#Clinical Evaluation Tool

[gallifreyinstituteforlearning]

⚕️GASS (Gallifreyan Assessment Scoring System)

Sick Gallifreyan just crossed your path? Here's how to assess their condition using the Gallifreyan Assessment Scoring System. Just remember, 'Gallifreyan life's a GASS'.

BIGGER - Google Drive: PDF / Image JPG / Image PNG

This guide is for use on Gallifreyans and Time Lords only. Always seek your human advice from human health providers.

✨ What is GASS?

The Gallifreyan Assessment Scoring System (GASS) is a tool designed to rapidly evaluate a Gallifreyan's condition. By monitoring vital signs and unique Gallifreyan indicators, it prioritises emergency responses while accounting for their distinct physiology, such as dual hearts and regenerative abilities.

Just remember, Gallifreyan life's a GASS.

📈 What's New in GASS?

This updated version of GASS includes critical refinements for more precise assessments. New categories have been added, such as Heart Rate Differential (HRD) to flag discrepancies between the two hearts and T = Responds to Telepathy in the level of consciousness scale. Adjustments to thresholds for vital signs and regenerative glow visibility also improve detection of emergencies like fibrillation or post-regenerative trauma.

📝 How to Use GASS

1️⃣Initial Observations

Ensure the environment is safe (e.g., no stray Daleks).

Observe for immediate signs of distress: skin colour, breathing effort, or lack of responsiveness.

2️⃣Evaluate Vital Signs and Assign Scores

Refer to the GASS table to assess each category:

🌬️ Respiration Rate: Count breaths per minute. Adjust for respiratory bypass if present.

🫧 Supplemental Oxygen: Note if oxygen support is in use.

🌡️ Temperature: Measure orally.

💓 Systolic BP: Record using a normal sphygmomanometer.

💖 Hearts Rate (Combined): Count the total bpm across both hearts.

🔄 Hearts Rhythm: Sequential beats (thud-thud, thud-thud) are normal; synchronous beats (thud-thud together) indicate fibrillation.

⚖️ Heart Rate Differential (HRD): Calculate the bpm difference between hearts; large discrepancies suggest possible singular heart failure.

🧠 Level of Consciousness (AVPTU): A = Alert, V = Responds to verbal stimuli, P = Responds to pain, T = Responds to telepathy, U = Unresponsive

✨ Regenerative Glow: Check for visible energy on the skin.

3️⃣Check for Healing Coma

If 8+ healing coma criteria are met:

Cease active interventions.

Monitor closely for changes.

Avoid premature waking to prevent neurological damage.

4️⃣Calculate Total GASS Score

Add up the scores from all categories:

0: No concerning changes. Continue routine monitoring.

1–4: Mild to moderate changes. Perform an ABCDE assessment and increase monitoring.

5–8 or 3 in single score: Severe changes. Perform ABCDE, escalate care, and consider sepsis.

≥9 or Glow = 3: Extreme changes. Initiate emergency intervention, constant monitoring, and prepare for sepsis protocols.

5️⃣Reassess After Interventions

Following each intervention, reassess the GASS score to adapt care and ensure stability.

🚨 When to Escalate

Critical signs: Synchronous heartbeats, extreme HRD, or GASS score ≥9.

Sepsis or Specific Emergencies: Use respective protocols for management.

📌 Key Points to Remember

Combine GASS results with clinical judgement.

Healing comas are protective states—let them run their course.

Escalate care if in doubt.

Medical Guides These are all practical guides to assessing and treating a Gallifreyan in an emergency or medical setting.

📓|⚕️💞 Gallifreyan CPR [Update due]

📓|⚕️💞 Gallifreyan Cardiovascular Emergencies (beyond CPR)

📓|⚕️👽 Gallifreyan Assessment Scoring System (GASS)

📓|⚕️👽 Gallifreyan ABCDE Assessment [Update due]

📓|⚕️⚠️ Gallifreyan Sepsis Emergency Response (SER) [Update due]

📓|⚕️⚠️ Gallifreyan Severe Trauma Protocol

📓|⚕️⚠️ Gallifreyan Organ Failure Pathways

📓|⚕️⚠️ Gallifreyan Stroke Response

📓|⚕️️⚠️ Gallifreyan Anaphylaxis

📓|⚕️️⚠️ Gallifreyan Physical Shock Protocol

📓|⚕️✨ Post-Regeneration Management

📓|⚕️🌡️ Gallifreyan Pyrexia [Update due]

📓|⚕️🌡️ Gallifreyan Hypothermia

📓|⚕️⚡ Artron Management

📓|⚕️🧠 Healing Coma Management

📓|⚕️🧠 Gallifreyan Coma Scale

📓|⚕️🧠 Gallifreyan Neurological Trauma

📓|⚕️🧬 Symbiosis Management

📓|⚕️️🦴 Gallifreyan Fractures and Bone Trauma

📓|⚕️️🫁 Gallifreyan Respiratory Management

📓|⚕️🔮 Psionic Emergency Pathways

📓|⚕️🍼 Gallifreyan Paediatric Care

📓|⚕️🔪 Gallifreyan Surgical Procedures

📓|⚕️🔪 Gallifreyan Organ Transplants

Plus:

📓|⚕️💧 Gallifreyan Urinalysis

📓|⚕️🩸 Gallifreyan Bloodwork

📓|⚕️💊 Gallifreyan Pharmacology

📓|⚕️📡 Gallifreyan Medical Imaging

Any orange text is educated guesswork or theoretical. More content ... →📫Got a question? | 📚Complete list of Q+A and factoids →📢Announcements |🩻Biology |🗨️Language |🕰️Throwbacks |🤓Facts → Features:⭐Guest Posts | 🍜Chomp Chomp with Myishu →🫀Gallifreyan Anatomy and Physiology Guide (pending) →⚕️Gallifreyan Emergency Medicine Guides →📝Source list (WIP) →📜Masterpost If you're finding your happy place in this part of the internet, feel free to buy a coffee to help keep our exhausted human conscious. She works full-time in medicine and is so very tired 😴

[a-d-nox]

Hi. May I ask you about something that is very common to a majority of people. I don't know if you have it but it is about MALADAPTIVE DAYDREAMING!!!

I spend the majority of time daily, and cannot be productive. Is it useful, is it a tool, a blessing but feels more like e curse which direct you way in massive self-deception and depression rather than directing you towards what you need to do, your goals ect.

I'd love to know your opinion about it.

💋

brain matters: maladaptive daydreaming

as previously mentioned, i was a forensic psych major before i was an english major and before graduating with my b.a. of literature. for 3 years i studied psychology. i do not have a psychology degree, so that does not make me qualified to diagnose anyone or anything... but i do know a bit about psychology and i continue to read research and articles regarding psychology.

so gladly i will give my opinion though i am not a professional.

what is maladaptive daydreaming?

maladaptive daydreaming is often found in those seeking an escape or who seek coping mechanism from trauma, abuse, anxiety, depression, adhd, etc. its a form of daydreaming that may involve long periods of structured fantasy that can interfere with work, school, and/or other life functions/tasks.

is it common?

it is not an officially recognized diagnosis but has comorbidity as i listed above. the few studies/articles i have read, state that it is not common in the general population - only about 2-6% of individuals experience it. depending on the scope of the study group it varies. out of the 7.9 billion individuals on earth only about 158 million experience maladaptive daydreaming. the study i found on pubmed (could only get the preview see below) states 2.2 million in america alone including those with a formal diagnosis that i listed above.

what are the symptoms?

highly vivid/immersive daydreams: these are abnormally long daydreams that are hard to escape / shake. making it hard for you to focus on any given task.

inability to complete daily tasks.

sleep disruption / insomnia: your mind is on but not at the same time throughout the day making it hard to maintain a healthy circadian rhythm.

being triggering into daydreams by external forces such as tv shows, movies, books, etc.

repetitive motion/activity while daydreaming

potential benefits

creativity and problem-solving skills: it can foster creativity, as it allows the mind to explore ideas and scenarios freely. writers, artists, and inventors use their imagination in this way to develop new concepts (but it is safe to say that not all creatives experience maladaptive daydreaming nor is it a requirement for all creatives / skilled problem solvers).

emotional regulation: provides a form of escapism, helping individuals cope with stress or emotional difficulties by temporarily shifting their focus away from real-life challenges.

goal visualization: a strong way to visualize their future or rehearse real-life scenarios, which can improve their ability to achieve goals or prepare for social interactions (lots of therapist teach clients with anxiety "visualization" as a coping mechanism so they can mentally prepare for what could be experienced; they generally guide the visualization to the best possible outcome).

drawbacks

time loss and disconnection from family/friends: the time spent lost in a fantasy often takes away from real-life activities, relationships, and responsibilities. which can lead to procrastination or missed opportunities.

emotional detachment: becominh emotionally invested in their fantasy worlds, making real-life experiences seem dull or less satisfying by comparison. this could cause worsen feelings of loneliness or depression.

interference with mental health: can exacerbate or mask underlying mental health issues like anxiety, depression, trauma, etc., as people use it as a form of avoidance rather than addressing their challenges head-on.

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© a-d-nox 2024 all rights reserved

[religion-is-a-mental-illness]

Following publication of the final report there have been a number of questions and points for clarification about the findings and recommendations. We have collated those questions, along with our answers, on this page.

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Did the Review set a higher bar for evidence than would normally be expected?

No, the approach to the assessment of study quality was the same as would be applied to other areas of clinical practice – the bar was not set higher for this Review.

