Prevalence Patterns Research Articles

A-283 Serologic and molecular testing for the diagnosis of Rickettsia, Ehrlicha, and Anaplasma infections in patients in Maryland

Abstract Background Rickettsia, Anaplasma, and Ehrlichia are underrecognized tick-borne pathogens of increasing human importance. As tick habitats are expanding and populations are increasing, human exposure to these pathogens is also increased in recent years. Unfortunately, while treatment is usually simple, diagnosis can be difficult as it requires specialized testing for clinical diagnosis - generally performed only at reference laboratories. Methods To better understand the prevalence, diagnosis, and testing patterns for Rickettisal infections, Anaplasmosis, and Ehrlichiosis in Maryland, a retrospective analysis of all serologic and molecular testing for Rickettsia, Anaplasma, and Ehrlichia species performed for the University of Maryland Medical System from 2018-2022 was conducted. Eight hospitals within the University of Maryland Medical System (Central Maryland and Maryland’s Eastern Shore) diagnose Rickettsia, Anaplasma, and Ehrlichia infections using serologic and molecular testing. Results Between 2018-2022, an average of 413 individuals were tested for Rickettsia, Anaplasma, and Ehrlichia each year. On average 315 serologic tests for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) group Rickettsia, 195 serologic tests for Ehrlichia chaffeensis (Anaplasma serology is not available), and 165 molecular tests for the detection of Anaplasma and Ehrlichia species were ordered each year. Clinical indications for testing included tick bite, fever, chills, severe headaches, muscle aches, and rash. Overall, 17% of individuals tested were positive for IgG antibodies to RMSF group Rickettsia, however only 1% were positive for IgM antibodies. Further, 20% of individuals tested were positive for IgG antibodies to Ehrlichia chaffeensis, while <1% were positive for IgM. Acute and convalescent samples were not tested for any individuals. Molecular evidence of infection was found in 8% of individuals tested. Nineteen precent were positive for Anaplasma phagocytophilum and the remaining 81% were positive for Ehrlichia chaffeensis. Interestingly, only two individuals had positive results from both molecular and serologic testing. Conclusions Results from serologic and molecular testing show that Rickettsia, Anaplasma, and Ehrlichia are important human pathogens with the potential to cause significant morbidity. However, lack of follow-up serology, and laboratory tests that confirm acute infection make definitive diagnosis difficult. Increased awareness of Rickettsial diseases and appropriate diagnostics is needed.

Prevalence and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Patterns of Wound and Pus Bacterial Pathogens at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Central Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The long history and extensive use of antibiotics have caused resistant bacterial pathogens to emerge, increasing mortality and morbidity. The current study was designed to see the prevalence of aerobic bacterial isolates with their antimicrobial resistance pattern from out- and inpatients requested for wound or pus culture. Retrospective study conducted at a tertiary care hospital in central Riyadh from January 2023 to December 2023. Samples were collected and inoculated onto the appropriate media following standard guidelines. Bacterial pathogens were identified by the Vitek2 compact system. Antimicrobial susceptibility was tested using the Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion method as well as by MIC determination through the Vitek2 compact. A total of 1186 subjects were included in the study with a bacterial isolation rate of 691 (58.3%). Out of these, 155 positive cultures had incomplete information or anaerobic or fungal growth and were excluded from the study. With a slight female predominance (54.9%), the majority of subjects (72.2%) were outpatients, and over half of the isolates (55.2%) were Gram-positive. The most common isolate was Staphylococcus spp. (44.4%), followed by E. coli (13.6%) and P. aeruginosa (12.9%). The highest resistance was reported against penicillin followed by fusidic acid against Gram-positive bacteria. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was detected in 40.5% of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) isolates. Amikacin was the most susceptible antibiotic against all Gram-negative isolates. MDR Gram-negative bacteria accounted for 51.9% of wound infection isolates (95% CI: 45.95 to 58.33) while 6.3% (95% CI: 4.39 to 8.86) were XDR (nonsusceptibility to at least one agent in all but two or fewer antimicrobial categories). A high prevalence of bacterial isolates, with S. aureus as the predominant pathogen, showed high rates of multidrug resistance. This highlights the importance of monitoring antibiotic choices for prophylaxis and treatment in the study area.

