Autologous Epstein-Barr virus-specific adoptive T-cell therapy in a patient with lupus nephritis.

Objectives: Dysregulation of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-specific cellular immunity has been hypothesised as one of the contributing factors in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Lupus nephritis is a major risk factor for overall morbidity in SLE. Immune-based strategies directed to EBV have been proposed as potential therapeutic strategy for SLE and lupus nephritis.

Comparison of lung ultrasound scoring systems for the prognosis of COVID-19 in the emergency department: An international prospective cohort study.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the lung ultrasound (LUS) scores applied to an international cohort of patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with suspected COVID-19, and subsequently admitted with proven disease, could prognosticate clinical outcomes.

Methods: This was an international, multicentre, prospective, observational cohort study of patients who received LUS and were followed for the composite primary outcome of intubation, intensive care unit (ICU) admission or death. LUS scores were later applied including two 12-zone protocols ('de Alencar score' and 'CLUE score'), a 12-zone protocol with lung and pleural findings ('Ji score') and an 11-zone protocol ('Tung-Chen score').

The spotted parrotfish genome provides insights into the evolution of a coral reef dietary specialist (Teleostei: Labridae: Scarini: ).

With over 600 valid species, the wrasses (family Labridae) are among the largest and most successful families of the marine teleosts. They feature prominently on coral reefs where they are known not only for their impressive diversity in colouration and form but also for their functional specialisation and ability to occupy a wide variety of trophic guilds. Among the wrasses, the parrotfishes (tribe Scarini) display some of the most dramatic examples of trophic specialisation.

Point-of-care ultrasound to diagnose acute cholecystitis in the emergency department: A scoping review.

Introduction/purpose: Ultrasound is the first-line imaging modality for suspected acute cholecystitis. This can be radiology-performed ultrasound or point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS). POCUS can potentially streamline patient assessment in the emergency department (ED).

A survey of paediatric difficult peripheral intravenous access in the emergency department and use of point-of-care ultrasound.

Introduction/purpose: Peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) insertion can be challenging in children, with point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) known to increase success rates. The objective of this study was to survey how emergency department (ED) clinicians identify and escalate paediatric patients with difficult intravenous access (DIVA), specifically the use of POCUS.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in an Australian academic mixed ED that surveyed resident medical officers (RMOs), registrars, consultants and senior paediatric nurses.

Connecting tiger () populations in Nepal: Identification of corridors among tiger-bearing protected areas.

Habitat fragmentation and isolation threaten the survival of several wide-ranging species, such as tigers, through increased risk from diseases, disasters, climate change, and genetic depression. Identification of the habitat most likely to achieve connectivity among protected areas is vital for the long-term persistence of tigers. We aimed to improve the mapping of potential transfrontier protected area corridors for tigers by connecting sites within the Terai Arc Landscape in Nepal and to those in India, highlighting targeted conservation actions needed along these corridors to maintain long-term connectivity.

Point-of-care ultrasound-assisted diagnosis of gastric vessel rupture in a young man presenting with chest pain: A cautionary tale.

We report a young male patient who presented with chest and shoulder tip pain with spontaneous intraperitoneal haemorrhage (haemoperitoneum) due to gastric vessel rupture. Point-of-care ultrasound detected abdominal free fluid, which led to a CT scan of the abdomen and reached the diagnosis. Intra-abdominal bleeding can present as referred chest or shoulder tip pain, as more commonly seen in females with pelvic pathologies.

Emergency medicine trainees' perceived barriers to training and credentialing in point-of-care ultrasound: A cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is an important tool in emergency medicine (EM), with the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM) recommending core modalities as part of fellowship training. In Australia, acquisition of these skills is certified credentialing but is currently poorly undertaken by EM trainees.

Methods: We performed a cross-sectional survey of EM trainees across two academic teaching hospitals in Gold Coast, Queensland, between December 2018 and January 2019, to determine the current state of training and perceived barriers to credentialing in POCUS.

Targeting cell surface glycans with lectin-coated fluorescent nanodiamonds.

Glycosylation is arguably the most important functional post-translational modification in brain cells and abnormal cell surface glycan expression has been associated with neurological diseases and brain cancers. In this study we developed a novel method for uptake of fluorescent nanodiamonds (FND), carbon-based nanoparticles with low toxicity and easily modifiable surfaces, into brain cell subtypes by targeting their glycan receptors with carbohydrate-binding lectins. Lectins facilitated uptake of 120 nm FND with nitrogen-vacancy centers in three types of brain cells - U87-MG astrocytes, PC12 neurons and BV-2 microglia cells.

Point-of-care ultrasound-guided pericapsular nerve group block for superior pubic ramus fracture in the emergency department: A case report.

Pelvic fragility fractures, such as pubic ramus fractures, are a common and painful condition in the elderly population. Despite this, there are few regional anaesthesia options available to effectively relieve pain in these fracture types and avoid potential side effects from opioid administration. This case report describes an elderly patient with a superior ramus fracture, who received effective pain relief with motor sparing, using a standard-volume point-of-care ultrasound-guided pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block performed in the emergency department.

Describing the learning curve of novices for the diagnosis of paediatric distal forearm fractures using point-of-care ultrasound.

