History Of Clinical Disease Research Articles

Health status of the population in Naqu, Tibet and its latent class analysis: a cross-sectional survey.

Through a survey and analysis of the population's present state of health, it is possible to give data support for improving the health status of inhabitants in Naqu, Tibet. Additionally, it is possible to provide specific recommendations for the development of medical and healthcare facilities in Tibet. The health scores of the participants were based on their responses to the four main sections of the questionnaire: dietary habits, living habits, health knowledge, and clinical disease history, and the variability of health status among groups with different characteristics was analyzed based on the scores. The four major sections were used to create classes of participants using latent class analysis (LCA). Using logistic regression, the factors influencing the classification of latent classes of health status were investigated. A total of 995 residents from 10 counties in Naqu were selected as the study subjects. And their demographic characteristics were described. The mean health score of residents after standardization was 81.59 ± 4.68. With the exception of gender, health scores differed between groups by age, education level, different occupations, marital status, and monthly income. The health status in Naqu, Tibet, was divided into two groups (entropy = 0.29, BLRT = 0.001, LMRT = 0.001) defined as the "good health group" and the "general health group." A monthly income of more than ¥5000 adverse to good health in Naqu, Tibet. Single, well-educated young adults in Naqu, Tibet, have outstanding health. The vast majority of people in Tibet's Naqu region were in good health. Furthermore, the population's latent health status was divided into two classes, each with good dietary and living habits choices, low health knowledge, and a history of several clinical diseases. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that monthly income more than ¥5000 was an independent risk factor for poor health status.

A scoping review of the testing of bulk milk to detect infectious diseases of dairy cattle: Diseases caused by bacteria

Testing of bulk milk (BM) samples is a convenient, cost-effective strategy that can easily be implemented as part of disease surveillance programs on dairy farms. Here, we performed a scoping review to summarize the literature reporting on the testing of BM samples to detect infectious diseases of dairy cattle caused by bacteria. We also provide a non-exhaustive, albeit significant, list of diagnostic tests that are marketed for BM samples, as well as a list of disease surveillance activities that included testing of BM samples. A literature search was carried out in 5 databases, yielding 8,829 records from which 474 were retained. Overall, 575 eligible bacterial pathogens were screened for using BM samples, ranging from 1 to 6 individual pathogens per study. Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistant Staph. aureus, were the most studied bacteria (n = 179 studies), followed by Streptococcus agalactiae (86), Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis (79), Coxiella burnetii (79), and Mycoplasma spp. (67). Overall, culture-based protocols, ELISA, real-time PCR, and PCR were the most commonly adopted methodologies to screen BM samples. Sensitivity of BM testing for bovine paratuberculosis was generally low and varied greatly according to the ELISA cut-offs adopted and herd-level definition of disease. In general, protocols had low to moderate sensitivities (<50%), which increased for herds with high within-herd seroprevalence. Specificity of BM testing for paratuberculosis was generally high. With respect to mastitis pathogens, BM testing demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity for Strep. agalactiae, in general. However, we observed inconsistency among studies with respect to the sensitivity of BM culture to detect infected herds, which was notably higher if enrolled herds were heavily infected or had history of clinical disease. Among Salmonella spp. pathogens, Salmonella Dublin was the most frequently studied bacterium for which BM testing has been validated. Specificity of BM ELISA was high, ranging from 89.0 to 99.4. In contrast, sensitivity varied greatly among studies, ranging from 50.6% to 100%. Our findings support that one of most important factors affecting sensitivity of BM ELISA for Salmonella Dublin is whether nonlactating cattle are considered in the definition of herd infection status. In general, protocols analyzed in this review suffered from very low sensitivities, which hardly justifies their use as part of disease surveillance as single testing. Nevertheless, test sensitivity can be increased by the adoption of more inclusive definitions of disease-free herds. Further, low-sensitivity and high-specificity methods can be valuable tools for surveillance when used repeatedly over time.

