Old foes following news ways?-Pandemic-related changes in the epidemiology of viral respiratory tract infections.

Introduction: Following lockdown periods and restricting public health measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, respiratory tract infections (RTIs) rose significantly worldwide. This led to an increased burden on children's hospitals compromising medical care of acutely and chronically ill children. We characterized changes in the epidemiological pattern of circulating respiratory viral infections.

A Prosthetic Shank With Adaptable Torsion Stiffness and Foot Alignment.

Torsion adapters in lower limb prostheses aim to increase comfort, mobility and health of users by allowing rotation in the transversal plane. A preliminary study with two transtibial amputees indicated correlations between torsional stiffness and foot alignment to increase comfort and stability of the user depending on the gait situation and velocity. This paper presents the design and proof-of-concept of an active, bio-inspired prosthetic shank adapter and a novel approach to create a user-specific human-machine interaction through adapting the device's properties.

A Sensor Array for the Measurement of Relative Motion in Lower Limb Prosthetic Sockets.

The relative motion between residual limb and prosthetic socket could be a relevant factor in quantifying socket fit. The measurement of these movements, particularly in dynamic gait situations, poses a challenging task. This paper presents the realization of a measurement concept based on multiple optical 2D-motion sensors.

Systematic Experimental Assessment of a 2D-Motion Sensor to Detect Relative Movement between Residual Limb and Prosthetic Socket.

A sensor system for measuring the relative movement between prosthetic socket and residual limb based on a 2D-motion sensor is introduced and thoroughly tested experimentally. The quantitative analysis of test rig evaluation is used to identify advantageous sensor settings and liner configurations. Considering these favorable settings, sensor functionality is quantified to errrel=0.

Active lower limb prosthetics: a systematic review of design issues and solutions.

This paper presents a review on design issues and solutions found in active lower limb prostheses. This review is based on a systematic literature search with a methodical search strategy. The search was carried out across four major technical databases and the retrieved records were screened for their relevance.

Measurement of biomechanical interactions at the stump-socket interface in lower limb prostheses.

This paper introduces a novel measuring approach for detecting relative movement between stump and socket in lower limb prostheses. The application of the motion capturing based measuring approach is shown at a single male trans-tibial amputee using a Patella Tendon Bearing (PTB) socket. It further investigates and assesses the feasibility of measuring the relative movement between stump and socket during level walking at different velocities and allocating it to the coinciding loads.

Immunogenicity and reactogenicity of Infanrix™ when co-administered with meningococcal MenACWY-TT conjugate vaccine in toddlers primed with MenHibrix™ and Pediarix™.

Background: Co-administration of an investigational quadrivalent meningococcal serogroups A, C, W and Y tetanus toxoid conjugate vaccine (MenACWY-TT) with the fourth dose of diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis vaccine (DTaP) at age 15-18 months was investigated in 3-dose Haemophilus influenzae type b-meningococcal serogroups C/Y conjugate vaccine (HibMenCY-TT)-primed toddlers.

Methods: Infants were randomized (5:1) and primed at 2, 4 and 6 months of age with HibMenCY-TT and DTaP-hepatitis B-inactivated poliovirus (DTaP-HBV-IPV) vaccine, or Hib-TT and DTaP-HBV-IPV (Control). HibMenCY-TT+ DTaP-HBV-IPV vaccinees were re-randomized (2:2:1) to receive MenACWY-TT at 12-15 months and DTaP at 15-18 months (MenACWY-TT group); MenACWY-TT co-administered with DTaP at 15-18 months (Coad group); or HibMenCY-TT at 12-15 months and DTaP at 15-18 months (HibMenCY-TT group).

Quadrivalent meningococcal (MenACWY-TT) conjugate vaccine or a fourth dose of H. influenzae-N. meningitidis C/Y conjugate vaccine (HibMenCY-TT) is immunogenic in toddlers who previously received three doses of HibMenCY-TT in infancy.

Background: Immunogenicity and safety of a single dose of MenACWY-TT or a fourth dose of HibMenCY-TT were evaluated in the second year of life in HibMenCY-TT-primed toddlers.

