History Of Infectious Diseases Research Articles

Single monoclonal antibodies should not be used for COVID-19 therapy: a call for antiviral stewardship.

The COVID-19 pandemic saw the largest deployment of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for an infectious disease in history. mAbs to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein proved safe and were initially effective for COVID-19 therapy, but each was defeated by continued SARS-CoV-2 evolution, leading to their withdrawal. This was a setback for people with impaired immunity who cannot mount an effective antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 and often cannot clear the virus. New mAbs have now been developed for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PreEP) in immunosuppressed people. Here we argue that while mAb use for PreEP is justified, single mAbs should not be used for COVID-19 therapy. In contrast to PreEP where the viral inoculum is small, immunosuppressed people with COVID-19 have large viral burden that can harbor mAb-escape variants that single-agent mAb treatments can rapidly select for resistance. Selection of mAb-escape variants has potential risks for patients, society and the feasibility of mAb therapy itself.

Factors affecting the nutritional status of toddlers between the ages of 12-59 months in the workplace of UPTD Puskemas Batu Kambing

Nutritional problems in children at this time are still high. Malnutrition will have an impact on the development and growth of children. The purpose of this study is to find out the Factors Related to the Nutritional Status of Toddlers Aged 12 – 59 Months in the Working Area of the UPTD Batu Kambing Health Center in 2023. The type of research used is quantitative with a crosssectional research design. The population is all mothers who have toddlers aged 12-59 months totaling 610 with a sample of 86 people. The sampling technique is purposive sampling. This research has been carried out in March – April 2023 at the UPTD Batu Kambing Health Center. The data used were primary data and secondary data, namely by conducting interviews with respondents, univariate and bivariate data analysis using the Chi-Square test. The results of the study were less than half, namely 21 respondents (24.4%) who experienced malnutrition, 36 respondents (41.9%) who had a low level of knowledge, 28 respondents (32.6%) with poor parenting and 37 respondents (43.0%) who had a history of infectious diseases. The results of the statistical test showed that the relationship between knowledge and nutritional status was obtained with a value of p = 0.005 (p < 0.05), parenting style with nutritional status was obtained with a value of p = 0.003 (p < 0.05) and the relationship between history of infectious diseases and nutritional status was obtained with a value of p = 0.007 (p < 0.05). It can be concluded that there is a relationship between the level of knowledge, parenting, eating and history of infectious diseases with the nutritional status of toddlers aged 12 – 59 months at the UPTD Batu Kambing Health Center in 2023. It is recommended to health workers to provide counseling on nutrition and the provision of PMT to undernourished children and to mothers to increase maternal knowledge about nutrition and improve maternal parenting by learning how to feed children.

Infection history imprints prolonged changes to the epigenome, transcriptome and function of Kupffer cells

Background and aimsLiver macrophages fulfill various homeostatic functions and represent an essential line of defense against pathogenic insults. However, it remains unclear whether a history of infectious disease in the liver instructs long-term alterations to the liver macrophage compartment. MethodsWe utilized a curable model of parasitic infection invoked by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei brucei to investigate whether infection history can durably reshape hepatic macrophage identity and function. Employing a combination of fate mapping, single cell CITE-sequencing, single nuclei multiome analysis, epigenomic analysis, and functional assays, we studied the alterations to the liver macrophage compartment during and after the resolution of infection. ResultsWe show that T. b. brucei infection alters the composition of liver-resident macrophages, leading to the infiltration of monocytes that differentiate into various infection-associated macrophage populations with divergent transcriptomic profiles. Whereas infection-associated macrophages disappear post-resolution of infection, monocyte-derived macrophages engraft in the liver, assume a Kupffer cell (KC)-like profile and co-exist with embryonic KCs in the long-term. Remarkably, the prior exposure to infection imprinted an altered transcriptional program on post-resolution KCs that was underpinned by an epigenetic remodeling of KC chromatin landscapes and a shift in KC ontogeny, along with transcriptional and epigenetic alterations in their niche cells. This reprogramming altered KC functions and was associated with increased resilience to a subsequent bacterial infection. ConclusionOur study demonstrates that a prior exposure to a parasitic infection induces trained immunity in KCs, reshaping their identity and function in the long-term. Impact And ImplicationsAlthough the liver is frequently affected during infections, and despite housing a major population of resident macrophages known as Kupffer cells (KCs), it is currently unclear whether infections can durably alter KCs and their niche cells. Our study provides a comprehensive investigation into the long-term impact of a prior, cured parasitic infection, unveiling long-lasting ontogenic, epigenetic, transcriptomic and functional changes to KCs as well as KC niche cells, which may contribute to KC remodeling. Our data suggest that infection history may continuously reprogram KCs throughout life with potential implications for subsequent disease susceptibility in the liver, influencing preventive and therapeutic approaches.

