scholarly journals S-money: virtual tokens for a relativistic economy

2019 ◽  
Vol 475 (2225) ◽  
pp. 20190170 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrian Kent
Keyword(s):  
Data Storage ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Space Time ◽  
User Privacy ◽  
Standard Quantum ◽  
Bit Commitment ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Security Questions ◽  
Time Point

We propose definitions and implementations of ‘S-money’—virtual tokens designed for high-value fast transactions on networks with relativistic or other trusted signalling constraints, defined by inputs that in general are made at many network points, some or all of which may be space-like separated. We argue that one significant way of characterizing types of money in space–time is via the ‘summoning’ tasks they can solve: that is, how flexibly the money can be propagated to a desired space–time point in response to relevant information received at various space–time points. We show that S-money is more flexible than standard quantum or classical money in the sense that it can solve deterministic summoning tasks that they cannot. It requires the issuer and user to have networks of agents with classical data storage and communication, but no long-term quantum state storage, and is feasible with current technology. User privacy can be incorporated by secure bit commitment and zero-knowledge proof protocols. The level of privacy feasible in given scenarios depends on efficiency and composable security questions that remain to be systematically addressed.

scholarly journals The Safety, Immunogenicity, and Immunopersistence of Hepatitis A Vaccine in HBs-Ag-Positive Participants: A Retrospective Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaodan Wang ◽  
Jia Luo ◽  
Fubao Ma ◽  
Guodong Kang ◽  
Zhengrong Ding ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis A ◽  
Adverse Reactions ◽  
Geometric Mean ◽  
Observation Group ◽  
Independent Observation ◽  
Positive Group ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Hbs Ag ◽  
Time Point

ObjectivesTo compare the safety, immunogenicity, and immune persistence of hepatitis A (HA) vaccines between HBs-Ag-positive and -negative participants.Method9000 participants were enrolled in the phase IV study of live attenuated HA (HA-L) or inactivated HA (HA-I) vaccines. The HBs-Ag-positive subjects were detected and became an independent observation group. Adverse reactions (ARs), geometric mean concentrations (GMCs) and seroconversion rates (SRs) of the vaccines were analyzed at five time points until three years after vaccination. Results: 120 HBs-Ag-positive subjects were screened out, only 1 participant had grade 1 experienced ARs after HA-L injection. Except the time point of two years, the SRs of HBs-Ag-positive group were 100% for both vaccines. The GMCs were not statistically different between HBs-Ag-positive and -negative groups after the HA-L vaccination. The logarithmically transformed GMCs for HBs-Ag-positive and -negative groups were 3.21 mIU/mL (95% CI, 2.03-4.39 mIU/mL) and 2.95 mIU/mL (95% CI, 2.88-3.02 mIU/mL) 28 days after the HA-L vaccination, respectively.ConclusionsBoth HA-L and HA-I vaccines were safe for HBs-Ag-positive participants and may provide an excellent long-term protection against HAV in this study. The results indicated that people positive or negative for HBs-Ag can receive both HA-L and HA-I vaccines (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02601040).

scholarly journals 44 Examining the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Participants in a Longitudinal Study of Burn Outcomes

2021 ◽  
Vol 42 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S32-S33
Author(s):  
Brian M Kelter ◽  
Audrey E Wolfe ◽  
Callie Abouzeid ◽  
Nicole S Gibran ◽  
Radha K Holavanahalli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Propensity Score ◽  
Sample Size ◽  
Satisfaction With Life Scale ◽  
National Database ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Outcome Scores ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Time Point

