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BMC Veterinary Research Jun 2024Scale drop disease virus (SDDV) threatens Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) aquaculture production by causing scale drop disease (SDD) in Asian seabass. Research on the...
Protective efficiency and immune responses to single and booster doses of formalin-inactivated scale drop disease virus (SDDV) vaccine in Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer).
BACKGROUND
Scale drop disease virus (SDDV) threatens Asian seabass (Lates calcarifer) aquaculture production by causing scale drop disease (SDD) in Asian seabass. Research on the development of SDDV vaccines is missing an in-depth examination of long-term immunity and the immune reactions it provokes. This study investigated the long-term immune protection and responses elicited by an SDDV vaccine. The research evaluated the effectiveness of a formalin-inactivated SDDV vaccine (SDDV-FIV) using both prime and prime-booster vaccination strategies in Asian seabass. Three groups were used: control (unvaccinated), single-vaccination (prime only), and booster (prime and booster). SDDV-FIV was administered via intraperitoneal route, with a booster dose given 28 days post-initial vaccination.
RESULTS
The immune responses in vaccinated fish (single and booster groups) showed that SDDV-FIV triggered both SDDV-specific IgM and total IgM production. SDDV-specific IgM levels were evident until 28 days post-vaccination (dpv) in the single vaccination group, while an elevated antibody response was maintained in the booster group until 70 dpv. The expression of immune-related genes (dcst, mhc2a1, cd4, ighm, cd8, il8, ifng, and mx) in the head kidney and peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) of vaccinated and challenged fish were significantly upregulated within 1-3 dpv and post-SDDV challenge. Fish were challenged with SDDV at 42 dpv (challenge 1) and 70 dpv (challenge 2). In the first challenge, the group that received booster vaccinations demonstrated notably higher survival rates than the control group (60% versus 20%, P < 0.05). However, in the second challenge, while there was an observable trend towards improved survival rates for the booster group compared to controls (42% versus 25%), these differences did not reach statistical significance (P > 0.05). These findings suggest that the SDDV-FIV vaccine effectively stimulates both humoral and cellular immune responses against SDDV. Booster vaccination enhances this response and improves survival rates up to 42 dpv.
CONCLUSIONS
This research provides valuable insights into the development of efficient SDDV vaccines and aids in advancing strategies for immune modulation to enhance disease management in the aquaculture of Asian seabass.
Topics: Animals; Fish Diseases; Viral Vaccines; Vaccines, Inactivated; Immunization, Secondary; Iridoviridae; DNA Virus Infections; Formaldehyde; Antibodies, Viral; Vaccination; Immunoglobulin M; Perciformes; Bass
PubMed: 38902724
DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-04132-6 -
Indian Journal of Dermatology,... Jun 2024Background Several studies have reported that psoriasis has a positive correlation with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Understanding the risk of psoriasis in diabetic...
Background Several studies have reported that psoriasis has a positive correlation with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Understanding the risk of psoriasis in diabetic patients is significant because it allows for early intervention and potential insights into the common pathways between the two conditions. Objectives We analysed the risk of psoriasis according to the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and proteinuria level in DM patients using Korean population-based data. Methods This study was a retrospective cohort study using data collected from the country in the form of exploratory data analysis. A total of 927,234 participants diagnosed with DM were enrolled. Patients under the age of 20 with existing psoriasis or psoriasis developed within 1 year and missing data were excluded. The development of psoriasis was the primary outcome within a follow-up period of 7.83 ± 1.68 years. Results Of the 840,395 final participants, 28,010 (3.33%) patients developed psoriasis. In multivariate-adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression models, the DM patients with eGFR < 30 had a higher risk of psoriasis after adjustment (eGFR 60-90, hazard ratio [HR] 1 (Ref.); eGFR < 30, HR 1.173, 95% CI 1.089-1.264). In addition, there was an increased psoriatic risk of patients with DM and proteinuria after adjustment (negative, HR 1 (Ref.); 2+, HR 1.164, 95% CI 1.080-1.254; 3+, HR 1.433, 95% CI 1.273-1.613; 4+, HR 1.508, 95% CI 1.177-1.931). Limitations The severity of psoriasis was not measured since the occurrence of psoriasis was the outcome. Details of oral hypoglycaemic agents such as type and dose were not investigated. Conclusion This study showed that a decrease in eGFR and aggravation of proteinuria increase the risk of psoriasis in diabetic patients. Therefore, by using eGFR and proteinuria as predictive risk factors of psoriasis in DM patients, early and proactive treatment may play a vital role in managing diabetic patients.
