Tag: pubmed

Am J Clin Pathol. 2021 Oct 26:aqab176. doi: 10.1093/ajcp/aqab176. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy of a method to circumvent CD20-positive antigen masking by rituximab for flow cytometry analysis of B-cell malignancies in hematology patients.

METHODS: Mononuclear cells (MNCs) from 10 healthy individuals and 5 untreated patients with B-cell malignancies were sensitized with rituximab. Patients’ diagnoses included chronic lymphocytic leukemia, hairy cell leukemia, and follicular lymphoma. MNCs were isolated by gradient density centrifugation. An EDTA/glycine acid (EGA) elution method was used to dissociate CD20-rituximab complexes; afterwards, CD20-positive immunoreactivity was assessed by flow cytometry. A saturation curve was built based on serial dilutions of rituximab. Median fluorescent intensities of CD20-positive signals were obtained before sensitization with rituximab and after its elution with EGA.

RESULTS: CD20-positive signals were not detectable by flow cytometry after rituximab sensitization of B cells. CD20-sensitized vs CD20-unsensitized, CD20-sensitized vs CD20-eluted, and CD20-eluted vs CD20-negative control (NC) MNC populations exhibited statistical differences (P = .001), while CD20-sensitized vs CD20-NC populations did not (P = .499), confirming CD20 antigen masking by rituximab.

CONCLUSIONS: Rituximab interfered with the flow cytometry protocol for CD20 determination on normal and neoplastic B cells. The EGA method efficiently eluted rituximab, allowing for accurate identification of CD20-positive B cells.

PMID:34698343 | DOI:10.1093/ajcp/aqab176

J Burn Care Res. 2021 Oct 26:irab206. doi: 10.1093/jbcr/irab206. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

This study conducted to analyze and compare the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of hydrogen fluoride exposed patients based on major burn criteria for the appropriate emergency department (ED) response to a mass casualty chemical spill. This retrospective cross-sectional study included the records of patients (n = 199) who visited the ED of Gumi City University Hospital from September 27, 2012, to October 20, 2012. Subjects were included in the major burn group (MBG) if they presented with wounds that required referral to a burn center according to the American Burn Association guidelines or in the non-major burn group (NMBG) if not. Males were predominant in both the MBG (n = 55, 48 males) and NMBG (n = 144, 84 males; p < 0.05). The most prevalent timeline for visiting the ED was the phase which included 9-32 hours post-leak of HF, including 45 patients (81.8%) in the MBG and 122 patients (84.7%) in the NMBG (p < 0.001). The respiratory tract was the site of greatest damage in patients in both the MBG and NMBG (n=47, 85.5% versus n=142, 98.6%, p < 0.001). Regarding dispositions, all patients in the NMBG were discharged (n=144, 100%); however, 8 patients (14.5%) in the MBG underwent other dispositions (discharge againt medical advice, 5 patients; admission, 1; death, 2, p < 0.05). Patient outcomes after major chemical contamination events should be characterized in future studies to maximize the quality of patient care.

PMID:34698345 | DOI:10.1093/jbcr/irab206

Trop Med Infect Dis. 2021 Oct 7;6(4):182. doi: 10.3390/tropicalmed6040182.

ABSTRACT

There is a gap in the epidemiological data on obesity and COVID-19 mortality in low and middle-income countries worst affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, including Peru. In this ecological study, we explored the association between body mass index (BMI), the prevalence of overweight and obesity, and the COVID-19 mortality rates in 25 Peruvian regions, adjusted for confounding factors (mean age in the region, mean income, gender balance and number of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds) using multiple linear regression. We retrieved secondary region-level data on the BMI average and prevalence rates of overweight and obesity in individuals aged ≥ 15 years old, from the Peruvian National Demographics and Health Survey (ENDES 2020). COVID-19 death statistics were obtained from the National System of Deaths (SINADEF) from the Peruvian Ministry of Health and were accurate as of 3 June 2021. COVID-19 mortality rates (per 100,000 habitants) were calculated among those aged ≥ 15 years old. During the study period, a total of 190,046 COVID-19 deaths were registered in individuals aged ≥ 15 years in 25 Peruvian regions. There was association between the BMI (r = 0.74; p = 0.00001) and obesity (r = 0.76; p = 0.00001), and the COVID-19 mortality rate. Adjusted for confounding factors, only the prevalence rate of obesity was associated with COVID-19 mortality rate (β = 0.585; p = 0.033). These findings suggest that as obesity prevalence increases, the COVID-19 mortality rates increase in the Peruvian population ≥ 15 years. These findings can help to elucidate the high COVID-19 mortality rates in Peru.

