BACKGROUND: Physiological thermoregulatory systems in humans have been a key factor for adaptation to local environments after their exodus from Africa, particularly, to cold environments outside Africa. Recent studies using high-throughput sequencing have identified various genes responsible for cold adaptation. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying initial thermoregulation in response to acute cold exposure remain unclear. Therefore, we investigated transcriptional profiles of six young Japanese male adults exposed to acute cold stress. METHODS: In a climatic chamber, the air temperature was maintained at 28C for 65 min and was then gradually decreased to 19C for 70 min. Saliva samples were obtained from the subjects at 28C before and after 19C cold exposure and were used for RNA sequencing. RESULTS: In the cold exposure experiment, expression levels of 14 genes were significantly changed [false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05] although the degree of transcriptional changes was not high due to experimental conditions or blunted transcriptional reaction in saliva to cold stress. As a result, differential gene expression analyses detected the cathepsin L (CTSL) gene to be significantly upregulated, with FDR < 0.05 and log(2) fold change value > 1; thus, this gene was identified as a differentially expressed gene. Given that the cathepsin L protein is related to invasion of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), mild cold stress might alter the susceptibility to coronavirus disease-19 in humans. The gene ontology enrichment analysis for 14 genes with FDR < 0.05 suggested that immune-related molecules could be activated by mild cold stress. CONCLUSIONS: The results obtained from this study indicate that CTSL expression levels can be altered by acute mild cold stress. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40101-021-00267-9.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous tracheostomy (PT) in patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) included several critical steps associated with increased risk of aerosol generation. We reported a modified PT technique aiming to minimize the risk of aerosol generation and to increase the staff safety in COVID-19 patients. METHODS: PT was performed with a modified technique including the use of a smaller endotracheal tube (ETT) cuffed at the carina during the procedure. RESULTS: The modified technique we proposed was successfully performed in three critically ill patients with COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: In COVID-19 critically ill patients, a modified PT technique, including the use of a smaller ETT cuffed at the carina and fiber-optic bronchoscope inserted between the tube and the inner surface of the trachea, may ensure a better airway management, respiratory function, patient comfort, and great safety for the staff.

The giant tiger prawn (Penaeus monodon) is a decapod crustacean widely reared for human consumption. Currently, viruses of two distinct lineages of parvoviruses (PVs, family Parvoviridae; subfamily Hamaparvovirinae) infect penaeid shrimp. Here, a PV was isolated and cloned from Vietnamese P. monodon specimens, designated Penaeus monodon metallodensovirus (PmMDV). This is the first member of a third divergent lineage shown to infect penaeid decapods. PmMDV has a transcription strategy unique among invertebrate PVs, using extensive alternative splicing and incorporating transcription elements characteristic of vertebrate-infecting PVs. The PmMDV proteins have no significant sequence similarity with other PVs, except for an SF3 helicase domain in its nonstructural protein. Its capsid structure, determined by cryoelectron microscopy to 3-? resolution, has a similar surface morphology to Penaeus stylirostris densovirus, despite the lack of significant capsid viral protein (VP) sequence similarity. Unlike other PVs, PmMDV folds its VP without incorporating a A strand and displayed unique multimer interactions, including the incorporation of a Ca2+ cation, attaching the N termini under the icosahedral fivefold symmetry axis, and forming a basket-like pentamer helix bundle. While the PmMDV VP sequence lacks a canonical phospholipase A2 domain, the structure of an EDTA-treated capsid, determined to 2.8-? resolution, suggests an alternative membrane-penetrating cation-dependent mechanism in its N-terminal region. PmMDV is an observed example of convergent evolution among invertebrate PVs with respect to host-driven capsid structure and unique as a PV showing a cation-sensitive/dependent basket structure for an alternative endosomal egress.

