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Studies have highlighted a potential link between malignancies and immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN). In such studies, the treatment of malignancy improved the symptoms of IgAN. Here, we report a patient case involving a history of hypertension, tobacco use disorder, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) presenting with hematuria with acute renal failure secondary to IgAN per renal biopsy. Prompted by this association, a malignancy workup was performed including computed tomography (CT) body imaging and biopsies of mediastinal and cervical lymph nodes which revealed a metastatic adenocarcinoma. Current knowledge includes a general mechanism behind the development of IgAN that points toward glomerular deposition of tumor-specific immunoglobulin A (IgA) immunoglobulins. However, the association of IgAN and malignancy has no definitive management guidelines. This clinical case serves as an important contribution in the hopes of future development of guidelines regarding the surveillance and management of IgAN in the setting of malignancy.
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Carcinoma Pulmonar de Células não Pequenas , Glomerulonefrite por IGA , Neoplasias Pulmonares , Tomografia Computadorizada por Raios X , Humanos , Glomerulonefrite por IGA/complicações , Glomerulonefrite por IGA/patologia , Glomerulonefrite por IGA/diagnóstico , Neoplasias Pulmonares/patologia , Neoplasias Pulmonares/complicações , Neoplasias Pulmonares/diagnóstico , Carcinoma Pulmonar de Células não Pequenas/complicações , Carcinoma Pulmonar de Células não Pequenas/secundário , Carcinoma Pulmonar de Células não Pequenas/diagnóstico , Carcinoma Pulmonar de Células não Pequenas/patologia , Masculino , Injúria Renal Aguda/etiologia , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Hematúria/etiologia , Adenocarcinoma/secundário , Adenocarcinoma/complicações , Adenocarcinoma/diagnóstico , Adenocarcinoma/patologia , Biópsia , Rim/patologiaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Early detection of abdominal hemorrhage via ultrasound has life-saving implications for military and civilian trauma. However, strict adherence to light discipline may prohibit the use of ultrasound devices in the deployed setting. Additionally, current night vision devices remain noncompatible with ultrasound technology. This study sought to assess an innovative night vision device with ultrasound capable picture-in-picture display via a intraabdominal hemorrhage model to identify noncompressible truncal hemorrhage in blackout conditions. METHODS: 8 post mortem fetal porcine specimens were used and divided into 2 groups: intrabdominal hemorrhage (n = 4) vs no hemorrhage (n = 4). Intrabdominal hemorrhage was modeled via direct injection of 200 mL of normal saline into the peritoneal cavity. Under blackout conditions, 5 participants performed a focused assessment with sonography for trauma (FAST) exam on each model using the prototype ultrasound-capable night vision device. RESULTS: Of the 40 FAST exams performed, 95% (N = 38) resulted in the correct identification of intraabdominal hemorrhage. Of the incorrectly identified exams, both were false positives resulting in a 100% sensitivity, 90% specificity, 91% positive predictive value, and a 100% negative predictive value. All participants noted the novel device was easy to use and provided superior visualization for performing FAST exams under blackout conditions. CONCLUSION: The ultrasound-enabled night vision prototype demonstrated promising results in identifying noncompressible truncal hemorrhage while maintaining strict light discipline in blackout conditions. Further research efforts should be directed at assessing the ability of providers to perform procedures in blackout conditions using the ultrasound-enabled prototype night vision device.
