Efficacy and safety of tixagevimab/cilgavimab as passive immunisation against COVID-19 infections in patients with hematological malignancies.

Monoclonal antibodies, as tixagevimab/cilgavimab, have been introduced as prophylaxis against COVID-19 infections in high-risk populations. However, data on efficacy are limited. This study investigates efficacy and tolerability of tixagevimab/cilgavimab in hematological patients under real-life conditions. Tixagevimab/cilgavimab was administered to 155 hematological patients (March-August 2022) at two Austrian centres. S/RBD-antibody assessments were performed before (T0), four weeks (T1), and six months (T2) after application. Side effects, the occurrence of COVID-19 infections, and the course of S/RBD-antibody titres were analysed retrospectively in relation to clinical variables. 155 hematological patients, who refused tixagevimab/cilgavimab, were included as a control group to compare the frequency of COVID-19 infections. Of all immunised patients (52.3% males; 91% triple vaccinated), 25.8% had a COVID-19 breakthrough infection (76% mild) compared to 43.9% in the control group. Patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL)/lymphoma were at highest risk of a COVID-19 infection (OR = 2.21; 95% CI 1.05-4.65; p = 0.037). After immunisation, a steep increase in median antibody levels (1193.4BAU/ml, IQR 0-2318.94) was observed in 67.8%, followed by a rapid decrease between T1 and T2 (465.95BAU/ml, IQR 0-1900.65.3) with the greatest declines in CLL/lymphoma (848.7BAU/ml, IQR 0-1949.6, p = 0.026). Side-effects occurred in 21.2% (CTCAE I/II). These real-world data indicate that S/RBD antibodies respond rapidly after passive immunisation in all hematological patients without safety concerns. Given the rapid decline in S/RBD antibodies, early booster immunisations should be considered for future scenarios in this vulnerable group.

Improving nitrogen content in soil and lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) yield by purple nonsulfur bacteria Rhodopseudomonas palustris in two consecutive seasons.

The study was conducted to assess the effects of nitrogen (N)-fixing purple nonsulfur bacteria (PNSB) Rhodopseudomonas palustris TLS06, VNW02, VNW64, and VNS89 on soil fertility, N uptake, essential oil (EO) content, growth, and yield of lemon balm. The experiment followed a completely randomized block design with 9 treatments and 3 replications. The treatments consisted of (i) applying 100% N as the recommended fertilizer rate (RFR), (ii) applying 85% N as RFR, (iii) applying 70% N as RFR, (iv) applying 55% N as RFR, (v) the treatment ii combined with N-PNSB, (vi) the treatment iii combined with N-PNSB, (vii) the treatment iv combined with N-PNSB, (viii) 0% as RFR combined with N-PNSB, and (ix) 0% N as RFR. The results showed that applying N-PNSB increased the plant height, and the number of primary branches in both seasons. In addition, the treatment without N fertilizer combined with N-PNSB increased stem leaf biomass by 41.2 and 50.3% in both seasons as compared with the treatment without neither N fertilizer nor N-PNSB. For soil properties, among treatments without N fertilizer, the treatment with N-PNSB increased concentrations of NH4+, soluble P, and exchangeable K+ by 41.3, 41.4, and 26.8%, respectively, as compared with the treatment without N-PNSB at the end of the second season. Applying 85% N as RFR combined with N-PNSB had a greater yield by 5.78-11.8% as compared with the treatment with 100% N as RFR, and a greater EO content by 23% as compared with the treatment with 85% N as RFR.

The test-retest reliability of physiological and perceptual responses during treadmill load carriage.

