Effectiveness of repeated injections of botulinum toxin A on gait and fatigue in adults with spastic paraparesis secondary to multiple sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common neurologic disease in young adults. Spasticity is one of its most disabling symptoms, with botulinum toxin A type A (BoNT-A) being one of the treatments of choice for this symptom. OBJECTIVE: We assessed the response to abobotulinumtoxinA in improving walking ability and fatigue in patients with spastic paraparesis caused by MS. METHODS: We performed a real-world, multicenter, prospective, open-label low-intervention trial in 84 patients with MS and spastic paraparesis of the lower limbs infiltrated with abobotulinumtoxinA (LINITOX study). The response of spasticity, walking ability and fatigue is analyzed in 4 cycles of ultrasound-guided injection in the lower limbs. RESULTS: The patients improved their walking ability by an average of 11.34% meters measured with 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and decreased the percentage of fatigue by 6.86% (4.66 percentage points less), in the 12-Item Multiple Sclerosis Walking Scale (MSWS-12) 4 weeks after abobotulinumtoxinA injection, both values are statistically significant. This improvement seems to persist over time, throughout the cycles. CONCLUSION: We found improved walking ability and less fatigue in patients with MS-related spastic paresis of the lower limbs after injection of abobotulinumtoxinA.

Lessons from community engagement to improve COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment in Cochabamba, Bolivia.

BACKGROUND: Community engagement is recognized as a vital component of health-related research and programs, particularly during infectious disease outbreaks and epidemics. Despite the importance of engaging communities in the response to COVID-19, relatively little research has examined how this was (or was not) achieved, and even less in low- and middle-income countries. This article describes the community engagement that accompanied efforts to strengthen COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment as part of the ECO Project in Cochabamba, Bolivia and highlights lessons for future pandemic response. METHODS: Community engagement involved formative assessment, co-creation to develop a health information campaign, ongoing community listening and evaluation. Qualitative data were collected during workshops, project meetings and focus groups. Questionnaire-based surveys were conducted to assess COVID-19-related attitudes, knowledge and practices. RESULTS: The collected data highlighted the value of working closely with well-established community health committees and involving community members with social media skills in the design of COVID-19-related messages to address on- and offline misinformation. Co-creation sessions enabled the adjustment of the information campaign in terms of content and approach based on the needs and preferences of community members and health staff. The continuous listening with community and health personnel facilitated the ongoing adaptation of project activities. CONCLUSION: Through a stepped and multi-pronged approach, incorporating co-creation and community listening, the engagement could respond to emerging local challenges during the pandemic. The project created spaces for dialogue and opportunities for collaboration that strengthened links between the community and the health services.

Main findings Key elements of community engagement to improve COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment in Cochabamba, Bolivia, included working closely with well-established community health committees, involving community members with social media skills in the co-design of COVID-19-related messages, and continuous listening with community and health personnel facilitated the ongoing adaptation of project activities.Added knowledge With little research on community engagement for COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment in Latin America, this study reports the results of mixed methods research on the impact of a comprehensive approach to engagement that highlights lessons for future health emergencies.Global health impact for policy and action Lessons for engagement in health emergencies include the need for a multi-pronged approach, incorporating co-creation and community listening, to respond to emerging local challenges.

Effectiveness of bio-effectors on maize, wheat and tomato performance and phosphorus acquisition from greenhouse to field scales in Europe and Israel: a meta-analysis.

