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Koen M.F. Gorgels, Senna C.J.L. van Iersel, Sylvia F.A. Keijser, Christian J.P.A. Hoebe, Jacco Wallinga, Albert J. van Hoek
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 13.02.2024
Tilføjet 13.02.2024
by Koen M.F. Gorgels, Senna C.J.L. van Iersel, Sylvia F.A. Keijser, Christian J.P.A. Hoebe, Jacco Wallinga, Albert J. van Hoek Measuring the severity of the disease of SARS-CoV-2 is complicated by the lack of valid estimations for the prevalence of infection. Self-administered rapid antigen diagnostic tests (Ag-RDTs) were available in the Netherlands since March 2021, requiring confirmation by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for positive results. We explored the possibility of utilizing the positive predictive value (PPV) of Ag-RDTs to estimate SARS-CoV-2 prevalence. We used data from all Public Health service testing facilities between 3 May 2021 and 10 April 2022. The PPV was calculated by dividing the number of positive RT-PCR results by the total number of confirmation tests performed, and used to estimate the prevalence and compared with the number of COVID-19 hospital admissions. In total 3,599,894 cases were included. The overall PPV was 91.8% and 88.8% were symptomatic. During our study period, the estimated prevalence ranged between 2–22% in symptomatic individuals and 2–14% in asymptomatic individuals, with a correlation between the estimated prevalence and hospital admissions two weeks later (r = 0.68 (p
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedJuan P. Wisnivesky, Nikita Agrawal, Jyoti Ankam, Adam Gonzalez, Alex Federman, Steven B. Markowitz, Janette M. Birmingham, Paula J. Busse
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 13.02.2024
Tilføjet 13.02.2024
by Juan P. Wisnivesky, Nikita Agrawal, Jyoti Ankam, Adam Gonzalez, Alex Federman, Steven B. Markowitz, Janette M. Birmingham, Paula J. Busse Background Post-traumatic stress disorders (PTSD) is associated with worse asthma outcomes in individuals exposed to the World Trade Center (WTC) site. Research question Do WTC workers with coexisting PTSD and asthma have a specific inflammatory pattern that underlies the relationship with increased asthma morbidity? Study design and methods We collected data on a cohort of WTC workers with asthma recruited from the WTC Health Program. Diagnosis of PTSD was ascertained with a Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manuel of Mental Disorders) and the severity of PTSD symptoms was assessed with the PTSD Checklist 5. We obtained blood and sputum samples to measure cytokines levels in study participants. Results Of the 232 WTC workers with diagnosis of asthma in the study, 75 (32%) had PTSD. PTSD was significantly associated with worse asthma control (p = 0.002) and increased resource utilization (p = 0.0002). There was no significant association (p>0.05) between most blood or sputum cytokines with PTSD diagnosis or PCL-5 scores both in unadjusted and adjusted analyses. Interpretation Our results suggest that PTSD is not associated with blood and sputum inflammatory markers in WTC workers with asthma. These findings suggest that other mechanisms likely explain the association between PTSD and asthma control in WTC exposed individuals.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedLuying Jiang, Jingbo Liu, Zhenjia Yang, Jianyu Wang, Wenkai Ke, Kaiyue Zhang, Chunran Zhang, Houjuan Zuo
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 13.02.2024
Tilføjet 13.02.2024
by Luying Jiang, Jingbo Liu, Zhenjia Yang, Jianyu Wang, Wenkai Ke, Kaiyue Zhang, Chunran Zhang, Houjuan Zuo Background Heart failure (HF) is the last stage in the progression of various cardiovascular diseases. Although it is documented that CD151 contributes to regulate the myocardial infarction, the function of CD151 on HF and involved mechanisms are still unclear. Method and results In the present study, we found that the recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV)-mediated endothelial cell-specific knockdown of CD151-transfected mice improved transverse aortic constriction (TAC)-induced cardiac function, attenuated myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis, and increased coronary perfusion, whereas overexpression of the CD151 protein aggravated cardiac dysfunction and showed the opposite effects. In vitro, the cardiomyocytes hypertrophy induced by PE were significantly improved, while the proliferation and migration of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) were significantly reduced, when co-cultured with the CD151-silenced endothelial cells (ECs). To further explore the mechanisms, the exosomes from the CD151-silenced ECs were taken by cardiomyocyte (CMs) and CFs, verified the intercellular communication. And the protective effects of CD151-silenced ECs were inhibited when exosome inhibitor (GW4869) was added. Additionally, a quantitative proteomics method was used to identify potential proteins in CD151-silenced EC exosomes. We found that the suppression of CD151 could regulate the PPAR signaling pathway via exosomes. Conclusion Our observations suggest that the downregulation of CD151 is an important positive regulator of cardiac function of heart failure, which can regulate exosome-stored proteins to play a role in the cellular interaction on the CMs and CFs. Modulating the exosome levels of ECs by reducing CD151 expression may offer novel therapeutic strategies and targets for HF treatment.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedSanobar Jaka, Sukhnoor Singh, Sreshatha Vashist, Sandesh Pokhrel, Ericka Saldana, Albulena Sejdiu, Sanjana Taneja, Abimbola Arisoyin, Raja Mogallapu, Sasidhar Gunturu, Anil Bachu, Rikinkumar S. Patel
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 13.02.2024
Tilføjet 13.02.2024
by Sanobar Jaka, Sukhnoor Singh, Sreshatha Vashist, Sandesh Pokhrel, Ericka Saldana, Albulena Sejdiu, Sanjana Taneja, Abimbola Arisoyin, Raja Mogallapu, Sasidhar Gunturu, Anil Bachu, Rikinkumar S. Patel Objective Our study aims to examine the risk factors for comorbid psychosis in pediatric patients hospitalized for anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis and its impact on hospital outcomes. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study using the nationwide inpatient sample (NIS 2018–2019). We included 3,405 pediatric inpatients (age 6–17 years) with a primary discharge diagnosis of anti-NMDAR encephalitis. We used binomial logistic regression model to evaluate the odds ratio (OR) of variables (demographic and comorbidities) associated with comorbid psychosis. Results The prevalence of comorbid psychosis in anti-NMDAR encephalitis inpatients was 5.3%, and majorly constituted of adolescents (72.2%) and females (58.3%). In terms of race, Blacks (OR 2.41), and Hispanics (OR 1.80) had a higher risk of comorbid psychosis compared to Whites. Among comorbidities, encephalitis inpatients with depressive disorders (OR 4.60), sleep-wake disorders (OR 3.16), anxiety disorders (OR 2.11), neurodevelopmental disorders (OR 1.95), and disruptive behavior disorders (OR 2.15) had a higher risk of comorbid psychosis. Anti-NMDAR encephalitis inpatients with comorbid psychosis had a longer median length of stay at 24.6 days (vs. 9.8 days) and higher median charges at $262,796 (vs. $135,323) compared to those without psychotic presentation. Conclusion Adolescents, females, and Blacks with encephalitis have a higher risk of psychotic presentation leading to hospitalization for anti-NMDAR encephalitis. Identification of demographic predictors and comorbidities can aid in early recognition and intervention to optimize care and potentially reduce the healthcare burden.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedMalaria Journal, 13.02.2024
