Severe sepsis-associated acute kidney injury and outcomes: a longitudinal cohort study.

Background: Sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (SA-AKI) is common among patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with sepsis.

Aims: This study aimed to demonstrate an association between an episode of SA-AKI and progression to dialysis dependence, with a view to identifying a cohort who may be suitable for intensive nephrology follow-up.

Methods: Design: Retrospective data-linkage cohort study.

Building a Fast Response Capability for Emerging Infectious Diseases Within the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority.

From influenza to COVID-19, emerging infectious diseases have taken a heavy toll on lives and resources. Emerging infectious diseases represent one of the largest threats to national security. The primary mission of the Center for Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), within the US Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, is to support the advanced development of medical countermeasures (MCMs) for public health security threats, including select infectious diseases.

Break through the mold: Hyper-IgE syndrome as a vehicle for invasive aspergillosis.

Hyperimmunoglobulin E syndrome (HIGES) is a rare immunodeficiency characterized by high levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) in the setting of various clinical features such as cutaneous candidiasis, asthma, recurrent rashes, and fungal infections. This case describes a 70-year-old male with cachexia and dyspnea found to have a cavitary lesion and aspergilloma, with remarkably high IgE and positive 1,3-β-D-glucan and Aspergillus testing. Herein, we describe the aforementioned case, review the available literature, and hypothesize the connection between invasive fungal infections and HIGES.

Cxcl10 is required for survival during SARS-CoV-2 infection in mice.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the etiological agent of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, remains endemic worldwide ∼5 years since the first documented case. Severe COVID-19 is widely considered to be caused by a dysregulated immune response to SARS-CoV-2 within the respiratory tract. Circulating levels of the chemokine CXCL10 are strongly positively associated with poor outcome; however, its precise role in pathogenesis and its suitability as a therapeutic target have remained undefined.

Combinations of substances contributing to death among overdose decedents in Maryland (2020-2021).

Background: In 2020, Maryland had the fourth-highest opioid overdose mortality rate in the USA. We describe substances identified in postmortem toxicology screening and designated as cause of death (COD) for overdose decedents in Maryland, including specific combinations of substances designated as COD.

Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of N=5442 adult overdose decedents (ie, manner of death unintentional or undetermined) in Maryland between January 2020 and December 2021.

Recommencing anticoagulation treatment in surgically managed patients with intracerebral haemorrhage and mechanical heart valves: An Aotearoa-New Zealand analysis.

Purpose: Intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) is an absolute contraindication for therapeutic oral anticoagulation therapy (OAT). Re-bleeding carries significant risk of morbidity and mortality. Patients with prosthetic heart valves are at higher risk of thromboembolic complications when OAT is withheld.

Postmortem distribution of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine in 51 cases.

The prevalence of mitragynine (kratom) in forensic toxicology casework has steadily increased over time. Readily available and currently legal, mitragynine is widely used for its stimulant and, depending on concentration, sedative effects. Our laboratory analyzed various fluid and tissue specimens from 51 postmortem cases to investigate the distribution of mitragynine and its active metabolite 7-hydroxymitragynine.

Nutritional optimization of fecal microbiota transplantation in humans: a scoping review.

Diet constitutes a major source of nutrient flow to the gut microbes. As such, it can be used to help shape the gut microbiome. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is an increasingly promising therapy in disease states beyond recurrent infection, but diet is largely overlooked for its potential to help optimize this therapy.

Damage Control Surgery in the Era of Globalization of Health Care - Military and International Outcomes: A SystematicReview.

Introduction: Damage Control Surgery (DCS) is a surgical technique used to manage critically ill and injured patients. This study examines the most recent 10-y outcomes related to DCS, with the secondary goal of scrutinizing the outcomes after DCS across surgical theaters.

Methods: Studies published between 2012 and 2021 that described adult patients undergoing Abdominal DCS after traumatic injury were included.

Associations Between Age-for-Grade, Sex, and Interpersonal Violence Among U.S. High School Students.

The current study examines how atypical age-for-grade (i.e., being old- or young-for-grade) is associated with various types of interpersonal violence (e.

Demonstration of active neutron interrogation of special nuclear materials using a high-intensity short-pulse-laser-driven neutron source.

