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Background Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been shown to be elevated among first responders (Emergency Medical Services, fire service, police force) compared to the general population. Examining the prevalence of mental health issues in a work force with an elevated occupational risk is fundamental towards ensuring their wellbeing and implementing safeguard measures. The goal of this study is therefore to report the prevalence of depression, anxiety, posttraumatic development, and PTSD in Norwegian ambulance personnel. Methods This study is a cross-sectional, anonymous, web-based survey (Questback®), performed among operative personnel employed in the Emergency Medical Services in the Regional Health Trust of Central Norway between 18. February and 9. April 2021. The study was sent to 1052 eligible participants. Questions reported demographic data, a traumatic events exposure index, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (Depression), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 scale, Posttraumatic symptom scale (PTSD) and Posttraumatic change scale. Results The response rate in this study was 45.5% (n = 479/1052). The mean age of respondents was 37.1 years (std. 11.1) and 52.8% (n = 253) were male. Of the respondents, 80.6% (n = 386) were married or had a partner, and 91.6% (n = 439) reported having access to a peer support programme, with 34.9% (n = 167) reporting that they had utilized peer support. In this study, 5% (n = 24) showed a prevalence of manifest posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, while 8.6% (n = 41) reported moderate to severe depression and 2.9% (n = 14) presented moderate to severe symptoms of general anxiety. Of the respondents, 77.2% (n = 370) reported personal growth because of their work experiences. Conclusions This study indicates that Norwegian ambulance personnel report a prevalence of posttraumatic stress symptoms and depression, which is slightly higher for men, and lower for the female proportion in this study, when compared to an adult Norwegian population. The vast majority of respondents reported personal growth because of their work experience, and both the degree of peer support and having a partner seem to influence levels of posttraumatic stress and -development.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), exhibits high levels of mortality and morbidity and has dramatic consequences on human life, sociality and global economy. Neutralizing antibodies constitute a highly promising approach for treating and preventing infection by this novel pathogen. In the present study, we characterize and further evaluate the recently identified human monoclonal MD65 antibody for its ability to provide protection against a lethal SARS-CoV-2 infection of K18-hACE2 transgenic mice. Eighty percent of the untreated mice succumbed 6–9 days post-infection, while administration of the MD65 antibody as late as 3 days after exposure rescued all infected animals. In addition, the efficiency of the treatment is supported by prevention of morbidity and ablation of the load of infective virions in the lungs of treated animals. The data demonstrate the therapeutic value of human monoclonal antibodies as a life-saving treatment for severe COVID-19 infection., Here, using the K18-hACE2 transgenic mice model, the authors report the in vivo efficacy of a fully human neutralizing antibody against SARS-CoV-2 and show that when administered before or up to 3 days post infection, treated mice do not exhibit disease symptoms while 80% of control animals succumb to the infection.

Introduction. Occurrence of occupational exposure is a current problem among medical personnel. Nurses are considered to be a special occupational group exposed to risk of infection with pathogenic microorganisms. An important element of prevention is raising the workers’ knowledge and awareness in the field of occupational hazards and the possibilities of their reduction. Staff education, knowledge of infection prevention methods, and knowledge of safe procedures can reduce the number of exposures to biological material or, if they occur, limit the health consequences. Aim. The aim of the research was to assess the knowledge of nurses employed on the operating block on the risk of occupational exposure and post-exposure proceedings. Material and methods. The research after obtaining the consent of the Bioethical Commission was carried out at the turn of 2017 and 2018 in a group of 100 anesthesia nurses employed on operating blocks of two hospitals in the Podkarpackie Voivodeship. The author’s questionnaire was used for the research. Obtained results were subjected to statistical analysis, in which the Mann-Whitney U test, the Kruskal-Wallis test and the correlation of Spearman’s rank order were used. During the statistical verification of the collected material, p Results and conclusions. The examined anesthesia nurses had knowledge about post-exposure procedures at a very good level (the average number of correct answers in the conducted test of knowledge was 14.41 out of 18, which constituted 80.06% of correct answers). The level of knowledge of the examined nurses was not dependent on such factors as: seniority, education, postgraduate education, training during the adaptation period on the operating block, adherence to epidemiological procedures, work on the post in which the procedure for occupational exposure is implemented and followed. The age of the nurses significantly influenced their level of knowledge.

This study investigates whether knowledge gains from news post exposure are different when scrolling through a social media newsfeed on a smartphone compared to a desktop PC. While prior research has mostly focused on new platforms people receive news on (e.g., social media) for political learning, first indications exist that device modality (i.e. exposure on smartphone vs. desktop PC) itself alters news exposure patterns. With the help of mobile eye-tracking, this study investigates cognitive processes that enable learning from exposure among a student sample (n = 122). We extend prior research on the mediating role of attention for learning by investigating whether different frames of political news posts can attenuate this indirect relationship. The study uses a 2 × 2 mixed-subjects design, with the device being a between-subjects condition and news frames (episodic vs thematic) being a within-subjects condition. We find smaller knowledge gains from smartphone news exposure, which cannot be explained by differences in visual attention.

Diseases represent a major threat for the bivalve production industry. Their control relies on biosecurity measures to prevent their introduction and limit their spread. When maintained in hatcheries, nurseries and depuration centers, bivalves can become infected from the surrounding water and might release pathogens through wastewater effluents. A major effort was done in controlling the safety of bivalves for human consumption, but, on the other hand, information regarding the resistance of mollusc pathogens to water treatment is scarce. The effect of ultraviolet exposure was tested on two protozoan parasites of marine bivalves, the non-culturable parasite Bonamia ostreae and Perkinsus olseni culturable in DMEM/HAM´s medium. UV exposure experiments were carried out first at the bench scale and then, for P. olseni, at a larger scale mimicking depuration plants, hatcheries and nurseries conditions. At the bench scale, our study indicated that up to 40% of B. ostreae cells and 85% of P. olseni cells died 24 h and 21 days respectively after an exposure to 94 mJ/cm2 of UV-C. After 40 mJ/cm2 exposure, P. olseni density increased between 15 and 21 days of culture suggesting that the parasite is able to recover from low UV intensity exposure. At large scale, no signs of UV recovery were seen in P. olseni cultures, but, at lower intensity (216–244 mJ/cm2), 15% of the parasites remained alive 21 days post exposure. Finally, a minimum dose of 94 mJ/cm2 seems required to inhibit proliferation of parasites and 450 mJ/cm2 to completely kill all parasites. Taken this into account, a dose higher than 450 mJ/cm2 is suggested to properly treat water to avoid dispersion of bivalve protozoan parasites such as P. olseni.

