Risk Of Severe Disease Research Articles

Empirical distributions of time intervals between COVID-19 cases and more severe outcomes in Scotland.

A critical factor in infectious disease control is the risk of an outbreak overwhelming local healthcare capacity. The overall demand on healthcare services will depend on disease severity, but the precise timing and size of peak demand also depends on the time interval (or clinical time delay) between initial infection, and development of severe disease. A broader distribution of intervals may draw that demand out over a longer period, but have a lower peak demand. These interval distributions are therefore important in modelling trajectories of e.g. hospital admissions, given a trajectory of incidence. Conversely, as testing rates decline, an incidence trajectory may need to be inferred through the delayed, but relatively unbiased signal of hospital admissions. Healthcare demand has been extensively modelled during the COVID-19 pandemic, where localised waves of infection have imposed severe stresses on healthcare services. While the initial acute threat posed by this disease has since subsided with immunity buildup from vaccination and prior infection, prevalence remains high and waning immunity may lead to substantial pressures for years to come. In this work, then, we present a set of interval distributions, for COVID-19 cases and subsequent severe outcomes; hospital admission, ICU admission, and death. These may be used to model more realistic scenarios of hospital admissions and occupancy, given a trajectory of infections or cases. We present a method for obtaining empirical distributions using COVID-19 outcomes data from Scotland between September 2020 and January 2022 (N = 31724 hospital admissions, N = 3514 ICU admissions, N = 8306 mortalities). We present separate distributions for individual age, sex, and deprivation of residing community. While the risk of severe disease following COVID-19 infection is substantially higher for the elderly and those residing in areas of high deprivation, the length of stay shows no strong dependence, suggesting that severe outcomes are equally severe across risk groups. As Scotland and other countries move into a phase where testing is no longer abundant, these intervals may be of use for retrospective modelling of patterns of infection, given data on severe outcomes.

Pediatric Hospitalizations and ICU Admissions Due to COVID-19 and Pediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome Temporally Associated With SARS-CoV-2 in England

Investigating how the risk of serious illness after SARS-CoV-2 infection in children and adolescents has changed as new variants have emerged is essential to inform public health interventions and clinical guidance. To examine risk factors associated with hospitalization for COVID-19 or pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporally associated with SARS-CoV-2 (PIMS-TS) among children and adolescents during the first 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic and change in risk factors over time. This population-level analysis of hospitalizations after SARS-CoV-2 infection in England among children and adolescents aged 0 to 17 years was conducted from February 1, 2020, to January 31, 2022. National data on hospital activity were linked with data on SARS-CoV-2 testing, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admissions, and mortality. Children and adolescents hospitalized with COVID-19 or PIMS-TS during this time were included. Maternal, elective, and injury-related hospitalizations were excluded. Previous medical comorbidities, sociodemographic factors, and timing of hospitalization when different SARS-CoV-2 variants (ie, wild type, Alpha, Delta, and Omicron) were dominant in England. PICU admission and death within 28 days of hospitalization with COVID-19 or PIMS-TS. A total of 10 540 hospitalizations due to COVID-19 and 997 due to PIMS-TS were identified within 1 125 010 emergency hospitalizations for other causes. The number of hospitalizations due to COVID-19 and PIMS-TS per new SARS-CoV-2 infections in England declined during the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Among 10 540 hospitalized children and adolescents, 448 (4.3%) required PICU admission due to COVID-19, declining from 162 of 1635 (9.9%) with wild type, 98 of 1616 (6.1%) with Alpha, and 129 of 3789 (3.4%) with Delta to 59 of 3500 (1.7%) with Omicron. Forty-eight children and adolescents died within 28 days of hospitalization due to COVID-19, and no children died of PIMS-TS (PIMS-S data were limited to November 2020 onward). Risk of severe COVID-19 in children and adolescents was associated with medical comorbidities and neurodisability regardless of SARS-CoV-2 variant. Results were similar when children and adolescents with prior SARS-CoV-2 exposure or vaccination were excluded. In this study of data across the first 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic, risk of severe disease from SARS-CoV-2 infection in children and adolescents in England remained low. Children and adolescents with multiple medical problems, particularly neurodisability, were at increased risk and should be central to public health measures as further variants emerge.