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OBJECTIVES: Communities of color might disproportionately experience long-term consequences of COVID-19, known as Long COVID. We sought to understand the awareness of and experiences with Long COVID among African American/Black (AA/B), Hispanic/Latino (H/L), and Indigenous (Native) adults (18 + years of age) in Arizona who previously tested positive for COVID-19. METHODS: Between December 2022 and April 2023, the Arizona Community Engagement Alliance (AZCEAL) conducted 12 focus groups and surveys with 65 AA/B, H/L and Native community members. Data from focus groups were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify emerging issues. Survey data provided demographic information about participants and quantitative assessments of Long COVID experiences were used to augment focus group data. RESULTS: Study participants across all three racial/ethnic groups had limited to no awareness of the term Long COVID, yet many described experiencing or witnessing friends and family endure physical symptoms consistent with Long COVID (e.g., brain fog, loss of memory, fatigue) as well as associated mental health issues (e.g., anxiety, worry, post-traumatic stress disorder). Participants identified a need for Long COVID mental health and other health resources, as well as increased access to Long COVID information. CONCLUSION: To prevent Long COVID health inequities among AA/B, H/L, and Native adults living in AZ, health-related organizations and providers should increase access to culturally relevant, community-based Long COVID-specific information, mental health services, and other health resources aimed at serving these populations.
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The rapid increase in telehealth has the potential to bring informed decision-making for prostate cancer screening (PCS) at the population level to high-risk individuals. We utilized a global technology platform of electronic health records data repositories (TriNetX) to determine its utility for Navigator-guided decision-making aid for PCS in Black men ages 45-79 years with no history of prostate cancer and PSA testing. Patients from Pennsylvania were invited to participate in a telehealth-delivered informed decision-making session for PCS. Focus groups, social learning theory, visual diagrams, and quantitative data on PCS risks and benefits were used to develop the content of the sessions, which included numerical discussions of risks vs. benefits in Black men. Participants completed several surveys, including baseline demographic and numeracy questionnaires, a one-on-one telehealth session with a trained Navigator, post-Navigation surveys, and an optional follow-up session with a urologist. Eighty-seven participants were consented and recruited. Although the mean numeracy score was only 1.9 out of 6, more than 90% rated as good or excellent that the sessions aided their PCS decision-making skills. This study indicates that Navigation by telehealth offers the ability to assist in informed decision-making for PCS at the population level.
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Tomada de Decisões , Detecção Precoce de Câncer , Neoplasias da Próstata , Telemedicina , Humanos , Masculino , Neoplasias da Próstata/diagnóstico , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Idoso , Detecção Precoce de Câncer/métodos , Negro ou Afro-Americano , Navegação de PacientesRESUMO
A growing body of scientific literature stresses the need to advance current environmental risk assessment (ERA) methodologies and associated regulatory frameworks to better address the landscape-scale and long-term impact of pesticide use on biodiversity and the ecosystem. Moreover, more collaborative and integrative approaches are needed to meet sustainability goals. The One Health approach is increasingly applied by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to support the transition towards safer, healthier and more sustainable food. To this end, EFSA commissioned the development of a roadmap for action to establish a European Partnership for next-generation, systems-based Environmental Risk Assessment (PERA). Here, we summarise the main conclusions and recommendations reported in the 2022 PERA Roadmap. This roadmap highlights that fragmentation of data, knowledge and expertise across regulatory sectors results in suboptimal processes and hinders the implementation of integrative ERA approaches needed to better protect the environment. To advance ERA, we revisited the underlying assumptions of the current ERA paradigm; that chemical risks are generally assessed and managed in isolation with a substance-by-substance, realistic worst-case and tiered approach. We suggest optimising the use of the vast amount of information and expertise available with pesticides as a pilot area. It is recommended to as soon as possible adopt a systems-based approach, i.e. within the current regulatory framework, to spark a step-wise transition towards an ERA framed at a system level of ecological and societal relevance. Tangible systems-based and integrative steps are available. For instance, the rich sources of existing data for prospective and retrospective ERA of pesticides could be used to reality-benchmark existing and new ERA methods. To achieve these goals, collaboration among stakeholders across scientific disciplines and regulatory sectors must be strengthened.