Clarification:

The same level of rigour should be expected when looking at the best treatment approaches for this population as for any other population so as not to perpetuate the disadvantaged position this group have been placed in when looking for information on treatment options.

The systematic reviews undertaken by the University of York as part of the Review’s independent research programme are the largest and most comprehensive to date. They looked at 237 papers from 18 countries, providing information on a total of 113,269 children and adolescents.

All of the University of York’s systematic review research papers were subject to peer review, a cornerstone of academic rigour and integrity to ensure that the methods, findings, and interpretation of the findings met the highest standards of quality, validity and impartiality.

-

Did the Review reject studies that were not double blind randomised control trials in its systematic review of evidence for puberty blockers and masculinising / feminising hormones?

No. There were no randomised control studies identified in the systematic reviews, but other types of studies were included if they were well designed and conducted.

Clarification:

The Review commissioned the University of York to undertake an independent research programme to ensure the work of the Review and its recommendations were informed by the most robust existing evidence. This included a series of systematic reviews which brought together, analysed and evaluated existing evidence on a range of issues relating to the care of gender-questioning children and young people, including epidemiology, treatment approaches and international models of current practice.

Randomised control trials are considered the gold standard in relation to research, but there are many other study designs that can give valuable information. Explanatory Box 1 (pages 49-51 of the final report) discusses in more detail the different kinds of studies that can be used, and how to decide if a study is poorly designed or biased.

Blinding is a separate issue. It means that either the patient or the researcher does not know if the patient is getting an active treatment or a ‘control’ (which might be another treatment or a placebo). Patients cannot be blinded as to whether or not they are receiving puberty blockers or masculinising / feminising hormones, because the effects would rapidly become obvious. Good RCTs can be conducted without blinding.

The University of York’s systematic review search did not identify any RCTs, blinded or otherwise, but many other studies were included. Most of the studies included were called ‘cohort studies’. Well-designed and executed high quality cohort studies are used in other areas of medicine, and the bar was not set higher for this review; even so the quality of the studies was mostly only assessed as moderate.

-

Did the Review reject 98% of papers demonstrating the benefits of affirmative care?

No. Studies were identified for inclusion in the synthesis (conclusions) of the systematic reviews on puberty blockers and masculinising/feminising hormones on the basis of their quality. This was assessed using a standard quality assessment tool appropriate to the types of study identified.  All high quality and moderate quality reviews were included in the synthesis of results. This totalled 58% of the 103 papers.

Clarification:

The Newcastle-Ottawa scale (a standard appraisal tool) was used to compare the studies. This scores items such as participant selection, comparability of groups (how alike they are), the outcomes of the studies and how these were assessed (data provided and whether it is representative of those studied). High quality studies (scoring >75%) would score well on most of these items; moderate quality studies (scoring >50% – 75%) would miss some elements (which could affect outcomes); and low-quality studies would score 50% or less on the items the scale looked at. A major weakness of the studies was that they did not have adequate follow-up – in many cases they did not follow young people for long enough for the long-term outcomes to be understood.

Because the ranking was based on how the studies were undertaken (their quality and execution), low quality research was removed before the results were analysed as the findings could not be completely trusted. Had an RCT been available it would also have been excluded from the systematic review if it was deemed to be of poor quality.

The puberty blocker systematic review included 50 studies. One was high quality, 25 were moderate quality and 24 were low quality. The systematic review of masculinising/feminising hormones included 53 studies. One was high quality, 33 were moderate quality and 19 were low quality.

All high quality and moderate quality reviews were included, however as only two of the studies across these two systematic reviews were identified as being of high quality, this has been misinterpreted by some to mean that only two studies were considered and the rest were discarded. In reality, conclusions were based on the high quality and moderate quality studies (i.e. 58% of the total studies based on the quality assessment). More information about this process in included in Box 2 (pages 54-56 of the final report)

-

Has the Review recommended that no one should transition before the age of 25 and that Gillick competence should be overturned.

No.  The Review has not commented on the use of masculinising/feminising hormones on people over the age of 18. This is outside of the scope of the Review. The Review has not stated that Gillick competence should be overturned.

The Review has recommended that:

“NHS England should ensure that each Regional Centre has a follow through service for 17-25-year-olds; either by extending the range of the regional children and young people’s service or through linked services, to ensure continuity of care and support at a potentially vulnerable stage in their journey. This will also allow clinical, and research follow-up data to be collected.”

This recommendation only relates to people referred into the children and young people’s service before the age of 17 to enable their care to be continued within the follow-through service up to the age of 25.

Clarification:

Currently, young people are discharged from the young people’s service at the age of 17, often to an adult gender clinic. Some of these young people have been receiving direct care from the NHS gender service (GIDS as was) and others have not yet reached the top of the waiting list and have “aged out” of the young people’s service before being seen.

The Review understands that this is a particularly vulnerable time for young people. A follow-through service continuing up to age 25, would remove the need for transition (that is, transfer) to adult services and support continuity of care and continued access to a broader multi-disciplinary team. This would be consistent with other service areas supporting young people that are selectively moving to a ‘0-25 years’ service to improve continuity of care.

The follow-through service would also benefit those seeking support from adult gender services, as these young people would not be added to the waiting list for adult services and, in the longer-term, as more gender services are established, capacity of adult provision across the country would be increased.

People aged 18 and over, who had not been referred to the NHS children and young people’s gender service, would still be referred directly to adult clinics.

-

Is the Review recommending that puberty blockers should be banned?

No. Puberty blocker medications are used to address a number of different conditions. The Review has considered the evidence in relation to safety and efficacy (clinical benefit) of the medications for use in young people with gender incongruence/gender dysphoria.

The Review found that not enough is known about the longer-term impacts of puberty blockers for children and young people with gender incongruence to know whether they are safe or not, nor which children might benefit from their use.

Ahead of publication of the final report NHS England took the decision to stop the routine use of puberty blockers for gender incongruence / gender dysphoria in children.  NHS England and National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) are establishing a clinical trial to ensure the effects of puberty blockers can be safely monitored. Within this trial, puberty blockers will be available for children with gender incongruence/ dysphoria where there is clinical agreement that the individual may benefit from taking them.

Clarification:

Puberty blockers have been used to suppress puberty in children and young people who start puberty much too early (precocious puberty). They have undergone extensive testing for use in precocious puberty (a very different indication from use in gender dysphoria) and have met strict safety requirements to be approved for this condition. This is because the puberty blockers are suppressing hormone levels that are abnormally high for the age of the child.

This is different to stopping the normal surge of hormones that occur in puberty. Pubertal hormones are needed for psychological, psychosexual and brain development, and there is not yet enough information on the risks of stopping the influence of pubertal hormones at this critical life stage.

When deciding if certain treatments should be routinely available through the NHS it is not enough to demonstrate that a medication doesn’t cause harm, it needs to be demonstrated that it will deliver clinical benefit in a defined group of patients.

Over the past few years, the most common age that young people have been receiving puberty blockers in England has been 15 when most young people are already well advanced in their puberty. The new services will be looking at the best approaches to support young people through this period when they are still making decisions about longer-term options.

-

Has the Review recommended that social transition should only be undertaken under medical guidance?

The Review has advised that a more cautious approach around social transition needs to be taken for pre-pubertal children than for adolescents and has recommended that:

“When families/carers are making decisions about social transition of pre-pubertal children, services should ensure that they can be seen as early as possible by a clinical professional with relevant experience.”

Parents are encouraged to seek clinical help and advice in deciding how to support a child with gender incongruence and should be prioritised on the waiting list for early consultation on this issue. This should include discussion of the risks and benefits and the voice of the child should be heard. It will be important that flexibility is maintained, and options remain open.

Clarification:

Although the University of York’s systematic review found that there is no clear evidence that social transition in childhood has positive or negative mental health outcomes, there are studies demonstrating that for a majority of young children presenting with gender incongruence, this resolves through puberty. There is also evidence from studies of young people with differences of sex development (DSD) that sex of rearing seems to have some influence on eventual gender outcome, and it is possible that social transition in childhood may change the trajectory of gender identity development for children with early gender incongruence. Living in stealth from early childhood may also lead to stress, particularly as puberty approaches.

There is relatively weak evidence for any effect of social transition in adolescence. The Review recognises that for adolescents, exploration is a normal process, and rigid binary gender stereotypes can be unhelpful. Many adolescents will go through a period of gender non-conformity in terms of outward expressions (e.g. hairstyle, make-up, clothing and behaviours). They also have greater agency in how they present themselves and in their decision-making.

Young people and young adults have spoken positively about how social transition helped to reduce their gender dysphoria and feel more comfortable in themselves. They identified that space to talk about socially transitioning and how to handle conversations with parents/carers and others would be helpful. The Review has therefore advised that it is important to try and ensure that those already actively involved in the young person’s welfare provide support in decision making and that plans are in place to ensure that the young person is protected from bullying and has a trusted source of support.

Further detail can be found in Chapter 12 of the Final Report.

-

Did the Review speak to any gender-questioning and trans people when developing its recommendations?

Yes, the Review has been underpinned by an extensive programme of proactive engagement, which is described in Chapter 1 of the report. The Review has met with over 1000 individuals and organisations across the breadth of opinion on this subject but prioritised two categories of stakeholders:

People with relevant lived experience (direct or as a parent/carer) and organisations working with LGBTQ+ children and young people generally.

Clinicians and other relevant professionals with experience of and/ or responsibility for providing care and support to children and young people within specialist gender services and beyond.