Biostimulants (Bio-effectors, BEs) comprise plant growth-promoting microorganisms and active natural substances that promote plant nutrient-acquisition, stress resilience, growth, crop quality and yield. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of BEs, particularly under field conditions, appears highly variable and poorly quantified. Using random model meta-analyses tools, we summarize the effects of 107 BE treatments on the performance of major crops, mainly conducted within the EU-funded project BIOFECTOR with a focus on phosphorus (P) nutrition, over five years. Our analyses comprised 94 controlled pot and 47 field experiments under different geoclimatic conditions, with variable stress levels across European countries and Israel. The results show an average growth/yield increase by 9.3% (n=945), with substantial differences between crops (tomato > maize > wheat) and growth conditions (controlled nursery + field (Seed germination and nursery under controlled conditions and young plants transplanted to the field) > controlled > field). Average crop growth responses were independent of BE type, P fertilizer type, soil pH and plant-available soil P (water-P, Olsen-P or Calcium acetate lactate-P). BE effectiveness profited from manure and other organic fertilizers, increasing soil pH and presence of abiotic stresses (cold, drought/heat or salinity). Systematic meta-studies based on published literature commonly face the inherent problem of publication bias where the most suspected form is the selective publication of statistically significant results. In this meta-analysis, however, the results obtained from all experiments within the project are included. Therefore, it is free of publication bias. In contrast to reviews of published literature, our unique study design is based on a common standardized protocol which applies to all experiments conducted within the project to reduce sources of variability. Based on data of crop growth, yield and P acquisition, we conclude that application of BEs can save fertilizer resources in the future, but the efficiency of BE application depends on cropping systems and environments.

Comparison of two approaches to measuring clean faces as part of the facial cleanliness component of the SAFE trachoma elimination strategy.

BACKGROUND: The Alliance for the Global Elimination of Trachoma (GET) endorses the full SAFE strategy to eliminate trachoma; Surgery (for trichiasis), Antibiotics (to reduce the community pool of infection, Facial cleanliness, and Environmental improvement (to decrease transmission). There is no accepted measure of facial cleanliness. This study compared two possible metrics for facial cleanliness. METHOD/FINDINGS: Metric one: Clean face was defined as observed absence of ocular and nasal discharge on the face. Metric two: observing a grade of dirtiness (scale 10 = lightest to 0 = darkest) on a standard facial wipe. The reliability of grading a child's face or grading a facial wipe was determined in children in Kongwa Tanzania. We also observed both measurements in a cohort of 202 children ages 1 to <7years prior to face cleaning, immediately afterwards, and 4 hours afterwards. Fifty of the children did not have face cleaning and were controls. Intra-and interobserver reliability was similar for both measures, the latter = 0.53 for observing a clean face and 0.52 for grading a facial wipe. There was no correlation between the two. Both measures detected facial cleaning, compared to control children who were not cleaned, immediately after cleaning; control children with 53% clean faces and wipe score of 6.7 compared to cleaned children with 88% clean faces and wipe score of 8 (p = .0001, p = < .0001, respectively). Both measures also detected face washing 4 hours previously compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: The two metrics were equally reliable, and both measured the behavior of face washing. They measure different aspects of a clean face; one measures the amount of dirt on wiped area and the other measures ocular and nasal discharge. Both measurements appear to capture the behavior of facial cleaning, and the choice of metric would appear to rest on the measurement that captures the stated objective of the behavior, consideration of costs, training, logistics, and implementation.

A comprehensive examination of small-bowel capsule endoscopy in Spanish centers to meet European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy standards.

Background and study aims In 2019, the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) created a working group to develop technical and quality standards for small-bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) to improve the daily practice of endoscopy services. They developed 10 quality parameters, which have yet to be tested in a real-life setting. Our study aimed to evaluate the accomplishment of the quality standards in SBCE established by the ESGE in several Spanish centers. Materials and methods An online survey of 11 multiple-choice questions related to the ESGE performance measures was sent to Spanish centers with experience in SBCE. In order to participate and obtain reliable data, at least 100 questionnaires had to be answered per center because that is the minimum number established by ESGE. Results 20 centers participated in the study, compiling 2049 SBCEs for the analysis. Only one of 10 performance measures (cecal visualization) reached the minimum standard established by the ESGE. In five of 10 performance measures (Indication, lesion detection rate, terminology, and retention rate) the minimum standard was nearly achieved. Conclusions Our study is the first multicenter study regarding SBCE quality performance measures in a real setting. Our results show that the minimum standard is hardly reached in most procedures, which calls into question their clinical applicability in real life. We suggest performing similar studies in other countries to evaluate whether there is a need for quality improvement programs or a need to reevaluate the minimum and target values published so far.

Design of a Stem Cell-Based Therapy for Ependymal Repair in Hydrocephalus Associated With Germinal Matrix Hemorrhages.

