The effectiveness of waxing or epilation compared to conventional methods of hair removal in reducing the incidence of surgical site infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) pose a significant challenge to healthcare systems by elevating patient morbidity and mortality and driving up financial costs. Preoperative skin preparation is crucial for preventing SSIs; however, certain traditional methods of hair removal have been found to increase the risk of SSI development. Mechanical epilation and waxing constitute two relatively explored methods of hair removal, which may hold potential to accelerate wound healing due to the activation of stem cells within hair follicles.

Structural serology of polyclonal antibody responses to mRNA-1273 and NVX-CoV2373 COVID-19 vaccines.

Current COVID-19 vaccines are largely limited in their ability to induce broad, durable immunity against emerging viral variants. Design and development of improved vaccines utilizing existing platforms requires an in-depth understanding of the antigenic and immunogenic properties of available vaccines. Here we examined the antigenicity of two of the original COVID-19 vaccines, mRNA-1273 and NVX-CoV2373, by electron microscopy-based polyclonal epitope mapping (EMPEM) of serum from immunized non-human primates (NHPs) and clinical trial donors.

Cervical ripening at home or in hospital during induction of labour: the CHOICE prospective cohort study, process evaluation and economic analysis.

Background: Around one in three pregnant women undergoes induction of labour in the United Kingdom, usually preceded by in-hospital cervical ripening to soften and open the cervix.

Objectives: This study set out to determine whether cervical ripening at home is within an acceptable safety margin of cervical ripening in hospital, is effective, acceptable and cost-effective from both National Health Service and service user perspectives.

Design: The CHOICE study comprised a prospective multicentre observational cohort study using routinely collected data (CHOICE cohort), a process evaluation comprising a survey and nested case studies (qCHOICE) and a cost-effectiveness analysis.

Optimal implementation of an Ontario nirsevimab program for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) prophylaxis: Recommendations from a provincial RSV expert panel.

In June 2024, a group of 12 experts in the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) field representing a cross-section of healthcare provider types who treat and care for pregnant individuals and infants, assembled to discuss the implementation of a broad infant prophylaxis program with nirsevimab in Ontario. To gain insight on potential best practices founded on the experiences of other jurisdictions, the meeting comprised a review of the 2023/2024 RSV season programs in Spain, France, and the United States that implemented nirsevimab prophylaxis. The impact of nirsevimab in reducing severe RSV disease among infants during the first RSV season was assessed including the implications on hospital resources and healthcare system costs.

Dietary Protein Affects the Growth Response and Tissue Composition of Juvenile Slipper Lobster ().

The effect of different dietary protein levels on apparent feed intake, apparent digestibility, body composition, nutrient retention, and growth efficiency of juvenile slipper lobster () were evaluated for 74 days. Three isoenergetic and isolipidic feeds were formulated with crude protein levels of 445, 490, and 551 g kg DM, designated as P45, P50, and P55, respectively. Lobsters were fed one of these feeds in quadruplicate tanks, with eight lobsters (mean initial wet weight 6.