Retrospective Analysis of a Listeria monocytogenes Contamination Episode in Raw Milk Goat Cheese Using Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment tools

in Journal of Food Protection (2012), 75(12), 2122-2135

In 2005, the Belgian authorities reported a Listeria monocytogenes contamination episode in cheese made from raw goat's milk. The presence of an asymptomatic shedder goat in the herd caused this ... [more ▼]

In 2005, the Belgian authorities reported a Listeria monocytogenes contamination episode in cheese made from raw goat's milk. The presence of an asymptomatic shedder goat in the herd caused this contamination. On the basis of data collected at the time of the episode, a retrospective study was performed using an exposure assessment model covering the production chain from the milking of goats up to delivery of cheese to the market. Predictive microbiology models were used to simulate the growth of L. monocytogenes during the cheese process in relation with temperature, pH, and water activity. The model showed significant growth of L. monocytogenes during chilling and storage of the milk collected the day before the cheese production (median increase of 2.2 log CFU/ml) and during the addition of starter and rennet to milk (median increase of 1.2 log CFU/ml). The L. monocytogenes concentration in the fresh unripened cheese was estimated to be 3.8 log CFU/g (median). This result is consistent with the number of L. monocytogenes in the fresh cheese (3.6 log CFU/g) reported during the cheese contamination episode. A variance-based method sensitivity analysis identified the most important factors impacting the cheese contamination, and a scenario analysis then evaluated several options for risk mitigation. Thus, by using quantitative microbial risk assessment tools, this study provides reliable information to identify and control critical steps in a local production chain of cheese made from raw goat's milk. [less ▲]

Retrospective analysis of Belgian experience with intestinal transplantation

Conference (2013, March 21)

Aim: The only alternative to Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) for complicated intestinal failure is Intesti- nal Transplantation (ITx) which is perceived as a high-risk procedure with inferior results ... [more ▼]

Aim: The only alternative to Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) for complicated intestinal failure is Intesti- nal Transplantation (ITx) which is perceived as a high-risk procedure with inferior results compared to other organ Tx. Therefore ITx has been rarely applied in Belgium. In a multicenter retrospective review, we analyzed the overall Belgian experience with ITx. Methods: The Belgium Liver Intestine Committee organized a survey among all Belgian Tx centers, based on the patient-specific data form of the international ITx registry. Overall activity and indications were reviewed. Patient/graft survival was calculated (Kaplan-Meier). Nutritional (TPN) independence and Quality of Life (QoL) (Karnofsky score) were analyzed. Results: 21 ITx were performed in 20 patients (03/99-11/12), distributed among 5 centers: KUL (12), ULg (5), UZG (2), UCL (1), UZA (1). Median age was 38y(8mo-56y). Male/female ratio was 10/10. 5 were pediatrics (<18y) and 15 adults. Indications were anatomical or functional short bowel syndrome: intestinal ischemia(5), volvulus(5), Crohn(2), chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction(2), splanchnic thrombosis(2), Churg-Strauss(1), necrotizing enterocolitis(1), microvillus inclusion(1), intestinal atresia(1) and chronic rejection of a first ITx(1). Most patients also suffered from TPN-associated com- plications (infection/shortage of venous access or liver failure). An isolated small bowel was trans- planted in 9 patients (plus kidney Tx in 2; plus pancreas Tx in 1); 10 received a combined liver and ITx; 2 received a multivisceral Tx. At time of Tx, 11 patients were hospitalized and 10 at home. 20 grafts were procured from deceased donors; one segmental intestinal graft was procured from a living donor. ABO blood group was identical in 63%, compatible in 37%. Median cold ischemia time was 5h30 ́(3h17 ́-9h31 ́). All patients received tacrolimus-based immunosuppression. Basiliximab (anti-IL2 receptor antibody) induction was administered in 16 patients. In 11 patients donor specific blood was transfused as part of an immunomodulatory protocol. 5-year patient and graft survival is 59% and 55.6%, respectively. 8 patients died: 6 to sepsis, 1 to intracerebral hemorrhage; 1 sudden death re- mained unexplained. 1 patient developed postTx lymphoma. 2 chronic rejections occured for which one reTx was performed. Of 12 survivors (median follow-up 1870 days), 11 are nutritionally independent (TPN-free) and 10 have a Karnofsky score >90%. Conclusions: ITx has come of age in Belgium. During the last 13 years, 21 ITx were performed in 5 centers. A 5-year patient/graft survival of 59%/55.6% is achieved, which is similar to results reported by the International ITx registry. In Belgium, awareness should grow that ITx represents a life-saving (and QoL improving) treatment in selected patients with reduced life expectancy due to significant complica- tions from TPN and intestinal failure. [less ▲]

Une rétrospective du Fonds des Communes : objectifs et indicateurs

Conference (2007, June 19)

Cette présentation dresse l'historique du Fonds des communes en Wallonie et discute des objectifs énoncés du politique au regard des mécanismes et formules de répartition.

