UNASSIGNED: Medical adhesive-related skin injuries (MARSI), defined as skin damage associated with the use of medical adhesive products or devices, are a common and under-reported condition that compromises skin integrity. The prevention and management of MARSI that can occur around the needle insertion site of a chest wall implantable port in hospitalised patients with a tumour remain challenging issues. The aim of this study was to explore whether the incidence of MARSI could be reduced by changing the body position during dressing changes.
UNASSIGNED: Participants were recruited between May 2019 and November 2020 in the oncology department of a tertiary hospital. Patients were randomly assigned to Group AB (supine followed by semi-recumbent position) and Group BA (semi-recumbent followed by supine position) with a standard intervening recovery interval of 21-28 days. Assessments for typical MARSI included itching, the combination of erythema and oedema, and blisters in the port area, and were graded according to the level of severity.
UNASSIGNED: The itch intensity was significantly lower in phase B (semi-recumbent) compared to phase A (supine) (2.35±1.985 versus 5.31±1.332, respectively; p<0.01). Similarly, the severity of erythema and oedema was less severe when comparing phase B to phase A: grade 0 (64.9% versus 10.5%, respectively); grade 1 (28.1% versus 19.3%, respectively); grade 2 (3.5% versus 7.0%, respectively); grade 3 (1.8% versus 45.6%, respectively); and grade 4 (1.8% versus 17.5%, respectively) (Z=5.703; p<0.01). Blisters were found far less frequently in phase B than phase A (1.8% versus 56.1%, respectively; p<0.01).
UNASSIGNED: The study provided statistically significant evidence that patients in a semi-recumbent position receiving dressing at a chest wall implantable port had fewer and less severe injection site MARSI than when in a supine position.
UNASSIGNED: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Newcastle disease (ND) is a significant infectious disease in poultry, causing substantial economic losses in developing countries. To control ND, chickens must be vaccinated multiple times a year. In order to develop an improved vaccine that provides long-term protection, the F gene from genotype VII NDV was inserted into the herpesvirus of turkey (HVT) vaccine virus using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated NHEJ repair and Cre/LoxP technology. The immunogenicity and protective efficacy of the resulting recombinant vaccines were evaluated through antibody assays and virus challenge experiments. Two recombinant vaccines, rHVT-005/006-F and rHVT-US2-F, were generated, both exhibiting growth rates comparable with those of HVT in vitro and consistently expressing the F protein. One-day-old specific pathogen-free (SPF) chickens immunized with 2000 PFU/bird of either rHVT-005/006-F or rHVT-US2-F developed robust humoral immunity and were completely protected against challenge with the NDV F48E8 strain at 4 weeks post-vaccination (wpv). Furthermore, a single dose of these vaccines provided sustained protection for at least 52 wpv. Our study identifies rHVT-005/006-F and rHVT-US2-F as promising ND vaccine candidates, offering long-term protection with a single administration. Moreover, HVT-005/006 demonstrates promise for accommodating additional foreign genes, facilitating the construction of multiplex vaccines.

OBJECTIVE: Although uncommon, infections associated with peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) may be responsible for severe life-threatening complications and increase healthcare costs. Few data are available on the relationship between PIVC insertion site and risk of infectious complications.
METHODS: We performed a post hoc analysis of the CLEAN 3 database, a randomized 2 × 2 factorial study comparing two skin disinfection procedures (2% chlorhexidine-alcohol or 5% povidone iodine-alcohol) and two types of medical devices (innovative or standard) in 989 adults patients requiring PIVC insertion before admission to a medical ward. Insertion sites were grouped into five areas: hand, wrist, forearm, cubital fossa and upper arm. We evaluated the risk of risk of PIVC colonization (i.e., tip culture eluate in broth showing at least one microorganism in a concentration of at least 1000 Colony Forming Units per mL) and/or local infection (i.e., organisms growing from purulent discharge at PIVC insertion site with no evidence of associated bloodstream infection), and the risk of positive PIVC tip culture (i.e., PIVC-tip culture eluate in broth showing at least one microorganism regardless of its amount) using multivariate Cox models.
RESULTS: Eight hundred twenty three PIVCs with known insertion site and sent to the laboratory for quantitative culture were included. After adjustment for confounding factors, PIVC insertion at the cubital fossa or wrist was associated with increased risk of PIVC colonization and/or local infection (HR [95% CI], 1.64 [0.92-2.93] and 2.11 [1.08-4.13]) and of positive PIVC tip culture (HR [95% CI], 1.49 [1.02-2.18] and 1.59 [0.98-2.59]).
CONCLUSIONS: PIVC insertion at the wrist or cubital fossa should be avoided whenever possible to reduce the risk of catheter colonization and/or local infection and of positive PIVC tip culture.

