Coronavirus disease-19 : an interim evidence Synthesis of the World Association for Infectious Diseases and Immunological Disorders (Waidid)

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a rapidly evolving, highly transmissible, and potentially lethal pandemic caused by a novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). As of June 11 2020, more than 7,000,000 COVID-19 cases have been reported worldwide, and more than 400,000 patients have died, affecting at least 188 countries. While literature on the disease is rapidly accumulating, an integrated, multinational perspective on clinical manifestations, immunological effects, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of COVID-19 can be of global benefit. We aimed to synthesize the most relevant literature and experiences in different parts of the world through our global consortium of experts to provide a consensus-based document at this early stage of the pandemic

A rede de roças de São Tomé e Príncipe: Análise e caracterização da rede de vias comunicação

Este trabalho visa analisar a rede rodoviária da ilha de São Tomé, de modo a compreender o impacto que a colonização trouxe na organização do território, nomeadamente através da construção de roças, e consequentemente no estilo de vida da população. As roças eram estruturas agrárias, construídas entre meados do século XIX e meados do século XX, nas quais se realizava a plantação de café e cacau para exportação. Estas formavam uma rede hierárquica de assentamentos de diferentes dimensões em que cada elemento tinha uma função específica num conjunto complexo e extenso cujo propósito era maximizar a produção e o lucro dos roceiros. As roças funcionavam como pequenos estados, em circuitos fechados ligados por estradas e caminhos de ferro que ligavam a sede de cada roça às suas dependências, de menor dimensão, facilitando o transporte de mercadorias e pessoas. Nas roças viviam e trabalhavam colonos portugueses e pessoas escravizadas ou em regime de trabalho forçado provenientes de países africanos. Com a tomada da independência em 1975 de São Tomé e Príncipe e a posterior reforma agrária várias das propriedades agrícolas foram abandonadas o que levou à gradual degradação da infraestrutura das roças. Procura-se com este trabalho identificar de que forma a implantação das roças na ilha influenciou a segregação de algumas comunidades e que ainda é sentida atualmente. Para tal utilizou-se quer a observação em situ quer o método de análise space syntax, que nos permite analisar de que modo o espaço construído influencia a vivência da sociedade.This research aims to analyze the network of streets of the island of São Tomé, to understand the impact that colonization brought on the organization of the territory, namely through the construction of “roças”, and consequently on the lifestyle of the population. The roças were agrarian structures built between the mid-19th and mid-20th centuries, in which coffee and cocoa were planted for export. These formed a hierarchical network of settlements of different dimensions in which each element had a specific function in a complex and extensive set whose purpose was to maximize the production and profit of the farmers (roceiros). The roças functioned as small states, in closed circuits linked by roads and railways that linked the headquarters of each roça to its smaller dependencies, facilitating the transport of goods and people. Portuguese settlers and enslaved people or in forced labour from African countries lived and worked in the roças. With the independence of São Tomé and Principe in 1975 and the subsequent agrarian reform, several of the agricultural properties were abandoned, which led to the gradual degradation of the infrastructure of the roças. The aim of this work is to identify how the implantation of the roças on the island influenced the segregation of some communities, which is still noticed today. For this purpose, both in situ observation and the space syntax analysis method were used, which allowed us to analyze how the built space influences the experience of society

Oral health of cystic fibrosis patients at a north american center : a pilot study

The objective of this study was to describe the oral health status of Cystic Fibrosis (CF) children in a US facility. Twenty CF children ages 6-18 were recruited from Children?s Hospital of Wisconsin Pulmonary Clinic. Parents completed a health questionnaire. Clinical examinations checked dental caries using the dmft/DMFT index, dental hygiene using the Simplified Greene-Vermillion Index (DI-S), gingival inflammation using the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs, and enamel defects using the modified Developmental Defects of Enamel Index. The majority (90%) brush twice a day, 65% consume sugary snacks, and 70% visit the dentist every 6 months. Clinically, they presented DMFT 0.25 and dmft 0.90, fair oral hygiene with DI-S 1.02, 75% had mild gingivitis and 50% had enamel defects. The more antibiotics they took, significantly more frequent (p=0.007) and more severe (p=0.017) enamel defects were noted. Similar trend was found between the number of surgeries and the presence of enamel defects (p=0.076) and dental caries (p=0.028). Within the limitations of this study, CF patients were found to be at oral health risk due to the high prevalence of dental enamel defects. Oral health for CF children should be part of the multidisciplinary care

The neurobiology of openness as a personality trait

Openness is a multifaceted behavioral disposition that encompasses personal, interpersonal, and cultural dimensions. It has been suggested that the interindividual variability in openness as a personality trait is influenced by various environmental and genetic factors, as well as differences in brain functional and structural connectivity patterns along with their various associated cognitive processes. Alterations in degree of openness have been linked to several aspects of health and disease, being impacted by both physical and mental health, substance use, and neurologic conditions. This review aims to explore the current state of knowledge describing the neurobiological basis of openness and how individual differences in openness can manifest in brain health and disease

