Consideration for alpha-gal syndrome in two critically ill persons with group O blood who received group B plasma.

BACKGROUND: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported increasing rates of alpha-gal syndrome, an allergic response after meat ingestion (AGS). AGS has been associated with prior exposure to tick bites or other biologics characterized by a life-threatening immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated hypersensitivity to galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose (alpha-gal) an oligosaccharide structurally similar to the group B antigen on red blood cells (RBC) found in most non-primate mammalian meat and products derived from these mammals. In 2023, Transfusion reported 3 group O recipients of group B plasma in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area with no history of meat allergy who had anaphylactic transfusion reactions compatible with AGS. AIMS: We investigated allergic reactions in 2 additional patients who received ABO minor-incompatible blood products at 2 hospitals in the D.C. area during fall 2023. METHODS: For both patients, a medical chart review was performed and IgE levels to alpha-gal were measured. RESULTS: The first patient, a 64-year-old, O-positive patient status post heart transplant with no known allergies, was admitted with acute COVID-19 induced antibody-mediated transplant rejection and placed on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). While undergoing plasma exchange (PLEX) (50% albumin/50% fresh frozen plasma (FFP)), the patient tolerated 2 units of group O FFP and 1 unit of group A FFP before becoming hemodynamically unstable during transfusion of 1 unit of B-positive FFP. PLEX was stopped. The patient later died of sepsis from underlying causes. The second patient, a 57-year-old O-positive man with a history of melanoma and neuro fibromatosis type 1, was undergoing an abdominal resection including transfusion of 3 units of O-positive RBC when he suffered hypotension and ventricular tachycardia requiring intraoperative code after receiving 2 units of group B FFP. Hiveswere noted after resuscitation. The patient had a history of tick bites but no known allergies. He is alive 5 months after the possible allergic event. Both patients had full transfusion reaction evaluations and immunology testing results above the positive cutoff for anti-alpha-gal IgE. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Two patients with O-positive blood and no known allergies experience danaphyl axis after transfusion with group B FFP. The symptoms cannot definitively be imputed to an allergic transfusion reaction, but the presence of IgE against alpha-gal supports an association. Medicating patients with antihistamines and IV steroids pre-transfusion may prevent allergic reactions. Restricting group B plasma-containing products (plasma, platelets, cryoprecipitate) for patients who experience AGS-like symptoms may be considered.

Evaluation of Real and Perceived Risk to Health Care Workers Caring for Patients With the Omicron Variant of the SARS-CoV-2 Virus in Surgery and Obstetrics.

OBJECTIVES: The Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is described as more contagious than previous variants. We sought to assess risk to health care workers (HCWs) caring for patients with COVID-19 in surgical/obstetrical settings, and the perception of risk among this group. METHODS: From January to April 2022, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2 viral ribonucleic acid in patient, environmental (floor, equipment, passive air) samples, and HCWs' masks (inside surface) during urgent surgery or obstetrical delivery for patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The primary outcome was the proportion of HCWs' masks testing positive. Results were compared with our previous cross-sectional study involving obstetrical/surgical patients with earlier variants (2020-2021). HCWs completed a risk perception electronic questionnaire. RESULTS: Eleven patients were included: 3 vaginal births and 8 surgeries. In total, 5/108 samples (5%) tested positive (SARS-CoV-2 Omicron) viral ribonucleic acid: 2/5 endotracheal tubes, 1/22 floor samples, 1/4 patient masks, and 1 nasal probe. No samples from the HCWs' masks (0/35), surgical equipment (0/10), and air (0/11) tested positive. No significant differences were found between the Omicron and 2020/21 patient groups' positivity rates (Mann-Whitney U test, P = 0.838) or the level of viral load from the nasopharyngeal swabs (P = 0.405). Nurses had a higher risk perception than physicians (P = 0.038). CONCLUSION: No significant difference in contamination rates was found between SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.1 and previous variants in surgical/obstetrical settings. This is reassuring as no HCW mask was positive and no HCW tested positive for COVID-19 post-exposure.

