Biological control of invasive zebra mussel (Dreissen polymorpha) in a freshwater ecosystem through Potamon ibericum

In the present study, possible effects of using Potamon ibericum for the prevention of zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) invasion in a freshwater ecosystem were investigated. In a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) supplied with aerated freshwater, 3 individuals of P. ibericum were placed in each of 3 aquariums provided by 100 zebra mussels. Throughout the 90-day monitoring study, mussel consumption was visually counted and then new mussels were introduced daily to complete the number of mussels to hundred, repeatedly each day. Throughout the monitoring study, growth rates, number of mussels consumed, and the number of broken mussel shell pieces were determined. Daily consumption rate of mussels by each crab was recorded as 11.115, 11.104, and 11.107 mussel/crab in the 3 experimental groups, respectively. The consumption rate of mussels per crab was counted as 999.78 over the 90-days experiment. As a result, the findings of this study provide strong evidence that P. ibericum can be used for

Biomarkers that correlate with active pulmonary tuberculosis treatment response: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Current WHO recommendations for monitoring treatment response in adult pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) are sputum smear microscopy and/or culture conversion at the end of the intensive phase of treatment. These methods either have sub-optimal accuracy or a long turn-around time. There is a need to identify alternative biomarkers to monitor TB treatment response. Methods We conducted a systematic review of active pulmonary TB treatment monitoring biomarkers. We screened 9,739 articles published between January 1 st 2008 and December 31 st 2020, of which 77 met the inclusion criteria. When studies quantitatively reported biomarker levels, we meta-analyzed the average fold change in biomarkers from pre-treatment to week 8 of treatment. We also performed a meta-analysis pooling the fold-change since previous time point collected. Results A total of 81 biomarkers were identified from 77 studies. Overall, these studies exhibited extensive heterogeneity with regard to TB treatment monitoring study design and data reporting. Among the biomarkers identified, CRP, IL-6, IP-10 and TNF-α had sufficient data to analyze fold-changes. All four biomarker levels decreased during the first 8 weeks of treatment relative to baseline and relative to previous time points collected. Conclusion Based on limited data available, CRP, IL-6, IP-10 and TNF-α have been identified as biomarkers that should be further explored in the context of TB treatment monitoring. The extensive heterogeneity in TB treatment monitoring study design and reporting is a major barrier to evaluating the performance of novel biomarkers and tools for this use case. Guidance for designing and reporting treatment monitoring studies are urgently needed.

Informed Consent for Intraoperative Neural Monitoring in Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery – Consensus Statement of the International Neural Monitoring Study Group

In the past decade, the use of intraoperative neural monitoring (IONM) in thyroid and parathyroid surgery has been widely accepted by surgeons as a useful technology for improving laryngeal nerve identification and voice outcomes, facilitating neurophysiological research, educating and training surgeons, and reducing surgical complications and malpractice litigation. Informing patients about IONM is not only good practice and helpful in promoting the efficient use of IONM resources but is indispensable for effective shared decision making between the patient and surgeon. The International Neural Monitoring Study Group (INMSG) feels complete discussion of IONM in the preoperative planning and patient consent process is important in all patients undergoing thyroid and parathyroid surgery. The purpose of this publication is to evaluate the impact of IONM on the informed consent process before thyroid and parathyroid surgery and to review the current INMSG consensus on evidence-based consent. The objective of this consensus statement, which outlines general and specific considerations as well as recommended criteria for informed consent for the use of IONM, is to assist surgeons and patients in the processes of informed consent and shared decision making before thyroid and parathyroid surgery.

Who Volunteers? Results from a Regular Cognitive Monitoring Study

Previous research indicates volunteering promotes well-being of individuals and communities. Volunteering in later-life may buffer some of the negative health effects experienced during retirement, facilitating opportunities for older adults to engage in meaningful activities and stay active. The current study examined characteristics of older adults who volunteered outside of participation in a regular cognitive monitoring study. All 124 members (M= 76.87, SD= 7.47; 80 volunteers, 44 non-volunteers) of a regular cognitive monitoring study, requiring completion of a 15-minute cognitive online test once a month, with complete data on personal characteristics, volunteer activities, as well as study adherence and dropout rates were included. ANCOVA and logistic regression analyses adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics were used to assess differences between volunteers and non-volunteers. Results indicated that volunteers were less educated (p<.05), and slightly more likely to be younger and women compared to non-volunteers. There were no differences in cognitive performance (ps>.05). Volunteers had lower scores for neuroticism (p=.02) and were marginally higher agreeable and extraverted (ps<.09). Volunteers needed more reminders to complete the monthly test (ps<.01) but had lower dropout rates (p=.001). The most frequent type of volunteer activity reported was religious. Volunteers were motivated mainly by altruism, although most reported multiple reasons such as building social relationships and feeling important. Findings provide information about characteristics that can help identify older adults who are likely to volunteer. Results regarding study adherence may have implications for promoting recruitment and retention among older adult volunteers.