Tilføjet 13.02.2024
Abstract Background The aim of this study is to design ad hoc malaria learning (ML) approaches to predict clinical outcome in all patients with imported malaria and, therefore, to identify the best clinical setting. Methods This is a single-centre cross-sectional study, patients with confirmed malaria, consecutively hospitalized to the Lazzaro Spallanzani National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Rome, Italy from January 2007 to December 2020, were recruited. Different ML approaches were used to perform the analysis of this dataset: support vector machines, random forests, feature selection approaches and clustering analysis. Results A total of 259 patients with malaria were enrolled, 89.5% patients were male with a median age of 39 y/o. In 78.3% cases, Plasmodium falciparum was found. The patients were classified as severe malaria in 111 cases. From ML analyses, four parameters, AST, platelet count, total bilirubin and parasitaemia, are associated to a negative outcome. Interestingly, two of them, aminotransferase and platelet are not included in the current list of World Health Organization (WHO) criteria for defining severe malaria. Conclusion In conclusion, the application of ML algorithms as a decision support tool could enable the clinicians to predict the clinical outcome of patients with malaria and consequently to optimize and personalize clinical allocation and treatment.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedHaoting Zhan, Yuchen Xie, Yongmei Liu, Linlin Cheng, Yi Xu, Xiaojing Qu, Chen Li, Xinru Guo, Haolong Li, Yuling Wang, Erhei Dai, Lijing Wang, Huixia Gao, Yongzhe Li
Journal of Medical Virology, 13.02.2024
Tilføjet 13.02.2024
Anna Kirk, Sheila V. Graham
Journal of Medical Virology, 13.02.2024
Tilføjet 13.02.2024
Dongbum Kim, Minyoung Kim, Jinsoo Kim, Kyeongbin Baek, Heedo Park, Sangkyu Park, Bo Min Kang, Suyeon Kim, Mo‐Jong Kim, Mohd Najib Mostafa, Sony Maharjan, Ha‐Eun Shin, Myeong‐Heon Lee, Jin Il Kim, Man‐Seong Park, Yong‐Sun Kim, Eun‐Kyoung Choi, Younghee Lee, Hyung‐Joo Kwon
Journal of Medical Virology, 13.02.2024
Tilføjet 13.02.2024
Kin On Kwok, Wan In Wei, Edward B. Mcneil, Arthur Tang, Julian W.‐T. Tang, Samuel Y. S. Wong, Eng Kiong Yeoh
Journal of Medical Virology, 13.02.2024
Tilføjet 13.02.2024
Sebastián Blanco, Gonzalo M. Castro, Paola E. Sicilia, Luis H. Carrizo, Sandra V. Gallego
Journal of Medical Virology, 13.02.2024
Tilføjet 13.02.2024
Jiemei Chu, Ruili Zheng, Hubin Chen, Yaxin Chen, Yao Lin, Jingyi Li, Wudi Wei, Rongfeng Chen, Peixue Deng, Jinming Su, Junjun Jiang, Li Ye, Hao Liang, Sanqi An
Journal of Medical Virology, 13.02.2024
Tilføjet 13.02.2024
Journal of Infectious Diseases, 13.02.2024
Tilføjet 13.02.2024
Abstract Background Monovalent Omicron XBB.1.5-containing vaccines were approved for Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) 2023-2024 immunizations.Methods This ongoing, open-label, phase 2/3 study evaluated mRNA-1273.815-monovalent (50-µg Omicron XBB.1.5-spike mRNA) and mRNA-1273.231-bivalent (25-µg each Omicron XBB.1.5- and BA.4/BA.5-spike mRNAs))vaccines, administered as 5th doses to adults who previously received a primary series, a 3rd dose of an original mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, and a 4th dose of an Omicron BA.4/BA.5 bivalent vaccine. Interim safety and immunogenicity results 29 days post-vaccination are reported.Results Participants (randomized 1:1) received 50-µg mRNA-1273.815(n=50) or mRNA-1273.231(n=51); median (interquartile range) months from the prior BA.4/BA.5-bivalent dose were 8.2 (8.1-8.3) and 8.3 (8.1-8.4), respectively. Neutralizing antibody (nAb) increased from pre-booster levels against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants tested. Day 29 nAb fold-increases from pre-booster levels were numerically higher against XBB.1.5, XBB.1.16, EG.5.1, BA.2.86, and JN.1 than BA.4/BA.5, BQ.1.1 and D614G. The monovalent vaccine also cross-neutralized FL.1.5.1, EG.5.1, BA.2.86, HK.3.1, HV.1 and JN.1 variants in a participant (n=20) subset, 15 days post-vaccination. Reactogenicity was similar to previously reported mRNA-1273 original and bivalent vaccines.Conclusions XBB.1.5-containing mRNA-1273 vaccines elicit robust, diverse nAb responses against more recent SARS-CoV-2 variants including JN.1, supporting the XBB.1.5-spike sequence selection for the 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine update.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedJournal of Infectious Diseases, 13.02.2024
Tilføjet 13.02.2024
Abstract Background Unlike influenza, information on the burden of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) as a cause of hospitalizations in adults with acute respiratory illness (ARI) is limited.Methods We compared the population-based incidence, seasonality, and clinical characteristics of these two viral infections among adults aged 20 years and over with ARI hospitalisations in Auckland, New Zealand, during 2012-2015 through the Southern Hemisphere Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness Research and Surveillance (SHIVERS) project.Results Of the 14,139 ARI hospitalisations, 276 (4.3%) of 6484 tested positive for HMPV and 1342 (19.1%) of 7027 tested positive for influenza. Crude rates of 9.8 (95% CI: 8.7-11.0) HMPV and 47.6 (95% CI: 45.1-50.1) influenza-associated ARI hospitalisations were estimated for every 100,000 adult residents annually. The highest rates for both viruses were in those aged 80 years or older, of Māori or Pacific ethnicity, or living in low socioeconomic status (SES) areas. HMPV infections were more common than influenza in those with chronic medical conditions.Conclusions Although HMPV infections accounted for fewer hospitalisations than influenza in adults aged 20 years and over, HMPV-associated ARI hospitalisation rates were higher than influenza in older adults, Maori and Pacific people and those of low SES. This highlighted a need for vaccine/antiviral development.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedInfectious Disease Modelling, 13.02.2024
Tilføjet 13.02.2024
Publication date: Available online 12 February 2024 Source: Infectious Disease Modelling Author(s): Jun Zhang, Yasuhiro Takeuchi, Yueping Dong, Zhihang Peng
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedQi Tang, Xubiao Xie, Longkai Peng, Linxin Yang, Yubin Chen, Shaojie Yu
International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 13.02.2024
Tilføjet 13.02.2024
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pneumonia poses significant challenges to global health systems, particularly in severe and critical cases [1]. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients are at risk of diffuse alveolar damage (DAD), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and multi-organ failure, which are the main causes of death [2, 3]. Renal transplant recipients are particularly vulnerable to severe or critical COVID-19 illness, and mortality rates are high in this patient group [4-7].
