Performance of a multisensor smart ring to evaluate sleep: in-lab and home-based evaluation of generalized and personalized algorithms.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Wearable sleep technology has rapidly expanded across the consumer market due to advances in technology and increased interest in personalized sleep assessment to improve health and mental performance. We tested the performance of a novel device, the Happy Ring, alongside other commercial wearables (Actiwatch 2, Fitbit Charge 4, Whoop 3.0, Oura Ring V2), against in-lab polysomnography (PSG) and at-home electroencephalography (EEG)-derived sleep monitoring device, the Dreem 2 Headband. METHODS: Thirty-six healthy adults with no diagnosed sleep disorders and no recent use of medications or substances known to affect sleep patterns were assessed across 77 nights. Subjects participated in a single night of in-lab PSG and two nights of at-home data collection. The Happy Ring includes sensors for skin conductance, movement, heart rate, and skin temperature. The Happy Ring utilized two machine-learning derived scoring algorithms: a "generalized" algorithm that applied broadly to all users, and a "personalized" algorithm that adapted to individual subjects' data. Epoch-by-epoch analyses compared the wearable devices to in-lab PSG and to at-home EEG Headband. RESULTS: Compared to in-lab PSG, the "generalized" and "personalized" algorithms demonstrated good sensitivity (94% and 93%, respectively) and specificity (70% and 83%, respectively). The Happy Personalized model demonstrated a lower bias and more narrow limits of agreement across Bland-Altman measures. CONCLUSION: The Happy Ring performed well at home and in the lab, especially regarding sleep/wake detection. The personalized algorithm demonstrated improved detection accuracy over the generalized approach and other devices, suggesting that adaptable, dynamic algorithms can enhance sleep detection accuracy.

A Vexing Recurrent Pericardial Effusion Without Underlying Pathology - Subsequent Diagnosis Of Lymphoma Proves A Rare First Presentation.

An elderly man had recurrent admissions with large symptomatic pericardial effusions. Initial computed tomography (CT) of thorax, abdomen and pelvis and pericardial fluid analysis did not reveal underlying cause. On subsequent presentation, pericardial window was formed but repeat pericardial fluid analysis and biopsy failed to give a diagnosis again. He then presented approximately after four months with worsening symptoms of dyspnoea and weight loss. General physical examination at that point noted inguinal lymphadenopathy. Repeat imaging with CT and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed features of metastatic malignancy. Tissue diagnosis from inguinal lymph nodes proved to be diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement (ICHOM): Standardized Patient-Centered Outcomes Measurement Set for Heart Failure Patients.

Whereas multiple national, international, and trial registries for heart failure have been created, international standards for clinical assessment and outcome measurement do not currently exist. The working group's objective was to facilitate international comparison in heart failure care, using standardized parameters and meaningful patient-centered outcomes for research and quality of care assessments. The International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement recruited an international working group of clinical heart failure experts, researchers, and patient representatives to define a standard set of outcomes and risk-adjustment variables. This was designed to document, compare, and ultimately improve patient care outcomes in the heart failure population, with a focus on global feasibility and relevance. The working group employed a Delphi process, patient focus groups, online patient surveys, and multiple systematic publications searches. The process occurred over 10 months, employing 7 international teleconferences. A 17-item set has been established, addressing selected functional, psychosocial, burden of care, and survival outcome domains. These measures were designed to include all patients with heart failure, whether entered at first presentation or subsequent decompensation, excluding cardiogenic shock. Sources include clinician report, administrative data, and validated patient-reported outcome measurement tools: the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire; the Patient Health Questionnaire-2; and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System. Recommended data included those to support risk adjustment and benchmarking across providers and regions. The International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurement developed a dataset designed to capture, compare, and improve care for heart failure, with feasibility and relevance for patients and clinicians worldwide.

Case Report: Ramipril and microscopic colitis; a necessary tool of cardiologists can rarely be devastating for patients.

Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors could lead to severe diarrhoea related to microscopic colitis. Few of such cases have been reported before and this serious problem, from a widely used class of drugs in hypertension and heart failure, needs to be more recognised. We describe the case of collagenous colitis related to ramipril use in the following case report. A 74-year-old farmer who had a history of triple vessel coronary artery disease was admitted to district general hospital with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction. He had known alcohol-related chronic pancreatitis with chronic diarrhoea as a complication, which was managed with pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy. However, he developed severe worsening of diarrhoea causing bowel incontinence and nocturnal symptoms during his admission to hospital. The explosive and watery nature of diarrhoea with urgency was so troublesome that it delayed coronary revascularisation and lead him to have significant psychological distress and low mood while nocturnal bowel motions meant he was unable to sleep. He was compliant with his pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy during this period. Infective causes were ruled out by stool microbiology examination and coeliac disease by oesophagogastroscopy and biopsy. It was noticed that he was recently prescribed ramipril that was later stopped as a possible diarrhoea trigger. Diarrhoea started settling immediately and resolved to his baseline within a week. A colonoscopy was performed in the meantime and biopsies demonstrated microscopic colitis (MC). He did not tolerate budesonide well so was stopped. However, a follow-up colonoscopy with biopsy in two months showed resolution of MC.

