3,649 results on '"risk to infect"'
Search Results
2. ABO blood types among Iraqi patients with coronavirus disease 2019.
- Author
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Obayes AL-Khikani, Falah and Alkhafaji, Zaytoon
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ABO blood group system ,COVID-19 ,BABYLON (Extinct city) ,BLOOD group incompatibility ,BLOOD groups ,BLOOD grouping & crossmatching ,POLYMERASE chain reaction - Abstract
Background: A case–control study was performed to determine ABO blood group distribution in Iraqi hospitalized patients infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and healthy individuals. The severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) molecularly identified by detecting coronavirus RNA in the nasal swabs. Materials and Methods: 10770 participants were divided into 200 patients with SARS-CoV-2 and 10570 served as the control group. All patients were confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction and computed tomography scans from three hospitals in Babylon, Iraq. For the ABO blood type, three blood drops were obtained from each individual by pricking the tip of the index finger. Each drop was put on a slide that contained an antiblood typing serum to detect A, B, and D antigens. Statistical analysis was performed by Chi-square in SPSS version 23. Results: The distribution of the ABO blood group system in the healthy group was 24.30%, 38.80%, 26.02%, and 10.86% for type A, O, B, and AB, respectively, while in the COVID-19 patients, the distribution was 36%, 28%, 26%, and 10% for type A, O, B, and AB, respectively. Blood group type A was significantly high in the patient group (36%) compared to healthy participants, whereas the type O blood group was significantly low in patients (28%) compared to control participants. Conclusion: People with blood group A are at high risk to infect with COVID-19 (P < 0001) and the Odds ratio (OR) is 1.7. While blood group O is considered a protective factor against COVID-19 (P = 0.002) and the OD ratio is 0.6. Blood type A was most prevalent in nonsurvivor COVID-19 patients than survivors (P < 0.0001). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
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3. Positive and Negative Risk-Taking in Adolescence and Early Adulthood: A Citizen Science Study During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
- Author
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te Brinke, Lysanne W., van der Cruijsen, Renske, Green, Kayla H., and Crone, Eveline A.
- Abstract
Sensation seeking is an important underlying factor of both positive and negative forms of risk-taking during adolescence and early adulthood. However, macro-factors such as the global COVID-19 pandemic may influence sensation seeking opportunities and risk-taking behaviors that are considered negative and positive. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to examine the associations between sensation seeking and behaviors that are considered positive or negative forms of risk-taking during the Covid-19 pandemic in a sample of adolescents and early adults (N = 660, M
age = 22.91, SD = 3.14). Using citizen science methods, negative risk-taking was defined as taking unaccepted risks, such as falsifying vaccination reports or deliberately contracting COVID-19. Positive risk-taking was defined as taking socially accepted risks, such as balancing between the risk to infect elderly people and the need to socialize with peers. Results showed that participants with higher levels of sensation seeking took more positive and negative COVID-19 related risks. An additional finding was that sensation seeking was positively associated with the need to contribute to society. This indicates that during adolescence and early adulthood, sensation seeking may be a driving factor for both positive (i.e., socially accepted) and negative (i.e., socially unaccepted) risk-taking in the context of a high-stake global pandemic, arguing against a one-direction negative relation between sensation seeking and risk-taking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2022
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4. Evaluating the Use of Pitavastatin to Reduce the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease in HIV-Infected Adults (REPRIEVE)
- Author
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National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), Kowa Pharmaceuticals America, Inc., Gilead Sciences, Massachusetts General Hospital, and NEAT ID Foundation
- Published
- 2024
5. 广西HIV/AIDS患者合并巨细胞病毒感染特征与影响因素分析.
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卢焕, 秦英梅, 吴念宁, 黎彦君, 黄金萍, and 钟延旭
- Abstract
Copyright of China Tropical Medicine is the property of China Tropical Medicine Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
- Published
- 2021
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6. Chemokine Receptor 2 (CXCR2) Gene Polymorphisms and Their Association with the Risk of Developing Peri-Implantitis in Chinese Han Population.
- Author
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Qi, Yuesun, Li, Cheng, Du, Yimin, Lin, Jichao, Li, Nan, and Yu, Youcheng
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CHINESE people ,GENETIC polymorphisms ,CHEMOKINE receptors ,PERI-implantitis ,CHI-squared test - Abstract
Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the role of chemokine receptor 2 (CXCR2) gene polymorphisms in peri-implantitis susceptibility in a Chinese Han population. Patients and Methods: A total of 260 individuals were included in this study, including 127 peri-implantitis patients and 133 healthy implants. CXCR2 gene rs2230054 and rs1126580 polymorphisms in different groups were analyzed by the Chi-square test. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were employed to evaluate the association between CXCR2 polymorphism and peri-implantitis susceptibility. Results: The CT genotype of rs2230054 and the AG genotype and G allele of rs1126580 significantly increased in peri-implantitis patients compared with healthy implants (P < 0.05). The CT genotype of rs2230054 (OR = 1.825, 95% CI = 1.028– 3.239) and the AG genotype of rs1126580 (OR = 2.223, 95% CI 1.272– 3.885) carriers had a high risk to infect with peri-implantitis. Additionally, these CXCR2 gene polymorphisms have been revealed to be associated with the periodontal status of peri-implantitis patients. Conclusion: The CXCR2 gene rs2230054 and rs1126580 polymorphisms were associated with the peri-implantitis susceptibility in the Chinese Han population. The CT genotype of rs2230054 and the AG genotype and G allele of rs1126580 serve as risk factors for the occurrence of peri-implantitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
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7. The effect of vitamin C on procalcitonin biomarker in community‐acquired pneumonia.
- Author
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Nikzad, Mahsa, Banafshe, Hamid Reza, Momen-Heravi, Mansooreh, Haddad Kashani, Hamed, and Shiehmorteza, Maryam
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BIOMARKERS ,INTERLEUKINS ,C-reactive protein ,INFLAMMATION ,VITAMIN C ,CALCITONIN ,DISEASE incidence ,TREATMENT effectiveness ,RANDOMIZED controlled trials ,OXIDATIVE stress ,DIETARY supplements ,STATISTICAL sampling ,COMMUNITY-acquired pneumonia - Abstract
Introduction: Community acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a prevalent low respiratory infection. Diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms, radiologic evidence and culture. Biomarkers such as IL6, CRP and procalcitonin are helpful in diagnosis. Procalcitonin is a soluble biomarker in serum that increase in systemic inflammation and bacterial infections. People with normal procalcitonin have low risk to infect pneumonia. Patient with CAP have more oxidative stress than normal people. Studies show that receiving vitamin C can reduce incidence of pneumonia. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of vitamin C supplement on procalcitonin biomarker in patient with CAP. Methods: Patients with CAP who passed inclusion and exclusion criteria after obtaining informed consent, were assigned randomly in two groups of drug and placebo. The drug group received vitamin C (1000 mg/d) daily and medications that physician prescribed for treating CAP for 10 days and placebo group received placebo and medications that physician prescribed. The serum level of procalcitonin was measured at the beginning of the study and after 10 days of intervention. Results: 35 patients finished the study. Serum level of procalcitonin on the first and tenth day did not show any significant difference between drug and placebo groups. Conclusions: To clarify the relationship between the effects of vitamin C on procalcitonin in CAP, a larger sample size is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
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8. Pivotal Phase 2b/3 ALVAC/Bivalent gp120/MF59 HIV Vaccine Prevention Safety and Efficacy Study in South Africa (HVTN702)
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Sanofi, GlaxoSmithKline, and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
- Published
- 2024
9. Bedeutung der Hornhautorgankultur bei Spendern mit möglicher SARS-CoV-2-Infektion.
- Author
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Thaler, Sebastian, Schindler, Michael, Iftner, Thomas, Bartz‑Schmidt, Karl Ulrich, and Bayyoud, Tarek
- Abstract
Copyright of Der Ophthalmologe is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
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10. Dose-dependent interaction of parasites with tiers of host defense predicts "wormholes" that prolong infection at intermediate inoculum sizes.
- Author
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Graham, Andrea L. and Regoes, Roland R.
- Abstract
Immune responses are induced by parasite exposure and can in turn reduce parasite burden. Despite such apparently simple rules of engagement, key drivers of within-host dynamics, including dose-dependence of defense and infection duration, have proven difficult to predict. Here, we model how varied inoculating doses interact with multi-tiered host defenses at a site of inoculation, by confronting barrier, innate, and adaptive tiers with replicating and non-replicating parasites across multiple orders of magnitude of dose. We find that, in general, intermediate parasite doses generate infections of longest duration because they are sufficient in number to breach barrier defenses, but insufficient to strongly induce subsequent tiers of defense. These doses reveal "wormholes" in defense from which parasites might profit: Deviation from the hypothesis of independent action, which postulates that each parasite has an independent probability of establishing infection, may therefore be widespread. Interestingly, our model predicts local maxima of duration at two doses–one for each tier transition. While some empirical evidence is consistent with nonlinear dose-dependencies, testing the predicted dynamics will require finer-scale dose variation than experiments usually incorporate. Our results help explain varied infection establishment and duration among differentially-exposed hosts and elucidate evolutionary pressures that shape both virulence and defense. Author summary: Organisms vary in their exposure to parasites and pathogens, such that some individuals breathe in, ingest, or are inoculated (e.g., by insect vectors) with just a few parasites, while others are confronted with large doses. This variation in inoculating dose is likely to affect the odds of successful defense and the duration of infection. For example, individuals confronted with very few parasites might be completely defended, such that infection never establishes. Intuitive though such predictions are, the dose-dependence of the establishment and duration of infection is poorly understood. Here, we use a mathematical model of the three known tiers of immune defenses–i.e., barrier, innate, and adaptive tiers–to investigate how varied inoculating doses interact with immune systems. We find that although the lowest doses are indeed readily controlled, the highest doses induce potent immune responses that curtail infection. As a result, intermediate doses are the ones that can slip past barrier defense yet under the radar of induced defenses. Intermediate doses therefore generate infections of greatest duration. These findings help explain why hosts vary so much in the course of infection and suggest new research directions in epidemiology and immunology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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11. Spatiotemporal occupancy patterns of chronic wasting disease.