Obtaining peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) access in children with severe neurological impairment (SNI) is often challenging and commonly associated with complications, including dislodgement, phlebitis and extravasation. In severe cases, extravasation injury may lead to tissue necrosis, ulceration and long-term morbidity. The aim of this study was to determine the relative incidence of PIVC complications secondary to lower limb cannulation, compared to upper limb, in children with SNI.
A single centre, retrospective, observational review was conducted. Patients with SNI, admitted at a tertiary paediatric centre over 6 months between July and December 2022, were included.
One-hundred fifty-five PIVC procedures were conducted in 110 children over the study period. Complications were more common in lower limb PIVCs (12/16, 75%) compared to upper limb (58/139, 42%), p = 0.01.
Upper limb cannulation is preferred in children with SNI.

Before the commercialization of genetically modified crops, the events carrying the novel DNA must be thoroughly evaluated for agronomic, nutritional, and molecular characteristics. Over the years, polymerase chain reaction-based methods, Southern blot, and short-read sequencing techniques have been utilized for collecting molecular characterization data. Multiple genomic applications are necessary to determine the insert location, flanking sequence analysis, characterization of the inserted DNA, and determination of any interruption of native genes. These techniques are time-consuming and labor-intensive, making it difficult to characterize multiple events. Current advances in sequencing technologies are enabling whole-genomic sequencing of modified crops to obtain full molecular characterization. However, in polyploids, such as the tetraploid potato, it is a challenge to obtain whole-genomic sequencing coverage that meets the regulatory approval of the genetic modification. Here we describe an alternative to labor-intensive applications with a novel procedure using Samplix Xdrop® enrichment technology and next-generation Nanopore sequencing technology to more efficiently characterize the T-DNA insertions of four genetically modified potato events developed by the Feed the Future Global Biotech Potato Partnership: DIA_MSU_UB015, DIA_MSU_UB255, GRA_MSU_UG234, and GRA_MSU_UG265 (derived from regionally important varieties Diamant and Granola). Using the Xdrop® /Nanopore technique, we obtained a very high sequence read coverage within the T-DNA and junction regions. In three of the four events, we were able to use the data to confirm single T-DNA insertions, identify insert locations, identify flanking sequences, and characterize the inserted T-DNA. We further used the characterization data to identify native gene interruption and confirm the stability of the T-DNA across clonal cycles. These results demonstrate the functionality of using the Xdrop® /Nanopore technique for T-DNA characterization. This research will contribute to meeting regulatory safety and regulatory approval requirements for commercialization with small shareholder farmers in target countries within our partnership.

BACKGROUND: Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are commonly used in neonatal intensive care units for extended intravenous nutrition and therapy. The selection of PICCs insertion sites can significantly influence insertion outcomes and neonatal safety.
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the most suitable insertion site in the lower extremities for neonatal PICCs.
METHODS: A retrospective case note review was conducted on PICCs inserted through lower extremity (LE) sites in a 40-bed tertiary-level neonatal intensive care unit at a university teaching hospital. The dates when data were accessed for research purposes were from June 2019 to June 2022. In total, 223 neonates were identified as having had PICCs, with 254 catheters inserted in the lower extremities. The STROBE checklist guided the reporting of this study.
RESULTS: Neonates underwent PICC insertion via the LE vein, with an overall complication rate of 13.4% and a one-attempt success rate of puncture of 86.2%. The rates of complications, catheter occlusion, and catheter-related infection in the PICC group with insertion through the great saphenous vein were significantly lower than those in the femoral vein group (p < .05). The success rate was significantly higher than that in the femoral vein group (p < .05). Additionally, the incidence of total complications and catheter occlusion complications with PICC insertion via the right LE was significantly lower than that with insertion via the left LE (p < .05).
CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggested that, when feasible, the saphenous vein in the right LE could be the most suitable insertion site for neonatal PICCs.
CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide insights into the complications, indwelling time, and safety of neonatal PICCs in different LE sites, serving as a valuable reference for clinical practice. This study was retrospective in nature, and all staff involved obtained approved access to patient clinical data. Ethical approval was granted by the Ethics Committee of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University (registry number 2022010001).