Methods: Healthy infants were randomized (5:1) and primed at 2, 4 and 6 months of age with HibMenCY-TT and diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis-hepatitis B-inactivated poliovirus (DTaP-HBV-IPV) vaccine; or Hib-TT and DTaP-HBV-IPV (control). Recipients of HibMenCY-TT+DTaP-HBV-IPV were re-randomized (2:2:1) to receive MenACWY-TT at 12-15 months and DTaP at 15-18 months; MenACWY-TT co-administered with DTaP at 15-18 months; or HibMenCY-TT at 12-15 months and DTaP at 15-18 months.

Does it pay to have a damper in a powered ankle prosthesis? A power-energy perspective.

In this paper we investigated on peak power (PP) and energy (ER) requirements for different active ankle actuation concepts that can have both elasticity and damping characteristics. A lower PP or ER requirement is an important issue because it will lead to a smaller motor or battery. In addition to spring, these actuation concepts are assumed to have (passive) damper in series (series elastic-damper actuator SEDA) or parallel (parallel elastic-damper actuator PEDA) to the motor.

Prosthesis-User-in-the-Loop: a user-specific biomechanical modeling and simulation environment.

In this paper, a novel biomechanical modeling and simulation environment with an emphasis on user-specific customization is presented. A modular modeling approach for multi-body systems allows a flexible extension by specific biomechanical modeling elements and enables an efficient application in dynamic simulation and optimization problems. A functional distribution of model description and model parameter data in combination with standardized interfaces enables a simple and reliable replacement or modification of specific functional components.

Prosthesis-user-in-the-loop: user-centered design parameters and visual simulation.

After an amputation, processes of change in the body image as well as a change in body scheme have direct influences on the quality of living in every patient. Within this paper, a paradigm of experimental induced body illusion (the Rubber Hand Illusion, RHI) is integrated in a prosthetic hardware simulator concept. This concept combines biodynamical and visual feedback to enhance the quality of rehabilitation and to integrate patients' needs into the development of prostheses aiming on user-centered solutions.

The safety profile of Haemophilus influenzae type b-Neisseria meningitidis serogroups C and Y tetanus toxoid conjugate vaccine (HibMenCY).

The safety profile of HibMenCY was compared with licensed Hib conjugate vaccines in a pooled analysis that included more than 8,500 subjects who were administered a four-dose series of HibMenCY or commercially available Hib vaccines at 2, 4, 6 and 12-15 mo of age in two primary vaccination and two fourth dose phase 3 studies. In all studies, HibMenCY or Hib vaccine was co-administered with age-appropriate, routinely recommended vaccines. In one primary and one fourth dose study (n = 4180), local and general symptoms were solicited using diary cards for 4 d after each dose.

Immunogenicity and safety of H influenzae type b-N meningitidis C/Y conjugate vaccine in infants.

Background: Meningococcal disease incidence is highest in children younger than 2 years of age, yet there is no US-licensed vaccine for this age group. A phase III study evaluated the immunogenicity and safety of an investigational Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)-Neisseria meningitidis serogroups C and Y-tetanus toxoid conjugate vaccine (HibMenCY).

Materials And Methods: A total of 4180 infants were randomly assigned to receive the HibMenCY at the ages of 2, 4, 6, and 12 to 15 months or the licensed Hib tetanus toxoid conjugate vaccine (ActHIB) at 2, 4, and 6 months and Hib conjugated to N meningitidis outer membrane protein (PedvaxHIB) at 12 to 15 months.

Immunogenicity and safety of an inactivated hepatitis A vaccine when coadministered with measles-mumps-rubella and varicella vaccines in children less than 2 years of age.

Background: Hepatitis A vaccination in early childhood has reduced hepatitis A transmission. Coadministration of hepatitis A vaccine with other childhood vaccines may assist completion of the age-appropriate immunization schedule. We assessed the immunogenicity and safety of an inactivated hepatitis A virus vaccine when coadministered with measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) and varicella vaccines in children less than 2 years of age.

Leveraging retained physical capabilities to improve quality of life as assessed by persons with severe motor impairments.

Purpose: The main objective of this article is to present an alternative method of interacting with a computer which empowers persons with very severe motor impairments to leverage retained capabilities in order to independently control parts of their daily lives. The input strategy is based on tiny intentional contractions of a single muscle of choice (requiring a minimum of physical contribution only) which are used as selection markers in the context of scanning.