Pertussis vaccination in pregnancy in Canada: a cost-utility analysis

Background: The Canadian National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends universal vaccination against pertussis in pregnancy. We assessed the cost-effectiveness of vaccination with tetanus–diphtheria–acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine in pregnancy in Canada. Methods: We conducted a cost-utility analysis comparing a vaccination program to no program corresponding with the 2017 Canadian guideline for economic evaluation from the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health. We developed 2 models — part decision tree, part Markov model — to estimate the long-term cost and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) for pregnant women and their infants. We obtained epidemiologic data from 2006 to 2015, and derived costs and utility values from relevant sources. Results were reported in 2019 Canadian dollars. We obtained expected values through probabilistic analysis, with methodologic and structural uncertainty assessed through scenario analyses. The analysis adopted an acquisition price of Tdap vaccine of $12.50, with scenario analysis conducted to identify the threshold price for vaccination to be cost-effective. Results: In the base-case scenario, for every 1000 pregnant women vaccinated, the program would lead to a gain of 0.3 QALYs, occurring solely in infants, at an increased total cost of$12 987, or $44 301 per QALY gained. Based on a threshold of$50 000 per QALY gained, vaccination would have been cost-effective in 6 of the 10 years included in the model (range of incremental costs $20 463–$100 348 per QALY gained). The threshold cost for Tdap vaccine to be cost-effective over the 10-year horizon was $14.03. Interpretation: Based on a threshold of$50 000 per QALY gained, vaccination against pertussis in pregnancy would be cost-effective if the acquisition cost per vaccine were $14.03 or less. Province- and territory-specific analyses should be done to inform local decision-making

Coadministration of Anti-Viral Monoclonal Antibodies With Routine Pediatric Vaccines and Implications for Nirsevimab Use: A White Paper

Routine childhood vaccinations are key for the protection of children from a variety of serious and potentially fatal diseases. Current pediatric vaccine schedules mainly cover active vaccines. Active vaccination in infants is a highly effective approach against several infectious diseases; however, thus far, for some important viral pathogens, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), vaccine development and license by healthcare authorities have not been accomplished. Nirsevimab is a human-derived, highly potent monoclonal antibody (mAb) with an extended half-life for RSV prophylaxis in all infants. In this manuscript, we consider the potential implications for the introduction of an anti-viral mAb, such as nirsevimab, into the routine pediatric vaccine schedule, as well as considerations for coadministration. Specifically, we present evidence on the general mechanism of action of anti-viral mAbs and experience with palivizumab, the only approved mAb for the prevention of RSV infection in preterm infants, infants with chronic lung disease of prematurity and certain infants with hemodynamically significant heart disease. Palivizumab has been used for over two decades in infants who also receive routine vaccinations without any alerts concerning the safety and efficacy of coadministration. Immunization guidelines (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization, National Advisory Committee on Immunization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Academy of Pediatrics, The Association of the Scientific Medical Societies in Germany) support coadministration of palivizumab with routine pediatric vaccines, noting that immunobiologics, such as palivizumab, do not interfere with the immune response to licensed live or inactivated active vaccines. Based on the mechanism of action of the new generation of anti-viral mAbs, such as nirsevimab, which is highly specific targeting viral antigenic sites, it is unlikely that it could interfere with the immune response to other vaccines. Taken together, we anticipate that nirsevimab could be concomitantly administered to infants with routine pediatric vaccines during the same clinic visit

Floristic composition of weed community in selected vegetable fields in Selangor, Malaysia

A survey was conducted, during August 2010 – March 2011, on five selected leafy vegetable fields in Selangor, Malaysia. The leafy vegetables were Brassica rapa, Ipomea batatas, Lactuca sativa (leaf lettuce), Ipomea reptans and Amaranthus spp. The objective of the study was to identify the most common weeds associated with the leafy vegetables. The fields were surveyed according to the quantitative survey method by using a 0.5 m x 0.5 m quadrat with 20 samples of quadrat from each field. The data were processed using five quantitative measures, viz frequency, field uniformity, mean field density, mean occurrence field density and relative abundance of the weed spp. A total of 40 different weed species, belonging to 15 families, with 6 grasses, 10 sedges and 24 broadleaves, were identified. The weeds comprise 24 were annuals and 16 perennials. In all the vegetable fields surveyed, the most common species were Ageratum conyzoides L., Cyperus kyllingia Endl. and Eleuthranthera ruderalis. Based on relative abundance indices, the perennial weeds Cyperus rotundus L., Ageratum conyzoides L., Cyperus kyllingia Endl and annual weeds Eleuthranthera ruderalis and Amaranthus spinosus L. were most dominant species in vegetable fields