Neuronal tau pathology worsens late-phase white matter degeneration after traumatic brain injury in transgenic mice.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes diffuse axonal injury which can produce chronic white matter pathology and subsequent post-traumatic neurodegeneration with poor patient outcomes. Tau modulates axon cytoskeletal functions and undergoes phosphorylation and mis-localization in neurodegenerative disorders. The effects of tau pathology on neurodegeneration after TBI are unclear. We used mice with neuronal expression of human mutant tau to examine effects of pathological tau on white matter pathology after TBI. Adult male and female hTau.P301S (Tg2541) transgenic and wild-type (Wt) mice received either moderate single TBI (s-TBI) or repetitive mild TBI (r-mTBI; once daily × 5), or sham procedures. Acutely, s-TBI produced more extensive axon damage in the corpus callosum (CC) as compared to r-mTBI. After s-TBI, significant CC thinning was present at 6 weeks and 4 months post-injury in Wt and transgenic mice, with homozygous tau expression producing additional pathology of late demyelination. In contrast, r-mTBI did not produce significant CC thinning except at the chronic time point of 4 months in homozygous mice, which exhibited significant CC atrophy (- 29.7%) with increased microgliosis. Serum neurofilament light quantification detected traumatic axonal injury at 1 day post-TBI in Wt and homozygous mice. At 4 months, high tau and neurofilament in homozygous mice implicated tau in chronic axon pathology. These findings did not have sex differences detected. Conclusions: Neuronal tau pathology differentially exacerbated CC pathology based on injury severity and chronicity. Ongoing CC atrophy from s-TBI became accompanied by late demyelination. Pathological tau significantly worsened CC atrophy during the chronic phase after r-mTBI.

Prevalence and shared risk factors of HIV in three key populations in Vietnam: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study aims to estimate the prevalence of HIV among each of the three key populations in Vietnam: people who inject drugs (PWID), female sex workers (FSW), and men who have sex with men (MSM) and quantify their shared risk factors for HIV infection through a systematic review and meta-analysis of recent literature (published in 2001-2017) in the relevant topics. A total of 17 studies consisting of 16,304 participants were selected in this review. The meta-analysis results revealed that the pooled prevalence estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) among PWID, FSW, and MSM were: 0.293 (0.164, 0.421), 0.075 (0.060, 0.089), and 0.085 (0.044, 0.126), respectively. The findings also indicated that injecting drug use (OR: 9.88, 95%CI: 4.47-15.28), multiperson use of injecting equipment (OR: 2.91, 95%CI: 1.69, 4.17), and inconsistent condom use (OR: 2.11, 95%CI: 1.33, 2.90) were the shared risk factors for HIV infection among these population groups. The findings highlighted the importance of HIV prevention approaches to addressing the shared sexual and drug-related practices among the key populations in consideration of their overlapping social networks.

Spesolimab, an anti-interleukin-36 receptor antibody, in patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis: Results from a multicentre, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase IIa study.

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic relapsing inflammatory skin disease, and there is increasing evidence that the interleukin (IL)-36 pathway may play a role in the pathogenesis of AD. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of spesolimab, a novel anti-IL-36 receptor antibody, in adult patients with moderate-to-severe AD. METHODS: In this phase IIa study, 51 eligible patients were randomized 2:1 to receive intravenous doses of spesolimab 600 mg or placebo every 4 weeks. The primary endpoint was the percentage change from baseline in Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) score at Week 16. RESULTS: The decrease in EASI score from baseline to Week 16 was -37.9% for spesolimab versus -12.3% for placebo (adjusted mean difference -25.6%, p = 0.149). A predefined sensitivity analysis, excluding data from patients who used restricted corticosteroids, resulted in an adjusted mean difference of -48.3% (nominal p = 0.024). Spesolimab was well tolerated, with no clinically relevant safety signals. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to evaluate the IL-36 pathway inhibition in AD. Although not statistically significant, numerical improvements were observed in the primary endpoint of change from baseline in the EASI score. Spesolimab had an acceptable safety profile, with no unexcepted safety concerns.

Impact of outpatient antimicrobial stewardship guideline implementation in an urgent care setting.