PURPOSE: Understanding the test-retest reliability of physiological responses to load carriage influences the interpretation of those results. The aim of this study was to determine the test-retest reliability of physiological measures during loaded treadmill walking at 5.5 km h-1 using the MetaMax 3B. METHODS: Fifteen Australian Army soldiers (9 male, 6 female) repeated two 12-min bouts of treadmill walking at 5.5 km h-1 in both a 7.2 kg Control condition (MetaMax 3B, replica rifle) and a 23.2 kg Patrol condition (Control condition plus vest) across three sessions, separated by one week. Expired respiratory gases and heart rate were continuously collected, with the final 3 min of data analysed. Ratings of Perceived Exertion and Omnibus-Resistance Exercise Scale were taken following each trial. Reliability was quantified by coefficient of variation (CV), intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC), smallest worthwhile change (SWC), and standard error of the measurement. RESULTS: Metabolic and cardiovascular variables were highly reliable (≤ 5% CV; excellent-moderate ICC), while the respiratory variables demonstrated moderate reliability (< 8% CV; good-moderate ICC) across both conditions. Perceptual ratings had poorer reliability during the Control condition (12-45% CV; poor ICC) than the Patrol condition (7-16% CV; good ICC). CONCLUSIONS: The test-retest reliability of metabolic and cardiovascular variables was high and relatively consistent during load carriage. Respiratory responses demonstrated moderate test-retest reliability; however, as the SWC differed with load carriage tasks, such data should be interpreted independently across loads. Perceptual measures demonstrated poor to moderate reliability during load carriage, and it is recommended that they only be employed as secondary measures.

Pairwise Comparison of Heavy Dynamic Strength and Fast Dynamic Strength Interventions on Sprint Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

ABSTRACT: Pairwise comparison of heavy dynamic strength and fast dynamic strength interventions on sprint performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Strength Cond Res 38(8): 1509-1520, 2024-Previous studies have shown that both heavy dynamic strength (HDS) and fast dynamic strength (FDS) training can be used to improve sprint performance; however, a review and meta-analysis investigating pairwise studies that compare these two training interventions have not been performed. The aims of the study were to systematically review and analyze HDS and FDS training methodologies and evaluate their effect size difference, in pairwise comparison studies to determine and compare their effects on sprint performance. Databases were systematically searched using Boolean phrasing to identify eligible articles, and meta-analyses were performed on the extracted data. Seven studies met the inclusion criteria, which resulted in data from 138 subjects across 24 separate sprint assessments. Overall, there was a small effect in favor of FDS (standardized mean difference = 0.27, 95% confidence intervals [-0.07; 0.60], 95% prediction intervals [-1.01; 1.55]), but this was deemed not significant because of the wide-ranging prediction intervals. There is no distinguishable difference between HDS and FDS training on sprint performance. The wide-ranging prediction intervals suggest the variability is too great to determine whether one training type is more effective than the other. Practitioners should consider the individual needs of their athletes when deciding which training type to use for long-term sprint development.

Oncogenic KRAS G12C: Kinetic and redox characterization of covalent inhibition.

The recent development of mutant-selective inhibitors for the oncogenic KRASG12C allele has generated considerable excitement. These inhibitors covalently engage the mutant C12 thiol located within the phosphoryl binding loop of RAS, locking the KRASG12C protein in an inactive state. While clinical trials of these inhibitors have been promising, mechanistic questions regarding the reactivity of this thiol remain. Here, we show by NMR and an independent biochemical assay that the pKa of the C12 thiol is depressed (pKa ∼7.6), consistent with susceptibility to chemical ligation. Using a validated fluorescent KRASY137W variant amenable to stopped-flow spectroscopy, we characterized the kinetics of KRASG12C fluorescence changes upon addition of ARS-853 or AMG 510, noting that at low temperatures, ARS-853 addition elicited both a rapid first phase of fluorescence change (attributed to binding, Kd = 36.0 ± 0.7 µM) and a second, slower pH-dependent phase, taken to represent covalent ligation. Consistent with the lower pKa of the C12 thiol, we found that reversible and irreversible oxidation of KRASG12C occurred readily both in vitro and in the cellular environment, preventing the covalent binding of ARS-853. Moreover, we found that oxidation of the KRASG12C Cys12 to a sulfinate altered RAS conformation and dynamics to be more similar to KRASG12D in comparison to the unmodified protein, as assessed by molecular dynamics simulations. Taken together, these findings provide insight for future KRASG12C drug discovery efforts, and identify the occurrence of G12C oxidation with currently unknown biological ramifications.

Clinical validation of a ctDNA-Based Assay for Multi-Cancer Detection: An Interim Report from a Vietnamese Longitudinal Prospective Cohort Study of 2795 Participants.

