Abstract Background Although hepatitis B infection is highly endemic in Africa, information on its epidemiology among pregnant women in the region is limited. Therefore, this systematic review provided up-to-date information on the epidemiology of hepatitis B virus (HBsAg) infection among pregnant women in Africa. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews. The Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and African journals online were searched to identify relevant studies published between January 1, 2015, and May 21, 2024, on hepatitis B virus infection in pregnant women living in Africa. The Joanna Briggs Institute tool was used to assess the methodological qualities of the included studies. The random effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of HBV infection. I2 assessed the amount of heterogeneity. Publication bias was assessed using Egger’s test and a funnel plot. Results We included 91 studies from 28 African countries. The pooled prevalence of hepatitis B infection among pregnant women in Africa was 5.89% (95% CI: 5.26–6.51%), with significant heterogeneity between studies (I2 = 97.71%, p 

Microbiology and Molecular Biology Reviews, Ahead of Print.

Nucleotide signalling molecules – mainly cyclic 3′,5′-adenosine phosphate (cAMP), bis-(3′,5′)-cyclic diguanosine monophosphate (c-di-GMP), and bis-(3′,5′)-cyclic diadenosine monophosphate (c-di-AMP) – contribute to the regulation of cellular pathways. Numerous recent works have focused on the involvement of these cyclic nucleotide phosphates (cNPs) in bacterial resistance and tolerance to antimicrobial treatment. Indeed, the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a rising global threat to human health, while the rise of antimicrobial tolerance underlies the development of AMR and long-term infections, placing an additional burden on this problem. Here, we summarise the current understanding of cNP signalling in bacterial physiology with a focus on our understanding of how cNP signalling affects AMR and antimicrobial tolerance in different bacterial species. We also discuss additional cNP-related drug targets in bacterial pathogens that may have therapeutic potential.

Virtually all multicellular organisms on Earth live in symbiotic associations with complex microbial communities: the microbiome. This ancient relationship is of fundamental importance for both the host and the microbiome. Recently, the analyses of numerous microbiomes have revealed an incredible diversity and complexity of symbionts, with different mechanisms identified as potential drivers of this diversity. However, the interplay of ecological and evolutionary forces generating these complex associations is still poorly understood. Here we explore and summarise the suite of ecological and evolutionary mechanisms identified as relevant to different aspects of microbiome complexity and diversity. We argue that microbiome assembly is a dynamic product of ecology and evolution at various spatio-temporal scales. We propose a theoretical framework to classify mechanisms and build mechanistic host-microbiome models to link them to empirical patterns. We develop a cohesive foundation for the theoretical understanding of the combined effects of ecology and evolution on the assembly of complex symbioses.

Science, Volume 385, Issue 6713, Page 1105-1111, September 2024.

245 suspected cases have been reported. The virus mainly affects children and can cause encephalitis, coma, and death. Sharmila Devi reports.

Christian Happi, Distinguished Professor of Molecular Biology and Genomics in the Department of Biological Sciences at Redeemer\'s University in Nigeria, was born and raised in Cameroon, in a little town surrounded by rain forests. It was through these he recalls being carried on his mother\'s back to a dispensary run by Catholic nuns. “I was about 8 years old”, he says, “and I thought I was going to die.” He asked his mother why there was no cure. “She told me the doctor said I had malaria. She had already lost two of her babies due to malaria.

The action of Small Rain, a novel by Garth Greenwell, takes place over a few days in a high-dependency unit of a hospital in America\'s Midwest. The novel\'s unnamed narrator is, like Greenwell, a writer and teacher of literature. At the start of the book the narrator suffers agonising abdominal pain that turns out to be caused by an infrarenal aortic dissection. It is one of the worst periods during the COVID-19 pandemic and the restrictions complicate both his ability to access health care and the hospital\'s ability to provide it.

This is a dangerous time for global health, not least given widespread vaccine disinformation across social media, with the aim of undermining societal trust in life-saving vaccines. Compounding this spread of fake propaganda and its potential to contribute to avoidable deaths are ongoing pandemic threats. In June, 2024, No Time to Gamble: Leaders Must Unite to Prevent Pandemics, a report by Helen Clark and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former Co-Chairs of the influential Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response, highlighted two alarming developments: the transmission of highly pathogenic influenza A(H5N1) into mammals and the emergence of the more virulent clade 1b variant of mpox virus in DR Congo.