Graphical abstract, Highlights • Aircraft engine oils 4 h dermal exposures induced slight skin irritation in rabbits. • Used oils enhanced irritation under semi-occlusive conditions compared to new oils. • Test site occlusive dressing less irritating compared to semi-occlusive dressing. • Data suggest irritation enhancement under semi-occlusive dressing as the oils age., There is little data available on toxicity levels of used aircraft engine oils relative to their unused (new) versions. This study was conducted to determine if new engine oils and their used versions have the potential to induce dermal irritation. Twelve male New Zealand White rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus, 19 weeks old) were used to determine the acute dermal toxicity potential of four aircraft turbine oils including MIL-PRF-7808 Grades 3 and 4 and MIL-PRF-23699 Grade 5 High Thermal Stability (HTS) and a Grade 5 experimental aircraft engine oil in their unused and used or laboratory stressed states. Five fur-free test sites (6 cm2 each) located lateral to the midline of the back were treated with two undiluted (0.5 ml) new engine oils and their used versions. The fifth site received reverse osmosis deionized (RODI) water as a control. Each treatment was repeated 3 times (3 rabbits/oil type). Each oil was tested under both semi-occluded and occluded conditions. The 4 h exposure was followed by gauze plus wrappings removal, and gentle cleaning of sites prior to scoring for erythema and edema at 0.5–1, 24, 48 and 72 h post exposure based on Draize (1959). E-collars were placed on each animal for at least 72 h to prevent ingestion of the test substance and/or gauze and wrappings and/or disturbance of site recovery. Additional observations were made on days 7, 10 and 14 to determine recovery. Exposure to both used and new oils produced dermal irritation consisting of no more than very slight to well-defined erythema and very slight edema. The calculated Primary Dermal Irritation Index (PDII) indicated that all the oils were slightly irritating (means ranged from 0.42 to 1.08). Although the PDII values for new oils and their used versions were not significantly different from each other, they were all statistically higher (p

As it is known the progression of COPD of occupational etiology occurs mostly after the termination of work under harmful conditions. Thus, the studying of the cellular immunity state and its role in the processes of sanogenesis and pathogenesis of the disease within different terms after termination of work under harmful working conditions in this category of patients is relevant. The object and methods of research. There were examined 69 employees of mining industry with COPD of occupational etiology. The average age of workers was 56.2 ± 2.1 years, their work record under harmful conditions was about 18.4 ± 0.6 years. Group I consisted of 27 workers with a post-exposure period of up to 5 years, Group II therefore – 20 workers with a post-exposure period of 5-10 years, Group III – 22 workers with a post-exposure period of more than 10 years. The control group comprised 21 (for hemogram indicators) and 10 (for systemic cellular immunity indicators) virtually healthy employees of mining industry. Results of the research and their discussion. The dynamics of cellular element indicators of general immunity was studied for objective assessing the features of the pathogenesis of COPD of occupational etiology among employees of mining industry in the post-exposure period. It has been defined that in some hemogram indices in the post-exposure period, there is a tendency to increasing the number of leukocytes, lymphocytes, relative number of bacillonuclear neutrophils, whose indices have a maximum value in patients with a post-exposure period of more than 10 years, and in relation to lymphocytes – in the early post-contact period (under 5 years). At the same time, direction towards a decrease in the relative number of monocytes and segmented neutrophils is observed primarily in the group with a post-exposure period of 5-10 years. Also according to the indices of cellular immunity the main subpopulations of T-lymphocytes are tended to decreasing with the increased time of post-exposure period. Thus, the lowest indices of CD3 + , CD19 and CD3 + , CD56 + were detected in patients with the highest post-exposure period (more than 10 years), respectively 72.3 ± 2.6% and 5.9 ± 0.7%, and indices CD14 and CD3 - , CD56 + were the smallest in the group with a post-exposure period of 5-10 years, respectively 5.9 ± 0.6% and 10.5 ± 1.8%. On the contrary, an increase of the post-exposure period led in this group to an increase in other T-cell indices – the general immunity link – CD4 + , CD8 - and CD4 -, CD8 + , respectively, up to 44.8 ± 2.1% and up to 24.6 ± 2.6%, and CD4 +, CD8 - \ CD4 -, CD8 + up to 2.2 ± 0.3. The revealed changes should be assessed as signs of chronic inflammation in the bronchial mucosa with symptoms of a slight activation of the T-helper subpopulation of lymphocytes, which indicates more “strong” immune response in patients with a post-exposure period of 5-10 years, with a tendency to “decrease” its activity in patients with a post-exposure period over 10 years and the formation of the normoergic state of the cellular link of general immunity in this category of patients. The content of CD3 + , CD56 + tended to increase, reaching maximum values in patients with a post-exposure period of 5-10 years (to 7.2 ± 2.0%) with a subsequent decrease in employees with post-contact period over 10 years (to 5.9 ± 0.7%) and, on the contrary, CD3 - , CD56 + (up to 14.1 ± 2.4%) had the maximum values in the group of employees with a post-exposure period over 10 years. The content of CD14 after termination of work under harmful conditions decreased to 5.9 ± 0.6% (in the group of 5-10 years), and the level of total leukocyte antigen did not change significantly. Conclusions. The revealed changes in the cellular link of the general immunity indicate that in the post-exposure period in patients with COPD of occupational etiology the processes of its activation occur, a tendency to decreasing in the content of monocytes / macrophages indicates the prolongation of the chronic inflammatory bronchopulmonary process. At the same time, the constant content of the total leukocyte antigen indicates the activation of differentiation of hematopoietic cells from immature to mature forms. The obtained results require the further developing effective methods for the treatment and prevention of COPD of occupational etiology in mining employees in the post-exposure period. Perspectives for further investigations. The data obtained require the further research aimed on development of effective therapy methods and prevention of COPD of occupational etiology among mining employees in postexposure period.

Introduction: This study was conducted to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of patients attending the general outpatient department in Malda Medical College about rabies.Methods: A structured questionnaire was answered by 161 participants. The KAP score was calculated according to the response of the participant.Results: Compared to adults, children in the 10-15year age group scored much less in all components of rabies prevention and post exposure management.Conclusion: There was lack of awareness about post exposure prophylaxis of rabies in children. Awareness campaigns especially focusing on children are required to provide better medical care.

Francisella tularensis is a virulent bacterium which hijacks the host’s immune response, turning cells usually tasked with killing foreign organisms as nutrient-rich receptacles for rapid multiplication. It is designated a Tier 1 Select Agent by the US CDC due to its potential to cause widespread mortality upon deliberate release. In this study, the key biological mechanisms of host infection are modelled as a continuous-time Markov chain (CTMC) and solved via discrete event simulation (DES). The efficacy of various medication strategies at the behest of public health authorities are investigated. Without treatment, the median lethal dose–not previously considered in humans–is estimated at approximately 1,000 organisms. Results suggest that fatality can be averted if antibiotics are administered for at least 7 days, no later than 10 days post exposure. In a mass casualty setting, this can reduce symptomatic cases by 18% from the baseline involving no medication. Reductions of 59% are possible if medication can be disseminated no later than 5 days post exposure, mitigating otherwise severe pressure on healthcare services. Novel use of CTMC and DES highlight the potential for OR in the field of immunology, where further opportunities may present in a post COVID-19 world.

There are various existing cell models for the propagation of animal prions. However, in vitro propagation of human prions has been a long-standing challenge. This study presents the establishment of a long-term primary murine glia culture expressing the human prion protein homozygous for methionine at codon 129, which allows in vitro propagation of Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (CJD) prions (variant CJD (vCJD) and sporadic CJD (sCJD) type MM2). Prion propagation could be detected by Western blotting of pathological proteinase K-resistant prion protein (PrPSc) from 120 days post exposure. The accumulation of PrPSc could be intensified by adding a cationic lipid mixture to the infectious brain homogenate at the time of infection. Stable propagation of human prions in a long-term murine glia cell culture represents a new tool for future drug development and for mechanistic studies in the field of human prion biology. In addition, our cell model can reduce the need for bioassays with human prions and thereby contributes to further implementation of the 3R principles aiming at replacement, reduction and refinement of animal experiments.