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Praguicidas , Medição de Risco , Europa (Continente) , Análise de Sistemas , Projetos Piloto , Monitoramento Ambiental/métodos , Poluentes Ambientais/análise , Política AmbientalRESUMO
Objectives: This study investigated the efficacy of a mixed beet-based supplement (BEET) versus placebo (PL) in countering inflammation during recovery from 2.25 h of intensive cycling in 20 male and female cyclists. A multi-omics approach was used that included untargeted proteomics and a targeted oxylipin panel. Methods: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover design was used with two 2-week supplementation periods and a 2-week washout period. Supplementation periods were followed by a 2.25 h cycling bout at close to 70%VO2max. The BEET supplement provided 212 mg of nitrates per day, 200 mg caffeine from green tea extract, 44 mg vitamin C from Camu Camu berry, B-vitamins from quinoa sprouts (40% Daily Value for thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin B6), and 2.5 g of a mushroom blend containing Cordyceps sinensis and Inonotus obliquus. Six blood samples were collected before and after supplementation (overnight fasted state), immediately post-exercise, and at 1.5 h-, 3 h-, and 24 h-post-exercise. Results: The 2.25 h cycling bout increased plasma levels of 41 of 67 oxylipins detected. BEET supplementation significantly increased plasma nitrate (NO3 -) and nitrite (NO2 -) (sum, NO3 - + NO2 -) concentrations (interaction effect, p < 0.001) and two anti-inflammatory oxylipins [18-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid (18-HEPE) and 4-hydroxy-docosahexanoic acid (4-HDoHE)]. The untargeted proteomics analysis identified 616 proteins (458 across all times points), and 2-way ANOVA revealed a cluster of 45 proteins that were decreased and a cluster of 21 that were increased in the BEET versus PL trials. Functional enrichment supported significant BEET-related reductions in inflammation-related proteins including several proteins related to complement activation, the acute phase response, and immune cell adhesion, migration, and differentiation. Discussion: Intake of a BEET-based supplement during a 2-week period was linked to higher plasma levels of NO3 - + NO2 -, elevated post-exercise levels of two anti-inflammatory oxylipins, and a significant decrease in a cluster of proteins involved in complement activation and inflammation. These data support that 2-weeks intake of nitrate from a mixed beet-based supplement moderated protein biomarkers of exercise-induced inflammation in athletes.
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BACKGROUND: Felcisetrag (5-hydroxytryptamine-4 receptor [5-HT4] agonist) is under investigation as prophylaxis or active treatment for accelerating resolution of gastrointestinal function post-surgery. METHODS: Phase 2, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel five-arm, double-blind, multicenter study (NCT03827655) in 209 adults undergoing open or laparoscopic-assisted bowel surgery. Patients received intravenous placebo, felcisetrag 0.1 mg/100 âmL or 0.5 mg/100 âmL pre-surgery only, or pre-surgery and daily post-surgery until return of gastrointestinal function or for up to 10 days. PRIMARY ENDPOINT: time to recovery of gastrointestinal function. RESULTS: Median time to recovery of gastrointestinal function was 2.6 days for both felcisetrag 0.5 âmg daily and 0.5 âmg pre-surgery versus 1.9 days for placebo (p â> â0.05). There were no notable differences in adverse events between treatment arms. CONCLUSIONS: Felcisetrag was well tolerated with no new safety concerns. However, no clinically meaningful difference in time to recovery of gastrointestinal function versus placebo was observed. Further investigation of the utility of 5-HT4 agonists in complicated, open abdominal surgeries may be warranted.