UNASSIGNED: Knowledge of the morphological features of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is critical for accurate reconstruction of it. This study aimed to explore the quantitative correlations among different morphological features of the ACL, thus to provide useful information for improving anatomical reconstruction techniques and designing artificial ligaments.
UNASSIGNED: 19 porcine knees were fixed at full extension using 10% formalin and were dissected to expose the ACL. ACL lengths were measured using a caliper. Mid-substances of the ACL were cut and scanned using X-ray microscopy, and the cross-sectional area (CSA) was measured at the isthmus. Margins of direct and indirect bone insertion sites were distinguished and marked. Measurements were performed on digital photographs to obtain the areas of bone insertions. Statistical analysis using nonlinear regression was used to identify potential correlations among the measurements.
UNASSIGNED: The results showed that the CSA at the isthmus was significantly correlated with the total area of the bone insertion sites and the area of tibial insertion. The area of the tibial insertion was significantly correlated with the area of its direct insertion site. In contrast, the area of the femoral insertion was significantly correlated with the area of its indirect insertion site. The area of the indirect tibial insertion showed a weak correlation with the length of ACL, whereas the length of the ACL was not able to predict or be predicted by any other parameters.
UNASSIGNED: The CSA at the ACL isthmus is more representative for assessing the size of the ACL. However, ACL length has little correlation with the CSA of the isthmus or bone insertion sites, and thus should be evaluated independently for ACL reconstruction.

Baculoviruses are capable to acquire insect host transposable elements (TEs) in their genomes and are hypothesized as possible vectors of insect transposons between Lepidopteran species. Here, we investigated the host origin of two TEs, namely the Tc1/mariner-like element TCp3.2 and a 0.7 kbp insertion sequence (IS07), found in the genome of different isolates of Cydia pomonella granulovirus (CpGV), a member of the Betabaculovirus genus. The sequences of both TEs were searched for in the full genome sequence database of codling moth (CM, Cydia pomonella L.). A total of eleven TCp3.2 TE copies and 76 copies of the IS07 fragments were identified in the CM genome. These TEs were distributed over the 22 autosomes and the Z chromosome (chr1) of CM, except chr6, chr12, chr16, chr23, chr27 and the W chromosome (chr29). TCp3.2 copies with two transposase genes in opposite direction, representing a novel feature, were identified on chr10 and chr18. The TCp3.2 transposase was characterized by DD41D motif of classic Tc1/mariner transposons, consisting of DNA-binding domain, catalytic domain and nuclear localization signal (NLS). Transcription analyses of uninfected and CpGV-infected CM larvae suggested a doubling of the TCp3.2 transposase transcription rate in virus infected larvae. Furthermore, IS07 insertion into the CpGV genome apparently added new transcription initiation sites to the viral genome. The global analysis of the distribution of two TEs in the genome of CM addressed the influx of mobile TEs from CM to CpGV, a genetic process that contributes to the population diversity of baculoviruses.

Modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) is an attenuated vaccinia virus with restricted replication in human cells. The virus serves as an ideal vaccine vector suitable for safe use even in immune-compromised individuals. With its inherently large packaging capacity, expression cassettes encoding bulky genes can be inserted into deletion regions within the MVA genome. These deletion sites develop during the process of the attenuation of the virus by passage in Chicken Embryo Fibroblasts (pCEFs). Transgene stability in MVA is important to assure immunogenicity and efficacy. In the present study, we assessed the effect of substantial passage of recombinant MVA vectors on the stability of expression cassette encoding SIV Gag/Tat genes inserted at the Del-II site, as part of generating a vaccine to protect from HIV. Our data indicated that after 15 passages there was a significant loss or mutation of the inserted genes.

Peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICCs) serve as an alternative to short-term central venous catheters (CVCs) for providing intravenous access in hospitalized patients. Although a number of studies suggest that PICCs are associated with a lower risk of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) than CVCs, recent data concerning specific patient groups support the contrary. In this regard, we are comparing CVC- and PICC-related CLABSI rates developed in a selected group of critically ill inpatients and evaluating the CLABSI microbiological distribution.
The study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Greece between May 2017 and May 2019. We performed a two-year retrospective analysis of the data collected from medical records of consecutive adult patients who underwent PICC or CVC placement.
A total of 1187 CVCs placed for 9774 catheter-days and 639 PICCs placed for 11,110 catheter-days, were reported and analyzed during the study period. Among CVCs, a total of 59 (4.9%) CLABSIs were identified, while among PICCs, 18 (2.8%) cases presented CLABSI (p = 0.029). The CLABSI incidence rate per 1,000 catheter-days was 6.03 for CVC group and 1.62 for PICC group (p < 0.001). The CLABSI rate due to multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) among the two groups was 3.17 in CVC group and 0.36 in PICC group (p < 0.001). Within CLABSI-CVC group, the most common microorganism detected was MDR Acinetobacter baumannii (27.1%) followed by MDR Klebsiella pneumoniae (22%). In CLABSI-PICC group, the predominant microorganism was Candida spp. (33.3%) followed by non-MDR gram-negative pathogens (22.2%).
PICC lines were associated with significantly lower CLABSI rates comparing to CVC although they were in place longer than CVC lines. Given their longer time to the development of infection, PICCs may be a safer alternative for prolonged inpatient IV access. The high prevalence of CLABSI-MDROs depicts the local microbial ecology, emphasizing the need of public health awareness.