Abstract Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has had widespread effects on healthcare and society at large. There are limited data on the impact of the pandemic on the long-term recovery of the burn survivor. This study aims to compare physical and psychosocial outcomes of the burn survivor population before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Data from the Burn Model System National Database (2015-present) were analyzed. Data were divided into pre- and during-pandemic groups (before and after March 1st, 2020). Outcomes were compared at four cross-sectional time points: 6, 12, 24, and 60 months after burn injury. The following patient reported outcome measures were examined: SF-12 Health Survey, PROMIS-29, Post-Traumatic Growth Indicator, Community Integration Questionnaire, Patient Civilian Checklist, Satisfaction with Life Scale, Burn Specific Health Scale, NeuroQOL Stigma, 4-D Itch, and CAGE Questionnaire (drug/alcohol misuse). Given the cross-sectional design, potential differences in clinical and demographic characteristics were examined for each group at each time point. Adjusted mean outcome scores at each time point were compared between groups using a two stage multi-variable regression model with propensity score matching. For each time point, subjects from each group were matched. The propensity score was calculated using the following matching variables: gender, age, race, ethnicity, etiology, length of stay, and burn size. The mean score difference of outcomes within each matched sample was examined. Results Sample sizes varied by time point with a range from 420 at 6 months to 94 at 60 months. The during-COVID group comprised 10% of the total sample size. There were no significant differences in demographic and clinical characteristics between the groups at any time point. There were no significant differences between the groups in adjusted mean outcome scores across the different time points. Conclusions This preliminary examination showed no differences in myriad long-term outcomes at multiple time points after injury among burn survivors before and during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results may suggest an element of resilience, however given the sample size and cross-sectional limitations further investigation is required to better understand the impact of COVID-19 on the burn population.

scholarly journals Association of Liver Iron Concentration Levels with Myocardial T2* Responses in Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia Major Patients Treated with Deferasirox and Deferoxamine- Extension of Cordelia Study

Blood ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 126 (23) ◽  
pp. 2155-2155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dudley J Pennell ◽  
John B Porter ◽  
Antonio Piga ◽  
Jackie Han ◽  
Alexander Vorog ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Research Funding ◽  
Iron Concentration ◽  
Thalassemia Major ◽  
Iron Removal ◽  
Liver Iron Concentration ◽  
Liver Iron ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Cardiac Iron ◽  
Time Point