Clinical Microbiology Reviews, Ahead of Print.

Tropical Medicine &International Health, EarlyView.

These data support the continued clinical development of mRNA-based next-generation seasonal influenza vaccines with broadened influenza A/H3N2 strain coverage.

Volume 13, Issue 1, December 2024 .

by Ruijie Guo, Kai Yu, Kai Huang, Jinghua Li, Jiao Huang, Xuhong Yang, Yaoting Wu, Dandan Wang Sarmentosin (SA) and Quercetin (QC) are two active components of Sedum Sarmentosum Bunge, which is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine. This study aimed to investigate the role and regulatory mechanism of SA and QC in fatty liver of Genetic Improvement of Farmed Tilapia (GIFT) tilapia. GIFT tilapia were randomly divided into two groups with three replicates per treatment (30 fish in each replicate): normal diet group (average weight 3.51±0.31 g) and high-fat diet group (average weight 3.44±0.09 g). After 8 weeks feeding trial, growth index, lipid deposition, and biochemical indexes were measured. Lipid deposition, and lipid and inflammation-related gene expression were detected in a primary hepatocyte model of fatty liver of GIFT tilapia treated with SA or QC. Our results showed that high-fat diet caused lipid deposition and peroxidative damage in the liver of GIFT tilapia. The cell counting kit-8 assay results indicated that 10 μM SA and 10 μM of QC both had the least effect on hepatocyte proliferation. Moreover, both 10 μM of SA and 10 μM of QC showed lipolytic effects and inhibited the expression of lipid-related genes (FAS, Leptin, SREBP-1c, and SREBP2) in fatty liver cells. Interestingly, QC induced autophagosome-like subcellular structure and increased the expression of IL-8 in fatty liver cells. In conclusion, this study confirmed that SA and QC improved fatty liver caused by high-fat diet, providing a novel therapeutic approach for fatty liver of GIFT tilapia.

by Md Farhad Hossain, Shaheed Hossain, Mst. Nira Akter, Ainur Nahar, Bowen Liu, Md Omar Faruque Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of interconnected metabolic risk factors, including abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, and elevated fasting blood glucose levels, that result in an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. In this research, we aim to identify the risk factors that have an impact on MetS in the Bangladeshi population. Subsequently, we intend to construct predictive machine learning (ML) models and ultimately, assess the accuracy and reliability of these models. In this particular study, we utilized the ATP III criteria as the basis for evaluating various health parameters from a dataset comprising 8185 participants in Bangladesh. After employing multiple ML algorithms, we identified that 27.8% of the population exhibited a prevalence of MetS. The prevalence of MetS was higher among females, accounting for 58.3% of the cases, compared to males with a prevalence of 41.7%. Initially, we identified the crucial variables using Chi-Square and Random Forest techniques. Subsequently, the obtained optimal variables are employed to train various models including Decision Trees, Random Forests, Support Vector Machines, Extreme Gradient Boosting, K-nearest neighbors, and Logistic Regression. Particularly we employed the ATP III criteria, which utilizes the Waist-to-Height Ratio (WHtR) as an anthropometric index for diagnosing abdominal obesity. Our analysis indicated that Age, SBP, WHtR, FBG, WC, DBP, marital status, HC, TGs, and smoking emerged as the most significant factors when using Chi-Square and Random Forest analyses. However, further investigation is necessary to evaluate its precision as a classification tool and to improve the accuracy of all classifiers for MetS prediction.