Novel coronavirus and astrovirus in Delaware Bay shorebirds.

BACKGROUND: Wild birds are an important but to some extent under-studied reservoir for emerging pathogens. We used unbiased sequencing methods for virus discovery in shorebird samples from the Delaware Bay, USA; an important feeding ground for thousands of migratory birds. FINDINGS: Analysis of shorebird fecal samples indicated the presence of a novel astrovirus and coronavirus. A sanderling sample yielded sequences with distant homology to avian nephritis virus 1, an astrovirus associated with acute nephritis in poultry. A ruddy turnstone sample yielded sequences with homology to deltacoronaviruses. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight shorebirds as a virus reservoir and the need to closely monitor wild bird populations for the emergence of novel virus variants.

Developing learning outcomes for medical students and foundation doctors in palliative care: a national consensus-seeking initiative in Scotland.

BACKGROUND: Undergraduate education in palliative care is essential if doctors are to be competent to care for dying patients and their families in a range of specialties and healthcare settings. However, creating space for this within existing undergraduate and foundation year curricula poses significant challenges. We aimed to develop consensus learning outcomes for palliative care teaching in the university medical schools in Scotland. METHODS: The General Medical Council (GMC) outlines a number of learning outcomes with clear relevance to palliative care. Leaders from the five Scottish medical schools identified and agreed a small number of outcomes, which we judged most relevant to teaching palliative care and collated teaching resources to support these. RESULTS: Consensus learning outcomes for undergraduate palliative care were agreed by our mixed group of clinician educators over a number of months. There were many secondary gains from this process, including the pooling of educational resources and best practice, and the provision of peer support for those struggling to establish curriculum time for palliative care. DISCUSSION: The process and outcomes were presented to the Scottish Teaching Deans, with a view to their inclusion in undergraduate and foundation year curricula. It is through a strong commitment to achieving these learning outcomes that we will prepare all doctors for providing palliative care to the increasing numbers of patients and families that require it.

Upolu virus and Aransas Bay virus, two presumptive bunyaviruses, are novel members of the family Orthomyxoviridae.

UNLABELLED: Emerging and zoonotic pathogens pose continuing threats to human health and ongoing challenges to diagnostics. As nucleic acid tests are playing increasingly prominent roles in diagnostics, the genetic characterization of molecularly uncharacterized agents is expected to significantly enhance detection and surveillance capabilities. We report the identification of two previously unrecognized members of the family Orthomyxoviridae, which includes the influenza viruses and the tick-transmitted Thogoto and Dhori viruses. We provide morphological, serologic, and genetic evidence that Upolu virus (UPOV) from Australia and Aransas Bay virus (ABV) from North America, both previously considered potential bunyaviruses based on electron microscopy and physicochemical features, are orthomyxoviruses instead. Their genomes show up to 68% nucleotide sequence identity to Thogoto virus (segment 2; ∼74% at the amino acid level) and a more distant relationship to Dhori virus, the two prototype viruses of the recognized species of the genus Thogotovirus. Despite sequence similarity, the coding potentials of UPOV and ABV differed from that of Thogoto virus, instead being like that of Dhori virus. Our findings suggest that the tick-transmitted viruses UPOV and ABV represent geographically distinct viruses in the genus Thogotovirus of the family Orthomyxoviridae that do not fit in the two currently recognized species of this genus. IMPORTANCE: Upolu virus (UPOV) and Aransas Bay virus (ABV) are shown to be orthomyxoviruses instead of bunyaviruses, as previously thought. Genetic characterization and adequate classification of agents are paramount in this molecular age to devise appropriate surveillance and diagnostics. Although more closely related to Thogoto virus by sequence, UPOV and ABV differ in their coding potentials by lacking a proposed pathogenicity factor. In this respect, they are similar to Dhori virus, which, despite the lack of a pathogenicity factor, can cause disease. These findings enable further studies into the evolution and pathogenicity of orthomyxoviruses.

Mini-sternotomy approach for aortic valve replacement in a patient with osteogenesis imperfecta.

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a heritable disorder of the connective tissue. Cardiovascular involvement is rare, related mainly to aortic valve regurgitation. Open-heart surgery in these patients is associated with increased morbidity and mortality rates as a result of tissue friability and bone brittleness as well as platelet dysfunction. We present a patient with OI who underwent successful aortic valve replacement with a mini-sternotomy approach.

