Outcome of Debridement, Antibiotics, and Implant Retention for Treatment of Late Acute Hematogenous Periprosthetic Joint Infections.

Background: Late acute hematogenous periprosthetic joint infections (LAHPJIs) pose a unique challenge to the arthroplasty surgeon. While debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR) is a common method for treatment, success rates vary widely. Our study aimed to provide clarity on the efficacy of DAIR in treating LAHPJIs, as well as to identify factors associated with treatment success, which may guide decision-making for optimizing patient outcomes.

Sex Disparities and Neutralizing-Antibody Durability to SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Convalescent Individuals.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has now caused over 2 million deaths worldwide and continues to expand. Currently, much is unknown about functionally neutralizing human antibody responses and durability to SARS-CoV-2 months after infection or the reason for the discrepancy in COVID-19 disease and sex. Using convalescent-phase sera collected from 101 COVID-19-recovered individuals 21 to 212 days after symptom onset with 48 additional longitudinal samples, we measured functionality and durability of serum antibodies.

Production of the Receptor-binding Domain of the Viral Spike Proteins from 2003 and 2019 SARS CoVs and the Four Common Human Coronaviruses for Serologic Assays and Inhibitor Screening.

The recombinant receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the viral spike protein from SARS-CoV-1 and 2 are reliable antigens for detecting viral-specific antibodies in humans. We and others have shown that the levels of RBD-binding antibodies and SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies in patients are correlated. Here, we report the expression and purification of properly folded RBD proteins from SARS and common-cold HCoVs in mammalian cells.

A Novel Antigenic Site Spanning Domains I and III of the Zika Virus Envelope Glycoprotein Is the Target of Strongly Neutralizing Human Monoclonal Antibodies.

Zika virus (ZIKV), a mosquito-transmitted flavivirus, caused a large epidemic in Latin America between 2015 and 2017. Effective ZIKV vaccines and treatments are urgently needed to prevent future epidemics and severe disease sequelae. People infected with ZIKV develop strongly neutralizing antibodies linked to viral clearance and durable protective immunity.

Sex disparities and neutralizing antibody durability to SARS-CoV-2 infection in convalescent individuals.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has now caused over 2 million deaths worldwide and continues to expand. Currently, much is unknown about functionally neutralizing human antibody responses and durability to SARS-CoV-2. Using convalescent sera collected from 101 COVID-19 recovered individuals 21-212 days after symptom onset with forty-eight additional longitudinal samples, we measured functionality and durability of serum antibodies.

The relationship between type of drug therapy and blood glucose self-monitoring test strips claimed by beneficiaries of the Seniors' Pharmacare Program in Nova Scotia, Canada.

Background: The healthcare expenditure on self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) test strips under the Nova Scotia Seniors' Pharmacare Program (NSSPP) has increased significantly in recent years. The objective of this study was to identify the frequency and cost of claims for blood glucose monitoring test strips by NSSPP beneficiaries in the fiscal year 2005/06 and to explore the variation in the use of test strips by type of treatment, age and sex.

Methods: Retrospective analysis was conducted using pharmacy administrative claims data for NSSPP beneficiaries.

Effect of an academic detailing intervention on the utilization rate of cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors in the elderly.

Background: Osteoarthritis is prevalent in the elderly. Nova Scotia general practitioners (GPs) identified the need for an academic detailing (AD) intervention aimed at optimizing the management of osteoarthritis. AD was provided by Dalhousie University Continuing Medical Education in a face-to-face encounter employing evidence-based information.