A mixed-methods approach was taken, which included weekly listening sessions with people with lived experience, 6-weekly meetings with support and advocacy groups throughout the course of the Review, and focus groups with young people and young adults.

Reports from the focus groups with young people with lived experience are published on the Review’s website and the learning from these sessions and the listening sessions are represented in the final report.

The Review also commissioned qualitative research from the University of York, who conducted interviews with young people, young adults, parents and clinicians. A summary of the findings from this research is included as appendix 3 of the final report.

-

What is the Review’s position on conversion therapy?

Whilst the Review’s terms of reference do not include consideration of the proposed legislation to ban conversion practices, it believes that no LGBTQ+ group should be subjected to conversion practice. It also maintains the position that children and young people with gender dysphoria may have a range of complex psychosocial challenges and/or mental health problems impacting on their gender-related distress. Exploration of these issues is essential to provide diagnosis, clinical support and appropriate intervention.

The intent of psychological intervention is not to change the person’s perception of who they are but to work with them to explore their concerns and experiences and help alleviate their distress, regardless of whether they pursue a medical pathway or not. It is harmful to equate this approach to conversion therapy as it may prevent young people from getting the emotional support they deserve and make clinicians fearful of providing this group of children and young people the same care as is afforded to other children and young people.

No formal science-based training in psychotherapy, psychology or psychiatry teaches or advocates conversion therapy. If an individual were to carry out such practices they would be acting outside of professional guidance, and this would be a matter for the relevant regulator.

==

Like any religious fanatics, pathological liars like "Erin" Reed and "Alejandra" Carballo still won't stop lying, since it's all they have. But their disciples should really be noticing how they've been directly refuted.

[praxcrown5]

Carstober Prompt #s 9 and 10: Poor Choice/Roadkill

"When I was a kid, I used to sneak out at night to race the main roads. It was dangerous--ALL racing is dangerous--but I was a young hot-rod with a chip on my hood. Bad things only happened to adults, and I was a kid with an engine that could put out 120 horsepower.

One night, after I'd spent the evening tearing up the back roads, I tried sneaking back into the house through the door into the den. Pa was home and, because of how big he was, he slept in the den with Ma. I knew Ma was still at the garage, working a double because the clinic wanted her to dissect a special engine.

Since Pa usually went to bed really early, I coasted down the driveway as quietly as I could, and I popped the latch using a set of tools that I'd made.

I opened the door...and found myself staring directly at his grille.

"Hud." He rumbled, looking down at me with severe brown eyes. "You snuck out of the house, again. From what your Ma has told me, that's the tenth time this month."

Despite him being five times my size, I wasn't intimidated. I glared back, and puffed myself up, defiantly. "Yeah, and?"

I thought he might yell, but instead he just stared at me, troubled. "Were you racing?"

"Yeah."

"It's dangerous, you know."

I snorted derisively. "Everything is dangerous, according to you and Ma." I pushed forward so that we were, effectively, bumper to bumper. "I bet if y'all had your way, you'd keep me locked up in the house, lest I scuff up my tires driving down Main Street."

Usually, being loud and aggressive would make most other cars back away. It was my defense mechanism, and it had worked wonders in and around town.

But Pa was unfazed. He held his ground and turned my push forward into an affectionate nuzzle. "Hud, I mean it. I've seen some pretty horrible things on my travels..." he sighed, and my arrogance sort of fizzled. "I...don't want anything bad to happen to you, is all."

I reversed a bit and glared at him, suspicious. "If you actually cared, you'd be home more often."

His expression shifted slightly. I could see that my statement hurt him, but, rather than yell, his shades drew down so that he looked both sad...and determined. "Do you know what a coal scraper is?"

Of course I knew what a coal scraper was. Everyone did. They were giant, feral scavengers that lived in the woods and traveled in herds.

I cocked a shade. What game was he playing?

"Long before my family started their lumber business, they would mine coal. It was hard work, and to make things easier, they domesticated coal scrapers to help collect and transport the resource to various camps situated throughout the woods. Once the mines were depleted, they released their dutiful beasts of burden back to the wild where they still roam to this day."

"So...what does this have to do with racing?" I asked, truly unsure where this was going.

"Coal scrapers still roam these woods. They're very, very hard to see in the dark, and they often use our roads as game trails."

I reversed a bit. "You mean...people hit them?"

He nodded.

"You've seen this?"

"Yes." He looked at me, shrewdly. "Most cars are robust enough to survive the collision. But coal scrapers are scavengers, and a disabled car lying broken and bleeding on the road is an easy meal."

I stared at him, unblinking.

"Good night, Son." He said, reversing slowly back to his usual sleeping spot.

I remember darting into the house, closing the door behind me and hurrying back up the ramp to my room where I hunkered under a blanket for two days, re-evaluating my life up until that point. His warning was one of the few things from that time that I truly took to heart.

And for good reason.

Two weeks later, I snuck out of the house to go racing with my friends. No sooner than we started down the switchbacks into Oracle Valley, than a Heard of Coal Scrapers crossed the road right in front of us. We barely stopped in time.

I think, had Pa not told me that story, we all would have been going a lot faster down those curves. And that little bit of caution...even if it was just a tiny voice in the back of my head, stayed my ego enough that I could live to drive another day." -- An Excerpt from "Recollections of the Hudson Hornet." Vol 2, pages 34-37.

[covid-safer-hotties]

Correlation of patient symptoms with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant viral loads in nasopharyngeal and saliva samples and their influence on the performance of rapid antigen testing - Published Oct 9, 2024

Study showing 1. The one-and-done method of rapid testing used by many is not good enough to prove covid negativity because rapid test were desined for serial testing 2. saliva swabs increase the accuracy of Rapid Antigen Tests.

ABSTRACT Evaluating SARS-CoV-2 viral loads in nasopharyngeal (NP) and saliva samples, factors affecting viral loads, and the performance of rapid antigen testing (RAT) have not been comprehensively conducted during SARS-CoV-2 Omicron epidemic. This prospective study included outpatients enrolled during Omicron variant period in Japan. Paired NP swab and saliva samples were collected to measure viral loads by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The correlation between viral loads and clinical symptoms was examined. The performance of an immunochromatography-based RAT kit was also assessed. A total of 153 patients tested within 3 days of symptom onset were included. The mean viral load was 5.60 log10 copies/test and 3.65 log10 copies/test in NP and saliva samples, respectively, resulting in a significant difference (P < 0.0001). Fever over 37°C (axillary temperature) and total number of symptoms other than fever were identified as independent factors positively correlated with the viral loads in both NP and saliva samples. RAT sensitivity using NP and saliva samples was 92% and 68%, respectively, using positive RT-qPCR results as the reference. The sensitivity of RAT using NP and saliva samples was significantly higher in patients with fever ≥37°C and/or at least one symptom than in those with fever <37°C and/or no symptoms (97% vs 83% in NP swabs; 80% vs 50% in saliva). Distinct symptoms, including fever ≥37°C, may reflect high Omicron variant viral loads. Rapid antigen testing, not only using nasopharyngeal swabs but also using saliva, would be useful for COVID-19 diagnosis as point-of-care testing, particularly for symptomatic patients.

IMPORTANCE We examined nasopharyngeal and salivary viral loads using samples collected from outpatients with SARS-CoV-2 infection during the Omicron epidemic in Japan and explored the outpatient factors correlated with viral loads. In addition, we evaluated the performance of an authorized rapid antigen testing (RAT) kit using nasopharyngeal and saliva samples with RT-PCR testing as the reference. Intriguingly, a correlation between fever and other symptoms and SARS-CoV-2 viral loads in nasopharyngeal and saliva samples was observed based on one COVID-19 outpatient visit. RAT sensitivity was influenced by viral loads. Nevertheless, nasopharyngeal RAT is considered useful for SARS-CoV-2 point-of-care diagnosis. In patients with distinct symptoms, including high-grade fever, salivary RAT could be a practical diagnostic tool because of the higher estimated viral loads. After the Omicron epidemic, outpatients with mild COVID-19 have become the main focus of diagnosis and treatment. Our study provides valuable information regarding the point-of-care diagnosis of these patients.

[yesthattoo]

Survey recruitment; I gave feedback as a later consultant & Tuttle is another Autistic AAC user who was involved in the project from the start. Shares are Definitely Helpful :)

Are you an autistic adult who uses speech and other tools (such as augmentative and alternative communication [AAC]) to communicate?

If you answered yes, please consider participating in this survey at this link:

We are interested in learning about the speech, AAC, and assessment experiences of autistic people who use speech and AAC. We are curious if a modified version of the Communicative Participation Item Bank (CPIB) can be a reliable tool for clinicians to utilize in measuring the internal experiences of speaking autistic people. Regarding assessment, we are interested in understanding how their speech efficacy, or the extent to which one can use speech to completely communicate their intended meaning, was measured and considered in the evaluation process and if the evaluation resulted in a recommendation of an AAC tool.

The survey includes a mix of multiple choice, slider, and written response questions and is estimated to take between 10-20 minutes.

No identifying information will be collected in this survey.

Please reach out with any questions or concerns via email.

We thank you in advance for contributing your insight on this important topic!