BACKGROUND: In preterm birth germinal matrix hemorrhages (GMHs) and the consequent posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH), the neuroepithelium/ependyma development is disrupted. This work is aimed to explore the possibilities of ependymal repair in GMH/PHH using a combination of neural stem cells, ependymal progenitors (EpPs), and mesenchymal stem cells. METHODS: GMH/PHH was induced in 4-day-old mice using collagenase, blood, or blood serum injections. PHH severity was characterized 2 weeks later using magnetic resonance, immunofluorescence, and protein expression quantification with mass spectrometry. Ependymal restoration and wall regeneration after stem cell treatments were tested in vivo and in an ex vivo experimental approach using ventricular walls from mice developing moderate and severe GMH/PHH. The effect of the GMH environment on EpP differentiation was tested in vitro. Two-tailed Student t or Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney U test was used to find differences between the treated and nontreated groups. ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare >2 groups with post hoc Tukey and Dunn multiple comparison tests, respectively. RESULTS: PHH severity was correlated with the extension of GMH and ependymal disruption (means, 88.22% severe versus 19.4% moderate). GMH/PHH hindered the survival rates of the transplanted neural stem cells/EpPs. New multiciliated ependymal cells could be generated from transplanted neural stem cells and more efficiently from EpPs (15% mean increase). Blood and TNFα (tumor necrosis factor alpha) negatively affected ciliogenesis in cells committed to ependyma differentiation (expressing Foxj1 [forkhead box J1] transcription factor). Pretreatment with mesenchymal stem cells improved the survival rates of EpPs and ependymal differentiation while reducing the edematous (means, 18% to 0.5% decrease in severe edema) and inflammatory conditions in the explants. The effectiveness of this therapeutical strategy was corroborated in vivo (means, 29% to 0% in severe edema). CONCLUSIONS: In GMH/PHH, the ependyma can be restored and edema decreased from either neural stem cell or EpP transplantation in vitro and in vivo. Mesenchymal stem cell pretreatment improved the success of the ependymal restoration.

Gender differences in trachomatous scarring prevalence in a formerly trachoma hyperendemic district in Tanzania.

BACKGROUND: Trachoma is a chronic conjunctivitis caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. Repeated infections lead to trachomatous conjunctival scarring which can progress to potentially blinding trachomatous trichiasis (TT). In trachoma hyperendemic conditions, women compared to men have an increased risk of scarring and TT, which can progress to blinding corneal opacification. This study determined if there were gender differences in scarring prevalence and severity when trachoma prevalence approaches elimination, in a formerly trachoma hyperendemic region. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: A cross-sectional prevalence study was conducted amongst adults age 15 years and older in Kongwa district, Tanzania in 2019. 3168 persons over age 15 years agreed to be examined and had at least one eye with a gradable image. Ocular photographs were graded for scarring according to a published four-step severity scale. Overall, about half of all study participants had scarring. However, more females (52.3%) had any scarring compared to males (47.2%), OR = 1.22 (95% CI = 1.05-1.43). For every year increase in age, there was a 6.5% increase in the odds of having more severe scarring (95% CI: 5.8%, 7.2%). Women were more likely than men to have severe scarring, OR 2.36 (95% CI: 1.84-3.02). Residence in a community with TF≥10% was associated with a 1.6-fold increased odds of any scarring. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Overall scarring prevalence and more severe scarring prevalence was higher in females compared to males, even adjusting for age and community TF prevalence. The data suggest that processes occur that lead to women preferentially progressing towards more severe scarring compared to men.

Comparing image quality and trachoma detection across three camera types from a survey in Kongwa, Tanzania.

BACKGROUND: There is an increasing demand for photography for trachoma prevalence surveys. In previous studies, digital single lens reflex (DSLR) images were superior to smartphone images, but newer-model smartphones and/or lens attachments may be able to bridge this gap. This study compares the image quality and ability to detect trachomatous inflammation - follicular (TF) of three camera types: a DSLR Nikon camera, an iPhone SE and an iPhone 13 Pro with a cell scope. METHODS: We surveyed 62 children ages 1-7 y from two Tanzanian communities. Upper tarsal conjunctiva images of both eyes were graded for TF by two standardized graders. The McNemar's test and a logistic regression model were used for analyses. RESULTS: The DSLR camera malfunctioned during the study, thus the iPhone SE and iPhone 13 Pro with cell scope were both more likely to take high-quality, gradable photographs (88% and 86%, respectively) compared with the DSLR camera (69%) (p<0.001 and p=0.02, respectively). TF was detected in gradable images from the iPhone SE (8.8%) and iPhone 13 Pro with cell scope (9.0%) at the same rate (p=1.0) as images from the DSLR camera (9.7%). CONCLUSION: Smartphones with high-quality image capture, like the iPhone SE/13 Pro, have the potential for use in trachoma surveys if the proportion of gradable images can be improved.

