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ABSTRACT: Background: Vaporized nicotine (VN) use is increasing among people with HIV (PWH). We examined demographics, patterns of use, depression, and panic symptoms associated with VN and combustible cigarette (CC) use among PWH.Methods: We analyzed VN use among PWH in care at 7 US sites. PWH completed a set of patient-reported outcomes, including substance use and mental health. We categorized VN use as never vs. ever with frequency of use (days/month) and CC use as never, former, or current. We used relative risk regression to associate VN and CC use, depression, and panic. Linear regression estimated each relationship with VN frequency. Models were adjusted for demographics.Results: Among 7,431 PWH, 812 (11%) reported ever-using VN, and 264 (4%) reported daily use. Half (51%) of VN users concurrently used CC. VN users were more likely than those without use to be younger, white, and to report ever-using CC. PWH reporting former CC use reported ≥8.5 more days per month of VN use compared to never CC use (95%CI: 5.5-11.5 days/month) or current (95%CI: 6.6-10.5 days/month). Depression (RR: 1.20 [95%CI: 1.02-1.42]) and panic disorder (1.71 [95%CI: 1.43-2.05]) were more common among PWH ever-using VN. Depression was common among PWH using VN (27%) and CC (22%), as was panic disorder (21% for VN, 16% for CC).Conclusion: Our study elucidated demographic associations with VN use among PWH, revealed overlap of VN and CC use, and associations with depression/panic symptoms, suggesting roles of VN in self-medication and CC substitution, warranting further longitudinal/qualitative research.Copyright © 2022 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.

PADL by non-allergists is efficacious and safe. The proportion of assessed patients who can be de-labelled increases with complexity of testing method, but substantial numbers can be de-labelled without skin testing.

A dynamic field of study has emerged involving long-range electron transport by extracellular filaments in anaerobic bacteria, with Geobacter sulfurreducens being used as a model system. The interest in this topic stems from the potential uses of such systems in bioremediation, energy generation, and new bio-based nanotechnology for electronic devices. These conductive extracellular filaments were originally thought, based upon low-resolution observations of dried samples, to be type IV pili (T4P).

ABSTRACTBackgroundAn exploratory household transmission study was nested in SPECTRA, the phase 2/3 efficacy study of the adjuvanted recombinant protein-based COVID-19 vaccine SCB-2019. We compared occurrence of confirmed COVID-19 infections between households and household contacts of infected SPECTRA placebo or SCB-2019 recipients.MethodsSPECTRA participants at eight study sites in the Philippines who developed rRT-PCR-confirmed COVID-19 were contacted by a study team blinded to assignment of index cases to vaccine or placebo groups to enroll in this household transmission study. Enrolled households and household contacts were monitored for three weeks using rRT-PCR and anti-SARS-CoV-2 N-antigen IgG/IgM testing to detect new COVID-19 infections.Results154 eligible COVID-19 index cases (51 vaccinees, 103 placebo) were included. The secondary attack rate per household for symptomatic COVID-19 infection was 0.76% (90% CI: 0.15–3.90) if the index case was a SCB-2019 vaccinee compared with 5.88% (90% CI: 3.20–10.8) for placebo index cases, a relative risk reduction (RRR) of 79% (90% CI: -28–97). The RRR of symptomatic COVID-19 per household member was similar: 84% (90% CI: 28–97). Impact on attack rates in household members if index cases were symptomatic (n = 130; RRR = 80%; 90% CI: 7–96) or asymptomatic (n = 24; RRR = 100%; 90% CI: -76–100) was measurable but the low numbers undermine the clinical significance.ConclusionsIn this prospective household contact study vaccination with SCB-2019 reduced SARS-CoV-2 transmission compared with placebo in households and in household members independently of whether index cases were symptomatic or not.

Karolinska Institutet10.13039/501100004047Public Health Agency of Sweden10.13039/501100010686Swedish Dental Association10.13039/501100005300…

Journal of Medical Virology, Accepted Article.

Journal of Medical Virology, Accepted Article.