HIV, pathology and epigenetic age acceleration in different human tissues

Epigenetic clocks based on patterns of DNA methylation have great importance in understanding aging and disease; however, there are basic questions to be resolved in their application. It remains unknown whether epigenetic age acceleration (EAA) within an individual shows strong correlation between different primary tissue sites, the extent to which tissue pathology and clinical illness correlate with EAA in the target organ, and if EAA variability across tissues differs according to sex. Considering the outsized role of age-related illness in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 (HIV), these questions were pursued in a sample enriched for tissue from HIV-infected individuals. We used a custom methylation array to generate DNA methylation data from 661 samples representing 11 human tissues (adipose, blood, bone marrow, heart, kidney, liver, lung, lymph node, muscle, spleen and pituitary gland) from 133 clinically characterized, deceased individuals, including 75 infected with HIV. We developed a multimorbidity index based on the clinical disease history. Epigenetic age was moderately correlated across tissues. Blood had the greatest number and degree of correlation, most notably with spleen and bone marrow. However, blood did not correlate with epigenetic age of liver. EAA in liver was weakly correlated with EAA in kidney, adipose, lung and bone marrow. Clinically, hypertension was associated with EAA in several tissues, consistent with the multiorgan impacts of this illness. HIV infection was associated with positive age acceleration in kidney and spleen. Male sex was associated with increased epigenetic acceleration in several tissues. Preliminary evidence indicates that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is associated with positive EAA in muscle tissue. Finally, greater multimorbidity was associated with greater EAA across all tissues. Blood alone will often fail to detect EAA in other tissues. While hypertension is associated with increased EAA in several tissues, many pathologies are associated with organ-specific age acceleration.

First Molecular Survey to Detect Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae in Poultry Farms in a Strategic Production District of Sicily (South-Italy).

Simple SummaryAvian mycoplasmosis is caused by several pathogenic mycoplasmas of which Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and M. synoviae (MS) are the most important. These bacteria may cause both respiratory disease and synovial infections in poultry, resulting in severe economic losses. The aim of this work was to determine the occurrence of MG and MS among commercial and rural laying hens located in Ragusa province (South Italy), using a duplex real time PCR. Four hundred tracheal swabs were collected from seven commercial and 25 rural farms without any clinical disease history. The prevalence in the studied flocks was 28.6% (commercial) and 40% (rural) for MG, and 42.8% (commercial) and 44% (rural) for MS. The overall prevalence at animal level was 12.5% for MG and 23.25% for MS. Data obtained show a lower prevalence of MG than MS in the studied farms. Moreover, both pathogens were spread in rural and commercial farms underlining the importance of surveillance and control of these infections.Mycoplasmas are recognized as avian pathogens, which may cause both respiratory disease and synovial infections in poultry, resulting in severe economic losses. Our study aims to determine the occurrence of Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) among commercial and rural laying hens located in Ragusa province (South Italy), using a duplex real time PCR. Four hundred tracheal swabs were collected from seven commercial (200 swabs) and 25 rural (200 swabs) farms without any clinical disease history. Out of 400 swabs collected, 50 (12.5%) and 93 (23.25%) were positive for MG and MS, respectively. In particular, 9 (18%) and 22 (23.65%) positive swabs for MG and MS, respectively, originated from commercial farms, compared to 41 (82%) and 71 (76.34%) obtained from rural farms. Data obtained show a lower prevalence of MG than MS in the studied farms. Moreover, both pathogens were spread in rural and commercial farms. PCR could be concluded as a rapid and sensitive method for the identification of MG and MS in areas where commercial farms that are declared Mycoplasma-free and rural flocks coexist. These data highlight the importance of surveillance also in rural poultry to monitoring the occurrence of mycoplasmas strains in strategic productive districts.

Observations on presumptive lumpy skin disease in native cattle and Asian water buffaloes around the tiger reserves of the central Indian highlands

ABSTRACT Case history Between August and October 2020, following the monsoon, signs of Lumpy skin disease (LSD) were recorded and described in 154 oxen, 34 cows, 13 calves (Bos indicus ) and two Asian water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) cows belonging to smallholder farmers in 32 villages located around the Kanha and Bandhavgarh tiger reserves in the state of Madhya Pradesh central India. Affected animals were subjected to a full clinical examination and detailed findings were recorded in a clinical register. A semi-structured questionnaire was attached to the existing clinical register format to gather information on the clinical disease history and animal husbandry practices relevant to the spread of LSD virus. Clinical findings The affected animals were between 4 months and 14 years of age (mean 6.4 (SD 2.5) years). Persistent high temperature, depression, anorexia, and characteristic round nodules (lumps) on the skin were reported. The nodules were 2–5 cm in diameter and spread over the face, ears, neck, back, perineum, scrotum, legs, tail, udder, and nasal and oral mucosa. Secondary complications of myiasis (n=39), mastitis (n=16) and ulcerative lesions on legs were noticed. Death was reported for one animal (0.5%). The affected animals' recovery times were variable (mean 18.4 (SD 2.7) days). There was a significant positive correlation between delay in initiating treatment and the duration of sickness. Reduction in milk yield of 30–55% was reported in Bos indicus cows. Diagnosis Clinical findings and treatment responses consistent with lumpy skin disease and its sequelae. Clinical relevance The presumptive LSD outbreak caused serious economic loss to the animal keepers. LSD is a new disease for India and in the absence of active immunisation, efficient vector control, animal movement control and stall-feeding practice, it will inevitably become endemic in the country. The severe impacts resulting from the introduction of a new disease to a previously unaffected country, highlights the need for iterative improvements in global transboundary disease surveillance. The value of clinical examination and recording of findings is demonstrated in the context of smallholder farming systems with limited access to laboratory diagnosis, which are common around the world. The description of an LSD outbreak in naïve populations of cattle and buffalo illustrates the need for increased awareness of the associated clinical signs and maintenance of high levels of biosecurity in hitherto disease-free countries.