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedMingzhi YanHui LiuYansen SuXiaojuan BiNing YangRenyong LinGuodong Lü1State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence Diseases, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China2Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, China3Anhui University, Hefei, China4Basic Medical College, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China5College of Pharmacy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China, Audrey Odom John
Antimicrobial Agents And Chemotherapy, 13.02.2024
Tilføjet 13.02.2024
Selvi C. ErsoyRichard A. ProctorWarren E. RoseWessam AbdelhadySook-Ha FanSabrina L. MadrigalAhmed M. ElsayedHenry F. ChambersRita G. SobralArnold S. Bayer1The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovations at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California, USA2Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA3Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA4School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA5California State University-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA6University of California-San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, California, USA7Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology of Bacterial Pathogens, UCIBIO, Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Life Sciences, Nova School of Science and Technology, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal8Associate Laboratory i4HB, Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Nova School of Science and Technology, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Caparica, Portugal9David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA, Helen Boucher
Antimicrobial Agents And Chemotherapy, 13.02.2024
Tilføjet 13.02.2024
Masum MiahAndrew M. DavisCharles HannounJoanna S. SaidMartina FitzekMarian PrestonDave SmithColores UwamariyaAmbjörn KärmanderThomas LundbäckTomas BergströmEdward Trybala1Department of Infectious Disease, Section for Clinical Virology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden2Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceutical R&D, AstraZeneca, Mölndal, Sweden3Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceutical R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, United Kingdom4HTS Discovery Sciences, BioPharmaceutical R&D, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield, United Kingdom, Miguel Angel Martinez
Antimicrobial Agents And Chemotherapy, 13.02.2024
Tilføjet 13.02.2024
José Manuel Ortiz de la RosaGuillermo Martín-GutiérrezCarlos S. Casimiro-SoriguerMaría Adelina Gimeno-GascónJosé Miguel CisnerosArístides de AlarcónJosé Antonio Lepe1Clinical Unit of Infectious Diseases, Microbiology and Parasitology, University Hospital Virgen del Rocío, Seville, Spain2Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBiS), University Hospital Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain3Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Madrid, Spain4Department of Health Sciences, Loyola Andalucía University, Sevilla, Spain5Faculty of Medicine, University of Seville, Seville, Spain6Department of Microbiology, University of Seville, Seville, Spain, Laurent Poirel
Antimicrobial Agents And Chemotherapy, 13.02.2024
Tilføjet 13.02.2024
Lucía Román-ÁlamoYunuen Avalos-PadillaInés Bouzón-ArnáizValentín IglesiasJorge Fernández-LajoJuan M. MonteiroLuis RivasRoser FisaCristina RieraDavid AndreuCarlos Pintado-GrimaSalvador VenturaElsa M. ArceDiego Muñoz-TorreroXavier Fernàndez-Busquets1Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clínic-Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain2Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain3Doctoral School of Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain4Institut de Biotecnologia i de Biomedicina (IBB) and Departament de Bioquímica i Biologia Molecular, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain5Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas Margarita Salas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain6Section of Parasitology Department of Biology, Health and Environment, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain7Department of Medicine and Life Sciences, Barcelona Biomedical Research Park, Pompeu Fabra University, Barcelona, Spain8Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry (CSIC Associated Unit), Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain9Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Institute (IN2UB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain, Audrey Odom John
Antimicrobial Agents And Chemotherapy, 13.02.2024
Tilføjet 13.02.2024
Andreza Soares Nogueira, Monique Allana Chagas Garcia, Moises Batista da Silva, Patricia Fagundes da Costa, Marco Andrey Cipriani Frade, Claudio Guedes Salgado, Josafá Gonçalves Barreto
Tropical Medicine & International Health, 13.02.2024
Tilføjet 13.02.2024
Wei, Z., Yu, M., Xu, Y., Weng, X., Feng, B.
BMJ Open, 13.02.2024
Tilføjet 13.02.2024
IntroductionTotal knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common surgical intervention to treat joint diseases. However, TKA is associated with significant blood loss. Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been used to reduce perioperative bleeding and postoperative blood transfusion. This study aims to explore the effectiveness and safety of intraosseous regional administration (IORA) of TXA in TKA and compare differences in perioperative blood loss between IORA of TXA, intravenous infusion of TXA, and combined IORA and intravenous infusion of TXA. Methods and analysisThis randomised controlled trial will enrol 105 patients with osteoarthritis who meet the inclusion criteria for unilateral TKA. Patients were randomly divided into three groups using the random number table method. Group A received 1.0 g of TXA via IORA, group B received 1.0 g of TXA via intravenous infusion 15 min prior to the tourniquet release, and group C received both IORA of 1.0 g of TXA and intravenous infusion of 1.0 g of TXA. The primary outcome measure is perioperative total blood loss. Secondary outcomes include bleeding events, venous thromboembolism events, inflammation reactions, other complications and knee function assessments. Ethics and disseminationThis study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Peking Union Medical College Hospital and registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry. Informed consent will be obtained from all the patients before enrolment. The trial will be conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and the International Conference on Harmonization Good Clinical Practice guidelines. The results of this study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and social media platforms. The findings will provide valuable insights into the use of IORA of TXA in TKA and may lead to the development of new strategies for perioperative blood management in joint replacement surgery. Trial registration numberThe Ethics Committee of Peking Union Medical College Hospital (approval number: K2371); Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (trial registration number: ChiCTR2200066293).
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedDada, D., Abu-Baare, G. R., Turner, D., Mashoud, I. W., Owusu-Dampare, F., Apreku, A., Ni, Z., Djiadeu, P., Aidoo-Frimpong, G., Zigah, E. Y., Nyhan, K., Nyblade, L., Nelson, L. E.