Abstract Introduction To monitor Sweden’s progress towards the WHO goal of eliminating viral hepatitis, we estimated the prevalence, notification rate, and liver-related morbidity and mortality for diagnosed hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections in 2015 and 2018. Methods We identified cases of hepatitis B and C within the National System for Notifiable Diseases and obtained data on treatment and whether the case was deceased or not. We calculated prevalence, notification rates per 100,000, and proportion of newly diagnosed cases of hepatitis with liver disease at the time of diagnosis, and proportion of all deceased cases who died from liver disease. We calculated Poisson 95% confidence intervals (CIs) around the notification rates and Wilson 95% CIs around prevalence and mortality estimates. Results In 2015 and 2018, the prevalence of diagnosed HBV infections was 0.20% [95% CI: 0.19–0.20] and 0.21% [0.20–0.21]. Notification rates per 100,000 for HBV infections were 13.02 [12.32–13.76] and 7.71 [7.18–8.27]. HBV liver-related morbidity was 2.65% [1.90–3.68] and 2.16% [1.35–3.43]. HBV liver-related mortality was 20.00% [14.81–26.44] and 17.95% [13.20–23.94]. In 2015 and 2018, the prevalence of diagnosed HCV-infections was 0.24% [0.24–0.25] and 0.18% [0.18–0.19]. Notification rates per 100,000 for HCV infections were 15.92 [15.14–16.73] and 13.05 [12.36–13.77]. HCV liver–related morbidity was 8.14% [6.89–9.60] and 3.90% [2.99–5.08]. HCV liver–related mortality was 27.08% [24.54–29.77] and 26.90% [24.12–29.88]. Conclusions All indicators decreased or remained stable between 2015 and 2018, indicating progress in the elimination of viral hepatitis, especially for HCV infection. …

Abstract Introduction Group B Streptococci (GBS) colonize almost one third of human gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts, particularly in females. The aim of this study is to evaluate the epidemiology, microbiological characteristics, and clinical outcomes of invasive GBS disease in Qatar from all age groups. Methods A retrospective study was conducted on patients with confirmed GBS blood stream infections during the period between January 2015 and March 2019. Microbiological identification was performed using automated BD PhoenixTM system, while additional antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed using E test and disc diffusion methods. Result During the four years period, the incidence steadily rose from 1.48 to 2.09 cases per 100.000 population. Out of 196 confirmed cases of invasive GBS infections, the majority were females (63.7%, 125/196) of which 44.8% were pregnant and 53.6% were colonized. Three distinct affected age groups were identified: children ≤ 4 years of age (35.7%), young adults 25–34 (20.9%) and the elderly ≥ 65 year (17.4%). Presenting symptoms were mild with fever in 53% of cases while 89% of cases had Pitt bacteraemia score of ≤ 2. Isolates were universally sensitive to penicillin, ceftriaxone, and vancomycin at 100% but with significant resistance to erythromycin (49%) and clindamycin (28.6%) while 16.8% had inducible clindamycin resistance. Clinical outcomes showed cure rate of 87.25% with complications in (8.76%) and 4% mortality. Conclusion There is a rising trend of Group B Streptococcal blood stream infections in Qatar with significantly high clindamycin and erythromycin resistance rates. Universal susceptibility rates were demonstrated for penicillin, ceftriaxone, and vancomycin. …

Abstract Background Antimicrobial resistance has reached an alarming rate globally, especially in middle-income countries such as Lebanon. The development of antifungal resistance is associated with the increased population’s injudicious consumption. This study aims to measure antifungals consumption in Lebanon as a trend analysis of national data from 2004 to 2018. Methods This is a trend analysis of the consumption of antifungal agents in the Lebanese community. Data were obtained from the Intercontinental Marketing Statistics Database between 2004 and 2018. It measures the total consumptions per year, per drug, and the percentage of its correspondents for three routes of administration (oral, parenteral, and topical). Results were reported by Defined Daily Dose (DDD) per 1000 inhabitants per day and the total number of DDDs. Results Community consumption of antifungals in Lebanon has increased by approximately 18.64% between 2004 and 2018, as measured by the number of DDDs per 1000 inhabitants per day; and amplified by approximately 87.76% as measured by the number of DDDs. The highest consumption level was noted in 2017, with 1.52 DDDs/1000 inhabitants/day and 3,386,930 DDDs. Fluconazole was the most consumed antifungal while micafungin was the least with 6,723,869.2 (20.99%) and 48.5 (0.0002%) DDDs respectively. Topical antifungals ranked the first type consumed followed by oral and parenteral antifungals representing 51.72%, 48.24%, and 0.033% of the total consumption respectively. Conclusion The findings from this study indicate a marked increase in antifungal consumption in the Lebanese community. This accelerates the need of implementing disease management guidelines and national antifungal stewardship. Moreover, these findings may be used in further benchmark utilization and antimicrobial resistance studies in Lebanon. …