BACKGROUND: Urgent care medicine is a rapidly growing health care sector where patients are commonly treated for acute infectious diseases-related conditions. However, there are few antimicrobial stewardship interventions described in these settings. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to determine whether implementing outpatient antimicrobial stewardship guidelines would improve antibiotic prescribing for acute upper respiratory tract infections (ARTIs), skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI), and urinary tract infections (UTI) at a single urgent care site. METHODS: This was a pre-post interventional study comparing antibiotic prescribing patterns for ARTI, SSTI, and UTI at a single urgent care site in the preintervention group (November 2019 to January 2020) with the postintervention group (November 2020 to January 2021) after implementation of outpatient stewardship guidelines. A second urgent care site that did not receive any interventions served as a control. The outpatient stewardship guidelines were implemented in October 2020 via didactic provider education and pocket guide distribution. The primary end point was the rate of total guideline-concordant antibiotic prescribing. Secondary end points included the rates of guideline concordance of each component of the prescription, including antibiotic selection, duration, dose, therapy indication, and patient safety outcomes. RESULTS: The primary outcome of total guideline-concordant antibiotic prescribing significantly improved after implementation of outpatient antimicrobial stewardship guidelines at the study site (50% vs. 70%, P < 0.001), which was also reflected when comparing postintervention study site with postperiod control site (70% vs. 48%, P < 0.001). There was a statistically significant improvement in guideline-concordant duration of antibiotic therapy (43% vs. 61%, P = 0.001), driven by a reduction in antibiotic duration for UTI (7 [interquartile range (IQR) 5-7] vs. 5 [IQR 5-7] days, P = 0.007), which was also observed when comparing the postintervention study site with the postperiod control site (61% vs. 48%, P = 0.02). Patient safety outcomes were similar between groups. CONCLUSION: An antimicrobial stewardship intervention comprising institutional outpatient guideline implementation and provider education significantly improved total guideline-concordant antibiotic prescribing by 20% for ARTI, UTI, and SSTI in an urgent care site.

Entrapment of the inferior oblique and inferior rectus muscles in orbital trapdoor fracture.

A 10-year-old male presented to our institution 6 days after sustaining trauma to his right eye from a fall. A thorough physical examination could not be done due to severe eye pain and inability to open the eyelids; however, computed tomographic imaging done at this time showed a trapdoor fracture with incarceration of the inferior oblique and inferior rectus muscles. The fracture was reduced through a transconjunctival incision and secured with a polytetrafluoroethylene implant. Three months after the surgery, extraocular motility is almost full and equal.

Design and implementation of a massive open online course on enhancing the recruitment of minorities in clinical trials - Faster Together.

BACKGROUND: Racial and ethnic minorities are often underrepresented in clinical trials, threatening the generalizability of trial results. Several factors may contribute to underrepresentation of minorities in clinical trials, including lack of training for researchers and staff on the importance of diversity in clinical trials and effective strategies for recruiting and retaining minority populations. METHODS: Applying community engaged research principles, we developed a massive open online course (MOOC) to help research team members develop knowledge and skills to enhance the recruitment of minorities in clinical trials. A transdisciplinary working group, consisting of clinical researchers, community engagement specialists, minority clinical trial recruitment and retention educators and specialists, and knowledge management information scientists, was formed to develop an evidence-based curriculum. Feedback from the Recruitment Innovation Center Community Advisory Board was incorporated to help finalize the curriculum. The course was implemented in Coursera, an online learning platform offering MOOCs. A bootstrap paired sample t-test was used to compare pre- and post-assessments of knowledge, attitudes, and intentions as it relates to minority recruitment. RESULTS: The final course, entitled Faster Together, was divided into eight 1-h modules. Each module included video presentations, reading assignments, and quizzes. After 10 months, 382 individuals enrolled in the course, 105 participants completed the pre-test, and 14 participants completed the post-test. Participants' knowledge scores were higher with an increase in the mean number of correct answers from 15.4 (95% CI:12.1-18.7) on the pre-test to 18.7 (95% CI:17.42-20.2) on the post-test. All post-test respondents (n = 14) indicated that the course improved their professional knowledge, and 71.4% of respondents indicated that they were very likely to make changes to their recruitment practices. CONCLUSIONS: Faster Together, a massive open online course, is an acceptable, accessible approach to educating research teams on minority recruitment in clinical trials. Preliminary evidence indicates the course increased knowledge on how to recruit minorities into clinical trials and could promote change in their recruitment practices.

