Outcomes for Children With Congenital Heart Disease Undergoing Ventricular Assist Device Implantation: An ACTION Registry Analysis.

Background: There are no contemporary reports that highlight the national outcomes for children with congenital heart disease (CHD) undergoing ventricular assist device (VAD) implantation.

Objectives: This study sought to evaluate differences in VAD outcomes for children with CHD to those with non-CHD as well as those with univentricular CHD to those with biventricular CHD.

Methods: Data for CHD and non-CHD patients from the multicenter ACTION (Advanced Cardiac Therapies Improving Outcomes Network) undergoing VAD implantation from April 2018 to February 2023 were included.

A Perspective on the MARS2 Trial.

Introduction: The phase 3 randomized controlled trial of extended pleurectomy decortication and chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone for pleural mesothelioma (PM) (MARS2) reported "extended pleurectomy decortication was associated with worse survival to 2 years, and more serious adverse events for individuals with resectable PM, compared with chemotherapy alone." These results have led to considerable discourse regarding the future role of surgery for PM, and there has not been unanimity in the mesothelioma surgical community regarding the trial interpretation. This "perspective" evaluates MARS2 using internationally renowned PM experts who either agreed with the trial interpretation or who found issues with its conduct which may have influenced the results.

Cost-Effectiveness of Semaglutide in Patients With Obesity and Cardiovascular Disease.

Background: Randomized clinical trials have shown that semaglutide is associated with a clinically relevant reduction in body weight and a lower risk of adverse cardiovascular events in those who are overweight or obese with a history of cardiovascular disease but no diabetes. The objective of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of semaglutide for this indication.

Methods: A decision analytic Markov model was used to compare the lifetime benefits and costs of semaglutide 2.

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Plasma Interleukin-35 Levels Predict the Prognosis in Patients with HBV-Related Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of IL-35 on the prognosis of patients with HBV-ACLF. We recruited 69 patients with HBV-ACLF, 20 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), 17 patients with liver cirrhosis (LC), and 20 healthy controls (HCs) from a regional infectious disease treatment center in China. Plasma levels of IL-35 at baseline were detected using ELISA.

Exploring the Mechanisms for Virus Invasion at the Barrier of Host Defense Involving Signaling Pathways.

Pathogenic viruses trigger or disrupt multiple signaling networks to establish an environment optimized for their own replication and productive infection [...

A Randomized, Blinded, Vehicle-Controlled Dose-Ranging Study to Evaluate and Characterize Remdesivir Efficacy Against Ebola Virus in Rhesus Macaques.

Ebola virus (EBOV) causes severe disease in humans, with mortality as high as 90%. The small-molecule antiviral drug remdesivir (RDV) has demonstrated a survival benefit in EBOV-exposed rhesus macaques. Here, we characterize the efficacy of multiple intravenous RDV dosing regimens on survival of rhesus macaques 42 days after intramuscular EBOV exposure.

The 'Oma's of the Gammas-Cancerogenesis by γ-Herpesviruses.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), which are the only members of the gamma(γ) herpesviruses, are oncogenic viruses that significantly contribute to the development of various human cancers, such as Burkitt's lymphoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, Kaposi's sarcoma, and primary effusion lymphoma. Oncogenesis triggered by γ-herpesviruses involves complex interactions between viral genetics, host cellular mechanisms, and immune evasion strategies. At the genetic level, crucial viral oncogenes participate in the disruption of cell signaling, leading to uncontrolled proliferation and inhibition of apoptosis.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Other Respiratory Viruses in Hospitalized Infants During the 2023-2024 Winter Season in Mexico.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections in young children. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant change in the epidemiology of RSV and other viruses occurred worldwide, leading to a reduction in the circulation of these infectious agents. After the pandemic, the resurgence of seasonal respiratory viruses occurred, but some features of these infections contrast to those registered prior to the pandemic.

Peripheral B Lymphocyte Serves as a Reservoir for the Persistently Covert Infection of Mandarin Fish Ranavirus.

Mandarin fish ranavirus (MRV) is a distinctive member among the genus of the family . The persistently covert infection of MRV was previously observed in a natural outbreak of MRV, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we show that mandarin fish peripheral B lymphocytes are implemented as viral reservoirs to maintain the persistent infection.

Real-World Comparison of Maribavir to Foscarnet for the Treatment of Cytomegalovirus in Solid Organ and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection in solid organ transplant (SOT) and hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients may increase the risk of rejection or allograft dysfunction, other infection(s), and morbidity and mortality. Treatment can be challenging due to medication-associated toxicities. Maribavir (MBV) is a promising option for the treatment of resistant or refractory (R/R) CMV infection in lieu of foscarnet (FOS), which has long been the recommended therapy for (val)ganciclovir-resistant infection.

Antiviral Stewardship in Transplantation.

Though antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) are required for hospitals, the involvement of transplant recipients in programmatic interventions, protocols, and metrics has historically been limited. Though there is a growing interest in studying stewardship practices in transplant patients, optimal practices have not been clearly established. A component of ASPs, antiviral stewardship (AVS), specifically targeting cytomegalovirus (CMV), has been more recently described.

The Epidemiology, Clinical, and Economic Burdens of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections Amongst Hospitalized Children Under 5 Years of Age in Jordan: A National Multi-Center Cross-Sectional Study.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has been recognized as a highly important cause of morbidity and mortality among children and adults. A cross-sectional study at representative sites in Jordan was undertaken to provide an assessment of the epidemiology and health and economic burdens of RSV and influenza infections in Jordan amongst hospitalized children under 5 years old for the period between 15 November 2022 and 14 April 2023. This study involved 1000 patients with a mean age of 17.

