Close Contact Research Articles

Risks of Coronavirus Infectious Disease 19 (SARS-CoV-2) in Companion Animals

The epidemiological situation of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in humans and animals is continually evolving. Given the probable animal origin of SARS-CoV-2 and the recent case reports in pets, especially cats and dogs, and their close contact with humans, it is critical to comprehend how sensitive SARS-CoV-2 is to humans and vice versa in order to control the coronavirus infectious disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic. The most susceptible companion animals to contract SARS-CoV-2 infection include cats, ferrets, and hamsters. The virus SARS-CoV-2 that is carried from pets to humans is generally thought to have little to no effect on the viral transmission across the broader community, and there is little evidence of mutations. Thus, there is no requisite for specialized surveillance programmes for SARS-CoV-2 infection in pets; in most cases, testing should only be done on pet owners or veterinarians who interact with these animals. It is recommended to properly dispose of human waste in order to lower the probability of SARS-CoV-2 spreading to animals. Additionally, it is best to avoid contact with pets, particularly if they are ill or deceased. In addition to evaluating animals exhibiting clinical indications, monitoring is advised for household pets.

Knowledge Regarding Human Monkey pox (HMPX) Among Nursing Students

Monkey pox is a viral infectious disease caused by the monkey pox virus, which belongs to the same family as the virus causing smallpox. Though typically self-limiting, with symptoms lasting two to four weeks, it can be transmitted through close contact with infected individuals, animals, or contaminated materials. Materials and Methods: A pre-experimental one-group pretest post-test designed study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of Laptop-Assisted Teaching on knowledge regarding Human Monkey pox (HMPX) among 60 nursing students using purposive sampling technique at a selected school in Bengaluru with the Objectives, to assess the effectiveness of Laptop-Assisted Teaching in improving knowledge about Human Monkey pox (HMPX) among nursing students and to determine the association between pretest knowledge scores regarding Human monkey pox (HMPX) among Nursing students with their selected sample characteristics. Data was collected using a structured knowledge questionnaire on HMPX, validated by 10 experts. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysis. Results: The study showed that Laptop-Assisted Teaching significantly improved students' knowledge of HMPX. The mean pretest score was 9.95 (SD = 4.01), while the mean post-test score was 17.84 (SD = 8.78). The computed paired ‘t’ test value of 6.36 at p>0.05 was significant. Additionally, there was a statistically significant association between pretest knowledge scores and selected sample characteristics such as age and family type. Conclusion: The study concluded that nursing students had inadequate knowledge about HMPX initially, but Laptop-Assisted Teaching was effective in enhancing their understanding.

Detection of body shape changes in obesity monitoring using image processing techniques

Body measurements are primarily made with a tape measure. In measurements taken with a tape measure, the inability to take measurements from the same part of the body each time, incorrect positioning of the tape measure, the occurrence of incorrect measurements, and the need for a person to take the measurements are significant problems in the traditional measurement method. Due to the social distancing rule that must be followed during the Covid-19 pandemic, the close contact between the person to be measured and the person taking the measurement became the starting point of this study. This study focuses on the detecting body shape changes using image processing techniques with 2D imaging. The novelty of the work is that non-contact body measurements are taken more accurately and reliably using the cosine theorem. Regular monitoring of obese patients is important in combating obesity, which is also the source of many health problems. In the monitoring of obese patients, it is necessary to determine the rate of slimming in areas where fat accumulation is intense. The error margin between the real measurements of human models and the calculated measurements was calculated as an average of ± 5.16% for waistline and an average of ± 4.58% for hip size. The cosine theorem was used instead of the ellipse formula used in the literature, and it was observed that the cosine theorem obtained results closer to reality. It is also thought that the developed system will be beneficial not only for extracting body measurements but also for extracting body measurements contactless in the textile sector. The study demonstrates the feasibility of image processing for non-contact body anthropometry and shape tracking.

