High female mortality caused by an atypical Mycobacterium species closely related to the Mycobacterium ulcerans-marinum complex in a colony of bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps).

A commercial breeding colony of bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) experienced an increase in mortality that affected females only. Before death, the animals had lost appetite and weight, were dehydrated, and some had labored breathing. Necropsy revealed granulomas in many organs (ovaries, lungs, liver, kidneys, heart, bone marrow) in which numerous acid-fast bacteria were identified. Bacterial isolation confirmed Mycobacterium spp., which was identified by whole genome sequencing as closely related to the Mycobacterium ulcerans-marinum complex. Due to the zoonotic potential of this bacterium and the poor prognosis for the remaining sick animals, the entire colony was culled and 7 animals were evaluated. The possible routes for introduction of this bacterium, the female predisposition to the disease, as well as the zoonotic potential of this microorganism are discussed. Key clinical message: An atypical Mycobacterium species closely related to Mycobacterium ulcerans-marinum complex can cause high female morality in captive bearded dragons.

Mortalité élevée de femelles dans une colonie de dragons barbus (Pogona vitticeps) causée par une mycobactérie atypique étroitement reliée au complexe Mycobacterium ulcerans-marinum . Une augmentation de la mortalité affectant uniquement les femelles est survenue dans une colonie de dragons barbus reproducteurs. Avant leur mort, ces animaux étaient anorexiques, amaigris, déshydratés et certains respiraient la gueule ouverte. Leur nécropsie révéla la présence de granulomes dans plusieurs viscères (poumons, coeur, reins, foie, ovaires, moelle osseuse), dans lesquels des bacilles acido-alcoolo-résistants étaient visibles à l'examen microscopique. L'isolement bactérien a permis de confirmer qu'il s'agissait bien de Mycobacterium spp. et les analyses moléculaires ont démontré que cette mycobactérie était étroitement reliée au complexe Mycobacterium ulcerans-marinum. À cause du potentiel zoonotique de cette infection et du pronostic sombre, la colonie entière fut euthanasiée et sept (7) animaux soumis pour nécropsie. Les causes potentielles d'introduction de cette bactérie dans la colonie, la prédisposition particulière des femelles à cette infection et le risque zoonotique qui y est associé seront discutés.Message clinique clé :Une mycobactérie étroitement associée au complexe Mycobacterium ulcerans-marinum peut causer une mortalité élevée chez les dragons barbus en captivité et cibler tout particulièrement les femelles.(Traduit par les auteurs).

Mycobacterium xenopi systemic infection in a domestic fiery-shouldered conure bird (Pyrrhura egregia).

INTRODUCTION: Mycobacterium xenopi is a rare opportunistic pathogen mainly causing infections in immunocompromised human patients or those with underlying chronic structural lung disease. Cases of disease in veterinary medicine remain scarce. Few animal species, including birds, are suspected of being vectors of the disease and there has not yet been a report of clinical disease in birds. We report the first case, to our knowledge, of systemic infection in a domestic bird. CASE PRESENTATION: A female fiery-shouldered conure was submitted after death for necropsy following episodes of heavy breathing. The necropsy revealed multiple granulomatous lesions within the liver, air sacs and kidneys. Ziehl-Neelsen stains demonstrated the presence of numerous intralesional acid-fast bacilli. PCR assays and culture confirmed the presence of M. xenopi. CONCLUSION: Through this case we hope to describe the characteristics of M. xenopi disease in birds and the possible close relationship between animal and human infections.

[Not Available]. / Une version franco-canadienne de la Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) Scale : L'Échelle PEDro.