Abstract Background: Beta thalassemia major patients (pts) are at an increased risk of heart failure, due to the deposition of iron in the heart causing myocardial siderosis. Intensive long-term iron chelation therapy (ICT) is required to obtain a normal myocardial T2* (mT2* >20 ms). Previously published studies suggested that cardiac iron removal lags changes in liver iron, and liver iron concentration (LIC) may affect the rate of removal of cardiac iron (Porter et al, ASH 2013). The objective of these analyses was to evaluate the association of the severity of LIC levels with the change in mT2* responses in pts with myocardial siderosis when treated with deferasirox (DFX) and deferoxamine (DFO) for up to 24 months (mo) in the CORDELIA study. Due to the very low pt numbers in the DFO arm, the results for these pts are not presented here. Methods: The study design, inclusion, and exclusion criteria have been reported previously (Pennell et al, Am J Hematol. 2015). Pts were categorized into LIC <7, 7 to <15 and ≥15 mg Fe/g dry weight (here after mg/g) both at baseline (BL) and specific visits, to assess the relation of absolute LIC and changes in LIC overtime, with mT2* and cardiac iron concentration (CIC), respectively. During the study, mT2* (ms), and LIC (mg/g) were measured every 6 mo at the same time point. CIC (mg/g) was analyzed as a post hoc parameter derived from mT2*. The change in mT2* was assessed as geometric mean (Gmean)±coefficient of variation (CV), ratio of the Gmean at specific time points divided by that at BL (Gmean at specific time point/Gmean BL) and both CIC and LIC as mean±SD, unless otherwise specified. Results: Of 197 pts, 160 (81.2%) completed 12 mo of treatment and 146 (74.1%) entered into the extension study whereas 103 pts continued on initially assigned treatment. Pts completing 24 mo of treatment included 65 (87.8%) of 74 pts (mean age 20.1±6.9 years, 59.5% male) on DFX and the results for these pts are presented as follows. Average actual doses (mg/kg/d) were 26.7±8.9, 31.5±7.4, 38.0±2.9 for LIC <7, 7 to <15, ≥15, respectively, during the extension study. The LIC levels for pts categorized by LIC <7, 7 to <15 and ≥15 improved from BL to Mo 24 as follows: 72% decrease (mean absolute change, -15.1±14.1), 66% decrease (-26.6±13.0), and 19% decrease (-10.2±15.7), respectively. For pts with BL LIC <7, 7 to <15, ≥15, mT2* improved from BL to Mo 24 as follows: 43% increase (14.0±18.1 to 21.6±31.1; mean abs change, 7.8±4.0), 50% increase (12.3±34.4 to 19.1±46.4; 8.0±6.0), and 30% increase (11.1±30.8 to 14.5±40.8; 4.1±5.0). The CIC values improved from BL to Mo 24 by 38% (1.8±0.4 to 1.1±0.5), 40% (2.3±0.9 to 1.4±0.7), and 23% (2.6±1.0 to 1.9±1.0), respectively. The mT2* responses for pts categorized according to visit specific LIC levels (LIC <7, 7 to <15, ≥15) from BL to Mo 12 were 22% increase (mean abs change, 3.7±4.3) in LIC <7, 21% increase (2.7±2.0) in LIC 7 to <15, and 7% increase (1.5±3.2) in LIC ≥15. From BL to Mo 24, mT2* increased by 51% (mean abs change, 7.8±5.3), 35% (4.1±2.5), and 11% (2.0±4.4), respectively. The CIC levels improved from BL to Mo 24 by 40% (mean abs change, -1.0±0.8) in LIC <7, 31% (-1.0±0.6) in LIC 7 to <15, and 6% (-0.1±0.8) in LIC ≥15. The change in mT2* (Gmean ratio) at Mo 6, 12, 18 and 24 are shown in the Figure A. The mT2* response was higher in pts who achieved a lower LIC category (LIC <7) at respective time points and this change in mT2* was more apparent at 18 and 24 mo of treatment with DFX. Discussion: Overall, DFX treatment resulted in a substantial decrease in LIC and improved mT2*. These results suggest a greater difference in mT2* improvement and CIC reduction in pts who achieved lower LIC during treatment with DFX. This divergence was progressive with time, being maximal at Mo 24. Thus, a therapeutic response in LIC with DFX may be associated with a greater likelihood of improving mT2*. Pts with high LIC ≥15 may require an effective long-term treatment with higher doses of ICT to have an improvement in mT2*, suggesting that cardiac iron removal is likely to be slow in heavily iron overloaded pts. These results are consistent with the previous report which showed a significant decrease in LIC and increased mT2* responses at Mo 36 in pts who attained lower end-of-year LIC levels when treated with DFX (Porter et al, ASH 2013) and highlight the potential value of monitoring the liver and cardiac responses during ICT. To further understand the kinetics between liver and cardiac iron removal, prospective investigation is warranted. Disclosures Pennell: Novartis: Consultancy, Research Funding; Apotex: Consultancy, Research Funding. Porter:Celgene: Consultancy; Novartis: Consultancy, Honoraria, Research Funding; Shire: Consultancy, Honoraria. Piga:Acceleron: Research Funding; Cerus: Research Funding; Apopharma: Honoraria, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Research Funding; Celgene Corporation: Honoraria. Han:Novartis: Employment. Vorog:Novartis: Employment. Aydinok:Cerus: Research Funding; Sideris: Research Funding; Novartis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau.

Association of fear of COVID-19 with delays in care or treatment interruptions in patients with cancer.

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (28_suppl) ◽  
pp. 98-98
Author(s):  
Karen L. Smith ◽  
Nicole E. Caston ◽  
Valerie Lawhon ◽  
Kathleen D. Gallagher ◽  
Rebekah Angove ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Care ◽  
Household Income ◽  
Patient Choice ◽  
Cancer Type ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
Treatment Interruptions ◽  
Time Point