A Study to Assess Anti-TB Treatment Compliance, Factors Predictive for Poor Adherence and Perpetual Defaulting among Patient Living with TB in Namuseche Chipata Eastern Province–Zambia

Background of the Study: Tuberculosis (TB) is the ninth leading cause of death worldwide. According to WHO at least 1.5 million people each year succumb to TB, thus making it the world's top infectious killer as well as the leading cause from a single infectious agent, ranking above HIV/AIDS. Zambia is one of the top 30 high TB burden countries. People with active TB can infect 5– 15 other people through close contact over the course of a year. TB patients with compromised immune systems, such as people living with HIV, malnutrition or diabetes, or people who use tobacco, have a higher risk of falling ill. Without proper treatment, 45% of HIV-negative people with TB on average and nearly all HIV-positive people with TB will die. Defaulting on TB medication is a major barrier to both local and global TB control. Defaulting increases, the risk of drug resistance, treatment failure, relapse and death, and may prolong infectiousness. Poor adherence to treatment means that patients remain infectious for longer and are more likely to relapse or succumb to tuberculosis. The rate of anti-TB treatment compliance, adherence and perpetual defaulting TB treatment was and is still high during the intensive phase of treatment. Most people who are called “lost to follow up” don’t have adequate information as to why they should continue and finish their TB medication.  Methodology: A qualitative, phenomenological cross-sectional research design was used. Namuseche Prison Clinic and surrounding compounds of Chipata Township in Eastern Province Zambia. A total of 141 participants was recruited through purposive sampling. In-depth interviews were conducted. The SPSS package version 23 was applied to conduct quantitative analysis. The proposal was approved by the Chreso University Ethics Clearance Committee and National Health Research Authority. Researcher ensured confidentially and voluntary participation with informed consent.  Results: The age of the respondents in this study ranged from 18 years to 50 years. Knowledge on TB related questions was very high in this study and stood at 87.3%. TB treatment default was found in 34 (32.7%) respondents and was associated with distance to the facility and transport costs, feeling unwell and the drug side effects.  Conclusion: TB treatment default was found in 34 (32.7%) respondents and was associated with distance to the facility and transport costs, feeling unwell and the drug side effects.

Feathers, folklore, and eco-literacy: Stories ascribe cultural keystone status to avian scavengers in South Asian cities

Abstract We examined the cultural significance of commensal avian scavenger species—vultures, kites, and crows—and their exploitation of anthropogenic resources and sentiments within Delhi’s urban landscapes. For this, we investigated the intrinsic values attributed to these birds by people, which are indicative of complex, rapidly urbanizing social-ecological systems. Semi-structured interviews revealed folk perceptions intertwined with socio-cultural narratives and traditions, shaped by observations of avian morphology, ecology, and behavior. Birds’ nesting habits, habitats, home ranges, and foraging behaviors affected people’s perceptions, while ecosystem services inspired zoomorphism and anthropomorphism via vernacular-nomenclature (e.g., chidiya collectively for songbirds, giddha for scavenging raptors). Culturally rooted perceptions, which informed ritual feeding practices and shaped prevalent attitudes towards commensal species, fostered mutual tolerance, and brought people into closer contact with urban biodiversity. Such physical and cultural proximity is a defining characteristic distinguishing tropical urban ecosystems from their Western counterparts. We also uncovered the web of social-technological influences on animal-related folk stories. The urbanization of perceptions in vulture extinction zones revealed shifts in social-ecological relationships with wildlife. It adds cultural dimensions to the currently appreciated keystone status of vultures, vital for their erstwhile coexistence at extremely high densities in South Asia. Urban transformations, technological advancements, and media exposure potentially reshaped human–animal interface, with media misinformation affecting personalized ecologies. Conflicts and health concerns arose from media narratives on garbage-consuming animals. Our findings offer insights to prevent severing of people and nature connections due to urbanization (e.g., technological applications can integrate scientific knowledge with biocultural narratives and folklore), promoting a new-age eco-literacy.