PubMed: 38899413
DOI: 10.25259/IJDVL_669_2023 -
Journal of Clinical Medicine May 2024A complete medication plan (MPlan) increases medication safety and adherence and is crucial in care transitions. Countries that implemented a standardized MPlan reported...
A complete medication plan (MPlan) increases medication safety and adherence and is crucial in care transitions. Countries that implemented a standardized MPlan reported benefits on patients' understanding and handling of their medication. Austria lacks such a standardization, with no available data on the issue. This study aimed to investigate the current state of all medication documentations (MDocs) at hospital admission in a population at high risk for polypharmacy in Austria. We enrolled 512 consecutive patients undergoing elective coronary angiography. Their MDocs and medications were recorded at admission. MDocs were categorized, whereby a MPlan was defined as a tabular list including medication name, dose, route, frequency and patient name. Out of 485 patients, 55.1% had an MDoc (median number of drugs: 6, range 2-17), of whom 24.7% had unstructured documentation, 18.0% physicians' letters and 54.3% MPlans. Polypharmacy patients did not have a MDoc in 31.3%. Crucial information as the patients's name or the originator of the MDoc was missing in 31.1% and 20.4%, respectively. Patients with MDoc provided more comprehensive medication information ( = 0.019), although over-the-counter-medication was missing in 94.5% of MDocs. A discrepancy between the MPlan and current medication at admission existed in 64.4%. In total, only 10.7% of our patient cohort presented an MPlan that was in accordance with their current medication. The situation in Austria is far from a standardized MPlan generated in daily routine. Numerous MPlans do not represent the current medication and could pose a potential risk for the effectiveness and safety of pharmacotherapy.
PubMed: 38892897
DOI: 10.3390/jcm13113187 -
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Data on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) survivors, particularly among adolescents and young adults (AYAs), are...
BACKGROUND
Data on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) survivors, particularly among adolescents and young adults (AYAs), are limited. This study aimed to investigate the in-depth experiences and impacts of IMD on AYAs.
METHODS
Participants were recruited from two Australian states, Victoria and South Australia. We conducted qualitative, semi-structured interviews with 30 patients diagnosed with IMD between 2016 and 2021. The interview transcripts were analyzed thematically.
RESULTS
Of the participants, 53% were aged 15-19 years old, and 47% were aged 20-24. The majority (70%) were female. Seven themes relating to the participants' experience of IMD were identified: (1) underestimation of the initial symptoms and then rapid escalation of symptoms; (2) reliance on social support for emergency care access; (3) the symptoms prompting seeking medical care varied, with some key symptoms missed; (4) challenges in early medical diagnosis; (5) traumatic and life-changing experience; (6) a lingering impact on HRQoL; and (7) gaps in the continuity of care post-discharge.
CONCLUSION
The themes raised by AYA IMD survivors identify multiple areas that can be addressed during their acute illness and recovery. Increasing awareness of meningococcal symptoms for AYAs may help reduce the time between the first symptoms and the first antibiotic dose, although this remains a challenging area for improvement. After the acute illness, conducting HRQoL assessments and providing multidisciplinary support will assist those who require more intensive and ongoing assistance during their recovery.
PubMed: 38891151
DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12111075 -
BMC Medicine Jun 2024Most women use medication during pregnancy. Pregnancy-induced changes in physiology may require antenatal dose alterations. Yet, evidence-based doses in pregnancy are...
BACKGROUND
Most women use medication during pregnancy. Pregnancy-induced changes in physiology may require antenatal dose alterations. Yet, evidence-based doses in pregnancy are missing. Given historically limited data, pharmacokinetic models may inform pregnancy-adjusted doses. However, implementing model-informed doses in clinical practice requires support from relevant stakeholders.