Karina Rayl, B.S. (Lead Investigator)

Graduate Student

Speech and Hearing Sciences

Portland State University

Email: krayl@pdx.edu

Pang Lee Herr, B.S. (Lead Investigator)

Graduate Student

Speech and Hearing Sciences

Portland State University

Email: pherr@pdx.edu

Brandon Eddy, M.A., CCC-SLP (Co-investigator and Faculty Advisor)

Associate Clinical Professor

Speech and Hearing Sciences

Email: beddy@pdx.edu

Amy Donaldson, Ph.D. CCC-SLP (Co-investigator and Faculty Advisor)

Associate Professor

Speech and Hearing Sciences

Email: adonald@pdx.edu

Tuttle (External Collaborator)

Email: tuttleturtle@gmail.com

Alyssa Zisk, Ph.D. (External Collaborator)

Email: ahzisk@gmail.com

[malewife-overlord]

Six Cycles Later -- Part VII

Summary: The other side of the conversation in Part VI. Channel's dealing with her own horrible revelations half a planet away.

Word Count: 3759

Trigger warning: robogore, PTSD

Prior chapter can be found here, start can be found here. Next chapter can be found here.

Fic under cut!

The rain had already begun to pour by the time she laid the tiny Autobot on her work slab. Just moments ago, when he'd crashed outside and staggered to her door, it had been a drizzle at most, a quiet, tapping suggestion of presence. Now it was a downpour. Her optics automatically adjusted when the natural light from the windows darkened. 

He wasn’t even able to properly speak. The damage to his helm was so severe she thought he must have stuck it in a press. Usually Channel would have degraded him for being so stupid; she'd quickly realized there was no time for a scolding when he'd collapsed at the door. 

Her patient was tiny, less than half her size. She focused on supporting his head, energon pouring over her servos as she carried him across the clinic. It really wasn't much of one: the structure she called an abode was a glorified garage with two rooms attached to it. The "entrance" was a shabby, nondescript door which opened straight into her storage closet, which was so cluttered that only the suggestion of a floor could be garnered from a glance. 

Despite the obstacles she'd been cautious to avoid jarring her patient (or exposing him to the chittering cage of sparklets) as she'd brought him into the garage area—her "operating room". It was a wide open space with an operating slab, a single surgical aid machine, and assembly tables scattered about, all covered in tools.Energon stains dotted the bare stone floor like stars in the sky, mixing into fat blobs around the slab as she laid him down. 

His optics were darting around the room constantly, trying to evaluate where he was, how to escape, if he was safe or not. Poor thing. The scared animal look never quite left the eyes of the dying, even after they recovered. Brushing against the beast that was mortality left every victim traumatized, and the one on her slab was no exception. But just what had happened to bring him there?

She didn't linger on it and sedated him with a quick injection of spiked energon. The moment his optics quit fluttering about, she picked away what pieces were left of his helm and pressed the modified pads of her fingers to his paneling. A few communications from her own systems to his granted her immediate access into him, permitting her to order a temporary offline. Before leaving, she collected a few memory files, then snapped back into her own body. blinking as she onlined again. 

From there she went to work. His helm was almost completely crushed, though his brain was intact. Repairs wouldn't be as simple as hammering out a few dents; he would need an entirely new helm and faceplate. It was a job for someone with parts at their disposal, not her tiny "clinic" in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Idly, she wondered if this was a job she could even handle with her current tools.

The gray light pouring in suddenly lighting up with a flash. She winced at the sudden boom that followed, her servos clenching instinctively at the sound. The war was over, there was no reason to panic. Earth's weather just did that every now and then. 

Even so, a dozen notifications opened in her HUD, warning her to take cover and scan for survivors. She closed them all. 

There was no choice. She’d have to repair him as best she could with what she had here, then wipe his memory. If she failed with either, she risked his life and her safety. 

First, she checked his sparkbeat--stable--and cleaned his wounds.

I ain’t a doctor. I didn't learn in no system. I didn't attend no classes or read no datapads.

Then, she worked on the warping in his plating.

I got all my experience fixin' everyone I found in the field. We ain't had time for studyin' an' readin' an' practicin'. 

After that, she welded what breaks she could and carefully molded his head back together. His visor was a lost cause. 

Everythin’ was hands on, in the moment, right there, an' either you got it right, or they died beneath you. 

Only once she was sure she'd properly fixed all of his helm did she check his Energon levels, finding them to be lower, but still at a safe level. Her medical Energon stores were shoved right against the always closed garage door, in case she needed to quickly dispose of them. Retrieving a cube from the small pile, she brought it to his dermas and, with only a bit of effort, convinced his unconscious form to drink. 

When the cube depleted she placed its empty shell next to the others and returned to online him. It was a careful process to open his helm again and connect. As she turned his head she took in the full sight of his faceplate, with all its mended seams. 

The bleeding corpse still looked up at her, his face contorted in agony.

Her fans clicked on instinctively to cool her down. Her hands shook as notifications began to crop up in her HUD again. She disabled them both and pulled her hands away, choosing to let him sleep for a bit longer. No use trying to wake him up if she wasn't fit for it. 

Outside the storm raged. She hadn't seen such strong weather in a while--not for at least two earth months. It was lucky the little Autobot had found her before the winds had turned. There was no way in The Pit that he would have been able to fly in such conditions. 

Then again, with the damage to his helm, there was no way he should have been able to transform safely either. Luck seemed to be on the little one’s side. 

How cruel that the fickle creature decided only now to make its presence known amongst the Autobots.

Crossing the garage, she leaned against one of the window frames and watched the rain fall. It was the perfect distraction for letting her mind wander: the files she'd retrieved would need to be reviewed so she could learn about her patient. That would determine whether she'd contact someone to pick him up for travel to a proper medic, or if she'd give him a knock on the helm and tell him to fly there himself. Opening the files in her HUD, she let the white noise of rainfall train her focus into her own processor. 

Starburst was his name. He turned into a rocket—made sense. Speedster build, forged during the war. Had pride issues, liked to flirt. Good thing his vox box was probably broken, then. Visiting Earth to catch up with the Aerialbots; it seemed competitiveness ran in his wires. Before he'd been injured, he'd been responding to...

A distress call. She raised an optical ridge at that. A distress call from humans. On the island of Bali, there had been a call claiming a winged robot had walked out of the sea and crushed several buildings on a tourist beach. Supposedly it had then made for the Demon Swamp. Eager to prove himself, Starburst had rocketed off first, leaving the Aerialbots he'd been intending to challenge behind. 

Once at the swamp, he'd found--

Two of them. One enormous, one average. A common build, that of a Seeker, and a custom, hulking monster. The Seeker was lime green--a  familiar lime green. Flaking pink paint covered her chassis and ran up her wings, but the rest of her was eye-bleeding green. The larger one was almost entirely black, accented with gold and yellow. Her armor was spiked and segmented, resembling an earth organism in its make-up. Hiding her face was a steely mask and a red visor, over which a helm resembling an insect's head almost seemed to bite down, like it was never meant to be there in the first place. 

An Insecticon and a Seeker. Though the memories playing before her vision barely noticed the purple sigils on their wings and chasses, her own systems blared with panic at the sight. 

There were no cons left on Earth. They'd abandoned the planet after Megatron had died during the assault on Autobot City. Following the Unicron incident the remaining forces had retreated somewhere unknown in the galaxy. A search over the entire planet Earth had concluded there were no cons left. The planet had been declared a safe haven, with the official announcement that the war, at least here, was over. 

And playing right before her vision was proof it was not. 

She opened her comms immediately, closing the memory files she'd been viewing. Before she could even open his channel, however, Uptick was pinging her. How convenient. Accepting his request, their communications line opened. 

"Ticker's, I got news for y--"

"I need you to hijack a signal for me. There's a sparkeater in Autobot City and it's captured Luster. I need you to find him."

She paused for just a moment, surprised at his interruption before it truly hit her.

'Well, I'll be. Sparkeater's a bit worse 'an this I s'ppose. Aight, gimme the signal." 

She followed along with his requests, channeling into his mind through their connection, then into the city’s own signal. It was intimidating, connecting to a Titan–she was no Cityspeaker, and passing through a Titan’s personal frequency made her feel like a bug beneath the eye of Primus. 

Metroplex, luckily, did not crush her. Or perhaps it was not luck, for Autobots were notoriously unlucky. Rather, he chose to pay her little mind to avoid overwhelming her, watching her right back, waiting to see what she would do. 

Using the radio waves from his own satellite, she mapped his entire body, searching for a specific life signal. He gave her a small boost, aiding her in filtering through the thousands currently populating him. In milliseconds she was zipping through his corridors and over his streets, honing in on the Autobot Metroplex had dubbed “the waning one”. 

Uptick could feel most of the information she sent to him, but not that of her momentary connection with Metroplex. It spared him from the sudden pain she felt when the signals were located and one winked out. It spared him from the sudden desire forced into her mind: 

Save them. 

"Found your kid,” she announced, and pulled out, breaking from Metroplex’s signal to retreat back into Uptick’s. 

Environmentally speaking it was like night and day: one was comfortable, familiar, and enclosed. It had been damaged and the cracks showed, but it held together despite them. The other was vast, open, and unknowable. Metroplex’s feelings were wild and enormous, each one a punch to her helm. She could not understand his words or thoughts, only the immensity of his feelings. 

If she was in her frame she would have purged. But as a signal in Uptick’s helm, she had no ability to do so. Orienting herself, she promptly sent him the information and retreated back to her own form, crossing thousands of miles instantly.

It took only milliseconds in a literal sense, but to her, it felt like hours. By the time she was back in her own frame her systems were indicating immense stress. Two transfers over such a long distance in so short a time was threatening to overload her. 

"Thanks Channel. I'll update you when I've found him." 