Urine microbiota in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer and approaches to its detection

Introduction. There is evidence of a connection between infectious and inflammatory lesions of the lower urinary tract and bladder cancer (BCa). However, there is virtually no data on the urine microbiota of middle-aged and elderly men with suspected BCa. This knowledge is extremely important from the point of view of studying the role of the infectious-inflammatory hypothesis in the genesis of BCa.Objective. To conduct a comparative assessment of the microbiota of bladder urine obtained during natural urination and bladder catheterization through standard and extended cultural studies in men with a presumptive diagnosis of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).Materials & methods. The prospective comparative study with consecutive patient recruitment included 23 men older than 45 years with suspected NMIBC based on clinical, laboratory and sonographic data, as well as with no history of infectious and inflammatory diseases of the kidneys and urinary tract, including sexually transmitted infections and recurrent infections of other organs and systems. A midstream urine samples and catheter-drained urine immediately before urethrocystoscopy were subjected to bacteriological analysis. Urine culture study was carried out using a standard set of nutrient media under aerobic cultivation conditions and an expanded set of nutrient media under aerobic and anaerobic cultivation conditions.Results. An anaerobic spectrum of microorganisms was predominantly detected in the urine of patients with suspected NMIBC. Moreover, Peptococcus spp. was more often found among anaerobic taxa. (70%), Eubacterium spp., Propionibacterium spp. (45% each, respectively), among representatives of the aerobes — Corynebacterium spp. (60%), S. lentus (up to 45%), S. haemolyticus (35%) and E. faecalis (30%). Data from a comparative analysis of the detection frequencies of microorganisms depending on the method of collecting material and the set of media for cultivation showed that more isolates are isolated in the midstream urine samples than in the study of catheter urine (2.9- and 1.9-fold with the standard and extended sets of media, respectively). In addition, when performing an extended bacteriological study compared to the standard method, the detection of microorganisms is 3.5-fold higher when examining an average portion of urine and 5.1-fold higher when examining catheter urine. The average number of microorganisms per one patient is also higher when using the extended method (midstream portion — 4.7 ± 1.9; catheterised urine — 2.3 ± 1.0) in comparison with the standard one (midstream portion — 1.3 ± 0.9; catheterised urine — 0.3 ± 0.5).Conclusion. Middle-aged and older men with NMIBC are characterized by asymptomatic bacteriuria in the form of a wide range of aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms. The urine pattern obtained with a urethral catheter contains a significantly narrower range of bacteria compared to the sample obtained through natural urination. It is advisable to carry out an extended cultural urine examination to study the characteristics of the microbiota / microbiome of the urine of the bladder immediately before the urethrocystoscopy procedure by collecting urine with a urethral catheter.

