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Extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) strains are capable of causing various systemic infections in both humans and animals. In this study, we isolated and characterized 30 E. coli strains from the parenchymatic organs and brains of young (E. coli: three strains carried cnf1, encoding cytotoxic necrotizing factor type 1, the key virulence gene of necrotoxigenic E. coli (NTEC), and one carried eae encoding intimin, the key virulence gene of enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC). An investigation of the integration sites of pathogenicity islands (PAIs) and the presence of prophage-related sequences showed that the strains carry diverse arrays of mobile genetic elements, which may contribute to their antimicrobial resistance and virulence patterns. Our work is the first to describe ExPEC strains from camels, and points to their veterinary pathogenic as well as zoonotic potential in this important domestic animal.

Rationale: Phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitors are a newer class of drugs that induce bronchodilation and have anti‐inflammatory effects, making them susceptible to misuse as performance enhancers in competitive sports. Methods: This study explores the metabolic conversion of PDE4 inhibitor ibudilast in thoroughbred horses after oral administration and in vitro using equine liver microsomes and Cunninghamella elegans. A liquid chromatography‐high resolution mass spectrometry method was used to postulate the plausible structures of the detected metabolites. Results: A total of 20 in vivo metabolites were identified under experimental conditions, including 12 Phase I and 8 Phase II conjugated metabolites. Phase I metabolites were predominantly formed through hydroxylation (mono‐, di‐, and tri‐hydroxylation). Demethylated metabolites were also identified during this investigation. Additionally, the research detected Phase II metabolites conjugated with glucuronic and sulfonic acids. Conclusions: The data presented here can assist in detecting the PDE4 inhibitor ibudilast and uncover its illicit use in competitive sports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A dopamine reuptake inhibitor is a type of medication or substance that works by blocking the reuptake of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine reuptake inhibitors offer multiple effects, including increased alertness, improved mood, and therapeutic potential for conditions like depression, ADHD, and Parkinson's disease. HDMP‐28, or methylnaphthidate, is a potent synthetic stimulant from the phenyltropane class. It surpasses methylphenidate in both dopamine reuptake inhibition and half‐life. As a dopamine reuptake inhibitor, it boosts dopamine levels by hindering reuptake into nerve cells, resulting in heightened stimulation and increased energy. In order to comprehensively address both the tangible and potential repercussions of the unauthorized utilization of the aforementioned substance in sports, it is imperative to establish analytical methodologies for the identification of the parent drug and its primary metabolites. Additionally, a comprehensive analysis of the metabolic characteristics of HDMP‐28 in both human and animal subjects has yet to be published. This study explores the metabolic conversion of HDMP‐28 mediated by equine liver microsomes and Cunninghamella elegans. An extraction and detection method was developed, optimized, and validated for doping assessment in equine urine and plasma. Liquid chromatography–high‐resolution mass spectrometry was employed to determine metabolite structures. The study identified 31 (22 phase I and 9 phase II) metabolites of HDMP‐28, including hydroxylated, hydrogenated, and hydrolyzed analogs. Glucuronic acid‐conjugated metabolites were also detected. This manuscript describes metabolites based on the in vitro studies, which might not be the same in vivo. These findings aid in the detection and understanding of the illicit use of HDMP‐28 in equestrian sports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epizootic lymphangitis (EL) is a highly prevalent and contagious infectious disease affecting horses in many parts of Ethiopia caused by Histoplasma capsulatum sensu lato ('var. farciminosum '). In this study, 12 suspected isolates of H. capsulatum sensu lato or yeasts unidentified by conventional biochemical tests isolated from Ethiopian horses with EL were characterised by internal transcribed spacer sequencing. Six of the 12 isolates were identified to be members of H. capsulatum sensu lato and the other six were Pichia kudriavzevii (synonym: Candida krusei) (n  = 3), Trichosporon asahii (n  = 1), Geotrichum silvicola (n  = 1) and Moesziomyces aphidis (n  = 1), respectively. The six H. capsulatum sensu lato isolates were further characterised by multilocus sequence analysis. Four distinct gene loci (arf [462 bases], H-anti [410 bases], ole1 [338 bases] and tub1 [272 bases]) of these six isolates as well as those of two H. capsulatum sensu lato ('var. farciminosum ') reference strains (ATCC 58332 and ATCC 28798) were polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-amplified and sequenced. Phylogenetic analyses of their concatenated nucleotide sequences showed that three of the isolates and the reference strain