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Complicações Pós-Operatórias , Agonistas do Receptor 5-HT4 de Serotonina , Humanos , Método Duplo-Cego , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Agonistas do Receptor 5-HT4 de Serotonina/uso terapêutico , Feminino , Complicações Pós-Operatórias/prevenção & controle , Adulto , Idoso , Gastroenteropatias/cirurgia , Procedimentos Cirúrgicos do Sistema Digestório/efeitos adversos , Laparoscopia/efeitos adversos , Recuperação de Função Fisiológica/efeitos dos fármacos , Resultado do TratamentoRESUMO
SummaryA vascular introducer sheath is often used for rapid volume replacement. However, common manipulations such as the addition of needleless connectors to infusion ports and the insertion of catheters or other devices through the introducer sheath may impede flow. In this study we utilised a rapid infuser to deliver room-temperature normal saline through two introducer sheath configurations with and without the addition of needleless connectors and the placement of catheters through the introducer sheaths. The maximal flow rate delivered by the rapid infuser was 1000 mL/min, which was observed with both introducer sheath sizes tested without additional resistive elements. However, with the addition of a needleless connector, flow rates through the introducer sheaths were substantially lower (64 (standard deviation (SD) 6) mL/min and 61 (SD 7) mL/min for the 8.5 Fr and 9 Fr introducers, respectively). Flow rates were also reduced when catheters were placed within the sheaths (298 (SD 9) mL/min with the 7 Fr catheter and 74 (SD 9) mL/min with the 8 Fr catheter placed in an 8.5 Fr sheath; 649 (SD 6) mL/min with the 7 Fr catheter and 356 (SD 14) mL/min with the 8 Fr catheter placed in the 9 Fr sheath). These findings indicated that both needleless connectors and the placement of catheters through vascular introducer sheaths substantially reduced potential flow rates. Even 'large' vascular introducer sheaths capable of delivering high flow rates could be rendered minimally effective for rapid fluid administration when used in this way. Clinicians should consider these impediments to flow when rapid fluid administration is required, and obtain alternative vascular access if necessary.
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Desenho de Equipamento , Humanos , Dispositivos de Acesso Vascular , CatéteresRESUMO
BACKGROUND: X-ray multi-contrast imaging with gratings provides a practical method to detect differential phase and dark-field contrast images in addition to the x-ray absorption image traditionally obtained in laboratory or hospital environments. Systems have been developed for preclinical applications in areas including breast imaging, lung imaging, rheumatoid arthritis hand imaging and kidney stone imaging. PURPOSE: Prevailing x-ray interferometers for multi-contrast imaging include Talbot-Lau interferometers and universal moiré effect-based phase-grating interferometers. Talbot-Lau interferometers suffer from conflict between high interferometer sensitivity and large field of view (FOV) of the object being imaged. A small period analyzer grating is necessary to simultaneously achieve high sensitivity and large FOV within a compact imaging system but is technically challenging to produce for high x-ray energies. Phase-grating interferometers suffer from an intrinsic fringe period ranging from a few micrometers to several hundred micrometers that can hardly be resolved by large area flat panel x-ray detectors. The purpose of this work is to introduce a four-grating x-ray interferometer that simultaneously allows high sensitivity and large FOV, without the need for a small period analyzer grating. METHODS: The four-grating interferometer consists of a source grating placed downstream of and close to the x-ray source, a pair of phase gratings separated by a fixed distance placed downstream of the source grating, and an analyzer grating placed upstream of and close to the x-ray detector. The object to be imaged is placed upstream of and close to the phase-grating pair. The distance between the source grating and the phase-grating pair is designed to be far larger than that between the phase-grating pair and the analyzer grating to promote simultaneously high sensitivity and large FOV. The method was evaluated by constructing a four-grating interferometer with an 8 µm period source grating, a pair of phase gratings of 2.4 µm period, and an 8 µm period analyzer grating. RESULTS: The fringe visibility of the four-grating interferometer was measured to be ≈24% at 40 kV and ≈18% at 50 kV x-ray tube operating voltage. A quartz bead of 6 mm diameter was imaged to compare the theoretical and experimental phase contrast signal with good agreement. Kidney stone specimens were imaged to demonstrate the potential of such a system for classification of kidney stones. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed four-grating interferometer geometry enables a compact x-ray multi-contrast imaging system with simultaneously high sensitivity and large FOV. Relaxation of the requirement for a small period analyzer grating makes it particularly suitable for high x-ray energy applications such as abdomen and chest imaging.
