients with advanced CF lung disease is unknown. Objectives: To determine the prognostic value of CPET on the risk of death or lung transplant (LTX) within 2 years. Methods: We retrospectively collected data from 20 CF centers in Asia, Australia, Europe, and North America on patients with a forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) ⩽ 40% predicted who performed a cycle ergometer CPET between January 2008 and December 2017. Time to death/LTX was analyzed using mixed Cox proportional hazards regression. Conditional inference trees were modeled to identify subgroups with increased risk of death/LTX. Results: In total, 174 patients (FEV1, 30.9% ± 5.8% predicted) were included. Forty-four patients (25.5%) died or underwent LTX. Cox regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, and FEV1 revealed percentage predicted peak oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]o2peak) and peak work rate (Wpeak) as significant predictors of death/LTX: adjusted hazard ratios per each additional 10% predicted were 0.60 (95% confidence interval, 0.43-0.90; P = 0.008) and 0.60 (0.48-0.82; P < 0.001). Tree-structured regression models, including a set of 11 prognostic factors for survival, identified Wpeak to be most strongly associated with 2-year risk of death/LTX. Probability of death/LTX was 45.2% for those with a Wpeak ⩽ 49.2% predicted versus 10.9% for those with a Wpeak > 49.2% predicted (P < 0.001). Conclusions: CPET provides prognostic information in advanced CF lung disease, and Wpeak appears to be a promising marker for LTX referral and candidate selection.


Subject(s)
Cystic Fibrosis , Lung Transplantation , Humans , Exercise Test , Prognosis , Retrospective Studies
12.
Ann Am Thorac Soc ; 20(6): 854-860, 2023 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36753426

ABSTRACT

Rationale: Chronic infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PsA) negatively impacts lung disease in patients with primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). There is currently limited evidence regarding the efficacy of PsA antibiotic eradication therapy (AET) in children with PCD. Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of AET of early PsA infection in children with PCD. Methods: This retrospective study included pediatric patients with a confirmed PCD diagnosis according to the American Thoracic Society guidelines at the Hospital for Sick Children between 2010 and 2022. Children with newly acquired PsA infection underwent AET using a stepwise protocol. The protocol included the following steps: step 1, 28 days of tobramycin inhalation solution (TIS); step 2, repeat TIS if culture positive after step 1; and step 3, 14 days of intravenous antibiotics followed by 28 days of TIS if culture positive after step 2. Step 3 was also used for patients who presented with pulmonary exacerbation symptoms. The main outcome was a PsA-negative culture result based on the microbiological results of the first culture after completion of each step of treatment. Results: During the study period, 31 children had a new PsA infection and underwent AET. Of the 27 children who had been asymptomatic at the time of the PsA infection, negative PsA culture results were achieved in 20 (74%) of 27, 1 (14%) of 7, and 5 (83%) of 6 after steps 1, 2, and 3 of AET, respectively. All four symptomatic patients who initially were treated with step 3 had successful clearance of PsA. The overall cumulative success rate of the protocol for negative culture results after AET was 97% (30 of 31). For patients in whom AET was successful, the probability of staying PsA free for at least 1 year was 70%. Conclusions: AET for early PsA infection is highly effective in PCD, with sustained efficacy in most individuals. These data suggest that AET should be considered in all children with PCD who have early PsA infection.


Subject(s)
Arthritis, Psoriatic , Ciliary Motility Disorders , Cystic Fibrosis , Pseudomonas Infections , Child , Humans , Pseudomonas Infections/complications , Pseudomonas Infections/drug therapy , Pseudomonas Infections/diagnosis , Retrospective Studies , Cystic Fibrosis/drug therapy , Arthritis, Psoriatic/drug therapy , Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use , Tobramycin , Pseudomonas aeruginosa
13.
Pediatr Pulmonol ; 58(10): 2857-2864, 2023 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37449771