Numerical simulation on exhaled aerosol transmission based on realistic oral-nasal structures and temperature distribution

ABSTRACT Respiratory infections are currently understood to be caused by pathogens released through the nose or mouth of an infected individual, and subsequently transmitted to susceptible hosts. These pathogens are enclosed in liquid particles that are aerosolized from the respiratory tract during activities such as breathing, speaking, sneezing, and coughing. These particles vary widely in size, ranging from submicron to several microns. While past research has largely overlooked the human respiratory system, recent analysis has revealed that the actual structure of the nasal cavity significantly influences the prediction of aerosol transmission during exhalation. In this study, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were conducted to analyze the aerosol transmission generated during exhalation from the nasal and oral cavities. Realistic nasal and oral cavity structures were taken into account, and authentic temperature distributions were applied to the surfaces. Additionally, inhalation conditions for susceptible individuals were established to evaluate the risk of inhalation-generated exposure. Through various simulation scenarios, we separately discussed the impact of environmental wind speed, separation distance, and exhalation flow rate. The simulation results indicate that environmental wind amplifies the complexity of the flow field and the transmission and deposition of particles between two individuals. Under ambient wind velocities of 0.5 m/s and 1 m/s, it was observed that over 80% of the particles with a diameter of 1 µm inhaled through the nasal cavity accounted for the total deposition on the infected individual. Furthermore, high exhalation flow rates exhibited higher deposition ratios at close distances, in line with our expectations. Therefore, it is advisable to minimize close contact as much as possible during periods of frequent respiratory infections, and to wear masks in order to reduce the risk of inhalation exposure. Implications: During the activities such as breathing, speaking, sneezing, and coughing, liquid particles containing pathogens are aerosolized from the respiratory tract and are released from nose or mouth through the nebulization. In this study, we investigated the transmission of aerosols from human exhalation in the outdoor environment, innovatively taking the real oral-nasal structure and the active inhalation of vulnerable people into consideration, and explored the human-to-human transmission of respiratory viruses. The results are beneficial for public health assessment and policy development.

Understanding stigma and attitudes towards hepatitis B among university students in Australia of Chinese and Vietnamese background

IntroductionHepatitis B is a significant public health concern and a leading cause of liver cancer across the world. In Australia, hepatitis B is largely endemic in migrant communities, particularly amongst the Chinese and Vietnamese communities. Negative attitudes towards hepatitis B can be a major barrier to hepatitis B testing and linkage to care. This mixed-methods research explores the attitudes and beliefs, including stigma, about hepatitis B among students of Vietnamese and Chinese background in Australia. Students were chosen as participants as there is little research examining hepatitis B among university students in Australia and they provide a point of entry to communities with high prevalence of hepatitis B, that otherwise may be hard to access.MethodsOnline surveys were distributed in Chinese, Vietnamese, and English via social media and completed by 112 students of Chinese and 95 students of Vietnamese backgrounds. In-depth interviews were also conducted with 13 Vietnamese and 10 Chinese participants to further explore the survey results.ResultsSurvey findings suggest that students have varied attitudes towards people living with hepatitis B. Around half of the participants reported they would behave negatively towards other people with hepatitis B and that they would expect to experience stigma or discrimination if they had hepatitis B. While over 70% in both samples reported that people who have hepatitis B should not be isolated by family and friends, 47.6% of the Chinese sample and 28.3% of the Vietnamese sample reported they would avoid close contact with someone with hepatitis B. The qualitative data expands on the quantitative data. Four key themes were identified: (1) Caution not discrimination (2) Hepatitis B as a sign of immoral behaviour (3) Discriminatory behaviour based on perceived effects of hepatitis B and (4) Shifting attitudes.ConclusionThis research provides insights that could inform culturally sensitive health promotion programs to address negative attitudes towards hepatitis B among the broader Chinese and Vietnamese communities living in Australia.