The SPOT-MAS assay "Screening for the Presence Of Tumor by Methylation And Size" detects the five most common cancers in Vietnam by evaluating circulating tumor DNA in the blood. Here, we validated its performance in a prospective multi-center clinical trial, K-DETEK. Our analysis of 2795 participants from 14 sites across Vietnam demonstrates its ability to detect cancers in asymptomatic individuals with a positive predictive value of 60%, with 83.3% accuracy in detecting tumor location. We present a case report to support further using SPOT-MAS as a complementary method to achieve early cancer detection and provide the opportunity for early treatment.

A comparison of skin grafts versus local flaps for facial skin cancer from the patient perspective: protocol for a feasibility study.

BRIEF ABSTRACT: This is a protocol to assess feasibility of conducting a prospective cohort study comparing local flaps versus skin grafts for surgical excision of skin cancer from the face. INTRODUCTION: Skin cancer is the most common malignancy worldwide and the face is one of the most common locations of occurrence. Surgical excision is the most popular treatment for small lesions of the face. Defects can be reconstructed using local flaps or skin grafts. There is a paucity of literature evaluating outcomes after skin cancer surgery from the patient's perspective using valid measurement tools. The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility of conducting a prospective observational cohort study. The primary outcomes include recruitment rates, eligibility rate, compliance of intervention and rate of completion of the primary outcome (FACE-Q scales) at 3 months. Secondary outcomes include examining patient characteristic and FACE-Q score differences between local flaps to skin grafts and adverse events. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This study is a prospective cohort study consisting of an anticipated 30 patients aged ≥18 years. The study population will consist of a consecutive sample of non-melanoma facial skin cancer patients undergoing a skin graft or local flap. Patients will be followed and evaluated with the FACE-Q questionnaire at 2 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year post-operation. The following criteria will determine success: patients who meet eligibility criteria >70%; recruitment rate >70%; compliance with intervention >90%; rate of completion of full-scale prospective study primary outcome (FACE-Q at 3 months) >80%; retention rate at 6-month follow-up visit >70%. DISCUSSION: The findings of this study will be used to guide the sample size calculation for a future, large-scale prospective study.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04842279).

Antenatal ultrasound features of isolated recurrent copy number variation in 7q11.23 (Williams syndrome and 7q11.23 duplication syndrome).

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to gather fetal cases carrying a 7q11.23 copy number variation (CNV) and collect precise clinical data to broaden knowledge of antenatal features in these syndromes. METHODS: We retrospectively recruited unrelated cases with 7q11.23 deletion, known as Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS), or 7q11.23 duplication who had prenatal ultrasound findings. We collected laboratory and clinical data, fetal ultrasound, cardiac ultrasound and fetal autopsy reports from 18 prenatal diagnostic centers throughout France. RESULTS: 40 fetuses with WBS were collected and the most common features were intra-uterine growth retardation (IUGR) (70.0%, 28/40), cardiovascular defects (30.0%, 12/40), polyhydramnios (17.5%, 7/40) and protruding tongue (15.0%, 6/40). Fetal autopsy reports were available for 11 cases and were compared with ultrasound prenatal features. Four cases of fetuses with 7q11.23 microduplication were collected and prenatal ultrasound signs were variable and often isolated. CONCLUSION: This work strengthens the fact that 7q11.23 CNVs are associated with a broad spectrum of antenatal presentations. IUGR and cardiovascular defects were the most frequent ultrasound signs. By reporting the biggest series of antenatal WBS, we aim to better delineate distinctive signs in fetuses with 7q11.23 CNVs.

Field effect transistor based wearable biosensors for healthcare monitoring.