IFN-γ/IL-6 and related cytokines in chronic spontaneous urticaria: evaluation of their pathogenetic role and changes during omalizumab therapy.

Recent studies highlight that high levels of cytokines may precede the onset of many systemic autoimmune disorders and may also be related to chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) activity. Eight patients with CSU candidate to omalizumab therapy were enrolled. Four healthy controls were included with the purpose of comparing baseline cytokine levels. We evaluated serum levels of IFN-γ, IL-2, 4, 6, 8, and 10, TNF-α, and GM-CSF. For the patient group, venous blood samples were drawn at T0, T1 (1week after first drug administration), T2 (after 3months), T3 (after 6months), and in case of relapse. Cytokine levels were measured using the human cytokines 8-plex kit. Disease activity and effect of therapy were calculated by means of Urticaria Activity Score 7. Higher levels of IL-6 and IFN-γ were found in patients with CSU compared to those observed in the control group. Moreover, a common trend between these cytokines and the clinical history of disease could be hypothesized, with a decrease in levels of IFN-γ and IL-6 following remission of CSU with omalizumab treatment. Levels of other tested cytokines were similar between patients and healthy subjects. IFN-γ and IL-6 are proinflammatory cytokines that are strongly related to autoimmunity. Despite being limited by the small sample size, our data offer new insight into a better understanding of the pathogenesis of CSU and support the need for further investigations.

Seroprevalence of varicella antibodies in adults without clinical history of disease.

Varicella in adults and immunocompromised patients can be severe. The clinical diagnosis of varicella has high accuracy and the history of disease has a high positive predictive value for protection. A significant portion of adults, however, cannot remember if they have had varicella, especially older individuals. We conducted a cross-sectional study to determine the seroprevalence of varicella protective antibodies titers in adults with no clinical history of disease, attended at a Reference Center for Special Immunobiologicals and Travel Medicine in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). Titration of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to varicella-zoster was determined by chemiluminescence immunoassay. Among 140 adults without history of varicella, 92% had protective antibody titers. We concluded that seroprevalence of varicella-zoster protection was very high in adults with negative history of disease and the use of serology before vaccination reduced significantly unnecessary vaccine and immunoglobulin use.

Long-term follow-up of a vaccination program for infants born to HBsAg-positive mothers in Stockholm County, Sweden

We investigated the long-term antibody response to hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination in babies born to chronically infected mothers. They received one dose of monovalent HBV vaccination at birth and one month of age, followed by 3 doses of hexavalent vaccine including an HBV component at ages 3, 5, and 12 months, respectively, with a very high percentage of protective anti-HBs levels at 13 months. At the age of 8–12 years, 56 out of 68 children (82%) had protective levels of anti-HBs, two had signs of anti-HBc seroconversion without any history of clinical disease and none had ongoing infection. A small subgroup was retested after one booster dose, in all resulting in increase in anti-HBs from below 10 IU/L to levels corresponding to protective immunity. We conclude that this vaccination strategy is effective throughout the first decade of life in avoiding chronic infection and in maintaining a good serological response.