98 Background: Patients with cancer are at risk for severe COVID-19 and may be vulnerable to health care delays. Delays or interruptions in care may lead to adverse cancer outcomes. Little is known about the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and disruptions in cancer care delivery. Methods: This longitudinal survey was distributed to individuals with cancer who received services July 2019-April 2020 from Patient Advocate Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides case management and financial aid to patients with chronic illness. Data was collected twice - early pandemic (5/20/20-7/11/20) and later pandemic (12/3/20-12/23/20). Fear of COVID-19 was assessed with the Fear of COVID-19 Scale and dichotomized as more (≥22) vs less (< 22) fearful. Respondents reported delays in care or treatment interruptions due to the pandemic and reasons for delays or interruptions. Respondents rated concern about potential long-term health issues due to delays on a 5-point Likert-like scale. We estimated predicted percentages and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using logistic regression models to assess the association of fear of COVID-19 (more vs less fearful) with delay in care or treatment interruption (any vs none) at each time point. We adjusted models for age, sex, race/ethnicity, region, annual household income, marital status, employment status, household size, Area Deprivation Index category, Rural-Urban Commuting Code category, county-level COVID-cases per 100,000, cancer type and number of comorbidities. Results: Amongst the 1,199 early pandemic survey respondents, the majority were female (72%), had household income < $48,000 (73%), and had ≥1 comorbidity (60%). 448 of the early pandemic survey respondents also completed the later survey. 464 (39%) and 166 (37%) respondents were categorized as more fearful at the early and later time points respectively. 567 (47%) and 191 (43%) reported delays or interruptions at the early and later time points respectively. The most common reported reasons for delays or interruptions were hospital/provider restrictions (early: 27%, later: 19%) and patient choice (early: 13%, later: 15%). Among respondents with delays or interruptions at each time point, > 70% were at least moderately concerned about potential long-term health issues due to delays. In adjusted models, more fearful respondents had higher predicted percentages of delayed care or treatment interruptions compared to less fearful respondents early (more fearful: 56%, 95% CI 39%-72%; less fearful: 44%; 95% CI 28%-61%) and later (more fearful: 55%, 95% CI 35%-73%; less fearful: 38%; 95% CI 22%-57%) in the pandemic. Conclusions: Fear of COVID-19 is common among patients with cancer and is linked with delays in care and treatment interruptions. System-wide strategies are needed to address fear of COVID-19 and to ensure equitable, timely, and safe access to cancer care throughout the pandemic.

scholarly journals P148 Gastrointestinal symptoms and proton pump inhibitor use in patients with polymyalgia rheumatica: results from the PMR Cohort study

Rheumatology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 59 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hamzeh Feddah ◽  
Sara Muller ◽  
Samantha Hider ◽  
Charles Hay ◽  
Christian Mallen
Keyword(s):  
Proton Pump ◽  
Polymyalgia Rheumatica ◽  
Odds Ratio ◽  
Prophylactic Treatment ◽  
Gastrointestinal Symptoms ◽  
Postal Survey ◽  
Time Points ◽  
High Level ◽  
Time Point

Abstract Background Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR) is a common disorder of older adults, characterised by pain and stiffness in the shoulders and hips. PMR is one of the commonest indications for long-term glucocorticoid use. Because of the well-recognised side effects of glucocorticoids including gastrointestinal disturbances and bleeding, guidelines recommend consideration of gastrointestinal prophylaxis. The aim of this study was to assess the proportion of PMR patients who report 1) gastrointestinal disturbances; and 2) appropriate prophylactic treatment, and to investigate other factors that may be associated with the development of gastrointestinal disturbances. Methods 652 people diagnosed in primary care with incident PMR were recruited. Participants all responded to a baseline postal survey and were followed up postally at 1, 4, 8, 12, 18 and 24 months. At each time point, participants answered a range of questions relating sociodemographic, general health and their PMR. At baseline, respondents reported proton pump inhibitors (PPI) use and at 4, 12 and 24 months the presence and extent of any gastrointestinal symptoms (ulcer, wind, indigestion, heartburn; not bothered, bothered a little, bothered a lot). The association of gastrointestinal symptoms with age, gender and PPI use was quantified using proportional odds regression. Results Overall, 51% of people reported PPI use at baseline. Reporting of gastrointestinal symptoms was commoner at all time points in people prescribed a PPI at baseline (Table 1). There was no association between age and bothersomeness of gastrointestinal symptoms (odds ratio 0.98 (0.96, 1.00)), but more bothersome symptoms were more likely in females (2.44 (1.72, 3.45)). PPI use at baseline was significantly associated with a high level of bothersomeness compared to no/little bother (2.45 (13.39, 4.36)), but not with being bothered compared to not being bothered (1.23 (0.87, 1.74)). Conclusion Around half of patients with PMR report gastrointestinal symptoms. Symptoms are more prevalent in females and those prescribed a PPI. This suggests that GPs are prescribing PPIs in those they consider at higher risk of experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms. However, almost half of those without a PPI reported such symptoms within 4 months. Clinicians should be more aware of the potential for gastrointestinal symptoms in PMR. Disclosures H. Feddah None. S. Muller None. S. Hider None. C. Hay None. C. Mallen None.