Effect of low-iron micronutrient powder (MNP) on the composition of gut microbiota of Bangladeshi children in a high-iron groundwater setting: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Adverse effects of iron fortification/supplements such as Micronutrient Powder (MNP) on gut microbiota have previously been found in infection-prone African settings. This study examined the adversaries of a low-iron MNP compared with the standard MNP on the composition of gut microbiota in Bangladeshi children exposed to a high concentration of iron from potable groundwater. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted in 2- to 5-year-old children, drinking groundwater with a high concentration of iron (≥ 2 mg/L). Children were randomized to receive one sachet per day of either standard MNP (12.5 mg iron) or low-iron MNP (5 mg iron), for 2 months. A sub-sample of 53 children was considered for paired assessment of the gut microbiome by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. RESULTS: At baseline, the gut microbiota consisted of Bifidobacteriaceae (15.6%), Prevotellaceae (12.2%), Lactobacillaceae (3.6%), Clostridiaceae (4.1%) and Enterobacteriaceae (2.8%). Overall, there was no significant treatment effect of the low-iron MNP compared to the standard MNP. However, an apparent treatment effect was observed in children with a relative adult-like microbiota, with a higher relative abundance of potentially pathogenic Enterobacteriaceae after receiving the standard MNP compared to the low-iron MNP. This effect, however, was statistically non-significant (p = 0.07). CONCLUSION: In Bangladeshi children drinking iron-rich groundwater, a low-iron MNP supplementation did not have a significant impact on their gut microbiota profile/composition compared to the standard MNP. The trial registration number is ISRCTN60058115; Date of registration 03/07/2019; retrospectively registered.

Maternal region of origin and Small for gestational age: a cross-sectional analysis of Victorian perinatal data.

BACKGROUND: Being born small for gestational age is a strong predictor of the short- and long-term health of the neonate, child, and adult. Variation in the rates of small for gestational age have been identified across population groups in high income countries, including Australia. Understanding the factors contributing to this variation may assist clinicians to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with being born small. Victoria, in addition to New South Wales, accounts for the largest proportion of net overseas migration and births in Australia. The aim of this research was to analyse how migration was associated with small for gestational age in Victoria. METHODS: This was a cross sectional population health study of singleton births in Victoria from 2009 to 2018 (n = 708,475). The prevalence of being born small for gestational age (SGA; <10th centile) was determined for maternal region of origin groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyse the association between maternal region of origin and SGA. RESULTS: Maternal region of origin was an independent risk factor for SGA in Victoria (p < .001), with a prevalence of SGA for migrant women of 11.3% (n = 27,815) and 7.3% for Australian born women (n = 33,749). Women from the Americas (aOR1.24, 95%CI:1.14 to 1.36), North Africa, North East Africa, and the Middle East (aOR1.57, 95%CI:1.52 to 1.63); Southern Central Asia (aOR2.58, 95%CI:2.50 to 2.66); South East Asia (aOR2.02, 95%CI: 1.95 to 2.01); and sub-Saharan Africa (aOR1.80, 95%CI:1.69 to 1.92) were more likely to birth an SGA child in comparison to women born in Australia. CONCLUSIONS: Victorian woman's region of origin was an independent risk factor for SGA. Variation in the rates of SGA between maternal regions of origin suggests additional factors such as a woman's pre-migration exposures, the context of the migration journey, settlement conditions and social environment post migration might impact the potential for SGA. These findings highlight the importance of intergenerational improvements to the wellbeing of migrant women and their children. Further research to identify modifiable elements that contribute to birthweight differences across population groups would help enable appropriate healthcare responses aimed at reducing the rate of being SGA.

Extraocular muscle expansion after deep lateral orbital wall decompression: influence on proptosis reduction and its predictive factors.