Purpose: The learning curve of nurse practitioners (NPs) to accurately diagnose paediatric distal forearm fractures using point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) was investigated.

Methods: Each NP's learning curve was calculated as cumulative diagnostic accuracy against a number of scans performed. The curve's plateau represented the attainment of competency.

Validation of a Flow Cytometry Live Cell-Based Assay to Detect Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibodies for Clinical Diagnostics.

Background: Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibodies (MOG Ab) are essential in the diagnosis of MOG Ab-associated disease (MOGAD). Live cell-based assays (CBAs) are the gold standard for MOG Ab detection with improved sensitivity and specificity over fixed CBAs. A number of testing centers have used flow cytometry for its high throughput and quantitative utility.

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection in the third trimester-Implications for investigation and delivery.

This case of spontaneous coronary artery dissection in pregnancy highlights the diagnostic, treatment and delivery dilemmas in the antepartum period. This is a rare condition that usually manifests in the postpartum period. This case provides multidisciplinary considerations that were encountered for optimal maternal and fetal outcome.

Alpelisib and radiotherapy treatment enhances Alisertib-mediated cervical cancer tumor killing.

Human papilloma virus (HPV) is the main causative agent in cervical cancers. High-risk HPV cancers, including cervical cancer, are driven by major HPV oncogene, E6 and E7, which promote uncontrolled cell growth and genomic instability. We have previously shown that the presence of HPV E7 sensitizes cells to inhibition of aurora kinases (AURKs), which regulates the control of cell entry into and through mitosis.

Aspiration Before Tissue Filler-An Exercise in Futility and Unsafe Practice.

Background: Aesthetic physicians rely on certain anecdotal beliefs regarding the safe practice of filler injections. These include a presumed safety advantage of bolus injection after a negative aspiration.

Objectives: The authors sought to review and summarize the published literature on inadvertent intravascular injection of hyaluronic acid and to investigate whether the technique of aspiration confers any safety to the practitioner and the patient.

Smart drug combinations for cervical cancer: dual targeting of Bcl-2 family of proteins and aurora kinases.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main causative agent in cervical cancers. Recurrent cervical cancer is refractory to currently available treatments. Clearly there is an urgent unmet need to investigate new therapeutic strategies for both the newly diagnosed and recurrent patient populations.

Getting started in paediatric emergency medicine point-of-care ultrasound: Five fundamental applications.

Point-of-care ultrasound is a valuable tool in the Paediatric Emergency Medicine department. It can be utilised at the patient bedside to augment the physical examination, improving clinical accuracy. Alternatively, it can safeguard needle guided procedures and improve their success rate.

The use of exercise in burns rehabilitation: A worldwide survey of practice.

Introduction: Exercise-based interventions have been used to enhance the recovery of burn patients affected by hypermetabolism, muscle wasting and contractures. Although the benefits of exercise in burn population have been previously reported, the extent of exercise prescription in burn patients worldwide remains unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify the extent and characteristics of exercise use in specialised and non-specialised burn centres worldwide.

Soft ionic liquid multi-point touch sensor.

The development of electronic skin (e-skin) and soft tactile sensing has recently attracted great interest. Here we report for the first time on a novel ionic liquid (IL) based soft pressure sensor with multi-point touch detection capability using 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([BMIM][BF]) as a highly conductive sensing medium. The sensing mechanism is attributed to the repopulation of charge cations and anions in aqueous solution under pressure.

Bamboo leaf-based carbon dots for efficient tumor imaging and therapy.

In this study, carbon dots synthesized from bamboo leaf cellulose were used simultaneously as a staining agent and for doxorubicin delivery to target cancer cells. Owing to their nontoxic properties, the production of carbon dots from bamboo leaves is a green approach involving optimized application of bamboo tree waste. For multifunctional applications, the carbon dots were modified with 4-carboxybenzylboronic acid and doxorubicin to improve target specificity and drug delivery to HeLa tumor cells.

Management of allergic rhinitis in the community pharmacy: identifying the reasons behind medication self-selection.

Background: Community pharmacists have a key role to play in the management of allergic rhinitis (AR). Their role is especially important because the majority of medications used to treat AR are available for purchase over-the-counter (OTC), allowing patients to self-select their own medications and bypass the pharmacists. Patients' self-selection often results in suboptimal treatment selection, undertreated AR and poor clinical outcomes.

Systematic review of the cost-effectiveness of preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis in reducing surgical-site infection.

Background: Surgical-site infections (SSIs) increase the length of hospital admission and costs. SSI prevention guidelines include preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis. This review assessed the reporting quality and cost-effectiveness of preoperative antibiotics used to prevent SSI.

Do advanced glycation end-products cause food allergy?

Purpose Of Review: The aim of this study was to appraise the evidence relating to dietary advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), their influence on innate and adaptive immune responses and their possible role in the increasing rate of food allergy that is being observed globally.

Recent Findings: The western pattern of diet is high in both AGEs and their substrates and this has been increasing in the last 30 years. AGEs mimic alarmins such as S100 proteins and the high molecular group box 1 (HMBG1), binding to the Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products (RAGE), which in turn influences innate and adaptive immune responses.