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Davis, Amy J., Hesting, Shane, Jaster, Levi, Mosley, Joseph E., Raghavan, Akila, and Raghavan, Ram K.
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Introduction: Chronic wasting disease (CWD) among cervids in Kansas has seen a consistent rise over the years, both in terms of the number of infections and its geographical spread. In this study, we assessed the occupancy patterns of CWD among white-tailed deer and mule deer across the state. Methods: Using surveillance data collected since 2005, we applied a dynamic patch occupancy model within a Bayesian framework, incorporating various environmental covariates. Using principal components analysis, 13 fully orthogonal components representing cervid habitat, soil, and elevation were derived. Competing models with different temporal patterns were fit, and the best model selected based on Watanabe-AIC values and AUC value of 0.89. Results: The occupancy pattern produced by this model revealed a steady progression of the disease toward the east and southeast of the state. A random forest analysis of covariates at annual intervals indicated that geographic location, elevation, areas occupied by mixed forests, and several soil attributes (pH, clay content, depth to restrictive layer, available water content, and bulk density) explained most of the variability in the surveillance data (R
2 = 0.96). Discussion: The findings reported in this study are the first for the state of Kansas but are consistent with previous findings from other geographic jurisdictions in the US and Canada. This consistency underscores their value in designing surveillance and management programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2024
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12. Clinical effectiveness of oral antivirals for non-hospitalized adult COVID-19 patients aged 18–60 years.
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Hsu, Wan-Hsuan, Shiau, Bo-Wen, Tsai, Ya-Wen, Wu, Jheng-Yan, Liu, Ting-Hui, Huang, Po-Yu, Chuang, Min-Hsiang, and Lai, Chih-Cheng
- Abstract
Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of oral antiviral agents – nirmatrelvir – ritonavir or molnupiravir in non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients aged < 60 years. Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed data of patients aged 18–60 years diagnosed with COVID-19 between 1 January 2022, and 30 June 2023. Propensity score matching was used to balance the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients receiving oral antivirals (nirmatrelvir – ritonavir or molnupiravir) and untreated controls. The primary outcome was a composite of all-cause emergency department visits, hospitalizations, or mortality within 30 days. The secondary outcomes included each individual component of the primary composite outcome. Results: Two matched cohorts (antiviral group and control group) comprising 52,585 patients with balanced baseline characteristics were created using propensity score-matching. During follow-up period, the antiviral group demonstrated a lower risk of the primary outcome than the control group (hazard ratio [HR] 0.772, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.736–0.808, p < 0.001). The antiviral group also exhibited a reduced risk of individual secondary outcomes, including emergency department visits (HR 0.780, 95% CI, 0.738–0.825), hospitalization (HR 0.755, 95% CI, 0.715–0.840), and mortality (HR 0.297, 95% CI, 0.147–0.600). Conclusion: Oral antiviral agents were associated with lower risks of all-cause emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and mortality in non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients aged < 60 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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13. Flu vaccine hesitancy of French nurses and nurse aides: A fresh light on freedom-restoring strategies of reactance to pro-vaccine communication.
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Wilhelm, Marie-Claire, Gavard-Perret, Marie-Laure, Mignot, Alexandre, and Epaulard, Olivier
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MEDICAL personnel ,PSYCHOLOGICAL reactance ,VACCINE hesitancy ,INFLUENZA vaccines ,COMMUNICATION in nursing - Abstract
Despite numerous campaigns, influenza vaccination of healthcare workers remains insufficient in France. The highly cognitive approach of persuasion models in healthcare poorly explains this non-vaccination. A survey of 794 French nurses and nurse aides in 2018 highlights the role of psychological reactance. The greater their perceived threat to freedom due to vaccination pressure, the more it generates situational reactance and strategies for restoring their threatened freedom: denial or minimization of the health threat (low perceptions of severity and vulnerability to influenza) and diminished attractiveness or denigration of the recommended option or its source (low perceptions of efficacy and benefits of vaccination), leading to rejection of the recommended behavior (flu vaccination). This original modeling of variables traditionally seen as antecedents to reactance explains persuasive failure and is contextualized and discussed through objective characteristics (age, profession). Managerial recommendations and avenues of research follow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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14. First report of Candida auris in Guangdong, China: clinical and microbiological characteristics of 7 episodes of candidemia.
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Yaqin Peng, Yue Liu, Xuegao Yu, Jingchun Fang, Zhaowang Guo, Kang Liao, Peisong Chen, and Penghao Guo
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- 2024
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15. The global seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in workers occupationally exposed to animals (1972–2023): a systematic review and meta-analysis.
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Mohammed, Abdullah, Ahmed, Musa, and Ibrahim, Nasir
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- 2024
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16. How mathematical modelling can inform outbreak response vaccination.
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Shankar, Manjari, Hartner, Anna-Maria, Arnold, Callum R. K., Gayawan, Ezra, Kang, Hyolim, Kim, Jong-Hoon, Gilani, Gemma Nedjati, Cori, Anne, Fu, Han, Jit, Mark, Muloiwa, Rudzani, Portnoy, Allison, Trotter, Caroline, and Gaythorpe, Katy A. M.
- Abstract
Mathematical models are established tools to assist in outbreak response. They help characterise complex patterns in disease spread, simulate control options to assist public health authorities in decision-making, and longer-term operational and financial planning. In the context of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs), vaccines are one of the most-cost effective outbreak response interventions, with the potential to avert significant morbidity and mortality through timely delivery. Models can contribute to the design of vaccine response by investigating the importance of timeliness, identifying high-risk areas, prioritising the use of limited vaccine supply, highlighting surveillance gaps and reporting, and determining the short- and long-term benefits. In this review, we examine how models have been used to inform vaccine response for 10 VPDs, and provide additional insights into the challenges of outbreak response modelling, such as data gaps, key vaccine-specific considerations, and communication between modellers and stakeholders. We illustrate that while models are key to policy-oriented outbreak vaccine response, they can only be as good as the surveillance data that inform them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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17. Effectiveness analysis of a pharmacist-led intervention for orthopedic perioperative use of antibiotics: a retrospective cohort study.
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Wu, Danwei, Li, Yingxu, Zhen, Jiancun, Wu, Yong, Ren, Shuang, Zhao, Yuan, Sun, Ning, Lin, Xuanzi, Lai, Liangpeng, and Zhang, Wei
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DRUG side effects ,SKIN tests ,ANTIBIOTIC prophylaxis ,ORTHOPEDIC surgery ,ANTIMICROBIAL stewardship ,CEPHALOSPORINS ,ANKLE ,FOOT - Abstract
Background: Following the Chinese guidelines' recommendation to completely cancel routine cephalosporin skin tests, the choice of cephalosporin as surgical prophylactic medication was affected. This was due to the limited cognition of the predictive value of cephalosporin skin test or the desire to avoid medical disputes. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate whether the pharmacist-led perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis model could improve clinicians' medical behavior in choosing cephalosporin antibiotics for surgical prophylaxis. Methods: From July 2021 to May 2022, a retrospective analysis was conducted on the selection of surgical preventive medication, skin test, postoperative infection and adverse drug reactions in foot and ankle surgery. The study was divided into three period: the rountine cephalosporin skin test period (Period I: Skin Test), the period when the routine cephalosporin skin test was cancelled but the pharmacist did not intervene (Period II: Cancel Skin Test), and the period when the pharmacist-led perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis was implemented after the cancellation of the cephalosporin skin test (Period III: Pharmacist Intervention). Results: A total of 1,583 patients were enrolled in this study. There was no significant difference in the utilization rate of cefuroxime between the routine skin test stage and the skin test cancelled stage [74.92% (Period I) vs. 74.54% (Period II), P > 0.05]. However, in the pharmacist intervention stage, the usage rate of cefuroxime significantly increased compared to the initial stage when the skin test was cancelled [87.07% (Period III) vs. 74.54% (Period II), P < 0.05]. The use of cephalosporins also increased in patients with self-reported beta-lactam allergies between these stages [41.94% (Period III) vs. 3.22% (Period II), P < 0.05)]. There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative infection and adverse drug reactions among the three periods. Conclusion: The pharmacist-led perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis model can significantly improve the medical behavior of clinicians in choosing cephalosporin antibiotics as surgical prophylactic medication and optimize the perioperative medication plan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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18. Pioneering molecular screening for cervical precursor lesions and cervical cancer in sera.