His tone reminded her of their war days. She couldn’t see him, but the intensity of his voice put the image of that day back in her helm like it had just passed:

He stands over the bleeding corpse, both blasters raised, missile launchers hissing despite their depleted barrels. The fuel boom extended from his side, bleeding out brilliant pink against his black war paint. As another laser bolt blasts into his wing, the corpse lurches, life giving Energon splattering from his mouth as he coughs.

There was no darker day than that. The danger in his tone was equal to himself. 

"Right, Tickers, but you should--" She began, and their connection severed. He was off to hunt a sparkeater, and she was not invited. 

She blinked, then huffed. Of course she wasn’t invited. Of course he had to do everything himself. Of course he was hellbent on sacrificing his safety and well-being in the name of protecting someone else. The memory was fresh in her mind, and though so much of it had been pulled from his, its pain was still undoubtedly fresh. 

She’d have to contact this Redactor fellow when it was all said and done, probably when he was back on Cybertron. Another round of mnemosurgery might be necessary for keeping Uptick safe from himself. But in the meantime…

She took to cleaning her tools and workspace, gathering up the trash and raising the garage door to toss it outside. 

A sparkeater. A sparkeater in Autobot City. How was that even possible? Sparkeaters were rumors at best. There didn’t even exist any real photos of them, only artistic depictions. She’d long theorized that they were made up to scare sparklings into behaving, and when the war had started, soldiers into keeping their ranks. 

Of course there had been talk that Shockwave was working on creating real ones, but no one really believed him capable of it. Whatever strange spark experiments he’d been performing, if any at all, they’d died with him when Cybertron had been attacked. She’d listened in on what they’d found in his lab. It was gruesome, but nothing as extreme as a real sparkeater. 

Still…the Decepticons rearing their ugly heads in Bali and a sparkeater's arrival in Autobot City. 

Could the two be connected? 

She closed the garage door and headed for her quarters. The door to them was at the very back, and unlike the rest of her poorly constructed, cinderblock clinic, actually mechanical. She tapped a code into her keypad and the metallic door slid open.

Her quarters were small and extremely cramped. Technology was crammed into every square inch of the place. Her computers and signal jackers covered the walls, their wires engaging in a delicate dance for dominance as they crept downwards towards a generator. The energon powered human tech kept the entire place functional, even if it constantly belched fumes and threatened to explode. 

Today was not a day where its threats were felt. She climbed over a gathering of human radios, all tuned into different frequencies, and seated herself on said generator, reaching out to tap one of her many touchscreens. It activated, and she pulled up a map of Earth, zooming in on Bali, then Autobot City.

They’d said Shockwave had failed to create a sparkeater, but what if he’d kept something underground? No body had ever been found, and he was currently listed as MIA. She wouldn’t put it past him to create some kind of atrocity in secret. 

A real sparkeater, though? It seemed a stretch. And Bali was far from Autobot City. A dual attack on both places at once was idiocy. 

Zooming in on the Demon Swamp, she pulled up her informatics on the place and read it over. The Demon Swamp was the home of the Insecticons. Earth-adapted and skilled at hiding themselves, the Insecticons were notorious for their ability to produce clones. Not even one could be spared, otherwise they’d come back with an army. 

During the attack on Autobot City, they’d seen many, many Insecticon clones bite the dust. And more than a few had bit the dust. She furrowed her optical ridges, pulling up an image of Shrapnel. 

If the cons wanted to start invading Earth again, it would make sense to start with the Insecticons. They could silently create an army from their home location, using the massive distraction of a sparkeater (real or not) to keep eyes off their efforts. And once enough had been reformed, they’d launch a full scale invasion. 

She knew for a fact there were still Decepticon bases under the oceans. They were, supposedly, abandoned. But with how lax Earth’s security was, how easily could a Decepticon sneak in and reactivate one, utilizing its cloaking to transport soldiers with an onboard space bridge?

But why a Seeker? A Seeker coming out of the ocean no less. That was about as expected as a tank falling out of the sky. 

Replaying Starburst's memory, she tried to check if she could recognize either of the cons in it. Seekers were a dime a dozen, but she swore that the one she witnessed, blurry as it was, resembled Acid Storm. The Insecticon...she drew a blank. 

Acid Storm. As far as Seekers went he was one of the more notorious; as a Rainmaker, she’d seen him melt more than a few dozen of her allies. If he was on Earth, it was awful news. Seekers always moved in trines, they were forged for it. Two at the sides, one at the lead. It was how they fought, how they flew. Knowing their movements made them predictable but no less deadly. 

“There’ll be three, one behind, two at the sides. You’ll need’a fly low. They’ll outmaneuver ya no matter what height, but if ya stay low, the environment becomes yer friend. They’re delicate. You’ ain’t.”

He looks at her with determined optics and nods. 

“All you hafta do is get us close to camp. Aerial support takes it from there.” 

She supports his head on her knee, elevating him so the energon stops leaking from his intake. 

“We’ll be wit’ ya the whole way. Hey, when we make it outta this, we’ll have a wicked story ta tell, right?”

There were three Rainmakers. Together they could level entire cities. If they had been present at the attack on Autobot City it wouldn’t have been declared a victory.

She tapped her servos together, considering her information. A Rainmaker, an Insecticon, and a sparkeater. None of it felt right. She couldn’t confidently say what the cons were up to, but she could say it needed to be reported. Glancing out at Starburst’s inert form, she grimaced.

She wanted to alert Ultra Magnus to all she'd learned, there was just one issue:

everything she'd just done was illegal. 

Not only was she not supposed to be practicing, she hadn't been approved for the 'clinic' she'd built, hadn't received informed consent to probe Starburst's mind, and certainly hadn't acquired the comms of anyone she'd be contacting legally. In theory she could contact Ultra Magnus or Rodimus Prime at any given time. In theory, she could pretend that it was an incorrectly made call. 

But considering how much they knew about her now, she highly doubted that anyone would believe anything from her to be accidental. Whatever information she learned, she kept, especially the pieces she wasn't supposed to have. 

How much she would love to contact the Ark or the officials in Autobot City—and how much she would love to lose all her freedom because she'd broken their contract the moment she’d stepped foot on Earth. No, there was really only one 'bot she could entrust this information to, and it certainly wasn't Starburst. 

She groaned, already dreading the helmache she was sure to develop after pinging Uptick. This would have to be quick, otherwise she risked temporary offlining at best. 

He picked up on the first ring. When he spoke his voice almost sounded distant, like he was yelling into the wind. She recognized why immediately: it was the way he sounded when transformed. 

"Channel, I need a favor."

Three in one day. He was getting bold. She cocked an optical ridge and frowned. 

"Now's a bad time for it, 'Tickers. There’s–”

"It can't wait. I'm sorry. I'm heading to you now."

"Wait, wh'?” She furrowed her optical ridges. “'Tickers, I'm callin' you because I needa’ tell ya somethin'!

"It can wait."

"It really can’t--"

"It has to wait. This isn't negotiable.”

"No, it ain't!" She snapped, slamming a fist down on a radio. It shrieked static, igniting her rage. "'Tickers, I done you two favors today, you're gonna sit your aft down and listen t’ me! A sparkeater's bad, but it ain't alone! The cons are back!" 

Silence. 

“Ain’t you heard me?! The ‘Cons are–”

“Where are they?” The dangerous calm in his voice went over her head. 

“Where? The Demon Swamp! You needa contact Mags--"

"No."

Of all responses he could've given, she never thought he would have said that. It shocked her so much she sputtered.

"Y-you what?!"

"How many of them are back?"

"You--what!? WHAT?!"

"How many?"

Her dermas curled down angrily. "Listen here, you, don't you think for a moment that--"

“How. Many.” 

It was her turn to be quiet for a moment, the shrieking of the radio joining with the white noise of the rain outside. She almost wanted to join them, her spark threatening to burn through its chamber walls. 

“Two,” she finally said, so much venom dripping from the word that it could melt plating.

"Perfect. Don't tell anyone. I'll deal with them."

There it was. His stupid, self-sacrificing tendencies, rearing their ugly head. If someone didn’t set him straight he’d bleed himself dry trying to fill a broken cup. 

And she was the only voice of reason he’d listen to.

"'What the hell are you on about!” She bellowed. “I've a right mind to knock you over the helm!" 

He vented. "I know, Channel. I'm...you're going to call me an idiot. And a glitchhead. And a complete and utter fool."

"I can think'a way worse than that, Tickers.” Her helmache was growing, and now the buzzing was starting. She pinched her enstril and vented sharply. “The hell're you up to?"

"It's...bad. It's really bad. But you can fix almost anything, right? You even fixed him, and they said he was a lost cause."

A bolt of pain shot through her processor as her voice dropped dangerously low. "Don't you go bringin' him up. That ain't no way to get on my good side."

“Sorry. But the bot I'm bringing to you is also a bit of a lost cause. The entire city wants him dead at this point. He's got nowhere to go, and I--"

"Tell me you aren't doin' what I think you're doin', 'Tickers. Tell me he ain't..." 

She didn't need to say it. There was silence between them for too long. The rain beat heavily, as if howling its disapproval. 

"It's Luster," Uptick said at last, voice hesitant. "He's the sparkeater."

[d0nutzgg]

Predicting Alzheimer's With Machine Learning

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Early diagnosis is crucial for managing the disease and potentially slowing its progression. My interest in this area is deeply personal. My great grandmother, Bonnie, passed away from Alzheimer's in 2000, and my grandmother, Jonette, who is Bonnie's daughter, is currently exhibiting symptoms of the disease. This personal connection has motivated me to apply my skills as a data scientist to contribute to the ongoing research in Alzheimer's disease.