The Study of National Identity in the Framework of Chinese Ethnopsychology

The population of the Chinese nation makes up a quarter of the total population of the globe. If studies of the self-consciousness of the Chinese nation are not conducted in world psychology, then a significant gap will appear in this field of knowledge. It is no exaggeration to say that the study of Chinese national identity plays an important role in the field of world psychology. The self-awareness of the Chinese nation at the cognitive level is manifested in a full understanding of the traditional cultures of various Chinese ethnic groups, a rational attitude to ethnic cultural differences and the constant improvement of cultural adaptability. The self-awareness of the Chinese nation on an emotional level manifests itself in the form of close exchanges and contacts between various ethnic groups, constantly reducing the psychological distance between these groups, forming complex and harmonious ethnic relations; The will and beliefs are manifested as the will and determination of all ethnic groups in the process of realizing the great renaissance of the Chinese nation. A complete understanding of the conceptual system of self-awareness of the Chinese nation from the point of view of ethnic psychology is of great importance for building a Chinese national community.

Beziehungen des Schriftstellers Wulf Kirsten zur rumäniendeutschen Literatur

Abstract The poet and prose author, reviewer, and not least editor Wulf Kirsten (born June 21, 1934 in Klipphausen – near Meißen, also close to Dresden –, died December 14, 2022 in Bad Berka, south of Weimar) was a connoisseur of Romanian-German Poetry and its Bukovinian, Bucharest, Banat, and Transylvanian renditions. Throughout his life, he came in close contact with poets, prose authors, and literary scholars within this field. Family connections owing to his wife’s origins (whose parents came from the Hermannstadt/Sibiu area), constant travels to Romania and consistent contact with this literary phenomenon established and consolidated his knowledge and understanding of the country’s German-language literature. This is evident from statements made by the writer and cultural mediator, who was mostly based in Weimar, as well as from correspondence conducted with authors from southeastern Europe.

Risk of Clade II Mpox Associated with Intimate and Nonintimate Close Contact Among Men Who Have Sex with Men and Transgender Adults - United States, August 2022-July 2023.

A global outbreak of clade II mpox associated with sexual contact, disproportionately affecting gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM), has been ongoing since May 2022. Information on types of contact most associated with transmission is limited. This report used data from a multijurisdictional vaccine effectiveness case-control study of sexually active persons aged 18-49 years who identified as MSM or transgender, collected during August 2022-July 2023. Odds of mpox associated with selected types of intimate and nonintimate close contact with a person with mpox were estimated. Among 457 case-patients and 1,030 control patients who met minimum data requirements, 150 (32.8%) case-patients and 57 (5.5%) control patients reported close contact with a person with mpox and were included in this analysis. Adjusted odds of mpox were 5.4 times as high among those who reported having condomless receptive anal sex with a person with mpox, compared with participants who reported close contact with a person with mpox and no condomless receptive anal sex with that person (OR = 5.4; p = 0.031). Although the mpox vaccine is highly effective, vaccination coverage remains low; a multifaceted approach to prevention remains important and should include vaccination promotion, safer sex practices, and increasing awareness that mpox continues to circulate.

Predictors of seropositivity to SARS-CoV-2 among employees at a large urban medical center

BackgroundBefore SARS-CoV-2 vaccination availability, medical center employees were at high risk of COVID-19. However, risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection in medical center employees, both healthcare and non-healthcare workers, are poorly understood.MethodsFrom September-December 2020, free IgG antibody testing was offered to all employees at a large urban medical center. Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire on work and non-work related risk factors for COVID-19 infection.ResultsSARS-CoV-2 seropositivity was found in 4.7%. Seropositivity was associated with close contact with COVID-19 cases with or without the use of adequate personal protective equipment (PPE), (OR 3.1 [95% CI 1.4–6.9] and OR 4.7 [95% CI 2.0–11.0] respectively), never wearing a mask outside of work (OR 10.1 [95% CI 1.9–57]), and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander race (OR 6.3 95% CI (1.6–25)].ConclusionsAmong workers in a large urban medical center, SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity was associated with work-related COVID-19 close contacts and low mask use outside of work, suggesting that non-workplace close contacts are also relevant routes of COVID-19 spread among healthcare workers.