Piper was used to cure certain human afflictions. It has various biological processes in literary works. Our work aims to identify and to explain the molecular base in silico in phytoderived anti-viral compounds in Piper nigrum against the major protease enzyme COVID-19. The thesis includes docking and molecular dynamic modelling review of 8 phenolic compounds from Piper extracted from the PubMed database. Docking analysis with Autodock programme was conducted. Our analysis reveals that the two Piper phytochemicals are very susceptible to the COVID-19 major protease enzyme. These phyto-compounds from piper may use contemporary techniques to create a stable drug or help the detection of lead. In order to assess their efficacy against COVID-19, identified hit compounds can be taken further in vitro and in vivo tests.

Respiratory diseases are frequently characterised by epithelial injury, airway inflammation, defective tissue repair, and airway remodelling. This may occur in a subacute or chronic context, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or occur acutely as in pathogen challenge and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Despite the frequent challenge of lung homeostasis, not all pulmonary insults lead to disease. Traditionally thought of as a quiescent organ, emerging evidence highlights that the lung has significant capacity to respond to injury by repairing and replacing damaged cells. This occurs with the appropriate and timely resolution of inflammation and concurrent initiation of tissue repair programmes. Airway epithelial cells are key effectors in lung homeostasis and host defence; continual exposure to pathogens, toxins, and particulate matter challenge homeostasis, requiring robust defence and repair mechanisms. As such, the epithelium is critically involved in the return to homeostasis, orchestrating the resolution of inflammation and initiating tissue repair. This review examines the pivotal role of pulmonary airway epithelial cells in initiating and moderating tissue repair and restitution. We discuss emerging evidence of the interactions between airway epithelial cells and candidate stem or progenitor cells to initiate tissue repair as well as with cells of the innate and adaptive immune systems in driving successful tissue regeneration. Understanding the mechanisms of intercellular communication is rapidly increasing, and a major focus of this review includes the various mediators involved, including growth factors, extracellular vesicles, soluble lipid mediators, cytokines, and chemokines. Understanding these areas will ultimately identify potential cells, mediators, and interactions for therapeutic targeting.

BACKGROUND: Although active surveillance SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) is required for proper outbreak control measures, many lower income countries find it challenging to detect VOCs by carrying genomic sequencing alone, due to limited resources. METHODS: VOCs can also be identified by the unique mutations in the spike protein by real-time PCR that detect these single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We used a multiplex, real-time PCR assay for detection of these SNPs for identification of the prevalence of different SARS-CoV-2 VOCs in 16/26 districts in Sri Lanka. RESULTS: Of the 664/934 that were subjected to the multiplex qRT-PCR, 638 (96.1 %) detected L452R and K417 in the channels and were identified as the delta variant. 25 samples (3.9 %) detected N501Y, with K417 were considered as the alpha variant. Of 10/16 districts in Sri Lanka, the delta variant was the only VOC detected. CONCLUSIONS: This multiplex real-time qRT-PCR which identifies certain SNPs specific to the VOCs appears to be a fast, cheaper and less technically demanding method to generate data regarding the spread of different SARS-CoV-2 variants, and is a suitable method for lower income countries, to supplement the data generated by genomic sequencing.

Large granular lymphocyte leukemia (LGLL) is characterized by somatic gain-of-function STAT3 mutations. However, the functional effects of STAT3 mutations on primary LGLL cells have not been studied in detail. In this study, we show that CD8+ T cells isolated from STAT3 mutated LGLL patients have high protein levels of epigenetic regulators, such as DNMT1, and are characterized by global hypermethylation. Correspondingly, treatment of healthy CD8+ T cells with IL-6, IL-15, and/or MCP-1 cytokines resulted in STAT3 activation, increased DNMT1, EZH2, c-MYC, l-MYC, MAX, and NFB levels, increased DNA methylation, and increased oxidative stress. Similar results were discovered in KAI3 NK cells overexpressing gain-of-function STAT3Y640F and STAT3G618R mutants compared to KAI3 NK cells overexpressing STAT3WT. Our results also confirm that STAT3 forms a direct complex with DNMT1, EZH2, and HDAC1. In STAT3 mutated LGLL cells, DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitor azacitidine abrogated the activation of STAT3 via restored SHP1 expression. In conclusion, STAT3 mutations cause DNA hypermethylation resulting in sensitivity to DNMT inhibitors, which could be considered as a novel treatment option for LGLL patients with resistance to standard treatments.