BMJ Open, 13.02.2024
Tilføjet 13.02.2024
ObjectivesSexual and gender minority (SGM) populations in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are disproportionately impacted by HIV and often face multiple HIV-related stigmas. Addressing these stigmas could reduce SGM HIV vulnerability but little is known about how the stigmas operate and intersect. Intersectional stigma offers a lens for understanding the experiences of stigmatised populations and refers to the synergistic negative health effects of various systems of oppression on individuals with multiple stigmatised identities, behaviours or conditions. This review aims to (1) assess how often and in what ways an intersectional lens is applied in HIV-related stigma research on SGM populations in SSA and (2) understand how intersectional stigma impacts HIV risk in these populations. DesignScoping review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews. Data sourcesPublic health and regional databases were searched in 2020 and 2022. Eligibility criteriaArticles in French and English on HIV-related stigma and HIV outcomes among men who have sex with men, women who have sex with women and/or transgender individuals in SSA. Data extraction and synthesisArticles were screened and extracted twice and categorised by use of an intersectional approach. Study designs and stigma types were described quantitatively and findings on intersectional stigma were thematically analysed. ResultsOf 173 articles on HIV-related stigma among SGM in SSA included in this review, 21 articles (12%) applied an intersectional lens. The most common intersectional stigmas investigated were HIV and same-sex attraction/behaviour stigma and HIV, same-sex attraction/behaviour and gender non-conformity stigma. Intersectional stigma drivers, facilitators and manifestations were identified across individual, interpersonal, institutional and societal socioecological levels. Intersectional stigma impacts HIV vulnerability by reducing HIV prevention and treatment service uptake, worsening mental health and increasing exposure to HIV risk factors. ConclusionIntersectional approaches are gaining traction in stigma research among SGM in SSA. Future research should prioritise quantitative and mixed methods investigations, diverse populations and intervention evaluation.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedJelen, A., Rodin, G., Graham, L., Goldfarb, R., Mah, K., Satele, D. V., Elliot, M., Krzyzanowska, M. K., Rubin, B. B.
BMJ Open, 13.02.2024
Tilføjet 13.02.2024
ObjectivesTo assess the prevalence and drivers of distress, a composite of burnout, decreased meaning in work, severe fatigue, poor work–life integration and quality of life, and suicidal ideation, among nurses and physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic. DesignCross-sectional design to evaluate distress levels of nurses and physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic between June and August 2021. SettingCardiovascular and oncology care settings at a Canadian quaternary hospital network. Participants261 nurses and 167 physicians working in cardiovascular or oncology care. Response rate was 29% (428 of 1480). Outcome measuresSurvey tool to measure clinician distress using the Well-Being Index (WBI) and additional questions about workplace-related and COVID-19 pandemic-related factors. ResultsAmong 428 respondents, nurses (82%, 214 of 261) and physicians (62%, 104 of 167) reported high distress on the WBI survey. Higher WBI scores (≥2) in nurses were associated with perceived inadequate staffing (174 (86%) vs 28 (64%), p=0.003), unfair treatment, (105 (52%) vs 11 (25%), p=0.005), and pandemic-related impact at work (162 (80%) vs 22 (50%), p
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedKeil, V., Schaumburg, T., Buchta, F., Luz, J. K., Kolbe-Busch, S., Chaberny, I. F., von Lengerke, T.
BMJ Open, 13.02.2024
Tilføjet 13.02.2024
IntroductionInfection prevention and control (IPC) teams are routinely confronted with intense emotions in their daily work, as they are involved in many change processes with front-line medical staff, for example, when promoting compliance with basic IPC measures. In addition, they are confronted with challenges due to their role as intermediaries. Based on former research, this study aims to empower IPC teams to promote clinicians’ compliance through interventions focusing on the IPC teams’ leadership skills. Methods and analysisThe IP-POWER study (Infection Prevention with head and heart: Psychological empowerment of IPC teams), a multicentre, two-arm, non-blinded, cluster-randomised controlled trial with a parallel waiting control group, is planned to be conducted in Germany as of February to November 2024. A group of 10 voluntary hospitals is going to participate in a multistage intervention programme, including 2 days of intense psychological training; 5 hospitals will be randomly assigned to the waiting control group. After the workshops, there will be a 12-week follow-up period during which the contents learnt within the workshops can be applied and internalised into IPC practice. The proposed outcomes (both self-assessed and other-assessed leadership competencies of IPC team members and their task profiles, perceived workload, motivation to act in order to implement IP measures and goal attainment) are going to be collected with an online questionnaire, followed by an analysis with IBM SPSS (Statistics 29 (or later)) using descriptive analyses and multiple linear regressions. Additionally, as external data sources, hand hygiene compliance rates from the study hospitals’ monitoring systems will be analysed using ² tests. Ethics and disseminationThis study was reviewed and approved by the ethics committee of the University of Leipzig (184/23-ek; vote from 4 July 2023). Findings will be disseminated via peer-review publications, and national and international conference presentations. Trial registration numberDRKS00031879.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 13.02.2024
Tilføjet 13.02.2024
Abstract Background Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) could improve the diagnosed efficiency of pathogens in bloodstream infections or sepsis. Little is known about the clinical impact of mNGS test when used for the early diagnosis of suspected infections. Herein, our main objective was to assess the clinical efficacy of utilizing blood samples to perform mNGS for early diagnosis of suspected infections, as well as to evaluate its potential in guiding antimicrobial therapy decisions. Methods In this study, 212 adult hospitalized patients who underwent blood mNGS test in the early stage of suspected infections were enrolled. Diagnostic efficacy of mNGS test and blood culture was compared, and the clinical impact of mNGS on clinical care was analyzed. Results In our study, the total detection rate of blood mNGS was significantly higher than that of culture method (74.4% vs. 12.1%, P
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 13.02.2024
Tilføjet 13.02.2024