The rapid advancement of wearable biosensors has revolutionized healthcare monitoring by screening in a non-invasive and continuous manner. Among various sensing techniques, field-effect transistor (FET)-based wearable biosensors attract increasing attention due to their advantages such as label-free detection, fast response, easy operation, and capability of integration. This review explores the innovative developments and applications of FET-based wearable biosensors for healthcare monitoring. Beginning with an introduction to the significance of wearable biosensors, the paper gives an overview of structural and operational principles of FETs, providing insights into their diverse classifications. Next, the paper discusses the fabrication methods, semiconductor surface modification techniques and gate surface functionalization strategies. This background lays the foundation for exploring specific FET-based biosensor designs, including enzyme, antibody and nanobody, aptamer, as well as ion-sensitive membrane sensors. Subsequently, the paper investigates the incorporation of FET-based biosensors in monitoring biomarkers present in physiological fluids such as sweat, tears, saliva, and skin interstitial fluid (ISF). Finally, we address challenges, technical issues, and opportunities related to FET-based biosensor applications. This comprehensive review underscores the transformative potential of FET-based wearable biosensors in healthcare monitoring. By offering a multidimensional perspective on device design, fabrication, functionalization and applications, this paper aims to serve as a valuable resource for researchers in the field of biosensing technology and personalized healthcare.

Number of trials necessary to achieve a representative performance of accuracy and timing during combat shooting.

Acquisition evaluations are expensive, have a high time liability, and tend to prioritize engineering requirements over human factors and good experimental design. Shooting serials usually consist of static prone shooting to minimize movement variability, increase reliability of accuracy and timing data or use a single data point to make acquisition decisions. To better understand the number of trials required to achieve representative performance of accuracy and timing, 60 shots from the standing unsupported position while cyclically moving the weapon from the low ready to shoot was utilized. Intra-class correlations, standard error of measurement, minimal detectable change, and sequential averaging analysis (SAA) were used to evaluate the variables of radial error, shot interval, x-bias and y-bias over the 60 shots. The number of trials required to achieve an intraclass correlation of greater than 0.8 ranged from 2 (shot interval) to 58 (y-bias), whereas SAA varied between 3 (x-bias) and 43 (shot interval) trials. When averaging 10 shots at a time, the moving intraclass correlation remained above 0.8 for radial error and y-bias between 7 and 15 shots, shot interval from the second shot, but x-bias never reached 0.8. The number of trials required to satisfy each reliability method was inconsistent, in line with previous literature. Given the limitations identified in the literature as well as practical considerations such as the preference for prioritizing radial error reasonable performance stability can be achieved after 15 shots, and using the moving intraclass correlation results it is recommended that the first six shots are discarded with the following nine shots used for analysis.

Breastfeeding Outcome and Complications in Females With Breast Implants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Breast augmentation is a commonly performed cosmetic procedure. We set out to determine whether there was any effect on breastfeeding in females after breast implants. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the current evidence on breastfeeding outcome and complications in females with breast augmentation. A systematic review was performed utilizing MEDLINE, EMBASE, and all evidence-based medicine reviews from their respective inception dates to November 7, 2022, to assess outcomes of breastfeeding in females with breast implants (PROSPERO ID: CRD42022357909). This review was in accordance with both the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Review of Interventions and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Eleven studies (4 prospective and 7 retrospective) in total were included in the review. A total of 8197 out of 9965 (82.25%) patients were successfully able to breastfeed after breast implants. Of 5 studies that included a control group, 343,793 of 388,695 (88.45%) women without breast implants successfully breastfed. A meta-analysis of 5 comparative studies showed a significant reduction of breastfeeding in females with breast implants, n = 393,686, pooled odds ratio = 0.45 (95% CI, 0.38 to 0.53). Complications described included pain, mastitis, insufficient or excessive lactation, and nipple inversion. There may be impairment in ability to breastfeed for females who receive breast implants when compared with those without. Additional studies on the topic are needed to further clarify the relationship.

Use of Digital Stethoscope to Measure Heart Rate in Birds: Comparison of Different Counting Methods Using Phonocardiograms.