by Vida Mmbaga, George Mrema, Danstan Ngenzi, Welema Magoge, Emmanuel Mwakapasa, Frank Jacob, Hamza Matimba, Medard Beyanga, Angela Samweli, Michael Kiremeji, Mary Kitambi, Erasto Sylvanus, Ernest Kyungu, Gerald Manase, Joseph Hokororo, Christer Kanyankole, Martin Rwabilimbo, Issessanda Kaniki, George Kauki, Maria Ezekiely Kelly, William Mwengee, Gabriel Ayeni, Faraja Msemwa, Grace Saguti, George S. Mgomella, Kokuhabwa Mukurasi, Marcelina Mponela, Eliakimu Kapyolo, Jonathan Mcharo, Mary Mayige, Wangeci Gatei, Ishata Conteh, Peter Mala, Mahesh Swaminathan, Pius Horumpende, Paschal Ruggajo, Grace Magembe, Zabulon Yoti, Elias Kwesi, Tumaini Nagu Introduction In March 2023, a Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak was declared in Kagera region, Northwestern Tanzania. This was the first MVD outbreak in the country. We describe the epidemiological characteristics of MVD cases and contacts. Methods The Ministry of Health activated an outbreak response team. Outbreak investigation methods were applied to cases identified through MVD standard case definitions and confirmed through reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT PCR). All identified case contacts were added into the contact listing form and followed up in-person daily for any signs or symptoms for 21 days. Data collected from various forms was managed and analyzed using Excel and QGIS software for mapping. Results A total of nine MVD cases were reported with eight laboratory-confirmed and one probable. Two of the reported cases were frontline healthcare workers and seven were family related members. Cases were children and adults between 1–59 years of age with a median age of 34 years. Six were males. Six cases died equivalent to a case fatality rate (CFR) of 66.7%. A total of 212 individuals were identified as contacts and two (2) became cases. The outbreak was localized in two geo-administrative wards (Maruku and Kanyangereko) of Bukoba District Council. Conclusion Transmission during this outbreak occurred among family members and healthcare workers who provided care to the cases. The delay in detection aggravated the spread and possibly the consequent fatality but once confirmed the swift response stemmed further transmission containing the disease at the epicenter wards. The outbreak lasted for 72 days but as the origin is still unknown, further research is required to explore the source of this outbreak. …

by Shriya Shivakumar, Madison B. Wilken, Victor Tsao, Bárbara D. Bitarello, Christopher S. Thom Genome wide association studies (GWAS) have associated thousands of loci with quantitative human blood trait variation. Loci and related genes that impact blood trait variation may regulate blood cell-intrinsic biological processes, or alternatively impact blood cell development and function via systemic factors. Clinical observations have linked tobacco or alcohol use with altered blood traits, but these trait relationships have not been systematically explored at the genetic level. Applying a Mendelian randomization (MR) framework to GWAS summary statistics, we explore relationships between smoking and drinking behaviors with 15 quantitative blood traits. We find that the effects of smoking and drinking are confined to red blood cell traits. An instrumental variable (IV) comprised of 113 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with smoking initiation is associated with decreased hemoglobin (HGB: Effect = -0.07 standard deviation units [95% confidence interval = -0.03 to -0.10 SD units], P = 1x10-4), hematocrit (HCT: Effect = -0.06 [-0.03 - -0.09] SD units, P = 4x10-4), and red blood cell count (RBC: Effect = -0.05 [-0.02 - -0.09] SD units, P = 5x10-3) without impacting platelet count (P = 0.9) or white blood cell count (P = 0.6). Similarly, an IV associated with an increased number of alcoholic drinks consumed per week is associated with decreased HGB (Effect = -0.22 [-0.42 - -0.02] SD units, P = 3x10-2) and RBC (Effect = -0.27 [-0.51 - -0.03] SD units, P = 3x10-2). Using multivariable MR and causal mediation analyses, we find that an increased genetic predisposition to smoking initiation is associated with increased alcohol intake, and that alcohol use mediates the genetic effect of smoking initiation on red blood cell traits. These findings demonstrate a novel role for genetically influenced behaviors on human blood traits, revealing opportunities to dissect related pathways and mechanisms that influence hematopoiesis and blood cell biology.