High-dimensional order-free multivariate spatial disease mapping

Despite the amount of research on disease mapping in recent years, the use of multivariate models for areal spatial data remains limited due to difficulties in implementation and computational burden. These problems are exacerbated when the number of areas is very large. In this paper, we introduce an order-free multivariate scalable Bayesian modelling approach to smooth mortality (or incidence) risks of several diseases simultaneously. The proposal partitions the spatial domain into smaller subregions, fits multivariate models in each subdivision and obtains the posterior distribution of the relative risks across the entire spatial domain. The approach also provides posterior correlations among the spatial patterns of the diseases in each partition that are combined through a consensus Monte Carlo algorithm to obtain correlations for the whole study region. We implement the proposal using integrated nested Laplace approximations (INLA) in the R package bigDM and use it to jointly analyse colorectal, lung, and stomach cancer mortality data in Spanish municipalities. The new proposal allows for the analysis of large datasets and yields superior results compared to fitting a single multivariate model. Additionally, it facilitates statistical inference through local homogeneous models, which may be more appropriate than a global homogeneous model when dealing with a large number of areas.

San Francisco's Citywide COVID-19 Response: Strategies to Reduce COVID-19 Severity and Health Disparities, March 2020 Through May 2022.

San Francisco implemented one of the most intensive, comprehensive, multipronged COVID-19 pandemic responses in the United States using 4 core strategies: (1) aggressive mitigation measures to protect populations at risk for severe disease, (2) prioritization of resources in neighborhoods highly affected by COVID-19, (3) timely and adaptive data-driven policy making, and (4) leveraging of partnerships and public trust. We collected data to describe programmatic and population-level outcomes. The excess all-cause mortality rate in 2020 in San Francisco was half that seen in 2019 in California as a whole (8% vs 16%). In almost all age and race and ethnicity groups, excess mortality from COVID-19 was lower in San Francisco than in California overall, with markedly diminished excess mortality among people aged >65 years. The COVID-19 response in San Francisco highlights crucial lessons, particularly the importance of community responsiveness, joint planning, and collective action, to inform future pandemic response and advance health equity.

Natural History and Developmental Trajectories of Individuals With Disease-Causing Variants in STXBP1.

Pathogenic variants in STXBP1 are among the major genetic causes of neurodevelopmental disorders. Despite the increasing number of individuals diagnosed without a history of epilepsy, little is known about the natural history and developmental trajectories in this subgroup and endpoints for future therapeutic studies are limited to seizure control. We performed a cross-sectional retrospective study using standardized questionnaires for clinicians and caregivers of individuals with STXBP1-related disorders capturing medical histories, genetic findings, and developmental outcomes. Motor and language function were assessed using Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) scores and a speech impairment score and were compared within and across clinically defined subgroups. We collected data of 71 individuals with STXBP1-related disorders, including 44 previously unreported individuals. Median age at inclusion was 5.3 years (interquartile range 3.5-9.3) with the oldest individual aged 43.8 years. Epilepsy was absent in 18/71 (25%) of individuals. The range of developmental outcomes was broad, including 2 individuals presenting with close to age-appropriate motor development. Twenty-nine of 61 individuals (48%) were able to walk unassisted, and 24/69 (35%) were able to speak single words. Individuals without epilepsy presented with a similar onset and spectrum of phenotypic features but had lower GMFCS scores (median 3 vs 4, p < 0.01) than individuals with epilepsy. Individuals with epileptic spasms were less likely to walk unassisted than individuals with other seizure types (6% vs 58%, p < 0.01). Individuals with early epilepsy onset had higher speech impairment scores (p = 0.02) than individuals with later epilepsy onset. We expand the spectrum of STXBP1-related disorders and provide clinical features and developmental trajectories in individuals with and without a history of epilepsy. Individuals with epilepsy, in particular epileptic spasms, and neonatal or early-onset presented with less favorable motor and language functional outcomes compared with individuals without epilepsy. These findings identify children at risk for severe disease and can serve as comparator for future interventional studies in STXBP1-related disorders.