A-290 Prevalence and Antimicrobial Resistance Pattern of Microorganisms Recovered From Bloodstream Infections From Public Hospitals of São Paulo City, Brazil

Abstract Background Nosocomial Bloodstream Infections (nBSI) are an important cause of morbidity and mortality. Brazilian studies concerning bloodstream infections are important tools that can bring specific issues related to antimicrobial resistance. The objective of this study was to describe the frequency and antimicrobial susceptibility profile of bacterial isolates from BSI in patients admitted to public hospitals in 2022 and 2023. Methods This study was a retrospective analysis from 12 hospitals (January 2022 to December 2023) based on BSI isolates laboratory data detected by the clinical microbiology department of a medical diagnostic laboratory. The identification and susceptibility tests were performed using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry (Vitek MS) and Vitek®2 systems, according to the manufacture’s recommendations. Coagulase Negative Staphylococci (CoNS) BSI was only considered in the presence of at least two sets of positive blood cultures with the same organism. Results During the period (January 2022 to December 2023) a total of 19,588 microorganisms isolated from BSI were obtained from 12 hospitals. The frequency of organism group was Gram-positive (10,707; 54.7%), Gram-negative (7,874; 40.2%), yeasts (961; 4.9%) and filamentous (46; 0.2%). The order of prevalence (top ten) organisms was CoNS (5,149; 26.3%); Staphylococcus aureus (2,769; 14.1%); Klebsiella spp. (2,355; 12.0%); Escherichia coli (1,301; 6.6%); Acinetobacter spp. (1,293; 6.6%); Streptococcus spp. (1,125; 5.7%); Enterococcus spp. (1,112; 5.7%); Candida spp. (937; 4.8%); Pseudomonas spp. (749; 3.8%) and Proteus spp. (553; 2.8%). Extended spectrum beta-lactamase rates for E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were 31.6% (268/848) and 74.9% (1027/1371), respectively. The resistance to carbapenems was detected mainly in 74.1% (661/892) of Acinetobacter spp. isolates, 60.7% (832/1371) of Klebsiella pneumoniae; 24.5% (114/465) of P. aeruginosa; 9.7% (34/349) of Proteus spp. and 1.4% (12/828) of Escherichia coli. Antimicrobial resistance was observed mainly in 87.2% of CoNS (2831/3247) and 44.5% of S. aureus (743/1669) to methicillin; 22.9% (146/637) of Enterococccus spp. to vancomycin. Conclusions The frequency of Klebsiella spp. isolates from nBSI has progressively increased and effective infection control measures should be taken to prevent them from spreading. The rates of antimicrobials resistance reported for Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter spp., CoNS, S. aureus and Enterococcus spp. reinforce the high resistance rates to antimicrobials in São Paulo city.

Sex differences in gray matter, white matter, and regional brain perfusion in young, healthy adults.