Expanding a photographic grading system for trachomatous scarring.

BACKGROUND: The purpose was to assess an expansion of a previously published photographic four-step severity grading scale for trachomatous scarring (TS). METHODS: Images of everted eyelids of adult women in Tanzania were graded for the presence and severity of TS. The previous S3 grade was subdivided into two categories: S3A, one-third to <50% of the upper eyelid conjunctiva scarred; and S3B, 50% to <90%. The reliability and ease of use were evaluated. This new categorisation was then applied to images taken of the same women 5 y prior to evaluate whether it could help detect previously undetected progression. RESULTS: In total, 142 eyes at baseline and 418 eyes at follow-up after 5 y were graded as S3. Interobserver agreement using the expanded scarring grading scale was a kappa of 0.86. At baseline, 51 (35.9%) eyes were S3A and 91 (64.1%) were S3B. At follow-up after 5 y, 36.6% of the eyes that were previously documented as not having progressed were now detected as having progressed from S3A to S3B. S3B images were more likely to progress to S4 compared with S3A (OR 4.6, 95% CI 2.1 to 9.9). CONCLUSIONS: Adding S3A and S3B is reliable and detects more scarring progression. It will be beneficial for future studies analysing TS in photographs.

Comparison of amoxicillin administered twice and three times daily in children with acute otitis media.

To compare the effectiveness of amoxicillin administered in regimens of two or three daily doses in children with acute otitis media (AOM). As a secondary aim, we measured and compared treatment adherence between the two groups.A prospective observational study was conducted in the emergency department of a children's hospital.We recruited a total of 353 patients having a median age of 1.58 years. Twice-daily dosing was prescribed to 58%, while 42% received three doses per day. The clinical course of AOM was favourable in 92% of the patients who received two doses of amoxicillin and in 95% of those who received three doses (p = 0.25). Four patients (1%) had persistent symptoms beyond day 7. None developed intracranial complications. In the group receiving three doses daily, 31% reported difficulties with the dosing schedule, and 9.6% faced challenges when administering the medication at the specified volume, compared with 5.8% and 25% of those who received the two-dose regimen, respectively.  Conclusion: Twice-daily amoxicillin has similar efficacy to a three-dose daily regimen and can offer advantages for caregivers in terms of administration schedule. What is Known: • Amoxicillin given in two daily doses is as effective as a three doses regimen in the treatment of acute otitis media in children. • The lower the number of daily doses, the higher the adherence to a drug treatment. What is New: • Administration of amoxicillin in twice-daily doses may improve adherence, as it is less frequently associated with family-perceived problems with dosing schedules.

Relationship Between Intraocular Pressure and Age: A Population-Based Study in Nepal.

PRCIS: Intraocular pressure (IOP) decreased with age in a population-based study in Nepal, from a mean of 14.1 mm Hg among those 60-64 years old to 13.0 mm Hg among those 80 years old or older. PURPOSE: Few studies have assessed the distribution of IOP from the Indian subcontinent, despite its large population and high burden of glaucoma. The objective of this study was to assess the distribution of IOP measurements from adults living in a lowland region of Nepal. METHODS: In a population-based cross-sectional study, all individuals aged 60 years and older from an area of lowland Nepal were invited for an IOP assessment with a rebound tonometer. RESULTS: Of 160 communities (28,672 people aged ≥60 y) enrolled, 79 (13,808 people aged ≥60 y) were randomly selected for IOP testing. Of those eligible, 10,017 (72.5%) individuals underwent tonometry. Mean IOP decreased monotonically over 5-year age groups, from 14.1 mm Hg (SD: 3.6) among those aged 60-64 years to 13.0 mm Hg (SD: 4.2) among those 80 years or older. The 97.5th percentile IOP measurement was 21.0 mm Hg for all age groups. In adjusted analyses, younger age, self-reported diabetes, and higher population density were each associated with higher IOP, and self-reported cataract surgery was associated with lower IOP. CONCLUSIONS: Mean IOP was lower among older individuals in Nepal, consistent with many studies from East Asia and in contrast to many studies from western populations. These results suggest that ethnic background might be a consideration when diagnosing ocular hypertension.