PURPOSE
To explore the perceived barriers and facilitators for model-informed antenatal doses among healthcare practitioners (HCPs) and pregnant women.
METHODS
Online focus groups and interviews were held among healthcare practitioners (HCPs) and pregnant women from eight countries across Europe, Africa and Asia. Purposive sampling was used to identify pregnant women plus HCPs across various specialties prescribing or providing advice on medication to pregnant women. Perceived barriers and facilitators for implementing model-informed doses in pregnancy were identified and categorised using a hybrid thematic analysis.
RESULTS
Fifty HCPs and 11 pregnant women participated in 12 focus groups and 16 interviews between January 2022 and March 2023. HCPs worked in the Netherlands (n = 32), the UK (n = 7), South Africa (n = 5), Uganda (n = 4), Kenya, Cameroon, India and Vietnam (n = 1 each). All pregnant women resided in the Netherlands. Barriers and facilitators identified by HCPs spanned 14 categories across four domains whereas pregnant women described barriers and facilitators spanning nine categories within the same domains. Most participants found current antenatal dosing information inadequate and regarded model-informed doses in pregnancy as a valuable and for some, much-needed addition to antenatal care. Although willingness-to-follow model-informed antenatal doses was high across both groups, several barriers for implementation were identified. HCPs underlined the need for transparent model validation and endorsement of the methodology by recognised institutions. Foetal safety was deemed a critical knowledge gap by both groups. HCPs' information needs and preferred features for model-informed doses in pregnancy varied. Several pregnant women expressed a desire to access information and partake in decisions on antenatal dosing.
CONCLUSIONS
Given the perceived limitations of current pharmacotherapy for pregnant women and foetuses, model-informed dosing in pregnancy was seen as a promising means to enhance antenatal care by pregnant women and healthcare practitioners.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Qualitative Research; Focus Groups; Health Personnel; Pregnant Women; Adult; Prenatal Care; Africa; Asia; Europe; Uganda
PubMed: 38886762
DOI: 10.1186/s12916-024-03450-8 -
Acta Neurochirurgica Jun 2024The management of perioperative venous thrombembolism (VTE) prophylaxis is highly variable between neurosurgical departments and general guidelines are missing. The main...
BACKGROUND
The management of perioperative venous thrombembolism (VTE) prophylaxis is highly variable between neurosurgical departments and general guidelines are missing. The main issue in debate are the dose and initiation time of pharmacologic VTE prevention to balance the risk of VTE-based morbidity and potentially life-threatening bleeding. Mechanical VTE prophylaxis with intermittend pneumatic compression (IPC), however, is established in only a few neurosurgical hospitals, and its efficacy has not yet been demonstrated. The objective of the present study was to analyze the risk of VTE before and after the implementation of IPC devices during elective neurosurgical procedures.
METHODS
All elective surgeries performed at our neurosurgical department between 01/2018-08/2022 were investigated regarding the occurrence of VTE. The VTE risk and associated mortality were compared between groups: (1) only chemoprophylaxis (CHEMO; surgeries 01/2018-04/2020) and (2) IPC and chemoprophylaxis (IPC; surgeries 04/2020-08/2022). Furthermore, general patient and disease characteristics as well as duration of hospitalization were evaluated and compared to the VTE risk.
RESULTS
VTE occurred after 38 elective procedures among > 12.000 surgeries. The number of VTEs significantly differed between groups with an incidence of 31/6663 (0.47%) in the CHEMO group and 7/6688 (0.1%) events in the IPC group. In both groups, patients with malignant brain tumors represented the largest proportion of patients, while VTEs in benign tumors occurred only in the CHEMO group.
CONCLUSION
The use of combined mechanical and pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis can significantly reduce the risk of postoperative thromboembolism after neurosurgical procedures and, therefore, reduce mortality and morbidity.
Topics: Humans; Neurosurgical Procedures; Venous Thromboembolism; Female; Male; Middle Aged; Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Devices; Aged; Adult; Postoperative Complications; Retrospective Studies; Elective Surgical Procedures; Anticoagulants; Risk Factors
PubMed: 38874608
DOI: 10.1007/s00701-024-06129-4 -
Genome Medicine Jun 2024Early detection of colorectal neoplasms can reduce the colorectal cancer (CRC) burden by timely intervention for high-risk individuals. However, effective risk...