Background Intensive rehabilitation of adolescents occurs in general and pediatric inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs), but differences in admission and outcomes by facility type have not been thoroughly investigated, particularly among persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). Objectives To investigate factors related to admission to pediatric or adult IRFs among adolescents and compare the rehabilitation outcomes between facility types. Methods Using a single-center retrospective cohort study design, demographic information, medical data, and rehabilitation outcomes were obtained by chart review of patients aged 15 to 18 years who received a rehabilitation medicine consultation at an urban level 1 trauma center between 2017 and 2019 (N = 96). Analysis was performed using R statistical software. Results SCI was the second most common diagnosis (21% of patients) and accounted for 36% of inpatient rehabilitation admissions. SCI patients were more likely to undergo rehabilitation at the level 1 trauma versus pediatric facility (relative risk [RR] = 2.43; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.08-5.44) compared to traumatic brain injury patients. Admission to trauma versus pediatric IRF was also associated with Black compared to White race (RR = 2.5; CI = 1.12-5.56), violence compared to other etiologies of injury (RR = 2.0; CI = 1.10-3.77), and Medicaid compared to private insurance (RR = 2.15; CI = 1.01-4.59). Admission to pediatric IRF was associated with longer length of stay than admission to adult IRF when adjusted for diagnosis (30.86 21.82 vs. 24.33 18.17 days; p = .046), but Functional Independence Measures did not differ. Conclusion Adolescents with SCI and those experiencing systemic disadvantages, including racism and poverty, were more likely to be admitted to trauma compared to pediatric IRF.

With the increased attention on thermal imagery for Covid-19 screening, the public sector may believe there are new opportunities to exploit thermal as a modality for computer vision and AI. Thermal physiology research has been ongoing since the late nineties. This research lies at the intersections of medicine, psychology, machine learning, optics, and affective computing. We will review the known factors of thermal vs. RGB imaging for facial emotion recognition. But we also propose that thermal imagery may provide a semi-anonymous modality for computer vision, over RGB, which has been plagued by misuse in facial recognition. However, the transition to adopting thermal imagery as a source for any human-centered AI task is not easy and relies on the availability of high fidelity data sources across multiple demographics and thorough validation. This paper takes the reader on a short review of machine learning in thermal FER and the limitations of collecting and developing thermal FER data for AI training. Our motivation is to provide an introductory overview into recent advances for thermal FER and stimulate conversation about the limitations in current datasets.

BACKGROUND: Parainfluenza virus (PIV) is a leading cause of acute respiratory illness (ARI) in children. However, few studies have characterized the clinical features and outcomes associated with PIV infections among young children in the Middle East. METHODS: We conducted hospital-based surveillance for ARI among children < 2 years of age in a large referral hospital in Amman, Jordan. We systematically collected clinical data and respiratory specimens for pathogen detection using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. We compared clinical features of PIV-associated ARI among individual serotypes 1, 2, 3, and 4 and among PIV infections compared with other viral ARI and ARI with no virus detected. We also compared the odds of supplemental oxygen use using logistic regression. RESULTS: PIV was detected in 221/3168 (7.0%) children hospitalized with ARI. PIV-3 was the most commonly detected serotype (125/221; 57%). Individual clinical features of PIV infections varied little by individual serotype, although admission diagnosis of croup was only associated with PIV-1 and PIV-2. Children with PIV-associated ARI had lower frequency of cough (71% vs 83%; p < 0.001) and wheezing (53% vs 60% p < 0.001) than children with ARI associated with other viruses. We did not find a significant difference in supplemental oxygen use between children with PIV-associated infections (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.12, 95% CI 0.66C1.89, p = 0.68) and infections in which no virus was detected. CONCLUSIONS: PIV is frequently associated with ARI requiring hospitalization in young Jordanian children. Substantial overlap in clinical features may preclude distinguishing PIV infections from other viral infections at presentation. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12879-021-06001-1.