Rabies is a zoonosis caused by Lyssavirus, with progressive development and a high lethality rate. In Brazil, rabies and accidents caused by animals potentially transmitting the disease are mandatory notification injuries. Exposure to rabies infection places a high financial burden on public health systems, especially for the care of people who are exposed and have a high risk of death. We aimed to define the epidemiological profile of human rabies post-exposure assistance in the municipality of Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, from 2010 to 2015. Data from Brazil's Notifiable Diseases Information System were obtained and analyzed; these data were acquired by the completion of individual inquiry forms querying human anti-rabies assistance. A total of 55% (1,898/3,453) of anti-rabies assistance cases involved women and 45% (1,555/3,453) men. The highest occurrence (54.5%–1,882/3,453) was in the age group of 20–59 years. Most registered cases (87.5%–3,024/3.453) were caused by dogs, followed by cats (10.9%–378/3,453). The lower limb (22.1%–617/2,790) was the area of the body with the highest number of canine bites. We observed incorrect indications for the treatment. We suggest further training for health professionals involved in rabies post-exposure prophylaxis care, and dissemination of information aimed at educating users about the importance of animal-related injuries. A raiva é uma zoonose causada por Lyssavirus, com desenvolvimento progressivo e alta taxa de letalidade. No Brasil, a raiva e os acidentes causados por animais potencialmente transmissores da doença, são agravos de notificação obrigatória. A exposição à infecção por raiva coloca um alto ônus financeiro para o sistema público de saúde, especialmente para o atendimento de pessoas expostas e com alto risco de morte. O objetivo deste estudo foi definir o perfil epidemiológico da assistência pós-exposição à raiva humana no município de Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, de 2010 a 2015. Foram obtidos e analisados os dados do Sistema de Informações sobre Doenças Notificáveis do Brasil (SINAM); adquiridos por meio do preenchimento de formulários de consulta individuais, verificando a assistência antirrábica humana. Um total de 55% (1.898/3.453) e 45% (1.555/3.453) dos casos de assistência anti-rábica envolveu mulheres e homens respectivamente, com maior ocorrência na faixa etária de 20 a 59 anos (54,5% - 1.882/3.453). A maioria dos casos registrados (87,5% - 3.024/3.453) foi causada por cães e 10,9% (378/3.453) por gatos. O membro inferior (22,1% - 617/2.790) foi a área do corpo com o maior número de agressões por cães. Desta forma, sugere-se o treinamento para profissionais de saúde envolvidos no tratamento profilático da raiva após a exposição e disseminação de informações destinadas a educar os usuários sobre a importância das lesões relacionadas a animais.

There have been notable advances in the development of vaccines against active tuberculosis (TB) disease for adults and adolescents. Using mathematical models, we seek to estimate the potential impact of a post-exposure TB vaccine, having 50% efficacy in reducing active disease, on global rifampicin-resistant (RR-) TB burden. In 30 countries that together accounted for 90% of global RR-TB incidence in 2018, a future TB vaccine could avert 10% (95% credible interval: 9.7–11%) of RR-TB cases and 7.3% (6.6–8.1%) of deaths over 2020–2035, with India, China, Indonesia, Pakistan, and the Russian Federation having the greatest contribution. This impact would increase to 14% (12–16%) and 31% (29–33%) respectively, when combined with improvements in RR-TB diagnosis and treatment relative to a scenario of no vaccine and no such improvements. A future TB vaccine could have important implications for the global control of RR-TB, especially if implemented alongside enhancements in management of drug resistance., Vaccines preventing tuberculosis disease progression have shown promising results in recent trials. Here, the authors use mathematical modelling to estimate that this type of vaccine could avert 10% of cases of rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis and 7% of deaths from 2020-2035.

The reduction in host fitness caused by parasite infections (virulence) depends on infection intensity and the degree of damage caused per parasite. Environmental conditions can shape both virulence components, but in contrast to infection intensity, environmental impacts on per-parasite damage are poorly understood. Here, we studied the effect of ambient temperature on per-parasite damage, which is jointly determined by the ability of parasites to induce harm (per-parasite pathogenicity) and the ability of hosts to limit damage (tolerance). We experimentally exposed two salmonid species, Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and sea trout (Salmo trutta), to replicated genotypes of the eye fluke Diplostomum pseudospathaceum. After development of health damage (eye cataracts) in warm water (16 °C) during the first 12 weeks post exposure, we maintained the fish at either 5 °C (cold water) or 16 °C for another 8 weeks and quantified changes in cataracts as a function of parasite load. We found that per-parasite damage was reduced in cold compared to warm water, suggesting that cold temperatures improved host health. Per-parasite damage was also affected by parasite genotype and host species, but these effects did not change with temperature. Our findings suggest that cold-water seasons, which are often neglected in host-parasite studies due to low infection risk, could allow hosts to recuperate and thus, may have important implications for the ecology and epidemiology of parasite infections. peerReviewed

The 2013–2016 Ebola virus (EBOV) disease epidemic demonstrated the grave consequences of filovirus epidemics in the absence of effective therapeutics. Besides EBOV, two additional ebolaviruses, Sudan (SUDV) and Bundibugyo (BDBV) viruses, as well as multiple variants of Marburg virus (MARV), have also caused high fatality epidemics. Current experimental EBOV monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are ineffective against SUDV, BDBV, or MARV. Here, we report that a cocktail of two broadly neutralizing ebolavirus mAbs, FVM04 and CA45, protects nonhuman primates (NHPs) against EBOV and SUDV infection when delivered four days post infection. This cocktail when supplemented by the anti-MARV mAb MR191 exhibited 100% efficacy in MARV-infected NHPs. These findings provide a solid foundation for clinical development of broadly protective immunotherapeutics for use in future filovirus epidemics., Current experimental monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for Ebola virus (EBOV) post-exposure immunotherapy are ineffective against Sudan (SUDV) or Marburg virus (MARV). Here, authors develop cocktails of mAbs that protect nonhuman primates against EBOV, SUDV, and MARV infection when given four days post infection.

The health of the working population is an important characteristic of the economic and social state of the country. Occupational diseases according to WHO is the cause of 1.7 million deaths in the world. The third place in the structure of occupational morbidity is occupied by vibration-noise pathology (5-18%). In this group, cases of vibration disease (VD) make up 60-70%. In the structure of diseases of the circulatory system (DCS) among the adult population, cerebrovascular diseases (CVD) rank third after hypertension and coronary heart disease and make up 16.8%. Death rate from CVD takes the 4th place in the world. To develop a forecast for the emergence of CVD in patients with VD caused by whole-body vibration, we analyzed a number of anthropometric and physiological indicators. There was performed a profound in patient examination of 179 patients with VD (149 workers of mining enterprise with surface mining operations with VD caused by whole-body vibration without CVD and 30 patients with diagnosed CVD in addition to CVD). The diagnostic value of individual anthropometric indicators and indicators of systemic hemodynamics (arterial pressure) in VD caused by whole-body vibration and CVD in these patients was proved. Increased body weight with fat distribution by the abdominal type increases the risk of early VD and CVD occurrence. The regularity of dependence of arterial hypertension onset (increase of blood pressure above the level of 140/86 mm Hg) with the duration of the harmful effect of vibration was determined. At the same time, the share of workers with optimal blood pressure figures decreases with increasing duration of the action of the whole-body vibration. Thus, the metabolic and blood pressure indicators can be used to further construct predictive models for the development of CVD in patients with VD caused by whole-body vibration.

