Showing papers by "University of Maryland, Baltimore published in 2022"
TL;DR: In this article , an aluminum hydroxide (AH) and CpG adjuvant formulation (AH:CpG) was used to enhance RBD immunogenicity in young and aged mice.
Abstract: Global deployment of vaccines that can provide protection across several age groups is still urgently needed to end the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Although vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 based on mRNA and adenoviral vector technologies have been rapidly developed, additional practical and scalable SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are required to meet global demand. Protein subunit vaccines formulated with appropriate adjuvants represent an approach to address this urgent need. The receptor binding domain (RBD) is a key target of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies but is poorly immunogenic. We therefore compared pattern recognition receptor (PRR) agonists alone or formulated with aluminum hydroxide (AH) and benchmarked them against AS01B and AS03-like emulsion-based adjuvants for their potential to enhance RBD immunogenicity in young and aged mice. We found that an AH and CpG adjuvant formulation (AH:CpG) produced an 80-fold increase in anti-RBD neutralizing antibody titers in both age groups relative to AH alone and protected aged mice from the SARS-CoV-2 challenge. The AH:CpG-adjuvanted RBD vaccine elicited neutralizing antibodies against both wild-type SARS-CoV-2 and the B.1.351 (beta) variant at serum concentrations comparable to those induced by the licensed Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine. AH:CpG induced similar cytokine and chemokine gene enrichment patterns in the draining lymph nodes of both young adult and aged mice and enhanced cytokine and chemokine production in human mononuclear cells of younger and older adults. These data support further development of AH:CpG-adjuvanted RBD as an affordable vaccine that may be effective across multiple age groups.
46 citations
TL;DR: In this paper , the dynamic asymmetric return spillovers between gold and oil commodity futures and 22 European equity sectors using the Diebold and Yilmaz (2012) approach were examined.
40 citations
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors discuss preclinical and clinical studies pertaining to how ketamine and its metabolites produce antidepressant effects and explore effects on glutamate neurotransmission through N-methyl D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors (AMPARs), synaptic structural changes via brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling, interactions with opioid receptors, and the enhancement of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine signaling.
37 citations
TL;DR: In this article , a comprehensive review of pectin and its application in contaminant removal is presented, highlighting the role of functional groups on pollutant removal and the influence of initial contaminant concentration.
37 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a comprehensive review of pectin and its application in contaminant removal is presented, highlighting the role of functional groups on pollutant removal and the influence of initial contaminant concentration.
37 citations
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors examined the dynamic and frequency spillovers between global Green Bonds (GBs), WTI oil and G7 stock markets using the time-frequency spillover index by Baruník and Křehlík (2018) and wavelet coherency approach.
31 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a comprehensive stability-indicating HPLC-DAD method has been developed and validated for determination of favipiravir (FAV) which is a novel and emerging antiviral option in COVID-19 treatment.
28 citations
TL;DR: In this article, microbubble (MB) ultrasound contrast agents in conjunction with ultrasound energy to locally increase the permeability of brain vessels and modulate the brain TME are discussed.
25 citations
TL;DR: Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation is a promising but resource-intensive intervention that may increase rates of survival to hospital discharge among patients who experience OHCA and the majority of included articles were high quality studies.
Abstract: Background Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) has gained increasing as a promising but resource-intensive intervention for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). There is little data to quantify the impact of this intervention and the patients likely to benefit from its use. We conducted a meta-analysis of the literature to assess the survival benefit associated with ECPR for OHCA. Methods We searched PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases to identify relevant observational studies and randomized control trials. We used the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and Cochrane risk-of-bias tool to assess studies' quality. We performed random-effects meta-analysis for the primary outcome of survival to hospital discharge and used meta-regressions to assess heterogeneity. Results We identified 1287 articles, reviewed the full text of 209 and included 44 in our meta-analysis. Our analysis included 3097 patients with OHCA. Patients' mean age was 52, 79% were male, and 60% had primary ventricular fibrillation/ventricular tachycardia arrest. We identified a survival-to-discharge rate of 24%; 18% survived with favorable neurologic function. 30- and 90-days survival rates were both around 18%. The majority of included articles were high quality studies. Conclusions Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation is a promising but resource-intensive intervention that may increase rates of survival to hospital discharge among patients who experience OHCA.