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Miranda-Falconi, Paulina, Flores-Peña, Gonzalo, Jiménez-Trejo, Mauro F., Torres-Paz, Yazmin E., Reyes-Hernández, Diego O., Estrada-Guzmán, Juan C., Hernández-Ramírez, Ernesto, Torres-Torralba, Erick N., Rangel-Ordoñez, Juan P., Vejar-Galicia, Daniela K., Reyes-Fonseca, Patricia, Islas-Bayona, Omar P., Hernández-Paredes, Rodolfo, Gutiérrez, Mercedes, and Santillán, Orlando
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EARLY detection of cancer ,CERVICAL cancer diagnosis ,HUMAN papillomavirus ,CERVICAL cancer ,MEDICAL screening ,COLPOSCOPY - Abstract
Cervical cancer is a significant public health issue in Mexico and many developing countries. Early detection is crucial for combating this disease. The official screening test for cervical cancer is cytology, but this technique faces several barriers, including methodological, educational, and sociocultural challenges. Liquid-based cytology is an improved version of this test, however it does not address the aforementioned complications. Biomarkers for cervical precursor lesions and cervical cancer can improve timely detection of the disease. A previous study from our group identified four circulating human proteins as potential biomarkers for these conditions. For molecular screening, we selected GAPDH as the biomarker for cervical precursor lesions and HNRNPA1 as the biomarker for cervical cancer -chosen from the three previously identified options based on antibody availability- to be detected in sera. Participants underwent a comprehensive panel of tests, including liquid-based cytology, PCR detection of Human papillomavirus (HPV), colposcopy, and histopathology -when applicable-. The last two tests were used as references for determining sensitivity and specificity, with histopathology being the gold standard for cervical cancer diagnosis. All the participants successfully received colposcopies (n = 99) and only those women with visible or suspected cervical lesions/malignancies were biopsied (n = 62). A subset of randomly selected biopsies underwent p16
INK4a immunohistochemistry (n = 36). This study compares the performance of liquid-based cytology with the molecular screening. With colposcopy as reference, liquid-based cytology showed 30% sensitivity and 96% specificity, while the molecular screening showed 90% sensitivity and 43% specificity. With histopathology as reference, liquid-based cytology showed 21% sensitivity and 93% specificity, while the molecular screening showed 85% sensitivity and 61% specificity. The molecular screening outperformed the liquid-based cytology in several areas, including detecting true-positive cases, reducing false-negative cases by 34.62%, application time, simplicity of result´s categories, and acceptance among participants. An ideal screening test requires high sensitivity, maintains moderate specificity, and minimizes false negatives. Our proposed screening test meets these criteria, making it an ideal complement -or alternative- for cervical cancer screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2024
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19. Quantitative modelling for dengue and Aedes mosquitoes in Africa: A systematic review of current approaches and future directions for Early Warning System development.
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Njotto, Lembris Laanyuni, Senyoni, Wilfred, Cronie, Ottmar, Alifrangis, Michael, and Stensgaard, Anna-Sofie
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MACHINE learning ,MOSQUITO-borne diseases ,ARBOVIRUS diseases ,MOSQUITO vectors ,RAINFALL ,DENGUE hemorrhagic fever - Abstract
The rapid spread and growing number of dengue cases worldwide, alongside the absence of comprehensive vaccines and medications, highlights the critical need for robust tools to monitor, prevent, and control the disease. This review aims to provide an updated overview of important covariates and quantitative modelling techniques used to predict or forecast dengue and/or its vector Aedes mosquitoes in Africa. A systematic search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, EBSCOhost, and Scopus, restricted to studies conducted in Africa and published in English. Data management and extraction process followed the 'Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses' (PRISMA) framework. The review identified 30 studies, with the majority (two-thirds) focused on models for predicting Aedes mosquito populations dynamics as a proxy for dengue risk. The remainder of the studies utilized human dengue cases, incidence or prevalence data as an outcome. Input data for mosquito and dengue risk models were mainly obtained from entomological studies and cross-sectional surveys, respectively. More than half of the studies (56.7%) incorporated climatic factors, such as rainfall, humidity, and temperature, alongside environmental, demographic, socio-economic, and larval/pupal abundance factors as covariates in their models. Regarding quantitative modelling techniques, traditional statistical regression methods like logistic and linear regression were preferred (60.0%), followed by machine learning models (16.7%) and mixed effects models (13.3%). Notably, only 36.7% of the models disclosed variable selection techniques, and a mere 20.0% conducted model validation, highlighting a significant gap in reporting methodology and assessing model performance. Overall, this review provides a comprehensive overview of potential covariates and methodological approaches currently applied in the African context for modelling dengue and/or its vector, Aedes mosquito. It also underscores the gaps and challenges posed by limited surveillance data availability, which hinder the development of predictive models to be used as early warning systems in Africa. Author summary: Infections from dengue and other arboviral mosquito-borne diseases transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes are on the rise globally, with Africa being no exception. Their advances are driven by anthropogenic factors, such as rapid urbanisation, globalisation, and climate change. Yet, knowledge of dengue epidemiology and burden on the African continent, and how to enhance preparedness is scarce. Navigating the complexities of predicting the spread/outbreaks of the dengue or the presence/abundance of Aedes vector mosquitoes, is challenging due to the complex interactions between multiple factors involved in the transmission. Despite these challenges, significant progress has been made in developing various quantitative methods to predict spread and outbreaks in different regions in the world. Here, we conducted a systematic review to shed light on existing quantitative modelling approaches for dengue and/or its vector Aedes mosquitoes in Africa, focusing on methodology, data sources, covariates used, model performance and validation. Our study revealed several shortcomings in current modelling practices in Africa and emphasized the need for real-time primary predictor data and more comprehensive reporting of model development techniques and validation processes. This review offers an evidence-based framework for improving future modelling practices, to develop more accurate and robust dengue prediction models, tailored for African contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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20. Enhancing ICU Candida spp. surveillance: a cost-effective approach focused on Candida auris detection.
- Author
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Nascimento, Teresa, Inácio, João, Guerreiro, Daniela, Diaz, Priscila, Patrício, Patrícia, Proença, Luís, Toscano, Cristina, and Barroso, Helena
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INTENSIVE care units ,COLONIZATION (Ecology) ,CANDIDA albicans ,MULTIDRUG resistance ,CANDIDA ,ECHINOCANDINS - Abstract
Introduction: Candida auris is an emerging pathogen that represents a worldwide health problem due to its global expansion, multidrug resistance, and difficult laboratory identification. Among the risk factors for colonization/infection by C. auris , a stay in an intensive care unit (ICU) stands out. This prospective multicenter study aimed to monitor the trend of the local epidemiology of Candida spp. and unveil the prevalence of C. auris. Methods: From 2020 to 2022, axillar/inguinal swabs were collected from adult patients at three points: upon admission (D1) and on the fifth (D5) and eighth (D8) days of their ICU stay. We employed culture-based screening methods combined with molecular techniques to identify Candida spp. down to the species level. Specific screening for Candida auris was conducted using a real-time PCR assay in combination with an improved selective culture medium, mannitol salt agar auris (MSAA). To validate the effectiveness of MSAA, a collection of reference C. auris strains representing the four major geographical clades was used. Results: We enrolled 675 patients, and 355 Candida isolates were retrieved from the 988 swab samples collected. From those, 185/355 (52.1%) were identified as C. albicans and 170/355 (47.9%) as non- albicans Candida (NAC). MSAA medium showed a specificity of 94.8%, albeit C. auris was not detected in this cohort. The dynamics of Candida spp. colonization by ICU were significant at the three collection points. Upon admission, C. albicans was associated with the Beatriz Ângelo Hospital ICU (p =0.003) and C. tropicalis with the general Hospital Professor Doutor Fernando Fonseca (FFH) ICU (p =0.006). C. parapsilosis and C. lusitaniae were associated with FFH ICUs, with the general ICU at D5 (p =0.047) and surgical ICU at D8 (p =0.012). The dynamics of NAC colonization by ICU were significantly different at D1 (p =0.011), D5 (p =0.047), and D8 (p =0.012). Conclusion: We developed and implemented a screening protocol for C. auris while uncovering the colonization patterns of Candida in the ICU. Our findings contribute to the optimization of overall patient management, ensuring that ICU protocols are resilient and adaptive to emerging fungal threats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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21. Perioperative Infection Prophylaxis With Vancomycin is a Significant Risk Factor for Deep Surgical Site Infection in Spine Surgery.
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Kazarian, Gregory S., Jung K. Mok, Johnson, Mitchell, Jordan, Yusef Y., Takashi Hirase, Subramanian, Tejas, Brause, Barry, and Han Jo Kim
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- 2024
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22. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a Model System to Investigate the Role of the Innate Immune Response in Human Infectious Diseases.
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Franza, Maria, Varricchio, Romualdo, Alloisio, Giulia, De Simone, Giovanna, Di Bella, Stefano, Ascenzi, Paolo, and di Masi, Alessandra
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CLOSTRIDIOIDES difficile ,ZEBRA danio ,ASPERGILLUS fumigatus ,COMMUNICABLE diseases ,IMMUNE response ,CANDIDA albicans - Abstract
The zebrafish (Danio rerio) has emerged as a valuable model for studying host-pathogen interactions due to its unique combination of characteristics. These include extensive sequence and functional conservation with the human genome, optical transparency in larvae that allows for high-resolution visualization of host cell-microbe interactions, a fully sequenced and annotated genome, advanced forward and reverse genetic tools, and suitability for chemical screening studies. Despite anatomical differences with humans, the zebrafish model has proven instrumental in investigating immune responses and human infectious diseases. Notably, zebrafish larvae rely exclusively on innate immune responses during the early stages of development, as the adaptive immune system becomes fully functional only after 4–6 weeks post-fertilization. This window provides a unique opportunity to isolate and examine infection and inflammation mechanisms driven by the innate immune response without the confounding effects of adaptive immunity. In this review, we highlight the strengths and limitations of using zebrafish as a powerful vertebrate model to study innate immune responses in infectious diseases. We will particularly focus on host-pathogen interactions in human infections caused by various bacteria (Clostridioides difficile, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa), viruses (herpes simplex virus 1, SARS-CoV-2), and fungi (Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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23. Improved kidney function is associated with Colchicine treatment in COVID-19 patients.