Abstract Background The outbreak of mpox that occurred between 2022 and 2023 is primarily being transmitted through sexual contact. As of now, there is no consensus on the recommended duration of isolation to prevent sexual transmission of the virus. Moreover, this particular mpox outbreak has presented with distinct complications in comparison to previous occurrences. In this report, we present a case involving severe rectal bleeding from an ulcer in a mpox patient with a history of engaging in receptive sexual contact. Case presentation A 30-year-old Korean man presented at the hospital with complaints of fever, multiple skin lesions, and anal pain. Monkeypox virus polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results were positive for skin lesions on the penis and wrist. The patient received a 12-day course of tecovirimat due to anal symptoms and perianal skin lesions. Following isolation for 12 days and after all skin scabs had naturally fallen off, with no new skin lesions emerging for a consecutive 48 hours—conforming to the criteria of the Korean Disease Control and Prevention Agency—the patient was discharged. However, 1 day after discharge, the patient returned to the hospital due to hematochezia. His hemoglobin level had significantly dropped from 14.0 g/dL to 8.2 g/dL. Sigmoidoscopy unveiled a sizable rectal ulceration with exposed blood vessels, prompting the application of hemostasis through metal clipping. Subsequent monkeypox virus real-time PCR conducted on rectal tissue and swabs yielded positive results (with cycle threshold values of 28.48 and 31.23, respectively). An abdominal CT scan exposed a perirectal abscess, for which ampicillin-sulbactam was administered. Conclusion This case underscores the importance of monitoring for bleeding complications and confirming the resolution of rectal lesions before discharging patients from isolation, particularly in cases where patients have a history of engaging in receptive sexual contact with men or are presenting with anal symptoms.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 13.02.2024
Tilføjet 13.02.2024
Abstract Background Chronic comorbid conditions are common in patients with sepsis and may affect the outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and outcomes of common comorbidities in patients with sepsis. Methods We conducted a nationwide retrospective cohort study. Using data from the National Health Insurance Service of Korea. Adult patients (age ≥ 18 years) who were hospitalized in tertiary or general hospitals with a diagnosis of sepsis between 2011 and 2016 were analyzed. After screening of all International Classification of Diseases 10th revision codes for comorbidities, we identified hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM), liver cirrhosis (LC), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and malignancy as prevalent comorbidities. Results Overall, 373,539 patients diagnosed with sepsis were hospitalized in Korea between 2011 and 2016. Among them, 46.7% had hypertension, 23.6% had DM, 7.4% had LC, 13.7% had CKD, and 30.7% had malignancy. In-hospital mortality rates for patients with hypertension, DM, LC, CKD, and malignancy were 25.5%, 25.2%, 34.5%, 28.0%, and 33.3%, respectively, showing a decreasing trend over time (P
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 13.02.2024
Tilføjet 13.02.2024
Abstract Objectives In this study, we describe the patterns of antibiotic prescription for neonates based on World Health Organization’s (WHO) Essential Medicines List Access, Watch, and Reserve (AWaRe), and the Management of Antibiotic Classification (MAC) Guidelines in China. Methods One-day point-prevalence surveys (PPS) on antimicrobial prescriptions were conducted on behalf of hospitalized neonates in China from September 1 and November 30, annually from 2017 to 2019. Results Data was collected for a total of 2674 neonatal patients from 15 hospitals in 9 provinces across China of which 1520 were newborns who received at least one antibiotic agent. A total of 1943 antibiotic prescriptions were included in the analysis. The most commonly prescribed antibiotic was meropenem (11.8%). The most common reason for prescribing antibiotic to neonates was pneumonia (44.2%). There were 419 (21.6%), 1343 (69.1%) and 6 (0.3%) antibiotic prescriptions in the Access, Watch and Reserve groups, respectively. According to MAC Guidelines in China, there were 1090 (56.1%) antibiotic agents in the Restricted and 414 (21.3%) in the Special group. Conclusion Broad-spectrum antibiotics included in the Watch and Special groups were likely to be overused in Chinese neonates.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 13.02.2024
Tilføjet 13.02.2024
Abstract Background Timely access to outbreak related data, particularly in the early events of a spillover, is important to support evidence based control measures in response to outbreaks of zoonotic Emerging Infectious Diseases (EID). Yet, this is impeded by several barriers that need to be understood to promote timely sharing of data. Using the MERS epidemic as a model for a zoonotic EID outbreak, this study sought to provide an in-depth understanding of data sharing practices. Methods Semi-structured interviews with 25 experts were conducted, along with Focus Group Discussions with 15 additional experts. A root-cause analysis was performed to examine the causal relationships between barriers. Enablers were mapped to the root-cause analysis to understand their influence on the barriers. Finally, root causes were placed in context of core dilemmas identified from the qualitative analysis. Findings Eight barriers to data sharing were identified, related to collaboration, technical preparedness, regulations, and (conflict of) interests, and placed in the context of six dilemmas inherent to the multi-stakeholder collaboration required for a zoonotic outbreak response. Fourteen identified enablers showed the willingness of stakeholders to overcome or circumvent these barriers, but also indicated the inherent trial and error nature of implementing such enablers. Interpretation Addressing the barriers requires solutions that must consider the complexity and interconnectedness of the root causes underlying them, and should consider the distinct scopes and interests of the different stakeholders. Insights provided by this study can be used to encourage data sharing practices for future outbreaks Funding Wellcome Trust and UK Aid; EU-H2020 Societal Challenges (grant agreement no. 643476), Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (VI.Veni.201S.044)
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 13.02.2024
Tilføjet 13.02.2024
Abstract Background The human papillomavirus (HPV) infection may affect the miRNA expression pattern during cervical cancer (CC) development. To demonstrate the association between high-risk HPVs and the development of cervix dysplasia, we examined the expression patterns of hsa-miR-194-5p and hsa-miR-195-5p in Pap smear samples from southeast Iranian women. We compared samples that were HPV-positive but showed no abnormality in the cytological examination to samples that were HPV-positive and had severe dysplasia. Methods Pap smear samples were obtained from 60 HPV-positive (HPV-16/18) patients with histologically confirmed severe dysplasia (cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (CIN 3) or carcinoma in situ) and the normal cytology group. The expression of hsa-miR-194-5p and hsa-miR-195-5p was analyzed by real-time quantitative PCR, using specific stem-loop primers and U6 snRNA as the internal reference gene. Clinicopathological features were associated with miRNA expression levels. Furthermore, functional enrichment analysis was conducted using in silico tools. The Kaplan–Meier survival method was also obtained to discriminate survival-significant candidate miRNAs in CC, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to assess the diagnostic value. Results Compared to HPV-positive cytologically normal Pap smear samples, hsa-miR-194-5p and hsa-miR-195-5p relative expression decreased significantly in HPV-positive patients with a severe dysplasia Pap smear. Kaplan–Meier analysis indicated a significant association between the miR-194 decrease and poor CC survival. In essence, ROC curve analysis showed that miR-194-5p and miR-195-5p could serve as valuable markers for the development of cervix dysplasia in individuals who are positive for high-risk HPVs. Conclusions This study revealed that hsa-miR-194-5p and hsa-miR-195-5p may possess tumor suppressor capabilities in the context of cervical dysplasia progression. However, it remains uncertain whether these microRNAs are implicated in the transition of patients with high dysplasia to cervical cancer. We also showed the potential capability of candidate miRNAs as novel diagnostic biomarkers related to cervical dysplasia progression.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 13.02.2024