Abstract Background Tuberculosis has remained a leading cause of death among people living with HIV (PLHIV) globally. Isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) is the recommended strategy by the World Health Organization to prevent TB disease and related deaths among PLHIV. However, delivery and uptake of IPT has remained suboptimal particularly in countries where HIV and TB are endemic such as Tanzania. This study sought to assess contextual factors that shape delivery and uptake of IPT in Dar es Salaam region, Tanzania. Methodology We employed a qualitative case study design comprising of in-depth interviews with people living with HIV (n = 17), as well as key informant interviews with clinicians (n = 7) and health administrators (n = 7). We used thematic data analysis approach and reporting of the results was guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Results Characteristics of IPT such as aligning the therapy to individual patient schedules and its relatively low cost facilitated its delivery and uptake. On the contrary, perceived adverse side effects negatively affected the delivery and uptake of IPT. Characteristics of individuals delivering the therapy including their knowledge, good attitudes, and commitment to meeting set targets facilitated the delivery and uptake of IPT. The process of IPT delivery comprised collective planning and collaboration among various facilities which facilitated its delivery and uptake. Organisational characteristics including communication among units and supportive leadership facilitated the delivery and uptake of IPT. External system factors including HIV stigma, negative cultural and religious values, limited funding as well as shortage of skilled healthcare workers presented as barriers to the delivery and uptake of IPT. Conclusion The factors influencing the delivery and uptake of IPT among people living with HIV are multifaceted and exist at different levels of the health system. Therefore, it is imperative that IPT program implementers and policy makers adopt multilevel approaches that address the identified barriers and leverage the facilitators in delivery and uptake of IPT at both community and health system levels. …

EDITORIAL…

SummaryIKAROS/IKZF1 plays a pivotal role in lymphocyte differentiation and development. Germline mutations in IKZF1, which have been shown to associated with primary immunodeficiency, can be classified through four different mechanisms of action depending on the protein expression and its functional defects: haploinsufficiency, dimerization defective, dominant negative, and gain-of-function. These different mechanisms are associated with variable degrees of susceptibility to infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, allergic diseases, and malignancies. To date, more than 30 heterozygous IKZF1 germline variants have been reported in patients with primary immunodeficiency. Here we review recent discoveries and clinical/immunological characterization of IKAROS-associated disorders that are linked to different mechanisms of action in IKAROS function.

SummaryCD5L/AIM(apoptosis inhibitor of macrophage), as an important component in maintaining tissue homeostasis and inflammation, is mainly produced and secreted by macrophages but partially dissociated and released from blood AIM-IgM. AIM plays a regulatory role in intracellular physiological mechanisms, including lipid metabolism and apoptosis. AIM not only increases in autoimmune diseases, directly targets liver cells in liver cancer and promotes cell clearance in acute kidney injury, but also causes arteriosclerosis and cardiovascular events, and aggravates inflammatory reactions in lung diseases and sepsis. Obviously, AIM plays a pleiotropic role in the body. However, to date, studies have failed to decipher the mechanisms behind its different roles (beneficial or harmful) in inflammatory regulation.The inflammatory response is a 'double-edged sword,' and maintaining balance is critical for effective host defense while minimizing the adverse side effects of acute inflammation. Enhancing the understanding of AIM function could provide the theoretical basis for new therapies in these pathological settings. In this review, we discuss recent studies on the roles of AIM in lipid metabolism, autoimmune diseases and organic tissues, such as liver cancer, myocardial infarction, and kidney disease.

Vitamin deficiencies are known to cause disorders in human beings. Siddique et al. discovered that vitamin B5 biosynthesis in cyst nematodes requires steps in their host plants. Disruption of an Arabidopsis thaliana ‘susceptibility gene’, which is involved in the production of vitamin B5 precursors, results in reduced parasitism.

AbstractBackgroundDespite effective prevention approaches, ongoing HIV-1 transmission remains a public health concern indicating a need for identifying its drivers.MethodsWe combine a network-based clustering method using evolutionary distances between viral sequences with statistical learning approaches to investigate the dynamics of HIV-1 transmission in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study and to predict the drivers of ongoing transmission.ResultsWe find that only a minority of clusters and patients acquire links to new infections between 2007 and 2020. While the growth of clusters and the probability of individual patients acquiring new links in the transmission network was associated with epidemiological, behavioral and virological predictors, the strength of these associations decreased substantially when adjusting for network characteristics. Thus, these network characteristics can capture major heterogeneities beyond classical epidemiological parameters. When modeling the probability of a newly diagnosed patient being linked with future infections, we found that the best predictive performance (median AUCROC = 0.77) was achieved by models including characteristics of the network as predictors and that models excluding them performed substantially worse (median AUCROC = 0.54).ConclusionsThese results highlight the utility of molecular epidemiology-based network approaches for analysing and predicting ongoing HIV-1-transmission dynamics. This approach may serve for real-time prospective assessment of HIV-1-transmission.