Effectiveness of Trachomatous Trichiasis Case-identification Approaches in Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Trachoma control programs use multiple approaches to identify individuals with trachomatous trichiasis (TT). Evidence is limited regarding which approaches are most effective and cost-efficient. METHODS: We evaluated the effectiveness of two TT case-identification approaches in Ethiopia: community mobilization to encourage self-referral for centralized screening and house-to-house screenings conducted by case finders. We compared the number of true cases found per 1000 population and costs associated with case identification under each approach, stratified by villages that received one or multiple screening visits. RESULTS: We conducted screenings in 396 villages. In villages receiving one house-to-house visit, case finders identified 14,229 suspected cases, of whom 10,513 (73.9%) presented for TT confirmation. A median of 17.2% (interquartile range [IQR]: 9.1%-27.8%) of those presenting truly had TT (positive predictive value). In single-visit villages, the community mobilization approach yielded higher rates of confirmed cases than the house-to-house approach (1.5 [IQR: 1.1, 2.6] vs. 1.1 [IQR: 0.5, 1.9] cases per 1000 population), and the median cost of identifying a TT case was less ($5.59 vs. $31.18) using community mobilization than house-to-house. In multiple-visit villages, additional screening visits increased the median rate of confirmed cases to 2.5 per 1000 population in community mobilization villages, but the rate remained unchanged in house-to-house villages. CONCLUSIONS: Community mobilization-based TT case finding had a higher yield than house-to-house, at a substantially lower cost. Future research should examine whether additional tools to aid case finders in their diagnosis increases case-finding efficiency and accuracy and whether TT prevalence and surgical program duration impact case-finding success.

The Association Between the Severity of Trachomatous Scarring and Trachomatous Trichiasis Severity in Surgical Patients in Tanzania.

PURPOSE: To determine the association between the severity of trachomatous conjunctival scarring (TS) of the upper eyelid conjunctiva and trachomatous trichiasis (TT) severity in TT surgical patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted amongst adults with TT who were referred to surgical camps in Bahi District, Tanzania, for TT surgery. Participants underwent ocular examination. The presence and severity of TS was evaluated in photographs of the everted upper eyelid. TT severity was assessed at the time of the ocular exam based on the number of lashes touching the globe and/or evidence and extent of epilation. Ordinal logistic models were used to examine the association between the severity of TS and TT severity. RESULTS: A total of 627 eyes of 388 participants were included. Mean age was 65 years (ranging from 21-98), 81% were females, and 62% had bilateral TT. 93% of eyes with any TT had at least moderate TS; 62% of eyes had severe TS. An increase in TS severity was associated with an increase in the severity of TT. Using as a reference eyes with none to mild TS, in eyes with moderate TS the odds of increased severity of TT was 1.30 (95% CI 0.67-2.51), in eyes with severe TS the odds was 4.20 (95% CI 2.23-7.92). CONCLUSION: In cases of trachomatous trichiasis presenting for surgery, the severity of TT was significantly associated with the severity of TS with almost all cases of TT having moderate or severe scarring.

[ROWING AGAINST THE CURRENT]. / REMANDO A CONTRACORRIENTE.

At Lalonde we know that the determinants that most influence the health of the population are lifestyle, genetics and the environment. Health represents only 10% and is the determinant that consumes the most resources. It has been shown that a salutogenic approach focused on the social determinants of health and the support of public policies to improve the environment are more efficient in the long term than medicine focused on hospitals, technology and super-specialization. Primary Care (PC) that has an approach centered on the person and families with a community vision, is the ideal level to provide health care, and to influence lifestyles. However it is not invested in PC. In this article we review the socioeconomic and political factors that globally influence the lack of interest in the development of PC.