Synthetic Bone Blocks Produced by Additive Manufacturing in the Repair of Critical Bone Defects.

This study evaluated the efficacy of synthetic bone blocks, composed of hydroxyapatite (HA) or β-tricalcium phosphate (B-TCP), which were produced by additive manufacturing and used for the repair of critical size bone defects (CSDs) in rat calvaria. Sixty rats were divided into five groups (n = 12): blood clot (CONTROL), 3D-printed HA (HA), 3D-printed β-TCP (B-TCP), 3D-printed HA + autologous micrograft (HA+RIG), and 3D-printed β-TCP + autologous micrograft (B-TCP+RIG). CSDs were surgically created in the parietal bone and treated with the respective biomaterials. The animals were euthanized at 30 and 60 days postsurgery for microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) histomorphometric, and immunohistochemical analysis to assess new bone formation. Micro-CT analysis showed that both biomaterials were incorporated into the animals' calvaria. The HA+RIG group, especially at 60 days, exhibited a significant increase in bone formation compared with the control. The use of 3D-printed bioceramics resulted in thinner trabeculae but a higher number of trabeculae compared with the control. Histomorphometric analysis showed bone islands in close contact with the B-TCP and HA blocks at 30 days. The HA blocks (HA and HA+RIG groups) showed statistically higher new bone formation values with further improvement when autologous micrografts were included. Immunohistochemical analysis showed the expression of bone repair proteins. At 30 days, the HA+RIG group had moderate Osteopontin (OPN) staining, indicating that the repair process had started, whereas other groups showed no staining. At 60 days, the HA+RIG group showed slight staining, similar to that of the control. Osteocalcin (OCN) staining, indicating osteoblastic activity, showed moderate expression in the HA and HA+RIG groups at 30 days, with slight expression in the B-TCP and B-TCP+RIG groups. The combination of HA blocks with autologous micrografts significantly enhanced bone repair, suggesting that the presence of progenitor cells and growth factors in the micrografts contributed to the improved outcomes. It was concluded that 3D-printed bone substitute blocks, associated with autologous micrografts, are highly effective in promoting bone repair in CSDs in rat calvaria.

Strength and durability of indirect protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection through vaccine and infection-acquired immunity.

Early investigation revealed that COVID-19 vaccines confer indirect protection to fully susceptible and unvaccinated persons, defined as a reduced risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection among social contacts of vaccinated individuals. However, indirect protection from infection-acquired immunity and its comparative strength and durability to vaccine-derived indirect protection in the current epidemiologic context of high levels of vaccination, prior infection, and novel variants are not well characterized. Here, we show that both infection-acquired and vaccine-derived immunity independently yield indirect protection to close social contacts with key differences in their strength and waning. Analyzing anonymized data from a system-wide SARS-CoV-2 surveillance program of 177,319 residents across 35 California state prisons from December 2021 to December 2022 in a case-control design, we find that vaccine-derived indirect protection against Omicron SARS-CoV-2 infection is strongest within three months post-vaccination [30% (95% confidence interval: 20-38%)] with subsequent modest protection, whereas infection-acquired immunity provides 38% (24-50%) indirect protection to roommates for 6 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection, with moderate indirect protection persisting for over one year. Variant-targeted vaccines (bivalent formulation including Omicron subvariants BA.4/BA.5) confer strong indirect protection for at least three months [40% (3-63%)]. These results have important implications for understanding the long-term transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 and can guide vaccine policy and public health measures, especially in high-risk environments such as prisons.