Turner Syndrome

Turner syndrome is a rare chromosomal disorder that affects females. The disorder is characterized by partial or complete loss (monosomy) of one of the second sex chromosomes. TS is associated with certain physical and medical features including estrogen deficiency, short stature and increased risk for several diseases with cardiac conditions being among the most serious. The cognitive-behavioral phenotype associated with TS includes strengths in verbal domains with impairments in visual-spatial, executive function and emotion processing. Genetic analyses have identified the short stature homeobox (SHOX) gene as being a candidate gene for short stature and other skeletal abnormalities.4

CLINICAL EVALUATION OF OMICRON SUBVARIANT BA. 2- A HOSPITAL BASED STUDY

Introduction- Omicron is subdivided into BA.1 and BA.2. BA.2 appears to be more transmissible by nature. The new BA.2 sub variant is 30% easier to spread than the original omicron variant. Among those who are infected, headache, sore/itchy throat, sneezing, runny nose, and general body soreness are the most prevalent symptoms. Dizziness and fatigue are two more Omicron BA.2 sub variant symptoms. The aim of the study to evaluate the clinical variability of the BA. 2 sub variant. Material and methods- A retrospective study was conducted from December 2021 – March 2022 at VRDL, department of microbiology, R. G Kar medical college and hospital. Clinical features, demographic status, comorbidity status was evaluated. Result - Common symptoms of BA.2 variants are headache, sore throat, fever, muscle pain shortness of breath, runny nose, fatigue, loss of taste, chest pain, diarrhea. Other unusual symptoms are chills, altered smell, eye soreness, swollen glands, rash, hoarse voice. The risk of severe disease was similarly lower for unvaccinated cases during the Omicron period, but it remained high for older persons and middle-aged men with comorbidities. Hospitalization was rare for this variant but affected more the unvaccinated infant group. However, future evolution of the BA.2 sub variant, as well as potential emergent sub variants, should be properly monitored.

Health Impacts from PM2.5 Exposure Using Environmental Epidemiology and Health Risk Assessment: A Review

Exposure to PM2.5 has been known to cause a variety of serious health consequences. Quantifying and investigating the health effects of PM2.5 pollution are imperative to understand and collect scientific evidence for supporting policies and associated actions. In this paper, we reviewed published environ-mental epidemiological studies and health risk assessments evaluating the health impacts of PM2.5 exposure in the PubMed database to identify the attributes of each method and aggregate the health impact results to perform analyses and summaries. Forty-two studies were identified after applying our search strategy, inclusion, and exclusion criteria. The epidemiological studies found an increased risk of several diseases from short- and long-term exposure, such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, lung cancer, stroke, pneumonia, depression, and diabetes. However, several conditions remain to be explored as the associations remain unclear, such as asthma, bronchitis, breast cancer, Parkinson’s disease for long-term exposure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, stillbirth, and hypertension for short-term exposure. Health risk assessment (HRA) studies at a global scale found more than 4 million deaths from diseases associated with PM2.5 exposure. These studies also emphasized the importance and benefits of health guidelines that demonstrated to help avoid the number of fatalities significantly, especially guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) that showed the highest benefit. HRA studies in Thailand also showed that the country's air quality needs to be improved to avoid deaths and hospital admission cases. We also found that cohort studies for the Thai population are required to improve the quality of data and limit overestimation from using global estimates. Finally, the benefits and limitations of each study approach were collated to assist future studies in determining the most suited instruments for their purposes.

