Assessing teat canal morphology in the dry period and during lactation by high-resolution ultrasound.

Our objectives were to quantify the dimensions of a fully 'closed' teat canal in dry cows and to describe recovery of the teat canal between milkings in lactating cows to assess whether and when full closure is attained, since this is an important determinant of udder health. Using an ultrasound scanner, teat canal length and diameter (proximal, midpoint and distal), teat cistern width, teat end width, whole teat width and teat wall thickness in 77 dry and 39 lactating dairy cows were measured. The dry cows represented a cross section of the dry population, with days since dry off ranging from 0 to 69 (median: 27).

A point-prevalence study of body mass indices in HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 in South Africa.

Background: Obesity is now well recognised as a risk factor for severe COVID-19, but the true prevalence of obesity in hospitalised adults with COVID-19 remains unclear because formal body mass indices (BMIs) are not routinely measured on admission.

Objectives: To describe the true prevalence of obesity measured by the BMI, and associated comorbidities, in patients hospitalised with severe COVID-19, including people with HIV (PWH).

Methods: We conducted a point-prevalence study of measured BMI in consecutive patients with severe COVID-19 admitted to the medical COVID-19 wards in a tertiary academic hospital in Cape Town, South Africa (SA).

Cutaneous tuberculosis: An infrequent manifestation of a common pathogen in South Africa.

Unlabelled: Cutaneous tuberculosis is an infrequent form of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis, even in high-prevalence settings. We present the case of a patient living with advanced HIV who developed extensive cutaneous tuberculosis. The polymorphic skin lesions were the most striking clinical manifestation of underlying disseminated tuberculosis.

The optimal management of the patient with COVID-19 pneumonia: HFNC, NIV/CPAP or mechanical ventilation?

The recent pandemic has seen unprecedented demand for respiratory support of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, stretching services and clinicians. Yet despite the global numbers of patients treated, guidance is not clear on the correct choice of modality or the timing of escalation of therapy for an individual patient. This narrative review assesses the available literature on the best use of different modalities of respiratory support for an individual patient, and discusses benefits and risks of each, coupled with practical advice to improve outcomes.