Preparation of Phage Display cDNA Libraries for Identifying Immunogenic Tumor Antigens: Challenges in Functional cDNA Presentation and Approaches to Overcoming Them.

Cancer continues to represent a substantial burden in terms of its morbidity and mortality, underscoring the imperative for the development of novel and efficacious treatment modalities. Recent advances in cancer immunotherapy have highlighted the importance of identifying tumour-specific antigens, which can assist the immune system in targeting malignant cells effectively. Phage display technology has emerged as an effective tool for the discovery of novel antigens through cDNA library screening, representing a significant advancement in the field of immunological research.

A Possible Protective Effect of IgA Against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Bronchoalveolar Lavage in COVID-19 Patients Admitted to Intensive Care Unit.

SARS-CoV-2 infection induces a humoral immune response, producing virus-specific antibodies such as IgM, IgG, and IgA. IgA antibodies are present at mucosal sites, protecting against respiratory and other mucosal infections, including SARS-CoV-2, by neutralizing viruses or impeding attachment to epithelial cells. Since SARS-CoV-2 spreads through the nasopharynx, the specific IgAs of SARS-CoV-2 are produced quickly after infection, effectively contributing to virus neutralization.

Emergence of Bluetongue Virus Serotype 3 in Portugal (2024).

In September 2024, bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) was first identified in Portugal, specifically in the Alentejo region (Évora District), using molecular diagnostic methods. The initial case involved a sheep exhibiting severe clinical symptoms, including head oedema, prostration, nasal discharge, and significant respiratory distress. A subsequent case was documented in another sheep from a different farm within the same district, which presented with high fever (41.

First Incidence of Peste des Petits Ruminants Virus in Family from State Zoo of Assam, India.

The present study aimed to investigate the episodes of per-acute mortality due to peste des petits ruminants (PPR) that resulted in the death of 30 animals of different species of cervids, namely, barking deer, four-horned antelope, hog deer, thamin, and mouse deer in the State Zoo of Assam, a northeastern state of India. The affected animals showed no to limited clinical signs. However, the necropsy and histopathological findings were highly suggestive of PPR virus (PPRV) infection observed in domestic small ruminants.

Is San Diego California on Track to Reach HCV Elimination? A Modeling Analysis of Combination Prevention Strategies.

In 2020, the in the county of San Diego (COSD) was launched, a private-public joint endeavor between the COSD and the American Liver Foundation. We use epidemic modeling to assess whether the COSD is on track to reach its elimination targets (80% reduction in incidence, 65% reduction in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related mortality by 2030 compared to 2015) and what intervention scale-up may be required. We adapted a previously developed dynamic, deterministic model of HCV transmission and disease progression among adults in the COSD, stratified by risk, age, gender, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status.

Genotypic Clustering of H5N1 Avian Influenza Viruses in North America Evaluated by Ordination Analysis.

The introduction of HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.4.

Vaccination After Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant: A Review of the Literature and Proposed Vaccination Protocol.

Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) induces profound immunosuppression, significantly increasing susceptibility to severe infections. This review examines vaccinations' necessity, timing, and efficacy post-HCT to reduce infection-related morbidity and mortality. It aims to provide a structured protocol aligned with international and national recommendations.

Multi-Antigen Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV) mRNA Vaccine Induces Humoral and Cell-Mediated Responses in Mice.

Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) causes lethal hemorrhagic disease (HD) in Asian and African elephants in human care and the wild. It is the leading cause of death for young Asian elephants in North American and European zoos despite sensitive diagnostic tests and improved treatments. Thus, there is a critical need to develop an effective vaccine to prevent severe illness and reduce mortality from EEHV-HD.

The Impact of Genetic Variation on Duck Hepatitis A Virus (DHAV) Vaccine Efficacy: A Comparative Study of DHAV-1 and DHAV-3 Against Emerging Variant Strains.

Duck virus hepatitis (DVH), caused by duck hepatitis A virus (DHAV), poses significant challenges to duck farming due to high mortality rates in young ducklings. Despite the widespread use of live attenuated vaccines, the genetic diversity within DHAV strains has diminished their cross-protection efficacy. This study aimed to evaluate the cross-protective efficacy of current DHAV-1 and DHAV-3 vaccines against genetically divergent wild strains.

Challenges of Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis Meningitis: Current Treatments and the Role of Glutathione as an Adjunct Therapy.

Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) poses a significant global health threat, especially when it involves the central nervous system (CNS). Tuberculous meningitis (TBM), a severe manifestation of TB, is linked to high mortality rates and long-term neurological complications, further exacerbated by drug resistance and immune evasion mechanisms employed by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). Although pulmonary TB remains the primary focus of research, MDR-TBM introduces unique challenges in diagnosis, treatment, and patient outcomes.

Seroprevalence of Antibodies to Filoviruses with Outbreak Potential in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review to Inform Vaccine Development and Deployment.

: Orthoebolaviruses and orthomarburgviruses are filoviruses that can cause viral hemorrhagic fever and significant morbidity and mortality in humans. The evaluation and deployment of vaccines to prevent and control Ebola and Marburg outbreaks must be informed by an understanding of the transmission and natural history of the causative infections, but little is known about the burden of asymptomatic infection or undiagnosed disease. This systematic review of the published literature examined the seroprevalence of antibodies to orthoebolaviruses and orthomarburgviruses in sub-Saharan Africa.

Comparison of ELISA Versus FAMA Titers in Children After Chemotherapy and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Who Received the Live Attenuated MAV/06 Strain Varicella Vaccine.

Background: Varicella can lead to severe complications in immunocompromised children, including those undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) or chemotherapy. Preventing primary varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection is crucial in these populations to mitigate morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the immunogenicity and safety of the live attenuated MAV/06 varicella vaccine in pediatric patients post-HSCT and post-chemotherapy.