Tilføjet 13.02.2024
Abstract Objective Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) plays an important role in respiratory tract infections, and adherence to lung epithelial cells is the first step in lung infections. To explore the role of NTHi in childhood lung infections, a comparative study was conducted on the adherence of strains isolated from sputum culture and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid to A549 lung epithelial cells. Methods Haemophilus influenzae strains were obtained from the sample bank of Shenzhen Children’s Hospital, and identified as NTHi via PCR detection of the capsule gene bexA. NTHi obtained from healthy children’s nasopharyngeal swabs culture were selected as the control group, and a comparative study was conducted on the adherence of strains isolated from sputum culture or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of patients to A549 cells. Results The adherence bacterial counts of NTHi isolated from the nasopharyngeal cultures of healthy children to A549 cells was 58.2 CFU. In patients with lung diseases, NTHi isolated from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was 104.3 CFU, and from sputum cultures was 115.1 CFU, both of which were significantly higher in their adherence to A549 cells compared to the strains isolated from the healthy control group. There was no significant difference in adherence between the strains isolated from sputum cultures and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (t = 0.5217, p = 0.6033). Conclusion NTHi played an important role in childhood pulmonary infections by enhancing its adherence to lung epithelial cells.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedAndrea Du Toit
Nat Rev Microbiol, 13.02.2024
Tilføjet 13.02.2024
Xiaojiao Li, Yusi Liu, Meng Wang, Lei Gao, Jingrui Liu, Hong Zhang, Min Wu, Hong Chen, Jinfeng Lou, Jing Wang, Jing Chen, Guozhu Geng, Zhenkun Ma, Yanhua Ding
Lancet Infectious Diseases, 13.02.2024
Tilføjet 13.02.2024
Rifasutenizol monotherapy and combination therapy was generally safe and well tolerated in healthy participants and patients with H pylori infection. A triple regimen of 400 mg rifasutenizol capsules, 20 mg rabeprazole sodium enteric-coated tablets, and 1 g amoxicillin capsules twice a day for 14 days showed promising efficacy as a new treatment regimen for H pylori infection.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedAnnick Lenglet, Omar Contigiani, Cono Ariti, Estivern Evens, Kessianne Charles, Carl-Frédéric Casimir, Rodnie Senat Delva, Colette Badjo, Harriet Roggeveen, Barbara Pawulska, Kate Clezy, Melissa McRae, Heiman Wertheim, Joost Hopman
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 12.02.2024
Tilføjet 12.02.2024
by Annick Lenglet, Omar Contigiani, Cono Ariti, Estivern Evens, Kessianne Charles, Carl-Frédéric Casimir, Rodnie Senat Delva, Colette Badjo, Harriet Roggeveen, Barbara Pawulska, Kate Clezy, Melissa McRae, Heiman Wertheim, Joost Hopman
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedThe PLOS ONE Editors
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 12.02.2024
Tilføjet 12.02.2024
David A. Broniatowski, Daniel Kerchner, Fouzia Farooq, Xiaolei Huang, Amelia M. Jamison, Mark Dredze, Sandra Crouse Quinn, John W. Ayers
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 12.02.2024
Tilføjet 12.02.2024
by David A. Broniatowski, Daniel Kerchner, Fouzia Farooq, Xiaolei Huang, Amelia M. Jamison, Mark Dredze, Sandra Crouse Quinn, John W. Ayers
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedAbdou Fatawou Modiyinji, Lange Tchamba Amorgathe Tankeu, Chavely Gwladys Monamele, Moise Henri Yifomnjou Moumbeket, Paul Alain Tagnouokam Ngoupo, Huguette Tchetgna Simo, Abanda Njei Ngu, Kazanji Mirdad, Richard Njouom
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 12.02.2024
Tilføjet 12.02.2024
by Abdou Fatawou Modiyinji, Lange Tchamba Amorgathe Tankeu, Chavely Gwladys Monamele, Moise Henri Yifomnjou Moumbeket, Paul Alain Tagnouokam Ngoupo, Huguette Tchetgna Simo, Abanda Njei Ngu, Kazanji Mirdad, Richard Njouom Background Febrile jaundice is a common indicator of certain infectious diseases, including hepatitis E. In Cameroon, the yellow fever virus is the only pathogen that is monitored in patients who present with this symptom. However, more than 90% of the samples received as part of this surveillance are negative for yellow fever. This study aimed to describe the prevalence and hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotype among yellow fever-negative patients in the Far North and West regions of Cameroon. Methods In a cross-sectional study, yellow fever surveillance-negative samples collected between January 2021 and January 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Anti-HEV IgM and IgG antibodies were tested using commercially available ELISA kits. Anti-HEV IgM and/or IgG positive samples were tested for HEV RNA by real-time RT-PCR, followed by nested RT-PCR, sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Results Overall, 121 of the 543 samples (22.3%, 95% CI: 19.0% - 26.0%) were positive for at least one anti-HEV marker. Amongst these, 8.1% (44/543) were positive for anti-HEV IgM, 5.9% (32/543) for anti-HEV IgG, and 8.3% (45/544) for both markers. A total of 15.2% (12/79) samples were positive for HEV RNA real-time RT-PCR and 8 samples were positive for HEV RNA by nested RT-PCR. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the retrieved sequences clustered within HEV genotypes/subtypes 1/1e, 3/3f and 4/4b. Conclusion Our results showed that HEV is one of the causes of acute febrile jaundice in patients enrolled in the yellow fever surveillance program in two regions of Cameroon. We described the circulation of three HEV genotypes, including two zoonotic genotypes. Further studies will be important to elucidate the transmission routes of these zoonotic HEV genotypes to humans in Cameroon.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedVerena Schöneberger, Volkan Tahmaz, Mario Matthaei, Sigrid Roters, Simona L. Schlereth, Friederike Schaub, Claus Cursiefen, Björn O. Bachmann
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 12.02.2024
Tilføjet 12.02.2024
by Verena Schöneberger, Volkan Tahmaz, Mario Matthaei, Sigrid Roters, Simona L. Schlereth, Friederike Schaub, Claus Cursiefen, Björn O. Bachmann Purpose To describe a novel corneal surgical technique combining Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty (DALK) with grafting of allogeneic limbus (Limbo-DALK) for the treatment of eyes with corneal stromal pathology and limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD). Methods Clinical records of six Limbo-DALKs performed in five patients diagnosed with LSCD and corneal stromal pathology requiring keratoplasty were retrospectively reviewed. All patients were diagnosed with LSCD due to various pathologies including thermal and chemical burns, congenital aniridia or chronic inflammatory ocular surface disease. Parameters analysed included demographics, diagnoses, clinical history, thickness measurements using anterior segment OCT, visual acuity, and epithelial status. Regular follow-up visits were scheduled at 6 weeks as well as 3, 6, 9, and 12 and 18 months postoperatively. Main outcome measures were time to graft epithelialisation and the occurrence of corneal endothelial decompensation. Results Two grafts showed complete epithelial closure at 2 days, two at 14 days. In one eye, complete epithelial closure was not achieved after the first Limbo-DALK, but was achieved one month after the second Limbo-DALK. No endothelial decompensation occurred except in one patient with silicone oil associated keratopathy. Endothelial graft rejection was not observed in any of the grafts. Conclusion Based on the data from this pilot series, limbo-DALK appears to be a viable surgical approach for eyes with severe LSCD and corneal stromal pathology, suitable for emergency situations (e.g. corneal ulceration with impending corneal perforation), while minimising the risk of corneal endothelial decompensation.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedAida Moreno-Juste, Beatriz Poblador-Plou, Cristina Ortega-Larrodé, Clara Laguna-Berna, Francisca González-Rubio, Mercedes Aza-Pascual-Salcedo, Kevin Bliek-Bueno, María Padilla, Concepción de-la-Cámara, Alexandra Prados-Torres, Luis A. Gimeno-Feliú, Antonio Gimeno-Miguel