BACKGROUND
Early detection of colorectal neoplasms can reduce the colorectal cancer (CRC) burden by timely intervention for high-risk individuals. However, effective risk prediction models are lacking for personalized CRC early screening in East Asian (EAS) population. We aimed to develop, validate, and optimize a comprehensive risk prediction model across all stages of the dynamic adenoma-carcinoma sequence in EAS population.
METHODS
To develop precision risk-stratification and intervention strategies, we developed three trans-ancestry PRSs targeting colorectal neoplasms: (1) using 148 previously identified CRC risk loci (PRS); (2) SNPs selection from large-scale meta-analysis data by clumping and thresholding (PRS); (3) PRS-CSx, a Bayesian approach for genome-wide risk prediction (PRS). Then, the performance of each PRS was assessed and validated in two independent cross-sectional screening sets, including 4600 patients with advanced colorectal neoplasm, 4495 patients with non-advanced adenoma, and 21,199 normal individuals from the ZJCRC (Zhejiang colorectal cancer set; EAS) and PLCO (the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial; European, EUR) studies. The optimal PRS was further incorporated with lifestyle factors to stratify individual risk and ultimately tested in the PLCO and UK Biobank prospective cohorts, totaling 350,013 participants.
RESULTS
Three trans-ancestry PRSs achieved moderately improved predictive performance in EAS compared to EUR populations. Remarkably, the PRSs effectively facilitated a thorough risk assessment across all stages of the dynamic adenoma-carcinoma sequence. Among these models, PRS demonstrated the optimal discriminatory ability in both EAS and EUR validation datasets, particularly for individuals at risk of colorectal neoplasms. Using two large-scale and independent prospective cohorts, we further confirmed a significant dose-response effect of PRS on incident colorectal neoplasms. Incorporating PRS with lifestyle factors into a comprehensive strategy improves risk stratification and discriminatory accuracy compared to using PRS or lifestyle factors separately. This comprehensive risk-stratified model shows potential in addressing missed diagnoses in screening tests (best NPV = 0.93), while moderately reducing unnecessary screening (best PPV = 0.32).
CONCLUSIONS
Our comprehensive risk-stratified model in population-based CRC screening trials represents a promising advancement in personalized risk assessment, facilitating tailored CRC screening in the EAS population. This approach enhances the transferability of PRSs across ancestries and thereby helps address health disparity.
Topics: Humans; Colorectal Neoplasms; Female; Early Detection of Cancer; Male; Middle Aged; Aged; Risk Assessment; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Bayes Theorem; Risk Factors
PubMed: 38872215
DOI: 10.1186/s13073-024-01355-y -
Proceedings. Biological Sciences Jun 2024Pesticides have been identified as major drivers of insect biodiversity loss. Thus, the study of their effects on non-pest insect species has attracted a lot of... (Review)
Review
Pesticides have been identified as major drivers of insect biodiversity loss. Thus, the study of their effects on non-pest insect species has attracted a lot of attention in recent decades. In general toxicology, the 'gold standard' to assess the toxicity of a substance is to measure mass-specific LD (i.e. median lethal dose per unit body mass). In entomology, reviews attempting to compare these data across all available studies are lacking. To fill this gap in knowledge, we performed a systematic review of the lethality of imidacloprid for adult insects. Imidacloprid is possibly the most extensively studied insecticide in recent times, yet we found that little is comparable across studies, owing to both methodological divergence and missing estimates of body mass. By accounting for body mass whenever possible, we show how imidacloprid sensitivity spans across an apparent range of approximately six orders of magnitude across insect species. Very high variability within species can also be observed owing to differences in exposure methods and observation time. We suggest that a more comparable and comprehensive approach has both biological and economic relevance. Ultimately, this would help to identify differences that could direct research towards preventing non-target species from being negatively affected.
