Animal Models of Non-Respiratory, Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19.

Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) are a diverse set of symptoms and syndromes driven by dysfunction of multiple organ systems that can persist for years and negatively impact the quality of life for millions of individuals. We currently lack specific therapeutics for patients with PASC, due in part to an incomplete understanding of its pathogenesis, especially for non-pulmonary sequelae. Here, we discuss three animal models that have been utilized to investigate PASC: non-human primates (NHPs), hamsters, and mice.

CXCL-10 in Cerebrospinal Fluid Detects Neuroinflammation in HTLV-1-Associated Myelopathy with High Accuracy.

Background And Objectives: HTLV-1-associated myelopathy (HAM) is a chronic progressive inflammatory disease of the spinal cord. This study assesses the diagnostic accuracy of the neuroinflammatory biomarkers neopterin and cysteine-X-cysteine motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL-10) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for HAM.

Methods: CSF samples from 75 patients with neurological disorders-33 with HAM (Group A), 19 HTLV-1-seronegative with other neuroinflammatory diseases (Group B), and 23 HTLV-1-seronegative with non-neuroinflammatory diseases (Group C)-were retrospectively evaluated.

Development of a Luciferase Immunosorbent Assay for Detecting Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus IgG Antibodies Based on Nucleoprotein.

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a serious tick-borne disease with a wide geographical distribution. Classified as a level 4 biosecurity risk pathogen, CCHF can be transmitted cross-species due to its aerosol infectivity and ability to cause severe hemorrhagic fever outbreaks with high morbidity and mortality. However, current methods for detecting anti-CCHFV antibodies are limited.

Activity of Various Cathepsin Proteases and Enrichment of Klotho Protein in the Urine and Urinary Extracellular Vesicles After SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for causing the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. While mutations cause the emergence of new variants, the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 strain is unique among other strains. Various clinical parameters, the activity of cathepsin proteases, and the concentration of various proteins were measured in urine samples from COVID-19-negative participants and COVID-19-positive participants.

Single Exposure to Low-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Causes Biphasic Opening of the Blood-Brain Barrier Through Secondary Mechanisms.

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is selectively permeable, but it also poses significant challenges for treating CNS diseases. Low-intensity focused ultrasound (LiFUS), paired with microbubbles is a promising, non-invasive technique for transiently opening the BBB, allowing enhanced drug delivery to the central nervous system (CNS). However, the downstream physiological effects following BBB opening, particularly secondary responses, are not well understood.

L-Threonine-Derived Biodegradable Polyurethane Nanoparticles for Sustained Carboplatin Release.

The use of polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) in drug delivery systems offers the advantages of enhancing drug efficacy and minimizing side effects; In this study, L-threonine polyurethane (LTPU) NPs have been fabricated by water-in-oil-in-water emulsion and solvent evaporation using biodegradable and biocompatible LTPU. This polymer was pre-synthesized through the use of an amino acid-based chain extender, desaminotyrosyl L-threonine hexyl ester (DLTHE), where urethane bonds are formed by poly(lactic acid)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(lactic acid) (PLA-PEG-PLA) triblock copolymer and 1,6-hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI). LTPU is designed to be degraded by hydrolysis and enzymatic activity due to the presence of ester bonds and peptide bonds within the polymer backbone.

The Role of Pentacyclic Triterpenoids in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: The Mechanisms of Action and Therapeutic Potential.

Lung cancer remains a major global health problem because of its high cancer-related mortality rate despite advances in therapeutic approaches. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a major subtype of lung cancer, is more amenable to surgical intervention in its early stages. However, the prognosis for advanced NSCLC remains poor, owing to limited treatment options.

Ethnic Differences in Facilitators and Barriers to Lifestyle Management After Childbirth: A Multi-Methods Study Using the TDF and COM-B Model.

: Understanding ethnic differences in factors influencing healthy lifestyles postpartum is vital for informing effective lifestyle engagement strategies for women from specific ethnic groups. We aimed to explore ethnic differences in facilitators and barriers to lifestyle management among women after childbirth. : In this multi-methods study, women within 5 years of childbirth in Australia were recruited in a cross-sectional survey (n = 478) and semi-structured interviews (n = 17).