Pardaxin Stimulation of Phospholipases A 2 and Their Involvement in Exocytosis in PC-12 Cells

ABSTRACT Pardaxin (PX) is a voltage-dependent ionophore that stimulates catecholamine exocytosis from PC-12 pheochromocytoma cells both in the presence and absence of extracellular calcium. Using a battery of phospholipase A 2 inhibitors we show that PX stimulation of phospholipase A 2 (PLA 2 ) enzymes is coupled with induction of exocytosis. We investigated the relationship between PX-induced PLA 2 activity and neurotransmitter release by measuring the levels of arachidonic acid (AA), prostaglandin E 2 (PGE 2 ), and dopamine release. In the presence of extracellular calcium, the cytosolic PLA 2 inhibitor arachidonyl trifluoromethyl ketone (AACOCF 3 ) inhibited by 100, 70, and 73%, respectively, the release of AA, PGE 2 , and dopamine induced by PX. The mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase inhibitor 2Ј-amino-3Ј-methoxyflavone (PD98059) reduced by 100 and 82%, respectively, the release of AA and PGE 2 induced by PX. In the absence of extracellular calcium, the calcium-independent PLA 2 (iPLA 2 ) inhibitors methyl arachidonyl fluorophosphonate, AACOCF 3 , and bromoenol lactone (BEL) inhibited by 80 to 90% PX stimulation of AA release, by 65 to 85% PX stimulation of PGE 2 release, and by 80 to 90% PX-induced dopamine release. Using vesicle fusion-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay we found similar levels of inhibition of PX-induced exocytosis by these inhibitors. Also, PX induced the formation of soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor complexes, an effect that was augmented by N-methylmaleimide. This complex formation was completely inhibited by BEL. Botulinum toxins type C1 and F significantly inhibited the release of AA, PGE 2 , and dopamine induced by PX. Our data suggest that PX stimulates exocytosis by activating cystolic PLA 2 and iPLA 2 , leading to the generation of AA and eicosanoids, which, in turn, stimulate vesicle competence for fusion and neurotransmitter release. Hormones and neurotransmitters are usually released from cells by exocytosis, when a rise in cytosolic calcium triggers fusion of the secretory vesicle membrane with the plasma membrane SNAREs are targets for the botulinum and tetanus toxins Aside from toxins that inhibit neurotransmitter release, there are others that cause a massive release of neurotrans-E.B.-S. and S.A.-R. contributed equally to this work

Studying the Level of Angiotensin II in Various Areas of Jordan with Different Altitudes

Background and objectives: angiotensin II is involved in the development of hypertension. The main objectives of the study were to measure and compare the levels of angiotensin II among normal population in various areas with different altitudes Methods: Study design: cross- sectional study was conducted to collect data from participants at the same time. Study setting: participants from various areas with different altitudes were recruited to participate in this study. A total of 1500 participants were included. Study procedure: data was collected from participants based on a questionnaire that was constructed for this study. Blood samples were withdrawn from participants by a well- trained nurse. Angiotensin II was measured using enzyme linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA). Statistical analysis: data was analyzed using SPSS version 20. Data was represented as means, standard deviations, frequencies and percentage. The relationship between variables was tested using independent T-Test. The significance was considered at p value <0.05. Results: the level of angiotensin II was 8.84± 4.65 pg/ml in Dead Sea, 11.21± 6.05 pg/ml in Sea level, and 12.08± 5.19 pg/ml in Ajloun. There was a significant difference between the means of angiotensin II between Ajloun and Dead Sea (p=0.039). no other significant differences were observed between the study areas. Conclusion: the angiotensin II varies between the areas according to their altitudes and this consideration should be taken into account when hypertensive drugs are prescribed

The Fourth International Neonatal and Maternal Immunization Symposium (INMIS 2017): Toward Integrating Maternal and Infant Immunization Programs.

Prevention of serious infections in pregnant mothers, newborns, and young infants through immunization during pregnancy and in early life has the potential to further reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. In the past decade, research in this field has advanced substantially, from the understanding of the biology and immunology of pregnancy and early life, to the active development of several candidate vaccines, for which challenges and opportunities for global implementation are under consideration. Experts from academia, industry, regulatory and funding agencies, public health, and international organizations met in Brussels (Belgium) from 10 to 12 September 2017, at the 4th International Neonatal and Maternal Immunization Symposium (INMIS), to review the most relevant advances in maternal and neonatal immunization. The overarching focus of the conference was to identify the path forward to achieve integration of maternal and early life immunization strategies for the successful implementation of vaccines in antenatal care and pediatric programs for reduction of maternal and infant mortality worldwide.IMPORTANCE This report provides an overview of the proceedings of the 4th International Maternal and Neonatal Immunization Symposium, where presentations focused on the state-of-the-art research on the development and implementation of vaccines given during pregnancy for the protection of mothers and infants