Topics: Neonicotinoids; Nitro Compounds; Animals; Insecticides; Insecta; Imidazoles; Species Specificity; Lethal Dose 50
PubMed: 38864325
DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.2811 -
BMJ Open Jun 2024To determine COVID-19 vaccine uptake among physicians in Ontario, Canada from 14 December 2020 to 13 February 2022.
OBJECTIVES
To determine COVID-19 vaccine uptake among physicians in Ontario, Canada from 14 December 2020 to 13 February 2022.
DESIGN
Population-based retrospective cohort study.
SETTING
All registered physicians in Ontario, Canada using data from linked provincial administrative healthcare databases.
PARTICIPANTS
41 267 physicians (including postgraduate trainees) who were Ontario residents and registered with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario were included. Physicians who were out of province, had not accessed Ontario Health Insurance Plan-insured services for their own care for ≥5 years and those with missing identifiers were excluded.
PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES
Primary outcomes were the proportions of physicians who were recorded to have received at least one, at least two and three doses of a Health Canada-approved COVID-19 vaccine by study end date. Secondary outcomes were how uptake varied by physician characteristics (including age, sex, specialty and residential location) and time elapsed between doses.
RESULTS
Of 41 267 physicians, (56% male, mean age 47 years), 39 359 (95.4%) received at least one dose, 39 148 (94.9%) received at least two doses and 35 834 (86.8%) received three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. Of those who received three doses, the proportions were 90.4% among those aged ≥60 years and 81.2-89.5% among other age groups; 88.7% among family physicians and 89% among specialists. 1908 physicians (4.6%) had no record of vaccination, and this included 3.4% of family physicians and 4.1% of specialists; however, 28% of this group had missing specialty information.
CONCLUSIONS
In Ontario, within 14 months of COVID-19 vaccine availability, 86.8% of physicians had three doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, compared with 45.6% of the general population. Findings may signify physicians' confidence in the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines.
Topics: Humans; Ontario; Male; Female; Retrospective Studies; COVID-19 Vaccines; Middle Aged; COVID-19; Adult; Physicians; SARS-CoV-2; Vaccination; Aged; Practice Patterns, Physicians'
PubMed: 38858148
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-080461 -
Vaccine Jun 2024Amid the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cambodia emerges as a notable exemplar, boasting a remarkable vaccination rate of 91% of its population by the end of...
Amid the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Cambodia emerges as a notable exemplar, boasting a remarkable vaccination rate of 91% of its population by the end of 2021. This success can be attributed to a multifaceted approach encompassing strong governmental leadership, robust vaccine management, and effective risk communication. Despite notable success, challenges persisted in reaching unvaccinated segments of the population. Rapid Coverage and Community assessments (RCCAs) supported by UNICEF were deployed in 2022 and 2023 to support Government efforts in expanding vaccination reach to missed populations and bolster COVID-19 booster doses. RCCAs were conducted across 8 provinces, assessing 13,547 individuals from 87 low-coverage communes to identify not vaccinated people and understand their barriers. Overall, only seven percent missed any dose of C-19 vaccine, Disabilities and lack of education correlated with higher rates of zero doses (20.8% and 17.8%, respectively), with concerns about personal health conditions (25%) and adverse effects (10%) cited as top reasons for non-vaccination. RCCAs, differing from routine monitoring, utilized purposive sampling to identify barriers to vaccine access and uptake. Findings informed adaptive strategies by government and partners to enhance outreach in low-coverage areas. The RCCAs played a crucial role at the local level in ensuring vaccinations reached overlooked populations, providing innovative solutions and supporting UNICEF's national strategies. By the end of 2022, Cambodia achieved a high subnational coverage, contributing to a national coverage of 95% for primary doses and nearly 70% for the first booster for everyone above three years old. RCCAs also fostered local coordination, facilitating resource sharing, and coordinated action for more effective local outreach and community trust. Integration of RCCAs into national immunization programs is recommended to develop targeted outreach for underserved populations, including zero-dose children and communities. Cambodia's adaptation of RCCAs during the pandemic offers valuable insights into identifying and engaging missed populations, highlighting the importance of community involvement and targeted interventions for future pandemic preparedness, and achieving more equitable health outcomes in the longer-term.
PubMed: 38852038
DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.05.064