Magnesium Depletion Score and Mortality in Individuals with Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease over a Median Follow-Up of 26 Years.

Unlabelled: Metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has been associated with increased risks of all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. Identification of modifiable risk factors that may contribute to higher risks of mortality could facilitate targeted and intensive intervention strategies in this population. This study aims to examine whether the magnesium depletion score (MDS) is associated with all-cause and CVD mortality among individuals with MASLD or metabolic and alcohol associated liver disease (MetALD).

A Conserved Di-Lysine Motif in the E2 Transactivation Domain Regulates MmuPV1 Replication and Disease Progression.

The papillomavirus E2 protein regulates the transcription, replication, and segregation of viral episomes within the host cell. A multitude of post-translational modifications have been identified which control E2 functions. A highly conserved di-lysine motif within the transactivation domain (TAD) has been shown to regulate the normal functions of the E2 proteins of BPV-1, SfPV1, HPV-16, and HPV-31.

Comparative Analysis of Clinical Characteristics and Antimicrobial Resistance Between and Other Species.

species are major pathogens responsible for hospital-acquired infections. This study aimed to compare the clinical characteristics, outcomes, and antimicrobial resistance between (AB) and non- (NBA) species. In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed data from adult patients (aged 18 or older) with bacteremia treated at two tertiary hospitals from July 2020 to November 2023.

Evaluating the Reliability and Consistency of Treadmill Gait Analysis Using an RGB-D Camera: Effects of Assistance and No Assistance.

This study aimed to assess the intraday reliability of markerless gait analysis using an RGB-D camera versus a traditional three-dimensional motion analysis (3DMA) system with and without a simulated walking assistant. Gait assessments were conducted on 20 healthy adults walking on a treadmill with a focus on spatiotemporal parameters gathered using the RGB-D camera and 3DMA system. The intraday reliability of the RGB-D camera was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC 1, 1), while its consistency with the 3DMA system was determined using ICC (2, 1).

Understanding the Prevalence of Medial Arterial Calcification Among Complex Reconstructive Patients: Insights from a Decade of Experience at a Tertiary Limb Salvage Center.

: Medial arterial calcification (MAC), a distinct form of vascular pathology frequently coexisting with peripheral arterial disease (PAD), poses unique challenges in limb salvage among patients with diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and end-stage renal disease. This study examines the incidence of MAC and its impact on limb salvage outcomes over a decade of experience at a tertiary limb salvage center. : A retrospective review of all complex lower extremity (LE) reconstructions using local flap (LF) or free tissue transfer (FTT), performed from July 2011 to September 2022, was conducted.

A Review of the Impact of Sjögren's Syndrome and/or the Presence of Anti-Ro/SS-A Antibodies on Therapeutic Strategies for Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an immune-mediated disease characterized by polyarthritis that affects the small joints of the bilateral upper and lower extremities. RA shares several common clinical symptoms with Sjögren's syndrome (SS), another rheumatic disease caused by the lymphocytic infiltration of exocrine glands, with dry eye and dry mouth being the two most common symptoms. Anti-Ro/SS-A antibodies, a diagnostic biomarker of SS, are positive in patients with RA at a certain rate.

National Trends in Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Mortality from Mechanical Complications of Cardiac Valves and Grafts (1999-2020).

: The volume of cardiac valve and coronary artery revascularization procedures is rising in the United States. This cross-sectional study explores ethnic disparities in mortality in cardiac surgery attributed to mechanical failures of implantable heart valves and coronary artery grafts. : We used the CDC Wide-Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research Multiple Causes of Death database to identify patients whose single cause of death was categorized by complications of cardiovascular prosthetic devices, implants, and grafts (ICD-10 code T82) between 1999 and 2020.

Early Autonomic Dysfunction in Traumatic Brain Injury: An Article Review on the Impact on Multiple Organ Dysfunction.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a complex condition and a leading cause of injury-related disability and death, with significant impacts on patient outcomes. Extracranial organ involvement plays a critical role in the outcome of patients following TBI. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and challenges in diagnosing patients with autonomic dysfunction after TBI.

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Increases the Risk of Lung Abscess: Findings from a Nationwide Cohort Study.