PURPOSE: To examine the relationship between extraocular muscle expansion and proptosis reduction (Δproptosis) in patients with thyroid eye disease who underwent deep lateral orbital wall decompression and to analyze the factors that contribute to extraocular muscle expansion. METHODS: This retrospective, observational study included 133 sides from 77 patients with thyroid eye disease. The cross-sectional areas of the greater wing of the sphenoid bone (trigone), extraocular muscles, and superior ophthalmic vein were measured on computed tomographic images. Variables influencing Δproptosis were analyzed using multivariate linear regression analyses with stepwise variable selection. Predictive factors for the rate of postoperative increase in the cross-sectional extraocular muscle areas (Δextraocular muscle) were analyzed using the same statistical method. RESULTS: The amount of orbital fat removed (P < 0.001) and rate of Δlateral rectus muscle (P < 0.001) were positively and negatively correlated with Δproptosis, respectively (r = 0.425; adjusted r2 = 0.168; P < 0.001). The cross-sectional trigone area (P < 0.001) was positively correlated with the rate of Δlateral rectus muscle, whereas the preoperative cross-sectional lateral rectus muscle area (P < 0.001) and amount of orbital fat removed (P = 0.036) were negatively correlated with the rate of Δlateral rectus muscle (r = 0.551; adjusted r2 = 0.288; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Lateral rectus muscle expansion was negatively correlated with proptosis reduction and proved to be predictable before surgery. The results of this study will help predict proptosis reduction after deep lateral orbital wall decompression and to preoperatively plan additional orbital bony and fat decompression.

Bilateral Epibulbar Dermolipomas in a Patient With Goldenhar Syndrome.

ABSTRACT: A 19-year-old woman consulted for bilateral superotemporal conjunctival lesions that had been present since birth. Physical examination also revealed hemifacial microsomia and bilateral auricular appendages. Medical history included heart, hearing, and neurologic problems. Excision biopsy of these lesions showed nodular proliferations of adipose tissue, which corresponded to the diagnosis of dermolipomas in the setting of Goldenhar syndrome. Complete examination for other first and second branchial arch anomalies is warranted in patients presenting with such lesions.

Amyloidosis in the Bulbar Conjunctiva Following Transconjunctival Ptosis Surgery.

ABSTRACT: A 52-year-old woman presented with persistent eye irritation following her third transconjunctival ptosis surgery. Examination revealed a yellow-pink nodular lesion in the bulbar conjunctiva. Excision biopsy and histopathology showed granulation tissue. However, the tumor recurred 1 month postoperatively. Repeat biopsy and histopathology revealed amyloid deposits. Systemic work-up showed no other lesion. A retained suture found in the upper fornix was also removed. No tumor recurrence has since been noted over the 7-month follow-up period. This report aims to highlight a case of bulbar conjunctival amyloidosis that developed as a complication following multiple transconjunctival eyelid surgeries.

Muscle Spindles in the Levator Palpebrae Superioris Muscle of Human Adults.

ABSTRACT: In this experimental anatomic study, the authors examined the number and distribution of muscle spindles in the levator palpebrae superioris (LPS) muscle of human adults. This study included 11 orbits from 11 cadavers (mean age at death, 81.9 years). The LPS muscles were harvested and equally divided into 5 sections using transverse incisions. Muscle spindles were counted in each section. Consequently, muscle spindles were identified in 4 (36.4%) of the 11 orbits studied. One to 4 muscle spindles were identified in each of these 4 orbits. All muscle spindles were found in the most proximal section (the muscle origin), and no muscle spindles were identified in the other sections. The results indicate that the LPS muscle is associated with a smaller number of muscle spindles as compared with the rest of the extraocular muscles. Since higher muscle spindle numbers are associated with finer motor movements, eyelid opening does not seem to require much precision, compared to ocular movement.

Spontaneous orbital decompression in thyroid eye disease: new measurement methods and its influential factors.

PURPOSE: To evaluate spontaneous decompression of the medial orbital wall and orbital floor in thyroid eye disease using new measurement methods and to analyze the influential factors. METHODS: This retrospective study included 86 patients (172 sides). Regarding evaluation of spontaneous medial orbital decompression, an anteroposterior line was drawn between the posterior lacrimal crest and the junction between the ethmoid bone and corpus ossis sphenoidalis. The bulged and/or dented areas from that line were measured. Regarding evaluation of spontaneous orbital floor decompression, the length of the perpendicular distance from a line that was drawn between the inferior orbital rim and the orbital process of palatal bone to the tip of the superior bulge of the orbital floor was measured. RESULTS: Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that the maximum cross-sectional areas of the superior rectus/levator palpebrae superioris complex (P = 0.020) and medial rectus muscle (P = 0.028) were influential factors for spontaneous decompression of medial orbital wall (adjusted r2 = 0.090; P < 0.001), whereas the number of cycles of steroid pulse therapy (P = 0.002) and the maximum cross-sectional area of the inferior rectus muscle (P = 0.007) were the ones for that of the orbital floor (adjusted r2 = 0.096; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: We believe that the identification of multiple influential factors of spontaneous decompression of the medial orbital wall and orbital floor will be helpful for better understanding and planned management of thyroid eye disease patients undergoing orbital decompression surgery.