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Bayram, Yeter Eylul, Bardakci, Mustafa Ilteris, and Albayrak, Gulhan Ayhan
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SARS-CoV-2 ,COVID-19 ,FAMILIAL Mediterranean fever ,ACUTE kidney failure ,GLOMERULAR filtration rate - Abstract
Background: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2 virus) has been a major cause of significant morbidity and mortality. Acute kidney injury (AKI) has been seen in COVID-19-infected subjects, and it has frequently resulted in an abnormal estimated glomerular filtration rate. Colchicine, an immunomodulatory drug, was used in several studies in the early stages of the pandemic. Colchicine has been shown to prevent the development of renal failure in patients with Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF). It has also been reported to reduce fibrosis, which plays a role in chronic kidney disease. We, therefore, aimed to investigate whether using Colchicine, in addition to standard care, was associated with better renal function in patients with severe COVID-19 infection. Methods: This retrospective cohort study comprised 118 out of 605 hospitalized COVID-19 subjects. Some of the subjects (n = 50) received oral Colchicine plus standard care, called the Col (+) group. The others (n = 68) received only the standard care, called the Col (-) group. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and other laboratory findings, including lymphocytes, D-dimer, and CRP, were analyzed. Results: The D-dimer and serum creatine levels were significantly reduced in both groups. The number of lymphocytes showed a significant increase in both groups at discharge. The level of C-reactive protein (CRP) was significantly higher in the Col (+) group than in the Col (-) group at admission. The reduction of SCr was considerably higher in the Col (+) group than in the Col (-) group. Similarly, the improvement of eGFR was higher in the Col (+) group than in the Col (-) group at discharge and 6–12 mounts follow-up. Conclusion: Our findings indicated the use of Colchicine plus standard care was associated with improved renal function in hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19 infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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24. African Schistosomiasis: A Framework of Indicators Assessing the Transmission Risk and Intervention Effectiveness.
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Li, Hong-Mei, Midzi, Nicholas, Mutsaka-Makuvaza, Masceline Jenipher, Qin, Zhi-Qiang, Lv, Shan, Xia, Shang, Qian, Ying-Jun, Berquist, Robert, and Zhou, Xiao-Nong
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- 2024
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25. A review of the reported and future potential ecological impacts of the invasive freshwater snail Tarebia granifera in South Africa.
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Pearson, JJ, Gerber, R, Malherbe, W, Smit, NJ, and de Necker, L
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ECOLOGICAL disturbances ,ECOLOGICAL impact ,NATIVE species ,FRESHWATER snails ,NUTRIENT cycles ,AQUATIC biodiversity - Abstract
The Southeast Asian gastropod Tarebia granifera is an invasive freshwater snail across several continents. Our review summarises the impacts of this invasive snail on invaded aquatic ecosystems. The most important impacts are those related to their ability to reproduce quickly and reach high densities within invaded ecosystems. The snail has reportedly caused declines and local extinctions in native snail populations globally. They can further significantly reduce algal standing stocks and may have severe impacts on benthic biomass, resulting in decreased benthic biodiversity and disturbances in aquatic ecosystem function. These invasive snails also cause bioturbation that can lead to changes in the nutrient cycles of invaded aquatic ecosystems and affect food web dynamics, with unknown implications for ecosystem function. Furthermore, T. granifera is well known to harbour a diverse range of parasitic species of medical and veterinary importance both within and outside their native ranges. The effective control of invasive T. granifera remains challenging as they are not easily preyed upon, and potential control methods may have unintentional side effects on native biota. This review provides evidence that there is a need to control this invader to avoid further degradation of freshwater habitats and aquatic biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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26. Effect of Oral Bisphosphonates on Vertebral Fractures in Males Living with HIV: A Seven Year Study.
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Pezzaioli, Letizia Chiara, Porcelli, Teresa, Delbarba, Andrea, Tiecco, Giorgio, Castelli, Francesco, Cappelli, Carlo, Ferlin, Alberto, and Quiros-Roldan, Eugenia
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VERTEBRAL fractures ,BONE density ,HIV infections ,PATIENT compliance ,CLINICAL indications - Abstract
Background: Osteoporosis and vertebral fractures (VFs) are frequently observed in males living with HIV (MLWH). While bisphosphonates seem effective on bone mineral density (BMD) in MLWH, data on VFs are lacking. In this real-life longitudinal study performed on 118 MLWH (median age 53) who were followed-up for a median of 7 years, we aimed to evaluate the long-term efficacy of oral bisphosphonates on VFs in MLWH. Methods: The inclusion criteria were age >18, stable HIV infection, bisphosphonate-naïve, blood samples from the same laboratory, and three densitometries and morphometries performed with the same densitometer. Results: At baseline, VFs were detected in 29/118 patients (24.6%). Patients with VFs were older (p. 0.042), had longer HIV infection duration (p. 0.046) and antiretroviral exposure (p. 0.025), and demonstrated higher luteinizing hormone levels (LH, p. 0.044). Of the 29 patients with VFs at inclusion, 11 developed new VFs, of which 8 were under oral bisphosphonates (p. 0.018). Among the 89 without basal VFs, 11 developed VFs, of which 2 were under oral bisphosphonates. Patients with a worsened bone condition (regarding BMD and/or new VFs, n. 32) had more frequently high LH levels (>9.4 mIU/mL, p. 0.046) and higher HCV co-infection compared to patients with a stable bone condition (p. 0.045). It should be noted that 38.6% of patients discontinued oral bisphosphonates due to medical indication or personal choice, and 14.0% never started them. Conclusions: In conclusion, we found that oral bisphosphonates were not completely effective in preventing VFs, especially in patients with VFs at baseline; this is probably due to the multifactorial pathogenesis of fragility fractures in this population. A poor adherence to treatment and attention to gonadal function are also important issues in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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27. Cryptosporidium spp. Infection in Adult Kidney Transplant Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
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Kosik-Bogacka, Danuta, Łanocha-Arendarczyk, Natalia, Korzeniewski, Krzysztof, Mularczyk, Maciej, Kabat-Koperska, Joanna, Ziętek, Paweł, and Marchelek-Myśliwiec, Małgorzata
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CRYPTOSPORIDIOSIS ,INTESTINAL parasites ,KIDNEY transplantation ,CHILD patients ,SYMPTOMS - Abstract
Background: Diarrhea frequently occurs after vascular organ transplantation, including kidney transplants. This may result from non-infectious factors, adverse effects of immunosuppressive medications, or infections caused by various pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites, for example, intestinal protozoan parasites such as Cryptosporidium spp., which are particularly dangerous for immunocompromised patients. Methods: This review is based on scientific articles sourced from validated databases such as PubMed, the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. The primary search was conducted on 12–13 July 2024, using the keywords 'Cryptosporidium' AND 'cryptosporidiosis' AND 'kidney' AND 'transplant' AND 'adult'. Inclusion criteria encompassed human studies, case reports, peer-reviewed journal publications, review articles, and research articles in English. Exclusion criteria included studies not in English, gray literature (e.g., conference proceedings and abstracts), and data related to pediatric patients (under 18 years old) and HIV patients. Results: This systematic review and meta-analysis have highlighted an often-overlooked connection between Cryptosporidium spp. infections in adult kidney transplant recipients (KTR). Furthermore, it includes an analysis of the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of Cryptosporidium spp. infection in these patients, based on available case reports. Our study demonstrates that adult kidney transplant patients are at a significantly higher risk of acquiring Cryptosporidium spp. compared to healthy participants. Conclusions: Cryptosporidium spp. infections can be asymptomatic, making it essential to screen both symptomatic and asymptomatic kidney transplant recipients. The clinical presentation of cryptosporidiosis typically involves digestive symptoms and can be complicated by biliary tract involvement. In KTR patients presenting with diarrhea, it is crucial to not only test for Cryptosporidium spp. but also to rule out bacterial and viral etiologies, including infections such as C. difficile, C. colitis, Clostridium spp., and rotavirus. The diagnosis of Cryptosporidium spp. infections primarily relies on microscopic methods, which are known for their low sensitivity. Therefore, diagnostic approaches should include both direct methods and, where possible, molecular techniques. Based on the analyzed cases, the most effective treatment results were achieved with reduction in immunosuppression if possible (strong, very low) and nitazoxanide at a dose of 500 mg twice daily for 14 days. Considering the public health implications of our findings, the current epidemiological data underscore the need for further research to develop effective prevention and intervention strategies against cryptosporidiosis. Preventive measures, regular screening programs, and the treatment of Cryptosporidium spp. infections should be integrated into the clinical care of transplant patients. It is also important that patients are informed about environmental risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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28. Benefits and Safety of Empiric Antibiotic Treatment Active Against KPC-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae for Febrile Neutropenic Episodes in Colonized Children with Acute Leukemia—An 8-Year Retrospective Observational Study.