Antibodies against canine distemper virus, parvovirus and Ehrlichia spp. in wild captive carnivores in midwestern Brazil

ABSTRACT: The occurrence of antibodies against canine distemper virus (CDV), parvovirus and Ehrlichia spp. in wild captive carnivores was evaluated in a zoological park in midwestern Brazil. Serum samples were collected between 2007 and 2014 from 45 carnivores. Antibodies were evaluated by virus neutralization assay for CDV, hemagglutination inhibition test for parvovirus, indirect immunofluorescent and Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for Ehrlichia spp. Antibodies against CDV and parvovirus were detected in 75% of Canidae and Felidae. Procyonidae were negative for CDV, although one Mustelidae was positive. TwoCanidae presented antibodies reactive to E. canis antigens. The high antibodies rates to CDV and parvovirus suggest the contact with both pathogens, however since no clinical history of disease are registered in the Zoo-UFMT, we can presume that carnivores have responded satisfactorily against the antigens. The low serological rates observed against Ehrlichia spp. may be resulted to the low occurrence of ticks among carnivores.

Predictive Value of Prothrombin Time for All-cause Mortality in Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients.

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a serious cardiovascular disease caused by acute or persistent ischemic and anoxia of the coronary artery. A more practical and effective risk model is still remained to be established for AMI patients. This study aims to investigate the predictive value of prothrombin time (PT) in AMI patients. In this study, 2734 AMI patients available in the public MIMIC III clinical database were investigated, with 629 deaths occurring within 2-year follow-up. More than 20 risk factors including demographics, clinical disease history, laboratory test information, surgery history, and mediation information were analyzed as potential predictors for all-cause mortality in AMI patients. After adjustment for other covariates, PT was showed to be a significant risk factor for all-cause mortality in AMI patients (adjusted hazard ratio, 4.04; 95% confidence interval, 2.83 to 5.75) from Cox regression analysis. We also developed a comprehensive risk model for AMI mortality using multivariate Cox proportional hazards model based on the above 20 risk factors. Combined with PT, the model achieved a good accuracy with an AUC (area under ROC curve) of 0.843. Overall, PT is an independent predictor for 2-year mortality in AMI, and it might be useful in identifying AMI patients with a high risk for mortality.

Sarcopenic Dysphagia. A Narrative Review.

Sarcopenic dysphagia is described as difficulty swallowing due to generalized sarcopenia of skeletal muscles and thus swallowing muscles. It is a recently recognized condition. It draws attention due to its important complications. The risk factors of dysphagia include age, history of clinical disease, and physical frailty, including reduced activities of daily living. It is a common syndrome among the elderly and demands multidisciplinary therapeutic interventions, including nutritional support and rehabilitation programs, which are non-invasive but effective methods, mandatory for the best outcome. The prevention, assessment, and intervention methods for sarcopenic dysphagia are very important. Recent studies demonstrate that new concepts in rehabilitation and nutritional support render promising results.

Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Dysphagia in the Community Dwelling Elderly: A Systematic Review.

This review clarifies current information regarding the prevalence of and risk factors associated with dysphagia (swallowing disorders) in the community dwelling elderly (CDE). A better understanding of prevalence and characteristics of dysphagia in the CDE will help to determine the scope of this problem. Understanding the scope of dysphagia is a critical first step towards early identification, management, and prevention of dysphagia related morbidities in the CDE. Studies identified from multiple electronic databases (MEDLINE (Pubmed), PsychInfo, Google Scholar, EBSCO, PROQUEST, Web of Science and WorldCat dissertations and theses) evaluating prevalence and risk factors for dysphagia in the CDE were reviewed. Data from all eligible studies were abstracted by the first author and independently reviewed by two raters, using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS). 15 studies (n = 9947 participants) were eligible for inclusion. Studies included were all observational: 14 cross-sectional and 1 prospective cohort. Significant heterogeneity was observed in methodology among studies of dysphagia in the CDE. The average NOS study quality rating was 4.54 points (SD: 0.9), with a mode of 4 points (range 3-6). Only 6 of the 15 studies were identified as high quality research studies, with a mean of 5.33 points (SD: 0.47). Among reviewed studies, the prevalence of swallowing difficulty in the CDE ranged from 5% to 72%. However, the average prevalence of dysphagia estimated from the 6 high quality studies was 15%. Reported risk factors associated with dysphagia include advancing age; history of clinical disease; and physical frailty, including reduced ability to carry out activities of daily living. Research on dysphagia in CDE is modest and consists mostly of observational studies with diverse methodology. However, prevalence rate of 15% from the high quality research suggests a significant public health impact of this impairment. Identification of specific risk factors that cause dysphagia in the CDE is premature, given the rigor of published studies. Future research efforts should focus on developing a valid definition and assessment of dysphagia in this population before clarifying causative risk factors.