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Interferometria , Interferometria/instrumentação , Raios X , Desenho de EquipamentoRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Mortality rates among hypotensive civilian patients requiring emergent laparotomy exceed 40%. Damage control (DCR) principles were incorporated into the military's Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) in 2008. We examined combat casualties requiring emergent laparotomy to characterize how mortality rates compare to hypotensive civilian trauma patients. METHODS: The DoD Trauma Registry (2004-2020) was queried for adults who underwent combat laparotomy. Patients who were hypotensive were compared to normotensive patients. Mortality was the outcome of interest. Mortality rates before (2004-2007) and after (2009-2020) DCR CPG implementation were analyzed. RESULTS: 1051 patients were studied. Overall mortality was 6.5% for normotensive casualties and 28.7% for hypotensive casualties. Mortality decreased in normotensive patients but remained unchanged in hypotensive patients following the implementation of the DCR CPG. CONCLUSION: Hypotensive combat casualties undergoing emergent laparotomy demonstrated a mortality rate of 29.5%. Despite many advances, mortality rates remain high in hypotensive patients requiring emergent laparotomy.
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Hipotensão , Laparotomia , Adulto , Humanos , Sistema de Registros , Estudos RetrospectivosRESUMO
Background: Primary cardiac soft tissue sarcomas (CSTS) affect young adults, with dismal outcomes. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical outcomes of patients with CSTS receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Methods: A retrospective, multi-institutional cohort study was conducted among patients with CSTS between 2015 and 2022. The patients were treated with ICI-based regimens. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Objective response rates were determined according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1. Treatment-related adverse events were graded per the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0. Results: Among 24 patients with CSTS, 17 (70.8%) were White, and 13 (54.2%) were male. Eight patients (33.3%) had angiosarcoma. At the time of ICI treatment, 18 patients (75.0%) had metastatic CSTS, and 4 (16.7%) had locally advanced disease. ICIs were administered as the first-line therapy in 6 patients (25.0%) and as the second-line therapy or beyond in 18 patients (75.0%). For the 18 patients with available response data, objective response rate was 11.1% (n = 2 of 18). The median PFS and median OS in advanced and metastatic CSTS (n = 22) were 5.7 months (95% CI: 2.8-13.3 months) and 14.9 months (95% CI: 5.7-23.7 months), respectively. The median PFS and OS were significantly shorter in patients with cardiac angiosarcomas than in those with nonangiosarcoma CSTS: median PFS was 1.7 vs 11 months, respectively (P < 0.0001), and median OS was 3.0 vs 24.0 months, respectively (P = 0.008). Any grade treatment-related adverse events occurred exclusively in the 15 patients with nonangiosarcoma CSTS (n = 7 [46.7%]), of which 6 (40.0%) were grade ≥3. Conclusions: Although ICIs demonstrate modest activity in CSTS, durable benefit was observed in a subset of patients with nonangiosarcoma, albeit with higher toxicity.
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Introduction: Volume overload from mitral regurgitation can result in left ventricular systolic dysfunction. To prevent this, it is essential to operate before irreversible dysfunction occurs, but the optimal timing of intervention remains unclear. Current echocardiographic guidelines are based on 2D linear measurement thresholds only. We compared volumetric CT-based and 2D echocardiographic indices of LV size and function as predictors of post-operative systolic dysfunction following mitral repair. Methods: We retrospectively identified patients with primary mitral valve regurgitation who underwent repair between 2005 and 2021. Several indices of LV size and function measured on preoperative cardiac CT were compared with 2D echocardiography in predicting post-operative LV systolic dysfunction (LVEFecho <50%). Area under the curve (AUC) was the primary metric of predictive performance. Results: A total of 243 patients were included (mean age 57 ± 12 years; 65 females). The most effective CT-based predictors of post-operative LV systolic dysfunction were ejection fraction [LVEFCT; AUC 0.84 (95% CI: 0.77-0.92)] and LV end systolic volume indexed to body surface area [LVESViCT; AUC 0.88 (0.82-0.95)]. The best echocardiographic predictors were LVEFecho [AUC 0.70 (0.58-0.82)] and LVESDecho [AUC 0.79 (0.70-0.89)]. LVEFCT was a significantly better predictor of post-operative LV systolic dysfunction than LVEFecho (p = 0.02) and LVESViCT was a significantly better predictor than LVESDecho (p = 0.03). Ejection fraction measured by CT demonstrated significantly greater reproducibility than echocardiography. Discussion: CT-based volumetric measurements may be superior to established 2D echocardiographic parameters for predicting LV systolic dysfunction following mitral valve repair. Validation with prospective study is warranted.