The high cardiac contractility of birds poses a challenge to traditional cardiac auscultation, particularly for the accurate determination of heart rate (HR). The objectives of this study were to 1) evaluate the feasibility of using phonocardiograms of adequate length and quality to assess HR in different avian species with a commercially available digital stethoscope, 2) compare 5 counting methods, including 2 direct reading methods (manual counting and using a semiautomatic computerized algorithm as a reference method) and 3 listening methods (progressive mental counting, counting by 10s, and counting with a smartphone application tap counter), and 3) obtain the HR in selected birds and identify a correlation between body weight and HR in different avian species. An inverse correlation on a logarithmic scale was identified between the mean body weight and HR in 60 different bird species (n = 211; R = -0.72, P < 0.0001). Manual reading of phonocardiograms was the most reliable method and had the highest agreement with the reference method; this was followed by the counting by 10s method, the tapping method, and the progressive mental counting method, which was the least reliable. The agreement levels for the different methods were comparable for HRs <200 beats per minute (bpm) in birds weighing >1 kg. For HRs >500 bpm in birds weighing <150 g, only the reading method maintained a good agreement level. A digital stethoscope can be a useful tool for accurately determining the HR in birds, including very small species with high HRs.

Radiographic Measurements of Internal Organs in Rhode Island Red Hybrid Hens (Gallus gallus domesticus) and Their Evolution During Egg Formation.

Backyard poultry hens are becoming very popular as pets, and thus the demand for treating the individual chicken is increasing. Few basic diagnostic techniques commonly used in small animal practice have been evaluated in this species. At the moment, there is no study in backyard hens describing radiographic measurements of internal organs contrary to psittacine birds or birds of prey. Moreover, the effect of egg laying on these measurements has not been studied in avian species even though it could affect radiographic measurements depending on the stage of egg formation. This is of particular concern in laying hens since they are able to lay on a daily basis. Thirteen adult hens and 3 juvenile Rhode Island red hybrid hens (Gallus gallus domesticus) were used to evaluate which organs can be reliably measured and to provide preliminary reference values for clinically healthy chickens. Additionally, whole body radiographs were collected every 2 hours over 24 hours in 5 adult hens to study the evolution of these measurements throughout egg formation. Organs that could be clearly delimitated on radiographs were measured, and the only organs that could be reliably measured were the heart and liver silhouettes. These measurements were significantly higher in adult compared to juvenile hens (P = 0.024). Among the different organ ratios, heart width: total liver width ratio was the only significantly different measurement and was higher in juvenile hens (P = 0.024). Hepatic silhouette measurements and ratios were found to increase over time (P < 0.02) but did not follow the progress of egg mineralization. Eggshell thickness was found to be a promising parameter to evaluate the stage of egg formation, and thus should be taken into account when trying to establish reference intervals for radiographic measurements of internal organs in laying hens.

Effect of Hooding on Physiological Parameters During Manual Restraint in Rhode Island Red Hybrid Hens (Gallus gallus domesticus).

Manual handling of chickens is required for many veterinary, research, and breeding procedures. This study aimed to assess the changes in physiological parameters over time during manual restraint of chickens, as well as the effect of hooding on these parameters. Heart rate, heart rate variability, respiratory rate, and body temperature were measured every 3 minutes for 15 minutes during manual restraint in 13 adult laying hens (Gallus gallus domesticus). Heart rate variability was significantly higher in hooded hens than in nonhooded hens (P= 0.003) but was not significant over time. Hooded hens were also found to have significantly lower heart rate (P = 0.043) and respiratory rate (P = 0.042) compared to nonhooded hens. Heart rate and respiratory rate significantly decreased over time, independent of the use of the hood (P = 0.008; P = 0.01, respectively). Temperature was found to increase significantly (P = 0.001) over time for both groups. Overall, hooding increased heart rate variability, a factor associated with a lower stress level, and decreased heart rate and respiratory rate. In conclusion, these data suggest that the use of the hood reduces stress levels in birds during manual restraint. Therefore, the use of the hood is encouraged for short (less than 15 minutes) painless procedures, such as physical examination or radiographic acquisition.

Visceral Haemoproteus minutus Infection in a Major Mitchell's Cockatoo (Lophochroa leadbeateri).