Urine microbiota in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer and approaches to its detection

Introduction. There is evidence of a connection between infectious and inflammatory lesions of the lower urinary tract and bladder cancer (BCa). However, there is virtually no data on the urine microbiota of middle-aged and elderly men with suspected BCa. This knowledge is extremely important from the point of view of studying the role of the infectious-inflammatory hypothesis in the genesis of BCa.Objective. To conduct a comparative assessment of the microbiota of bladder urine obtained during natural urination and bladder catheterization through standard and extended cultural studies in men with a presumptive diagnosis of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC).Materials & methods. The prospective comparative study with consecutive patient recruitment included 23 men older than 45 years with suspected NMIBC based on clinical, laboratory and sonographic data, as well as with no history of infectious and inflammatory diseases of the kidneys and urinary tract, including sexually transmitted infections and recurrent infections of other organs and systems. A midstream urine samples and catheter-drained urine immediately before urethrocystoscopy were subjected to bacteriological analysis. Urine culture study was carried out using a standard set of nutrient media under aerobic cultivation conditions and an expanded set of nutrient media under aerobic and anaerobic cultivation conditions.Results. An anaerobic spectrum of microorganisms was predominantly detected in the urine of patients with suspected NMIBC. Moreover, Peptococcus spp. was more often found among anaerobic taxa. (70%), Eubacterium spp., Propionibacterium spp. (45% each, respectively), among representatives of the aerobes — Corynebacterium spp. (60%), S. lentus (up to 45%), S. haemolyticus (35%) and E. faecalis (30%). Data from a comparative analysis of the detection frequencies of microorganisms depending on the method of collecting material and the set of media for cultivation showed that more isolates are isolated in the midstream urine samples than in the study of catheter urine (2.9- and 1.9-fold with the standard and extended sets of media, respectively). In addition, when performing an extended bacteriological study compared to the standard method, the detection of microorganisms is 3.5-fold higher when examining an average portion of urine and 5.1-fold higher when examining catheter urine. The average number of microorganisms per one patient is also higher when using the extended method (midstream portion — 4.7 ± 1.9; catheterised urine — 2.3 ± 1.0) in comparison with the standard one (midstream portion — 1.3 ± 0.9; catheterised urine — 0.3 ± 0.5).Conclusion. Middle-aged and older men with NMIBC are characterized by asymptomatic bacteriuria in the form of a wide range of aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms. The urine pattern obtained with a urethral catheter contains a significantly narrower range of bacteria compared to the sample obtained through natural urination. It is advisable to carry out an extended cultural urine examination to study the characteristics of the microbiota / microbiome of the urine of the bladder immediately before the urethrocystoscopy procedure by collecting urine with a urethral catheter.

Role of Environmental Risk Factors in the Etiology of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Multicenter Study.

The increasing global incidence and prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) necessitates an investigation into the potential influence of environmental risk factors on its origin. This multicenter case-control study aimed to investigate potential environmental risk factors contributing to IBD development in Turkey. The study included 156 Crohn's disease (CD), 277 ulcerative colitis (UC) patients, and 468 controls (matched for age and gender) from six hospitals' gastroenterology departments. Data collection relied on the International Organization of IBD's questionnaire on environmental factors. Each environmental factor was initially analyzed using univariate and subsequently multivariate logistic regression models. In the multivariate model, regular coffee consumption was associated with decreased odds for both CD (OR 0.28; 95% CI 0.14-0.55) and UC (OR 0.25; 95% CI 0.15-0.42). Stress was associated with UC (OR 3.27; 95% CI 1.76-6.10) and CD (OR 4.40; 95% CI 2.12-9.10) development. A history of childhood infectious diseases (gastroenteritis, upper respiratory tract infections, etc.) raised the odds for both CD (OR 9.45; 95% CI 2.51-35.6) and UC (OR 7.56; 95% CI 1.57-36.4). Conversely, consuming well/spring water (OR 0.22; 95% CI 0.10-0.50) and childhood antibiotic use (OR 0.41; 95% CI 0.18-0.93) showed a positive association against UC. Increased consumption of refined sugar and industrial food products emerged as risk factors for IBD. Smoking increased the risk for CD (OR 2.38; 95% CI 1.16-4.91), while ex-smoking increased the risk for UC (OR 3.16; 95% CI 1.19-8.37). This study represents the first multicenter case-control study in Turkey examining the effects of environmental factors on IBD. It revealed that coffee consumption is positively associated, while stress and childhood infection-related diseases are risk factors. These findings, which are not supported by other studies, provide insight into the relationships between these factors and IBD.