ATCC 58332 were identical and belonged to the Eurasia clade within Latin American (LAm) A (H. suramericanum), and those of the other three isolates and the reference strain ATCC 28798 were identical and belonged to the Africa clade. At least two distinct phylogenetic clades of H. capsulatum sensu lato were circulating in Ethiopian horses with EL. Advanced molecular technologies and bioinformatics tools are crucial for the accurate identification and typing of pathogens as well as the discovery of novel microorganisms in veterinary microbiology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context Levothyroxine is one of the most prescribed medications in the United States. Objective This study explores the appropriateness of levothyroxine prescriptions. Methods A retrospective multicenter study was conducted on adult patients who were prescribed levothyroxine for the first time between 2017 and 2020 at three academic centers in the United States. We classified each case of levothyroxine initiation into one of three mutually exclusive categories: appropriate (clinically supported), indeterminate (clinically unclear), or nonevidence based (NEB, not clinically supported). Results A total of 977 participants were included. The mean age was 55 years (SD 19), there was female (69%) and White race predominance (84%), and 44% had possible hypothyroid symptoms. Nearly half of the levothyroxine prescriptions were considered NEB (528, 54%), followed by appropriate (307, 31%) and indeterminate (118, 12%). The most common reason for NEB prescription was an index thyrotropin (TSH) value of less than 10 mIU/L without previous TSH or thyroxine values (131/528, 25%), for appropriate prescription, was overt hypothyroidism (163/307, 53%), and for an indeterminate prescription was a nonconfirmed subclinical hypothyroidism with TSH greater than or equal to 10 mIU/L (no confirmatory testing) (51/118, 43%). In multivariable analysis, being female (odds ratio [OR]: 1.3; 95% CI, 1.0-1.7) and prescription by a primary care provider (OR: 1.5; 95% CI, 1.2-2.0) were associated with NEB prescriptions. Conclusion There is a considerable proportion of NEB levothyroxine prescriptions. These results call for additional research to replicate these findings and to explore the perspective of those prescribing and receiving levothyroxine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Byline: Koshy. Cherian, Abel. Samuel Johnson, Avira. Chacko, Bichu. Babu, Marina. Joseph, Alice. David, Sangeetha. Varghese Background: Domestic squalor refers to households that are extremely cluttered, in a filthy condition, [...]

This article presents a model of human rights practice in India, specifically focused on the right to adequate housing for marginalized groups. It details this through the praxis of a 40-year-old non-profit organization called Youth for Unity and Voluntary Action (YUVA). The article presents the approach, rooted in the specific socio-legal contexts of Indian cities where YUVA works. Four key elements from YUVA's model of work are elaborated: a) facilitating access to citizenship rights to enable individual claim-making; b) formation of people's organizations towards collectivization; c) formation of wider city- and state-level alliances towards policy and advocacy shifts; d) strategic inputs to drive inclusion in urban plans. Although the insights embody the experience of a single organization, they offer several lessons for wider human rights practice with respect to realizing the right to housing in developing country contexts, especially in the Global South. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lunch, being the main meal, is a representation of the eating habits and dietary preferences of the children and parents. The lunch box survey was an attempt to identify the contents in the lunch box of the primary school children of the Rural Konni block. The food items brought in the lunch box were classified into cereals, vegetables, fruits, non-vegetarian foods, and fried foods. This is captured using a pre-designed questionnaire with a pictorial representation of the lunch box. A cereal-rich diet combined with vegetables with infrequent meat consumption and no fruits was the dietary consumption pattern in the school children of rural Konni. A changing trend for liking energy-dense foods is shown by the majority of the students. This calls for further novel innovations to develop a healthy school food environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Three horse mares inadvertently inseminated with semen from a Tayorella asinigenitalis‐positive Jack donkey developed severe, purulent endometritis whereas two Jenny donkeys mated naturally to the same Jack donkey did not develop clinical signs of infection. Objectives: To isolate and identify the causative agent. Study design: Case report. Methods: Endometrial swabs from the infected mares were cultured on selective and non‐selective media under aerobic and microaerophilic conditions. Isolates were subjected to Gram staining, oxidase and catalase tests, the Monotayl Latex Agglutination test and PCR to test for both T. equigenitalis and T. asinigenitalis. In vitro antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed and the bacterial isolate was genotyped using MLST. Results: A new sequence type of T. asinigenitalis was