Setting up a global SARS-CoV-2 surveillance system requires an understanding of how virus isolation and propagation practices, use of animal or human sera, and different neutralisation assay platforms influence assessment of SARS-CoV-2 antigenicity. In this study, with the contribution of 15 independent laboratories across all WHO regions, we carried out a controlled analysis of neutralisation assay platforms using the first WHO International Standard for antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (source: NIBSC). Live virus isolates (source: WHO BioHub or individual labs) or spike plasmids (individual labs) for pseudovirus production were used to perform neutralisation assays using the same serum panels.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAfter reporting the first known clinical case associating compound heterozygous single-nucleotide variants in Exon 2 of to aortic aneurysmal and iliac dissection, we began prospective surveillance in our vascular genetic practice for similar cases. Herein, we present nine (9) subjects from a total cohort of 135 with arterial aneurysms or dissections who revealed single-nucleotide variants in with no other alterations in a panel of 35 genes associated with aneurysmal and dissection disorders. Five out of nine (5/9) single-nucleotide variants were in Exon 1, and four out of nine (4/9) mutations were in Exon 2, both of which are principal coding exons for this gene.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: In the United States, on average, every 15 s, someone visits a hospital emergency department (ED) for a dental condition. This commentary summarizes the recommendations from a 2024 clinical practice guideline for the pharmacological management of acute dental pain associated with tooth extractions and toothache applicable to ED settings, hospitals, and urgent care clinics where definitive dental treatment is not immediately available.
Methods: A guideline panel convened by the American Dental Association, the ADA Science & Research Institute, the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, and Penn Dental Medicine examined the effect of opioid and non-opioid analgesics; local anesthetics, including blocks; corticosteroids; and topical anesthetics on acute dental pain.
Purpose Of Review: Chronic low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent and debilitating condition affecting millions worldwide. Among emerging interventions, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) has gained attention as a potential alternative for managing chronic LBP, particularly when alternative approaches fail to provide adequate relief.
Recent Findings: This systematic review focuses on both residual pain levels and ability to perform daily tasks after treatment with SCS.
Objectives: Fatigue is commonly reported in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), including patients with inactive disease. We explored the impact of fatigue on healthcare utilization (HCU) and work productivity and activity impairment (WPAI).
Methods: Data collected between 2017 and 2022 were analyzed from the CorEvitas IBD Registry.