PMID:34698315 | DOI:10.3390/tropicalmed6040182

Health Policy Plan. 2021 Oct 26:czab120. doi: 10.1093/heapol/czab120. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Community health workers (CHWs) are a vital part of the health infrastructure in Uganda and in many other low- and middle-income countries. While the need for CHWs is clear, it is less clear how they should dispense health products to maximize the health benefits to their community. In this study, we assess the cost-effectiveness of several competing CHW distribution strategies in the context of treatment for child diarrhea. We used data from a 4-armed cluster-randomized controlled trial to assess the cost-effectiveness of 1) free distribution of oral rehydration salts (ORS) via home deliveries prior to diarrhea onset (free delivery arm), 2) free distribution via vouchers where households retrieved the treatment from a central location (voucher arm), 3) a door-to-door sales model (home sales arm), and 4) a control arm where CHWs carried out their activities as normal. We assessed the cost-effectiveness from the implementor’s perspective and a societal perspective, in terms of cost per case treated with ORS and cost per disability adjusted life-year (DALY) averted. Free delivery was the most effective strategy and the cheapest from a societal perspective. Although implementor costs were highest in this arm, cost savings comes from households using fewer resources to seek treatment outside the home (transport, doctor fees, and treatment costs). From the implementors’ perspective, free delivery costs $2.19 per additional case treated and $56 per DALY averted relative to the control. Free delivery was also extremely cost-effective relative to home sales and vouchers but there was a large degree of uncertainty around the comparison with vouchers. Free distribution of ORS by CHWs prior to diarrhea onset is extremely cost-effective compared to other CHW distribution models. Implementers of CHW programs should consider free home delivery of ORS.

PMID:34698342 | DOI:10.1093/heapol/czab120

Vision (Basel). 2021 Sep 28;5(4):44. doi: 10.3390/vision5040044.

ABSTRACT

Gastropod mollusks are convenient model organisms for studying the functioning of the visual system. The purpose of this work is to estimate the value of the optical sensitivity to white light for the camera-like eyes of gastropod mollusks and humans and analyze its effect on the spatial resolving power in two regions of the retina: in the center-for single photoreceptors of the first/second type in a mollusk and single cones in humans-and in the periphery-for single photoreceptors of the first/second type in a mollusk, as well as for single rods/cones and their groups, subject to spatial summation in humans. The methods of histology, light and transmission electron microscopy, morphometry, calculations and methods of statistical analysis are used in the work. In a mollusk, with a fixed pupil area, the value of the optical sensitivity of the eye to white light in the center of the retina for single photoreceptors of the first/second type is 0.5/0.006 μm²·sr and in the periphery of the retina, 0.9/0.009 μm²·sr. In humans, at the minimum and maximum pupil area, respectively, the value of the optical sensitivity of the eye to white light in the center of the retina (foveola) for single cones varies from 0.00053 to 0.028 μm²·sr, and in the periphery of the retina (far periphery) for single rods from 0.011 to 0.575 μm²·sr, for single cones from 0.025 to 1.319 μm²·sr, for the groups of rods from 3859 to 204,094 μm²·sr and for the groups of cones from 2.5 to 131 μm²·sr. The value of the optical sensitivity of the eyes to white light for single photoreceptors of the first/second type in both regions of the retina in a mollusk, as well as for single cones in the center and groups of rods/cones in the periphery of the retina in humans, corresponds to the ambient light conditions during periods of activity and does not affect the spatial resolving power.

PMID:34698309 | DOI:10.3390/vision5040044

Trop Med Infect Dis. 2021 Sep 29;6(4):177. doi: 10.3390/tropicalmed6040177.

ABSTRACT

While there has been a tremendous decline in malaria disease burden in the remote parts of Malaysia, little is known about malaria incidence in its urban localities. This study aimed to analyze trends of malaria cases in urban Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. All suspected cases presented to a university hospital in Kuala Lumpur from January 2005 to December 2020 were examined by microscopy. Infection status was analyzed using descriptive statistics and curve estimation analysis. Of 3105 blood films examined, 92 (3%) were microscopically confirmed malaria cases. Plasmodium vivax infections accounted for the majority (36.9%) of all malaria cases. Nearly half (47.8%) of cases were found among foreign cases (p < 0.001). The majority of foreign cases were male (86.4%) and came from Southeast Asian countries (65.9%). The curve estimation analysis showed significant decreases in malaria cases due to P. vivax (R² = 0.598; p < 0.001) and Plasmodium falciparum (R² = 0.298, p = 0.029), but increases for Plasmodium knowlesi (R² = 0.325, p = 0.021) during the 16 years. This study showed that malaria incidence in urban Kuala Lumpur is low and has remained stable since 2005. However, P. knowlesi has played a significant role in the increase in overall malaria in the area, highlighting the importance of continued vigilance and improved surveillance.

PMID:34698312 | DOI:10.3390/tropicalmed6040177

Trop Med Infect Dis. 2021 Oct 20;6(4):189. doi: 10.3390/tropicalmed6040189.