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary exacerbation (Pex) are common in pediatric primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD), however changes in forced expiratory volume in 1 s precent predicted (FEV1pp) during Pex are not well described. AIM: To assess the evolution of FEV1pp during Pex and to define factors associated with failure to return to baseline lung function. METHOD: This was a retrospective study of patients with PCD between 2010 and 2022. Pex were defined as the presence of increased respiratory symptoms treated with intravenous (IV) antibiotics. The main outcomes were the changes in FEV1 during therapy and the proportion of patients (responders) achieving ≥90% of baseline FEV1pp values at the end of admission. RESULTS: The study included 52 Pex events in 28 children with PCD. The rate of responders was 32/41 (78%) at the end of admission. Nonresponse was associated with lower median body mass index (BMI) Z-score (-2.4 vs. -0.4, p < .01) and with a history of IV treated Pex in the previous year (p = .06). For the 22 Pex with available FEV1pp measurements at mid admission, the median relative and absolute improvement from admission to Day 7 was 9.1% and 6.2%, respectively (p- .001), and from Days 7 to 14 was 4.4% and 2.8%, respectively (p = .08). CONCLUSION: In children with PCD treated with IV antibiotics, the majority of lung function recovery happens during the first week of IV therapy. Lower BMI was associated with nonresponse to therapy.


Subject(s)
Ciliary Motility Disorders , Cystic Fibrosis , Humans , Child , Retrospective Studies , Cystic Fibrosis/complications , Cystic Fibrosis/drug therapy , Cystic Fibrosis/diagnosis , Disease Progression , Lung , Forced Expiratory Volume , Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use
14.
J Cyst Fibros ; 22(1): 98-102, 2023 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35995678

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: While antibiotic eradication therapy (AET) of early Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection is considered standard of care, its long-term effect on the subsequent course of cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease remains unclear. METHODS: CF patients who were P. aeruginosa-free for at least a year and had a minimum of 10 years of pulmonary function measurements were included. Subjects were categorized as Never if they never had P. aeruginosa isolated from a respiratory tract sample. Subjects changed to the Eradicated group if they had a P. aeruginosa infection, were treated with AET, and subsequently cleared their infection. Subjects changed to the Chronic group if AET did not clear their P. aeruginosa infection. The primary outcome was absolute FEV1 decline over time, with age as the time variable. Mixed-effects linear regression models were used to account for the repeated lung function measurements over time within each patient. RESULTS: 205 CF subjects (48% female) were included; the median (IQR) age at first infection was 9.6 (5.6, 14.6) years. The median (IQR) follow-up was 10.2 (5.7, 14.7) years for the Eradicated group, 8.8 (4.5, 14.9) years for the Chronic group and 2.8 (1.0, 5.7) years for the Never group was among those patients that had at least one P. aeruginosa infection over the study period, annual lung function decline of FEV1 was significantly less (-1.11% predicted/year; 95% CI: -1.18, -1.04) in the Eradication group compared to the Chronic group (-1.57%; -1.64, -1.50) (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: AET against P. aeruginosa improves lung function trajectory in CF patients.


Subject(s)
Cystic Fibrosis , Pseudomonas Infections , Humans , Female , Male , Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , Pseudomonas Infections/drug therapy , Lung
15.
J Cyst Fibros ; 22(5): 880-883, 2023 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37474423

ABSTRACT

Pulmonary exacerbations treated with oral antibiotics (oPEx) have a significant effect on lung function decline in people with cystic fibrosis (CF). However, factors associated with lung function response with oPExs are not well defined. We performed a retrospective cohort study of pediatric and adult patients with CF followed in the Toronto CF Database. Lung function response was measured both as the change in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) from Day 0 of antibiotic therapy to end of treatment as well as from baseline to end of treatment. Drop from baseline to Day 0 FEV1 was strongly associated with lung function response (p<0.001). Greater FEV1 improvements were associated with longer antibiotic treatment durations. Older, female patients had less improvements in FEV1 at end of treatment compared to younger, male patients.


