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The article discusses how four experts are gaining the attention and respect of public health and government organizations. Topics include proving industry and its professionals are key parts of the health ecosystem; and promote the viewpoint beyond our clients and industry partners and gain the attention and support of governments and public health professionals.

Pediatric Coronavirus Disease 2019 (pCOVID-19) is rarely severe; however, a minority of children infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) might develop multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), with substantial morbidity. In this longitudinal multi-institutional study, we applied multi-omics (analysis of soluble biomarkers, proteomics, single-cell gene expression and immune repertoire analysis) to profile children with COVID-19 (n= 110) and MIS-C (n= 76), along with pediatric healthy controls (pHCs; n= 76). pCOVID-19 was characterized by robust type I interferon (IFN) responses, whereas prominent type II IFN-dependent and NF-κB-dependent signatures, matrisome activation and increased levels of circulating spike protein were detected in MIS-C, with no correlation with SARS-CoV-2 PCR status around the time of admission. Transient expansion of TRBV11-2T cell clonotypes in MIS-C was associated with signatures of inflammation and T cell activation. The association of MIS-C with the combination of HLA A*02, B*35 and C*04 alleles suggests genetic susceptibility. MIS-C B cells showed higher mutation load than pCOVID-19 and pHC. These results identify distinct immunopathological signatures in pCOVID-19 and MIS-C that might help better define the pathophysiology of these disorders and guide therapy.

Tofacitinib is an oral Janus kinase inhibitor for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The Oral Rheumatoid Arthritis triaL (ORAL) Strategy aimed to assess the comparative efficacy of tofacitinib monotherapy, tofacitinib plus methotrexate, and adalimumab plus methotrexate for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in patients with a previous inadequate response to methotrexate.

Patients who have had inadequate response to tumour necrosis factor inhibitors have fewer treatment options and are generally more treatment refractory to subsequent therapeutic interventions than previously untreated patients. We report the efficacy and safety of ixekizumab, a monoclonal antibody that selectively targets interleukin-17A, in patients with active psoriatic arthritis and previous inadequate response to tumour necrosis factor inhibitors.

The article focuses on the participation of Irish anti-fascist volunteers in the Royal Armed Forces (RAF) during the World War II from 1939 to 1945. It indicates that many Irish volunteers have joined the RAF because of family tradition and economic reasons. It also claims that there is no proof on the allegation that the participation of Irish men in the British Army has been motivated by an anti-fascist commitment.

Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) in animals include, among others, bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), scrapie, chronic wasting disease, and atypical forms of prion diseases. Diagnosis of TSEs is based on identification of characteristic lesions or on detection of the abnormal prion proteins in tissues, often by use of their partial proteinase K resistance property. Correctly sampling of target tissues is of utmost importance as this has a considerable effect on test sensitivity. Most of the rapid or screening tests are based on ELISA or Western immunoblot (WB) analysis, and many are officially approved. Confirmatory testing is normally performed by use of histologic examination, immunohistochemical analysis, certain WB protocols, or detection of prion fibrils by use of electron microscopy (scrapie-associated fibril). The discriminatory methods for diagnostic use are mostly based on WB technology and provide initial identification of the prion strain, particularly for differentiation of BSE from scrapie in small ruminants. Definitive prion strain characterization is performed by use of bioassays, usually in mice. A burgeoning number of transgenic mice have been developed for TSE studies. Development of new tests with higher sensitivity and of more reliable diagnostic applications for live animals tested for food safety reasons is a rapidly developing field. Ultimately, the choice of a test for TSE diagnosis depends on the rationale for the testing.

Qualitative and quantitative comparisons were conducted of commercially available immunodiagnostic devices for the detection of three select agents with oral LD50values ≥0.1 mg/kg of body weight. Ricin (oral LD50> 1 mg/kg), amanitin (oral LD50approximately 0.1 mg/kg), and T-2 toxin (oral LD50> 1 mg/kg) were spiked into beverages, produce, dairy, and baked goods and assayed using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) and lateral flow devices. In all cases, the commercial diagnostic kits successfully detected all three select agents at concentrations below what might be a health concern. The considerable difference between the limit of detection of the immunodiagnostic devices employed (typically ≤0.020 μg/g) and the amount of the select agent necessary to pose a health threat in a single serving of food facilitated the design of protocols for the high throughput screening of food samples. These protocols entailed simple extraction methods followed by sample dilution. Lateral flow devices and sandwich ELISAs for the detection of ricin had no significant background problems due to the food matrices. Competitive ELISAs, which typically have unacceptably high background reactions with food samples, successfully detected amanitin and T-2 toxin.