Bioengineered tissue and cell therapy products are efficiently cryopreserved with pathogen-inactivated human platelet lysate-based solutions.

BACKGROUND: There remains much interest in improving cryopreservation techniques for advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs). Recently, human platelet lysate (hPL) has emerged as a promising candidate to replace fetal bovine serum (FBS) as a xeno-free culture supplement for the expansion of human cell therapy products. Whether hPL can also substitute for FBS in cryopreservation procedures remains poorly studied. Here, we evaluated several cryoprotective formulations based on a proprietary hPL for the cryopreservation of bioengineered tissues and cell therapy products. METHODS: We tested different xenogeneic-free, pathogen-inactivated hPL (ihPL)- and non-inactivated-based formulations for cryopreserving bioengineered tissue (cellularized nanostructured fibrin agarose hydrogels (NFAHs)) and common cell therapy products including bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BM-MSCs), human dermal fibroblasts (FBs) and neural stem cells (NSCs). To assess the tissue and cellular properties post-thaw of NFAHs, we analyzed their cell viability, identity and structural and biomechanical properties. Also, we evaluated cell viability, recovery and identity post-thaw in cryopreserved cells. Further properties like immunomodulation, apoptosis and cell proliferation were assessed in certain cell types. Additionally, we examined the stability of the formulated solutions. The formulations are under a bidding process with MD Bioproducts (Zurich, Switzerland) and are proprietary. RESULTS: Amongst the tissue-specific solutions, Ti5 (low-DMSO and ihPL-based) preserved the viability and the phenotype of embedded cells in NFAHs and preserved the matrix integrity and biomechanical properties similar to those of the standard cryopreservation solution (70% DMEM + 20% FBS + 10% DMSO). All solutions were stable at - 20 °C for at least 3 months. Regarding cell-specific solutions, CeA maintained the viability of all cell types > 80%, preserved the immunomodulatory properties of BM-MSCs and promoted good recovery post-thaw. Besides, both tested solutions were stable at - 20 °C for 18 months. Finally, we established that there is a 3-h window in which thawed NFAHs and FBs maintain optimum viability immersed in the formulated solutions and at least 2 h for BM-MSCs. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that pathogen-inactivated solutions Ti5 allocated for bioengineered tissues and CeA allocated for cells are efficient and safe candidates to cryopreserve ATMPs and offer a xenogeneic-free and low-DMSO alternative to commercially available cryoprotective solutions.

Biometric Risk Factors for Angle Closure Progression After Laser Peripheral Iridotomy.

Importance: Laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) is the most common primary treatment for primary angle closure disease (PACD). However, there are sparse data guiding the longitudinal care of PAC suspect (PACS) eyes after LPI. Objective: To elucidate the anatomic effects of LPI that are associated with a protective outcome against progression from PACS to PAC and acute angle closure (AAC) and to identify biometric factors that predict progression after LPI. Design, Setting, and Participants: This was a retrospective analysis of data from the Zhongshan Angle Closure Prevention (ZAP) trial, a study of mainland Chinese people aged 50 to 70 years with bilateral PACS who received LPI in 1 randomly selected eye. Gonioscopy and anterior-segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) imaging were performed 2 weeks after LPI. Progression was defined as the development of PAC or an acute angle closure (AAC) attack. Cohort A included a random mix of treated and untreated eyes, and cohort B included only eyes treated with LPI. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression models were developed to assess biometric risk factors for progression in cohorts A and B. Data were analyzed from January 4 to December 22, 2022. Main Outcome and Measure: Six-year progression to PAC or AAC. Results: Cohort A included 878 eyes from 878 participants (mean [SD] age, 58.9 [5.0] years; 726 female [82.7%]) of whom 44 experienced progressive disease. In a multivariable analysis, treatment (hazard ratio [HR], 0.67; 95% CI, 0.34-1.33; P = .25) was no longer associated with progression after adjusting for age and trabecular iris space area at 500 µm (TISA at 500 µm) at the 2-week visit. Cohort B included 869 treated eyes from 869 participants (mean [SD] age, 58.9 [5.0] years; 717 female [82.5%]) of whom 19 experienced progressive disease. In multivariable analysis, TISA at 500 µm (HR, 1.33 per 0.01 mm2 smaller; 95% CI, 1.12-1.56; P = .001) and cumulative gonioscopy score (HR, 1.25 per grade smaller; 95% CI, 1.03-1.52; P = .02) at the 2-week visit were associated with progression. Persistent angle narrowing on AS-OCT (TISA at 500 µm ≤0.05 mm2; HR, 9.41; 95% CI, 3.39-26.08; P <.001) or gonioscopy (cumulative score ≤6; HR, 2.80; 95% CI, 1.13-6.93; P =.04) conferred higher risk of progression. Conclusions and Relevance: Study results suggest that persistent angle narrowing detected by AS-OCT or cumulative gonioscopy score was predictive of disease progression in PACS eyes after LPI. These findings suggest that AS-OCT and gonioscopy may be performed to identify patients at high risk of developing angle closure who may benefit from closer monitoring despite patent LPI.