A nanobody recognizes a unique conserved epitope and potently neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 omicron variants

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) Omicron variant sub-lineages spread rapidly worldwide, mostly due to their immune-evasive properties. This has put a significant part of the population at risk for severe disease and underscores the need for effective anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents against emergent strains in vulnerable patients. Camelid nanobodies are attractive therapeutic candidates due to their high stability, ease of large-scale production, and potential for delivery via inhalation. Here, we characterize the receptor binding domain (RBD)-specific nanobody W25 and show superior neutralization activity toward Omicron sub-lineages in comparison to all other SARS-CoV2 variants. Structure analysis of W25 in complex with the SARS-CoV2 spike glycoprotein shows that W25 engages an RBD epitope not covered by any of the antibodies previously approved for emergency use. Invivo evaluation of W25 prophylactic and therapeutic treatments across multiple SARS-CoV-2 variant infection models, together with W25 biodistribution analysis in mice, demonstrates favorable pre-clinical properties. Together, these data endorse W25 for further clinical development.

An investigation into the correlation of vitamin D status and management outcomes in patients with severe COVID-19 at a South African tertiary hospital

BackgroundSevere coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has a poor prognosis, and biomarkers may predict disease severity. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of baseline vitamin D (VitD) inadequacy on the outcomes of patients with severe COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary hospital in South Africa. MethodsPatients with confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) were recruited during wave II of the pandemic in Cape Town. Eighty-six patients were included in the study. They were categorized into three groups: VitD deficient, VitD insufficient, and VitD sufficient. The VitD deficient and VitD insufficient groups were combined to form a ‘VitD inadequate’ group. Cox regression analysis was done to assess the association between VitD status and mortality. Factors with P < 0.05 in the adjusted multivariable Cox regression analysis were considered statistically significant. ResultsThe proportion of VitD inadequacy was 64% (55/86); this group had a significantly higher proportion with hypertension (66%; P = 0.012). The Kaplan–Meier curve showed no significant difference in the probability of survival among the COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU with or without VitD inadequacy. However, patients with elevated serum creatinine were significantly more at risk of dying (adjusted hazard ratio 1.008, 95% confidence interval 1.002–1.030; P = 0.017). ConclusionsThis study found a high prevalence of VitD inadequacy (combined deficiency and insufficiency) in COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU. This may indicate a possible risk of severe disease. Whilst there was no statistically significant relationship between VitD status and mortality in this cohort, baseline VitD may be an important prognostic biomarker in COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU, particularly in those with comorbidities that predispose to VitD deficiency.

The Impact of Pulsed Electric Fields on Milk's Macro- and Micronutrient Profile: A Comprehensive Review.

Consumers around the world are attracted to products with beneficial effects on health. The stability, functionality, and integrity of milk constituents are crucial determinants of product quality in the dairy industry. Milk contains macronutrients and micronutrients that aid in a wide range of physiological functions in the human body. Deficiencies of these two types of nutrients can confine growth in children and increase the risk of several diseases in adults. The influence of pulsed electric fields (PEF) on milk has been extensively reviewed, mostly concentrating on the inactivation of microbes and enzymes for preservation purposes. Therefore, the information on the variations of milk macro- and micronutrients treated by PEF has yet to be elucidated and it is imperative as it may affect the functionality, stability, and integrity of the milk and dairy products. In this review, we describe in detail the introduction, types, and components of PEF, the inactivation mechanism of biological cells by PEF, as well as the effects of PEF on macro- and micronutrients in milk. In addition, we also cover the limitations that hinder the commercialization and integration of PEF in the food industry and the future outlook for PEF. The present review consolidates the latest research findings investigating the impact of PEF on the nutritional composition of milk. The assimilation of this valuable information aims to empower both industry professionals and consumers, facilitating a thorough understanding and meticulous assessment of the prospective adoption of PEF as an alternative technique for milk pasteurization.