Effectiveness of school-based nutrition interventions in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of school-based nutrition interventions (SBNI) involving schoolchildren and adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) on child nutrition status and nutrition-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviour. DESIGN: A systematic review on published school nutrition intervention studies of randomised controlled trials, controlled clinical trials, controlled before-and-after studies or quasi-experimental designs with control. Nine electronic bibliographic databases were searched. To be included, interventions had to involve changes to the school's physical and social environments, to the school's nutrition policies, to teaching curriculum to incorporate nutrition education and/or to partnership with parents/community. SETTING: Schools in SSA. PARTICIPANTS: School-aged children and adolescents, aged 5-19 years. RESULTS: Fourteen studies met our inclusion criteria. While there are few existing studies of SBNI in SSA, the evidence shows that food supplementation/fortification is very effective in reducing micronutrient deficiencies and can improve nutrition status. Secondly, school nutrition education can improve nutrition knowledge, but this may not necessarily translate into healthy nutrition behaviour, indicating that nutrition knowledge may have little impact without a facilitating environment. Results regarding anthropometry were inconclusive; however, there is evidence for the effectiveness of SBNI in improving cognitive abilities. CONCLUSIONS: There is enough evidence to warrant further trials of SBNI in SSA. Future research should consider investigating the impact of SBNI on anthropometry and nutrition behaviour, focusing on the role of programme intensity and/or duration. To address the high incidence of micronutrient deficiencies in low- and middle-income countries, food supplementation strategies currently available to schoolchildren should be expanded.

Quality and Reliability of Publicly Accessible Information on Laser Treatments for Urinary Incontinence: What Is Available to Our Patients?

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine the quality and reliability of the top 20 internet search results for laser treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). DESIGN: Review of 20 websites. SETTING: N/A. PATIENTS: None. INTERVENTIONS: An internet search with the most popular search engine, Google, was undertaken to identify the top 20 websites for laser treatment of SUI. The DISCERN instrument, Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) benchmarks, and Health on the Net Foundation Code of Conduct certification, which are standardized, validated tools for the analysis of website quality, credibility, and transparency, were used independently by 7 healthcare workers. The readability of the information was assessed by a single reviewer using the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level and Automated Readability Index. The intraclass correlation coefficient was calculated to document the reliability among website assessors. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Of the 20 websites reviewed, 15 were created by private clinics, 2 by online newspaper or newsletter sites, and 3 by laser medical device manufacturers. None of the websites met all of the JAMA criteria: 1 had attained authorship, 1 had clear attribution, none had adequate disclosure, and 2 achieved currency. None of the websites took part in the Health on the Net Foundation Code of Conduct certification program. The mean DISCERN score (to determine the quality of websites) was 40 (out of 80), with the lowest average scores within the DISCERN tool primarily associated with clarity around sources of information, website bias, posting dates, risks of treatment, and shared treatment decision-making. The intraclass correlation coefficient was calculated for the DISCERN tool (0.72; 95% confidence interval, 0.48-0.87) and JAMA benchmarks (0.85; 95% confidence interval, 0.73-0.93). The mean Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level was 13.2 (±3.1) and the Automated Readability Index scores ranged from 7.6 to 22.8 (mean 13.5 ± 3.5). CONCLUSION: There is a lack of good quality, reliable, and unbiased information available to patients on laser treatment of SUI on the most commonly searched websites. Information is presented at a reading level that is above that of the average reader, which may indicate that patients will have trouble comprehending the information.

