Experiences of parents whose children participated in a longitudinal follow‐up study

BackgroundLong‐term follow‐up is necessary to understand the impact of perinatal interventions. Exploring parents'' motives and experiences in consenting to their children taking part in longitudinal studies and understanding what outcomes are important to families may enhance participation and mitigate the loss to follow‐up. As existing evidence is largely based on investigators'' perspectives using Western samples, the present pilot study explored parents'' perspectives in a multicultural New Zealand context.MethodsData were generated using semi‐structured interviews with parents whose children had participated in a longitudinal study after neonatal recruitment. Parents'' experiences of being part of the study were analysed thematically using an inductive approach.ResultsParents (n = 16) were generally happy with the outcomes measured. Additionally, parents were interested in lifelong goals such as the impact of parental diabetes. We identified three themes: (1) Facilitators: Research participation was aided by motives and parent and research characteristics such as wishing to help others and straightforward recruitment; (2) Barriers: A hesitancy to participate was due to technical and clinical research aspects, participation burden and cultural barriers, such as complex wording, time commitment and nonindigenous research and (3) Benefits: Children and parents experienced advantages such as the opportunity for education.ConclusionsParents reported positive experiences and described the unexpected benefit of increasing families'' health knowledge through participation. Improvements for current follow‐up studies were identified. Different ethnicities reported different experiences and perspectives, which warrants ongoing research, particularly with indigenous research participants.Patient or Public ContributionNo active partnership with parents of patients took place.     

A Warhead Substitution Study on the Coronavirus Main Protease Inhibitor Nirmatrelvir

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is currently causing an unprecedented global health emergency since its emergence in December 2019. In December 2021, the FDA granted emergency use authorization to nirmatrelvir, a SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitor, for treating infected patients. This peptidomimetic is designed with a nitrile warhead, which forms a covalent bond to the viral protease. Herein, we investigate nirmatrelvir analogs with different warheads and their inhibitory activities. In addition, antiviral activities against human alphacoronavirus 229E was also investigated along with a cell-based assay. We discovered that the hydroxymethylketone and ketobenzothiazole warheads were equipotent to the nitrile warhead, suggesting that these analogs can also be used for treating coronavirus infections.     

Hemagglutinin Subtype Specificity and Mechanisms of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus Genesis

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Viruses (HPAIVs) arise from low pathogenic precursors following spillover from wild waterfowl into poultry populations. The main virulence determinant of HPAIVs is the presence of a multi-basic cleavage site (MBCS) in the hemagglutinin (HA) glycoprotein. The MBCS allows for HA cleavage and, consequently, activation by ubiquitous proteases, which results in systemic dissemination in terrestrial poultry. Since 1959, 51 independent MBCS acquisition events have been documented, virtually all in HA from the H5 and H7 subtypes. In the present article, data from natural LPAIV to HPAIV conversions and experimental in vitro and in vivo studies were reviewed in order to compile recent advances in understanding HA cleavage efficiency, protease usage, and MBCS acquisition mechanisms. Finally, recent hypotheses that might explain the unique predisposition of the H5 and H7 HA sequences to obtain an MBCS in nature are discussed.     

Carotid stenting using heparin-coated balloon-expandable stent reduces intimal hyperplasia in a baboon model

PURPOSE: This study evaluates the effect of heparin-coated balloon-expandable stents on intimal hyperplasia following carotid artery stenting in a baboon model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Balloon-expandable (Palmaz-Schatz) stents were placed in bilateral common carotid arteries in 26 male baboons (mean weight: 11.3 kg). In each animal, a heparin-coated (HC) carotid stent was placed on one side, whereas the contralateral carotid artery received an uncoated stent that served as a control. The carotid stents were harvested at 30 days (n = 13) and 90 days (n = 13). Arteriography was performed to assess the carotid patency, and intravascular ultrasound was used to determine neointimal and luminal areas. Histological, morphometric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy were performed in the stented carotid arteries. RESULTS: One animal was excluded in each of the 1-month and 3-month groups because of premature death. Ten control (83%) and 11 HC stents (92%) remained patent in the 30-day group. In contrast, 10 control (83%) and 10 HC stents (83%) remained patent in the 90-day group. Morphometric analysis of the 30-day group showed the HC-stented carotid arteries had larger luminal areas (13%, P < 0.05), less neointimal areas (38%, P < 0.05), less neointimal/media ratios (53%, P < 0.05), and equivalent medial areas (NS) when compared with the control group. Morphometric analysis of the 90-day data showed the HC-stented carotid arteries had less neointimal areas (38%, P < 0.05) and less neointimal/media ratios (48%, P < 0.05), whereas the luminal areas and medial areas remained equivalent (NS) when compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Carotid stenting using heparin-coated stents reduces early intimal hyperplasia in a baboon model. This approach may represent a useful strategy for improving luminal patency in endovascular carotid intervention.     

Considerations on the EU definition of a nanomaterial: Science to support policy making

In recent years, an increasing number of applications and products containing or using nanomaterials have become available. This has raised concerns that some of these materials may introduce new risks for humans or the environment. A clear definition to discriminate nanomaterials from other materials is prerequisite to include provisions for nanomaterials in legislation. In October 2011 the European Commission published the ‘Recommendation on the definition of a nanomaterial’, primarily intended to provide unambiguous criteria to identify materials for which special regulatory provisions might apply, but also to promote consistency on the interpretation of the term ‘nanomaterial’. In this paper, the current status of various regulatory frameworks of the European Union with regard to nanomaterials is described, and major issues relevant for regulation of nanomaterials are discussed. This will contribute to better understanding the implications of the choices policy makers have to make in further regulation of nanomaterials. Potential issues that need to be addressed and areas of research in which science can contribute are indicated. These issues include awareness on situations in which nano-related risks may occur for materials that fall outside the definition, guidance and further development of measurement techniques, and dealing with changes during the life cycle.     

Starch digestibility modulation significantly improves glycemic variability in type 2 diabetic subjects: A pilot study

Background and aimsIn type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients, the reduction of glycemic variability and postprandial glucose excursions is essential to limit diabetes complications, beyond HbA1c level. This study aimed at determining whether increasing the content of Slowly Digestible Starch (SDS) in T2D patients’ diet could reduce postprandial hyperglycemia and glycemic variability compared with a conventional low-SDS diet.Methods and resultsFor this randomized cross-over pilot study, 8 subjects with T2D consumed a controlled diet for one week, containing starchy products high or low in SDS. Glycemic variability parameters were evaluated using a Continuous Glucose Monitoring System.Glycemic variability was significantly lower during High-SDS diet compared to Low-SDS diet for MAGE (Mean Amplitude of Glycemic Excursions, p < 0.01), SD (Standard Deviation, p < 0.05), and CV (Coefficient of Variation, p < 0.01). The TIR (Time In Range) [140–180 mg/dL[ was significantly higher during High-SDS diet (p < 0.0001) whereas TIRs ≥180 mg/dL were significantly lower during High-SDS diet. Post-meals tAUC (total Area Under the Curve) were significantly lower during High-SDS diet.ConclusionOne week of High-SDS Diet in T2D patients significantly improves glycemic variability and reduces postprandial glycemic excursions. Modulation of starch digestibility in the diet could be used as a simple nutritional tool in T2D patients to improve daily glycemic control.Registration numberin clinicaltrials.gov: NCT 03289494.