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Micozzi, Alessandra, Luise, Cristina, Lisi, Chiara, Moleti, Luisa, Santilli, Stefania, and Gentile, Giuseppe
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KLEBSIELLA pneumoniae ,FEBRILE neutropenia ,ACUTE leukemia ,TREATMENT delay (Medicine) ,DEATH rate - Abstract
In children with acute leukemia (AL), the mortality rate from Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-producing K. pneumoniae bloodstream infection (KPC-KpBSI) exceeds 50%, highest when active treatment is delayed. Neutropenic KPC-K. pneumoniae carriers are at high risk of KPC-KpBSI, and preemptive empiric antibiotic treatment (EAT) of febrile neutropenic episodes (FNEs) active against KPC-K. pneumoniae may reduce this mortality. We conducted an 8-year (2014–2021) retrospective observational study of 112 febrile neutropenic episodes (FNEs) in 32 children with AL who were KPC-K. pneumoniae carriers: standard EAT for 39 FNEs and active EAT for 73 FNEs (52 ceftazidime/avibactam (CAZAVI)-based and 21 colistin-based combinations, and 5 CAZAVI monotherapy). Successful outcomes (survival from FNE) were observed in 94%; seven were fatal, with four due to infectious causes. KPC-KpBSIs caused 10/112 FNEs, 10/20 g-negative BSIs, and 3 deaths. The mortality rate of KPC-KpBSI was 30%. Active EAT was successful in 97% of the FNEs, compared to 87% with standard EAT. All deaths from KPC-KpBSI occurred in patients who received standard EAT, while none occurred with active EAT. KPC-KpBSI mortality rate with initial inactive treatment was 60%. CAZAVI-based EAT was successful in all FNEs, with a higher success rate without any modification compared to colistin-based EAT, where nephrotoxicity occurred in 14%. Therefore, active EAT, mainly a CAZAVI-based combination, was effective, safe, and associated with low overall and KPC-KpBSI-related mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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29. Spread of Puumala Hantavirus to New Areas in a Large Croatian Outbreak of Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome, 2021.
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Tomljenovic, Morana, Lakoseljac, Danijela, Knezevic, Lucija, Batista, Marko, Vilibic-Cavlek, Tatjana, Kaic, Bernad, Hansen, Lisa, and Rode, Oktavija Đakovic
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HEMORRHAGIC fever with renal syndrome ,HANTAVIRUS diseases ,ENDEMIC diseases ,RODENT populations ,MEDITERRANEAN climate - Abstract
Background: The largest documented outbreak of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome occurred in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, Croatia, in 2021, marking the first-time cases of hantavirus infection recorded outside of the known endemic region in the north of the county. Aim: To identify the factors contributing to the spread of the outbreak and to compare risk factors for acquiring hantavirus infection in the endemic and newly affected regions. Methods and Results: A total of 189 cases were confirmed by positive Puumala IgM/IgG antibodies (93.6%), and 13 probable cases were identified by clinical and epidemiological data (6.4%) using a structured questionnaire. Of the 179 cases with available clinical data, 59 (33.0%) were hospitalized. Three cases received hemodialysis, and no deaths were reported. Among 170 cases with information on exposures, 66 (38.8%) reported occupational risk. Cases in the northern part of county were more likely to have been infected in early spring (OR 27.1, 95% CI 2.93–250.7), to report seeing a rodent (OR 6.5; 95%CI 2.3–18.4), and to know someone with hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) (OR 3.0; 95%CI 1.2–8.0) than cases from the southern part of the county. Data from Croatian Forests Ltd. suggested that an unusually good production of beech seeds in 2020 may have contributed to an increased rodent population in 2021. However, average temperature, rainfall, and humidity data from 2021 did not illustrate a significant difference from previous years (Kruskal–Wallis p = 0.837, p = 0.999, p = 0.108). Conclusion: The 2021 HFRS outbreak was likely fueled by an abundant rodent population and virus transmission in rodent hosts. Human activity, environmental factors, and the ensuing animal–human interactions have spread hantavirus infection from Croatia's mountainous region to a previously nonendemic coastal area with a Mediterranean climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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30. Closing the Gaps: Testing the Efficacy of Carbapenem and Cephalosporin Treatments of Late-Stage Anthrax in Rabbits.
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Sittner, Assa, Bar-David, Elad, Glinert, Itai, Ben-Shmuel, Amir, Schlomovitz, Josef, Levy, Haim, and Weiss, Shay
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ZOONOSES ,BACILLUS anthracis ,ANTHRAX ,PROGNOSIS ,CEPHALOSPORINS ,CEFAZOLIN ,MEROPENEM - Abstract
Anthrax is a fatal zoonotic disease caused by exposure to Bacillus anthracis spores. The CDC's guidelines divide anthrax treatment into three categories according to disease progression: post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), systemic, and systemic with a suspicion of CNS infection. While the prognosis for PEP or the early treatment of systemic anthrax is very good, ingress of the bacteria into the CNS poses a substantial clinical challenge. Here, we use rabbits to test the efficacy of a combined treatment of meropenem and doxycycline, which is the first choice in the CDC recommendations for treating systemic patients with an indication of CNS infection. In addition, we test the efficacy of the first-generation cephalosporin, cefazolin, in treating different stages of the disease. We found that the combination of doxycycline and meropenem is highly effective in treating rabbits in our inhalation model. Cefazolin was efficient only for PEP or systemic-stage treatment and not for CNS-infected animals. Our findings support the CDC recommendation of using a combination of doxycycline and meropenem for systemic patients with or without indications of CNS infection. We found that cefazolin is a decent choice for PEP or early-stage systemic disease but recommend considering using this antibiotic only if all other options are not available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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31. Quality, acceptability and usability of self-sampling kits used by non-healthcare professionals for STI diagnosis in Spain: a single-blind study.
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Gómez-Castellá, Javier, Cobos Briz, Marta, Nuño, Néstor, Diaz, Asuncion, Javier Bru-Gorraiz, Francisco, Martín-Gorgojo, Alejandro, Concepción Almonacid-Garrido, Maria, Mir, Anna, Muñoz, Mario, and Del Amo, Julia
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- 2024
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32. Rare microorganisms in blood culture samples from intensive care unit patients in a tertiary care hospital in Eastern India -- A dangerous threat.
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Gupta, Sharmila and Bose, Soma
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INTENSIVE care patients ,INTENSIVE care units ,DISEASE risk factors ,BLOOD collection ,C-reactive protein - Abstract
Background: Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening condition with significant mortality and morbidity. An estimated 48.9 million cases and 11 million deaths occur due to sepsis worldwide. The gold standard for the diagnosis of suspected sepsis patients is blood culture. Aims and Objectives: The aims and objectives of the study are to evaluate the growth of rare microorganisms in blood cultures of intensive care unit (ICU) patients, to determine their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, and also to assess the associated risk factors in those patients. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted for 1 year (August 2023-July 2024) in our department including blood culture samples from ICU patients and relatively rare microorganisms isolated were included in the study accounting for 40 cases. Blood specimens were cultured in automated BD BACTECTM Fx40 blood culture system and identification of microorganisms and their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern were detected by Vitek2 system. Results: Female patients were more in number than male patients and patients of 0--20 years' age group were most commonly affected. Staphylococcus hominis was most commonly isolated out of all rarely isolated microorganisms. The different parameters for the assessment of sepsis severity in our study were C-reactive protein (CRP), Neutrophil count, D-dimer, Procalcitonin, and quick sequential organ failure assessment (qSOFA) score. Out of all, CRP was most commonly raised among sepsis patients. The most common risk factor involved was prolonged ICU stay. Conclusion: Appropriate collection and processing of blood culture samples can reduce sepsis-related morbidity and mortality manifold. Combination of biomarkers study and qSOFA scoring system can improve diagnosis and monitoring of sepsis patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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33. Global research trends and hotspots on human intestinal fungi and health: a bibliometric visualization study.
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Ming Gong, Huiying Yu, Hong Qu, Zhexian Li, Di Liu, and Xin Zhao
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INFLAMMATORY bowel diseases ,MYCOSES ,MICROSOFT software ,CANDIDA albicans ,BIBLIOMETRICS - Abstract
Background: This article employs bibliometric methods and visual maps to delineate the research background, collaborative relationships, hotspots, and trends in the study of gut fungi in human diseases and health. Methods: Publications related to human gut fungi were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection. VOSviewer, CiteSpace, R software and Microsoft Excel were employed to generate visual representations illustrating the contributions made by countries/regions, authors, organizations, and journals. Employing VOSviewer and CiteSpace, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the retrieved publications, revealing underlying tendencies, research hotspots, and intricate knowledge networks. Results: This study analyzed a total of 3,954 publications. The United States ranks first in the number of published papers and has the highest number of citations and h-index. Mostafa S Elshahed is the most prolific author. The University of California System is the institution that published the most papers. Frontiers In Microbiology is the journal with the largest number of publications. Three frequently co-cited references have experienced a citation burst lasting until 2024. Conclusion: Advancements in sequencing technologies have intensified research into human gut fungi and their health implications, shifting the research focus from gut fungal infections towards microbiome science. Inflammatory bowel diseases and Candida albicans have emerged as pivotal areas of interest in this endeavor. Through this study, we have gained a deeper insight into global trends and frontier hotspots within this field, thereby enhancing our understanding of the intricate relationship between gut fungi and human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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34. Surgical site infection and antimicrobial use following caesarean section at QECH in Blantyre, Malawi: a prospective cohort study.