Model Creation

The first step in creating the model was to identify relevant features that could potentially influence the onset of Alzheimer's disease. After careful consideration, I chose the following features: Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR), Socioeconomic Status (SES), and Normalized Whole Brain Volume (nWBV).

MMSE: This is a commonly used test for cognitive function and mental status. Lower scores on the MMSE can indicate severe cognitive impairment, a common symptom of Alzheimer's.

CDR: This is a numeric scale used to quantify the severity of symptoms of dementia. A higher CDR score can indicate more severe dementia.

SES: Socioeconomic status has been found to influence health outcomes, including cognitive function and dementia.

nWBV: This represents the volume of the brain, adjusted for head size. A decrease in nWBV can be indicative of brain atrophy, a common symptom of Alzheimer's.

After selecting these features, I used a combination of Logistic Regression and Random Forest Classifier models in a Stacking Classifier to predict the onset of Alzheimer's disease. The model was trained on a dataset with these selected features and then tested on a separate dataset to evaluate its performance.

Model Performance

To validate the model's performance, I used a ROC curve plot (below), as well as a cross-validation accuracy scoring mechanism.

The ROC curve (Receiver Operating Characteristic curve) is a plot that illustrates the diagnostic ability of a model as its discrimination threshold is varied. It is great for visualizing the accuracy of binary classification models. The curve is created by plotting the true positive rate (TPR) against the false positive rate (FPR) at various threshold settings.

The area under the ROC curve, often referred to as the AUC (Area Under the Curve), provides a measure of the model's ability to distinguish between positive and negative classes. The AUC can be interpreted as the probability that the model will rank a randomly chosen positive instance higher than a randomly chosen negative one.

The AUC value ranges from 0 to 1. An AUC of 0.5 suggests no discrimination (i.e., the model has no ability to distinguish between positive and negative classes), 1 represents perfect discrimination (i.e., the model has perfect ability to distinguish between positive and negative classes), and 0 represents total misclassification.

The model's score of an AUC of 0.98 is excellent. It suggests that the model has a very high ability to distinguish between positive and negative classes.

The model also performed extremely well in another test, which showed the model has a final cross-validation score of 0.953. This high score indicates that the model was able to accurately predict the onset of Alzheimer's disease based on the selected features.

However, it's important to note that while this model can be a useful tool for predicting Alzheimer's disease, it should not be the sole basis for a diagnosis. Doctors should consider all aspects of diagnostic information when making a diagnosis.

Conclusion

The development and application of machine learning models like this one are revolutionizing the medical field. They offer the potential for early diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, which can significantly improve patient outcomes. However, these models are tools to assist healthcare professionals, not replace them. The human element in medicine, including a comprehensive understanding of the patient's health history and symptoms, remains crucial.

Despite the challenges, the potential of machine learning models in improving early diagnosis leaves me and my family hopeful. As we continue to advance in technology and research, we move closer to a world where diseases like Alzheimer's can be effectively managed, and hopefully, one day, cured.

[magz]

New antibiotic kills pathogenic bacteria, spares healthy gut microbes

Article Date: May 29, 2024

Article Blurb: 

Researchers have developed a new antibiotic that reduced or eliminated drug-resistant bacterial infections in mouse models of acute pneumonia and sepsis while sparing healthy microbes in the mouse gut. The drug, called lolamicin, also warded off secondary infections with Clostridioides difficile, a common and dangerous hospital-associated bacterial infection, and was effective against more than 130 multidrug-resistant bacterial strains in cell culture.

[...]

Numerous studies have found that antibiotic-related disturbances to the gut microbiome increase vulnerability to further infections and are associated with gastrointestinal, kidney, liver and other problems.

[...] In a series of experiments, Muñoz designed structural variations of the Lol inhibitors and evaluated their potential to fight gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria in cell culture. One of the new compounds, lolamicin, selectively targeted some “laboratory strains of gram-negative pathogens including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterobacter cloacae,” the researchers found. Lolamicin had no detectable effect on gram-positive bacteria in cell culture. At higher doses, lolamicin killed up to 90% of multidrug-resistant E. coli, K. pneumoniae and E. cloacae clinical isolates. 

When given orally to mice with drug-resistant septicemia or pneumonia, lolamicin rescued 100% of the mice with septicemia and 70% of the mice with pneumonia, the team reported.  

Extensive work was done to determine the effect of lolamicin on the gut microbiome. 

“The mouse microbiome is a good tool for modeling human infections because human and mouse gut microbiomes are very similar,” Muñoz said. “Studies have shown that antibiotics that cause gut dysbiosis in mice have a similar effect in humans.”

Treatment with standard antibiotics amoxicillin and clindamycin caused dramatic shifts in the overall structure of bacterial populations in the mouse gut, diminishing the abundance several beneficial microbial groups, the team found.

“In contrast, lolamicin did not cause any drastic changes in taxonomic composition over the course of the three-day treatment or the following 28-day recovery,” the researchers wrote. 

Many more years of research are needed to extend the findings, Hergenrother said. 

[More in Article]

Note: The main scientific journal itself is paywalled (and not yet available in unpaywall nor sci-hub), Nature Journal Link

[got-into-worm-by-mistake]

Shell 4.11 Live Reactions

(This is me, writing reactions as I read, because why the fuck not. They're not complete, mature thoughts taken after I sit back and evaluate what I've read. Consider them as such)

“If something happens because I was wrong, and it isn’t because you gave me the wrong information or tools to work with, I’ll own up.  I’ll tell him, and your reputation will be unaffected.  Promise.”

I actually believe Lisa here. Assuming it is Lisa, anyway.

This other guy... didn't Coil have a medical tinker at one point or something? Or was that just invented in a fic?

“That, honey, is the only reason we’ve been trying to wake you up.  You’ve been using your power while you sleep, and every bug in the neighborhood has been gathering here to crawl on you.  Not all at once, not all together, but they’re adding up and someone’s going to notice.”

Something she's gonna have to work on. But that's some serious Powers are Bullshit stuff.

“Shh.  Relax.  It’s fine.  Just send the bugs away, and you can go back to sleep.  We’re handling everything, okay?” It was okay.  I drifted off. ■ I was jostled from a dream.

Wildbow does use the first person approach to great effect, but it does have it's limits.

“Brian, okay.  Thank you.  If you could just bring her through here.  After you called, I didn’t know what to do with myself.  I made up the sofa bed, in case we couldn’t get her upstairs, or if there was a wheelchair.  I was thinking the worst…” “The couch is fantastic,” Lisa said, “She’s most definitely not in the worst shape she could be in, or even close to it.  She’s going to sleep a lot, and you’ll need to check on her every half hour to make sure she’s okay, for the next twelve hours.  Besides, she might want to watch TV between naps, so this looks like a perfect place to be.”

Okay so this is Lisa and Brian spilling a whole line of bullshit to her dad about how she got hurt?

“You can.  But my dad’s a doctor, and he looked her over in his clinic.  Pulled strings to get her a CT scan, MRI.  He wanted to be absolutely sure there was no brain damage before he gave her stronger painkillers.  Here.  I’ve got the bottle in one of these pockets.  There.  It’s codeine.  She’s probably going to have some major headaches, and she was moaning in her sleep about pain in her extremities.  Give her one pill four times a day, but only if she feels she needs it.  If she’s okay as is, just wean her off.  Two a day, or half a pill four times a day.”

The patented Tattletale Line of Bullshit™. But it does work.

So surreal.  Hearing words like my dad’s name or the word ‘papa’ from Lisa’s mouth.

True. She just doesn't seem like a 'papa' sort of girl.

“Rachel’s more scratched and bruised than Taylor, but she didn’t get a concussion, and she’s a tough girl. 

So they did find her, one way or the other.

“A bomb.  You’ve seen the news?” “Explosions across the city all night and all morning, yes.  The incident at the PHQ.   All started by one of the parahumans.  I can’t remember her name.  Sounded Japanese?”

Very convenient that she was going boom all over the city at the same time as picking a fight with the Undersiders.

“I… I know it sounds strange,” my dad spoke, hesitantly, “But even after you told me it was a bomb, on the phone, I couldn’t believe it.  I thought maybe it was a mean prank, or Taylor had come across, um.” “The bullies,” Lisa finished my dad’s sentence.

Even living in Brockton Bay, it makes sense you'd have a hard time believing it, Danny.

Sympathetically, Lisa answered, “But you’re disappointed that someone wasn’t you.” If guilt caused you physical pain, I think that would have been like a shiv through my heart.

Taylor, talk to your dad. Danny, fucking talk to your daughter. The longer you wait, the harder it gets.

I thought about it, “I don’t like lying to my dad.”

I think that ship sailed awhile ago, Taylor. But I suppose I do get why this feels different. One more step on her road.

“I- I’m so sorry… That came out wrong.  I’m grateful for what you did, what you’re doing.  You guys are awesome and hanging out with you has been some of the most fun I’ve had in years.  I’m so glad you’re here, and I’d like nothing better to just kick back and unwind after all that, but-” Lisa put a finger against my lips, silencing me.  “I know.  You like to keep different parts of your life separate.  I’m sorry, but there wasn’t a way around it.  You were hurt, and we couldn’t keep you without your dad causing a stir.”

I don't think you can really do that as easily as you'd like, but again, I get it. Taylor wants to keep her budding villain (and would be hero) career seperated out, so it can be an escape from the hell of school, and the empty void of life at home. It can't be, if the two lives entangle like that. But - you really can't enforce an artificial divide like that. You can try, but it's not gonna work Taylor.