The data presented here detail the changes in size, cellular content, and neuronal density of the developing brain over time with respect to sex in C57Bl/6 mice following neonatal exposure to isoflurane, carbon monoxide, or their combination. Specifically, brain weight- and brain volume-to-body weight ratios are presented, representative immunoblots of whole brain cell-specific protein content are depicted, and quantification of the number of neurons in the primary somatosensory cortex and CA3 region of the hippocampus are shown. Three discrete postnatal time points are represented: P7 (prior to exposure), P14 (one-week post exposure), and P42-56 (5–7 weeks post exposure). Major findings from the data presented here are reported in the manuscript “Carbon Monoxide Incompletely Prevents Isoflurane-induced Defects in Murine Neurodevelopment" (Wang et al., in press) [1] .

BackgroundTimely diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection is the prerequisite for treatment and preventive quarantine. The serology characteristics and complement diagnosis value of antibody test to RNA test needs to be demonstrated.MethodA patient cohort study was conducted at the first affiliated hospital of Zhejiang University, China. Serial plasma of COVID-19 patients and were collected and total antibody (Ab), IgM and IgG antibody against SARS-CoV-2 were detected. The antibody dynamics during the infection were described.ResultsThe seroconversion rate for Ab, IgM and IgG in COVID-19 patients was 98.8% (79/80), 93.8% (75/80) and 93.8% (75/80), respectively. The first detectible serology marker is total antibody and followed by IgM and IgG, with a median seroconversion time of 15, 18 and 20 day post exposure (d.p.e) or 9, 10 and 12 days post onset, separately. The antibody levels increased rapidly since 6 d.p.o and accompanied with the decline of viral load. For patients in the early stage of illness (0-7d.p.o),Ab showed the highest sensitivity (64.1%) compared to the IgM and IgG (33.3% for both, pConclusionsTypical acute antibody response is induced during the SARS-CoV-2 infection. The serology testing provides important complementation to RNA test for pathogenic specific diagnosis and helpful information to evaluate the adapted immunity status of patient. It should be strongly recommended to apply well-validated antibody tests in the clinical management and public health practice to improve the control of COVID-19 infection.Take-Home MessageAntibody responses are induced after SARS-CoV-2 infection and complement diagnosis value of antibody test to RNA test was observed. Antibody tests are critical tools in clinical management and control of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19.

The aim of this study was to assess what drives gender-based differences in the experience of cybersickness within virtual environments. In general, those who have studied cybersickness (i.e., motion sickness associated with virtual reality [VR] exposure), oftentimes report that females are more susceptible than males. As there are many individual factors that could contribute to gender differences, understanding the biggest drivers could help point to solutions. Two experiments were conducted in which males and females were exposed for 20 min to a virtual rollercoaster. In the first experiment, individual factors that may contribute to cybersickness were assessed via self-report, body measurements, and surveys. Cybersickness was measured via the simulator sickness questionnaire and physiological sensor data. Interpupillary distance (IPD) non-fit was found to be the primary driver of gender differences in cybersickness, with motion sickness susceptibility identified as a secondary driver. Females whose IPD could not be properly fit to the VR headset and had a high motion sickness history suffered the most cybersickness and did not fully recover within 1 h post exposure. A follow-on experiment demonstrated that when females could properly fit their IPD to the VR headset, they experienced cybersickness in a manner similar to males, with high cybersickness immediately upon cessation of VR exposure but recovery within 1 h post exposure. Taken together, the results suggest that gender differences in cybersickness may be largely contingent on whether or not the VR display can be fit to the IPD of the user; with a substantially greater proportion of females unable to achieve a good fit. VR displays may need to be redesigned to have a wider IPD adjustable range in order to reduce cybersickness rates, especially among females.

The control of house flies, Musca domestica (L.), currently relies on the use of chemical insecticide spray and bait formulations. Entomopathogenic fungi, such as Metarhizium anisopliae, may provide an alternative to these products. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a mycoinsecticide bait formulation containing a virulent M. anisopliae isolate. Five M. anisopliae isolates were screened against M. domestica and isolate M16 was selected for bait development. Bait formulations containing a variety of additives, including (Z)-9-tricosene, were tested for their ability to increase fly visitation. A bait formulation containing M. anisopliae and skim milk powder was found to have the highest house fly visitation and was subsequently compared to a conventional chemical bait in an efficacy assay. The chemical bait (0.5% imidacloprid) caused faster mortality than the mycoinsecticide bait, however, similar levels of mortality were achieved by 4&ndash, 5 days&rsquo, post exposure. These results suggest that M. anisopliae mycoinsecticide baits may offer an alternative to conventional chemical insecticides for the control of house flies in suitable areas.

This 90-day repeated-dose inhalation toxicology study of brake-dust (BD) (brakes manufactured with chrysotile) in rats provides a comprehensive understanding of the biokinetics and potential toxicology in the lung and pleura. Exposure was 6 h/d, 5d/wk., 13wks followed by lifetime observation (~20 % survival). Control groups included a particle control (TiO2), chrysotile, commercial crocidolite and amosite asbestos. Aerosol fiber distributions of the chrysotile, crocidolite and amosite were similar (fibers L > 20 mm/cm3: chrysotile-Low/High 29/72; crocidolite 24; amosite 47 fibers/cm3; WHO-fibers/cm3: chrysotile-Low/High 119/233; crocidolite 181; amosite 281 fibers/cm3). The number of particles/cm3 in the BD was similar to that in the chrysotile, crocidolite & amosite exposures (BD 470-715; chrysotile 495-614; crocidolite 415; amosite 417 particles/cm3). In the BD groups, few fibers L > 20 mm were observed in the lungs at the end of exposure and no fibers L > 20 mm at 90d post exposure. In the chrysotile groups, means of 204,000 and 290,000 fibers(L > 20 mm)/lung were measured at 89d. By 180d, means of 1 and 3.9 fibers were counted on the filter corresponding to 14,000 and 55,000 fibers(L > 20 mm)/lung. In the crocidolite and amosite groups mean lung concentrations were 9,055,000 and 11,645,000 fibers(L > 20 mm)/lung at 89d. At 180d the means remained similar with 8,026,000 and 11,591,000 fibers(L > 20 mm)/lung representing 10-13% of the total lung fibers. BAL determined the total number of macrophages, lymphocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, epithelial-cells and IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha and TGF-beta. At the moderate aerosol concentrations used in this study, neutrophil counts increased ~5 fold in the amphibole asbestos exposure groups. All other groups and parameters showed no important differences at these exposure concentrations. The exposure and lung burden results provide a sound basis for assessing the potential toxicity of the brake dust in comparison to the TiO2 particle control and the chrysotile, crocidolite and amosite asbestos control groups. The BAL results provide an initial indication of the differential response. Part 2 presents the presentation and discussion of the histopathological and confocal microscopy findings in this study through 90 days post exposure.

INTRODUCTION: This study investigated the spatial distribution of inappropriate post-exposure human rabies procedures in Ceará, Brazil, between 2007 and 2015. METHODS: The ecological study population was based on the records of post-exposure human rabies procedures from the Notification Disease Information System. We analyzed the data using the Moran Index (I) and the Moran Local Index. RESULTS: There were 222,036 (95.8%) records with inappropriate post-exposure human rabies procedures. There was heterogeneity in their spatial distribution, with two significant clusters in the northeast and northwest regions. CONCLUSIONS: These findings help elaborate differentiated strategies to reduce unnecessary post-exposure human rabies procedures.