Journal of Medical Virology, Accepted Article.

Journal of Medical Virology, Accepted Article.

Journal of Medical Virology, Accepted Article.

Journal of Medical Virology, Accepted Article.

Journal of Medical Virology, Accepted Article.

Journal of Medical Virology, Accepted Article.

Journal of Medical Virology, Accepted Article.

Journal of Medical Virology, Accepted Article.

Abstract Background Malaria is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in Uganda. Despite Uganda’s efforts to distribute bed nets, only half of households have achieved the World Health Organization (WHO) Universal Coverage Criteria (one bed net for every two household members). The role of peer influence on bed net ownership remains underexplored. Data on the complete social network of households were collected in a rural parish in southwestern Uganda to estimate the association between household bed net ownership and peer household bed net ownership. Methods Data on household sociodemographics, bed net ownership, and social networks were collected from all households across one parish in southwestern Uganda. Bed nets were categorized as either purchased or free. Purchased and free bed net ownership ratios were calculated based on the WHO Universal Coverage Criteria. Using network name generators and complete census of parish residents, the complete social network of households in the parish was generated. Linear regression models that account for network autocorrelation were fitted to estimate the association between households’ bed net ownership ratios and bed net ownership ratios of network peer households, adjusting for sociodemographics and network centrality. Results One thousand seven hundred forty-seven respondents were interviewed, accounting for 716 households. The median number of peer households to which a household was directly connected was 7. Eighty-six percent of households owned at least one bed net, and 41% of households met the WHO Universal Coverage Criterion. The median bed net ownership ratios were 0.67 for all bed nets, 0.33 for free bed nets, and 0.20 for purchased bed nets. In adjusted multivariable models, purchased bed net ownership ratio was associated with average household wealth among peer households (b = 0.06, 95% CI 0.03, 0.10), but not associated with average purchased bed net ownership ratio of peer households. Free bed net ownership ratio was associated with the number of children under 5 (b = 0.08, 95% CI 0.05, 0.10) and average free bed net ownership ratios of peer households (b = 0.66, 95% CI 0.46, 0.85). Conclusions Household bed net ownership was associated with bed net ownership of peer households for free bed nets, but not for purchased bed nets. The findings suggest that public health interventions may consider leveraging social networks as tools for dissemination, particularly for bed nets that are provided free of charge. …

Tropical Medicine &International Health, Accepted Article.

For many years, I have been contacted by clinicians for advice managing adult and pediatric patients who have repeated catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) and whose lives depend on long-term central venous access for chemotherapy, hemodialysis, or parenteral nutrition. Despite these repeated infections, these patients did not have the benefit of prophylactic antimicrobial lock therapy. This may be a missed opportunity as there is an abundance of data in the literature to support this preventative measure for such patients, many of whom have limited alternative access sites.

This year marks the 200th anniversary of birth of Louis Pasteur, the scientist whose name has been immortalized by a series of ground-breaking discoveries that have revolutionized our understanding of life and have brought a tremendous insight into the field of life sciences, including microbiology, chemistry, medicine, agriculture, and many others (Fig. 1).

First cases of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic were identified in France in January 2020 and on February 28, 2020, in Corsica, an island situated in the Mediterranean Sea. A major outbreak hit early the ultra-peripheral region in the following of three imported cases returning from religious gathering in mainland France. Corsica has one of the oldest population in the world and a limited beds capacity in its 2 hospitals. Therefore, the healthcare systems were rapidly overwhelmed by influx of difficult-to-transfer patients in particular elderly cases.

The Omicron variant was first reported in South Africa on November 24, 2021 and has now spread to many countries [1]. Early evidence suggested reduced neutralisation antibody response of vaccines against infection with Omicron [2], raising a critical question about the infectiousness period following vaccination.

Science Advances, Volume 8, Issue 47, November 2022.

Science Advances, Volume 8, Issue 47, November 2022.

Science Advances, Volume 8, Issue 47, November 2022.