Characterization of the Uukuniemi virus group (Phlebovirus: Bunyaviridae): evidence for seven distinct species.

Evolutionary insights into the phleboviruses are limited because of an imprecise classification scheme based on partial nucleotide sequences and scattered antigenic relationships. In this report, the serologic and phylogenetic relationships of the Uukuniemi group viruses and their relationships with other recently characterized tick-borne phleboviruses are described using full-length genome sequences. We propose that the viruses currently included in the Uukuniemi virus group be assigned to five different species as follows: Uukuniemi virus, EgAn 1825-61 virus, Fin V707 virus, Chizé virus, and Zaliv Terpenia virus would be classified into the Uukuniemi species; Murre virus, RML-105-105355 virus, and Sunday Canyon virus would be classified into a Murre virus species; and Grand Arbaud virus, Precarious Point virus, and Manawa virus would each be given individual species status. Although limited sequence similarity was detected between current members of the Uukuniemi group and Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) and Heartland virus, a clear serological reaction was observed between some of them, indicating that SFTSV and Heartland virus should be considered part of the Uukuniemi virus group. Moreover, based on the genomic diversity of the phleboviruses and given the low correlation observed between complement fixation titers and genetic distance, we propose a system for classification of the Bunyaviridae based on genetic as well as serological data. Finally, the recent descriptions of SFTSV and Heartland virus also indicate that the public health importance of the Uukuniemi group viruses must be reevaluated.

Assessing parenteral diuretic treatment of decompensated heart failure in the community.

Referrals of 46 patients with decompensated end-stage heart failure were reviewed by a community heart-failure specialist nurse as part of a pilot study to determine patient numbers suitable for parenteral diuretic treatment at home, and the appropriateness of the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) and Carer's Stress Scales. Triage of patients resulted in the following care pathways: 14 (30%) received intravenous therapy, 11 (24%) received subcutaneous therapy, 9 (20%) required adjustment of medication, 8 (17%) could not be treated because of limited staffing resource, 4 (9%) met study exemption criteria. There were no adverse events following furosemide infusion. The majority of intravenous and subcutaneous treatments took 1-7 days (total 187 days). Parenteral diuretic therapy prevented admissions and reduced the severity heart failure symptoms in particular oedema. Patients and carers appreciated the service, which had a positive effect on carers stress. Of the nursing tools, the ESAS and the Carer's Stress Scales proved useful in the management of patients.

Malignant pericardial effusion in a patient with prostate adenocarcinoma.

The authors discuss a rare case of pericardial effusion secondary to carcinoma of the prostate. A month after therapeutic pericardiocentesis there was a haemodynamically significant recurrence, necessitating a pericardial window. The authors discuss pericardial effusion and the management of such patients.

Global mRNA decay analysis at single nucleotide resolution reveals segmental and positional degradation patterns in a Gram-positive bacterium.

BACKGROUND: Recent years have shown a marked increase in the use of next-generation sequencing technologies for quantification of gene expression (RNA sequencing, RNA-Seq). The expression level of a gene is a function of both its rate of transcription and RNA decay, and the influence of mRNA decay rates on gene expression in genome-wide studies of Gram-positive bacteria is under-investigated. RESULTS: In this work, we employed RNA-Seq in a genome-wide determination of mRNA half-lives in the Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus cereus. By utilizing a newly developed normalization protocol, RNA-Seq was used successfully to determine global mRNA decay rates at the single nucleotide level. The analysis revealed positional degradation patterns, with mRNAs being degraded from both ends of the molecule, indicating that both 5' to 3' and 3' to 5' directions of RNA decay are present in B. cereus. Other operons showed segmental degradation patterns where specific ORFs within polycistrons were degraded at variable rates, underlining the importance of RNA processing in gene regulation. We determined the half-lives for more than 2,700 ORFs in B. cereus ATCC 10987, ranging from less than one minute to more than fifteen minutes, and showed that mRNA decay rate correlates globally with mRNA expression level, GC content, and functional class of the ORF. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this study presents the first global analysis of mRNA decay in a bacterium at single nucleotide resolution. We provide a proof of principle for using RNA-Seq in bacterial mRNA decay analysis, revealing RNA processing patterns at the single nucleotide level.

Genetic characterization of the Wyeomyia group of orthobunyaviruses and their phylogenetic relationships.