COVID-19 Is No Longer a Public Health Emergency: Implications for Patients and Clinicians

COVID-19 Is No Longer a Public Health Emergency: Implications for Patients and Clinicians

Innovate and Stockpile: Respiratory Protection for Essential Workers in a Catastrophic Pandemic.

Innovate and Stockpile: Respiratory Protection for Essential Workers in a Catastrophic Pandemic.

Effective prevention of COVID-19 infection in cancer patients receiving antitumor drug therapy: a regional analysis

Background. The results of several multicenter studies indicate a high risk of severe COVID-19 and fatal outcomes in immunocompromised patients, including those with cancer. Effective prevention is critical to saving cancer patients' lives during the pandemic. Additional passive immunization with a combination of monoclonal antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 S protein in clinical studies showed a significant reduction in the risk of severe disease and death and a decrease in the frequency of hospitalizations. Real clinical practice shows the high efficiency of this approach in patients with oncological diseases receiving immunosuppressive therapy.&#x0D; Aim. To perform a comparative analysis of prevention effectiveness and COVID-19 severity in patients with solid malignant tumors receiving antitumor drug therapy.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The analysis included 100 vaccinated patients aged 22 to 84 with metastatic or inoperable solid tumors who received cytostatic therapy with or without a targeted agent. The median age was 56.5 years in Group 1 and 57.7 years in Group 2. In both groups, 32 (64%) patients had breast cancer, 10 (20%) had gastric, colon, and rectal cancers, 2 (4%) had lung cancer, 4 (8%), and 6 (12%) had reproductive cancers. In addition, Group 1 included 1 patient each with bladder and brain cancer. All were treated with antitumor drug therapy following clinical guidelines according to tumor localization.&#x0D; Results. The median number of received treatment lines of patients in Group 1 was 2.2, and 2.38 in Group 2. In Group 1, 42% of patients got infected, and 64% in Group 2. The combination of tixagevimab 150 mg + cilgavimab 150 mg monoclonal antibodies reduced the incidence of COVID-19 infection in any clinical form by 1.5-fold and hospitalizations by 1.3-fold. In Group 1, the rate of mild COVID-19 was higher; in Group 2, a higher risk of severe course was observed. In Group 1, viral pneumonia was 1.6-fold less common than in Group 2. Overall mortality in Group 1 was 6.5-fold lower than in Group 2. In Group 1, no COVID-19-related deaths were registered; in Group 2, the mortality rate was 8% (n=4). Mortality related to underlying disease in Group 2 was 3.5 times higher, and the risk of dying from the malignant tumor progression was 50% higher. In addition, in Group 2, 15% of deaths were related to cardiovascular diseases.&#x0D; Conclusion. Adding Evusheld to vaccinated patients significantly reduces the burden of COVID-19 infection in individuals with solid neoplasms who are receiving antitumor drug therapy. Patients receiving Evusheld at any stage of the underlying disease are less likely to have COVID-19, including severe infection, which requires hospitalization in an infectious hospital. The reduction in overall mortality in the Evusheld group suggests that COVID-19 affects overall survival in cancer patients. Evusheld reduced the risk of death in cancer patients from any causes: the progression of malignant tumors, COVID-19 infection, and other comorbidities.

How Can We Predict Disease Severity in Viral Infections?

How Can We Predict Disease Severity in Viral Infections?

Healthy Diet, Grape Phytochemicals, and Vitamin D: Preventing Chronic Inflammation and Keeping Good Microbiota.