Predictors of children's headaches during the second COVID-19 pandemic wave in the country with long-lasting lockdown.

The current study examined the links and interactions among headaches, screen-based media use, physical activity, sleep, and the family environment in Lithuanian school-aged children during the second COVID-19 lockdown. The study comprised data of 541 children aged 7-14 years from different Lithuania regions, and without chronic health conditions or developmental disorders. Information about the child was provided by their parents or caregivers who filled questionnaire on child's screen time, sleep duration and quality, physical activity, parental distress, parent-child relationship, history of child's headaches and infectious diseases. During the study period, 54% of the children had headaches, and the frequency was positively associated with child's age, screen time and parental distress, as well as negatively related to physical activity (PA), sleep quality, and the parent-child relationship. Parental education was related to child's PA, screen time and sleep quality. The results of binary logistic regression analysis and path analysis revealed that sleep quality and parental distress were significant predictors of headaches in children. Family and child or adolescent education and lifestyle modification aiming to improve sleep hygiene and PA, and to reduce screen-based sedentary behaviour should be provided. Family centred approach for more effective coping with distress and improvement of parent-child relationship is also important in treating child and adolescent headache.

Factors Causing Stunting In Toddlers In West Sumatra And Its Relationship With Sanitation And Environmental Hygiene : Literatur Review

One of the health problems that occurs in the world is stunting. Stunting or what is commonly known as short toddlers is a condition where toddlers are less tall compared to their age. West Sumatra Province is ranked 17th out of 34 provinces that experience stunting with a prevalence of stunting in toddlers (aged 24-59 months) of 36.2%, which is higher than the national prevalence, namely 30.8%. Stunting can also occur due to direct factors of stunting such as maternal nutrition during pregnancy, toddler nutrition and disease infections. Apart from direct factors, there are also indirect factors that can occur from various aspects, one of which is water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). This research uses a literature study method using PICO. The research results obtained were that there was a relationship between the LBW factor (lower baby weight) and the incidence of stunting in toddlers, three articles were obtained. Two articles were found regarding the relationship between exclusive breastfeeding and MP-ASI. On the relationship between parenting styles, four articles were found. Three articles were found regarding the relationship between sanitation and the environment. Three articles were found regarding the relationship between height and height. One article was found regarding the relationship between zinc levels. On the relationship between mother's work, one article was found. Regarding the history of infectious diseases, one article was found. One article was found regarding the relationship between the age of pregnant women and the incidence of stunting in toddlers. From the conclusion above regarding the relationship between environmental sanitation and hygiene on stunting among toddlers in West Sumatra, the most common one is parenting patterns in children.Keyword : abstract; nutrition; words; research

#3095 Pinpointing specific circulating microRNAs as putative biomarkers for chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular outcomes