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Antineoplásicos , Carboplatina , Neoplasias da Retina , Retinoblastoma , Humanos , Retinoblastoma/tratamento farmacológico , Retinoblastoma/diagnóstico , Carboplatina/administração & dosagem , Neoplasias da Retina/tratamento farmacológico , Neoplasias da Retina/diagnóstico , Antineoplásicos/administração & dosagem , Infusões Intra-Arteriais , Masculino , Feminino , LactenteRESUMO
Honey bee colonies have great societal and economic importance. The main challenge that beekeepers face is keeping bee colonies healthy under ever-changing environmental conditions. In the past two decades, beekeepers that manage colonies of Western honey bees (Apis mellifera) have become increasingly concerned by the presence of parasites and pathogens affecting the bees, the reduction in pollen and nectar availability, and the colonies' exposure to pesticides, among others. Hence, beekeepers need to know the health condition of their colonies and how to keep them alive and thriving, which creates a need for a new holistic data collection method to harmonize the flow of information from various sources that can be linked at the colony level for different health determinants, such as bee colony, environmental, socioeconomic, and genetic statuses. For this purpose, we have developed and implemented the B-GOOD (Giving Beekeeping Guidance by computational-assisted Decision Making) project as a case study to categorize the colony's health condition and find a Health Status Index (HSI). Using a 3-tier setup guided by work plans and standardized protocols, we have collected data from inside the colonies (amount of brood, disease load, honey harvest, etc.) and from their environment (floral resource availability). Most of the project's data was automatically collected by the BEEP Base Sensor System. This continuous stream of data served as the basis to determine and validate an algorithm to calculate the HSI using machine learning. In this article, we share our insights on this holistic methodology and also highlight the importance of using a standardized data language to increase the compatibility between different current and future studies. We argue that the combined management of big data will be an essential building block in the development of targeted guidance for beekeepers and for the future of sustainable beekeeping.
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BACKGROUND: Surgical Site Infections (SSI) yield subtle, early signs that are not readily identifiable. This study sought to develop a machine learning algorithm that could identify early SSIs based on thermal images. METHODS: Images were taken of surgical incisions on 193 patients who underwent a variety of surgical procedures. Two neural network models were generated to detect SSIs, one using RGB images, and one incorporating thermal images. Accuracy and Jaccard Index were the primary metrics by which models were evaluated. RESULTS: Only 5 patients in our cohort developed SSIs (2.8%). Models were instead generated to demarcate the wound site. The models had 89-92% accuracy in predicting pixel class. The Jaccard indices for the RGB and RGB â+ âThermal models were 66% and 64%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Although the low infection rate precluded the ability of our models to identify surgical site infections, we were able to generate two models to successfully segment wounds. This proof-of-concept study demonstrates that computer vision has the potential to support future surgical applications.
