25-Hydroxycholesterol Protects Host against Zika Virus Infection and Its Associated Microcephaly in a Mouse Model.

Zika virus (ZIKV) has become a public health threat due to its global transmission and link to severe congenital disorders. The host immune responses to ZIKV infection have not been fully elucidated, and effective therapeutics are not currently available. Herein, we demonstrated that cholesterol-25-hydroxylase (CH25H) was induced in response to ZIKV infection and that its enzymatic product, 25-hydroxycholesterol (25HC), was a critical mediator of host protection against ZIKV. Synthetic 25HC addition inhibited ZIKV infection in vitro by blocking viral entry, and treatment with 25HC reduced viremia and conferred protection against ZIKV in mice and rhesus macaques. 25HC suppressed ZIKV infection and reduced tissue damage in human cortical organoids and the embryonic brain of the ZIKV-induced mouse microcephaly model. Our findings highlight the protective role of CH25H during ZIKV infection and the potential use of 25HC as a natural antiviral agent to combat ZIKV infection and prevent ZIKV-associated outcomes, such as microcephaly.

Intramesenteric abscess caused by non-typhoidal Salmonella.

Nontyphoidal Salmonella (NTS) is a common cause of gastroenteritis in humans and animals, but intra-abdominal abscesses or organ space surgical site infection (SSI) secondary to this organism has been rarely reported, making diagnosis and management difficult. Our case of intra-mesenteric abscess caused by NTS species is the only case reported in the literature. Immunocompromising conditions such as diabetes and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are important risk factors for invasive nontyphoidal Salmonella. Most patients are treated initially with intravenous antibiotics. Treatment often requires operative drainage by laparoscopy or laparotomy alone, although percutaneous drainage has been performed more frequently in recent years. Early clinical signs and radiographic features of intra-abdominal abscess may be diagnostically challenging. It is important for clinicians to have high index of suspicion based on history and symptomatology as prompt treatment is essential to prevent further morbidity and mortality.

Persistence of SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Vaccinated Health Care Workers Analyzed by Coronavirus Antigen Microarray.

Recent studies provide conflicting evidence on the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 immunity induced by mRNA vaccines. Here, we aim to quantify the persistence of humoral immunity following vaccination using a coronavirus antigen microarray that includes 10 SARS-CoV-2 antigens. In a prospective longitudinal cohort of 240 healthcare workers, composite SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody levels did not wane significantly over a 6-month study period. In the subset of the study population previously exposed to SARS-CoV-2 based on seropositivity for nucleocapsid antibodies, higher composite anti-spike IgG levels were measured before the vaccine but no significant difference from unexposed individuals was observed at 6 months. Age, vaccine type, or worker role did not significantly impact composite IgG levels, although non-significant trends towards lower antibody levels in older participants and higher antibody levels with Moderna vaccine were observed at 6 months. A small subset of our cohort were classified as having waning antibody titers at 6 months, and these individuals were less likely to work in patient care roles and more likely to have prior exposure to SARS-CoV-2.

Toxicologic Exposures in California Emergency Departments in 2011 and Its Risk Factors.

INTRODUCTION: Toxicologic exposures (TE) are a major preventable public health issue, with most cases due to unintentional causes. Although these cases are well documented and reported via the National Poison Data System, there is little information regarding toxicologic exposure cases in the emergency department (ED). The aim of this study was to identify demographic groups at risk for potential poisoning. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. We used data from the California State Emergency Department Database (SEDD) 2011 for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The study included 10,124,598 ED visits in California in 2011. The prevalence of TE was 383.4 (379.6-387.3) per 100,000 visits. Toxicologic exposures were most common among patients aged <10 years (555.4, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 544.5-566.5 per 100,000 visits). Overall, TE was more common among males. White patients showed the highest prevalence of TE compared to other racial groups (P <0.001). Subpopulation analysis showed Native American female patients ages 10-19 had a noticeably higher prevalence of TE (1,464.4, 95% CI: 802.9-2444.9 per 100,000). The prevalence of TE was higher in households of higher median income (P <0.001). Prevalence of TE among those with a history of substance use was also elevated. CONCLUSION: Toxicologic exposure cases in the ED are elevated in particular age and race/ethnicity groups, as well as among those with a diagnosis of substance use disorder. The strength of association between these factors and TE in the general population may be different because we examined ED visits only. Further preventive and education strategies are necessary and should target the demographic groups identified in this epidemiological study.

Loose PEG Tube Leading to Peristomal Leakage and Peritonitis, a Case Report.

We present the case of a 37-year-old male with history of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and recent percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement presented with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, abdominal distention, tenderness and guarding. Given the concern for peritonitis, upright/decubitus chest X-ray was obtained and showed bilateral free peritoneal air suggesting possible perforation or peristomal leakage after PEG tube placement. While PEG complication rates are relatively low, clinicians should consider them and remember that chest X-ray can be a very efficient and accurate method of evaluation for possible gastrointestinal perforation, especially in acute emergencies. Topics: Abdominal/gastrointestinal, peritonitis, perforation, surgical complication.