Cerebrovascular and neurological diseases exhibit sex-specific patterns in prevalence, severity, and regional specificity, some of which are associated with altered cerebral blood flow (CBF). Females often exhibit higher resting CBF, but understanding the impact of sex per se on CBF is hampered by study variability in age, comorbidities, medications, and control for menstrual cycle or hormone therapies. A majority of studies report whole brain CBF without differentiating between gray and white matter or without assessing regional CBF. Thus fundamental sex differences in regional or whole brain CBF remain unclarified. While controlling for the above confounders, we tested the hypothesis that females will exhibit higher total gray and white matter perfusion as well as regional gray matter perfusion. Adults 18-30 yr old (females = 22 and males = 26) were studied using arterial spin labeling (ASL) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans followed by computational anatomy toolbox (CAT12) analysis in statistical parametric mapping (SPM12) to quantify CBF relative to brain volume. Females displayed 40% higher perfusion globally (females = 62 ± 9 and males = 45 ± 10 mL/100 g/min, P < 0.001), gray matter (females = 75 ± 11 and males = 54 ± 12 mL/100 g/min, P < 0.001), and white matter (females = 44 ± 6 and males = 32 ± 7 mL/100 g/min, P < 0.001). Females exhibited greater perfusion than males in 67 of the 68 regions tested, ranging from 14% to 66% higher. A second MRI approach (4-dimensional flow) focused on large arteries confirmed the sex difference in global CBF. These data indicate strikingly higher basal CBF in females at global, gray, and white matter levels and across dozens of brain regions and offer new clarity into fundamental sex differences in global and regional CBF regulation before aging or pathology.NEW & NOTEWORTHY MRI used to measure cerebral blood flow (CBF) in gray matter, white matter, and 68 regions in healthy men and women. This study demonstrated that CBF is 40% higher in women, the highest sex difference reported, when controlling for numerous important clinical confounders like age, smoking, menstrual cycle, comorbidities, and medications.

Pattern Of Antibiotic Resistance In Urinary Tract Infections: Insights From A Tertiary Care Hospital In Bangladesh

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common bacterial infections, with increasing rates of antibiotic resistance complicating treatment. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and antibiotic resistance patterns of uropathogens in patients with UTIs at a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh. Methods: A cross-sectional, retrospective study was conducted from June, 2023 to July, 2024 involving 60 UTI patients. Clinical and microbiological data, including urine cultures and antibiotic susceptibility tests, were collected. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0. Results: Escherichia coli was the most frequently isolated pathogen (50.0%), followed by Klebsiella spp. (20.0%). Both pathogens exhibited high resistance to ciprofloxacin (66.7%) and amoxicillin (83.3%) (p &lt; 0.05). Pseudomonas spp. showed 66.7% resistance to ceftriaxone, and Proteus spp. exhibited 75.0% resistance to nitrofurantoin. However, E. coli and Klebsiella spp. demonstrated higher susceptibility to nitrofurantoin and gentamicin, with 50.0% and 66.7% susceptibility, respectively. Conclusion: The findings indicate a high prevalence of antibiotic-resistant uropathogens, particularly E. coli and Klebsiella spp., in the study population. Nitrofurantoin and gentamicin remain effective treatment options. These results highlight the urgent need for updated empirical treatment protocols and regular monitoring of resistance patterns to guide UTI management in Bangladesh.

Large scale analysis of the SARS-CoV-2 main protease reveals marginal presence of nirmatrelvir-resistant SARS-CoV-2 Omicron mutants in Ontario, Canada, December 2021-September 2023.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a new oral antiviral called nirmatrelvir-ritonavir (PaxlovidTM) was authorized for use in Canada in January 2022. In vitro studies have reported mutations in Mpro protein that may be associated with the development of nirmatrelvir resistance. To survey the prevalence, relevance and temporal patterns of Mpro mutations among SARS-CoV-2 Omicron lineages in Ontario, Canada. A total of 93,082 Mpro gene sequences from December 2021 to September 2023 were analyzed. Reported in vitro Mpro mutations were screened against our database using in-house data science pipelines to determine the nirmatrelvir resistance. Negative binomial regression was conducted to analyze the temporal trends in Mpro mutation counts over the study time period. A declining trend was observed in non-synonymous mutations of Mpro sequences, showing a 7.9% reduction (95% CI: 6.5%-‬9.4%; p<0.001) every 30 days. The P132H was the most prevalent mutation (higher than 95%) in all Omicron lineages. In vitro nirmatrelvir-resistant mutations were found in 3.12% (n=29/929) Omicron lineages with very low counts, ranging from one to 19. Only two mutations, A7T (n=19) and M82I (n=9), showed temporal presence among the BA.1.1 in 2022 and the BQ.1.2.3 in 2022, respectively. The observations suggest that, as of September 2023, no significant or widespread resistance to nirmatrelvir has developed among SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variants in Ontario. This study highlights the importance of creating automated monitoring systems to track the emergence of nirmatrelvir-resistant mutations within the SARS-CoV-2 virus, utilizing genomic data generated in real-time.