A 1-year-old major Mitchell's cockatoo (Lophochroa leadbeateri) was presented for evaluation of weakness, diarrhea with undigested seeds in the droppings, and weight loss. Leukocytosis with severe heterophilia, monocytosis, and lymphocytosis was noted on the complete blood count. Altered plasma biochemical parameters included a slight increase in creatine kinase and mild hypoproteinemia. Two blood smears before and after 2 days of treatment revealed mild polychromasia and anisocytosis but no blood parasites. Radiographic and computed tomographic imaging of the cockatoo were helpful in identifying airsacculitis, pneumonia, and gastrointestinal motility disorders. The patient died 5 days after treatment for the presenting clinical problems. On the gross postmortem examination, dark red foci in the ventricular muscle layers and 1-3-mm white foci in the myocardium, opaque air sacs, and dark lungs were identified. Histopathologic examination of submitted tissue samples found severe granulomatous ventriculitis and myocarditis with intralesional Haemoproteus species megalomeronts. Qualitative polymerase chain reaction testing for the cytochrome b (cyt b) gene performed on pooled heart, liver, kidney, and intestinal tissues identified 99.5% homology to Haemoproteus minutus. This case report demonstrates the expansion of the geographic range of H minutus to France and potentially to Belgium, which may compromise breeding and conservation of Australian parrots living outdoors. Challenging diagnosis, rapid disease progression, and the absence of validated treatment protocols for psittacine patients suggest that the use of preventive measures to reduce the presence of insect vectors such as hippoboscid flies and biting midges (Culicoides) should be considered. Haemoproteus minutus should be considered and potentially screened by polymerase chain reaction testing on blood samples, especially in the case of highly susceptible avian species (eg, Australian parrots in Europe) that present with sudden weakness, heterophilic leukocytosis, and monocytosis associated with mild anemia.

Actinobacillus utilizes a binding protein-dependent ABC transporter to acquire the active form of vitamin B6.

Bacteria require high-efficiency uptake systems to survive and proliferate in nutrient-limiting environments, such as those found in host organisms. ABC transporters in the bacterial plasma membrane provide a mechanism for transport of many substrates. In this study, we examine an operon containing a periplasmic binding protein in Actinobacillus for its potential role in nutrient acquisition. The electron density map of 1.76 Å resolution obtained from the crystal structure of the periplasmic binding protein was best fit with a molecular model containing a pyridoxal-5'-phosphate (P5P/pyridoxal phosphate/the active form of vitamin B6) ligand within the protein's binding site. The identity of the P5P bound to this periplasmic binding protein was verified by isothermal titration calorimetry, microscale thermophoresis, and mass spectrometry, leading us to name the protein P5PA and the operon P5PAB. To illustrate the functional utility of this uptake system, we introduced the P5PAB operon from Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae into an Escherichia coli K-12 strain that was devoid of a key enzyme required for P5P synthesis. The growth of this strain at low levels of P5P supports the functional role of this operon in P5P uptake. This is the first report of a dedicated P5P bacterial uptake system, but through bioinformatics, we discovered homologs mainly within pathogenic representatives of the Pasteurellaceae family, suggesting that this operon exists more widely outside the Actinobacillus genus.

Efficacy and safety of heterologous booster vaccination with Ad26.COV2.S after BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in haemato-oncological patients with no antibody response.

Patients with haemato-oncological malignancies are one of the high-risk groups for a severe course in case of COVID-19 infections. Furthermore, vaccination results in significantly lower response rates in haematological malignancies and lower antibody levels in patients with solid cancer. We investigated efficacy and safety of a heterologous booster vaccination with Ad26.COV2.S DNA vector vaccine in haemato-oncological patients without antibody response after double-dose BNT162b2 messenger (m-)RNA COVID-19 vaccine. A total of 32 haemato-oncological non-responders to double-dose BNT162b2 received a heterologous booster vaccination with Ad26.COV2.S. Blood samples were assessed directly before the vaccination (T0) and four weeks after (T1). Safety assessment was performed using a standardised questionnaire. The overall response rate was 31%, with a mean (SD) antibody titre of 693·79 (1 096·99) binding activity units (BAU)/ml. Patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia or lymphoma showed a significantly lower response rate (P = 0·048). Adverse events were reported in 29·6% of patients, of which 7·1% were graded as severe, including grade III and IV events following the Common Terminology Criteria of Adverse Events (CTCAE). The heterologous booster vaccination with Ad26.COV2.S led to a serological response in nine out of 29 patients without response after double-dose BNT162b2. Furthermore, the vaccination was safe in our cohort, leading to mainly mild local and systemic reactions. Overall, this vaccination regimen should be further evaluated to increase the response rate in the highly vulnerable population of haemato-oncological patients.