Abstract Background and Aims Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects over 10% of the worldwide population and entails a significant risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), leading to an up to 500-fold increase in cardiovascular mortality in advanced stages. However, the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying kidney-heart intercommunication remain unknown. In recent years, microRNAs (miRNAs) emerged as critical regulators of gene expression and numerous miRNAs that have been implicated in both CKD and CVD pathogenesis. Still, so far, their role in kidney-heart crosstalk has not been addressed. In this study, we evaluated the expression of a panel of miRNAs in plasma from pre-dialysis CKD patients and explored their association with main comorbidities and significant outcomes in a 5-year follow up. Method The expression levels of miR-30c-5p, miR-132-3p, miR-199a-5p, and miR-324-3p was assessed by real time qRT-PCR in plasma samples from two cohorts of pre-dialysis CKD patients followed up at the Nephrology Department of Centro Hospitalar Universitário de São João (CHSJ, Porto, Portugal).The discovery cohort was established between November 2014 and August 2018 and comprises 52 CKD patients while the validation cohort comprises samples from 43 CKD patients who underwent a kidney biopsy for diagnostic purposes from November 2019 to December 2022. Patients with acute kidney injury, neoplasia diagnosis, recent infections (<1 week), or known psychiatric disorders were excluded from the study. Plasma samples from 38 healthy blood donors, recruited at the Immunohemotherapy Department of CHSJ, in which creatinine values were measured and considered normal were used as controls. Participants with a history of cancer, inflammatory, or infectious diseases and who were being treated with anti-inflammatory or anti-depressive drugs, were excluded. MiRs expression in comparison with the controls was validated in both cohorts and its expression in the Discovery cohort was correlated with the patients clinical data in a 5 year follow up. Results Results show that miR-30c-5p and miR-132-3p were downregulated in CKD patients compared with healthy controls, presenting a significant power to discriminate the disease condition. Still, considering the stratification of CKD in early/moderate (1-3) and advanced stages (4-5), only miR-30c-5p presented a decreased expression in the initial stages of the disease, showing a significant diagnostic value as an early biomarker for CKD, independently of eGFR. When analyzing the major disease outcomes in a 5 year time, miR-199a-5p was associated with increased frequency of CVD and mortality while miR-324-3p was downregulated in CKD patients that progressed to worse stages. Conclusion These findings highlight miR-30c-5p as a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of CKD in early stages of the disease and identify, for the first time, the enrollment of miR-199a-5p and miR-324-3p in kidney-heart pathophysiological crosstalk, paving the way for the putative establishment of new biomarkers and therapeutic targets for CKD and its outcomes.

Factors correlating with circulating T-zone-like cells of undetermined significance (TZUS) in dogs resident in Italy

T-zone-like cells of undetermined significance (TZUS) share the same phenotypic pattern (CD45-CD5+) with T-zone lymphoma cells and were first described a few years ago in the peripheral blood (PB) of healthy aged American Golden retrievers (GR). History of bladder and eye disease increased the odd of circulating TZUS in the American GR population. Since differences among dogs may exist according to the geographical region of origin, herein we screened 489 PB samples to assess potential factors predisposing to the presence of circulating TZUS in dogs living in Italy. Overall, TZUS were found in 174 (35.6%) samples. Among 83 clinical variables, significant associations emerged with sex, age, diagnosis of neoplasia, history of neoplasia, history of infectious or parasitic disease, history of osteoarticular disease, presence of traumatic lesions or foreign bodies, and lymphocytes count. Only age and history of neoplasia retained significance at multivariate analysis (p=0.019 and p=0.036, respectively). Thus, older age and history of neoplasia are the main factors associated with circulating TZUS in Italian dogs. Future studies should focus on elucidating the biological role of TZUS and determining reproducible criteria for their identification, distinguishing them from infiltrating TZL.

Risk Factors for Maternal Mortality in Banyumas Regency in 2022

Abstract Introduction: Maternal mortality Rate (MMR) in Banyumas Regency, Indonesia fluctuates. In 2022, it was the highest in Central Java Province with 24 cases spread across 14 Puskesmas. The purpose of this study was to determine the risk factors affecting maternal mortality consisting of maternal education level, anemia status, nutritional status, and history of infectious diseases.Methods: This type of research was a case control study with a sample size of 24 cases and 48 controls. The sampling method was total sampling. Education level, infectious disease, anemia, and nutritional status were investigated. This study was conducted on July to September 2023 in Banyumas Regency, Central Java, Indonesia. Data were collected through interviews using structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed with chi square tests and logistic regression.Results: The results showed that factors that increase the risk of maternal mortality were having a history of infectious diseases (OR = 5.84; 95% CI = 1.46 - 23.33, p = 0.012) and maternal Chronic Energy Deficiency (OR = 3.98; 95% CI = 1.32 - 12.01, p = 0.014).Conclusion: The risk factors for maternal mortality were infectious diseases and maternal Chronic Energy Deficiency. Early detection of risk factors such as history of infectious disease and Chronic Energy Deficiency are needed so prevention efforts can be planned. The improvement of antenatal and postnatal care through increasing the quality of health workers by providing technical and non-technical skills, especially village midwives is very important.