Since the discovery of penicillin, natural antibiotics have protected humans from malicious microbes. A breakthrough, however, is needed to tackle problems like antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This review introduces one of the new approaches for the prevention of several diseases through a healthy diet, grape phytochemicals, and vitamin D, which nurture the growth of beneficial bacteria, including gut microbiota, suppressing chronic inflammation and up-regulating immunity. Antibiotics provide protection against infectious diseases by preventing the growth of pathogenic microbes. However, inappropriate use of antibiotics increases antimicrobial resistance to bacteria and limits the benefits of antibiotics. In addition, it is well known that antibiotics kill not only pathogenic microbes but also beneficial ones that reside in healthy individuals. As a result, the excess use of antibiotics increases the threat of diseases caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. We can reduce the risk of several diseases, including infectious diseases, in the future by nurturing the good microbes that live in the human body, thereby preventing chronic inflammation induced by the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α, improving predisposition, and up-regulating immunity. Along with human evolution, residing bacteria in the skin, digestive system, and other areas have changed. They defend their hosts from malicious microbes in the surrounding environment. With the progress of medicine, science, and technology, the quality of life and environmental public health have improved over the years. Under these circumstances, it is necessary to reduce the risk of illness and keep ourselves healthy by nurturing the good resident microbiota in our bodies and preventing chronic inflammation through the diet and the intake of phytochemicals and vitamin D. This new approach is important, along with the traditional method for preventing emerging infectious diseases in the future.

Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir treatment in SARS-CoV-2 positive kidney transplant recipients – a case series with four patients

BackgroundDespite vaccination coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated mortality caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) remains high in kidney transplant recipients. Nirmatrelvir is a protease inhibitor with activity against SARS-CoV-2. Nirmatrelvir reduces the risk for mortality and hospitalization, which is approved for treating adults at risk for severe disease. Nirmatrelvir is metabolized by the cytochrome P-450 (CYP) 3A4 isozyme CYP3A4 and is therefore co-administered with the irreversible CYP3A4 inhibitor ritonavir, which results in a drug interaction with tacrolimus. A limited number of patients with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir and tacrolimus therapy after kidney transplantation have been reported to date. It has been reported that tacrolimus was paused during the five-day nirmatrelvir/ritonavir therapy and subtherapeutic tacrolimus levels were observed after finishing nirmatrelvir/ritonavir in two patients. Therefore, optimization of tacrolimus dosing is urgently needed in transplant recipients receiving nirmatrelvir/ritonavir treatment.Case presentationHere, we present our first-hand experience with four patients receiving tacrolimus therapy following kidney transplantation and nirmatrelvir/ritonavir therapy due to COVID-19. Tacrolimus was paused during nirmatrelvir/ritonavir therapy in all patients, which resulted in stable therapeutic tacrolimus levels. Tacrolimus was continued directly after finishing nirmatrelvir/ritonavir to avoid subtherapeutic levels in the first patient treated. This patient received his usual tacrolimus maintenance dose, which resulted in toxic levels. Based on this observation, tacrolimus therapy was continued 24 h after finishing nirmatrelvir/ritonavir treatment at a reduced dose in the subsequent patients. In these patients, therapeutic to supratherapeutic tacrolimus levels were observed despite the therapeutic break and dose reduction.Discussion and conclusionsBased on altered CYP3A4 metabolism, tacrolimus levels have to be closely monitored after treatment with nirmatrelvir/ritonavir. Our study suggests that tacrolimus treatment should be paused during nirmatrelvir/ritonavir medication and be continued 24 h after completing nirmatrelvir/ritonavir therapy at a reduced dose and under close monitoring. Based on the limited number of patients in this study, results must be interpreted with caution.

Abstract LB142: Metabolically defined body size phenotypes in relation to subsequent colorectal cancer risk