Regulatory authorities, including the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), have accelerated diagnostic and therapeutic approvals during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Accelerated clinical development and approvals have resulted in vaccine programs for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, some individuals remain at high risk for the progression of COVID-19. In the US, the FDA has given Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for two neutralizing therapeutic monoclonal antibody 'cocktails,' casirivimab and imdevimab (REGEN-COV), bamlanivimab and etesevimab, and one monotherapy, bamlanivimab, for prophylactic post-exposure therapy in individuals at high risk of progressing to severe COVID-19. Preclinical and clinical studies showed consistent effectiveness of REGEN-COV against current variants of SARS-CoV-2. On 21st November 2020, the FDA approved an initial EUA for REGEN-COV to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 in adults and in children 12 years or older with exposure to SARS-CoV-2 at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19. On 30th July 2021, the FDA updated its EUA for REGEN-COV for emergency use as post-exposure prophylactic to prevent COVID-19 progression in adults and children aged 12 years or older. This Editorial aims to provide an update on accelerated regulatory authorization for post-exposure prophylactic neutralizing monoclonal antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 for individuals at high risk for COVID-19.

Introduction:Rabies still remains as a significant public health problem in Sri Lanka. Published data related to the usage of human rabies immunoglobulins (HRIG) which is an expensive biological used for post exposure prophylaxis and the types of animal bites are limited. This study was designed to analyze the consumption of HRIG for major animal bites in government hospitals of Sri Lanka. Methods: A audit was carried out at the rabies unit in the Medical Research Institute (MRI) on the use of HRIG from 1st of January to 31st of December 2012 . Data was extracted from scrutinizing the forms sent to the Rabies Unit following the administration of HRIG by the government hospitals which administer HRIG. Results:1896, 2160, 2186 patients have received HRIG during 2010, 2011and 2012 respectively. The number of patients treated without adhering to the rabies treatment protocol issued by the ministry of health also has inreased over the same period of time. Each year around 60% of total HRIG has been used for stray dog and cat bites, 24% for domestic animal and 17% for wild animal bites. Conclusions and recommendations:Annual consumption as well as the misuse of HRIG has increased from 2010 to 2012. Effective methods to control stray dogs and cats and the concept of responsible pet ownership should be encouraged. Medical officers in rabies treatment units should be trained on adherence to government protocol for anti rabies post exposure therapy.

International audience; The epidemiology of rabies in France and western Europe has changed during the past 22 years. In France, rabies in non-flying terrestrial mammals was declared to be eliminated in 2001, and the risk of rabies is now limited to contact with bats, rabid animals illegally imported from rabies-enzootic countries and traveller exposure in enzootic areas. We analysed the epidemiology of rabies in France from 1995 to 2016, describing and analysing data on human rabies surveillance as well as data on post-exposure prophy-laxis (PEP) collected from the network of French antira-bies clinics. Over the study period, seven individuals were diagnosed with rabies in France, all of whom were infected outside mainland France. PEP data analysis revealed an expected overall decrease in PEP administration for individuals exposed in mainland France, but there was still overuse of anti-rabies drugs, given the very low epidemiological risk. On the other hand, a significant increase in PEP delivered to individuals exposed abroad was evidenced. These epidemiological trends indicate that clear guidelines should be provided to support physicians' efforts to adjust rabies risk assessment to the evolution of the epidemiological situation.

Background: Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) is used to treat bone and joint disorders for over 30 years. Recent studies demonstrate a significant effect of PEMF on bone and cartilage proliferation, differentiation, synthesis of extracellular matrix (ECM) and production of growth factors. The aim of this study is to assess if PEMF of low frequency, ultralow field strength and short time exposure have beneficial effects on in-vitro cultured human chondrocytes. Materials and Methods: Primary human chondrocytes cultures were established using articular cartilage obtained from knee joint during joint replacement surgery. Post characterization, the cells were exposed to PEMF at frequencies ranging from 0.1 to 10 Hz and field intensities ranging from 0.65 to 1.95 μT for 60 min/day for 3 consecutive days to analyze the viability, ECM component synthesis, proliferation and morphology related changes post exposure. Association between exposure doses and cellular effects were analyzed with paired't' test. Results: In-vitro PEMF exposure of 0.1 Hz frequency, 1.95 μT and duration of 60 min/day for 3 consecutive days produced the most favorable response on chondrocytes viability (P < 0.001), ECM component production (P < 0.001) and multiplication. Exposure of identical chondrocyte cultures to PEMFs of 0.65 μT field intensity at 1 Hz frequency resulted in less significant response. Exposure to 1.3 μT PEMFs at 10 Hz frequency does not show any significant effects in different analytical parameters. Conclusions: Short duration PEMF exposure may represent a new therapy for patients with Osteoarthritis (OA).

Aims First case of Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in Nepal was reported in the year 1988. Nurses are an integral part of the healthcare system and should be knowledgeable in providing care to AIDS patients. This study assessed the knowledge of nursing students towards HIV/AIDS, and the association (if any) between the knowledge scores of the nursing students with their selected demographic variables. Materials and methods A cross sectional study was conducted evaluating the nursing student knowledge using a self designed questionnaire. The correct answers were given a score of ‘1’ and wrong answers were given a score of ‘0’ (total possible maximum score ‘18’). Results Among the total 165 nursing students, 121 of them filled the questionnaire (response rate of 73.33%) and all of them were females. The mean ± SD age of the respondents was 18.3 ±1.75 years. The median (IQR) of the overall total scores was 13.0 (11.5-15.0). There was an association between the knowledge scores of the respondents with ‘age’ (p=000), ‘course of the study’ (p=0.001). However, there was no statistically significant association between the knowledge scores with the ‘year of study’ of the respondents (p=0.109), ‘mode of finance’ (0.611) and ‘native’ of the students (0.173). Conclusion The study suggested that nursing students have a poor overall knowledge on AIDS and especially areas such as post exposure prophylaxis.The findings also suggested the need for providing adequate knowledge to the students during their regular class room teaching and clinical postings. Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2012, Vol-8, No-4, 27-33 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v8i4.8697

Rabies continues to be one of the most important viral diseases and remains a significant threat to public health across the globe. The post-exposure prophylaxis in humans can effectively prevent death after exposure to a potentially infected animal. In Poland, recommendations for rabies PEP followed the national guidelines which recommend that people should receive PEP when bitten by an animal suspected to be infected by rabies. PEP in humans includes cleansing and disinfecting the wound or point of contact, and administering anti-rabies immunization. Rabies vaccine should be given for contacts of category II and category III exposures. RIG should be given for category III contact. The vaccination schedule includes 5 doses given within a 30 day period (the Essen regimen).The aim of our study was to determine the frequency of post-exposure prophylaxis among patients exposed to animals and also to assess the animal species suspected as a source of rabies exposure.We have retrospectively analyzed medical records from the years 2012-2015 of all adult patients who were exposed to animals and consulted at the Dispensary of Rabies Prophylaxis in the Department of Infectious Diseases at the Medical University in Lublin, Poland. All consulted patients were asked to give an informed consent in case of decision to use collected data for future research work. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the Medical University of Lublin, Poland, and all patients included in this study gave an informed consent during consultation after the exposure to animals.During the studied 4-year period, 511 persons exposed to animals were consulted and prophylactic procedure consisting of active immunization were applied in 54.2% of the total consulted. Dogs and cats were the most common animal species suspected as the source of the rabies exposure. Anti-rabies prophylaxis was applied in 45.8% of all vaccinated patients exposed to dogs, and in 24.2% exposed to cats. All patients with bite wounds were consulted at the Department of Surgery and wound care followed surgical recommendations. In the study group, 45 patients had category III contact. There were 38 patients exposed to dogs, and 7 exposed to cats. There were no people exposed to wildlife in this group. All animals were available for veterinary observation. During and after exposure, none of the animals that serve as a potential source of infection presented with symptoms of rabies. The local epidemiological data indicated that during exposures of our patients, there were no confirmed cases of rabies among animals in Lublin province. Based on the data mentioned above, RIG was not applied. During the studied period in Lublin province, rabies was confirmed mainly in wildlife, and only in 2 dogs.In Lublin province, people are still at risk of exposure to rabid animals. The majority of our patients were vaccinated after domestic animals exposure, but rabies was confirmed mainly in wildlife, and since 2013, there were no cases of rabies among domestic animals.