Structured Literature Review to Identify Human Papillomavirus's Natural History Parameters for Dynamic Population Models of Vaccine Impacts.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted virus that can cause cervical cancer and other diseases. Dynamic transmission models (DTMs) have been developed to evaluate the health and economic impacts of HPV vaccination. These models typically include many parameters, such as natural history of the disease, transmission, demographic, behavioral, and screening. To ensure the accuracy of DTM projections, it is important to parameterize them with the best available evidence. This study aimed to identify and synthesize data needed to parametrize DTMs on the natural history of HPV infection and related diseases. Parameters describing data of interest were grouped by their anatomical location (genital warts, recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, and cervical, anal, vaginal, vulvar, head and neck, and penile cancers), and natural history (progression, regression, death, cure, recurrence, detection), and were identified through a systematic literature review (SLR) and complementary targeted literature reviews (TLRs). The extracted data were then synthesized by pooling parameter values across publications, and summarized using the range of values across studies reporting each parameter and the median value from the most relevant study. Data were extracted and synthesized from 223 studies identified in the SLR and TLRs. Parameters frequently reported pertained to cervical cancer outcomes, while data for other anatomical locations were less available. The synthesis of the data provides a large volume of parameter values to inform HPV DTMs, such as annual progression rates from cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 1 to CIN2+ (median of highest quality estimate 0.0836), CIN2 to CIN 3+ (0.0418), carcinoma in situ (CIS) 2 to local cancer+ (0.0396), and regional to distant cancer (0.0474). Our findings suggest that while there is a large body of evidence on cervical cancer, parameter values featured substantial heterogeneity across studies, and further studies are needed to better parametrize the non-cervical components of HPV DTMs.

Prevalence and determinant factors of Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED) in pregnant women

Pregnant women with Chronic Energy Deficiency (CED) are prone to malnutrition due to prolonged imbalances in the intake of essential nutrients. This study aimed to analyze the factors associated with the risk of CED in pregnant women. This study had a quantitative, cross-sectional design and was conducted from June to August 2023 in the working area of the Parung Panjang Health Center, Bogor Regency. The sample size in this study was 140 pregnant women using purposive sampling. The respondents’ characteristics were obtained through questionnaire interviews. MUAC was collected through MUAC tape, dietary intake using a Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SQ-FFQ) form, and hemoglobin through a rapid test. Analysis was performed using the chi-square statistical test at 95% CI. The results of this study showed that the prevalence of CED was 20,7%. There was a significant relationship between maternal age, parity, gestational age, history of infectious diseases, knowledge, energy, and protein adequacy and CED in pregnant women (p <0,05). There was no significant relationship between income, anemia status, fat and carbohydrate adequacy, and the occurrence of CED (p> 0,05). In conclusion, the determinants of CED include maternal age, parity, gestational age, history of infection, knowledge, energy, and protein intake.

The Relationship Between Food Availability, Household Food Security, and the History of Infectious Diseases with the Incidence of Malnutrition in Toddlers

The aim of this study is to investigate and analyze the relationship between food availability, household food security, and history of infectious diseases with the occurrence of malnutrition in toddlers. The method used in this research is an analytical survey with a cross-sectional study design. The population in this study is toddlers aged 12-59 months in the disaster-prone area of Pantoloan, with a sample of toddlers aged 12-59 months. The results of the study show a significant relationship between food availability and the occurrence of malnutrition in toddlers (p = 0.000). This means that toddlers who do not have guaranteed food availability in the last 12 months have a greater risk of experiencing malnutrition. However, no significant relationship was found between a history of infectious diseases and the occurrence of malnutrition (p = 0.566), possibly due to the mild and non-persistent nature of malnutrition, which does not affect the toddlers' immune system. Furthermore, a significant relationship was found between household food security and the occurrence of malnutrition (p = 0.006). Many families still need to prioritize adequate nutrition for their family, thus improving access to food to meet nutritional needs is still necessary. The study implies a deeper understanding of the factors influencing malnutrition in toddlers in disaster-prone areas and provides a basis for the development of appropriate interventions to improve the nutritional status of toddlers. Efforts to improve food availability and household food security are expected to reduce the risk of malnutrition in toddlers in the area.