Heterozygous deletion of the VEGFC gene in 4q34.3 is associated with Milroy-like lymphedema: First prenatal case report.

Deleterious variants in the vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGFC) gene have been recently associated with Milroy-like primary lymphedema, an autosomal dominant disorder, characterized mainly by swelling of the lower limbs due to functional impairment of the lymphatic vessels. To date, only 26 patients with congenital lymphedema harboring VEGFC pathogenic variants were documented. Here, we describe the first prenatal case of a fetus with Milroy-like disease. Fetal ultrasound showed bilateral foot swelling. Chromosomal microarray analysis revealed a 137-kb copy number loss in 4q34.3 including only VEGFC gene in the propositus fetus. Segregation analysis showed that the deletion was inherited from the affected mother and grandmother. Taken together, our study highlights the important role of microarray analysis to detect subtle chromosomal imbalances in the prenatal setting and contributes to delineate the fetal phenotype of VEGFC-related primary congenital lymphedema.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of the coelomic cavity in Rhode Island Red hybrid hens (Gallus gallus domesticus).

Backyard chickens are gaining popularity, and so is individual veterinary care for their health and management. Ultrasonography represents an important part of the imaging diagnostic arsenal in veterinary medicine; however, published data on its use in chickens are scarce and mostly focus on the reproductive tract. The objectives of this prospective, reference interval study were to describe a standard protocol for a full coelomic evaluation and the normal ultrasonographic appearance and measurements of the coelomic organs in awake and anesthetized healthy hens. The liver, gallbladder, gonad, gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, and spleen were clearly visualized in 21 Rhode Island Red hybrid hens (8 immatures, 13 adults) included in this study. In all animals, there was a scant amount of coelomic fluid, which was more visible at the cardiac apex. The cysticoenteric duct and hepatoenteric duct were visualized in 57% (12/21) of the hens. Seven hens were anesthetized and placed in dorsal decubitus, as the kidneys were not visualized in the hens while standing. Reference intervals were calculated for the splenic short and long axes, proventricular wall thickness, ventricular wall thickness, and duodenal wall thickness. Reference values were measured for the thickness of the pancreas, gallbladder wall, and kidneys, as well as the diameters of the biliary ducts. Moreover, five hens of different breeds were examined, and the results obtained were comparable to those of previous studies. The results of this study support the use of ultrasonography as a diagnostic tool in Rhode Island Red hybrid hens and provide reference ranges for use in hens with clinical diseases involving coelomic organs.

Evaluation of "Spin" in the Abstracts of Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses of Therapeutic Interventions Published in High-Impact Plastic Surgery Journals: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: "Spin" is a form of reporting bias where there is an misappropriated presentation of study results, often overstating efficacy or understating harms. Abstracts of systematic reviews in other clinical domains have been demonstrated to employ spin, which may lead to clinical recommendations that are not justified by the literature. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of spin strategies in abstracts of plastic surgery systematic reviews. METHODS: A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL, to identify all systematic reviews published in the top five plastic surgery journals from 2015-2021. Screening, data extraction, and spin analysis were performed by two independent reviewers. Data checking of the spin analysis was performed by a plastic surgery resident with graduate level training in clinical epidemiology. RESULTS: From an initial search of 826 systematic reviews, 60 systematic reviews and meta-analyses were included in this study. Various types of spin were identified in 73% of systematic review abstracts (n=44). "Conclusion claims the beneficial effect of the experimental treatment despite high risk of bias in primary studies," was the most prevalent type of spin and was identified in 63% of systematic reviews (n=38). There were no significant associations between the presence of spin and study characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: The present study found that 73% of abstracts in plastic surgery systematic reviews contain spin. Although systemic reviews represent the highest level of evidence, readers should be aware of types of "spin" when interpreting results and incorporating recommendations into patient care.