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 12.02.2024
Tilføjet 12.02.2024
by Aida Moreno-Juste, Beatriz Poblador-Plou, Cristina Ortega-Larrodé, Clara Laguna-Berna, Francisca González-Rubio, Mercedes Aza-Pascual-Salcedo, Kevin Bliek-Bueno, María Padilla, Concepción de-la-Cámara, Alexandra Prados-Torres, Luis A. Gimeno-Feliú, Antonio Gimeno-Miguel The COVID–19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges for health care systems globally. This study aimed to explore the presence of mental illness in a Spanish cohort of COVID-19-infected population and to evaluate the association between the presence of specific mental health conditions and the risk of death and hospitalization. This is a retrospective cohort study including all individuals with confirmed infection by SARS-CoV-2 from the PRECOVID (Prediction in COVID–19) Study (Aragon, Spain). Mental health illness was defined as the presence of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, anxiety, cognitive disorders, depression and mood disorders, substance abuse, and personality and eating disorders. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the likelihood of 30-day all-cause mortality and COVID–19 related hospitalization based on baseline demographic and clinical variables, including the presence of specific mental conditions, by gender. We included 144,957 individuals with confirmed COVID–19 from the PRECOVID Study (Aragon, Spain). The most frequent diagnosis in this cohort was anxiety. However, some differences were observed by sex: substance abuse, personality disorders and schizophrenia were more frequently diagnosed in men, while eating disorders, depression and mood, anxiety and cognitive disorders were more common among women. The presence of mental illness, specifically schizophrenia spectrum and cognitive disorders in men, and depression and mood disorders, substance abuse, anxiety and cognitive and personality disorders in women, increased the risk of mortality or hospitalization after COVID–19, in addition to other well-known risk factors such as age, morbidity and treatment burden. Identifying vulnerable patient profiles at risk of serious outcomes after COVID–19 based on their mental health status will be crucial to improve their access to the healthcare system and the establishment of public health prevention measures for future outbreaks.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedUrszula Wnorowska, Dawid Łysik, Ewelina Piktel, Magdalena Zakrzewska, Sławomir Okła, Agata Lesiak, Jakub Spałek, Joanna Mystkowska, Paul B. Savage, Paul Janmey, Krzysztof Fiedoruk, Robert Bucki
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 12.02.2024
Tilføjet 12.02.2024
by Urszula Wnorowska, Dawid Łysik, Ewelina Piktel, Magdalena Zakrzewska, Sławomir Okła, Agata Lesiak, Jakub Spałek, Joanna Mystkowska, Paul B. Savage, Paul Janmey, Krzysztof Fiedoruk, Robert Bucki Background Microbial biofilms, as a hallmark of cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease and other chronic infections, remain a desirable target for antimicrobial therapy. These biopolymer-based viscoelastic structures protect pathogenic organisms from immune responses and antibiotics. Consequently, treatments directed at disrupting biofilms represent a promising strategy for combating biofilm-associated infections. In CF patients, the viscoelasticity of biofilms is determined mainly by their polymicrobial nature and species-specific traits, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa filamentous (Pf) bacteriophages. Therefore, we examined the impact of microbicidal ceragenins (CSAs) supported by mucolytic agents–DNase I and poly-aspartic acid (pASP), on the viability and viscoelasticity of mono- and bispecies biofilms formed by Pf-positive and Pf-negative P. aeruginosa strains co-cultured with Staphylococcus aureus or Candida albicans. Methods The in vitro antimicrobial activity of ceragenins against P. aeruginosa in mono- and dual-species cultures was assessed by determining minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentration (MBC/MFC). Inhibition of P. aeruginosa mono- and dual-species biofilms formation by ceragenins alone and in combination with DNase I or poly-aspartic acid (pASP) was estimated by the crystal violet assay. Additionally, the viability of the biofilms was measured by colony-forming unit (CFU) counting. Finally, the biofilms’ viscoelastic properties characterized by shear storage (G’) and loss moduli (G”), were analyzed with a rotational rheometer. Results Our results demonstrated that ceragenin CSA-13 inhibits biofilm formation and increases its fluidity regardless of the Pf-profile and species composition; however, the Pf-positive biofilms are characterized by elevated viscosity and elasticity parameters. Conclusion Due to its microbicidal and viscoelasticity-modifying properties, CSA-13 displays therapeutic potential in biofilm-associated infections, especially when combined with mucolytic agents.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedSararas Khongwirotphan, Sornjarod Oonsiri, Sarin Kitpanit, Anussara Prayongrat, Danita Kannarunimit, Chakkapong Chakkabat, Chawalit Lertbutsayanukul, Sira Sriswasdi, Yothin Rakvongthai
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 12.02.2024
Tilføjet 12.02.2024
by Sararas Khongwirotphan, Sornjarod Oonsiri, Sarin Kitpanit, Anussara Prayongrat, Danita Kannarunimit, Chakkapong Chakkabat, Chawalit Lertbutsayanukul, Sira Sriswasdi, Yothin Rakvongthai Background The prognosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is challenging due to late-stage identification and frequently undetectable Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA. Incorporating radiomic features, which quantify tumor characteristics from imaging, may enhance prognosis assessment. Purpose To investigate the predictive power of radiomic features on overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) in NPC. Materials and methods A retrospective analysis of 183 NPC patients treated with chemoradiotherapy from 2010 to 2019 was conducted. All patients were followed for at least three years. The pretreatment CT images with contrast medium, MR images (T1W and T2W), as well as gross tumor volume (GTV) contours, were used to extract radiomic features using PyRadiomics v.2.0. Robust and efficient radiomic features were chosen using the intraclass correlation test and univariate Cox proportional hazard regression analysis. They were then combined with clinical data including age, gender, tumor stage, and EBV DNA level for prognostic evaluation using Cox proportional hazard regression models with recursive feature elimination (RFE) and were optimized using 20 repetitions of a five-fold cross-validation scheme. Results Integrating radiomics with clinical data significantly enhanced the predictive power, yielding a C-index of 0.788 ± 0.066 to 0.848 ± 0.079 for the combined model versus 0.745 ± 0.082 to 0.766 ± 0.083 for clinical data alone (p
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedTing-Li Chen, Elizabeth P. Chou, Min-Yi Chen, Fushing Hsieh
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 12.02.2024