Abstract Overweight and obesity have been linked to increased risk of several diseases, including colorectal cancer, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully known. An earlier study analyzed metabolically defined body size phenotypes in relation to colorectal cancer risk, using combinations of C-peptide (a marker of insulin resistance) and body mass index (BMI). Higher serum C-peptide concentrations were associated with higher colorectal cancer risk in both overweight and normal weight individuals compared to individuals with low levels of C-peptide and normal weight. The aim of the present study was to see if these results could be replicated and to further explore the role of metabolism and body size phenotypes in colorectal cancer subtypes. We conducted a nested case-control study of 1010 individuals with colorectal cancer and 1010 individually matched (age, sex, cohort, year of blood sampling and data collection, number of freeze-thaw cycles of plasma samples and fasting status at blood sampling) control participants from the population-based Northern Sweden Health and Disease Study. The blood samples and data used in our analyses were collected at a mean of 9.7 years prior to case diagnosis. Participants were categorized as (1) metabolically healthy/normal weight (BMI &amp;lt; 25 kg/m2), (2) metabolically healthy/overweight (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2), (3) metabolically unhealthy/normal weight (BMI &amp;lt; 25 kg/m2), or (4) metabolically unhealthy/overweight (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2), where metabolically healthy was defined as C-peptide in the lowest tertile, as in the previous study. We used multivariable conditional logistic regression to calculate odds ratios and confidence intervals and adjusted for tobacco smoking, recreational physical activity and alcohol consumption as potential confounders. In our preliminary results, metabolically unhealthy/overweight individuals had a significantly higher risk of developing colorectal cancer compared to metabolically healthy/normal weight individuals (adjusted odds ratio =1.44, 95% CI 1.13-1.85). The odds ratio for metabolically unhealthy/normal weight individuals was 1.23 (95% CI 0.92-1.65) and for metabolically healthy/overweight individuals 1.23 (95% CI 0.89-1.70). These results support the potential of a more nuanced analysis of metabolism and body size to better understand their etiological contribution to colorectal cancer development. To gain more knowledge about how the role of metabolism and body size might differ between tumor subtypes, we will also analyze body size phenotypes in relation to subtypes of colorectal cancer based on anatomical tumor site, KRAS and BRAF mutations and microsatellite instability status of the tumor. Citation Format: Linda Vidman, Simon Knekta, Björn Gylling, Carl Zingmark, Anna Löfgren-Burström, Richard Palmqvist, Sophia Harlid, Bethany Van Guelpen. Metabolically defined body size phenotypes in relation to subsequent colorectal cancer risk [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 2 (Clinical Trials and Late-Breaking Research); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(8_Suppl):Abstract nr LB142.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin Use and Mortality Among Adults in the United States from 1999 to 2014.

Introduction: Glucosamine and chondroitin are supplements that are often, but not always, used in combination for arthritis and joint pain. Multiple studies have suggested that glucosamine and chondroitin may be associated with reduced risk of several diseases, as well as all-cause, cancer- and respiratory disease-specific mortality. Methods: Nationally representative data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were used to further evaluate the association between glucosamine and chondroitin with mortality. Participants include 38,021 adults, ages 20+ years and older, who completed the detailed NHANES between 1999 and 2014. Participants were followed for death through linkage with the National Death Index through the end of 2015, over which time 4905 deaths occurred. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for overall and cause-specific mortality were estimated using Cox regression models. Results: Despite glucosamine and chondroitin use appearing to be inversely associated with mortality in the minimally adjusted models, no association was observed in multivariable models (glucosamine: HR = 1.02; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.86-1.21, chondroitin: HR = 1.04, 95% CI: 0.87-1.25). No association with cancer mortality or other mortality rate was observed after multivariable adjustment. There was a suggestive, nonsignificant inverse association for cardiovascular-specific mortality (glucosamine HR = 0.72; 95% CI: 0.46-1.15, chondroitin: HR = 0.76; 95% CI: 0.47-1.21). Conclusion: The lack of significant relationship between glucosamine and chondroitin use and all-cause or cause-specific mortality after adjusting extensively for multiple covariates in this nationally representative adult population was in contrast to prior literature. Given the limited power to explore the cause-specific mortality, future well-powered studies will be needed to better understand the potential association with cardiovascular-specific mortality.