scholarly journals Long-Term Monitoring of Dynamic Changes in Plasma EBV DNA For Improved Prognosis Prediction of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wanxia Li ◽  
Jing Chen ◽  
Bijun Liang ◽  
Zonghua Li ◽  
Junzheng Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Change ◽  
Post Treatment ◽  
Dynamic Changes ◽  
Free Survival ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Ebv Dna ◽  
Pre Treatment ◽  
Negative Detection ◽  
Time Point

Abstract Background: This study was performed to investigate whether long-term monitoring of dynamic changes in plasma Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA could improve prognosis prediction of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).Methods: 1077 non-metastatic NPC patients were recruited to retrospectively analyze the prognostic value of plasma EBV DNA load pre-treatment and 3, 12, 24, and 36 months post-treatment. We also examined the prognostic value of dynamic changes in plasma EBV DNA at various time points.Results: Patients with plasma EBV DNA load above optimal pre- and post-treatment cut-offs had significantly worse five-year progression-free survival, distant metastasis-free survival, locoregional relapse-free survival, and overall survival(OS) at all time points, excluding only OS at 36 months post-treatment due to limited mortalities. Patients with persistently undetectable plasma EBV DNA at the first four time points had the best prognosis, followed by those with positive detection pre-treatment and consistently negative detection post-treatment, those with negative detection pre-treatment and positive detection at one time point post-treatment, and those with positive detection pre-treatment and at one time point post-treatment, whereas patients with positive detection at ≥2 time points post-treatment had the worst prognosis. Cox proportional hazard models identified the dynamic change pattern as an independent prognostic factor, and ROC curve analysis demonstrated that the dynamic change at four time point was more valuable than any single time point for predicting disease progression, distant metastasis, locoregional relapse, and mortality.Conclusions: Dynamic changes in plasma EBV DNA pre- and post-treatment could predict the long-term survival outcome and provide accurate risk stratification in NPC.

Safety Of a Gamma Globin Expressing Lentivirus Vector In a Non-Human Primate Model For Gene Therapy Of Sickle Cell Disease

Blood ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 122 (21) ◽  
pp. 2896-2896
Author(s):  
Hans-Peter Kiem ◽  
Paritha Arumugam ◽  
Burtner Christopher ◽  
Jennifer E Adair ◽  
Brian C Beard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Gene Therapy ◽  
Viral Vectors ◽  
Fetal Hemoglobin ◽  
Late Time ◽  
Hematopoietic Stem ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Insertion Sites ◽  
Time Point