ABSTRACT

In New Zealand (NZ), leptospirosis is a mostly occupational zoonosis, with >66% of the recently notified cases being farm or abattoir workers. Livestock species independently maintain Leptospira borgpetersenii serovar Hardjo and L. interrogans serovar Pomona, and both are included in livestock vaccines. The increasing importance in human cases of Ballum, a serovar associated with wildlife, suggests that wildlife may be an overlooked source of infection. Livestock could also act as bridge hosts for humans. Drawing from disease ecology frameworks, we chose five barriers to include in this review based on the hypothesis that cattle act as bridge hosts for Ballum. Using a narrative methodology, we collated published studies pertaining to (a) the distribution and abundance of potential wild maintenance hosts of Ballum, (b) the infection dynamics (prevalence and pathogenesis) in those same hosts, (c) Ballum shedding and survival in the environment, (d) the exposure and competency of cattle as a potential bridge host, and (e) exposure for humans as a target host of Ballum. Mice (Mus musculus), rats (Rattus rattus, R. norvegicus) and hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) were suspected as maintenance hosts of Ballum in NZ in studies conducted in the 1970s-1980s. These introduced species are distributed throughout NZ, and are present on pastures. The role of other wildlife in Ballum (and more broadly Leptospira) transmission remains poorly defined, and has not been thoroughly investigated in NZ. The experimental and natural Ballum infection of cattle suggest a low pathogenicity and the possibility of shedding. The seroprevalence in cattle appears higher in recent serosurveys (3 to 14%) compared with studies from the 1970s (0 to 3%). This review identifies gaps in the knowledge of Ballum, and highlights cattle as a potential spillover host. Further studies are required to ascertain the role that wild and domestic species may play in the eco-epidemiology of Ballum in order to understand its survival in the environment, and to inform control strategies.

PMID:34698305 | DOI:10.3390/tropicalmed6040189

Sci Rep. 2021 Oct 25;11(1):20956. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-00351-1.

ABSTRACT

The vagina plays a critical role in supporting the pelvic organs and loss of support leads to pelvic organ prolapse. It is unknown what microstructural changes influence prolapse progression nor how decreased elastic fibers contributes to vaginal remodeling and smooth muscle contractility. The objective for this study was to evaluate the effect of fibulin-5 haploinsufficiency, and deficiency with progressive prolapse on the biaxial contractile and biomechanical function of the murine vagina. Vaginas from wildtype (n = 13), haploinsufficient (n = 13), and deficient mice with grade 1 (n = 9) and grade 2 or 3 (n = 9) prolapse were explanted for biaxial contractile and biomechanical testing. Multiaxial histology (n = 3/group) evaluated elastic and collagen fiber microstructure. Western blotting quantified protein expression (n = 6/group). A one-way ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis test evaluated statistical significance. Pearson’s or Spearman’s test determined correlations with prolapse grade. Axial contractility decreased with fibulin-5 deficiency and POP (p < 0.001), negatively correlated with prolapse grade (ρ = – 0.80; p < 0.001), and positively correlated with muscularis elastin area fraction (ρ = – 0.78; p = 0.004). Circumferential (ρ = 0.71; p < 0.001) and axial (ρ = 0.69; p < 0.001) vaginal wall stresses positively correlated with prolapse grade. These findings demonstrated that fibulin-5 deficiency and prolapse progression decreased vaginal contractility and increased vaginal wall stress. Future work is needed to better understand the processes that contribute to prolapse progression in order to guide diagnostic, preventative, and treatment strategies.

PMID:34697337 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-021-00351-1

Nat Commun. 2021 Oct 25;12(1):6162. doi: 10.1038/s41467-021-26465-8.

ABSTRACT

Single-particle tracking offers detailed information about the motion of molecules in complex environments such as those encountered in live cells, but the interpretation of experimental data is challenging. One of the most powerful tools in the characterization of random processes is the power spectral density. However, because anomalous diffusion processes in complex systems are usually not stationary, the traditional Wiener-Khinchin theorem for the analysis of power spectral densities is invalid. Here, we employ a recently developed tool named aging Wiener-Khinchin theorem to derive the power spectral density of fractional Brownian motion coexisting with a scale-free continuous time random walk, the two most typical anomalous diffusion processes. Using this analysis, we characterize the motion of voltage-gated sodium channels on the surface of hippocampal neurons. Our results show aging where the power spectral density can either increase or decrease with observation time depending on the specific parameters of both underlying processes.

PMID:34697310 | DOI:10.1038/s41467-021-26465-8

Sci Rep. 2021 Oct 25;11(1):20955. doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-00379-3.

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to examine the reliabilities (test-retest reliability and measurement error), construct validity, and the interpretability (minimal clinically important difference) of the Box and Block Test (BBT) to interpret test scores precisely for children with UCP. A total of 100 children with UCP were recruited and 50 children from the whole sample assessed the BBT twice within 2-week interval. The BBT, the Melbourne Assessment 2, the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, 2nd Edition, and the Pediatric Motor Activity Log Revised were measured before and immediately after a 36-h intensive neurorehabilitation intervention. Measurement properties of the BBT were performed according to the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments checklist. The test-retest reliability of the BBT was high (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.98). The measurement error estimated by the MDC₉₅ value was 5.95. Construct validity was considered good that 4 of 4 (100%) hypotheses were confirmed. The interpretability estimated by the MCID ranged from 5.29 to 6.46. The BBT is a reliable and valid tool for children with UCP. For research and clinical applications, an improvement of seven blocks on the BBT is recommended as an indicator of statistically significant and clinically important change.

PMID:34697312 | DOI:10.1038/s41598-021-00379-3