Subject(s)
Anti-Bacterial Agents , Cystic Fibrosis , Adult , Humans , Male , Female , Child , Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use , Cystic Fibrosis/complications , Cystic Fibrosis/diagnosis , Cystic Fibrosis/drug therapy , Retrospective Studies , Disease Progression , Lung , Forced Expiratory Volume
16.
Animals (Basel) ; 13(22)2023 Nov 14.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38003136

ABSTRACT

Australia's 2019-2020 bushfires had a devastating impact on animals, humans, and ecosystems. They also demonstrated the lack of evidence or guidance for wildlife provisioning in response to severe fire events when volunteers and wildlife organisations rose to respond. In addition, the unprecedented scale and intensity of the fires and an absence of institutional support for wildlife provisioning meant that well-intentioned interventions were largely uncoordinated and lacked clear short-term, mid-term, and long-term objectives. Fundamentally, a lack of consensus was revealed on whether any such interventions are advisable. Given the strong evidence indicating that future bushfire seasons will become longer and more intense in Australia and elsewhere, the welfare and survival of millions of wild animals are at risk every year. Understanding the impacts of supplementary resource interventions and contributing to the development of best practice information is crucial to inform the response to the next major fire event. Here, we contextualize the arguments for and against provisioning within a 'One Welfare' framework that recognizes that animal welfare, biodiversity, and the environment are intertwined with human welfare and community resilience. We propose that the One Welfare approach can facilitate appropriate consideration of the extant scientific and lay literature; local legislation; views of stakeholders; emerging data; and modelling from historic fire events. As a further step, we see merit in engaging with wildlife provisioners and the broader conservation community to build an evidence base for future wildlife provisioning activities. From an informed position, we can encourage beneficial interventions and reduce the risk of negative outcomes. Finally, we propose controlled experiments (e.g., using hazard reduction burns), ongoing data collection using emergent technology, and longitudinal analysis to address shifting research priorities as the climate changes. We conclude that the ordered collection of the necessary evidence relevant to each of the three stakeholder groups in the One Welfare framework has the greatest potential to support an informed policy platform on wildlife provisioning across Australia that is feasible, legal, and sustainable.

17.
J Cyst Fibros ; 22(2): 296-305, 2023 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35753986

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are important outcome measures in research and clinical practice. This study describes the longitudinal variability the Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-Revised (CFQ-R) Respiratory score and the Chronic Respiratory Infection Symptom Score (CRISS), as well as their ability to identify acute respiratory events in children with CF. METHODS: In this prospective observational study, the parent-proxy (6 -13 years) and self-reported (6-18 years) CFQ-R Respiratory score and CRISS (6-18 years) were measured every 3 months over 2 years. The lung clearance index (LCI) and FEV1 were also measured. We compared the diagnostic accuracy of the PROs in distinguishing acute respiratory events and clinically stable visits, using the minimal important difference of each PRO as the threshold. RESULTS: A total of 98 children with CF were included. On average, the symptom scores did not change between clinically stable visits. The positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of a ≥8.5-point worsening in the parent-proxy CFQ-R score to identify acute respiratory events (n=119) (PPV 70.2% and NPV 87.0%) were higher than for the self-reported CFQ-R score (PPV 58.9% and NPV 72.2%). The PPV and NPV of an ≥11-point change in the CRISS for acute respiratory events (n=137) was 56.5% and 79.6%, respectively. The PPV and NPV of all PROs were increased when combined with the LCI and/or FEV1pp. CONCLUSION: Symptoms scores differ in their ability to identify acute respiratory events in children with CF; PPV and NPV of all PROs were improved when combined with lung function outcomes.