This study aimed to investigate the association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), assessed by the Fatty Liver Index (FLI), and the occurrence of lung abscess within a large population-based cohort. We conducted a nationwide retrospective study using data from 367,930 subjects who underwent National Health check-ups between 2009 and 2018. Cox proportional hazards regression was performed to evaluate the association between the FLI and the incidence of lung abscess and community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) after adjusting for age, sex, and relevant covariates.

Motivation to Clinical Trial Participation: Health Information Distrust and Healthcare Access as Explanatory Variables and Gender as Moderator.

: There is significant underrepresentation in clinical trials across diverse populations. Less is known about how health system-related factors, such as relationships and trust, mediate the motivation for clinical trial participation. We aimed to investigate whether health system-related factors explain the association between sociodemographic factors and motivation for participation.

Association of Pulmonary Involvement at Baseline with Exercise Intolerance and Worse Physical Functioning 8 Months Following COVID-19 Pneumonia.

We aimed to describe the cardiopulmonary function during exercise and the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with a history of COVID-19 pneumonia, stratified by chest computed tomography (CT) findings at baseline. Among 77 consecutive patients with COVID-19 who were discharged from the Pulmonology Ward between March 2020 and April 2021, 28 (mean age 54.3 ± 8.

Predictors of Hospitalization for Patients Presenting to Emergency Department with COVID-19 Infection.

: Predictors of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients have been extensively studied. However, comparative analyses of predictors for hospitalization versus discharge from the emergency department remain limited. : This retrospective study evaluated predictors of hospitalization among adults (≥18 years) presenting to the emergency department with COVID-19 infection between 1 March 2020 and 15 June 2020.

Impact of Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria in a Cohort of COVID-19 Critically Ill Patients: Data from a Prospective Observational Study Conducted in a High-Antimicrobial-Resistance-Prevalence Center.

: Bacterial superinfections are common complications during viral infections, but the impact of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens in critically ill patients affected by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is still debated. : This is an observational, monocentric, and prospective study designed to investigate the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of MDR bacterial superinfections in COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). : A high incidence of superinfections (66%, 159/241) was observed: ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) (65%, 104/159) and bloodstream infection (BSI, 32%, 51/159) were the most common.

Risk-Stratified Venous Thromboembolism Chemoprophylaxis After Total Joint Arthroplasty: Evaluation of an Institutional Approach.

: The optimal venous thromboembolism (VTE) chemoprophylaxis approach after hip or knee total joint arthroplasty (TJA) remains controversial. This study aimed to characterize antithrombotic-related complications associated with various chemoprophylaxis regimens after TJA and to assess our current institutional risk-stratified prescribing tool. : This retrospective case-control study and regression analysis included elective unilateral TJA patients at a single institution between 1 July 2015 and 31 December 2021.

Natural Progression of Cranial Shape Following Helmet Therapy for Deformational Plagiocephaly.

This study aimed to examine the natural progression of the cranial shape from the end of helmet therapy for deformational plagiocephaly to 1 year of age. This study included infants with moderate to severe deformational plagiocephaly who began treatment at our department between December 2022 and July 2023. The cranial shape was assessed using a 3D scanner (VECTRAH2) at the start of treatment, end of treatment, and 12 months of age.

Machine Learning Models for the Early Real-Time Prediction of Deterioration in Intensive Care Units-A Novel Approach to the Early Identification of High-Risk Patients.

Predictive machine learning models have made use of a variety of scoring systems to identify clinical deterioration in ICU patients. However, most of these scores include variables that are dependent on medical staff examining the patient. We present the development of a real-time prediction model using clinical variables that are digital and automatically generated for the early detection of patients at risk of deterioration.

Trends in Rheumatoid Hand Surgery: Indications, Techniques, and Outcomes.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) causes persistent synovitis and arthritis, resulting in joint deformity and destruction throughout the body. As RA medications have evolved over the past 30 years, the surgical indications and techniques for RA joint deformities have changed. The aim of this review article is to summarize the recent trend of surgery for rheumatoid hand/finger deformities in previous reports and to present our recent surgical methods and outcomes for these deformities.