Prevalence of anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 antibodies in cats in Germany and other European countries in the early phase of the coronavirus disease-19 pandemic.

During the first months of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), cases of human-to-cat transmission were reported. Seroconversion was shown in cats infected under experimental and natural conditions. This large-scale survey of 1,005 serum samples was conducted to investigate anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence in domestic cats during the first 7 months of the pandemic in Germany and other European countries. In addition, we compared the sensitivity and specificity of two multispecies SARS-CoV-2 antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Results were confirmed by using an indirect immunofluorescence test (iIFT) and a surrogate virus neutralization test (sVNT). Sera that were highly positive for feline coronavirus (FCoV) antibodies (n = 103) were included to correct for cross-reactivity of the tests used. Our results showed an overall SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity of 1.9% (n = 19) in a receptor-binding domain (RBD)-based ELISA, additional 0.8% (n = 8) were giving inconclusive results. In contrast, a nucleocapsid-based ELISA revealed 0.5% (n = 5) positive and 0.2% (n = 2) inconclusive results. While the iIFT and sVNT confirmed 100% of positive and 50%-57.1% of the doubtful results as determined in the RBD ELISA, the nucleocapsid-based assay showed a high discrepancy and only one of the five positive results could be confirmed. The results indicate significant deficits of the nucleocapsid-based ELISA with respect to sensitivity and specificity. Due to a significantly higher rate (5.8%) of positive results in the group of highly FCoV antibody-positive samples, cross-reactivity of the FCoV-ELISA with SARS-CoV-2 antibodies cannot be excluded. Furthermore, we investigated the impact of direct contact of domestic cats (n = 23) to SARS-CoV-2 positive owners. Considering one inconclusive result, which got confirmed by iIFT, this exposure did not lead to a significantly higher prevalence (4.4%; p = .358) among tested subjects. Overall, we conclude that cats are a negligible entity with respect to virus transmission in Europe.

Investigating the impact of dynamic and static secondary tasks on task-switch cost.

Many researchers have employed secondary tasks, which have to be performed in parallel with a primary task requirement, to examine how successful task selection is accomplished in the context of task switching. The influence of such a secondary task on the observed switch cost (i.e., the cost arising when the currently relevant task differs from the task performed most recently) is seen as indicative that cognitive processes such as self-instruction are involved. Most secondary tasks chosen so far have required the repeated utterance of a word or syllable or a rhythmic movement of the foot. In the present study, we manipulated the dynamics of the to-be-performed secondary task (i.e., a repeated utterance or movement, or a static task that involved similar muscles-holding a spattle in the mouth or pressing keys). Additionally, we tested for modality-specific influences by asking participants to perform a dynamic or nondynamic (i.e., static) secondary task with two effector systems, namely oral and manual. Overall, our secondary tasks led to a reduced (rather than an increased) switch cost, as compared to a control condition without any secondary task. This reduction in switch cost was dependent on the secondary-task dynamics but independent of the effectors involved, showing larger switch-cost reductions for dynamic secondary tasks. To explain this finding, we suggest that performing secondary tasks interferes with the formation of episodic-memory traces that would lead to retrieval benefits in the case of a task repetition, so that our reduced task-switch costs actually represent reduced repetition benefits.

The combination of semi-sitting position and intraoperative MRI--first report on feasibility.

INTRODUCTION: Intraoperative MRI (iMRI) has been established as a routine imaging modality with a remarkable impact on specific neurosurgical procedures. The technological advancement continuously extends the spectrum of iMRI, leading to an increasing number of installations. Yet, procedures in which a semi-sitting position would be advantageous were beyond the reach of iMRI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed an iMRI-guided surgical procedure in a patient with a cystic lesion of the inferior parieto-occipital lobe while the patient was placed in a semi-sitting position, employing a mobile 0.15-T intraoperative MRI system. For that purpose, we adapted a standard OR table according to the needs of iMRI. FINDINGS: Patient positioning could be accomplished easily. For intraoperative scanning, the OR table was tilted backwards so as to position the patient's head in the magnet's aperture. Obtained images were used for neuronavigated cyst evacuation via burr hole trephination after repositioning the OR table. Subsequent intraoperative imaging documented collapse of the cyst at the end of the procedure. There were no adverse effects resulting from the combination of semi-sitting position and iMRI guidance. CONCLUSION: This report demonstrates for the first time that the combination of iMRI and the semi-sitting position is feasible and that this procedure bears specific benefits. Issues such as brain shift due to table tilting warrant further investigations in order to expand this technique to posterior fossa craniotomies.

A standardized protocol for the prevention of clinically relevant venous air embolism during neurosurgical interventions in the semisitting position.