International audience; The identification of severely exposed individuals and reassurance of the 'worried well' are of prime importance for initial triage following a large scale radiation accident. We aim to develop the γ-H2AX foci assay into a rapid biomarker tool for use in accidents. Here, five laboratories established a standard operating procedure and analysed 100 ex vivo γ-irradiated, 4 or 24. h incubated and overnight-shipped lymphocyte samples from four donors to generate γ-H2AX reference data, using manual and/or automated foci scoring strategies. In addition to acute, homogeneous exposures to 0, 1, 2 and 4. Gy, acute simulated partial body (4. Gy to 50% of cells) and protracted exposures (4. Gy over 24. h) were analysed. Data from all laboratories could be satisfactorily fitted with linear dose response functions. Average yields observed at 4. h post exposure were 2-4 times higher than at 24. h and varied considerably between laboratories. Automated scoring caused larger uncertainties than manual scoring and was unable to identify partial exposures, which were detectable in manually scored samples due to their overdispersed foci distributions. Protracted exposures were detectable but doses could not be accurately estimated with the γ-H2AX assay. We conclude that the γ-H2AX assay may be useful for rapid triage following a recent acute radiation exposure. The potentially higher speed and convenience of automated relative to manual foci scoring needs to be balanced against its compromised accuracy and inability to detect partial body exposures. Regular re-calibration or inclusion of reference samples may be necessary to ensure consistent results between laboratories or over long time periods. © 2013.

OBJECTIVE To validate the Comply with post-exposure management among healthcare workersinstrument for Nursing in Brazil. METHOD A methodological study carried out with 137 nursing professionals exposed to biological material. The existence of floor and ceiling effects was analyzed, evaluating reliability by the internal consistency of the items and test-retest reproducibility. The construct validity was analyzed by the multitrait-multi method analysis. RESULTS Ceiling effects were found in two subscales. The result of the internal consistency of four subscales varied between 0.81 and 0.91. The results were considered satisfactory, while two subscales presented an unsatisfactory result (0.50 and 0.37). An evaluation of the measurement stability obtained positive results in relation to the statistical significance, with Intraclass Correlation Coefficient values between the two measurements ranging from 0.301 to 0.727; the validity of a convergent and divergent construct was confirmed by multitrait-multi method analysis, except for the Attitude subscale, which presented unsatisfactory values. CONCLUSION The instrument presents satisfactory results for validity and reliability, except for the Attitude dimension. Resumen OBJETIVO Validaren Brasil el instrumentoComply with post-exposure management among health care workers para la enfermería. MÉTODO Estudio metodológico realizado con 137 profesionales de enfermería expuestos a material biológico. Se analizó la existencia de los efectos floor y ceilingy se valoró la fidedignidad por la consistencia interna de los ítems y la estabilidad de la medida (test-retest). Se analizó la validez de constructo por medio del análisis multibrazo-multimétodo. RESULTADO Se verificaronefectos ceiling en dos subescalas. El resultado de la consistencia interna, de cuatro subescalas, varió entre 0,81 y 0,91, resultados considerados satisfactorios, y dos subescalas presentaron resultado insatisfactorio (0,50 y 0,37). La evaluación de la estabilidad de la medida obtuvo resultados positivos con relación a la significación estadística, con valores del Coeficiente de Correlación Intraclase, entre ambas medidas, variando de 0,301 a 0,727; se confirmó la validez de constructo convergente y divergente mediante el análisis multibrazo-multimétodo, excepto la subescala Actitud, la que presentó valores insatisfactorios. CONCLUSIÓN Elinstrumento presenta resultados satisfactorios de validez y fidedignidad, excluyéndose la dimensión Actitud. Resumo OBJETIVO Validar para o Brasil o instrumento Comply with post-exposure management among health care workers para a enfermagem. MÉTODO Estudo metodológico realizado com 137 profissionais de enfermagem expostos a material biológico. Analisou-se a existência dos efeitos floor e ceiling e avaliou-se a fidedignidade pela consistência interna dos itens e estabilidade da medida (teste-reteste). Analisou-se a validade de construto por meio da análise multitraço-multimétodo. RESULTADOS Verificaram-se efeitos ceiling em duas subescalas. O resultado da consistência interna, de quatro subescalas, variou entre 0,81 e 0,91, resultados considerados satisfatórios, e duas subescalas apresentaram resultado insatisfatório (0,50 e 0,37). A avaliação da estabilidade da medida obteve resultados positivos em relação à significância estatística, com valores do Coeficiente de Correlação Intraclasse, entre as duas medidas, variando de 0,301 a 0,727; confirmou-se a validade de construto convergente e divergente por meio da análise multitraço-multimétodo, exceto a subescala Atitude, que apresentou valores insatisfatórios. CONCLUSÃO O instrumento apresenta resultados satisfatórios de validade e fidedignidade, excluindo-se a dimensão Atitude.

AIM: Extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) have some genotoxic effects and it may alter the mRNA levels of antioxidant genes. The NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO1) and NQO2 are ubiquitously expressed. Considering that there is no published data on the effect(s) of ELF-EMF (50-Hz) exposure and expression levels of NQO1 and NQO2 in the human MCF-7 cells, the present study was carried out.METHODS: The ELF-EMF (0.25 and 0.50 mT) exposure patterns were: 5 min field-on/5 min filed-off, 15 min field-on/15 min field-off, and 30 min field-on continuously. In all exposure conditions, total exposure time were 30 minutes. The RNA extraction was done at two times; immediately post exposure and two hours post exposure. The effect of ELF-EMF on gene expression was assessed by real-time PCR.RESULTS: The NQO1 mRNA level (at 0h) decreased in the cells exposed to 5 min field-on/5 min filed-off condition at 0.25 mT EMF when compared with the unexposed cells. The NQO2 mRNA level (at 0h and 2h) increased in the cells exposed to 5 min field-on/5 min filed-off condition at 0.50 mT EMF when compared with the unexposed cells.CONCLUSIONS: Alterations in the NQO1 and NQO2 mRNA levels seem at the "5 min field-on/5 min field-off" condition.