Exploring the protective capabilities developed by hospital nurses to deflect workplace violence: a qualitative study in Taiwan

BackgroundWorkplace violence is a serious safety hazard in the healthcare sector and has attracted much attention worldwide, especially for nursing staff. Equipping nursing personnel with protective capabilities for workplace violence can reduce the risk they face in work settings. This study explored scenarios of common violent patient–nurse conflicts in the workplace of hospital nursing staff and their capabilities for de-escalating such conflicts.MethodsWe used a qualitative content analysis for this study. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 21 nurses in two teaching hospitals in New Taipei City, Taiwan, until data saturation was reached. The data were transcribed, encoded, and analyzed and similar concepts were grouped under the same category.ResultsFour categories of workplace violence scenarios common to hospital nursing staff were identified: unreasonable requests, caring for high-risk patients, long waiting times for medical consultation, and close contact when caring for patients. Two protective capabilities were recognized: communication and interpersonal capabilities and problem-solving skills. Each scenario may require a different combination of abilities.ConclusionOur findings suggest that a violence-prevention training program could be designed for various workplace violence scenarios to enhance nurses’ abilities to de-escalate workplace violence in hospitals.

Neutrophils on the mast cell menu.

A recent article in Cell reported a new peculiar interaction between mast cells and neutrophils. Upon IgE/Ag-mediated degranulation, mast cells (MCs) produce leukotriene B4 (LTB4), which attracts migrating neutrophils. Some neutrophils are able to establish close contact with MCs and end up trapped inside the MC, forming a cell-in-cell structure. While the neutrophil eventually dies inside the vacuole, the MC benefits from the remains of its prisoner, using it as a nutrient reserve and reusing its antimicrobial weapons.

Structure and transport properties of LiTFSI-based deep eutectic electrolytes from machine-learned interatomic potential simulations.

Deep eutectic solvents have recently gained significant attention as versatile and inexpensive materials with many desirable properties and a wide range of applications. In particular, their characteristics, similar to those of ionic liquids, make them a promising class of liquid electrolytes for electrochemical applications. In this study, we utilized a local equivariant neural network interatomic potential model to study a series of deep eutectic electrolytes based on lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The use of equivariant features combined with strict locality results in highly accurate, data-efficient, and scalable interatomic potentials, enabling large-scale MD simulations of these liquids with first-principles accuracy. Comparing the structure of the liquids to the reported results from classical force field (FF) simulations indicates that ion-ion interactions are not accurately characterized by FFs. Furthermore, close contacts between lithium ions, bridged by oxygen atoms of two amide molecules, are observed. The computed cationic transport numbers (t+) and the estimated ratios of Li+-amide lifetime (τLi-amide) to the amide's rotational relaxation time (τR), combined with the ionic conductivity trend, suggest a more structural Li+ transport mechanism in the LiTFSI:urea mixture through the exchange of amide molecules. However, a vehicular mechanism could have a larger contribution to Li+ ion transport in the LiTFSI:N-methylacetamide electrolyte. Moreover, comparable diffusivities of Li+ cation and TFSI- anion and a τLi-amide/τR close to unity indicate that vehicular and solvent-exchange mechanisms have rather equal contributions to Li+ ion transport in the LiTFSI:acetamide system.

Supramolecular photothermal agents mediated by black hole hosts

High-performance organic photothermal agents (PTAs) hinges primarily on manipulating non-radiative decay processes, which typically necessitates intricate and time-intensive molecular engineering. The main challenge is how to bring dye and quencher into close molecular contact at a sub-nanometer distance for effective quenching. A host-guest strategy is presented to fabricate supramolecular PTAs by non-radiative electron transfer. Through strong complexation of dye with a “black hole host”, quaternary-ammonium modified calix[4]arene tetraoctyloxy ether (QC4A-8C), photothermal performances of ten distinct dyes were optimized to an unprecedented degree. The potential of supramolecular PTAs in biological application was evaluated photothermal therapy in vitro and in vivo using zinc tetrasulfonate phthalocyanine@QC4A-8C. This study provides insights into leveraging existing dyes to augment photothermal effects through electron transfer, offering a streamlined pathway for the development of safe and efficient supramolecular PTAs.