OBJECTIVE: We report the results and complications associated with standardized intraoperative management designed for the prevention of hemodynamically relevant venous air embolism during surgery performed in the semisitting position. METHODS: A protocol for preoperative evaluation and intraoperative monitoring was developed and applied in 187 consecutive patients who underwent surgery in the semisitting position between 1999 and 2004. The protocol included preoperative transesophageal echocardiography examination (TEE), intraoperative TEE monitoring, catheterization of the right atrium and a combination of fluid input, positive end expiratory pressure, and standardized positioning aiming at a positive pressure in the transverse and sigmoid sinuses. Data were collected retrospectively from the charts and intraoperative anesthesiological protocols of the patients for the incidence of clinically relevant air embolism (i.e., TEE-diagnosed air embolism plus a decrease in end tidal CO2 or hemodynamic changes) and other complications related to the semisitting position. RESULTS: Three cases (1.6%) of relevant venous air embolism occurred in 187 patients. Only 1 case (0.5%) was hemodynamically relevant, with temporary arterial blood pressure decrease and heart rate increase. Pneumatocephalus leading to lethargy was a frequent postoperative finding, which resolved spontaneously in all except 1 patient with epileptic seizure and oculomotor nerve palsy attributable to space-occupying subdurally trapped air, which had to be treated surgically. There was no permanent morbidity or mortality related to the semisitting position. CONCLUSION: Fear of massive venous air embolism is one reason for dramatic decline in the use of the semisitting position in neurosurgical practice. We found that strict adherence to a standardized protocol using TEE monitoring before and during surgery; exclusion of patients with patent foramen ovale; and a combination of positive end expiratory pressure, fluid input, and a standardized position aiming a positive pressure in the transverse and sigmoid sinuses helped to greatly minimize this complication to a rate of 0.5% for hemodynamically relevant events.

Electronically monitored single-use patient-controlled analgesia pumps in postoperative pain control.

The present study was performed to establish whether analgesic consumption in the first four postoperative hours is a suitable basis for selecting the demand dose and predicting the likely analgesic requirement over the next 20 hours with single-use patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pumps, and to establish whether this method provides effective pain control. Forty-two patients who had undergone a laparotic gynecological procedure (hysterectomy) were given an electronic PCA pump (Abbott Lifecare, Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL) for four hours (phase I) with a demand dose of 1 mg piritramide and a lockout period of five minutes for dose titration. Piritramide's potency is comparable with that of morphine. The patients then received single-use PCA pumps (Baxter Infusor/Watch, Baxter, Deerfield, IL) for the next 20 hours (phase II) with a demand dose of 0.75 mg in Group A and 1.5 mg in Group B, depending on whether more or less than 10 mg pritramide had been consumed in phase I. A specially designed electronic recorder was used to measure the exact amount consumed and number of demands. Patients experiencing pain were free to receive additional piritramide at any time as rescue medication; however, these patients were withdrawn from the study. Ninety percent of the patients in group A said they were satisfied with or undecided as to the level of analgesia. The corresponding figure in group B was 95 percent. Piritramide consumption was significantly higher in group B than in group A. There were no significant differences between the groups regarding demographic data or duration of surgery, nor did either of these two parameters affect postoperative piritramide consumption. Significant alleviation of pain and improvement in visual analog scale scores from phase I [group A, 4.7 (range, 2.0 to 6.8); group B, 4.6 (range, 3.0 to 8.3)] to phase II [group A, 3.1 (range, 0.4 to 5.2); group B, 3.2 (range, 0.4 to 6.0)] was achieved in both groups. A significant difference in analgesic consumption up to 18 hours postoperatively was seen after dose titration. In the first four hours, the rate of successful demands was significantly higher in group A (80.9 percent) than in group B (40.9 percent). The number of successful demands was comparable in the two groups during phase II (A, 98.8 percent; B, 94.5 percent). In summary, total opioid consumption during the first four hours after operation showed two groups of patients with significantly different needs for piritramide (< 10 mg per 4 hours or > 10 mg per 4 hours). Two different dose regimes were applied using a high and a low bolus size in the following 20 hours. We concluded that effective pain control without respiratory depression was achieved with single-use PCA pumps. Opioid consumption varied significantly, whereas pain levels did not.

Developmental effects of prenatal exposure to bisphenol a on the uterus of rat offspring.

Exposure to estrogenic compounds during critical periods of fetal development could result in adverse effects on the development of reproductive organs that are not apparent until later in life. Bisphenol A (BPA), which is employed in the manufacture of a wide range of consumer products, is a prime candidate for endocrine disruption. We examined BPA to address the question of whether in utero exposure affects the uterus of the offspring and studied the expression and distribution of the estrogen receptors alpha (ERalpha) and beta (ERbeta), because estrogens influence the development, growth, and function of the uterus through both receptors. Gravid Sprague-Dawley dams were administered by gavage either 0.1 or 50 mg/kg per day BPA or 0.2 mg/kg per day 17alpha-ethinyl estradiol (EE2) as reference dose on gestation days 6 through 21. Female offspring were killed in estrus. Uterine morphologic changes as well as ERalpha and ERbeta distribution and expression were measured by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. Striking morphologic changes were observed in the uterine epithelium of postpubertal offspring during estrus of the in utero BPA-treated animals (the thickness of the total epithelium was significantly reduced). ERalpha expression was increased in the 50-mg BPA and EE2-treated group. In contrast, we observed significantly decreased ERbeta expression in all BPA- and EE2-treated animals when compared with the control. In summary, these results clearly indicate that in utero exposure of rats to BPA promotes uterine disruption in offspring. We hypothesize that the uterine disruption could possibly be provoked by a dysregulation of ERalpha and ERbeta.