confirmed. Main limitations: A limited numbers of mares and donkeys are described. Conclusions: This strain of T. asinigenitalis causes a severe venereal infection in mares but not in Jenny donkeys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Hepatitis B is a potentially life-threatening liver infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV). The established routes of transmission are from mother to infant, sexual contact, and exposure to blood or body fluids. Though HBV is preventable by vaccine and robust infection control practices, outbreaks of HBV infection do occur in India. However, the state of Kerala with its health parameters, one among the best in the country, cannot afford to have continuing outbreaks. An unusual increase in the reported cases of Hepatitis B in a rural area of Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, called for an outbreak investigation. Aims: To describe the epidemiological features, to determine the risk factors associated with HBV transmission, and to suggest measures to prevent future transmission. Methods: A community-based case-control study (1:2) was undertaken. A total of 162 participants (54 cases and 108 age, gender, and neighborhood matched controls) took part in the study. Focus group discussions were conducted with subject experts to develop an interview schedule assessing 40 risk factors. It was further reviewed by the University of Sydney. Data was collected by trained Junior Health Inspectors and Junior Public Health Nurses of the Primary Health Centers. Data was analyzed using SPSS v. 20. Proportions were compared by Univariate analysis, sub-group analysis, and logistic regression. Population Attributable Risk (PAR) was also calculated. Results and Conclusion: More than 90% of the infections were IgM anti-HBc positive, suggesting a recent infection. Interventions during hospitalization [OR: 7.98 (95% CI -- 2.17-29.4)], family history of Hepatitis B [OR. 4.14 (95%CI -- 1.73-9.9)], and laboratory investigations [OR: 3.99 (1.72-9.31)] were found to be significant risk factors. PAR was highest for laboratory interventions (32%). Vaccinating household contacts and strict enforcement of infection control practices could substantially reduce the burden of this fatal disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Aspergillosis in falcons may be associated with high mortality and difficulties in clinical and laboratory diagnosis. We previously cloned an immunogenic protein, Afmp1p, in Aspergillus fumigatus and showed that anti‐Afmp1p antibodies were present in human patients with A. fumigatus infections. In this study, we hypothesise that a similar Afmp1p‐based enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) could be applied to serodiagnose falcon aspergillosis. A specific polyclonal antibody was first generated to detect falcon serum IgY. Horseradish peroxidase‐conjugate of this antibody was then used to measure anti‐Afmp1p antibodies in sera collected from falcons experimentally infected with A. fumigatus, and the performance of the Afmp1p‐based ELISA was evaluated using sera from healthy falcons and falcons with documented A. fumigatus infections. All four experimentally infected falcons developed culture‐ and histology‐proven invasive aspergillosis. Anti‐Afmp1p antibodies were detected in their sera. For the Afmp1p‐based ELISA, the mean ± SD OD450 nm using sera from 129 healthy falcons was 0.186 ± 0.073. Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis showed an absorbance cut‐off value of 0.407. One negative serum gave an absorbance outside the normal range, giving a specificity of 99.2%. For the 12 sera from falcons with confirmed aspergillosis, nine gave absorbance values ≥ cut‐off, giving a sensitivity of 75%. The Afmp1p‐based ELISA is useful for serodiagnosis of falcons with aspergillosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitors constitute a relatively modern class of medications that are known for inducing bronchodilation and exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties within the body. Due to these properties, there is concern regarding their potential misuse as performance-enhancing substances in competitive sports. This study delves into the metabolic conversion of roflumilast in thoroughbred horses following oral administration and in vitro experimentation using equine liver microsomes and Cunninghamella elegans. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a Q Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometer (HPLC-HRMS) was employed for analysis. The investigation identified 10 metabolites of roflumilast, including six phase I and four phase II metabolites from in vivo studies, and 11 metabolites from in vitro studies, consisting of eight phase I and three phase II metabolites. The identified biotransformation products encompassed processes such as hydroxylation, chlorine substitution, methylation, N-oxide formation, and even the dissociation of methylenecyclopropane and difluoromethane. Furthermore, the study identified three glucuronic acid and one sulfonic acid conjugated phase II metabolites of the investigated drug candidate. The aforementioned findings contribute to the detection and comprehension of the unauthorized utilization of roflumilast in equestrian sports., (© 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)