Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio trend at admission predicts adverse outcome in hospitalized respiratory syncytial virus patients.

Background And Aims: Severe cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection are relatively rare but may lead to serious clinical outcomes, including respiratory failure and death. These infections were shown to be accompanied by immune dysregulation. We aimed to test whether the admission neutrophil-to-leukocyte ratio, a marker of an aberrant immune response, can predict adverse outcome.

The Liver Can Deliver: Utility of Hepatic Function Tests as Predictors of Outcome in COVID-19, Influenza and RSV Infections.

Background: liver test abnormalities have been described in patients with Coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19), and hepatic involvement may correlate with disease severity. With the relaxing of COVID-19 restrictions, seasonal respiratory viruses now circulate alongside SARS-CoV-2.

Aims: we aimed to compare patterns of abnormal liver function tests in patients suffering from COVID-19 infection and seasonal respiratory viruses: respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza (A and B).

Risk factors, clinical characteristics and prognostic value of acute kidney injury in COVID-19 compared with influenza virus and respiratory syncytial virus.

Background: Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) complicates a substantial part of patients with COVID-19. Direct viral penetration of renal cells through the Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 receptor, and indirect damage by the aberrant inflammatory response characteristic of COVID-19 are likely mechanisms. Nevertheless, other common respiratory viruses such as Influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) are also associated with AKI.

Elevated Serum Amyloid A Levels Contribute to Increased Platelet Adhesion in COVID-19 Patients.

Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) patients are prone to thrombotic complications that may increase morbidity and mortality. These complications are thought to be driven by endothelial activation and tissue damage promoted by the systemic hyperinflammation associated with COVID-19. However, the exact mechanisms contributing to these complications are still unknown.

Predictive Value of Elevated Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) Levels for Assessment of Cardio-Renal Interactions among ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction Patients.

Background: Elevated serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) levels reflect both inflammatory reactions and renal tubular injury. Recently, associations with endothelial dysfunction and plaque instability were also proposed. We investigated the prognostic utility of elevated NGAL levels for renal and clinical outcomes among ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients treated with primary coronary intervention (PCI).

Prognostic value of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in COVID-19 compared with Influenza and respiratory syncytial virus infection.

A high neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is considered an unfavorable prognostic factor in various diseases, including COVID-19. The prognostic value of NLR in other respiratory viral infections, such as Influenza, has not hitherto been extensively studied. We aimed to compare the prognostic value of NLR in COVID-19, Influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus infection (RSV).

Gestational diabetes mellitus is a significant risk factor for long-term ophthalmic morbidity.

Purpose: To investigate whether patients with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have an increased risk for long-term ophthalmic morbidity.

Methods: Design a population-based study compared the incidence of long-term maternal ophthalmic morbidity in a cohort of women with and without a history of GDM. Setting Soroka University Medical Center.

Zinc transport and the inhibition of the L-type calcium channel are two separable functions of ZnT-1.

Traditionally, proteins are considered to perform a single role, be it as an enzyme, a channel, a transporter or as a structural scaffold. However, recent studies have described moonlighting proteins that perform distinct and independent functions; for example, TRPM7 is both an ion channel and a kinase. ZnT-1 is a member of the Carrier Diffusion Facilitator family that is expressed throughout the phylogenetic tree from bacteria to humans.

Placental growth factor concentration in maternal circulation decreases after fetal death: lessons from a case series study.

Purpose: Placental growth factor (PlGF) has been suggested as a possible biomarker for major placenta-related disorders such as preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. However, experimental findings suggest that PlGF concentrations may be influenced by other factors besides the placenta. In the present study, we examined how acute fetal injury affects PlGF concentrations in maternal circulation.

Stereotactic radiotherapy for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy: a pilot study.

Purpose: To evaluate low-voltage X-ray stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) delivered in conjunction with intravitreal ranibizumab for the treatment of active macular polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV).

Methods: At baseline, all eyes received an intravitreal injection of ranibizumab, followed by 16-Gy X-ray SRT to the macula. Further ranibizumab injections were given pro re nata.

Stereotactic radiotherapy for neovascular age-related macular degeneration: year 2 results of the INTREPID study.

Purpose: To determine the safety and efficacy of low-voltage, external-beam, stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) for patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Design: Randomized, double-masked, sham-controlled, multicenter, clinical trial.

Participants: A total of 230 participants with neovascular AMD who received ≥ 3 ranibizumab or bevacizumab injections within the preceding year and requiring treatment at enrollment.

Stereotactic radiotherapy for wet age-related macular degeneration (INTREPID): influence of baseline characteristics on clinical response.

Purpose: To determine which patients respond best to stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) for neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

Methods: Participants (n = 230) receiving intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections for neovascular age-related macular degeneration enrolled in a randomized, double-masked sham-controlled trial comparing 16 Gray, 24 Gray, or Sham SRT. In a post hoc analysis, participants were grouped according to their baseline characteristics, to determine if these influenced SRT efficacy.

ZnT-1 extrudes zinc from mammalian cells functioning as a Zn(2+)/H(+) exchanger.

ZnT-1 is a Cation Diffusion Facilitator (CDF) family protein, and is present throughout the phylogenetic tree from bacteria to humans. Since its original cloning in 1995, ZnT-1 has been considered to be the major Zn(2+) extruding transporter, based on its ability to protect cells against zinc toxicity. However, experimental evidence for ZnT-1 induced Zn(2+) extrusion was not convincing.