Two toxigenic strains of the fungus Alternaria alternata(ATCC 56836 and ATCC 66868) were grown on surface-disinfected, fresh, ripe fruits and tested for the production of alternariol (AOH) and alternariol methyl ether (AME). Examined fruits included strawberries; red and green seedless grapes; concord grapes; red delicious, golden delicious, and gala apples; and blueberries. After inoculation, fruits were incubated at 4, 10°C, or room temperature (approximately 21°C) for up to 3 weeks. At weekly intervals, duplicate samples were analyzed for AOH and AME by using liquid chromatography. Results indicated that A. alternataand its metabolites were not a major problem in strawberries due to the presence of fast-growing molds like Rhizopusand Botrytisthat outgrew and possibly inhibited Alternaria. Both Alternariastrains showed limited growth on apples, although fast-growing molds were not present after surface disinfection; AOH and AME were produced only by the ATCC 56836 strain on the golden delicious and gala varieties, (ranging from <0.1 to 5 μg/g and <0.1 to 14 μg/g for AOH and AME, respectively). Restricted growth of both strains without toxin production occurred in blueberries, whereas moderate growth and AOH (<0.1 to 3,336 μg/g) and AME (<0.1 to 1,716 μg/g) production took place in grapes.

This article reviews and compares the major types of electronic theft detection systems currently available, explains the function of electromagnetic and radio frequency devices, and describes current research and development of radio frequency identification systems. Stressing the need for accurate inventories, it outlines common objections to installing systems, and suggests several cogent arguments in their favor. A list of frequently asked questions is appended.

Dihydrocitrinone, 3,4-dihydro-6,8-dihydroxy-3,4,5-trimethyiisocoumarin-7-carboxylic acid, was isolated and identified as a urinary metabolite after oral administration of citrinin to rats. Male and female Osborne-Mendel rats received 30 mg citrinin/kg body weight by oral intubation. The metabolite dihydrocitrinone was present in urine collected at 0-2, 2-4, 4-6, 6-8, and 8-24 h after treatment. Only unchanged citrinin was found in blood collected 24 h after administration of the compound. The metabolite had a blue fluorescence and the same Rf on thin-layer chromatography, the same retention time on reverse-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography, and the same mass spectrum as an authentic sample of dihydrocitrinone.

Forty-two knees were tested on both symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects. Subjects were tested using dynamic patellofemoral compression tests, and knee extension/flexion was evaluated using an isokinetic dynamometer with a dual channel recorder. The records of knee extension torque were analyzed using a single blind assessment and were judged to be regular or irregular based on deflections from the upward or downward course of the torque tracing. A statistically significant relationship was found between irregularity of the torque records and positive findings on the patellofemoral compression tests performed in full knee extension. A similar relationship was present between regular torque curves and negative findings on the compression tests. It was concluded that assessment of the regularity of the isokinetic torque of knee extension is a potentially valuable adjunct to evaluation of persons with disorders of the patellofemoral joint, but further research is needed to explore this area.J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 1983;4(3):150-153.

The article covers various issues in Ireland as of October 2010. The state-owned forestry firm Coillte Teoranta intends to enter the nursing home business. Problems in secondary schools are said to be emerging due to the demands of the recession for cost-effectiveness. The Revenue Commission has decided to close their counters that allow taxpayers to conduct their business face to face.

The article offers news briefs on the different issues in Ireland, including the chemical processes involved in the country's water supply, opportunities for Irish science graduates and the so-called Cork Docklands. It notes that Ireland's Green Party would not discuss the chemical contents of their drinking water. It states that the country's Health Minister Mary Harney should established proper laboratories so that science graduates would be employed.

During the past two years, more than 1,000 cases of a neurological disorder of cattle, bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)1, have been confirmed from farms throughout Great Britain. The neurological signs and brain pathology of BSE resemble those produced in other species by the pathogens of scrapie and related disorders. The discovery of fibrils similar to scrapie-associated fibrils in detergent extracts of BSE-affected brain supported the clinical and pathological diagnosis of the disease1, but has been controversial. Scrapie-associated fibrils are found in brain extracts of all species affected by scrapie and diseases caused by related pathogens2,3. They are pathological aggregates of a neuronal membrane protein termed PrP4–6and a protease-resistant form of PrP7–9is a molecular marker of scrapie-associated fibrils. In this report, we show the major protein of BSE fibrils is the bovine homologue of PrP as judged by its size, protease resistance, immunoreactivity, lectin binding and partial N-terminal protein sequence. This confirms that BSE is a scrapie-like disease.