PURPOSE: To prepare a Canadian French translation of the PEDro Scale under the proposed name l'Échelle PEDro, and to examine the validity of its content. METHODS: A modified approach of Vallerand's cross-cultural validation methodology was used, beginning with a parallel back-translation of the PEDro scale by both professional translators and clinical researchers. These versions were reviewed by an initial panel of experts (P1), who then created the first experimental version of l'Échelle PEDro. This version was evaluated by a second panel of experts (P2). Finally, 32 clinical researchers evaluated the second experimental version of l'Échelle PEDro, using a 5-point clarity scale, and suggested final modifications. RESULTS: The various items on the final version of l'Échelle PEDro show a high degree of clarity (from 4.0 to 4.7 on the 5-point scale). CONCLUSION: The four rigorous steps of the translation process have produced a valid Canadian French version of the PEDro scale.

[Theoretical perspectives in health education and record keeping]. / Perspectives théoriques en éducation à la santé et tenue de dossiers.

BACKGROUND: Are occupational therapists involved in health education and promotion, as required by Quebec's Professional code? In practice, they do intervene in health education. However, their lack of theoretical referents makes it difficult to acknowledge that specific component of their profession. Therefore, concepts related to health education need to be clarified. Then again, are their interventions clearly reflected in their records? PURPOSE: The main goal is to clarify theoretical concepts about health education, in order to assist occupational therapists in recognizing interventions that come under health education and in integrating these interventions into their records. KEY ISSUES: The article outlines the evolution of the concept of health education and describes the challenges of the documentation process. IMPLICATIONS: It suggests methods of adequately recording interventions, while complying with the underlying epistemological stand.

[Not Available]. / Une version canadienne française du Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) : L'Échelle fonctionnelle des membres inférieurs (ÉFMI), partie I.

INTRODUCTION: The Rehabilitation Network of Ottawa-Carleton (RENOC) recommends that its institutions use the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS). Since RENOC serves both Francophone and Anglophone clients, the LEFS needed to be translated to assess the Francophone clientele. OBJECTIVE: To create a French-Canadian version of the LEFS, with the proposed title "Échelle fonctionnelle des membres inférieurs" (ÉFMI), and to examine its content validity. METHODOLOGY: A modified version of Vallerand's (1989) cross-validation technique for questionnaires was used to validate the equivalence of the French version of the LEFS. First, a parallel reverse translation of the LEFS was completed. Second, a committee of experts examined the two drafts and created a first experimental version of the ÉFMI. Third, this version was evaluated by a second committee of experts. Following the comments received, a second experimental version was created. Fourth, 35 rehabilitation professionals evaluated the second experimental version of the ÉFMI on a scale of ambiguity and proposed final changes. RESULTS: On the final version of the ÉFMI, the statements demonstrated a relatively low average level of ambiguity, ranging between 1 and 2.54. CONCLUSION: The rigorous four-step process followed in this study produced a French-Canadian version of the LEFS with demonstrated content validity.

[Not Available]. / Fiabilité test retest et validité de construit de la version française de L'Échelle fonctionnelle des membres inférieurs (ÉFMI), partie II.

INTRODUCTION: The Lower Extremity Functional Scale was translated into Canadian French in 2006; the translated version was titled Échelle fonctionnelle des membres inférieurs (EFMI). The construct validity and reliability of the EFMI have not been examined. OBJECTIVE: To examine the test-retest reliability, internal consistency, and construct validity of the EFMI. METHODOLOGY: Thirty-four participants who had undergone surgery or had an injury to the lower limb were asked to fill out a demographic questionnaire and complete the EFMI after their initial assessment while hospitalized. They completed the EFMI a second time within 72 hours. The intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and the kappa coefficient were chosen to examine the test-retest reliability of the EFMI, and Cronbach's alpha coefficient was calculated to assess internal consistency. A factor analysis was conducted to examine construct validity by determining the number of constructs and their meanings. RESULTS: The ICC value was 0.92 (95% CI: 0.88-0.96), and Cronbach's alpha was 0.95 (95% CI: 0.91-0.99). The factor analysis revealed that all elements of the EFMI share one principal construct. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate that the French-Canadian version of the EFMI is a unidimensional tool with excellent test-retest reliability.