Objective: Bottlenecks in the personal protective equipment (PPE) supply chain have contributed to shortages of PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in fractures in the functionality of healthcare systems This study was conducted with the aim of determining the effectiveness of retrofitted commercial snorkel masks as an alternative respirator for healthcare workers during infectious disease outbreaks

BACKGROUND: The COVID\19 global pandemic has resulted in a plethora of guidance and opinion from surgical societies. A controversial area concerns the safety of surgically created smoke and the perceived potential higher risk in laparoscopic surgery. METHODS: The limited published evidence was analysed in combination with expert opinion. A review was undertaken of the novel coronavirus with regards to its hazards within surgical smoke and the procedures that could mitigate the potential risks to healthcare staff. RESULTS: Using existing knowledge of surgical smoke, a theoretical risk of virus transmission exists. Best practice should consider the operating room set\up, patient movement and operating theatre equipment when producing a COVID\19 operating protocol. The choice of energy device can affect the smoke produced, and surgeons should manage the pneumoperitoneum meticulously during laparoscopic surgery. Devices to remove surgical smoke, including extractors, filters and non\filter devices, are discussed in detail. CONCLUSION: There is not enough evidence to quantify the risks of COVID\19 transmission in surgical smoke. However, steps can be undertaken to manage the potential hazards. The advantages of minimally invasive surgery may not need to be sacrificed in the current crisis.

Informatization of legal proceedings is one of the main directions of development in Russia. Analyzing the possibilities of using artificial intelligence in court proceedings, the authors note the need to introduce video conferencing in order to save federal budget funds. The informatization of legal proceedings in Russia was accelerated by a situation that does not depend on society and the state, namely, the COVID-19 pandemic, which pointed to gaps in the activities of the courts, their insufficient technical equipment, as well as the unwillingness of the current legislation to switch to the online mode, which led to a violation of the rights of citizens to access justice. The introduction of information technologies in the justice process entails both positive and negative aspects, which are described in the work and the conclusion is made about the maximum opportunities for digitalization of legal proceedings in Russia today. ? 2022, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

We take a snapshot of current resources available for teaching and learning AI with a focus on the Galleries, Libraries, Archives and Museums (GLAM) community. The review was carried out in 2021 and 2022. The review provides an overview of material we identified as being relevant, offers a description of this material and makes recommendations for future work in this area.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to apply the theory of reasoned action (TRA) and technology acceptance model (TAM) to psychologists' telepsychology use during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A sample of 2619 US-licensed psychologists completed a survey assessing telepsychology use and aspects of both models in May 2020. RESULTS: Cross-sectional TRA and TAM path models evidenced excellent fit in explaining psychologists' telepsychology use. The TRA indicated that psychologists' attitudes concerning telepsychology and subjective norms were associated with intentions to use telepsychology, which related to percentage of clinical work performed via telepsychology. The TAM showed that perceived usefulness of telepsychology and perceived ease of use were associated with attitudes toward telepsychology. Perceived usefulness was associated with psychologists' intention to use telepsychology, as was perceived ease of use. CONCLUSION: Efforts to facilitate telepsychology provision during the pandemic and broadly may benefit from trainings and campaigns to address attitudes toward telepsychology, subjective norms, and perceived ease of use.

The world is facing one of the toughest conditions in the present, dealing with COVID-19. There have been several problems in the education sector during this pandemic season. COVID-19 has resulted in a countrywide lockdown in Sri Lanka. This research is an effort to understand the understanding of online education by respondents, which is the latest form of teaching embraced by schools since the pandemic. For undergraduate teachers in the special needs department, faculty of education, open university, Sri Lanka, the study was carried out using data collected through Google form. The SPSS recorded and analyzed data using factor analysis and descriptive statistics. The study shows that students are satisfied with online classes and get ample teacher help, but they do not assume that conventional classroom teaching would be replaced by online classes. It also finds that due to a lack of proper preparation and growth for doing online classes, teachers face difficulties in conducting online classes. The biggest challenge for online classes is technological and network challenges. To accomplish this aim, teachers and students must periodically take training and improvement programs from schools or government. There is a need to consider the barriers that come in the way of embracing online learning and taking corrective steps to address it.