Detecting shielded special nuclear material, such as nuclear explosives, is a difficult challenge pursued by non-proliferation, anti-terrorism, and nuclear security programs worldwide. Interrogation with intense fast-neutron pulses is a promising method to characterize concealed nuclear material rapidly but is limited by suitable source availability and proven instrumentation. In this study we have pioneered a demonstration of such an interrogation method using a high-intensity, short-pulse, laser-driven neutron source that offers potential benefits compared to conventional neutron sources.

Quantifying the Diagnostic Odyssey Burden Among Persons with Inborn Errors of Immunity.

Purpose: Patients with inborn errors of immunity (IEI) have lifelong health complications including severe infections and physical impairments. Previous studies show that a patient's perception of their health is an important predictor of health outcomes. The purpose of this study was to understand factors related to patient reported health status.

Practice-pattern variation in anticoagulation intensity in acute cerebral venous thrombosis: A two-center experience.

Background And Purpose: Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) requires acute anticoagulation. Heparin is commonly used but specific recommendations on intensity and timing are lacking. We sought to characterize practice-pattern variation in the use of unfractionated heparin (UFH) for acute CVT treatment across multiple centers.

Infectious agent release and Pacific salmon exposure at Atlantic salmon farms revealed by environmental DNA.

The potential risk posed by infectious agents (IAs) associated with netpen aquaculture to wild fishes is determined based on the "release" of IAs from netpens into the environment, the "exposure" of the wild fish to those released agents, and the "consequence" for wild fish experiencing infection by those agents. Information available to characterize these three factors is often lacking, and the occurrence of transmission from aquaculture to wild fish as well as potential consequences of such transmission are difficult to observe. In this study, we utilized environmental DNA (eDNA) to characterize the release of dozens of IAs from, and exposure of Pacific salmon to, Atlantic salmon aquaculture.

How is process tracing applied in health research? A systematic scoping review.

Complex health system questions often have a case study (such as a country) as the unit of analysis. Process tracing, a method from policy studies, is a flexible approach for causal analysis within case studies, increasingly used in applied health research. The aim of this study was to identify the ways in which process tracing methods have been used in health research, and provide insights for best practice.

Barriers to social participation for people with disabilities in NTD-endemic areas of Benin and Côte d'Ivoire: Assessing scope and associated factors.

People with disabilities (PWDs) due to neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) or other causes experience restrictions on social participation (RSPs). This study aimed to investigate the magnitude of these restrictions and associated factors in NTD-endemic communities in Benin and Côte d'Ivoire. This cross-sectional quantitative and qualitative study was conducted from 2021 to 2022 among 841 people with disabilities (PWDs) and 90 community members and stakeholders.

The Role of Beta-Hydroxybutyrate in Mitigating the Inflammatory and Metabolic Consequences of Uric Acid.

Uric acid (UA), a metabolite of purine and fructose metabolism, is linked to inflammation and metabolic disorders, including gout and cardiovascular disease. Its pro-inflammatory effects are largely driven by the activation of the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, leading to increased cytokine production. Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), a ketone produced during fasting or carbohydrate restriction, has been shown to reduce inflammation.

Re-evaluating the Need of Postoperative Blood Testing in Low-Risk Patients After Primary Elective Arthroplasty: A Single-Centre Retrospective Analysis.

Introduction Increasing demand and financial burdens are placing significant strain on current health resources. To help ease pressures, there has been increased emphasis on improving patient flow and saving costs within the health service. Routine postoperative blood tests in otherwise healthy patients may add to delays and healthcare costs without influencing subsequent management.

Why and how do workplaces invest in mental health and wellbeing? A systematic review and process tracing study.

In recent years, investment in workplace mental health and wellbeing has grown. However, there is little understanding of how resource allocation decisions are made in such settings. To ensure evaluative research can support resource allocation, a process-based understanding of decision-making would be helpful.

A Phase 1 randomized trial of homologous and heterologous filovirus vaccines with a late booster dose.

Filoviruses, including Ebola, Marburg, Sudan, and Taï Forest viruses, are zoonotic pathogens that can cause severe viral hemorrhagic fever and death. Developing vaccines that provide durable, broad immunity against multiple filoviruses is a high global health priority. In this Phase 1 trial, we enrolled 60 healthy U.