Retrospective evaluation of 9 horses with surgical treatment of keratoma

Poster (2010, July 02)

A Retrospective Monocenter Review of Simultaneous Pancreas-Kidney Transplantation.

in Transplantation Proceedings (2009), 41(8), 3389-3392

OBJECTIVE: Herein we have reviewed a consecutive series of simultaneous pancreas-kidney (SPK) transplantations performed at our institution over a 6-year period. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study population ... [more ▼]

OBJECTIVE: Herein we have reviewed a consecutive series of simultaneous pancreas-kidney (SPK) transplantations performed at our institution over a 6-year period. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study population included 22 patients (15 males and 7 females) who underwent SPK transplantation between 2001 and 2007. The mean recipient age was 47 years (range, 26-63 years). Eighteen patients suffered type 1 and 4 type 2 diabetes mellitus. The mean donor age was 33 years (range, 14-56 years). The mean HLA match was 2.1 (range, 1-5). Immunosuppressive treatment consisted of basiliximab induction followed by tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil, and prednisone. RESULTS: The mean hospital stay was 20 days (range, 11-52 days). After a mean follow-up of 44 months (range, 17-88 months), patient, kidney, and pancreas graft survivals were 86%, 82%, and 73%, respectively. Two patients died in the immediate postoperative period due to, respectively, disseminated intravascular coagulation and pulmonary embolism. A kidney graft was lost due to early hyperacute rejection. Other early complications associated with the pancreas graft included 2 cases of immediate reperfusion defects that led to early vascular thrombosis in 1 patient and a duodenal graft fistula in the other patient; a third patient developed type 2 diabetes mellitus. Beyond the postoperative period, graft loss was limited to 1 case of noncompliance to the immunosuppressive medications and 1 death secondary to pulmonary infection with a functional allograft after 4 years. CONCLUSIONS: SPK transplantation is a valid therapeutic option for patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and renal failure due to diabetic nephropathy. The main complications of SPK transplantation occur in the immediate postoperative period consequent to vascular or rejection processes. [less ▲]

Retrospective study of 206 cases of surgical intestinal pathologies in the horse : incidence, diagnosis, prognosis and complications.

in Annales de Médecine Vétérinaire (2000), 144

This retrospective study of 206 surgical colic cases shows the incidence of the different types of pathologies. The small intestine is concerned in 106 (51,5 %) cases with 102 (96 %) strangulation ... [more ▼]

This retrospective study of 206 surgical colic cases shows the incidence of the different types of pathologies. The small intestine is concerned in 106 (51,5 %) cases with 102 (96 %) strangulation obstructions. The remaining 100 cases (48,5 %) are large intestine obstructions with 45 (45 %) strangulation obstructions. The global survival rate is of 51,5 %, of 42,2 % for small intestine and of 61 % for large intestine. A gravity and a shock score permit to define the prognosis before the decision for surgery. The incidence of the postoperative complications is higher (55,2 %) and the time for recovery is significantly longer for small intestinal pathologies than for large intestine affections. Shock and paralytic ileus are the most frequent complications accounting for 65 % of post operative mortalities. The survival rates are significantly different according to gravity and shock score. The time of recovery is also significantly different in function of the shock score. These findings show the importance of rapid diagnosis of the acute abdominal disease in order to improve the outcome. [less ▲]

A retrospective study of Doppler echocardiographic findings in horses referred in a Belgian equine clinic.

Poster (2010, September)

A retrospective study of non-specific rhinitis in 22 cats and the value of nasal cytology and histopathology

in Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery (2003), 5(5), 279-285

Case records from 40 cats subjected to rhinoscopic examination for investigation of chronic nasal disease were reviewed. Cases in which no specific underlying cause (eg neoplasia) was detected were ... [more ▼]

Case records from 40 cats subjected to rhinoscopic examination for investigation of chronic nasal disease were reviewed. Cases in which no specific underlying cause (eg neoplasia) was detected were further selected for detailed retrospective study. In these 22 cats (55% of the initial population), a final diagnosis of non-specific chronic nasal disease was made. The radiographic, rhinoscopic, cytological and histopathological findings were reviewed. Mucosal biopsy specimens were obtained in 20 cases. Despite clinical signs of more than 4 weeks duration, histopathology indicated acute inflammation in four cases. Two cases had chronic lymphoplasmacytic inflammation and 14 had mixed (lymphoplasmacytic and neutrophilic) inflammation. Specimens for cytology were obtained from 17 cases by brush sampling. Three of these samples were not diagnostic due to the poor quality of the slides; one showed normal cytology. Acute inflammation was diagnosed by cytology (n = 11) more commonly than chronic (n = 1) or mixed inflammation (n = 1). Concurrent samples, of quality suitable for both histopathological and cytological interpretation, were collected from 12 cases only. Cytological results were in agreement with the histological results in 25%, of these cases, the main discrepancy being the nature of the dominant inflammatory cell type. Therefore cytology does not appear to be a reliable means for detection of chronic inflammation. Further studies are needed in order to investigate the correlation between the nature of mucosal inflammation as defined by both histological and cytological evaluation, and the relationship of these test results to prognosis and therapy. (C) 2003 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of ESFM and AAFP. [less ▲]

Retrospective Time-Trend Study of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether and Polybrominated and Polychlorinated Biphenyl Levels in Human Serum from the United States

in Environmental Health Perspectives (2004), 112

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in Lettre de l'AIRDF (2011), 50