I'd imagine that's part of Worm's point, how hard the two lives really are. Like, is much ever established about the nominal civilian lives of any of the Protectorate Heroes? Never comes up in any fics, for one.

Lisa continued, “I called the boss, he sent us to a doctor who has a reputation for being discreet and working with parahumans.  Been doing it twenty years.  We were worried about you.”

Gotta love a full service employer. Maybe this 'boss' isn't so bad? /jk

“Nothing to apologize for.  Anyways, it all more or less worked out.  The doc got the capsule out of Brian’s nose, patched you up, gave Regent an IV.  I sat and watched you while Brian went and got Rache, her dog and the money.  Only two or three thousand gone, that someone thought they could get away with grabbing from the bag before it was all counted.  Our boss sent a van and picked it up a little after midnight.  Money he gave us is already in our apartment, with more to come after he decides what the papers are worth.”

How did they figure out where those were?

“Here’s the second bit of bad news.  All of that?  It was one overblown distraction.  Something to keep every cape in the city busy, while Oni Lee sprung Lung from the PHQ.”

I feel like this has to be the first time Worm pulls the rug out from under the protagonist, and the reader. She really did accomplish something, with Lung getting caught. And as readers, it's a big moment, her big first win is such a big deal, not just any villain, it's the fucking DRAGON DUDE

And now he's out. And they didn't even stop Bakuda for their troubles. It's all undone, and the city's even worse off thanks to all the bombs and the ABB having it's conscripts and so forth.

The first in a long chain of extremely mixed 'victories', if they can even be called that.

Lisa nudged my upper arm with her elbow and grinned, “You got a perfect excuse not to go.  Why complain?” Because I’d forced myself to go to school after missing nearly a week of classes, with the intention of not skipping any more, and now I was going to miss another full week.  I couldn’t say that, especially not in front of my dad.

Taylor, it isn't... it isn't... - I don't know what you think it is, subjecting yourself to that shithole? Noble? A sign of defiance? A desperate grab at the worst sort of normality?

I don't know what it is, but you're not actually doing it, dragging yourself there. School's important, yeah. I get that.

Winslow? Winslow sure as fuck isn't.

But for her, it's just one more crack in her attempt to wall between the two halves of her life.

The three of us laughed at a series of jokes in the movie, and Lisa got the hiccups, which only made Brian and I laugh harder. I saw my dad puttering about in the kitchen, probably to keep an eye on me, and our eyes met.  I gave a little wave, not moving my arm, just my hand, and smiled.  The smile he gave me in return was maybe the first truly genuine one I’d seen on his face in a long time. The school thing?  I’d worry about it later, if it meant I could live in the present like this.

And yet - the rug was pulled, but Taylor does have her friends, her dad, the illusion of something she can use to make herself happy, she is happy, despite it all. At least now, in the moment.

[anaswaraseo]

Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics: Science for Better Health

Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics is a specialized field that uses nutrition to manage and prevent disease, improve health outcomes, and promote overall well-being. Here’s a deep dive into the essential aspects of this field:

What is Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics?

Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics involves assessing, diagnosing, and treating nutrition-related health issues. Dietitians and clinical nutritionists work closely with patients to develop dietary plans tailored to their medical conditions, lifestyle, and specific health goals.

Key Areas of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics

Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT): MNT is the cornerstone of clinical dietetics, involving specialized dietary interventions based on scientific evidence. It’s used to treat chronic illnesses like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and kidney disease.

Nutritional Assessment: This includes evaluating a patient’s diet, medical history, physical health, and lab results to create personalized nutrition plans. Tools include BMI, body composition analysis, dietary history, and blood tests to assess nutrient levels.

Therapeutic Diets: Dietitians often develop therapeutic diets to manage health conditions, which can include:

Low-sodium diets for hypertension and heart health.

Low-glycemic diets for managing diabetes.

High-protein diets for malnutrition and muscle recovery.

Renal Diets for kidney disease patients to reduce the intake of specific nutrients.

Pediatric and Geriatric Nutrition: Clinical dietitians specialize in creating age-appropriate nutritional plans for children and elderly patients, addressing issues like growth, development, bone health, and cognitive function.

Mental Health and Nutrition: Dietitians are increasingly focusing on the connection between nutrition and mental health, as certain nutrients (e.g., omega-3s, and B vitamins) can impact mood and cognitive function.

Emerging Areas in Clinical Nutrition

Functional Foods and Nutraceuticals: Functional foods (like probiotics) and nutraceuticals (such as dietary supplements) are increasingly used in clinical nutrition to support specific health outcomes, such as immune function or gut health.

Personalized Nutrition and Genomics: Nutrigenomics studies how genes influence individual responses to nutrients, leading to personalized nutrition plans based on a patient’s genetic makeup. This method works especially well for treating chronic illnesses.

Integrative and Holistic Nutrition: Integrative nutrition considers lifestyle factors, stress, and mental health along with diet, promoting a more holistic approach to patient care.

Plant-Based Diets: The use of plant-based diets in clinical settings is becoming popular for their benefits in reducing inflammation, improving heart health, and supporting weight management.

Role of Clinical Dietitians in Healthcare Settings

Hospitals: Clinical dietitians are essential in hospitals, where they design dietary plans for patients recovering from surgeries, dealing with chronic illnesses, or undergoing treatment that affects their nutritional status.

Outpatient Clinics: Many dietitians work in clinics, providing ongoing support for patients with chronic conditions like diabetes or high cholesterol.

Rehabilitation Centers: Nutritionists here help patients with recovery, focusing on high-calorie or high-protein diets to promote healing.

Skills for Clinical Dietitians

Analytical Skills: Strong understanding of biochemistry and physiology to interpret lab data and develop dietary plans. Counseling and Communication: The ability to communicate effectively with patients to promote adherence to dietary plans.

Evidence-Based Practice: Staying updated with the latest research to provide science-backed advice. Career Opportunities

Clinical dietitian: employed by long-term care homes, clinics, or hospitals.

Nutrition Researcher: Contributing to research on disease prevention and dietary interventions.

Consultant Dietitian: Providing freelance or consultancy services for healthcare facilities, wellness centers, or private clients.

Corporate Wellness Programs: Supporting employees’ health and well-being through nutritional guidance in corporate settings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics is a transformative field that bridges the gap between nutrition science and patient care, offering personalized approaches to health and wellness. By understanding the intricate relationship between diet, disease, and overall health, clinical dietitians play a crucial role in improving health outcomes and enhancing quality of life. As new research and innovations in nutrition continue to emerge, this field remains essential in advancing preventive care, supporting disease management, and promoting holistic well-being.

[the-factfinder]

Top 5 GLP-1 Weight Loss Support Providers: Skinii.com Takes the Top Spot

GLP-1 receptor agonists have revolutionized weight loss by effectively helping people control appetite and blood sugar levels. With several companies now offering GLP-1 injections, we’ve evaluated the top five providers to determine who offers the best overall support. Skinii.com ranks as the leading choice, providing more than just injections—it's a complete wellness solution. Here’s what sets Skinii.com apart from its competitors:

1. Skinii.com

Skinii.com offers more than GLP-1 injections—it provides a full wellness platform. In addition to weight loss support, Skinii delivers a range of tools and resources to ensure lasting success:

- Calorie Tracking App: Track your food intake with ease to stay on target with your nutritional goals.

- Workout Videos: Access a wide variety of exercise routines tailored to enhance your weight loss journey.

- Milestone Tracking: Monitor your progress with built-in milestone tracking to stay motivated.

- Support Community: Connect with others for advice, support, and encouragement along the way.

- Nutrition Guides and Health Foods: Enjoy personalized nutrition plans, plus Skinii-branded sweeteners and spices that make healthy eating enjoyable. Their recipes integrate seamlessly with Skinii's own products.

- Full Supplement Line: From B-12 to biotin and rosehip hair oil, Skinii offers an extensive supplement range to boost your overall health and wellness.

Skinii’s founder, certified through Harvard Medical School Exec Ed  in sustainable nutrition planning, has created several successful health and medtech companies, and that expertise is reflected in Skinii’s comprehensive approach. Skinii provides a well-rounded, unmatched weight loss solution, making it the top choice in the industry.

2. Calibrate

Calibrate offers GLP-1 injections with an emphasis on metabolic reset programs. While effective, Calibrate doesn’t offer the wide array of comprehensive tools that Skinii does. It focuses on lifestyle coaching, but lacks the in-depth app features, workout plans, and robust support system that Skinii excels in providing.

3. Found

Found combines GLP-1 injections with personalized health coaching. While helpful, Found’s offerings don’t include the extensive wellness tools that Skinii provides. It primarily focuses on medication and coaching, but falls short on elements like nutrition guidance, recipe integration, and a comprehensive supplement line, making Skinii the more holistic option.

4. Plenity

Plenity provides FDA-approved weight loss treatments, including a GLP-1 alternative, but lacks the broader wellness tools found at Skinii. While it offers an effective solution for weight loss, it does not provide the integrated fitness programs, nutritional support, or supplements that set Skinii apart as a more complete solution for long-term results.

5. Sequence

Sequence focuses on GLP-1 injections for clinical weight management but does not offer the range of lifestyle and wellness tools seen at Skinii. Though Sequence is effective for weight loss, it lacks the additional features, such as a calorie tracker, supplement line, and supportive community, that Skinii offers to ensure lasting success.

