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Dear Editor, We have read this series pertaining to croup and COVID-19, written by Venn and colleagues [1], as described through the cases of three children with presentations of croup as a result of SARS-CoV-2 infections. The only positive viral infection in the patient was SARS-CoV-2 by PCR. Within our review of children presenting with the traditional croup-like symptoms (“barky cough, stridor, dyspnea [3], we have at least three more cases, in addition to the four mentioned above, that were negative for other viruses and only positive for COVID-19 by PCR.

Recovery from acute kidney injury involving tubular epithelial cells requires proliferation and migration of healthy cells to the area of injury. In this study, we show that palladin, a previously characterized cytoskeletal protein, is upregulated in injured tubules and suggest that one of its functions during repair is to facilitate migration of remaining cells to the affected site. In a mouse model of anti-neutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody involving both tubular and glomerular disease, palladin is upregulated in injured tubular cells, crescents and capillary cells with angiitis. In human biopsies of kidneys from patients with other kidney diseases, palladin is also upregulated in crescents and injured tubules. In LLC-PK1 cells, a porcine proximal tubule cell line, stress induced by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) leads to palladin upregulation. Knockdown of palladin in LLC-PK1 does not disrupt cell morphology but does lead to a defect in cell migration. Furthermore, TGF-β1 induced increase in the 75 kDa palladin isoform occurs in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm. These data suggest that palladin expression is induced in injured cells and contributes to proper migration of cells in proximal tubules, possibly by regulation of gene expression as part of the healing process after acute injury.

Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus aureus are cutaneous pathogens that have become increasingly resistant to antibiotics. We sought to determine if chitosan, a polymer of deacetylated chitin, could be used as a potential treatment against these bacteria. We found that higher molecular weight chitosan had superior antimicrobial properties compared to lower molecular weights, and that this activity occurred in a pH dependent manner. Electron and fluorescence microscopy revealed that chitosan forms aggregates and binds to the surface of bacteria, causing shrinkage of the bacterial membrane from the cell wall. Of special relevance, clinical isolates of P. acnes were vulnerable to chitosan, which could be combined with benzoyl peroxide for additive antibacterial effect. Chitosan also demonstrated significantly less cytotoxicity to monocytes than benzoyl peroxide. Overall, chitosan demonstrates many promising qualities for treatment of cutaneous pathogens.

Background Satralizumab is approved for aquaporin-4 immunoglobulin G-positive (AQP4-IgG+) neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), but real-world data are limited. This case series aimed to describe real-world experiences with satralizumab in adults with AQP4-IgG+ NMOSD. Methods Case information for patients with AQP4-IgG+ NMOSD who received satralizumab for ≥6 months was obtained from US healthcare providers over 28 months. Patient characteristics, examination findings, diagnostic tests, treatment responses, and adverse events were recorded. Results Of 43 patients, 88% were female and 44% self-identified as Black. Median age was 54 (range, 20–82) years, and time since confirmed NMOSD diagnosis was 8 (1–18) years. Reasons for satralizumab initiation included intolerance/safety concerns with existing therapy (30%), new diagnosis (26%), and inadequate disease control (21%). The median duration of satralizumab treatment was 31 (range, 7–104) months, during which three patients (7%) had radiographically confirmed relapses and 15 (35%) experienced a related adverse event. At data cutoff, 35 patients (81%) were receiving satralizumab. Conclusion Satralizumab was effective and well tolerated in patients with NMOSD, including those who switched from previous treatments due to inadequate disease control and/or intolerance. These real-world outcomes align with long-term safety and efficacy findings from the Phase III SAkura trials.

Why does FPL want to charge customers for a $1 billion power plant it's rebuilding in Brevard County? FPL built about a third of its generating fleet from 1985 to 2005 without any base rate hikes and actually decreased base rates by $600 million over that time, according to the Florida Retail Federation, which represents more than 9,000 business customers.

The Sun Sentinel found a similar trend when obtaining 16 online quotes for two hypothetical customers in Fort Lauderdale with exactly the same profile, including the same age and car, with the only difference being either the driver's occupation, education level or whether they are a homeowner.