21 citations
TL;DR: In this article , the authors examined the safe-haven and hedging potential of oil and gold against industrial metals and agricultural commodities using a novel approach of quantile-on-quantile regression (QQR).
21 citations
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors examined the multiscale spillovers and nonlinear causalities between the crude oil futures market and the stock markets of the United States (US), Canada, China, Russia, and Venezuela before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
TL;DR: In this article , a prospective multicenter study included all patients undergoing elective surgery at 170 Veterans Health Administration (VA) hospitals across the United States, and patients were divided into groups based on first positive COVID-19 test within 30 days after surgery (COVID[-/+]), before surgery ( COVID[+/-]), or negative throughout (CO VID[-/-]).
Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated the adoption of protocols to minimize risk of periprocedural complications associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. This typically involves a preoperative symptom screen and nasal swab RT-PCR test for viral RNA. Asymptomatic patients with a negative COVID-19 test are cleared for surgery. However, little is known about the rate of postoperative COVID-19 positivity among elective surgical patients, risk factors for this group and rate of complications.This prospective multicenter study included all patients undergoing elective surgery at 170 Veterans Health Administration (VA) hospitals across the United States. Patients were divided into groups based on first positive COVID-19 test within 30 days after surgery (COVID[-/+]), before surgery (COVID[+/-]) or negative throughout (COVID[-/-]). The cumulative incidence, risk factors for and complications of COVID[-/+], were estimated using univariate analysis, exact matching, and multivariable regression.Between March 1 and December 1, 2020 90,093 patients underwent elective surgery. Of these, 60,853 met inclusion criteria, of which 310 (0.5%) were in the COVID[-/+] group. Adjusted multivariable logistic regression identified female sex, end stage renal disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, cancer, cirrhosis, and undergoing neurosurgical procedures as risk factors for being in the COVID[-/+] group. After matching on current procedural terminology code and month of procedure, multivariable Poisson regression estimated the complication rate ratio for the COVID[-/+] group vs. COVID[-/-] to be 8.4 (C.I. 4.9-14.4) for pulmonary complications, 3.0 (2.2, 4.1) for major complications, and 2.6 (1.9, 3.4) for any complication.Despite preoperative COVID-19 screening, there remains a risk of COVID infection within 30 days after elective surgery. This risk is increased for patients with a high comorbidity burden and those undergoing neurosurgical procedures. Higher intensity preoperative screening and closer postoperative monitoring is warranted in such patients because they have a significantly elevated risk of postoperative complications.
TL;DR: In this paper , a low-cost process to quantitatively convert polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into p -xylene (PX) and ethylene glycol (EG) over modified Cu/SiO 2 catalyst using methanol as both solvent and hydrogen donor.
Abstract: Abstract With the aim to solve the serious problem of white plastic pollution, we report herein a low-cost process to quantitatively convert polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into p -xylene (PX) and ethylene glycol (EG) over modified Cu/SiO 2 catalyst using methanol as both solvent and hydrogen donor. Kinetic and in-situ Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) studies demonstrate that the degradation of PET into PX involves tandem PET methanolysis and dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) selective hydro-deoxygenation (HDO) steps with the in-situ produced H 2 from methanol decomposition at 210 °C. The overall high activities are attributed to the high Cu + /Cu 0 ratio derived from the dense and granular copper silicate precursor, as formed by the induction of proper NaCl addition during the hydrothermal synthesis. This hydrogen-free one-pot approach allows to directly produce gasoline fuels and antifreeze components from waste poly-ester plastic, providing a feasible solution to the plastic problem in islands.
TL;DR: In this article , the authors investigate the nexus between oil shocks and agriculture commodities with portfolio implications and find strong intra and weaker inter-connectedness between the two types of commodities with time-varying spillovers in the short and long run.