Background The need for economical rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is increasing in developing countries. Implementation of the two currently approved economical intradermal (ID) vaccine regimens is restricted due to confusion over different vaccines, regimens and dosages, lack of confidence in intradermal technique, and pharmaceutical regulations. We therefore compared a simplified 4-site economical PEP regimen with standard methods. Methods Two hundred and fifty-four volunteers were randomly allocated to a single blind controlled trial. Each received purified vero cell rabies vaccine by one of four PEP regimens: the currently accepted 2-site ID; the 8-site regimen using 0.05 ml per ID site; a new 4-site ID regimen (on day 0, approximately 0.1 ml at 4 ID sites, using the whole 0.5 ml ampoule of vaccine; on day 7, 0.1 ml ID at 2 sites and at one site on days 28 and 90); or the standard 5-dose intramuscular regimen. All ID regimens required the same total amount of vaccine, 60% less than the intramuscular method. Neutralising antibody responses were measured five times over a year in 229 people, for whom complete data were available. Findings All ID regimens showed similar immunogenicity. The intramuscular regimen gave the lowest geometric mean antibody titres. Using the rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test, some sera had unexpectedly high antibody levels that were not attributable to previous vaccination. The results were confirmed using the fluorescent antibody virus neutralisation method. Conclusions This 4-site PEP regimen proved as immunogenic as current regimens, and has the advantages of requiring fewer clinic visits, being more practicable, and having a wider margin of safety, especially in inexperienced hands, than the 2-site regimen. It is more convenient than the 8-site method, and can be used economically with vaccines formulated in 1.0 or 0.5 ml ampoules. The 4-site regimen now meets all requirements of immunogenicity for PEP and can be introduced without further studies. Trial Registration Controlled-Trials.com ISRCTN 30087513, Author Summary All human deaths from rabies result from failure to give adequate prophylaxis. After a rabid animal bite, immediate wound cleaning, rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin injections effectively prevent fatal infection. Immunoglobulin is very rarely available in developing countries, where prevention relies on efficacious vaccine. WHO approved vaccines are prohibitively expensive, but 2 economical regimens (injecting small amounts of vaccine intradermally, into the skin, at 2 or 8 sites on the first day of the course) have been used for many years in a few places. Practical or perceived difficulties have restricted widespread uptake of economical methods. These could largely be overcome by introducing a new, simpler regimen, involving 4 site injections on the first day. We vaccinated volunteers to compare the antibody levels induced by the 4-site intradermal regimen with those induced by the current 2-site and 8-site regimens and the “gold standard” intramuscular regimen favoured internationally. All the economical intradermal regimens were at least as immunogenic as the intramuscular method. The results provide sufficient evidence that the 4-site regimen meets the criteria necessary for its recommendation for use wherever the cost of vaccine is prohibitive and especially where 2 or more patients are treated on the same day.

Occupational exposure to HIV virus is a possibility to all workers working with patients having the virus. This is particularly more apparent when working within the healthcare setting. HIV post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a form of secondary HIV prevention that may reduce the incidence of HIV infection occurring during occupational and non–occupational accidental contact with infectious materials. A lot of studies have shown encouraging evidence of post exposure chemo prophylactic efficacy. It is however not 100% effective in preventing HIV transmission. Apart from the basic universal precautions to minimize occupational exposures to HIV virus, the use of post exposure prophylaxis is important when such exposures do occur. [TAF Prev Med Bull 2010; 9(6.000): 655-664]

Filoviruses (Ebola and Marburg) cause severe hemorrhagic fever. There are five species of ebolavirus; among these, the Ebola (Zaire) and Sudan viruses (EBOV and SUDV, respectively) are highly pathogenic and have both caused recurring, large outbreaks. However, the EBOV and SUDV glycoprotein (GP) sequences are 45% divergent and thus antigenically distinct. Few antibodies with cross-neutralizing properties have been described to date. We used antibody engineering to develop novel bispecific antibodies (Bis-mAbs) that are cross-reactive toward base epitopes on GP from EBOV and SUDV. These Bis-mAbs exhibit potent neutralization against EBOV and SUDV GP pseudotyped viruses as well as authentic pathogens and confer a high degree (in one case 100%) post-exposure protection of mice from both viruses. Our studies show that a single agent that targets the GP base epitopes is sufficient for protection in mice; such agents could be included in panfilovirus therapeutic antibody cocktails.

Background: The use of silver nanoparticle are growing, especially in medical science. It’s used in many concentration. In dentistry, it’s used to decrease halitosis, periodontal diseases, and wound healing. It can affect the viability of the cells, give bad effects to the human’s health and environment if used in a long duration and in certain concentration. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to learn the apoptosis of gingival fibroblasts in Rattus novergicus which is exposed with 15 µg/ml silver nano-particle gel by the expression of caspase-3. Method: This study used 9 male wistar rats and were divided into 3 groups. Sample in group A were cut (hurt) in the oral gingiva and exposed to Ag-Np gel 15 µg/ml for 3 days. After 3 days, they were sacrificed and cut the gingival fibroblasts off 3x4 cm size with scalpel. Samples in group B were cut in the oral gingiva and exposed to Ag-Np Gel 15 µg/ml for 5 days. After 5 days they were sacrificed and the gingival fibroblasts off 3 x 4 cm with a scalpel. Samples in group C were cut in the oral gingiva and exposed to none for 3 days then cut the gingival fibroblasts off 3 x 4 cm size with scalpel. The expressions of caspase-3 in the apoptotic and wound healing process were analyzed by Immunohistochemical test. This data was analyzed by using the t-test method. Result: Mean expression numbers of caspase-3 in the group A=5.67; group B=11.33; and group C (control)=18.67. T-test sign.number of group A and C=0.009; group B & C=0.000. Conclusion: The exposure of 15 µg/ml silver gel nanoparticle to gingival fibroblasts of Rattus novergicus reduces the expressions of caspase-3 in the day-3 and day-5 post exposure. The amounts of cell death through the apoptotic pathway which were analyzed by the expressions of caspase-3 will decrease too.

Background: Better treatments are urgently needed for the management of Ebola virus epidemics in Equatorial Africa. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of the literature on the use of passive immunotherapy for the treatment or prevention of Ebola virus disease. We placed findings from this review into the context of passive immunotherapy currently used for venom-induced disease, and recent improvements in manufacturing of polyvalent antivenom products. Results: Passive immunotherapy appears to be one of the most promising specific treatments for Ebola. However, its potential has been incompletely evaluated, considering the overall experience and recent improvement of immunotherapy. Development and use of heterologous serum derivatives could protect people exposed to Ebola viruses with reasonable cost and logistics. Conclusion: Hyperimmune equine IgG fragments and purified polyclonal whole IgG deserve further consideration as treatment for exposure to the Ebola virus.

Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), or prion diseases, affecting human and animal species can be transmitted from TSE-infected individuals to naive susceptible hosts during the long asymptomatic (years to decades) and symptomatic disease stages. The presence of infectious hematogenous prions in asymptomatic TSE-infected hosts demonstrates the highly infectious nature of blood-borne prions in hosts lacking overt clinical symptoms. It is currently unknown when and how infectious prions first enter the blood following initial exposure. We have previously shown that the whole-blood real-time quaking-induced conversion assay (wbRT-QuIC) possesses 100% specificity and >92% sensitivity, making it an ideal tool to address this question. Here, we use wbRT-QuIC to analyze whole blood collected from oral, extranasal or aerosol TSE-exposed hosts for blood-borne prions. Our results demonstrate that conversion competent prions in the inoculum are capable of crossing mucosal surfaces and entering the circulatory system within 30 min—no matter the route of exposure. Detection of the inoculum minutes post exposure is followed by a steady decline in the detection of blood-borne prions up to 3 days which is followed by a progressive increase in the detection of nascent conversion competent prions between 1 and 17 months post exposure. These data provide the first evidence for the facile transport of mucosally acquired prions into the circulatory system, providing evidence for multiple routes of inter- and intra- host prion trafficking and shedding.