Phylogenetic analyses can give new insights into the evolutionary history of viruses, especially of viruses with segmented genomes. However, sequence information for many viral families or genera is still limited and phylogenies based on single or short genome fragments can be misleading. We report the first genetic analysis of all three genome segments of Wyeomyia group viruses Wyeomyia, Taiassui, Macaua, Sororoca, Anhembi and Cachoeira Porteira (BeAr328208) in the genus Orthobunyavirus of the family Bunyaviridae. In addition, Tucunduba and Iaco viruses were identified as members of the Wyeomyia group. Features of Wyeomyia group members that distinguish them from other viruses in the Bunyamwera serogroup and from other orthobunyaviruses, including truncated NSs sequences that may not counteract the host's interferon response, were characterized. Our findings also suggest genome reassortment within the Wyeomyia group, identifying Macaua and Tucunduba viruses as M-segment reassortants that, in the case of Tucunduba virus, may have altered pathogenicity, stressing the need for whole-genome sequence information to facilitate characterization of orthobunyaviruses and their phylogenetic relationships.

Patterns of fatigue in elderly heart failure patients measured by a quality of life scale (Minnesota living with heart failure).

BACKGROUND: Progression of fatigue in elderly heart failure patients is not well documented. AIM: To report on patterns and severity of fatigue in surviving patients (n = 112, mean age 75 years) of a 5 year heart failure programme (HFP). METHODS: Patients (n = 200 at baseline) participated in a 6 month trial of cardiac rehabilitation (CR versus standard care) followed by the same prescribed maintenance programme (Phase IV and/or independent exercise). Fatigue was rated by the MLHF questionnaire and compared to quality of life (QoL), physical and clinical measures. Patterns of fatigue are described in the whole sample. Data analysis is undertaken on sub-groups based on baseline randomisation, aetiology, gender, co-morbidity and survival. Heart failure patients (n = 29) newly diagnosed at the 5 year follow-up time point provided information on their experience of fatigue. RESULTS: At baseline and 5 years, 45% patients rated fatigue within the two highest categories of severity, whereas 10% reported no symptoms on assessment. Over 5 years, the fatigue patterns in the sample were unsustained improvement commensurate with the HFP (37%), an adverse pattern from baseline (37%), maintained improvement (18%) or no overall change (8%). Fatigue was higher in patients with joint problems and responded to the intervention. There was a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the proportion of patients with reduced haemoglobin level and severe fatigue at 5 years. Fatigue scores correlated significantly (p < 0.01) with QoL and physical measures. CONCLUSIONS: Severe fatigue progresses differently in elderly patients and is a modifiable symptom in the early phases of CR.

Genomic and antigenic characterization of Jos virus.

Jos virus (JOSV), originally isolated in Jos, Nigeria in 1967, has remained unclassified despite cultivation in tissue culture, development of animal models of infection and implementation of seroprevalence surveys for infection. Here, we report genetic, ultrastructural and serological evidence that JOSV is an orthomyxovirus distinct from but phylogenetically related to viruses of the genus Thogotovirus.

Discovery of an ebolavirus-like filovirus in europe.

Filoviruses, amongst the most lethal of primate pathogens, have only been reported as natural infections in sub-Saharan Africa and the Philippines. Infections of bats with the ebolaviruses and marburgviruses do not appear to be associated with disease. Here we report identification in dead insectivorous bats of a genetically distinct filovirus, provisionally named Lloviu virus, after the site of detection, Cueva del Lloviu, in Spain.

Genetic characterization of K13965, a strain of Oak Vale virus from Western Australia.

K13965, an uncharacterized virus, was isolated in 1993 from Anopheles annulipes mosquitoes collected in the Kimberley region of northern Western Australia. Here, we report its genomic sequence, identify it as a rhabdovirus, and characterize its phylogenetic relationships. The genome comprises a P' (C) and SH protein similar to the recently characterized Tupaia and Durham viruses, and shows overlap between G and L genes. Comparison of K13965 genome sequence to other rhabdoviruses identified K13965 as a strain of the unclassified Australian Oak Vale rhabdovirus, whose complete genome sequence we also determined. Phylogenetic analysis of N and L sequences indicated genetic relationship to a recently proposed Sandjima virus clade, although the Oak Vale virus sequences form a branch separate from the African members of that group.

Discovery of an orthoreovirus in the aborted fetus of a Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus).

An aborted mid-gestational male Steller sea lion fetus with an attached placenta was recovered on the floor of an open floating capture trap located off Norris Rock near Denman Island, British Columbia. Viral culture of the placenta demonstrated cytopathic effect. Although no specific signal was obtained in microarray experiments using RNA obtained from viral culture, elution and sequence analysis revealed the presence of a reovirus. Complete genome pyrosequencing led to the identification of an orthoreovirus that we have tentatively named Steller sea lion reovirus (SSRV). Phylogenetic analysis revealed similarities between SSRV and orthoreoviruses of birds, bats and other mammals that suggests potential for interspecies transmission.