TL;DR: In this article , the safety and efficacy of CD24Fc in hospitalised adults with COVID-19 receiving oxygen support was evaluated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 study at nine medical centers in the USA.
Abstract: Non-antiviral therapeutic options are required for the treatment of hospitalised patients with COVID-19. CD24Fc is an immunomodulator with potential to reduce the exaggerated inflammatory response to tissue injuries. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of CD24Fc in hospitalised adults with COVID-19 receiving oxygen support.We conducted a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 study at nine medical centres in the USA. Hospitalised patients (age ≥18 years) with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection who were receiving oxygen support and standard of care were randomly assigned (1:1) by site-stratified block randomisation to receive a single intravenous infusion of CD24Fc 480 mg or placebo. The study funder, investigators, and patients were masked to treatment group assignment. The primary endpoint was time to clinical improvement over 28 days, defined as time that elapsed between a baseline National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases ordinal scale score of 2-4 and reaching a score of 5 or higher or hospital discharge. The prespecified primary interim analysis was done when 146 participants reached the time to clinical improvement endpoint. Efficacy was assessed in the intention-to-treat population. Safety was assessed in the as-treated population. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04317040.Between April 24 and Sept 22, 2020, 243 hospitalised patients were assessed for eligibility and 234 were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive CD24Fc (n=116) or placebo (n=118). The prespecified interim analysis was done when 146 participants reached the time to clinical improvement endpoint among 197 randomised participants. In the interim analysis, the 28-day clinical improvement rate was 82% (81 of 99) for CD24Fc versus 66% (65 of 98) for placebo; median time to clinical improvement was 6·0 days (95% CI 5·0-8·0) in the CD24Fc group versus 10·0 days (7·0-15·0) in the placebo group (hazard ratio [HR] 1·61, 95% CI 1·16-2·23; log-rank p=0·0028, which crossed the prespecified efficacy boundary [α=0·0147]). 37 participants were randomly assigned after the interim analysis data cutoff date; among the 234 randomised participants, median time to clinical improvement was 6·0 days (95% CI 5·0-9·0) in the CD24Fc group versus 10·5 days (7·0-15·0) in the placebo group (HR 1·40, 95% CI 1·02-1·92; log-rank p=0·037). The proportion of participants with disease progression within 28 days was 19% (22 of 116) in the CD24Fc group versus 31% (36 of 118) in the placebo group (HR 0·56, 95% CI 0·33-0·95; unadjusted p=0·031). The incidences of adverse events and serious adverse events were similar in both groups. No treatment-related adverse events were observed.CD24Fc is generally well tolerated and accelerates clinical improvement of hospitalised patients with COVID-19 who are receiving oxygen support. These data suggest that targeting inflammation in response to tissue injuries might provide a therapeutic option for patients hospitalised with COVID-19.Merck & Co, National Cancer Institute, OncoImmune.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined county-level racial/ethnic disparities in human mobility and COVID-19 health outcomes during the year 2020 by leveraging geo-tracking data across the contiguous US.
TL;DR: Ang-2 should be utilized early in the course of shock, before the NED dose exceeds 0.2-0.3 µg/kg/min and before the initiation of the fourth-line vasopressor, and reduces catecholamine dose significantly.
Abstract: Introduction:Angiotensin II (Ang-2) is a non-catecholamine vasopressor that targets the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system by agonism of the angiotensin type 1 receptor. Its utility as a vasopres...
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors show how simple, biologically motivated Hebbian and homeostatic mechanisms in single neurons can allow circuits with fixed responses to continuously track a plastic, changing representation without reference to an external learning signal.
Abstract: Significance The brain is capable of adapting while maintaining stable long-term memories and learned skills. Recent experiments show that neural responses are highly plastic in some circuits, while other circuits maintain consistent responses over time, raising the question of how these circuits interact coherently. We show how simple, biologically motivated Hebbian and homeostatic mechanisms in single neurons can allow circuits with fixed responses to continuously track a plastic, changing representation without reference to an external learning signal.