Abstract Strategies for human gene therapy trials targeting hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are complicated by studies in murine models due to differences in stem cell behavior, short life-span and limited HSCs that could be transduced and transplanted when studying safety of viral vectors. Recent reports on adverse genotoxic events with integrating viral vectors in clinical trials utilizing autologous gene corrected HSCs underscores the need for safer gene transfer vectors. Non-human primates are relevant models due to similarities in the behavior of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells, global gene expression profile, ability to assess long-term engraftment of transduced cells and safety of gene-modified HSCs, and thus could relatively accurately predict risk of vector genotoxicity. As a preclinical step towards globin gene therapy for hemoglobinopathies, we used pigtailed macaque HSC transplantation (HSCT) model to ascertain long-term safety and stable transgene expression from sGbG, a lentiviral vector (LV) encoding human γ-globin coding sequences from a β-globin promoter and locus control region (LCR). We observed upregulation of endogenous macaque fetal hemoglobin post-HSCT, which decreased to minimal levels by two years post-HSCT, a well-documented phenomenon following HSCT in humans. However, fetal hemoglobin (HbF) (comprised of macaque α and human γ-globin) expression remained steady at 12-15% even after 700 days post-HSCT. At 2.5 years post-HSCT, the HbF expression in a macaque transplanted with HSCs gene-modified with sGbG was stable in the range of 13% vs. 0.1% for control macaque; the average vector copy ranged between 0.13 and 0.28 with stable gene marking during the analysis period. In order to evaluate the LV integration site clonal population in sGbG transduced macaque repopulating cells, modified genome sequencing PCR was performed on genomic DNA from white blood cells and PCR products were sequenced. The junction sequences were mapped to the rhesus macaque genome assembly. A total of 177 unique vector insertions were retrieved at 6 months post-HSCT (early) and 102 vector insertions at 2.5 years (late) post-HSCT respectively. The relative distribution of vector insertions into chromosomes revealed a slight over-representation into Chromosome 16, both at early and late time points. Analysis of distribution of LV integrations of with respect to transcription start sites (TSS) revealed no insertions within the 2.5kb region of TSS. The frequency of insertions was concentrated near the 10-50kb window of TSS both upstream (18.6%) and downstream (15.6%) respectively. Interestingly, among the retrieved insertion sites, only 10% (17 insertions) were common at both time points, while 90% of insertions were unique at each time point, suggesting clonal fluctuations, with multiple HSC clones contributing to hematopoiesis at an early time point, and unique, HSC clones emerged at a later time point. Comparison of the top ten most frequently detected insertion sites at both time points revealed one insertion at Chromosome 16 mapping to an intron of KIAA0195 (an uncharacterized protein expressed ubiquitously), retrieved at both time points contributed to 3.27% and 9.23% of gene modified cells at early and late time points, respectively. No insertions were near MDS/EVI1, PRDM16 or HMGA2 loci. Other oncogenes and cancer associated genes were in the vicinity of some integrants; however, there was no significant clustering of insertions in gene regions. To assess the effect of insertions on flanking gene expression or putative cancer associated genes, we performed mRNAseq on whole blood RNA from sGbG macaque and two control macaques. A comparative analysis of transcript levels of >30,000 genes revealed no difference in global gene expression profile, gene insertions and genes within 300kb region of the LV insertion sites. Importantly, transcript levels of the most abundant clone observed (KIAA0195, Chr16: 70791901) and flanking genes, the tRNA splicing endonuclease subunit SEN54 and CASK interacting protein 2 differed from two control macaques analyzed by <2 fold. In summary, long-term follow-up data from a macaque that received cells gene-modified with a human γ-globin LV reveal polyclonal reconstitution of transduced cells, HSC clonal fluctuation, and a normal transcriptional profile, suggesting low risk of genotoxicity from this vector. Arumugam P, Burtner C: Equal Contribution Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

scholarly journals Norovirus Infectivity in Humans and Persistence in Water

2011 ◽  
Vol 77 (19) ◽  
pp. 6884-6888 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scot R. Seitz ◽  
Juan S. Leon ◽  
Kellogg J. Schwab ◽  
G. Marshall Lyon ◽  
Melissa Dowd ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Room Temperature ◽  
Tap Water ◽  
Norwalk Virus ◽  
Human Norovirus ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Virus Rna ◽  
Reverse Transcription Quantitative Pcr ◽  
Rnase Treatment ◽  
Time Point

ABSTRACTTo examine the long-term infectivity of human norovirus in water, 13 study subjects were challenged at different time points with groundwater spiked with the prototype human norovirus, Norwalk virus. Norwalk virus spiked in groundwater remained infectious after storage at room temperature in the dark for 61 days (the last time point tested). The Norwalk virus-seeded groundwater was stored for 1,266 days and analyzed, after RNase treatment, by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) to detect Norwalk virus RNA contained within intact capsids. Norwalk virus RNA within intact capsids was detected in groundwater for 1,266 days, with no significant log10reduction throughout 427 days and a significant 1.10-log10reduction by day 1266. Purified Norwalk virus RNA (extracted from Norwalk virus virions) persisted for 14 days in groundwater, tap water, and reagent-grade water. This study demonstrates that Norwalk virus in groundwater can remain detectable for over 3 years and can remain infectious for at least 61 days. (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT00313404.)

scholarly journals Short- and long-term agreement and reproducibility of 48-hours intraocular pressure measurements in glaucoma patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marion Zimmermann ◽  
Bert C. Giers ◽  
Anna Beck ◽  
Katharina Bell ◽  
Herwig Zimmermann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intraocular Pressure ◽  
Excellent Agreement ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Intraclass Correlation ◽  
Applanation Tonometry ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Short And Long Term ◽  
Diurnal Iop ◽  
Time Point