Infant Leukaemia and Maternal Exposures during Pregnancy

Infant leukaemia (IL) is a rare disease characterized by a rearrangement of the MLL gene, known to occur in utero. MLL gene rearrangements are considered a hallmark of environmental exposure, particularly to toxins that are topoisomerase II inhibitors. To generate hypotheses about causal exposures, we collected extensive information on occupational, environmental and life-style exposure during pregnancy from mothers of 26 infants in whom IL was diagnosed within the first six months of life. This subgroup shows the highest frequency of MLL gene rearrangements. Special attention was paid to identifying the exact time during pregnancy at which exposure occurred. Clinical disease history and morphological, immunophenotypic, cytogenetic and molecular data were collected. Fifteen of the mothers lived in environments contaminated by mould growth at the time of the index pregnancy or in the year preceding conception;18 mothers reported considerable, direct exposure to organic chemicals. Sources included major renovation work, occupation, and intensive use of organic chemicals at home. Considerable exposure to exhaust fumes trough traffic exhaust or fumes from a kerosene stove was reported by 5 mothers .Six mothers had used hormonal products around the time of conception or during the pregnancy to regulate menstruation (n=1), to maintain the pregnancy (n=2), for subfertility (n=1) or for in-vitro fertilization (n=2). Many mothers reported increased consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. Six mothers worked in the health care sector with exposure to disinfectants. One mother was in contact with patients receiving chemotherapy. The data suggest that the risk for IL is often related to extensive, multiple exposures in utero. Some of these are agents known to be leukaemogenic, genotoxic or cytotoxic. Many are known to interfere with topoisomerase II. The pilot study further revealed that mycotoxins and hormonal medication are possible risk factors in IL

A randomised controlled trial of Silirum vaccine for control of paratuberculosis in farmed red deer

A randomised controlled trial to assess the efficacy of Silirum vaccine in control of paratuberculosis in young farmed deer was carried out in 2008–2009 in six New Zealand herds with...

Prevalencia de enfermedad arterial periférica asintomática, estimada mediante el índice tobillo-brazo, en pacientes con enfermedad vascular. Estudio MERITO II

Patients with polyvascular disease have an increased rate of cardiovascular events and death. Their identification would define a subgroup of the population at very high risk, who would be candidates to intensified preventive measures. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of subclinical peripheral artery disease in subjects with a previous diagnosis of vascular disease in other territories. Subjects with a coronary or a cerebrovascular event between 3 months and 5 years, and who were attended at internal medicine outpatient clinics from Spain were included in the study. All patients had a clinical history, a physical examination, a blood and urine analysis, and a measurement of the ankle-brachial index (ABI). A total of 1203 patients (64% males; mean age: 74.3 years), were included in the study. A previous coronary event was reported in 55.4% of the participants, cerebrovascular disease in 38%, and a clinical history of disease in both territories in 6.7%. The prevalence of a low ABI (< 0,9) was 33.8%, 32.4% and 53.9% for each group, respectively. In a multivariate analysis, factors associated with a low ABI were age, smoking habit, diabetes, a reduced glomerular filtration rate, systolic blood pressure and the presence of clinical disease in both territories upon inclusion. The sensitivity of both, the Edinburgh questionnaire and pulse palpation for detecting and ABI below 0.9, were low. Prevalence of a low ABI is elevated in asymptomatic patients with coronary or cerebrovascular disease, particularly if there are clinical manifestations in both territories.

Psychosocial impact of serological diagnosis of herpes simplex virus type 2: a qualitative assessment

Objectives: To assess the emotional and psychosocial responses to a serological diagnosis of HSV-2 infection in individuals without previous history of genital herpes. Methods: 24 individuals who had a positive...

Evaluation of Chicken Infectious Anemia Virus and Associated Risk Factors with Disease and Production Losses in Broilers

A case-control study was performed to determine the significance of chicken infectious anemia virus (CIAV) as a risk factor associated with secondary disease in commercial broilers and to identify the significance of production losses associated with CIAV. The study also examined the relationship between bursal and thymic atrophy and the presence of CIAV. Cases were defined as submissions to the Alabama Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories with a history of clinical disease and with a diagnosis of coccidiosis, gangrenous dermatitis, or respiratory disease. Controls were selected from submissions with neither a history of disease nor evidence of disease on necropsy. CIAV was detected in fresh tissues by polymerase chain reaction. Both thymic atrophy and the detection of CIAV were significantly associated with a disease case (P < 0.05). Bursal atrophy was a significant risk factor associated with the detection of CIAV in a submission (P < 0.05). Whereas CIAV was associated with disease cases that showed production losses in both percentage of livability and percentage of condemnations (P < 0.05), detection of CIAV alone was not associated with detectable losses in production or flock performance.