Nomogram to Predict Risk of Postoperative Urinary Retention in Women Undergoing Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a nomogram that determines an individual's risk of postoperative urinary retention (POUR) following pelvic floor reconstructive surgery. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of women who underwent reconstructive surgery for pelvic organ prolapse and/or stress urinary incontinence. Short-term POUR was defined as failure of the trial of void (post-void residual >150 mL with a void of >200 mL) on postoperative day one or the need for re-catheterization in the first 2 postoperative days. Potential pre- and intraoperative risk factors for POUR were compared between patients with and without POUR. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis with best-subsets variable selection was used to create a predictive nomogram. RESULTS: Most patients (275 of 332) had concomitant or combined procedures. The overall incidence of POUR was 31% (103 of 332 patients). The risk of POUR was higher for patients with high-grade anterior prolapse and those who had undergone anterior vaginal repair, vaginal hysterectomy, or a laparoscopic sling procedure. Patients who did not experience POUR tended to have fewer co-morbidities and were more likely to have undergone laparoscopic colposacropexy. Risk factors for POUR in the nomogram were diabetes, multiple medical co-morbidities, laparoscopic sling procedure, anterior vaginal repair, laparoscopic colposacropexy, and vaginal hysterectomy. The nomogram allows clinicians to calculate a patient's risk of POUR (range <10% to >80%). CONCLUSION: While the predictive nomogram in this study was developed using a single surgeon's case series and may not be generalizable to all surgeons, it demonstrates that the risk of POUR may be predicted based on clinical characteristics and the type of surgery performed. This kind of prediction model could help guide clinicians in preoperative patient counseling.

Global Geographical and Temporal Patterns of Seasonal Influenza and Associated Climatic Factors.

Understanding geographical and temporal patterns of seasonal influenza can help strengthen influenza surveillance to early detect epidemics and inform influenza prevention and control programs. We examined variations in spatiotemporal patterns of seasonal influenza in different global regions and explored climatic factors that influence differences in influenza seasonality, through a systematic review of peer-reviewed publications. The literature search was conducted to identify original studies published between January 2005 and November 2016. Studies were selected using predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The primary outcome was influenza cases; additional outcomes included seasonal or temporal patterns of influenza seasonality, study regions (temperate or tropical), and associated climatic factors. Of the 2,160 records identified in the selection process, 36 eligible studies were included. There were significant differences in influenza seasonality in terms of the time of onset, duration, number of peaks, and amplitude of epidemics between temperate and tropical/subtropical regions. Different viral types, cocirculation of influenza viruses, and climatic factors, especially temperature and absolute humidity, contributed to the variations in spatiotemporal patterns of seasonal influenza. The findings reported in this review could inform global surveillance of seasonal influenza and influenza prevention and control measures such as vaccination recommendations for different regions.

Updating the modified Thompson test by using whole-body bioluminescence imaging to replace traditional efficacy testing in experimental models of murine malaria.

BACKGROUND: Rodent malaria models are extensively used to predict treatment outcomes in human infections. There is a constant need to improve and refine these models by innovating ways to apply new scientific findings and cutting edge technologies. In addition, and in accordance with the three R's of animal use in research, in vivo studies should be constantly refined to avoid unnecessary pain and distress to the experimental animals by using preemptive euthanasia as soon as the main scientific study objective has been accomplished. METHODS: The new methodology described in this manuscript uses the whole-body bioluminescence signal emitted by transgenic, luciferase-expressing Plasmodium berghei parasites to assess the parasite load predicted parasitaemia (PLPP) in drug and control treated female ICR-CD1 mice infected with 1 × 105 luciferase-expressing P. berghei (ANKA strain) infected erythrocytes. This methodology can replace other time-consuming and expensive methods that are routinely used to measure parasitaemia in infected animals, such as Giemsa-stained thin blood smears and flow cytometry. RESULTS: There is a good correlation between whole-body bioluminescence signal and parasitaemia measured using Giemsa-stained thin blood smears and flow cytometry respectively in donor and study mice in the modified Thompson test. The algebraic formulas which represent these correlations can be successfully used to assess PLPP in donor and study mice. In addition, the new methodology can pinpoint sick animals 2-8 days before they would have been otherwise diagnosed based on behavioural or any other signs of malaria disease. CONCLUSIONS: The new method for predicting parasitaemia in the modified Thompson test is simple, precise, objective, and minimizes false positive results that can lead to the premature removal of animals from study. Furthermore, from the animal welfare perspective of replace, reduce, and refine, this new method facilitates early removal of sick animals from study as soon as the study objective has been achieved, in many cases well before the clinical signs of disease are present.