Occurrence and molecular characterization of Giardia spp. in snakes from China

Giardia intestinalis is a major diarrhea-causing parasite that colonizes the proximal small intestine of humans and various other mammalian species, including pets and livestock. Despite its global occurrence, there is limited information about the epidemiology of Giardia in reptiles, particularly snakes. The aim of this study was to amplify the beta-giardin (bg) gene of Giardia by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), followed by a comparative evolutionary tree analysis to determine the occurrence and molecular characterization of Giardia in snakes. We collected 603 asymptomatic samples from 26 provinces in China, representing species such as Pantherophis guttatus, Pantherophis obsoletus, Pituophis melanoleucus, Thamnophis sirtalis, Lampropeltis getula, and Heterodon nasicus. Ultimately, a occurrence of Giardia infection of 4.15 % was detected in these snakes, with corn snakes (Pantherophis guttatus) having a significantly higher occurrence than other species. Molecular analysis identified assemblage F as the predominant genotype, and also identified an assemblage B that can infect humans and a variety of mammals. The results of this study illustrate the potential risk of transmission of Giardia from snakes to humans, especially in environments where close contact occurs. The present epidemiological study examines epidemiological investigations of Giardia in reptiles, provides data to understand the zoonotic risk of Giardia, and emphasizes the need for targeted surveillance, stringent hygiene measures, and public awareness campaigns to reduce these risks.

Molecular Detection and Characterisation of Coxiella burnetii in Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) Urogenital Tract Swabs.

Q fever is a zoonosis caused by Coxiella burnetii, primarily affecting those in close contact with domestic ruminants, the main source of human infection. Coxiella burnetii has also been detected in various wildlife species globally. In Australia, serological and molecular studies have shown exposure to and infection by C. burnetii in macropods, bandicoots, and koalas. However, the extent to which these species contribute to human infection remains unclear. An unpublished public health investigation into a Q fever case in a person involved in koala care could not conclusively link the infection to koalas due to the patient's broad animal exposure. This study aimed to explore the potential role of koalas in transmitting C. burnetii to humans by investigating the presence of C. burnetii DNA in urogenital tract (UGT) swabs from koalas. DNA was extracted from UGT swabs from koalas in three regions in New South Wales, Australia. An optimised multiplex qPCR assay detected C. burnetii DNA in 2 out of 225 samples (0.89%) at approximately 10 genome equivalents per reaction. Both positive samples amplified all three gene targets. MLVA genotyping identified two distinct C. burnetii genotypes previously isolated from Australian Q fever cases. These findings highlight the need for vaccination against Q fever for those in close contact with koalas.

The Relationship between Impacted Mandibular Third Molar and Mandibular Canal on Orthopantomogram – A Retrospective Study

Background: Surgical removal of the impacted lower third molar teeth require thorough investigations and assessment, one of these very important investigations is orthopantomogram (OPG) which is the primary assessment method, to determine the relationship between impacted mandibular third molar and mandibular canal. The study aims to determine the relationship between impacted mandibular third molar and mandibular canal on orthopantomogram. Materials and methods: A retrospective of 300 OPGs out of 947 OPG were selected using simple random sampling method. Rood’s criteria was used in assessing the relationship between the apex of the roots and upper border of the inferior alveolar canal. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the relationship between the canal and the impacted lower third molar in relation to the age ,gender and type of impaction.Results: From 300 OPG, 473 impacted teeth were identified, the relation showed, the highest percentage was superimposed with 47.3%, followed by close contact (35.7%), and only 21.7% of the impacted teeth examined has distance between the roots and the upper border of mandibular canal.Conclussion:Mesioangular impaction has higher percentage of superimposition with the mandibular canal with the higher percentage of female58% to male42% ratio.