INTRODUÇÃO: O tratamento de seres humanos expostos ao risco de infecção pelo vírus rábico ainda pode incluir a ocorrência de reações pós-vacinais indesejáveis, tanto de ordem local como geral. A análise sistemática dos informes epidemiológicos de pacientes submetidos a este tipo de tratamento poderá oferecer subsídios para a modificação desta situação. Foram analisados os registros de tratamento dessa zoonose visando à melhoria do seu controle. MÉTODOS: Foram analisadas através do programa Epi Info as fichas de investigação epidemiológica da raiva de 8.758 habitantes do Município de Osasco, SP (Brasil), atendidos no período de 1984 a 1994. A vacina utilizada foi do tipo Fuenzalida & Palacios. RESULTADOS: Constatou-se a existência de maior risco de exposição para os indivíduos do sexo masculino, com cinco a nove anos de idade. As agressões ocorreram com maior freqüência no domicílio da vítima e os cães foram os principais responsáveis. Dos cães e gatos envolvidos, respectivamente 51,0% e 73,2% não haviam sido imunizados contra a raiva. Nos pacientes com até nove anos de idade as localizações de lesão mais freqüentes foram: cabeça (36,6%) e membros superiores (35,1%); quando a faixa etária ultrapassava os nove anos as áreas mais acometidas foram membros superiores (45,8%) e membros inferiores (43,7%). Dos pacientes analisados, 26,5% já haviam recebido vacinação anti-rábica anterior e 90, 7% procurou a orientação médica em até cinco dias da agressão. Para 41,9% foi prescrita unicamente a vacinação e para 0,05 ‰ a soro-vacinação. CONCLUSÕES: Houve 11,7% de abandonos a tratamentos e 51,3% foram dispensados do mesmo em função da observação animal. Dos pacientes tratados com vacina ou soro-vacinação houve 0,25% de acidentes pós-vacinais, dos quais 0,3‰ do tipo neurológico. Os meses de março, julho, agosto e setembro foram os de maior procura. INTRODUCTION: The treatment of human beings with risk of exposure to rabies virus infection still presents some cases of undesirable post treatment reactions. The knowledge resulting from the regular analysis of the epidemiological features associated with these practices would minimize the occurrence of these troubles. METHODS: The records of the treatment of 8,758 human anti-rabies cases performed in Osasco City, S. Paulo, Brazil between 1984 and 1994 with Fuenzalida & Palacios vaccine and/or anti-rabies serum produced in equines were analysed by Epi Info program. RESULTS: It was found that the higher risk of exposure was for male children of from five to nine years of age. The most frequent scene of aggression was the victim's own house. Dogs were responsible for most of the accidents (62.8%); the majority of dogs and cats involved had not been immunized against rabies (51.0% of dogs and 73.2% of cats). Most people aged nine or under were attacked in the head (36.6%), followed by the upper limbs (35.1%); above this age the part of the body most frequently hurt was the upper (45.8%) and lower limbs (43.7%); 26.5% of patients had already been vaccinated against rabies at least once in their lifetime; 90.7% of them sought medical care within five days, anti-rabies treatment was prescribed for 41.9% of them. CONCLUSIONS: Post vaccinal reactions were observed in 0.25% of the patients 0.3% of which were of neurological; 80.1% of the dogs and 58.4% of the cats involved coere kept under observation. The months of March, July, August and September presented the highest aggression rates.

Uhlik J., V. Konradova, L. Vajner, J. Zocova: Ultrastructure of the Epithelium of Terminal Bronchioles in Rabbits After the Administration of Acetylcholine. Acta Vet. Brno 1999, 68: 179–184. In this experiment, the ultrastructure of the epithelium of terminal bronchioles was studied 5 and 20 minutes after intravenous administration of two different doses of acetylcholine. The administration of 0.5 mg acetylcholine resulted in pathological alteration of the cytoplasm of epithelial cells recorded 5 and 20 minutes post exposure. In the first phase, the secretion of Clara cells was inhibited. Twenty minutes after the acetylcholine administration, a mild stimulation of these cells to discharge the content of their secretory granules was observed. After the administration of 0.1 mg acetylcholine, the signs of pathological alteration of the epithelial cell cytoplasm were mild. Twenty minutes post exposure, the findings did almost not differ from those in the epithelium of healthy control rabbits. After an initial inhibition, the secretory activity of Clara cells was resumed and did not differ from that found in controls. No increased proliferation of epithelial cells was recorded in any experimental group.

The present study aims to assess the knowledge and attitude about needle stick injuries and sharps disposal. A self designed questionnaire of 15 questions was handed out to 200 participants including undergraduate students (group 1), postgraduate students (group 2), faculty members (group 3) and auxiliary staff members (group 4). The data was collected and analyzed using Chi square test. Sixty-one percent of total participants reported of experiencing needle stick injury and 25.5 % knew that there could be several causes for this. Only 22 % of total population studied got the source tested. Immunization status of group 4 was very low and they also lacked the knowledge of sharps disposal and hepatitis C being spread by needle stick injuries. 57 % participants confirmed that there was no reporting facility and 66 % were not familiar with the guidelines of reporting. There is a definite scope of improvement in terms of reporting and prevention of needle stick injuries. There is a need to improve knowledge and awareness of dental health care workers about the post exposure protocol.

Dog bites are poorly understood and often underestimated public health problem as it causes huge medico-social problem as these attacks result in millions of injuries and thousands of deaths all over the world due to risk of rabies transmission. Approximately 1 in 20 dogs bite a human being during the dogs’ lifetime. The present study estimated average annual dog bites to humans and indicate seasonal pattern of the bite in Addis Ababa in the year 2008 and 2009. All data on total, stray and owned dog bites to humans are obtained from human rabies post exposure treatment record of the Zoonoses Diseases Research Team in the Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute. The data used are all dog bite cases in Addis Ababa of the year 2008 and 2009. A seasonal pattern of dog bites are also analyzed from the same data in the study period. Average annual or seasonal dog bites are expressed as a percentage of total cases, or as a mean ± SD and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied for seasonal pattern of dog bites. The X2 test was used to determine the statistical significance between stray and owned dog bites. The average value for dog bites was 1097 ± 0.37/year for stray and 400 ± 1.06/year for owned dogs. In both years injuries caused by stray dogs was higher and significantly differed from injuries caused by owned dogs (t= 33.04, p=0.000). The highest average value of total dog bites was observed in the autumn months in 2008 (146.67 ± 0.89) as well in the autumn months for the two years together 281.67 ± 1.71). Mean of bites are significantly different between seasons in both years together (F=13.95, p=0.000).

Study Design and Objective: This study was designed to determine the prevalence of needlestick injuries among medical practitioners inNnewi. To determine the predisposing factors and the attitude of the doctors to this occupational hazard with a view to recommending preventivemeasures and appropriate post exposure actions.Materials and Methods: The study population was the medical practitioners in Nnewi. Data was collected using a self-administered structuredquestionnaire covering 3 years period (January 2003 to December 2005).Results: The overall prevalence of needlestick injuries in the study population was 64. 6%, surgeons had significantly higher episodes ofneedlestick injuries than physicians, 89.3% and 47.1% respectively (P < 0.01). The prevalence was highest among the 45-49yrs age group (100%) and lowest among the 25 – 29yrs age group (36.4%); similarly, theprevalence was appreciably higher among doctors that have practiced for > 10years(83.3%), than those that have practiced for less than10years(56.9%). (P< 0.05). 53.7% of the subjects took some post exposure measures, surprisingly only 6.1% reported to the appropriateauthority and 3.7% took any form of post exposure prophylaxis.The physicians recorded a higher percentage of correct attitude score (52.9%) than surgeons (40.5%).Conclusion: The high prevalence of needlestick injuries and the grossly inadequate post exposure measures among medical practitioners inNnewi necessitate the introduction of a comprehensive needlestick enlightenment and prevention programme.