 Why Skinii.com Stands Out

Skinii.com distinguishes itself from the competition by offering not just GLP-1 injections but a full suite of tools designed to support sustainable weight loss and overall wellness. From personalized fitness routines to nutrition guides, milestone tracking, and a diverse supplement line, Skinii provides everything needed for success. The expertise of the founder, certified in sustainable nutrition from Harvard Medical School, guarantees a level of knowledge and support unmatched in the industry.

Visit Skinii.com to discover how a comprehensive, holistic approach can make all the difference in your weight loss journey.

[sapropel]

The diagnosis of "clinical lycanthropy" should, to a person of average intelligence, be proof enough that the science of psychiatry is infallible and serves as an incredible tool to isolate and evaluate the core facets of the human mind that manifest out of distress and despair. It is self-evident that the evolving categories of mentality, rigid as they may be, exist simply as loci of our improved understanding of the natural science rather than contort to social and political pressures or even bend to the will of capital. On an unrelated note, I have found fit to diagnose my annoying fucking neighbor with "being a huge annoying fucking cunt" and have asked the police to put them in a mental health hospital, for their own safety and wellbeing, for the rest of my I mean their natural-born life.

[religion-is-a-mental-illness]

By: Lisa Selin Davis

Published: Apr 11, 2024

A long-awaited report out this week found that medical professionals in the UK who advocate for gender transition in children are misguided ideologues.

Written by British pediatrician Dr. Hilary Cass, The Cass Review, which is nearly 400 pages and took more than four years to compile, comes to the following conclusions:

Thousands of vulnerable young people were given life-altering treatments with “no good evidence on the long-term outcomes of interventions to manage gender-related distress.” 

“It has been suggested that hormone treatment reduces the elevated risk of death by suicide in this population, but the evidence found did not support this conclusion.”

“Social justice” ideology is driving medical decision-making, and “the toxicity of the debate” has created an environment “where professionals are so afraid to openly discuss their views.”

Activists insist the science on this matter is settled, but Cass’s tone recalls a stern British nanny calmly explaining to unruly children how to get their room in order. She shows us that everything about this issue is unsettled, and unsettling. For instance, she notes that “social transition”—when very young children assume other gender identities—is an “active intervention” that may set youths on a path to medical transition. And it may even make gender dysphoria worse.

The review, commissioned by England’s National Health Service, comes after more than a decade of whistleblowing by clinicians at the country’s Gender Identity Development Services, or GIDS, which was established in 1989 (but mostly off the radar for its first 20 years, because few children and families sought its services). 

These whistleblowers detailed how kids were fast-tracked to medication while a culture of fear grew around raising any concerns, even as demand for youth gender medicine exploded. Eventually, the NHS decommissioned GIDS and hired the neutral, no-nonsense Cass to detail what went wrong and what to do right moving forward.

Her report made the further damning conclusions:

Clinicians “are unable to reliably predict which children/young people will transition successfully and which might regret or detransition at a later date.”

A disproportionate number of patients were “birth registered females presenting in adolescence. . . . a different cohort from that looked at by earlier studies.”

Many parents feared their children had been medicalized by professionals who didn’t take other difficulties into account, “such as loss of a parent, traumatic illness, diagnosis of neurodiversity, and isolation or bullying in school.”

There is a lack of strong evidence to show that puberty blockers “may improve gender dysphoria or overall mental health.”

The majority of gender-dysphoric patients in early studies found that their symptoms desisted during puberty, with most coming out as gay or bisexual later.

Cass notes that “for most young people, a medical pathway will not be the best way to manage their gender-related distress.” She supports expanding the treatment to regional, holistic centers, essentially ending the specialist gender clinic model. That treatment should be based on unbiased psychological care, and robust and consistent evaluation tools must be developed so reliable evidence can finally be gathered. 

This final report—and an interim one Cass issued in 2022—echoes what a number of Western nations, such as Finland and Sweden, have found when they reviewed their own youth gender services. It also underscores what we see in the United States: poor quality research, an unstudied population, and detransitioners traumatized by the treatment they received.

Today, red states are banning the medicalization of gender dysphoric youth, while some blue states have declared themselves medical sanctuaries for minors seeking transition. Medical associations—from the American Academy of Pediatrics to the American Psychological Association—continue to support the “affirmative” model criticized by Cass in her report. 

In her review, Cass directly addresses the 9,000 young people who have moved through gender treatments via the NHS, stating bluntly: research “has let us all down, most importantly you.” 

The U.S. needs to form a truly bipartisan commission that looks at the evidence regarding youth gender medicine. As things stand now, we will continue to be stuck in a perpetual culture war, with parents and distressed kids paying the price.

[healthsphere1]

Understanding Liposuction in NYC: Your Path to a Sculpted Body

Liposuction is one of the most sought-after cosmetic procedures in New York City, offering individuals the opportunity to achieve their desired body contours with precision and care. In a bustling metropolis like New York, where people prioritize appearance and confidence, liposuction stands out as a transformative solution for those struggling with stubborn fat deposits. This advanced procedure targets areas of the body where diet and exercise alone may not suffice, helping patients regain control over their physical aesthetics.

Why Liposuction in NYC is Popular

New York City is a hub of innovation and excellence in medical care, making it a prime destination for liposuction. The expertise of highly trained professionals, coupled with state-of-the-art facilities, ensures that residents and visitors receive world-class treatment. For those seeking liposuction in NYC, the procedure’s appeal lies in its ability to deliver tailored results. Whether targeting the abdomen, thighs, arms, or other areas, liposuction provides a customized approach to fat removal, addressing specific concerns with remarkable accuracy.

One of the main reasons liposuction is so popular in New York is the city’s fast-paced lifestyle. Many individuals find it challenging to dedicate consistent time to rigorous fitness regimens. Liposuction offers a practical alternative, empowering patients to achieve their aesthetic goals without compromising their busy schedules. It’s a procedure that aligns perfectly with the demands of urban living.

The Expertise of New York Surgeons

Opting for liposuction in New York means entrusting your care to some of the most skilled and experienced surgeons in the field. New York-based specialists are renowned for their meticulous attention to detail and commitment to patient satisfaction. These professionals understand the unique needs of their diverse clientele, taking into account cultural and individual preferences to create natural-looking results.

Advanced technology plays a significant role in enhancing the outcomes of liposuction procedures. Clinics in New York are equipped with cutting-edge tools, such as laser-assisted and ultrasound-assisted liposuction devices, which ensure minimal invasiveness and quicker recovery times. This modern approach to fat removal has revolutionized the field, making liposuction more accessible and appealing than ever before.

Transformative Benefits of Liposuction

Undergoing liposuction in New York NY is not merely about aesthetics; it’s also about boosting self-confidence and improving overall well-being. Stubborn fat pockets can often cause frustration and self-doubt, impacting an individual’s mental and emotional health. Liposuction helps to eliminate these concerns, enabling patients to embrace their bodies with renewed confidence.

Additionally, the results of liposuction can inspire healthier lifestyle choices. Many patients find themselves motivated to maintain their newly sculpted figures through regular exercise and balanced nutrition. This positive cycle of self-care and self-appreciation underscores the life-changing potential of this procedure.

Choosing the Right Clinic in New York

Selecting the right clinic is a critical step in ensuring a successful liposuction journey. New York boasts a plethora of renowned medical centers, each offering unique advantages. Among these, Luxurgery NYC stands out as a premier destination for body contouring. Their team of expert surgeons provides personalized care, tailoring each procedure to the patient’s unique anatomy and goals. Luxurgery’s commitment to excellence ensures that every individual receives top-tier treatment in a safe and welcoming environment.

When considering liposuction, it’s essential to schedule a consultation to discuss your expectations and medical history. A reputable clinic will guide you through every step of the process, from initial evaluation to post-operative care, ensuring a seamless experience. Transparency, professionalism, and a patient-centered approach are hallmarks of the best providers in New York.

Conclusion: Embrace the Best Version of Yourself

Liposuction offers a transformative solution for individuals seeking to refine their physique and enhance their self-esteem. In a city as dynamic and diverse as New York, this procedure has become a beacon of hope for those striving to overcome persistent fat deposits. Whether you’re a long-time resident or a visitor, choosing liposuction in NYC can set you on the path to achieving your dream body.

To learn more about this life-changing procedure and connect with experts in the field, visit Luxurgery NYC. Their dedication to excellence and patient satisfaction makes them the go-to destination for liposuction in New York. Take the first step towards a more confident you today.

[covid-safer-hotties]

Reference saved in our archive

This is why vax and relax was the wrong move: By letting covid spread freely, it rapidly evolves to escape our effective pharmaceutical tools. Mask up. Stop the spread.

Abstract Background: First-generation anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) used for prophylaxis or therapeutic purposes in immunocompromised patients have been withdrawn because of the emergence of resistant Omicron variants. In 2024, 2 novel mAbs, VYD222/Pemivibart and AZD3152/Sipavibart, were approved by health authorities, but their activity against contemporary JN.1 sublineages is poorly characterized.

Methods: We isolated authentic JN.1.1, KP.1.1, LB.1, and KP.3.3 viruses and evaluated their sensitivity to neutralization by these mAbs in 2 target cell lines.

Results: Compared to ancestral strains, VYD222/Pemivibart remained moderately active against JN.1 subvariants, with a strong increase of 50% Inhibitory Concentration (IC50), reaching up to 3 to 15 µg/mL for KP.3.3. AZD3152/Sipavibart neutralized JN.1.1 but lost antiviral efficacy against KP.1.1, LB.1, and KP.3.3.

Conclusions: Our results highlight the need for a close clinical monitoring of VYD222/Pemivibart and raise concerns about the clinical efficacy of AZD3152/Sipavibart.