- 4 - Abstract Introduction: Periodic fever syndromes are clinical entities classified as autoinflammatory diseases. The most of the periodic fever syndromes have genetic predisposition (monogenic periodic fever syndromes). PFAPA (Periodic Fever, Aphtous stomatitis, Pharyngitis a Adenitis) syndrome is an idiopathic disease with unknown aetiology. Results: In our study, we described the largest clinical series of patients with PFAPA syndrome from a single center. The laboratory results have confirmed uncomplicated course of PFAPA syndrome. In our measurements we observed significantly higher levels of serum cytokines (IL-1β and IFN-γ) during episodes of fever in PFAPA patients compared to the control group. Our measurements showed increased numbers of plasma cells in the peripheral blood of PFAPA patients. We have found increased levels of naïve CD4 and CD8 T cells and approximately 2-fold higher proportion of CD8 T cells in tonsils of PFAPA patients. Significant differences were also present at levels of IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in stimulated supernatants compared to supernatants from unstimulated peripheral blood from patients with PFAPA syndrome. Measurements of bacterial profile showed individual microbial profile in patients. Conclusion: Removal of the tonsillar tissue with the potential...

An extensive compulsory cattle dipping programme was introduced in Venda from 1915 to counter rinderpest and East Coast Fever (ECF). This study approached the sustainability of cattle dipping from environmental, economic, social and governance perspectives against the backdrop of the country’s history and political ecology, focusing on the effects of dipping strategies and operations in Vhembe district of Limpopo Province (the former Venda) in response to ECF. Dipping infrastructre continues to be used in Venda after the eradication of ECF in 1954 and even to the present, albeit below capacity. Arsenic residues occur in soils around all sampled dip sites, especially within 20 m from dip tanks and where red clays and organic-rich loamy soils prevail. Ecologically, dipping practice has therefore not been sustainable, while economically, farmers perceive dipping to enhance livestock health, and they gain benefit from continued use of cattle in agriculture and transport. Being close to watercourses and villages, most dip tank sites pose community safety and health risks, with even fatalities occurring at untended and abandoned tank facilities. Yet the social sustainability benefits of dipping practice, such as the creation of forums where cattle owners and veterinarians interact, the resultant formation of cattle owners’ associations, and the occurrence of recreational opportunities on dip days are also evident. Government has been the main role player in providing dipping services, resulting in limited involvement of and cooperation between other role players; therefore the contribution of the Limpopo Draft Policy on Cattle Dipping (2011) to efficient dipping governance was evaluated. A Sustainable Community Cattle Dipping Model was consequently developed to address the shortcomings in governance, as well as ecological, economic and social issues of the sustainability of dipping practice. This thesis contributes to an understanding that cattle dipping in communal areas are spatial entities that reflect the dynamics of structure-agency. It underscores environmental injustices like arsenic contamination occurring around dip tanks, and the effects of inequitable distribution of dip sites on human health and safety. The economic benefits and limitations of existing dipping practice are also highlighted. It culminates in the development of a Sustainable Community Cattle Dipping Model to enhance the sustainability of dipping practice. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2014. / Geography, Geoinformatics and Meteorology / PhD / Unrestricted

Rift Valley Fever is a zoonotic, arthropod-borne disease that adversely affects ungulates and people. The etiologic agent, Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV; Bunyaviridae, Phlebovirus), is primarily transmitted through mosquito bites, yet can be transmitted by exposure to infectious aerosols. Presently, there are no licensed vaccines or therapeutics to prevent or treat severe RVFV infection in humans. We have previously reported on the activity of favipiravir (T-705) against the MP-12 vaccine strain of RVFV and other bunyaviruses in cell culture. Additionally, efficacy has been documented in mouse and hamster models of infection with the related Punta Toro virus. Here, we characterize a hamster RVFV challenge model and use it to evaluate the activity of favipiravir against the highly pathogenic ZH501 strain of the virus. Subcutaneous RVFV challenge resulted in substantial serum and tissue viral loads and caused severe disease and mortality within 2-3 days after infection. Oral favipiravir (200 mg/kg/day) prevented mortality in 60% or greater in hamsters challenged with RVFV when administered within 6 h post-exposure and reduced RVFV titers in serum and tissues relative to the time of treatment initiation. In contrast, although ribavirin (75 mg/kg/day) was effective at protecting animals from the peracute RVFV disease, most ultimately succumbed from a delayed-onset neurologic disease associated with high RVFV burden in the brain observed in moribund animals. When combined, T-705 and ribavirin treatment started 24 h post-infection significantly improved survival outcome and reduced serum and tissue virus titers compared to monotherapy. Our findings demonstrate significant post-RVFV exposure efficacy with favipiravir against both peracute disease and delayed-onset neuroinvasion, and suggest added benefit when combined with ribavirin.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Survivors of sexual assault make difficult privacy management decisions regarding their experiences, particularly in romantic relationships where physical intimacy makes these sensitive disclosures even more complex. As fever is an indicator of illness and a part of healing from the illness, disclosure can be an indicator of underlying disturbance and a part of the restorative process. Additionally, communication privacy management (CPM) theory considers ownership, control, and turbulence to illustrate how private information is regulated. Through qualitative, semi-structured interviews (n=19) and a phronetic iterative approach to data analysis, I examined the ways survivors of sexual assault managed their private information regarding their experiences in a romantic relationship and if disclosure relieved any psychological distress of the survivor. Results of this study offer insight into the ways participants controlled their personal information through the privacy management process; the establishment of boundaries surrounding ongoing disclosures; and the emotional effect of various privacy management strategies on participants, their partners, and the relationship. Reaching across theoretical concepts, this research offers a comprehensive understanding of the factors salient when managing private information regarding sexual assault. This research also provides practical applications for considering the influence of various privacy management approaches and their influence on the physical and psychological health of the survivor and the health of the relationship.