Subject(s)
Cystic Fibrosis , Respiratory Tract Infections , Humans , Child , Cystic Fibrosis/complications , Cystic Fibrosis/diagnosis , Respiratory Function Tests , Predictive Value of Tests , Surveys and Questionnaires , Self Report , Respiratory Tract Infections/diagnosis , Respiratory Tract Infections/etiology , Quality of Life
18.
J Cyst Fibros ; 21(5): 759-765, 2022 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35650003

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Antibiotics are often changed during treatment of pulmonary exacerbations (PEx) in people with cystic fibrosis (CF) who have a poor clinical response. We aimed to characterize the reasons CF providers change antibiotics and examined the effects of antibiotic changes on lung function recovery. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study using the Toronto CF Database from 2009 to 2015 of adults and children with CF PEx treated with intravenous antibiotics. The co-primary outcome measure was absolute and relative change in forced expiratory lung volume in 1 s (FEV1) at end of treatment and follow-up. Secondary outcome assessed the proportion of patients returning to > 90% or > 100% previous baseline FEV1. RESULTS: A total of 399 PEx were included of which 105 had antibiotic changes. Reasons for antibiotic changes included change in antibiotic route prior to discharge (26%), drug reactions (20%), poor FEV1 response (25%), targeting additional microbes (16%) and lack of symptom improvement (13%). In our multivariable analysis, among non-responders (< 90% FEV1 recovery to baseline or lack of symptom improvement at the interim time point), a change in antibiotics was not associated with any significant difference in absolute or relative FEV1 at end of treatment or at follow-up. Antibiotic change in non-responders was not associated with improved return to 90% or 100% baseline FEV1 at end of treatment or follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Changing antibiotics during CF PEx treatment in those with poor clinical response was not associated with any improved FEV1 response or return to baseline lung function.


Subject(s)
Cystic Fibrosis , Adult , Anti-Bacterial Agents , Child , Cystic Fibrosis/complications , Cystic Fibrosis/diagnosis , Cystic Fibrosis/drug therapy , Disease Progression , Forced Expiratory Volume , Humans , Retrospective Studies
19.
J Cyst Fibros ; 21(4): 623-625, 2022 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35260353

ABSTRACT

Airway nitric oxide (NO) deficiency is a hallmark of cystic fibrosis (CF), but the reasons for the reduced NO production in CF airways are unclear. Interleukin (IL)-1 pathway activation plays a role in early CF lung disease and is also involved in the regulation of NO synthase activity. Treatment of CF patients with the CFTR-targeting drug ivacaftor, among other beneficial effects, results in an increase in airway NO levels. In this longitudinal observational trial, we show that ivacaftor therapy leads to a significant reduction in sputum IL-1ß concentration but not in other IL-1- or Th17-associated cytokines. IL-1ß concentrations were closely linked to improvement in pulmonary function, measures of NO metabolism in sputum and exhaled NO. These data therefore suggest a potential interaction between transepithelial chloride conductance, IL-1ß and airway NO production.


Subject(s)
Cystic Fibrosis , Cystic Fibrosis/complications , Cystic Fibrosis/drug therapy , Cystic Fibrosis/metabolism , Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator/metabolism , Humans , Interleukin-1beta , Interleukin-8/metabolism , Lung/metabolism , Nitric Oxide/metabolism
20.
J Cyst Fibros ; 21(2): e102-e105, 2022 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35063397

ABSTRACT

Aquagenic wrinkling of palms (AWP) in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and common CFTR mutations is recognized as a frequent symptom of the disease. The long-term effect of CFTR targeting therapy on AWP has not been studied. AWP was monitored in 16 CF patients (8 children and 8 adults) before and for 6 months after initiation of ivacaftor therapy. Thirteen (81.3%) patients had at least mild and 8/16 (50%) moderate-to-severe AWP at baseline. AWP improved with ivacaftor therapy. This observation suggests that AWP is also common in individuals with CF and relatively rare mutations and is directly related to CFTR function.


Subject(s)
Cystic Fibrosis , Adult , Aminophenols/pharmacology , Aminophenols/therapeutic use , Child , Cystic Fibrosis/complications , Cystic Fibrosis/drug therapy , Cystic Fibrosis/genetics , Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator/genetics , Humans , Mutation , Quinolones , Skin Aging/drug effects , Skin Aging/genetics , Water/adverse effects
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