Waterborne toxicity of several dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane congeners to Hyalella azteca and its implications for contaminated sediment assessment.

Although banned long ago in many countries and jurisdictions, the organochlorine pesticide dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and compounds related to it remain in the aquatic environment, particularly in sediments, and can pose risks to aquatic life. To inform ecological risk assessment of these compounds, we tested the toxicity of six DDT congeners, specifically the p, p' (4,4') forms of DDT, dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (DDD), and dichlorodiphenylchloroethylene (DDMU), as well as the o, p' (2,4') isomers of DDT and DDD. The epibenthic amphipod, Hyalella azteca, was exposed for 7 days to waterborne chemical and assessed for changes in survival and growth.

COVID-19-Associated Encephalopathy: A Case Series Demonstrating the Rapid Deterioration of Mental Status and a Review of the Literature.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is known for its severe inflammatory response, often leading to multi-organ dysfunction. Among the less-recognized complications is COVID-19-associated encephalopathy, particularly in the elderly, where it contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality. This report explores the rapid neurocognitive decline observed in six hospitalized patients with COVID-19, with or without pre-existing neurological conditions.

Recombinant expression systems for production of stabilised virus-like particles as next-generation polio vaccines.

Polioviruses have caused crippling disease in humans for centuries, prior to the successful development of vaccines in the mid-1900's, which dramatically reduced disease prevalence. Continued use of these vaccines, however, threatens ultimate disease eradication and achievement of a polio-free world. Virus-like particles (VLPs) that lack a viral genome represent a safer potential vaccine, although they require particle stabilization.

Comparison of Multi-Drug Resistant Organisms Causing Early Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Three Geographically Distinct Trauma Intensive Care Units.

It is unclear why differences in patient location change organisms causing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). We investigated VAP organisms in three geographically separate trauma intensive care units (TICUs). A retrospective review of organisms causing VAP (bronchoalveolar lavage [BAL] performed ≤7 d after admission and growing ≥10 cfu/mL) in three geographically separate TICUs was conducted.

Time-driven cost analysis of pediatric liver biopsy completed in pediatric sedation clinic and operating room.

Background: Pediatric ultrasound (US)-guided percutaneous liver biopsy is a commonly performed procedure in children, and may be performed in a variety of clinical settings. However, there is little research on the relative costs associated with different sedation methods and locations.

Objective: This study uses time-driven activity-based costing (TDABC) to identify relevant costs associated with different biopsy sedation techniques and locations to help inform providers and patients as well as guide value-conscious care.