Risk factors for 5-year mortality in older adults: the Cardiovascular Health Study.

Multiple factors contribute to mortality in older adults, but the extent to which subclinical disease and other factors contribute independently to mortality risk is not known. To determine the disease, functional, and personal characteristics that jointly predict mortality in community-dwelling men and women aged 65 years or older. Prospective population-based cohort study with 5 years of follow-up and a validation cohort of African Americans with 4.25-year follow-up. Four US communities. A total of 5201 and 685 men and women aged 65 years or older in the original and African American cohorts, respectively. Five-year mortality. In the main cohort, 646 deaths (12%) occurred within 5 years. Using Cox proportional hazards models, 20 characteristics (of 78 assessed) were each significantly (P<.05) and independently associated with mortality: increasing age, male sex, income less than $50000 per year, low weight, lack of moderate or vigorous exercise, smoking for more than 50 pack-years, high brachial (>169 mm Hg) and low tibial (< or = 127 mm Hg) systolic blood pressure, diuretic use by those without hypertension or congestive heart failure, elevated fasting glucose level (>7.2 mmol/L [130 mg/dL]), low albumin level (< or = 37 g/L), elevated creatinine level (> or = 106 micromol/L [1.2 mg/dL]), low forced vital capacity (< or = 2.06 mL), aortic stenosis (moderate or severe) and abnormal left ventricular ejection fraction (by echocardiography), major electrocardiographic abnormality, stenosis of internal carotid artery (by ultrasound), congestive heart failure, difficulty in any instrumental activity of daily living, and low cognitive function by Digit Symbol Substitution test score. Neither high-density lipoprotein cholesterol nor low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was associated with mortality. After adjustment for other factors, the association between age and mortality diminished, but the reduction in mortality with female sex persisted. Finally, the risk of mortality was validated in the second cohort; quintiles of risk ranged from 2% to 39% and 0% to 26% for the 2 cohorts. Objective measures of subclinical disease and disease severity were independent and joint predictors of 5-year mortality in older adults, along with male sex, relative poverty, physical activity, smoking, indicators of frailty, and disability. Except for history of congestive heart failure, objective, quantitative measures of disease were better predictors of mortality than was clinical history of disease.

Premonitory symptoms and stress factors preceding sudden death from ischaemic heart disease.

ABSTRACT. Premonitory symptoms as well as acute and long‐standing stress preceding death were studied in 118 cases of prehospital sudden death, 62% of whom had shown premonitory symptoms. Prodromes were found in 94% of those whose fatal attack lasted longer than 2 hours. Premonitory symptoms seemed often to be unspecific in nature in cases of sudden death compared with those experienced by survivors of acute myocardial infarction. The occurrence of prodromes correlated with normal heart weight but not with the severity of the coronary artery disease or the presence of coronary thrombosis. Heavy smoking and a definite myocardial infarction revealed at autopsy were more frequent in those who had prodromes classifiable as unstable angina than in those with unspecific symptoms or without prodromes. The significance of acute and long‐standing stress was most evident in the fatality of subjects with no long history of clinical disease. Although stress factors seemed to modify the course of the attack, a basic factor in the fatality was the coronary artery disease of critical severity. Stress factors did not play a major role in the precipitation of premonitory symptoms. Stress in patients with triple vessel disease in the coronaries was, however, more frequently (88%) conductive to prodromes than in those with double or single vessel disease (50%).

Salmonellosis in young calves

Abstract Extract In a comprehensive description of infections caused by Salmonella spp. in New Zealand livestock, it is mentioned that outbreaks of bovine salmonellosis have generally been confined to adult animals. The origin of these infections (Salmonella typhimurium and Salmonella bovis morbificans predominantly) in most instances is obscure (Salisbury, 1958). Losses are often sporadic and, while examination of whole herds in which clinical cases have occurred may reveal very few animals excreting salmonellae, other herds with no previous history of clinical disease in adult cows may show 10 to 12% of animals excreting salmonellae at one time (Robinson, unpublished). The majority of clinical cases of salmonellosis in adult cattle occur close to parturition and may be associated with intercurrent disease.