by Chalachew Adugna Wubneh, Birye Dessalegn Mekonnen, Tewodros Getaneh Alemu, Masresha Asmare Techane, Nega Tezera Assimamaw, Getaneh Mulualem Belay, Tadesse Tarik Tamir, Addis Bilal Muhye, Destaye Guadie Kassie, Amare Wondim, Bewuketu Terefe, Bethelihem Tigabu Tarekegn, Mohammed Seid Ali, Beletech Fentie, Almaz Tefera Gonete, Berhan Tekeba, Selam Fisiha Kassa, Bogale Kassahun Desta, Amare Demsie Ayele, Melkamu Tilahun Dessie, Kendalem Asmare Atalell Introduction Infectious diseases remain the leading causes of death in low and middle-income countries including Ethiopia. The existence of emerging, re-emerging, and drug-resistant infectious agents maximizes the importance of infection prevention and control. Healthcare workers are the key actors in the prevention and control of infection. As a result assessing the knowledge, attitude, and practice of healthcare workers toward infection prevention and control is very critical in the prevention and control of infectious diseases. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of healthcare providers toward infection prevention in Ethiopia. Method PubMed, Scopus, SEMANTIC SCHOLAR, Google Scholar, and Addis Ababa University Digital Library were systematically searched for relevant literature until November 18/2023. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute quality appraisal tool. Data were abstracted using a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and analyzed using STATA version 11. A random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence. Heterogeneity among reported studies was assessed by Forest plot, Cochran’s Q-statistics, and I2 test. Publication bias was checked using funnel plots, and Egger’s regression test. In addition, sub-group and sensitivity analyses were conducted. Result A total of 7,681 articles were retrieved of which 19 studies with 5,650 healthcare workers were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. About 74.5% (95% CI, 65.88, 83.12), 66.71% (95% CI 55.15, 78.28), and 55.2% (95% CI 48.22, 62.18) of healthcare workers were knowledgeable, had positive attitudes, and good standard of practice on infection prevention respectively. Conclusion Despite acceptable knowledge and attitude, about half of the healthcare workers have unsafe infection prevention and control practices in Ethiopia. Hence, serious attention should be given to healthcare workers’ application of infection prevention standards in their working environment. …

by Livingstone Asem, Abdul-Gafaru Abdulia, Patrick Opoku Assuming, Gordon Abeka-Nkrumah Background Malaria in pregnancy (MiP) is a preventable condition leading to maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Invariably, with all the knowledge about the serious consequences of MiP for the woman, the unborn child, and the neonate, the uptake of Intermittent Preventive Treatment of Malaria in pregnancy using sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) is low in most malaria-endemic countries, including Ghana. This study sought to examine the uptake and service user predictors of the implementation of IPTp-SP after the policy upgrade in 2014. Methods This cross-sectional survey was carried out in two selected districts in the Volta Region. The study participants were randomly selected from communities within Nkwanta North and North Tongu District. A total of 438 mothers who have delivered in the past 24 months were selected for the study. The women were interviewed on their background, knowledge, and attitude toward the use of IPTp-SP using a structured questionnaire. Multiple logistic regression was done to determine the factors that influence the demand for IPTp-SP. The results were presented in the form of tables. Results The mean number of antenatal care (ANC) attendance was 5 (SD:2.6) visits per client, with 262 (59.82%) of them getting the 3+ doses of IPTp-SP. Also, a significant 44 (10.1%) of the mothers did not receive any dose of IPTp-SP. Respondents who attended antenatal clinics 4–7 times had 7 (CI:3.9–12.3) times higher uptake of 3+ doses of IPTp-SP as compared to others who attended less than 4 visits. Similarly, women who had 8 or more visits had a 16.1 (CI: 5.9–43.6) times higher chance of getting more than 2 doses of IPTp-SP compared with others who had fewer than 4 attendances. Conclusion The uptake of 3+ doses of IPTp-SP is still lower than the global target of 80%. Thus, the need for innovative interventions aimed at improving antenatal attendance and early booking for IPTp-SP are recommended. …

