The impact of SARS-COV-2 (Covid 19) on the Romanian penitentiary micro-society

The health of prisons also represents a component of the public health. The management of the epidemiological situations, regardless of the environment in which they occur, is, in itself, a major public health issue. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports confirm that the risk of contamination in the prison environment is similar to that in the residential environment. In general, the infection rates in prisons followed those of the population. This virus affects everyone, both detainees and employees of this system. Even in these special conditions, the Romanian prisons did not become sources of infection out of control. The present study will highlight the impact of this virus on the prison environment. According to the latest official reports of the National Administration of Penitentiaries (ANP), the vaccination of the prison population is confirmed in the proportion of 77.4% (currently over 16.0% of individuals being released). Following this pandemic, the ANP leadership together with the responsible national institutions are launching new norms and procedures with immediate applicability, in general, aiming measures to prevent the spread of the airborne diseases

Regulation of the calpain and ubiquitin-proteasome systems in a canine model of muscular dystrophy

Previous studies have tested the hypothesis that calpain and/or proteasome inhibition is beneficial in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, based largely on evidence that calpain and proteasome activities are enhanced in the mdx mouse

Stream temperature data collection standards for Alaska: Minimum standards to generate data useful for regional-scale analyses

AbstractStudy focusStatewide interest in thermal patterns and increasing data collection efforts provides Alaska’s scientific and resource management communities an opportunity to meet broader regional-scale data needs. A basic set of stream temperature monitoring standards is needed for Alaskans to begin building robust datasets suitable for regional analyses. The goal of this project is to define minimum (base) standards for collecting freshwater temperature data in Alaska that must be met so that observations can support regional assessment of status and recent trends in freshwater temperatures and predictions of future patterns of change in these aquatic thermal regimes using downscaled climate projections.New hydrological insights for the regionWe defined 10 minimum data collection standards for continuous stream temperature data in Alaska. The standards cover data logger accuracy and range, data collection sampling frequency and duration, site selection, logger accuracy checks, data evaluation, file formats, metadata, and data sharing. We hope that the adoption of minimum standards will encourage rapid, but structured, growth in comparable stream temperature monitoring efforts in Alaska that will be used to understand current and future trends in thermal regimes

Hydrodynamic Limb Vein Injection of Adeno-Associated Virus Serotype 8 Vector Carrying Canine Myostatin Propeptide Gene into Normal Dogs Enhances Muscle Growth

Inhibition or blockade of myostatin, a negative growth factor of skeletal muscle, enhances muscle growth and therefore is considered a promising strategy for the treatment of muscle-wasting diseases such as the muscular dystrophies. Previously, we showed that myostatin blockade in both normal and dystrophin-deficient mdx mice by systemic delivery of the myostatin propeptide (MPRO) gene by an adeno-associated virus serotype 8 (AAV8) vector could enhance muscle growth and ameliorate dystrophic lesions. Here, we further investigate whether the muscle growth effect of myostatin blockade can be achieved in dogs by gene transfer. First, we cloned the canine MPRO gene, packaged it in the AAV8 vector, and showed robust muscle-enhancing effects after systemic delivery into neonatal mice. This vector was then further tested in two 3-month-old normal dogs (weighing 9.7 and 6.3 kg). The vector was delivered to one limb by hydrodynamic vein injection, and the contralateral limb served as a control. The delivery procedure was safe, without discernible adverse effects. AAV vector DNA and MPRO gene expression were detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining of muscle biopsies. Overexpression of MPRO resulted in enhanced muscle growth without a cytotoxic T lymphocytic immune response, as evidenced by larger myofibers in multiple muscles, increased muscle volume determined by magnetic resonance imaging, and the lack of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell infiltration in the vector-injected limbs. Our preliminary study thus supports further investigation of this therapeutic strategy in the dystrophin-deficient golden retriever muscular dystrophy dog model

Effects of Solriamfetol on Quality of Life Measures From a 12-Week Phase 3 Randomized Trial

RATIONALE: Excessive daytime sleepiness in patients with obstructive sleep apnea is associated with substantial burden of illness. OBJECTIVE: To assess solriamfetol, a dopamine/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, treatment effects on daily functioning, health-related quality of life, and work productivity in participants with obstructive sleep apnea and excessive daytime sleepiness as additional outcomes in a 12-week phase 3 trial. METHODS: Participants (N=476) were randomized to solriamfetol 37.5, 75, 150, or 300 milligrams, or placebo. Outcome measures included Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire short version, Work Productivity and Activity Impairment questionnaire for Specific Health Problem, and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey version 2. A mixed-effects model with repeated measures was used for comparisons to placebo. RESULTS: Demographics, baseline disease characteristics, daily functioning, health-related quality of life, and work productivity were similar across groups. At week 12, increased functioning and decreased impairment were observed with solriamfetol 150 and 300 milligrams (mean difference from placebo [95% confidence interval]): Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire total score (1.22 [0.57, 1.88]) and (1.47 [0.80, 2.13], respectively), overall work impairment (-11.67 [-19.66, -3.69] and -11.75 [-19.93, -3.57], respectively) activity impairment (-10.42 [-16.37, -4.47] and -10.51 [-16.59, -4.43], respectively), physical component summary (2.07 [0.42, 3.72] and 1.91 [0.22, 3.59], respectively), and mental component summary (150 mg only: 2.05 [0.14, 3.96]). Common adverse events were headache, nausea, decreased appetite, and anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: Solriamfetol improved measures of functioning, quality of life, and work productivity in participants with obstructive sleep apnea and excessive daytime sleepiness. Safety was consistent with previous studies