Prevalence of infectious diseases, immunity to vaccine-preventable diseases and chronic medical conditions among Ukrainian refugees in Germany – A cross sectional study from the German Network University Medicine (NUM)

BackgroundVulnerability to infectious diseases in refugees is dependent on country of origin, flight routes, and conditions. Information on specific medical needs of different groups of refugees is lacking. We assessed the prevalence of infectious diseases, immunity to vaccine-preventable diseases, and chronic medical conditions in children, adolescents, and adult refugees from Ukraine who arrived in Germany in 2022. MethodsUsing different media, we recruited Ukrainian refugees at 13 sites between 9–12/2022. An antigen test for acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, serologies for a range of vaccine-preventable diseases, as well as interferon gamma release assays (IGRAs) for tuberculosis (TB), and SARS-CoV-2 were performed. We assessed personal and family history of chronic medical conditions, infectious diseases, vaccination status, and conditions during migration. ResultsOverall, 1793 refugees (1401 adults and 392 children/adolescents) were included. Most participants were females (n = 1307; 72·3%) and from Eastern or Southern Ukraine. TB IGRA was positive in 13% (n = 184) of the adults and in 2% (n = 7) of the children.Serology-based immunological response was insufficient in approximately 21% (360/1793) of the participants for measles, 32% (572/1793) for diphtheria, and 74% (1289/1793) for hepatitis B. ConclusionsWe show evidence of low serological response to vaccine-preventable infections and increased LTBI prevalence in Ukrainian refugees. These findings should be integrated into guidelines for screening and treatment of infectious diseases in migrants and refugees in Germany and Europe. Furthermore, low immunity for vaccine-preventable diseases in Ukrainians independent of their refugee status, calls for tailor-made communication efforts.

A Prospective Study of Disease Patterns and Assessment of Drug Interactions with Prasugrel in Tertiary Care Hospital Patients

This prospective observational study evaluates the prescribing patterns and drug-drug interactions of Prasugrel in hospitalized patients at a tertiary care hospital (BBH). Conducted over six months, it involved 110 inpatients, gathering data from various sources including patient profiles, medicine charts, and lab tests. The study primarily focused on Prasugrel usage, identifying patient demographics and assessing the interactions of Prasugrel with other medications. It found that 64.02% of the patients on Prasugrel therapy were male and 36.08% female, predominantly aged between 55 to 75 years. These patients often had a history of cardiovascular and infectious diseases. The study revealed that 31.36% of patients experienced interactions with Prasugrel, with a higher incidence in males. The most common interactions were with Pantoprazole, Omeprazole, and Aspirin. These interactions were classified as severe (11.81%), moderate (55.05%), and mild (34.13%). Additionally, 17.91% of interactions were defined, 58.45% probable, and 22.62% possible. Prasugrel was mainly prescribed for heart disease, myocardial infarction, and angina. The study suggests cautious use of Pantoprazole with Prasugrel due to potential significant interactions.

FOSTERING A PROSPEROUS FAMILY, HEALTHY, AND FREE OF STUNTING IN CENTRAL JAVA: EMPIRICAL STUDY IN TINGKIR SALATIGA

Stunting is a condition when a toddler has a minimum height or body length compared to their age. Factors that influence the occurrence of stunting in children under five in rural and urban areas are mother's education, family income, mother's knowledge of nutrition, exclusive breastfeeding, age at which MP-ASI is given, zinc and iron adequacy levels, history of infectious diseases and genetic factors (Kemenkes, 2023). Activity objectives The output targets of this community service activity are increasing awareness of stunting prevention through improving parenting, understanding the role of housewives, increasing knowledge about financial literacy in the family, and understanding the nutritional needs of pregnant women. Community service activities were carried out in the Tingkir Tengah Village meeting room with the target of involving 45 representatives from 10 RW. Participants consisted of Posyandu cadres, PKK cadres, dashat cadres, and Pregnant Women. Community service activities went well according to plan. The event was attended by more than 80% of invited participants consisting of posyandu cadres, dashat cadres, and pregnant women. This activity is expected to increase knowledge so that reduction and prevention of stunting can be implemented.