Detection of S100B in maternal blood before and after fetal death.

Background: S100B is a brain damage biomarker. When measured immediately after birth, it reflects neonatal brain damage following asphyxia. In this study, we used feticide as a novel model of fetal brain damage.

Retinal vascular abnormalities in neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of retinal vascular abnormalities (RVA) in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Methods: A post hoc subanalysis of images acquired during a Phase III randomized controlled trial was undertaken, selecting images from participants with untreated, neovascular AMD in at least one eye. Protocol mandated fundus photographs and fluorescein angiograms were acquired at baseline and Year 2, from 107 sham-treated study eyes with neovascular AMD and 107 untreated fellow eyes.

16 and 24 Gy low-voltage X-ray irradiation with ranibizumab therapy for neovascular age-related macular degeneration: 12-month outcomes.

Purpose: To describe the 12-month safety and efficacy outcomes of 16 or 24 Gy radiation using low-voltage x-ray irradiation in conjunction with intravitreal ranibizumab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Design: Prospective, phase I, open-label, nonrandomized uncontrolled safety study.

Methods: setting: Institutional.

16 Gy low-voltage x-ray irradiation followed by as needed ranibizumab therapy for age-related macular degeneration: 12 month outcomes of a 'radiation-first' strategy.

Background And Objective: To describe 'radiation-first' combination treatment with a non-invasive, low-voltage x-ray irradiation system followed by as needed ranibizumab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Study Design And Methods: Phase I study of non-invasive, low-voltage 16 Gy x-ray irradiation delivered in three beams via the inferior pars plana in patients with active neovascular AMD. Ranibizumab was administered as needed per protocol.

Pilot study of the delivery of microcollimated pars plana external beam radiation in porcine eyes: 270-day analysis.

Objective. To determine the dose response and toxicity threshold of micro-collimated X-rays delivered to porcine maculae by a stereotactic radiosurgical system after 270 days. Methods.

S100B - a potential biomarker for early detection of neonatal brain damage following asphyxia.

Birth asphyxia results in a significant percentage of neonatal morbidity and mortality. A key factor in the management of this complication is the early and accurate detection of brain damage following asphyxia. Currently, reliable tools for such diagnosis are absent.

24-Gy low-voltage x-ray irradiation with ranibizumab therapy for neovascular AMD: 6-month safety and functional outcomes.

Background And Objective: To describe the 6-month safety and preliminary efficacy outcomes of the use of 24-Gy radiation with intravitreal ranibizumab for patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Patients And Methods: A single treatment of a non-invasive, externally delivered low-voltage x-ray irradiation at a dose of 24 Gy was administered in one session through three locations in the inferior pars plana in a consecutive series of patients with neo-vascular AMD (treatment naïve and previously treated). Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) visual acuity examinations were performed at 1 week, 1 month, and monthly thereafter with quarterly fluorescein angiography.

16-Gy low-voltage x-ray irradiation with ranibizumab therapy for AMD: 6-month safety and functional outcomes.

Background And Objective: To describe the 6-month safety and preliminary efficacy outcomes of the use of 16-Gy radiation with intravitreal ranibizumab for patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Patients And Methods: A single treatment of a non-invasive, externally delivered low-voltage 16-Gy x-ray irradiation was administered in one session through three locations in the inferior pars plana. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) and Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) visual acuity (VA) examinations were performed at 1 week, 1 month, and monthly thereafter, with quarterly fluorescein angiography (FA).

16-Gy low-voltage x-ray irradiation followed by as-needed ranibizumab therapy for AMD: 6-month outcomes of a "radiation-first" strategy.

Background And Objective: To describe the effect of a "radiation-first" combination treatment strategy for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) with ranibizumab rescue therapy.

Patients And Methods: Non-invasive, externally delivered low-voltage x-ray irradiation at a dose of 16 Gy was given in a single session through three locations in the inferior pars plana in a consecutive series of patients with neovascular AMD. Ranibizumab was administered according to prospectively determined criteria.

Comparison of the biometric values obtained by two different A-mode ultrasound devices (Eye Cubed vs. PalmScan): a transversal, descriptive, and comparative study.

Background: To assess the reliability of the measurements obtained with the PalmScan, when compared with another standardized A-mode ultrasound device, and assess the consistency and correlation between the two methods.

Methods: Transversal, descriptive, and comparative study. We recorded the axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth (ACD) and lens thickness (LT) obtained with two A-mode ultrasounds (PalmScan A2000 and Eye Cubed) using an immersion technique.

Distraction osteogenesis of the porcine mandible: histomorphometric evaluation of bone.

Distraction osteogenesis is a technique for skeletal lengthening that exploits the body's innate capacity for bone formation in response to tension forces on the repair callus. The authors developed a distraction osteogenesis model with a semiburied device in the Yucatan minipig mandible because of similarities between human and porcine mandibular anatomy, temporomandibular function, chewing patterns, and bone turnover rates. The purpose of this study was to measure histomorphometric bone fill after different latency periods, rates of distraction, and duration of neutral fixation in the minipig mandible.

Tacks: a new technique for craniofacial fixation.

Biodegradable fixation in craniofacial surgery provides secure fixation while eliminating much of the concern over intracranial migration of metallic plates and screws. One limitation of present biodegradable systems, however, is the need for tapping the drill hole before screw insertion. Herein, a new method of rigid, biodegradable fixation with tacks (Macrapore, Inc.