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OBJECTIVES: Pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome (PARDS) is a source of substantial morbidity and mortality in the PICU, and different plasma biomarkers have identified different PARDS and ARDS subgroups. We have a poor understanding of how these biomarkers change over time and with changing lung injuries. We sought to determine how biomarker levels change over PARDS course, whether they are correlated, and whether they are different in critically ill non-PARDS patients. DESIGN: Two-center prospective observational study. SETTING: Two quaternary care academic children's hospitals. PATIENTS: Subjects under 18 years of age admitted to the PICU who were intubated and met the Second Pediatric Acute Lung Injury Consensus Conference-2 PARDS diagnostic criteria and nonintubated critically ill subjects without apparent lung disease. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Plasma samples were obtained on study days 1, 3, 7, and 14. The levels of 16 biomarkers were measured using a fluorometric bead-based assay. Compared with non-PARDS subjects, on day 1 PARDS subjects had increased concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin (IL)-8, interferon-γ, IL17, granzyme B, soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM1), surfactant protein D, and IL18 but reduced matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) concentrations (all p < 0.05). Day 1 biomarker concentrations and PARDS severity were not correlated. Over PARDS course, changes in 11 of the 16 biomarkers positively correlated with changing lung injury with sICAM1 ( R = 0.69, p = 2.2 × 10 -16 ) having the strongest correlation. By Spearman rank correlation of biomarker concentrations in PARDS subjects, we identified two patterns. One had elevations of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, MMP-9, and myeloperoxidase, and the other had higher inflammatory cytokines. CONCLUSIONS: sICAM1 had the strongest positive correlation with worsening lung injury across all study time points suggesting that it is perhaps the most biologically relevant of the 16 analytes. There was no correlation between biomarker concentration on day 1 and day 1 PARDS severity; however, changes in most biomarkers over time positively correlated with changing lung injury. Finally, in day 1 samples, 7 of the 16 biomarkers were not significantly different between PARDS and critically ill non-PARDS subjects. These data highlight the difficulty of using plasma biomarkers to identify organ-specific pathology in critically ill patients.
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Lesão Pulmonar Aguda , Síndrome do Desconforto Respiratório , Criança , Humanos , Adolescente , Metaloproteinase 9 da Matriz , Estado Terminal , BiomarcadoresRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Restrictions previously limiting the ability of men who have sex with men to donate blood are being eased in a number of nations worldwide. In the context of these changes, it is important to determine public perceptions of receiving a transfusion of blood donated by men who have sex with men. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In online surveys, 510 (Study 1) and 1,062 (Study 2) heterosexual participants reported attitudes, anxiety, disgust, and gratitude towards potentially receiving a transfusion of blood donated by a homosexual male donor and a heterosexual male donor. In Study 2, half of the participants were reminded of the safety testing carried out on donated blood samples. Negative attitudes, anxiety, disgust, and gratitude were compared between the two donors using t-tests and within-participants indirect effects analysis. RESULTS: Stronger negative attitudes, higher anxiety and disgust, and lower gratitude were reported in relation to a potential transfusion of blood donated by the homosexual male donor relative to the heterosexual male donor (|d|=0.26-0.46). This was the case even when participants were reminded of the safety testing completed on donated blood samples in Study 2. In both studies, the effect of donor sexual orientation on attitudes was explained via heightened anxiety and disgust and attenuated gratitude (b=0.05-0.30). DISCUSSION: Considering receiving a transfusion of blood donated by a homosexual male donor elicits more negative attitudes, anxiety and disgust, and less positive emotion, relative to blood donated by a heterosexual male donor. These attitudes and emotional reactions are not shifted by a reminder of the safety testing carried out on donated blood samples. In the context of changing restrictions on blood donation by men who have sex with men, these findings highlight a challenge to shift public perception to embrace this cohort of donors.