Polarimetric imaging for the detection of synthetic models of SARS-CoV-2: A proof of concept.

Objective: To conduct a proof-of-concept study of the detection of two synthetic models of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) using polarimetric imaging. Approach: Two SARS-CoV-2 models were prepared as engineered lentiviruses pseudotyped with the G protein of the vesicular stomatitis virus, and with the characteristic Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. Samples were prepared in two biofluids (saline solution and artificial saliva), in four concentrations, and deposited as 5-µL droplets on a supporting plate. The angles of maximal degree of linear polarization (DLP) of light diffusely scattered from dry residues were determined using Mueller polarimetry from87 samples at 405 nm and 514 nm. A polarimetric camera was used for imaging several samples under 380-420 nm illumination at angles similar to those of maximal DLP. Per-pixel image analysis included quantification and combination of polarization feature descriptors in 475 samples. Main results: The angles (from sample surface) of maximal DLP were 3° for 405 nm and 6° for 514 nm. Similar viral particles that differed only in the characteristic spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2, their corresponding negative controls, fluids, and the sample holder were discerned at 10-degree and 15-degree configurations. Significance: Polarimetric imaging in the visible spectrum may help improve fast, non-contact detection and identification of viral particles, and/or other microbes such as tuberculosis, in multiple dry fluid samples simultaneously, particularly when combined with other imaging modalities. Further analysis including realistic concentrations of real SARS-CoV-2 viral particles in relevant human fluids is required. Polarimetric imaging under visible light may contribute to a fast, cost-effective screening of SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens when combined with other imaging modalities.

Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate Reduces the Severity of COVID-19 in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: HIV-positive patients on tenofovir hydroxyl fumarate (TDF)/emtricitabine have a lower risk of COVID-19 and hospitalization than those given other treatments. Our aim was to analyze the severity of COVID-19 in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) on TDF or entecavir (ETV). METHODS: Spanish hospital databases (n = 28) including information regarding adult CHB patients on TDF or ETV for the period February 1st to November 30th 2020 were searched for COVID-19, defined as a positive SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction, and for severe COVID-19. RESULTS: Of 4736 patients, 117 had COVID-19 (2.5%), 67 on TDF and 50 on ETV. Compared to patients on TDF, those on ETV showed (p < 0.05) greater rates of obesity, diabetes, ischemic cardiopathy, and hypertension. COVID-19 incidence was similar in both groups (2.3 vs. 2.6%). Compared to TDF, patients on ETV more often (p < 0.01) had severe COVID-19 (36 vs. 6%), required intensive care unit (ICU) (10% vs. 0) or ventilatory support (20 vs. 3%), were hospitalized for longer (10.8 ± 19 vs. 3.1 ± 7 days) or died (10 vs. 1.5%, p = 0.08). In an IPTW propensity score analysis adjusted for age, sex, obesity, comorbidities, and fibrosis stage, TDF was associated with a sixfold reduction in severe COVID-19 risk (adjusted-IPTW-OR 0.17, 95%CI 0.04-0.67, p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Compared to ETV, TDF seems to play a protective role in CHB patients with SARS-CoV-2 whereby the risk of severe COVID-19 is lowered.