Two fatal cases of haemorrhagic fever associated with yellow fever 17DD substrain vaccine were reported in Brazil, highlighting the need to review the vaccine's safety. The cases led Philippe Marianneau and colleagues from Institut Pasteur to emphasize the importance of investigating mechanisms of attenuation of yellow-fever virus.
A study found significant differences in spinal cord area between patients with diabetic neuropathy and healthy controls. The research suggests potential new therapies for detecting neuropathic process at an earlier stage.
A study found that extended-duration prophylaxis significantly reduced the incidence of symptomatic VTE in patients undergoing total hip or knee replacement. The reduction in risk is equivalent to about 20 symptomatic events per 1000 patients treated.
Tick-borne encephalitis incidence in Sweden has increased since the mid-1980s, with mild winters and early spring favouring tick activity being key contributors. Climate change is also linked to changes in host animal populations and access to vaccination.
Low-dose combined spinal epidural and infusion techniques have been shown to increase the rate of normal vaginal delivery compared to traditional epidurals. However, these methods may also be associated with longer recovery times for newborns and increased risk of breathing difficulties.
A study found that tick-borne diseases are a major concern for travelers, with over 100 viruses and bacteria transmitted through ticks. The most serious problem is posed by hard ticks, which can cause mild irritation but also transmit fatal diseases like Lyme disease and tick-borne typhus.
Researchers developed a predictive model using MRI scans to estimate stroke recovery likelihood based on NIHSS score, time to scan, and ischaemic brain tissue volume. The model was validated in an independent dataset, identifying low, medium, and high recovery levels.
A multicentre randomised controlled trial found that conventional IVF had higher implantation rates (30%) compared to ICSI (22%), as well as a lower average laboratory time. The pregnancy rate was also higher after conventional IVF (33%). The study supports the current practice of reserving ICSI only for severe male fertility problems.
A large cohort study found that pregnancy complications such as low birthweight, preterm delivery, and pre-eclampsia are associated with an increased risk of maternal ischaemic heart disease. Women who experienced these complications were more likely to be hospitalized or die from IHD.
Febrile reactions occur in around a third of platelet transfusions. Researchers propose that CD40 ligand release from platelets triggers the production of proinflammatory prostaglandin E2, leading to fever. Keeping CD40 ligand levels low before transfusion might reduce adverse events.
Researchers developed a rapid ELISPOT assay to detect T cells responding to ESAT-6 protein, which is absent in BCG vaccine strains. The new test shows stronger correlation with exposure intensity than existing tuberculin skin test (TST), providing potential for improved tuberculosis control and targeted preventative therapy.