TL;DR: In this paper , the authors performed a descriptive analysis of patient factors and evaluated variables contributing to critical disease or need for hospitalization and found no difference in the percentage of patients who recovered from COVID-19.
Abstract: Solid organ transplant recipients (SOTR) have diminished humoral immune responses to COVID-19 vaccination and higher rates of COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough infection than the general population. Little is known about COVID-19 disease severity in SOTR with COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough infections.Between 4/7/21 and 6/21/21, we requested case reports via the Emerging Infections Network (EIN) listserv of SARS-CoV-2 infection following COVID-19 vaccination in SOTR. Online data collection included patient demographics, dates of COVID-19 vaccine administration, and clinical data related to COVID-19. We performed a descriptive analysis of patient factors and evaluated variables contributing to critical disease or need for hospitalization.Sixty-six cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection after vaccination in SOTR were collected. COVID-19 occurred after the second vaccine dose in 52 (78.8%) cases, of which 43 (82.7%) occurred ≥14 days post-vaccination. There were six deaths, three occurring in fully vaccinated individuals (7.0%, n = 3/43). There was no difference in the percentage of patients who recovered from COVID-19 (70.7% vs. 72.2%, p = .90) among fully and partially vaccinated individuals. We did not identify any differences in hospitalization (60.5% vs. 55.6%, p = .72) or critical disease (20.9% vs. 33.3%, p = .30) among those who were fully versus partially vaccinated.SOTR vaccinated against COVID-19 can still develop severe, and even critical, COVID-19 disease. Two doses of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine may be insufficient to protect against severe disease and mortality in SOTR. Future studies to define correlates of protection in SOTR are needed.
TL;DR: In this article, 14 core principles are considered aiming to move the needle more closely to systems that are accurate, resilient, fair, explainable, safe, and transparent: toward trustworthy AI.
Abstract: Trust in artificial intelligence (AI) by society and the development of trustworthy AI systems and ecosystems are critical for the progress and implementation of AI technology in medicine. With the growing use of AI in a variety of medical and imaging applications, it is more vital than ever to make these systems dependable and trustworthy. Fourteen core principles are considered in this article aiming to move the needle more closely to systems that are accurate, resilient, fair, explainable, safe, and transparent: toward trustworthy AI.
University College London1, University of Utah2, University Medical Center Groningen3, Yale University4, Imperial College London5, Technische Universität München6, University of Bologna7, University of Lisbon8, Innsbruck Medical University9, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens10, Mayo Clinic11, James Cook University12, Cornell University13, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston14, University of Patras15, AHEPA University Hospital16, Maastricht University17, St George's, University of London18, University of Porto19, University of Nicosia20, Ljubljana University Medical Centre21, University of Poitiers22, New York University23, University Hospital Heidelberg24, University of Miami25, University of Regensburg26, Marche Polytechnic University27, Università Campus Bio-Medico28, National University of Ireland, Galway29, University of Maryland, Baltimore30
TL;DR: In this paper, a literature review was performed with a focus on data from recent studies and several clinical and imaging high-risk features have been identified that are associated with an increased long-term ipsilateral ischemic stroke risk in patients with carotid stenosis.
Abstract: Objectives The recommendations of international guidelines for the management of asymptomatic carotid stenosis (ACS) often vary considerably and extend from a conservative approach with risk factor modification and best medical treatment (BMT) alone, to a more aggressive approach with a carotid intervention plus BMT. The aim of the current multispecialty position statement is to reconcile the conflicting views on the topic. Materials and methods A literature review was performed with a focus on data from recent studies. Results Several clinical and imaging high-risk features have been identified that are associated with an increased long-term ipsilateral ischemic stroke risk in patients with ACS. Such high-risk clinical/imaging features include intraplaque hemorrhage, impaired cerebrovascular reserve, carotid plaque echolucency/ulceration/ neovascularization, a lipid-rich necrotic core, a thin or ruptured fibrous cap, silent brain infarction, a contralateral transient ischemic attack/stroke episode, male patients Conclusions Although aggressive risk factor control and BMT should be implemented in all ACS patients, several high-risk features that may increase the risk of a future cerebrovascular event are now documented. Consequently, some guidelines recommend a prophylactic carotid intervention in high-risk patients to prevent future cerebrovascular events. Until the results of the much-anticipated randomized controlled trials emerge, the jury is still out regarding the optimal management of ACS patients.