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Kachipedzu, Amos Tumizani, Kulapani, David King, Meja, Samuel James, and Musaya, Janelisa
- Abstract
Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are one of the most common healthcare-associated infections and preventable complication of surgical procedure; continue to threaten public health with significant effects on the patients and health care human and financial resources. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the incidence of SSIs, risk factors and common microorganisms associated with SSI and assess the practice of antimicrobial use in women following Caesarean Section (CS) at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH). Methods: This was a hospital-based quantitative prospective study design involving pregnant women who underwent a CS between February, 2023 and July, 2023 at QECH with 30 day-follow-ups. Wound specimens (wound swabs) were collected from all infected CS wounds and processed at QECH main laboratory, and susceptibility testing was conducted using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method with results reported only as susceptible, intermediate, or resistant and the collected data was analyzed using Stata. Results: The overall cumulative incidence of SSI recorded at QECH during the study period was 9.61% (20 cases out of 208). Of these, 19 (95%) of them reported superficial SSI following CS. The mean age was 26.1 years with a standard deviation of 6.2. All pregnant women who underwent for CS received antibiotic prophylaxis. This study revealed that 138 (66.35%) patients received both preoperative antibiotics (ceftriaxone) and post-CS antibiotics without knowing the specific bacterial organism isolated. This study revealed that ruptured membrane had twice the incidence of SSIs compared to intact membrane (χ
2 = 2.0922), though not statistically significant. The majority of patients with SSIs (n = 12, 60%) were readmitted and 5 (25%) out of 20 with SSIs had antimicrobial resistance following susceptibility testing. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common organism (3, 60%) and other bacterial isolates included were Enterobacteriaceae and Acinetobacter baumanni. Conclusion: The incidence of SSIs and inappropriate antimicrobial use following CS remains a challenge at QECH. Therefore, due to increased number of SSIs following CS with relative emergence of AMR ensure intensive infection prevention and control practices, establishing AMS program and routine surveillance of SSIs at QECH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2024
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35. Mosquito bloodmeals can be used to determine vertebrate diversity, host preference, and pathogen exposure in humans and wildlife.
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Vieira, Carla Julia S. P., Gyawali, Narayan, Onn, Michael B., Shivas, Martin A., Shearman, Damien, Darbro, Jonathan M., Wallau, Gabriel L., van den Hurk, Andrew F., Frentiu, Francesca D., Skinner, Eloise B., and Devine, Gregor J.
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INFECTIOUS disease transmission ,VIRAL antibodies ,SEROPREVALENCE ,MEDICAL screening ,VERTEBRATES - Abstract
The surveillance and detection of zoonotic pathogens in animals is essential for predicting disease transmission pathways and the risks of spillover, but challenges include the costs, ethics and technical expertise required for vertebrate trapping, serum sampling and antibody or virus screening. Surveillance using haematophagous arthropods as a sampling tool offers a unique opportunity to obtain blood samples from a wide range of vertebrate species, allowing the study of host-mosquito associations, and host exposure to pathogens. We explored vertebrate diversity and potential Ross River virus (RRV) transmission pathways by analysing blood-fed mosquitoes collected in Brisbane, Australia. Host origins were identified using barcode sequencing, and host exposure to RRV was assessed using a modified plaque reduction neutralisation test. In total, 480 blood-fed mosquitoes were collected between February 2021 and May 2022. The host origins of 346 (72%) bloodmeals were identified, with humans (73%) and cattle (9%) comprising the dominant hosts. RRV seroprevalence was high in both vertebrate species with evidence of RRV exposure in 70% (21/30) of cattle and 52% (132/253) of humans. This is a novel, non-invasive method of estimating seroprevalence in vertebrate host populations. Our results highlight the potential of blood-fed mosquitoes to provide species-specific insights into pathogen transmission dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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36. Liver Fibrosis Is Enhanced by a Higher Egg Burden in Younger Mice Infected with S. mansoni.
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Müller, Heike, Straßmann, Jan K., Baier, Anne S., von Bülow, Verena, Stettler, Frederik, Hagen, Maximilian J., Schmidt, Fabian P., Tschuschner, Annette, Schmid, Andreas R., Zahner, Daniel, Köhler, Kernt, Pons-Kühnemann, Jörn, Leufkens, Daniel, Glebe, Dieter, Kaur, Surmeet, Möscheid, Max F., Haeberlein, Simone, Grevelding, Christoph G., Weiskirchen, Ralf, and El-Kassas, Mohamed
- Subjects
LIVER cells ,CELL metabolism ,HEPATIC fibrosis ,ALANINE aminotransferase ,WESTERN immunoblotting - Abstract
Schistosomiasis affects over 250 million people worldwide, with the highest prevalence at the age of 10–14 years. The influence of the host's age on the severity of liver damage is unclear. We infected male 8, 14, and 20-week-old mice with S. mansoni. Hepatic damage, inflammation, fibrosis, and metabolism were analyzed by RT-qPCR, Western blotting, ELISA, immunohistochemistry, and mechanistic transwell chamber experiments using S. mansoni eggs and human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) or primary mouse hepatocytes. Major results were validated in human biopsies. We found that hepatosplenomegaly, granuloma size, egg load, inflammation, fibrosis, and glycogen stores all improved with the increasing age of the host. However, serum alanine transaminase (ALT) levels were lowest in young mice infected with S. mansoni. Hepatic carbohydrate exploitation was characterized by a shift towards Warburg-like glycolysis in S. mansoni-infected animals. Notably, S. mansoni eggs stimulated hepatic stellate cells to an alternatively activated phenotype (GFAP
+ /desmin+ /αSMA− ) that secretes IL-6 and MCP-1. The reduction of fibrosis in older age likely depends on the fine-tuning of regulatory and inflammatory cytokines, alternative HSC activation, and the age-dependent preservation of hepatic energy stores. The current results emphasize the significance of investigations on the clinical relevance of host age-dependent liver damage in patients with schistosomiasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2024
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37. Predicting Fungemia in the ICU: Unveiling the Value of Weekly Fungal Surveillance and Yeast Colonisation Monitoring.
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Suárez-Urquiza, Pedro, Pemán, Javier, Gordon, Monica, Favier, Patricio, Muñoz-Brell, Paula, López-Hontangas, Jose Luis, and Ruiz-Gaitán, Alba
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FUNGAL colonies ,COLONIZATION (Ecology) ,INTENSIVE care units ,FUNGEMIA ,CANDIDEMIA - Abstract
Fungemia remains a major threat in intensive care units (ICUs), with high mortality rates despite advances in diagnostics and treatment. Colonisation by yeasts is an independent risk factor for fungemia; however, its predictive utility requires further research. In this 8-year study, we analysed 38,017 samples from 3206 patients and 171 fungemia episodes as part of a weekly fungal surveillance programme. We evaluated species-specific colonisation patterns, the predictive value of the Colonisation Index (CI) and Corrected Colonisation Index (CCI), and candidemia risks associated with different yeast species and anatomical site colonisation. Our results showed that C. auris, N. glabratus, and C. parapsilosis colonisation increased with longer hospital stays (0.8% to 11.55%, 8.13% to 16.8%, and 1.93% to 5.14%, respectively). The CI and CCI had low discriminatory power (AUROC 67% and 66%). Colonisation by any yeast genera demonstrated high sensitivity (98.32%) and negative predictive value (NPV) (95.90%) but low specificity and positive predictive value (PPV) (23.90% and 6.64%). Tracheal and urine cultures had the highest PPV (15.64% and 12.91%), while inguinal cultures had the highest NPV (98.60%). C. auris (12.32%) and C. parapsilosis (5.5%) were associated with a higher fungemia risk (log-rank < 0.001). These findings support the use of weekly surveillance to better stratify the fungemia risk and optimise antifungal use in ICUs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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38. Impact of a Pharmacist-Conducted Preoperative Beta-Lactam Allergy Assessment on Perioperative Cefazolin Prescribing.
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Hitchcock, Allison M., Kufel, Wesley D., Seabury, Robert W., and Steele, Jeffrey M.
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DRUG allergy ,CLOSTRIDIUM diseases ,ACADEMIC medical centers ,T-test (Statistics) ,RESEARCH funding ,CEFAZOLIN ,PATIENT readmissions ,INTERVIEWING ,ANTIMICROBIAL stewardship ,FISHER exact test ,ACUTE kidney failure ,CHI-squared test ,MANN Whitney U Test ,DESCRIPTIVE statistics ,ORTHOPEDIC surgery ,SURGICAL complications ,PRE-tests & post-tests ,RESEARCH methodology ,ELECTRONIC health records ,ELECTIVE surgery ,BETA lactamases ,MEDICAL needs assessment ,SURGICAL site infections ,DATA analysis software ,ANTIBIOTIC prophylaxis ,PERIOPERATIVE care - Abstract
Background: Cefazolin is guideline recommended for perioperative prophylaxis in orthopedic surgery. Despite its unique R1 side chain, cefazolin is often avoided in patients with beta-lactam allergy with concern for cross reactivity. Objectives: The primary outcome was the percentage of patients who received cefazolin perioperatively. Secondary outcomes included the percentage of patients with a beta-lactam allergy clarified following the telephone interview and clinical outcomes including acute kidney injury, surgical site infection, Clostridioides difficile infection, and re-admission at 30 and 90 days. Methods: This single-center, quasi-experimental study evaluated a pilot program in which a pharmacist phoned patients > 18 years of age with a scheduled orthopedic surgery and a documented beta-lactam allergy to assess their allergy preoperatively. Recommendations to use cefazolin were based on an algorithm. Patients were divided into pre- and post-intervention cohorts. Results: A total of 832 patients were screened for inclusion with 135 and 66 patients included in the pre- and post-intervention cohorts. No significant difference was identified in the primary outcome. In the post-intervention cohort, 62% had a beta-lactam reaction updated in the electronic medical record. Those with a beta-lactam allergy delabeled or made less severe were numerically more likely to receive cefazolin than those with an unchanged reaction or a reaction made more severe (95.2% vs 68% vs 65%). There were no differences in clinical outcomes between groups. Conclusion: A pharmacist-conducted preoperative beta-lactam allergy interview in adult patients undergoing elective orthopedic surgery improved beta-lactam allergy documentation but, did not result in increased utilization of cefazolin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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39. Soil Sample Analysis of Bacillus anthracis Contaminated Animal Burial Sites.