Method: To demonstrate the usefulness of the idea, two applications (combined in a single software system) have been implemented (initially): a module turning the PC into a Universal Remote Control and a Text-To-Speech module.

Students' knowledge of symptoms and risk factors of potential life-threatening medical conditions.

Aim: In order to assess medical students' knowledge of Basic Life Support (BLS) principles, we defined a minimal knowledge (MK) of three life-threatening medical conditions that should be universally known: cardiac arrest, heart attack and stroke, and compared the results with those of laypersons.

Methods: Before participating in a BLS course, 406 medical students and 101 laypersons completed an MK questionnaire. Additional data were collected on participants' gender, age, education, medical education, personal experience with the condition and successful completion of a BLS course.

Effects of antifungal therapy on inflammation, sterilization, and histology in experimental Candida albicans meningitis.

To assess the effects of antifungal therapy on the course of Candida albicans central nervous system infection and inflammation, we inoculated intracisternally 10(5) CFU of C. albicans into rabbits. Fluconazole (10 mg/kg of body weight) or amphotericin B (1 mg/kg) was infused intravenously daily for 14 days.

Dexamethasone attenuation of cytokine-mediated articular cartilage degradation in experimental lapine Haemophilus arthritis.

The role of cytokines in the regulation of articular inflammation and cartilage degradation was evaluated in the rabbit model of Haemophilus influenzae type b arthritis. At 6 and 12 h after intraarticular infection, treatment with IB4 monoclonal antibody to the CD18 leukocyte receptor alone or in combination with dexamethasone resulted in significant reduction of synovial fluid (SF) neutrophil concentration. Treatment with dexamethasone alone was associated with lower SF concentrations of interleukin-1 (IL-1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and stromelysin than in other groups.

Comparison of endotoxin release by different antimicrobial agents and the effect on inflammation in experimental Escherichia coli meningitis.

In a rabbit Escherichia coli meningitis model, endotoxin liberation and concentrations of leukocytes, tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and lactate were compared after a single intravenous dose of cefotaxime, cefpirome, meropenem, chloramphenicol, or gentamicin. These antibiotics caused a 2- to 10-fold increase in cerebrospinal fluid concentrations of free (filterable) endotoxin within 2 h of starting treatment. By contrast, free endotoxin concentrations increased almost 100-fold in untreated animals 4 h later as bacteria continued to multiply.

Dilemmas in diagnosis and management of cephalosporin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis.

We recently managed an infant with meningitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae in whom ceftriaxone failed to sterilize the cerebrospinal fluid after 6 days of therapy. This strain, which had a penicillin minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 2 micrograms/ml, appeared susceptible to ceftriaxone (MIC < 0.5 micrograms/ml) when evaluated by a commercial MIC panel (Microtech Medical Systems, Inc.

Cranial computed tomographic scans have little impact on management of bacterial meningitis.

Objective: To assess which clinical features predict an increased likelihood of an abnormal computed tomographic (CT) scan and how frequently CT influences management of bacterial meningitis.

Design: Retrospective patient series.

Setting: University-affiliated hospitals in Dallas, Tex.

Human secondary immune responses induced by influenza in a serum-free tissue culture system.

Peripheral blood lymphocytes are capable of producing antibody in response to antigenic stimulation by a recall antigen, influenza, during culture for 10 days in medium consisting of 1 part Ham's F-12 and 1 part Iscove's modified Dulbecco's medium supplemented with sodium bicarbonate, bovine crystalline insulin, human transferrin, 2-mercaptoethanol, progesterone, and bovine serum albumin. Anti-influenza antibody levels in the supernatants were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Optimal conditions for production of anti-influenza antibody in this serum-free medium were: influenza concentration, 0.

Human immunoglobulin biosynthesis in a serum-free medium.

We have previously reported that human peripheral blood lymphocytes are able to survive and undergo blastogenesis when cultured under serum-free conditions. Now we report that peripheral blood lymphocytes are capable of producing immunoglobulins in response to polyclonal activation during culture for 10 days in medium consisting of one part Ham's F-12 and one part Iscove's modified Dulbecco's medium supplemented with sodium bicarbonate, bovine crystalline insulin, human transferrin, 2-mercaptoethanol, and bovine serum albumin. Immunoglobulin levels in tissue culture supernatants obtained on day 10 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and were analyzed using a new computer program.