TL;DR: A preliminary cost-effectiveness analysis of operative treatment of TSI patients in Tanzania suggests that the upfront costs of spine trauma surgery may be offset by a reduction in disability.
Abstract: Study Design:Retrospective cost-effectiveness analysis.Objectives:While the incidence of traumatic spine injury (TSI) is high in low-middle income countries (LMICs), surgery is rarely possible due ...
TL;DR: In this paper , additional expression of human complement and coagulation pathway regulatory proteins, anti-inflammatory enzymes and self-recognition receptors, and knockdown of the β4Gal xenoantigen were tested in various combinations.
TL;DR: In this paper , the changes in epigenetic markers in placentas from obese pregnant women following delivery by Caesarean-section at term were investigated by using varied approaches including immunocytochemistry staining, Western blot, RT-qPCR, and ELISA.
TL;DR: In this article, a multivariate logistic regression model adjusted by sociodemographic characteristics and contextual variables for the Covid-19 pandemic was constructed to estimate the prevalence of suicide attempts among adolescents 10-19 years old.
TL;DR: In this paper, a mouse model was established by short-term high-fat diet combined with low-dose streptozotocin (STZ) treatment while MOTS-c was administrated daily during pregnancy.
TL;DR: In this paper , a mouse model was established by short-term high-fat diet combined with low-dose streptozotocin (STZ) treatment while MOTS-c was administrated daily during pregnancy.
Abstract: The most common complication during pregnancy, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), can cause adverse pregnancy outcomes and result in the mother and infant having a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes after pregnancy. However, existing therapies for GDM remain scant, with the most common being lifestyle intervention and appropriate insulin treatment. MOTS-c, a mitochondrial-derived peptide, can target skeletal muscle and enhance glucose metabolism. Here, we demonstrate that MOTS-c can be an effective treatment for GDM. A GDM mouse model was established by short term high-fat diet combined with low-dose streptozotocin (STZ) treatment while MOTS-c was administrated daily during pregnancy. GDM symptoms such as blood glucose and insulin levels, glucose and insulin tolerance, as well as reproductive outcomes were investigated. MOTS-c significantly alleviated hyperglycemia, improved insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, and reduced birth weight and the death of offspring induced by GDM. Similar to a previous study, MOTS-c also could activate insulin sensitivity in the skeletal muscle of GDM mice and elevate glucose uptake in vitro. In addition, we found that MOTS-c protects pancreatic β-cell from STZ-mediated injury. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that MOTS-c could be a promising strategy for the treatment of GDM.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors systematically mapped and discussed the current applications of AI (such as detection, classification, segmentation as well as the prediction and prognostication) in lymphoma PET.
Abstract: Malignant lymphomas are a family of heterogenous disorders caused by clonal proliferation of lymphocytes. 18F-FDG-PET has proven to provide essential information for accurate quantification of disease burden, treatment response evaluation, and prognostication. However, manual delineation of hypermetabolic lesions is often a time-consuming and impractical task. Applications of artificial intelligence (AI) may provide solutions to overcome this challenge. Beyond segmentation and detection of lesions, AI could enhance tumor characterization and heterogeneity quantification, as well as treatment response prediction and recurrence risk stratification. In this scoping review, we have systematically mapped and discussed the current applications of AI (such as detection, classification, segmentation as well as the prediction and prognostication) in lymphoma PET.
TL;DR: In ACEi-induced angioedema, bradykinin accumulates due to a decrease in its metabolism by ACE, the enzyme that is primarily responsible for this function as discussed by the authors.