Abstract Background Glaucomatous eyes often show strong intraocular pressure (IOP) fluctuations and individual measurements at different time points are necessary for personalized therapy. To survey IOP variations 48-hours diurnal and nocturnal IOP measurements were performed on two consecutive days. Aims of this study were to investigate the short-term repeatability of 48-hours measurements within one patient’s IOP profile and long-term repeatability between two separate IOP profiles of the same patient. Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed evaluating data of 90 glaucoma patients in a German university medical center between 2006 and 2013. All patients underwent two separate diurnal IOP profiles of 48 h. IOP was measured at 8 am, 2 pm, 6 pm, 9 pm using Goldmann applanation tonometry and at 12 midnight using Perkins tonometry in supine position on two consecutive days. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated to evaluate agreement for the same time points (each time point agreement) and for consecutive measurements within the IOP profiles (between time point agreement). ICC ≤ 0.4 was defined as poor agreement, 0.4–0.75 as moderate and ≥ 0.75 as excellent. Differences between time points were investigated by Bland Altman plots. Results Each time point measurements of profile 1 showed moderate to excellent agreement (ICCs 0.62–0.93). There was a moderate to excellent agreement for measurements between time points of profile 1 (ICCs day one 0.57–0.86, day two 0.71–0.90). Profile 2 was performed at a median interval of 12.0 months (quartiles 11.0 to 21.0). Each time point agreements within profile 2 showed ICCs from 0.23 to 0.81. It showed moderate to excellent agreement for changes between time points (ICCs 0.53–0.94). Day two demonstrated ICCs from 0.74 to 0.88. Long term IOP repeatability (over both pressure profiles) showed moderate to good agreement (ICCs 0.39–0.67). Conclusions Short and long-term agreement of IOP measurements evaluated by diurnal IOP profiles is moderate to good. Due to mostly moderate agreements, which we believe represent IOP fluctuations, we conclude that it is necessary to perform 48-hours IOP profiles to gain a better overview of the individual IOP fluctuations.

scholarly journals Owner-reported flea treatment measures and skin disease in cats

2018 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 282-285 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie Tyler ◽  
Claire Roberts ◽  
Aiden Foster ◽  
Natalie Barnard ◽  
Jane K Murray
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Confidence Interval ◽  
Skin Disease ◽  
Reverse Causality ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Flea Infestation ◽  
The Past ◽  
Treatment Measures ◽  
Time Point

Objectives The aim of this study was to obtain information regarding the use of flea treatments and owner-reported flea infestation and skin disease. Methods Owners of 1150 cats were recruited into a long-term longitudinal study (‘Bristol Cats’ study) and asked to complete questionnaires at set time points. Questionnaires 1 and 5 were used and included data collection for kittens aged 2–4 months (T1) and at 2.5 years of age (T2). Owners were asked which brand of flea treatment, if any, was used at each time point. At T2 owners were asked if they had noted signs of skin disease or fleas on their cat within the previous 12 months and if they had sought veterinary attention for the skin disease or fleas. IBM SPSS version 23 was used for statistical analyses. Results Skin disease at T2 was reported by owners of 55/1150 (4.8%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.7–6.2) cats. Many owners who reported skin disease (25/55 [45.5%]; 95% CI 32.3–58.7) had not sought veterinary attention. There were 81/1150 (7.0%; 95% CI 5.6–8.5) cats with reported head shaking and/or ear scratching within the past 12 months at T2. The majority of cats (204/286; 71.3%) received prescription flea treatments at both points. Use of non-prescription flea treatment at T2 was more likely to be associated with owner-reported skin disease/flea infestation than those who used prescription flea treatment ( P <0.001). There was a significant association between the reported presence of fleas and reported presence of skin disease at T2 ( P = 0.03). Conclusions and relevance Despite the potential for reverse causality, the association between owner-reported skin disease and/or flea infestation in their cats and the use of non-prescription flea treatment was as expected. Use of flea treatments and, in particular, the type of ectoparasite control used (prescription or non-prescription) should be carefully assessed when managing cats with skin disease.

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