Relapsing fever Borrelia are transmitted through saliva of argasid ticks. Given the 10 to 60 minute long bloodmeal, we characterized the rapidity of Borrelia turicatae transmission from their vector Ornithodoros turicata. Infection rates were compared in mice when cohorts of ticks fed to repletion on animals in which groups of O. turicata were removed 15 seconds after attachment. Infection was evaluated by examining the blood by dark field microscopy, quantitative PCR, and serological responses generated against B. turicatae. Scanning electron microscopy was also performed on cryofractured tick salivary glands to determine spirochete localization. Dissemination of B. turicatae into murine blood was evaluated by removing the bite site after ticks engorged. Our findings indicate that B. turicatae is localized in the lumen of salivary gland acini of O. turicata and transmission to and dissemination in the mammal occur shortly after tick attachment and do not require a complete bloodmeal.

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AN ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS OFClaude Ryan Towery, for the Master of Fine Arts degree in Theater, presented on April 1, 2022, at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. TITLE: THE FAMILY THAT PLAYS TOGETHER STAYS TOGETHER: DIRECTING HAY FEVER BY NOËL COWARD MAJOR PROFESSOR: Professor Olusegun Ojewuyi From the spring of 2021 to the spring of 2022, the period of time during which this document was written, the Covid-19 pandemic was still ongoing. The pandemic’s cataclysmal events precipitated a paradigm shift across cultures and societies around the world – a shift that affected countless vocations, leaving many confused and uncertain as to how they would continue working, supporting themselves and their families, pursuing their dreams, etc. Every theatre practitioner in the United States was negatively affected in some form or another, and many lost their jobs. Questions as to how theatre could continue and/or survive ran the gamut. This document chronicles how my thesis production survived. The Family That Plays Together Stays Together... reviews my process and journey of directing Noël Coward’s Hay Fever, and the challenges and triumphs that came with directing a theatrical production during a worldwide pandemic – a journey that has forever changed me and my perception of this art form and the world around me. This paper, in chronological order, details all the phases necessary in bringing this production to fruition. Chapter One includes the preliminary research, playwright’s biography, play analysis, and directorial interpretation of the script (vision & concept). Chapter Two details the pre-production process, examining the design and production meetings, dramaturgy, and marketing. Chapter Three delineates the production process, auditions and casting, rehearsals, the development of techniques employed, and performances. Chapter Four is a personal reflection of the pitfalls, discoveries, and changes I i would make if I were to direct this play in the future. The final chapter also includes a section on techniques and practices that will help me grow in my craft as a director, artist, and academician. I have come up with a phrase that summarizes my directing of Hay Fever, my graduate school experience, and practicing theatre during a worldwide pandemic; “Life is but a game, and a game that must be played to the finish.”

Vulvovaginal candidiasis is a common gynecologic diagnosis that can be treated empirically with fluconazole. We present a patient that developed post-operative () fungemia after being empirically treated for vulvuovaginal candidiasis with fluconazole multiple times throughout the year prior to robotic total laparoscopic hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. is becoming increasingly resistant to azole antimycotic therapy. It is likely that this patient had undertreated fluconazole-resistant vulvovaginitis prior to surgery, and that the pelvic infection was the source of fungemia.

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