Pendugaan Koefisien Regresi Logistik Biner Menggunakan Algoritma Least Angle Regression

Binary logistic regression is a statistical analysis method that aims to determine the relationship between variable which has two categories with the predictor variable that have categorical or continuous scale. The method that used to estimate logistic regression parameters is Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) method. In estimating parameters, Least Angle Regression (LAR) algorithm is used to select the significant variables in order to get the best model from the estimation results of binary logistic regression coefficients. This LAR algorithm is applied to the risko of stunting data in two-year-old-babies at Buntu Batu Health Center working area, Enrekang Regency, South Sulawesi in 2019. This results obtained in the estimation of binary logistic regression prediction model using LAR algorithm, the standard error value is 0.018 smaller than the standard error value of binary logistic regression, which is 0.025. This shows that the binary logistic regression model using LAR algorithm is better than the usual binary logistic regression model on the risk of stunting data. Based on the results obtained, the variables that significantly affect the risk of stunting in two-year-old-babies on 2019 are father’s height, body length of birth, exclusive breastfeeding, history of infectious diseases, and history of immunization.

Preventive behaviors against COVID-19 among health care providers in Iran: A cross-sectional study.

During outbreaks of infectious diseases, if healthcare providers do not follow the principles of prevention, the risk of personal infection increases and they become a source of infection spread. This study aimed to determine the factors related to the preventive health behaviors of COVID-19 among Iranian healthcare providers based on protection motivation theory (PMT). This analytical cross-sectional study included 346 healthcare providers. Data was collected by an online researcher-made questionnaire based on PMT. To analyze the data, independent T tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), Spearman correlation coefficient, multiple linear regression, and SPSS 22 software were used. α was considered as 0.05. 85.3% of the healthcare providers would always wear masks, 80.7% would always refuse to kiss and touch hands with others, and 34.7% sometimes would exercise at home. The preventive behaviors were significantly correlated with protection motivation (r = 0.84), self-efficacy (r = 0.51), response efficiency (r = 0.43), perceived severity (r = 0.41) Fear (r = 0.21), perceived susceptibility (r = 0.11), response cost (r = -0.14), and reward (r = -0.15). PMT constructs were able to predict 77% of the variance of the behaviors and the protection motivation construct was the strongest predictor (β = 0.806). Income above 300 Dolars per month was significantly related to the decrease in the mean score of preventive behaviors against COVID-19. The female sex and the individual or family history of infectious diseases were significantly related to increasing the mean score of COVID-19 preventive behaviors. Based on the study results, it is suggested that some educational interventions be designed and implemented with a focus on this construct and the perceived severity construct and that more attention be given to the education of health care providers with high-income levels, male providers, and the individuals without a history of corona infection in themselves or their family members.

Faktor Risiko yang Berhubungan dengan Kejadian Stunting pada Anak Balita di Kelurahan Alak Kecamatan Alak Kota Kupang

Stunting is a condition in which a person's height is less than normal based on age and gender. Height is a type of anthropometric examination and shows a person's nutritional status. The presence of stunting indicates a poor nutritional status Malnutrition in the long term (chronic). This study aims to determine the risk factors associated with stunting incidents in children under five years old in alak village, alak sub district, kupang city in 2023. The type of research used is quantitative research using observational analytic methods with a case control research design. The population used for this study was 520 toddlers in Alak Village, Alak District, Kupang City. A sample of 33 cases and 33 controls using simple random sampling technique. Data were taken directly at the research site using a questionnaire and then processed and analyzed using the chi-square test. The results showed that there was a relationship between income level (p=0.001), education level (p=0.004), history of infectious disease (p=0.001), history of exclusive breastfeeding (p=0.044), and birth spacing (p=0.077) with the incidence of stunting in children under five in Alak Village, Alak District, Kupang City. It is hoped that health workers can increase routine monitoring of additional feeding and provide education regarding stunting.