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Homossexualidade Masculina , Minorias Sexuais e de Gênero , Humanos , Masculino , Feminino , Homossexualidade Masculina/psicologia , Comportamento Sexual , Transfusão de Sangue , Doadores de Sangue/psicologia , Inquéritos e QuestionáriosRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: Substantial data on COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality among medically underserved populations are available, yet data on the social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic among immigrants in the United States are limited. We identified COVID-19-related health and social disparities among US immigrants. METHODS: We analyzed predictors of COVID-19-related health and social outcomes (including ever had or thought had COVID-19, vaccine uptake, risk-reduction behaviors, job loss, childcare difficulties, and difficulty paying rent) during the pandemic by citizenship status, using data from the 2021 California Health Interview Survey. The overall sample size included 24 453 US-born citizens, naturalized citizens, and noncitizens aged ≥18 years. We examined relationships between sociodemographic variables, including immigration-related factors, and COVID-19-related health and social outcomes using descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: When accounting for sociodemographic characteristics, noncitizens had higher odds than naturalized and US-born citizens of experiencing challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, including difficulty paying rent (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.54; 95% CI, 1.47-2.42) and job loss (aOR = 1.43; 95%, CI, 1.14-1.79). At the bivariate level, noncitizens had the highest rate of ever had or thought had COVID-19 (24.7%) compared with US-born citizens (20.8%) and naturalized citizens (16.8%; all P < .001). Noncitizens also had a significantly higher likelihood of risk-reduction behaviors (eg, always wearing a face covering, getting vaccinated if available) than US-born citizens (P < .001). CONCLUSION: These findings reveal the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic among noncitizens and reflect limited socioeconomic resources, limited access to health care, and precarious employment among noncitizens in California during the pandemic. Citizenship status should be considered a critical immigration-related factor when examining disparities among immigrant populations.
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COVID-19 , Emigrantes e Imigrantes , Adulto , Humanos , Estados Unidos , Adolescente , Pandemias , COVID-19/epidemiologia , Emigração e Imigração , California/epidemiologiaRESUMO
Characterizing the mechanisms influencing the distribution of genetic variation in aquatic species can be difficult due to the dynamic nature of hydrological landscapes. In North America's Central Highlands, a complex history of glacial dynamics, long-term isolation, and secondary contact have shaped genetic variation in aquatic species. Although the effects of glacial history have been demonstrated in many taxa, responses are often lineage- or species-specific and driven by organismal ecology. In this study, we reconstruct the evolutionary history of a freshwater mussel species complex using a suite of mitochondrial and nuclear loci to resolve taxonomic and demographic uncertainties. Our findings do not support Pleurobema rubrum as a valid species, which is proposed for listing as threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. We synonymize P. rubrum under Pleurobema sintoxia-a common and widespread species found throughout the Mississippi River Basin. Further investigation of patterns of genetic variation in P. sintoxia identified a complex demographic history, including ancestral vicariance and secondary contact, within the Eastern Highlands. We hypothesize these patterns were shaped by ancestral vicariance driven by the formation of Lake Green and subsequent secondary contact after the last glacial maximum. Our inference aligns with demographic histories observed in other aquatic taxa in the region and mirrors patterns of genetic variation of a freshwater fish species (Erimystax dissimilis) confirmed to serve as a parasitic larval host for P. sintoxia. Our findings directly link species ecology to observed patterns of genetic variation and may have significant implications for future conservation and recovery actions of freshwater mussels.
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Bivalves , DNA Mitocondrial , Animais , DNA Mitocondrial/genética , Espécies em Perigo de Extinção , Bivalves/genética , Lagos , Demografia , Filogenia , Variação GenéticaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) require systemic anticoagulation. The use of enoxaparin for bridging to warfarin remains understudied in this population. METHODS: This single-center retrospective study was performed to characterize enoxaparin use and associated thrombotic and bleeding outcomes in adult outpatients with LVADs from January 2018 to July 2021. RESULTS: Fifty-four enoxaparin bridging events were evaluated in 49 patients. Most patients with HeartMate II (HM2) and HeartWare (HVAD) devices received enoxaparin dosed 1 mg/kg every 12 h. In patients with HeartMate 3 (HM3) devices, an equal number of patients received 0.5 mg/kg every 12 h and 1 mg/kg every 12 h, with a smaller subset receiving intermediate doses. The median duration of bridging was 6 days (4-8 [IQR]). One major bleeding event required discontinuation of enoxaparin and hospitalization in a patient with an HM3 device. Thrombotic events occurred in four patients with two incidents of pump thrombosis requiring pump exchange and two ischemic strokes. All thrombotic events occurred in patients with HVAD or HM2 devices. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that enoxaparin bridging in LVAD patients was well-tolerated with low bleeding and thrombotic rates, particularly with the HM3 device.