Mpox (Monkeypox) Proctitis

HomeRadioGraphicsVol. 43, No. 3 PreviousNext Cases from the Cooky JarFree AccessMpox (Monkeypox) ProctitisCiléin Kearns , Michael Orsi, Carlos J. Sanchez, Francisco CalleCiléin Kearns , Michael Orsi, Carlos J. Sanchez, Francisco CalleAuthor AffiliationsFrom the Department of Radiology, Wellington Regional Hospital, Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand), Riddiford St, Wellington 6021, New Zealand, and Artibiotics, Wellington, New Zealand (C.K.); South Texas Radiology Group, San Antonio, Tex (M.O.); Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Ga (C.J.S.); and Department of Radiology, Hospital Militar Central, Universidad Militar Nueva Granada, Bogotá, Colombia (F.C.).Address correspondence to C.K. (email: [email protected]).Ciléin Kearns Michael OrsiCarlos J. SanchezFrancisco CallePublished Online:Feb 16 2023https://doi.org/10.1148/rg.220198MoreSectionsPDF ToolsImage ViewerAdd to favoritesCiteTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked In Monkeypox virus is an Orthopoxvirus first identified in primates (1), although the natural reservoir is likely rodents (2). Mpox disease (formerly monkeypox disease [3]) is less contagious and milder than smallpox, with a 3%–6% mortality rate (2). The May 2022 mpox outbreak has been driven by sexual transmission in most cases, but infection may also occur by contact with lesions, respiratory fluids, contaminated fabric, and infected meat (4,5).The disease lasts 2–3 weeks and manifests with characteristic mucosal lesions (Fig 1) that may be preceded by systemic symptoms such as fever (5,6). The lesions primarily affect the anogenital area, trunk, limbs or face, and 14%–36% of patients present with proctitis (5,7). Imaging can show proctitis (Fig 2), and complications include perianal abscess or rectal perforation (7). Rare severe complications include myocarditis, epiglottitis, pneumonia, sepsis, encephalitis, and vision loss (4–6).Figure 1. Mpox characteristic rash or lesion progression, symptoms, and complications. In the current outbreak, the majority of patients have had lesions in the anogenital region, and over half have lesions on the trunk or limbs, although lesions may also be concentrated on the palms, soles, and face (5). Other symptoms may include fever, lymphadenopathy, pharyngitis, headache, lethargy, myalgia, proctitis or anorectal pain, and low mood (5). The rash or lesions last 2–3 weeks, beginning as macules that progress to papules, vesicles, and then pustules that crust, fall off, and can leave scars. (Reprinted, with permission, from Ciléin Kearns, Artibiotics, Copyright © 2023.)Figure 1.Download as PowerPointOpen in Image Viewer Figure 2. Mpox proctitis in a 61-year-old man who underwent a kidney transplant and presented with rectal bleeding and pain. A nearly circumferential ulcerated mass was found in the lower rectum on clinical examination. Biopsy results were negative for malignancy but showed inflammation. Axial (A, B) and coronal (C, D) portal venous phase CT images show circumferential thickening of the low to mid rectum with mesorectal fat stranding and lymphadenopathy (arrow in A and C), findings very similar in appearance to those of rectal cancer with metastatic adenopathy. A repeat biopsy with larger samples and fulguration was performed, and the results also were negative for malignancy, showing only inflammation, ulceration, and abscess formation. Skin lesions developed 2–3 days after the second rectal biopsy. Monkeypox Orthopoxvirus DNA was detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction on lesion swab.Figure 2.Download as PowerPointOpen in Image Viewer Viral polymerase chain reaction results from lesions are diagnostic (5,6). Treatment is supportive, but the antiviral tecovirimat (TPOXX) and vaccinia immune globulin are used in those at risk for severe disease (1,4). The JYNNEOS mpox vaccination is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and smallpox vaccination also provides protection (1,2).Disclosures of conflicts of interest.—C.K. Editorial board member of RadioGraphics.C.K. has provided disclosures (see end of article); all other authors have disclosed no relevant relationships.