by Jayashree Sachin Gothankar, Medha Deepak Bargaje, Sanjivani Vishwanath Patil, Prakash Prabhakarrao Doke COPD is the second leading cause of death in India. The guidelines for early detection of COPD were released by the Government of India in 2019. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, its implementation could not be optimal. Diagnosis of COPD is based on the presence of respiratory symptoms, the presence of exposure to risk factors, and the presence of poorly reversible airflow obstruction as assessed using a spirometer. Spirometers are currently available only at a few district hospitals. The existing guidelines expect the patient to visit the Rural hospital/ Community Health Centre, which does not have a spirometer or a pulmonary medicine specialist. Also, it is not feasible or accessible for patients to visit the district hospital to get diagnosed. The current study will be implemented to determine the prevalence, annual incidence of COPD and asthma, quality of life, and nutritional status of COPD and asthma patients. The novelty of this implementation research, which will be conducted in collaboration with Zilla Parishad (i.e., Government), Pune district, is the empowerment of an Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA), a peripheral health worker to screen all individuals using a peak flow meter and confirmation of the diagnosis at health and wellness center (HWC). An accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) will take relevant history to suspect COPD and asthma in 30+-year-old adults, and she will refer the suspected cases to the Community Health Officer (CHO) at the Health and Wellness Center. The CHO/ Medical officer of PHC will initiate the appropriate treatment after confirming the diagnosis using a portable spirometer. The difficult-to-diagnose patients with comorbidity and acute exacerbations will be referred to the nearest higher center, i.e., Primary Health Centre (PHC) or Community Health Centre (CHC), where a primary care physician is available. The ASHA workers will provide two follow-ups to these patients in a year, depending on the severity, to ensure compliance with the treatment. Thus, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of COPD and asthma at the community level may help to reduce the episodes of acute exacerbations.

New England Journal of Medicine, Volume 391, Issue 9, Page 821-831, September 5, 2024.

New England Journal of Medicine, Volume 391, Issue 9, September 5, 2024.

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, Ahead of Print.

Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, Ahead of Print.

Journal of Medical Virology, Volume 96, Issue 9, September 2024.

Journal of Medical Virology, Volume 96, Issue 9, September 2024.

Journal of Medical Virology, Volume 96, Issue 9, September 2024.

Journal of Medical Virology, Volume 96, Issue 9, September 2024.

Journal of Medical Virology, Volume 96, Issue 9, September 2024.

Journal of Medical Virology, Volume 96, Issue 9, September 2024.

Journal of Medical Virology, Volume 96, Issue 9, September 2024.

Journal of Medical Virology, Volume 96, Issue 9, September 2024.

Journal of Medical Virology, Volume 96, Issue 9, September 2024.

Journal of Medical Virology, Volume 96, Issue 9, September 2024.

Candidemia is associated with significant morbidity and mortality for intensive care unit (ICU) patients, and the incidence rate for candidemia in the ICU can be as high as 48% [1]. The incidence rate of candidemia is rising due to increasing susceptible populations, including immunocompromised patients, the use of parenteral nutrition, patients needing invasive medical procedures, and the increased use of broad-spectrum antibiotics [2, 3]. In 2014, Saudi Arabia had a median rate of 1.65 invasive candidiasis per 1,000 hospital discharges per year, with an overall 30-day crude mortality of 40.6% [4].

Journal Name: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene Volume: 111 Issue: 3 Pages: 610-616 …

Journal Name: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene Volume: 111 Issue: 3 Pages: 617-621 …

Journal Name: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene Volume: 111 Issue: 3 Pages: 622-626 …

Journal Name: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene Volume: 111 Issue: 3 Pages: 627-637 …

Journal Name: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene Volume: 111 Issue: 3 Pages: 638-649 …

Journal Name: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene Volume: 111 Issue: 3 Pages: 650-660 …

Journal Name: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene Volume: 111 Issue: 3 Pages: 661-670 …

Journal Name: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene Volume: 111 Issue: 3 Pages: 671-675 …

Journal Name: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene Volume: 111 Issue: 3 Pages: 676-681 …

Journal Name: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene Volume: 111 Issue: 3 Pages: 682-693 …

Journal Name: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene Volume: 111 Issue: 3 Pages: 694-697 …

Journal Name: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene Volume: 111 Issue: 3 Pages: 698-702 …

Journal Name: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene Volume: 111 Issue: 3 Pages: 703-703 …

Journal Name: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene Volume: 111 Issue: 3 Pages: 449-703 …