29 research outputs found
Distribution modelling and statistical phylogeography: an integrative framework for generating and testing alternative biogeographical hypotheses
Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/73644/1/j.1365-2699.2007.01814.x.pd
Convalescent plasma in patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 (RECOVERY): a randomised controlled, open-label, platform trial
Background:
Many patients with COVID-19 have been treated with plasma containing anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of convalescent plasma therapy in patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19.
Methods:
This randomised, controlled, open-label, platform trial (Randomised Evaluation of COVID-19 Therapy [RECOVERY]) is assessing several possible treatments in patients hospitalised with COVID-19 in the UK. The trial is underway at 177 NHS hospitals from across the UK. Eligible and consenting patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either usual care alone (usual care group) or usual care plus high-titre convalescent plasma (convalescent plasma group). The primary outcome was 28-day mortality, analysed on an intention-to-treat basis. The trial is registered with ISRCTN, 50189673, and ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04381936.
Findings:
Between May 28, 2020, and Jan 15, 2021, 11558 (71%) of 16287 patients enrolled in RECOVERY were eligible to receive convalescent plasma and were assigned to either the convalescent plasma group or the usual care group. There was no significant difference in 28-day mortality between the two groups: 1399 (24%) of 5795 patients in the convalescent plasma group and 1408 (24%) of 5763 patients in the usual care group died within 28 days (rate ratio 1·00, 95% CI 0·93–1·07; p=0·95). The 28-day mortality rate ratio was similar in all prespecified subgroups of patients, including in those patients without detectable SARS-CoV-2 antibodies at randomisation. Allocation to convalescent plasma had no significant effect on the proportion of patients discharged from hospital within 28 days (3832 [66%] patients in the convalescent plasma group vs 3822 [66%] patients in the usual care group; rate ratio 0·99, 95% CI 0·94–1·03; p=0·57). Among those not on invasive mechanical ventilation at randomisation, there was no significant difference in the proportion of patients meeting the composite endpoint of progression to invasive mechanical ventilation or death (1568 [29%] of 5493 patients in the convalescent plasma group vs 1568 [29%] of 5448 patients in the usual care group; rate ratio 0·99, 95% CI 0·93–1·05; p=0·79).
Interpretation:
In patients hospitalised with COVID-19, high-titre convalescent plasma did not improve survival or other prespecified clinical outcomes.
Funding:
UK Research and Innovation (Medical Research Council) and National Institute of Health Research
Internet-based ICRP resource for healthcare providers on the risks and benefits of medical imaging that uses ionising radiation
Features of Glycogen Phosphorylase from the Body Wall Musculature of the Lugworm Arenicola marina
Comparison of the Effectiveness of Different Fire Notification Signals in Sleeping Older Adults
No previous research has investigated the responsiveness of older adults
(65–85 years) to different emergency fire signals during sleep. In this study the auditory
arousal thresholds (AAT) of 45 older adults were compared across four signals;
the high pitched T-3 (as in current US smoke alarms), a mixed frequency T-3 (500–
2500 Hz), a 500 Hz T-3 and a male voice. Participants were carefully screened, including
for hearing, and awoken from deep sleep in a repeated measures design. Sounds
increased progressively in volume until awakening occurred. It was found that the
median AAT for the most effective signal, the mixed frequency T-3, was 20 dBA lower
than the median AAT of the least effective signal, the current US high frequency
smoke alarm signal. This finding is consistent with previous research, where the high
pitched signal required a significantly louder volume than alternatives to wake sleepers
of different ages, including children. Those aged over 75 years are especially at risk for
sleeping through high pitched signals, probably due to the normal age-related decline
in the ability to hear high pitched sounds. The minimum pillow volume of 75 dBA is
inadequate for those over 75 years if a 3000 Hz notification signal is used. It is recommended
that the high frequency signal currently found in smoke alarms be replaced by
an alternative signal that performs significantly better in awakening most of the adult
population, once the nature of the best signal has been determined