Tilføjet 12.02.2024
by Ting-Li Chen, Elizabeth P. Chou, Min-Yi Chen, Fushing Hsieh We investigate the dynamic characteristics of Covid-19 daily infection rates in Taiwan during its initial surge period, focusing on 79 districts within the seven largest cities. By employing computational techniques, we extract 18 features from each district-specific curve, transforming unstructured data into structured data. Our analysis reveals distinct patterns of asymmetric growth and decline among the curves. Utilizing theoretical information measurements such as conditional entropy and mutual information, we identify major factors of order-1 and order-2 that influence the peak value and curvature at the peak of the curves, crucial features characterizing the infection rates. Additionally, we examine the impact of geographic and socioeconomic factors on the curves by encoding each of the 79 districts with two binary characteristics: North-vs-South and Urban-vs-Suburban. Furthermore, leveraging this data-driven understanding at the district level, we explore the fine-scale behavioral effects on disease spread by examining the similarity among 96 age-group-specific curves within urban districts of Taipei and suburban districts of New Taipei City, which collectively represent a substantial portion of the nation’s population. Our findings highlight the implicit influence of human behaviors related to living, traveling, and working on the dynamics of Covid-19 transmission in Taiwan.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedAbraham Teka Ajema, Yilkal Simachew, Meiraf Daniel Meshesha, Taye Gari
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 12.02.2024
Tilføjet 12.02.2024
by Abraham Teka Ajema, Yilkal Simachew, Meiraf Daniel Meshesha, Taye Gari Objectives To assess the incidence and predictors of time to Tuberculosis (TB) development among Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) positive patients attending follow-up care in health facilities of Hawassa, Ethiopia. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study from April 1–30, 2023. A total of 422 participants were selected using a simple random sampling method. Data was collected from the medical records of patients enrolled between January 1, 2018 –December 31, 2022, using the Kobo toolbox. We used Statistical Package for Social Studies (SPSS) version 26.0 for data analysis. To estimate the duration of TB-free survival, we applied the Kaplan-Meier survival function and fitted Cox proportional hazard models to identify the predictors of time to TB development. Adjusted hazard ratios (AHR) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated and statistical significance was declared at a P-value of 0.05. Results The overall incidence rate of TB among HIV-positive patients was 6.26 (95% CI: 4.79–8.17) per 100 person-years (PYs). Patients who did not complete TB Preventive Therapy (TPT) were more likely to have TB than those who did (AHR = 6.2, 95% CI: 2.34–16.34). In comparison to those who began antiretroviral therapy (ART) within a week, those who began after a week of linkage had a lower risk of TB development (AHR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.21–0.89). Patients who received ART for six to twelve months (AHR = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.05–0.61) and for twelve months or longer (AHR = 0.004, 95% CI: 0.001–0.02) exhibited a decreased risk of TB development in comparison to those who had ART for less than six months. Conclusion The incidence of TB among HIV-positive patients is still high. To alleviate this burden, special attention should be given to regimen optimization and provision of adherence support for better completion of TPT, sufficient patient preparation, thorough clinical evaluation for major (Opportunistic Infections) OIs prior to starting ART, and ensuring retention on ART.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedMd. Abu Raihan, Md. Saiful Islam, Shariful Islam, A. F. M. Mahmudul Islam, Khandaker Tanveer Ahmed, Tania Ahmed, Md. Nahidul Islam, Shamsunnahar Ahmed, Mysha Samiha Chowdhury, Dipto Kumar Sarker, Anika Bushra Lamisa
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 12.02.2024
Tilføjet 12.02.2024
by Md. Abu Raihan, Md. Saiful Islam, Shariful Islam, A. F. M. Mahmudul Islam, Khandaker Tanveer Ahmed, Tania Ahmed, Md. Nahidul Islam, Shamsunnahar Ahmed, Mysha Samiha Chowdhury, Dipto Kumar Sarker, Anika Bushra Lamisa Background Escalating antibiotic resistance presents a notable worldwide dilemma, pointing a large involvement of general population. The objective of this study was to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding the utilization of antibiotics among Bangladeshi residents. Methods A cross-sectional study, conducted from January 01 to April 25, 2022, included 1,947 Bangladeshi adults with a history of antibiotic use, via online surveys and face-to-face interviews using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and multivariate linear regression models were employed. Results Mean scores for knowledge, attitudes, and practices were 6.59±1.20, 8.34±1.19, and 12.74±2.59, with correct rates of 73.22%, 92.67%, and 57.91%. Positive predictors for knowledge included being unmarried (β = 0.10, p = 0.001), higher education (College: β = 0.09, p = 0.025; Bachelor: β = 0.22, p
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedGerik W. Tushoski-Alemán, Kelly M. Herremans, Patrick W. Underwood, Ashwin Akki, Andrea N. Riner, Jose G. Trevino, Song Han, Steven J. Hughes
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 12.02.2024
Tilføjet 12.02.2024
by Gerik W. Tushoski-Alemán, Kelly M. Herremans, Patrick W. Underwood, Ashwin Akki, Andrea N. Riner, Jose G. Trevino, Song Han, Steven J. Hughes Background Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDAC) have heterogeneous tumor microenvironments relatively devoid of infiltrating immune cells. We aimed to quantitatively assess infiltrating CD3+ and CD8+ lymphocytes in a treatment-naïve patient cohort and assess associations with overall survival and microenvironment inflammatory proteins. Methods Tissue microarrays were immunohistochemically stained for CD3+ and CD8+ lymphocytes and quantitatively assessed using QuPath. Levels of inflammation-associated proteins were quantified by multiplexed, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay panels on matching tumor and tissue samples. Results Our findings revealed a significant increase in both CD3+ and CD8+ lymphocytes populations in PDAC compared with non-PDAC tissue, except when comparing CD8+ percentages in PDAC versus intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) (p = 0.5012). Patients with quantitatively assessed CD3+ low tumors (lower 50%) had shorter survival (median 273 days) compared to CD3+ high tumors (upper 50%) with a median overall survival of 642.5 days (p = 0.2184). Patients with quantitatively assessed CD8+ low tumors had significantly shorter survival (median 240 days) compared to CD8+ high tumors with a median overall survival of 1059 days (p = 0.0003). Of 41 proteins assessed in the inflammation assay, higher levels of IL-1B and IL-2 were significantly associated with decreased CD3+ infiltration (r = -0.3704, p = 0.0187, and r = -0.4275, p = 0.0074, respectively). Higher levels of IL-1B were also significantly associated with decreased CD8+ infiltration (r = -0.4299, p = 0.0045), but not IL-2 (r = -0.0078, p = 0.9616). Principal component analysis of the inflammatory analytes showed diverse inflammatory responses in PDAC. Conclusion In this work, we found a marked heterogeneity in infiltrating CD3+ and CD8+ lymphocytes and individual inflammatory responses in PDAC. Future mechanistic studies should explore personalized therapeutic strategies to target the immune and inflammatory components of the tumor microenvironment.
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