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Sahin, Mitat, Laws, Thomas R., Dyson, Hugh, Celebi, Ozgur, Doganay, Mehmet, Buyuk, Fatih, and Baillie, Les
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ANIMAL carcasses ,HAZARDOUS waste sites ,BACILLUS anthracis ,SOIL composition ,SOIL testing - Abstract
Environmental contamination with Bacillus anthracis spores poses clear threats to livestock that play key roles in the economies of pastoral communities. Regular monitoring of contaminated sites is particularly important in anthrax-endemic parts of the world, such as Kars province in eastern Türkiye, where the Veterinary Microbiology Department of Kafkas University has conducted an anthrax surveillance programme for over 30 years. We reviewed the microbiological results of 232 soil samples collected during 2009–2023, from sites known to be contaminated with B. anthracis spores following burial or butchering of infected animal carcasses. Twenty-five contaminated sites in 16 villages were studied. Samples were taken from a total of 61 different positions within these sites and viable spores were detected in 136 (58.6%) of the samples examined. Of the 96 samples from which spores were not recovered, subsequent samples from the same positions proved positive on 21 occasions. Using a standardised sampling plan, it was discovered that samples taken 1–2 m on a downward slope from the centre-point of contamination had higher (p < 0.001) spore concentrations than those taken from other positions. Although spore concentrations at some sampling positions varied over time, the overall values remained stable. This finding contrasts with observations in other parts of the world where spore concentrations tend to decline with time and may reflect regional differences in soil composition that permit more prolonged spore persistence. Concentrations of >100 spores/g soil were found in 10 (66.7%) of the 15 samples taken 10–13 years following a contamination event. These results demonstrate the longevity of viable anthrax spores in the soil of agricultural environments following decomposition of infected animal carcasses, and therefore the need for prolonged bacteriological monitoring of contaminated sites. Furthermore, they underline the importance of appropriate decontamination, as burial on its own does not eliminate all spores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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40. Prevalence, Characterization, and Epidemiological Relationships between ESBL and Carbapenemase-Producing Escherichia coli , Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Acinetobacter spp. Isolated from Humans and the Kitchen Environment of Two Greek Hospitals.
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Tsitsos, Anestis, Damianos, Alexandros, Boutel, Maria, Gousia, Panagiota, Soultos, Nikolaos, Papa, Anna, Tirodimos, Ilias, and Economou, Vangelis
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ESCHERICHIA coli ,MULTIDRUG resistance ,ACINETOBACTER ,FOOD pathogens ,DRUG resistance in bacteria ,KLEBSIELLA pneumoniae - Abstract
Background: Extended-spectrum-β-lactamase (ESBL) and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales and Acinetobacter spp. pose significant challenges as nosocomial pathogens, demonstrating resistance against various antimicrobials. Their presence in food suggests that hospital kitchens could serve as antibiotic resistance reservoirs leading to patients' infection. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and characteristics of β-lactam-resistant strains of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Acinetobacter spp. isolated from the kitchen environment and from the staff of two Greek hospitals. Methods: Strains were recovered after selective isolation with β-lactams and were identified with MALDI–TOF MS. Antimicrobial susceptibility and presence of common β-lactamase genes were evaluated. Protein profiles were examined to analyze potential relationships of the strain with those from hospital patients. E. coli strains were further categorized into phylogenetic groups. Results: The overall prevalence in the kitchen environment was 4.5%, 1.5%, and 15.0% for E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and Acinetobacter spp., respectively, whereas the prevalence of Acinetobacter spp. in human skin was 4.0%. Almost all strains were multidrug-resistant. All E. coli strains were ESBL producers and belonged to phylogroups A and B1. All K. pneumoniae and seven Acinetobacter strains were carbapenemase-producers. A protein profile analysis showed relatedness between chicken and kitchen environment strains, as well as between kitchen environment and patient strains originated either from the same or from different hospitals. Conclusions: The results suggest that hospital kitchens may act as important pathogen hotspots contributing to the circulation of resistant strains in the hospital environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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41. Vaccination for Mpox (Monkeypox) Infection in Humans: From Basic Science to Real-World Effectiveness.
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See, Kay Choong
- Subjects
MEDICAL personnel ,SMALLPOX vaccines ,MONKEYPOX ,MONKEYPOX vaccines ,VACCINIA - Abstract
The document discusses the human mpox (monkeypox) infection caused by an orthopox DNA virus, highlighting its rapid spread and significant impact on global health. The World Health Organization has declared mpox a Public Health Emergency of International Concern due to its resurgence and high mortality rates. Various vaccines, including third-generation options, are being developed to combat mpox, with studies showing promising results in terms of efficacy and safety. However, challenges such as vaccine hesitancy and gaps in knowledge remain, emphasizing the need for continued research and awareness efforts to address the ongoing outbreak effectively. [Extracted from the article]
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- 2024
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42. Schistosoma japonicum infection-mediated downregulation of lncRNA Malat1 contributes to schistosomiasis hepatic fibrosis by the Malat1/miR-96/Smad7 pathway.
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Jiang, Pengyue, Ye, Shengyu, Fan, Xiaobin, Tian, Yini, Zhang, Dongmei, and Pan, Weiqing
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STAINS & staining (Microscopy) ,SCHISTOSOMA japonicum ,LINCRNA ,HEPATIC fibrosis ,LIVER cells - Abstract
Background: Schistosoma japonicum infection causes hepatic fibrosis, a primary cause of morbidity and mortality associated with the disease, and effective treatments are still lacking. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been implicated in the pathogenic process of various tissue fibroses. However, the role of lncRNAs in schistosomiasis hepatic fibrosis (HF) is poorly understood. Understanding the role of lncRNAs in schistosomiasis HF will enhance knowledge of disease processes and aid in the discovery of therapeutic targets and diagnostic biomarkers. Methods: Differentially expressed lncRNA profiles in primary hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) of mice infected with S. japonicum were identified using high-throughput lncRNA sequencing. Primary HSCs were isolated from infected mice using collagenase digestion and density-gradient centrifugation, cultured in DMEM with 10% fetal bovine serum. Dual-luciferase reporter assays, nuclear cytoplasm fractionation and RIP assays were employed to assess the relationship between Malat1 and miRNA-96. Malat1 lentivirus and ASO-Malat1 were constructed for forced expression and downregulated expression of Malat1. The Malat1-KO mouse was constructed by CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Pathological features of the liver were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin (HE), Masson's trichrome staining and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The expression levels of fibrosis-related genes were determined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot. Results: A total of 1561 differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified between infected and uninfected primary HSCs. Among the top altered lncRNAs, the downregulated Malat1 was observed in infected HSCs and verified by qPCR. Treatment of infected mice with praziquantel (PZQ) significantly increased the Malat1 expression. Elevated Malat1 expression in infected primary HSC reduced the expressions of profibrogenic genes, whereas Malat1 knockdown had the opposite effect. Moreover, Malat1 was found to interact with miR-96, a profibrotic miRNA, by targeting Smad7. Forced Malat1 expression reduced miR-96 levels in infected primary HSCs, attenuating fibrogenesis and showing negative correlation between Malat1 expression and the expression levels of miR-96 and profibrogenic genes α-SMA and Col1α1. Notably, in Malat1-KO mice, knockout of Malat1 aggravates schistosomiasis HF, while restored Malat1 expression in the infected HSCs reduced the expression of profibrogenic genes. Conclusions: We demonstrate that lncRNA is involved in regulation of schistosomiasis HF. Elevated lncRNA Malat1 expression in infected HSCs reduces fibrosis via the Malat1/miR-96/Smad7 pathway, thus providing a novel therapeutic target for schistosomiasis HF. Furthermore, Malat1 expression is sensitive to PZQ treatment, thus offering a potential biomarker for assessing the response to chemotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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43. Leptospirosis Incidence Post-Flooding Following Storm Daniel: The First Case Series in Greece.
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Poulakida, Irene, Kotsiou, Ourania S., Boutlas, Stylianos, Stergioula, Despoina, Papadamou, Georgia, Gourgoulianis, Konstantinos I., and Papagiannis, Dimitrios
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CLIMATE change & health ,IMMUNOGLOBULIN M ,ENZYME-linked immunosorbent assay ,OCCUPATIONAL exposure ,LEPTOSPIROSIS - Abstract
The present study investigates the public health impact of flooding on leptospirosis incidence after Storm Daniel in Thessaly, Greece, in September 2023. A notable increase in cases was observed, with seven cases of female patients and a mean age of 40.2 years, indicating a significant risk among working-age adults. From the end of September to the beginning of November 2023, a total of 35 patients from flood-prone areas presented to the Emergency Department of the Tertiary University Hospital of Larissa. Diagnosis of leptospirosis was established by meeting the criteria suggested by the national public health organisation (EODY)-compatible clinical course, epidemiological exposure, molecular and serologic confirmation by the detection of immunoglobulin M antibodies to leptospira spp. using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and real-time quantitative PCR for the molecular detection of leptospira. The larger part (84.6%) of leptospirosis cases were associated with contact with floodwater. The majority of these patients (71.4%) were from the prefecture of Larissa, followed by 14.3% from the prefecture of Karditsa, 8.6% from the prefecture of Trikala, and 5.7% from the prefecture of Magnesia. Occupational exposure and urbanisation were key risk factors. The most prevalent clinical feature was rash (69.2%), followed by fever (61.5%) and myalgia (30.7%). The findings emphasise the need for robust public health strategies, improved sanitation, rodent control, and protective measures for sanitation workers. The data highlight the broader implications of climate change on public health and the necessity for ongoing surveillance and community education to mitigate future outbreaks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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44. Urgent Focus on Occupational Exposure to HIV in Orthopedic Surgery: A 10-Year Retrospective Study of 215 Surgeries in a Chinese Hospital.
