Real-World Effectiveness of Bebtelovimab Versus Nirmatrelvir/Ritonavir in Outpatients with COVID-19.

Introduction: This real-world study assessed the effectiveness of bebtelovimab (BEB) versus nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (NR) among outpatients with COVID-19 during the Omicron variant era.

Methods: We conducted a cohort study evaluating patients treated with BEB or NR from February to August 2022 (study period). Follow-up began the day after treatment and continued for 30 days.

Functional genomics of primary congenital glaucoma by pathway analysis and functional characterization of CYP1B1 mutations.

CYP1B1 is the most common gene implicated in primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) - the most common form of childhood glaucoma. How CYP1B1 mutations cause PCG is not known. Understanding the mechanism of PCG caused by CYP1B1 mutations is crucial for disease management, therapeutics development, and potential prevention.

Hydrolysis of palm kernel meal fibre using a newly isolated Bacillus subtilis F6 with high mannanase activity.

Palm kernel meal (PKM) presents a challenge for non-ruminant livestock feeding due to its high fibre content predominantly in the form of mannan. Microbial fermentation offers a sustainable solution for fibre hydrolysis in lignocellulosic biomass. In this study, a Bacillus subtilis strain (F6), with high mannanase secretion capability, was isolated from the environment.

Bacterial clustering biomaterials as anti-infective therapies.

In Nature, bacterial clustering by host-released peptides or nucleic acids is an evolutionarily conserved immune defense strategy employed to prevent adhesion of pathogenic microbes, which is prerequisite for most infections. Synthetic anti-adhesion strategies present as non-lethal means of targeting bacteria and may potentially be used to avoid resistance against antimicrobial therapies. From bacteria-agglutinating biomolecules discovered in nature to synthetic designs involving peptides, cationic polymers and nanoparticles, the modes of actions appear broad and unconsolidated.

Which psychological needs profile exhibits higher engagement and favorable attitudes toward interprofessional education? A cluster analysis among health and social care Hong Kong students.

Background: This study aimed to investigate which basic psychological needs profile, based on different levels of autonomy, competence, and relatedness, could exhibit higher student engagement and favorable attitudes toward interprofessional education (IPE).

Methods: A total of 341 undergraduate and postgraduate health and social care students enrolled in an IPE simulation participated in this study. Data were analyzed using a person-centered approach using a two-step cluster analysis, multiple analysis of variance, and bootstrapped independent t-tests.