The global pandemic, caused by COVID-19, brought the whole world to its knees in 2020. Medical systems worldwide succumbed due to the disease outbreaks while healthcare workers have been fighting at the forefront. Medical supplies were running out in many countries and countless lives were lost because of it. Engineers, inventors, and creators from around the world have teamed up to help this cause through 3D printing solutions. It is additive manufacturing that became a leading light in the fight against the COVID-19 as a go-to method in case of medical supply shortages. ? 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to systemically review and analyze the efficacy of cyanoacrylate ablation (CA) in comparison with endovenous thermal ablation (ETA) for the treatment of incompetent saphenous veins. METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted using databases of Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane Library from the times of their inception to April 2020. Studies were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria after assessing the risk of bias in comparative studies with Cochrane and rating quality of evidence with the GRADE methodology. The meta-analysis was carried out using the Review Manager 5.4 program to conduct homogeneity tests. RESULTS One cohort study and three randomized controlled trials (RCT), including a total of 1457 participants were included in the meta-analysis. ETA included endovenous laser ablation (ELVA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the selected studies. Comparison between CA and a combination of EVLA and RFA or RFA alone were carried out in two of RCTs, while comparison between CA with EVLA was conducted in one RCT and the cohort study. There was no statistical difference in closure rates between CA and ETA after pooled analysis. Similar symptom alleviation observed between different groups. However, the CA group showed a lower ecchymosis rate than RFA and a significantly lower incidence of adverse events, such as ecchymosis, phlebitis and paresthesia, than EVLA. Compared with ETA, the patients received CA treatment exhibited lower pain scores in a shorter procedure duration without needing compression stocking, returned to normal life sooner, and had significantly better quality of care. There was no significant difference in the number needed to treat for additional therapy after three months of follow-up between groups. CONCLUSIONS This meta-analysis indicates that CA has better overall outcomes than ETA and offers superior clinical benefits in the treatment of incompetent saphenous veins.

Vaccinations are the main tool being used to control the COVID-19 pandemic. When the Japanese Ministry of Health approved the Moderna mRNA-1273 vaccination in May 2021, it was limited to patients over 18 years old; however, using the additional data of efficacy and safety from clinical trials, vaccination was approved for 12- to 17-year-olds in Japan in July 2021. A previous study reported that myocarditis after the mRNA-1273 vaccination was more prevalent in young men; however, no patients under 18 years old with myocarditis diagnosed by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) findings after mRNA-1273 vaccination have been reported in Japan. In the present case, a 17-year-old healthy male developed arthralgia and had fever on the day of the second mRNA-1273 vaccination for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Three days after the vaccination, the patient felt severe chest pain with broad ST elevations on electrocardiography and troponin T elevations. Symptoms and findings rapidly improved; however, on CMR, myocarditis remained. Thus, it is necessary to be vigilant of potential acute myocarditis in young men following mRNA-1273 vaccination. LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Although it is very rare, acute myocarditis after mRNA-1273 (Moderna) vaccination developed within 3C5 days following the second dose of the vaccine. Most reported cases were mild or moderate in severity, but there were cases of cardiogenic shock. We need to be vigilant of acute myocarditis in young men following mRNA-1273 vaccination.

Optimal policy during an epidemic calls for depressed economic activity to slow down the outbreak Sometimes, these decisions are left to local authorities (e g states) This creates an externality, as the outbreak does not respect states boundaries The externality directly exacerbates the outbreak Indirectly, it creates a free-rider problem, because local policymakers pass the cost of fighting the outbreak on to other states A standard system of distortionary taxes and lump-sum transfers can implement the optimal allocation, with higher tax rates required if states behave strategically A strategic system of taxes and transfers, rewarding states which depress their economies more than average, improves the outcomes by creating a race-to-the-bottom type of response In a symmetric equilibrium, the optimal tax rate is lower if states behave strategically