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Li, Kangpeng and Zhang, Qiang
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- 2024
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45. A Retrospective Assessment of Guideline Adherence and Treatment Outcomes From Clostridioides difficile Infection Following the IDSA 2021 Clinical Guideline Update: Clostridioides difficile Infection.
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Dubberke, Erik R, Li, Qinghua, Obi, Engels N, Turzhitsky, Vladimir, Siddiqui, Fakhar, and Nathanson, Brian H
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CLOSTRIDIOIDES difficile ,PATIENT compliance ,COMMUNICABLE diseases ,HOSPITAL patients ,TREATMENT effectiveness - Abstract
Background The 2021 update to the Infectious Diseases Society of America Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) guidelines recommended fidaxomicin as the preferred treatment over vancomycin for patients with initial and recurrent CDI. Few studies have examined how treatment patterns and clinical outcomes of hospitalized CDI patients changed after the postguideline update or contemporary real-world outcomes of fidaxomicin vs vancomycin. Methods This retrospective, observational study used the PINC AI Healthcare Database on adult patients who received CDI treatment between 1/2020 and 6/2021 (pre period) and between 10/2021 and 9/2022 (post period). We examined treatment patterns of fidaxomicin, vancomycin, and metronidazole, as well as clinical and health care resource use outcomes of patients treated exclusively with fidaxomicin vs vancomycin, using nearest-neighbor propensity matching and hierarchical regression methods. As a sensitivity analysis, we repeated the fidaxomicin vs vancomycin comparisons among patients with recurrent and nonrecurrent index infections. Results A total of 45 049 patients with CDI from 779 US hospitals met initial inclusion criteria. Comparing the pre vs post periods, the proportion of patients treated with fidaxomicin increased from 5.9% to 13.7% (P <.001), vancomycin use decreased from 87.9% to 82.9% (P <.001), and metronidazole use decreased from 21.6% to 17.2% (P <.001). When comparing fidaxomicin vs vancomycin in the post period, fidaxomicin was associated with lower CDI recurrence (6.1% vs 10.2%; P <.001) and higher sustained clinical response (91.7% vs 87.8%; P <.001). Ninety-day postdischarge costs were not significantly different between groups. A sensitivity analyses showed similar findings. Conclusions Since the 2021 guideline update, fidaxomicin use has increased significantly but could be further utilized given its association with better clinical outcomes and no increase in postdischarge costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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46. 广西鸡源H9N2亚型禽流感病毒分离鉴定 及遗传进化分析.
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张艳雯, 何永权, 吴云月, 于冬玲, 曾文榜, and 宁志鹏
- Abstract
Copyright of Journal of Southern Agriculture is the property of Journal of Southern Agriculture and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
- Published
- 2018
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47. Transport of <italic>Escherichia coli</italic> phage through saturated porous media considering managed aquifer recharge.
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Zhang, Wenjing, Li, Shuo, Wang, Shuang, Lei, Liancheng, Yu, Xipeng, and Ma, Tianyi
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ESCHERICHIA coli ,POROUS materials ,GROUNDWATER recharge ,GROUNDWATER management ,HYDROGEN-ion concentration - Abstract
Virus is one of the most potentially harmful microorganisms in groundwater. In this paper, the effects of hydrodynamic and hydrogeochemical conditions on the transportation of the colloidal virus considering managed aquifer recharge were systematically investigated.
Escherichia coli phage, vB_EcoM-ep3, has a broad host range and was able to lyse pathogenicEscherichia coli . Bacteriophage with low risk to infect human has been found extensively in the groundwater environment, so it is considered as a representative model of groundwater viruses. Laboratory studies were carried out to analyze the transport of theEscherichia coli phage under varying conditions of pH, ionic strength, cation valence, flow rate, porous media, and phosphate buffer concentration. The results indicated that decreasing the pH will increase the adsorption ofEscherichia coli phage. Increasing the ionic strength, either Na+ or Ca2+ , will form negative condition for the migration ofEscherichia coli phage. A comparison of different cation valence tests indicated that changes in transport and deposition were more pronounced with divalent Ca2+ than monovalent Na+ . As the flow rate increases, the release ofEscherichia coli phage increases and the retention ofEscherichia coli phage in the aquifer medium reduces. Changes in porous media had a significant effect onEscherichia coli phage migration. With increase of phosphate buffer concentration, the suspension stability and migration ability ofEscherichia coli phage are both increased. Based on laboratory-scale column experiments, a one-dimensional transport model was established to quantitatively describe the virus transport in saturated porous medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2018
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48. Prevalence of schistosomiasis and its association with anemia in Ethiopia, 2024: a systematic review and meta‑analysis.
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Gebrehana, Deresse Abebe, Molla, Gebretsadik Endeshaw, Endalew, Woretaw, Teshome, Destaw Fetene, Mekonnen, Fantahun Ayenew, and Angaw, Dessie Abebaw
- Subjects
NEGLECTED diseases ,RANDOM effects model ,SCHISTOSOMIASIS ,STATISTICAL bias ,STATISTICAL software - Abstract
Background: Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease that affects over 250 million people, predominantly in impoverished communities, including those in Ethiopia. However, there is currently no available national data regarding its prevalence in Ethiopia or its potential association with anemia. Methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA-2020) guideline was followed in our study. A comprehensive search strategy was conducted using international databases (PUB Med, Embase, Scopus, and Science Direct) and websites (Google Scholar and Google) from their date of inception to April 22, 2024. The quality of the retrieved studies was assessed using an adapted version of the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Publication bias and statistical heterogeneity were statistically assessed. A random effects model was applied, and all analysis was performed with STATA 17 statistical software. Result: The prevalence of schistosomiasis was assessed in twelve studies with 5747 participants. S. mansoni was studied in 11 research papers, while S. hematobium was assessed in one study. Using a random effect model due to high heterogeneity (I2 = 98.46%; P < 0.001), the overall pooled prevalence of schistosomiasis in Ethiopia was 22% (95% CI: 14.3, 29.6). The prevalence of schistosomiasis was about two and a half times higher in rural settings (23%) (95% CI: 15, 31) than in urban areas (10%) (95% CI: 3, 17). The burden of schistosomiasis was 23% between 2020 and 2024, compared to 16% from 2015–2019, with a higher prevalence among pediatric age groups (22%) versus 14% in mixed pediatric and adult age groups. The magnitude of schistosomiasis for good and very good-quality papers was 22% and 17%, respectively. In all the subgroup analyses, there was considerable statistically significant heterogeneity. No study was found to evaluate the association of schistosomiasis with anemia. Conclusion: The study reveals Ethiopia's higher schistosomiasis prevalence. Rural areas have a high burden of schistosomiasis. No eligible study was found to evaluate the association of schistosomiasis with anemia. Therefore, prevention and control measures should focus on rural settings. Trial registration: The registration number at PROSPERO is CRD42024538522. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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49. Complex transmission epidemiology of neglected Australian arboviruses: diverse non-human vertebrate hosts and competent arthropod invertebrate vectors.
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Taylor-Robinson, Andrew W.
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ARTHROPOD vectors ,WEST Nile virus ,ENCEPHALITIS viruses ,ARBOVIRUS diseases ,ENCEPHALITIS ,ARBOVIRUSES - Abstract
More than 75 arboviruses are indigenous to Australia, of which at least 13 are known to cause disease in humans. Alphaviruses are the most common arboviruses, notably including Ross River and Barmah Forest viruses, which contribute a significant public health and economic burden in Australia. Both can cause febrile illness with arthritic symptoms. Each circulates nationally across diverse climates and environments, and has multi-host, multi-vector dynamics. Several medically important flaviviruses also circulate in Australia. Infection with Murray Valley encephalitis or Kunjin viruses is less common but is associated with brain inflammation. Key research priorities for Australian arboviruses aim to understand clinical manifestations, develop timely diagnostics, and identify transmission cycles that permit the maintenance of arboviruses. While these can now be answered for a handful of notifiable alpha- and flaviviruses there are others for which non-human vertebrate hosts and competent arthropod invertebrate vectors are still to be identified and/or whose role in transmission is not well understood. One or more of these 'neglected' arboviruses may be the causative agent of a proportion of the many thousands of fever-related illnesses reported annually in Australia that at present remain undiagnosed. Here, what is known about enzootic cycling of viruses between arthropod vectors and mammalian and avian reservoir hosts is summarised. How and to what extent these interactions influence the epidemiology of arbovirus transmission and infection is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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50. Immunological feedback loops generate parasite persistence thresholds that explain variation in infection duration.
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Cressler, Clayton E., Metz, Daniel C. G., Chang van Oordt, David A., and Graham, Andrea L.
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ALLEE effect ,EPIDEMIOLOGICAL models ,IMMUNE response ,T cells ,MOTOR vehicle driving ,HOST-parasite relationships - Abstract
Infection duration affects individual host fitness and between-host transmission. Whether an infection is cleared or becomes chronic depends on the complex interaction between host immune responses and parasite growth. Empirical and theoretical studies have suggested that there are critical thresholds of parasite dose that can determine clearance versus chronicity, driven by the ability of the parasite to manipulate host immunity. However, the mammalian immune response is characterized by strong positive and negative feedback loops that could generate duration thresholds even in the absence of direct immunomodulation. Here, we derive and analyse a simple model for the interaction between T-cell subpopulations and parasite growth. We show that whether an infection is cleared or not is very sensitive to the initial immune state, parasite dose and strength of immunological feedbacks. In particular, chronic infections are possible even when parasites provoke a strong and effective immune response and lack any ability to immunomodulate. Our findings indicate that the initial immune state, which often goes unmeasured in empirical studies, is a critical determinant of infection duration. This work also has implications for epidemiological models, as it implies that infection duration will be highly variable among individuals, and dependent on each individual's infection history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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