Comparison of External Circular Fixation and Plate and Screw Fixation Methods in Tibial Pilon Fractures.

Objective To compare the fixation methods for tibial pilon fractures among patients treated in a hospital. Methods We analyzed the medical records of 28 patients who underwent a surgical procedure for tibial pilon fracture, among whom 15 subjects received a circular external fixator, and 13 underwent internal fixation using a plate and screws. We assessed age, sex, aggravating factors, trauma energy (high or low), presence of soft tissue injuries, associated fractures, and clinical outcomes. Results Most patients were male, aging between 40 and 60 years. The most common trauma mechanism was car accident, and the associated injury was a fracture of the distal third of the fibula. The fracture patterns in patients treated with a circular external fixator were AO 43C3 and 43C2. As for the prevalent fracture patterns in the internal fixation group, we identified AO 43C1, 43C2, and 43C3. Conclusion An individualized therapeutic choice is critical for a better functional outcome. Additionally, it is essential to highlight that the profile of fractures and patients in the circular external fixator and internal fixation groups tends to be quite heterogeneous, because the treatment of fractures with the worst classification and most frequently associated with soft tissue injuries often uses circular external fixation; meanwhile, those with less severe fractures and a lower incidence of soft tissue injuries are usually managed with open reduction and internal fixation. We noted that the clinical and radiographic outcomes tended to be similar between both groups despite the particularities of each method.

Allergen sensitization patterns concerning different governorates in Egypt: a retrospective study

Background Allergic disorders afflict 22% of the world’s population. Treatment and prevention of allergic diseases are dependent on correctly identifying the causal allergens and implementing appropriate avoidance approaches. We aimed to assess the variation in patterns of allergen sensitization among patients with allergic disorders in different Egyptian governorates. Methods This retrospective study included patients with allergic disorders attending an allergen immunotherapy outpatient clinic. Demographic data, diagnosis of allergic disorders, and skin prick test results of enrolled patients were retrieved from the medical records. Also, patients’ place of residence was recorded by the governorate. Results This study included 5024 patients with allergic disorders. Most of the studied patients were sensitized to mold (94.3%) followed by house dust mites (74.7%) and hay dust (69%). There was no statistical difference in allergen sensitization patterns in different Egyptian governorates. However, there was a statistically significant relation between allergic rhinitis and mixed pollen 1 (P value 0.02) and mite (P value 0.001). For bronchial asthma, both dog hair and chicken feather sensitization patterns showed a strong association with P values 0.02 and 0.03, respectively. Atopic dermatitis had a significant association with both mites (P value 0.001) and barely (P value 0.02). Conclusion The sensitization patterns did not significantly differ between the Egyptian governorates. However, it is significantly associated with allergic disorders. The most prevalent sensitization pattern in Egypt was mold.

Study on Turbulent Taylor-Couette Flow with High Reynolds Number and Large Radius Ratio in High-Speed Canned Motor Pump Internals

Abstract The Taylor-Couette flow, a prevalent flow pattern in fluid machinery. This study investigates turbulent Taylor-Couette flow within the internal flow of a shield pump through numerical simulations. The study encompasses a range of radius ratios (0.934 to 0.977) and inner cylinder frequencies (50 to 383 Hz). Our findings reveal a significant positive correlation between torque magnitude and radius ratio within the studied parameter range. Additionally, an exponential relationship between non-dimensional torque and Taylor number was identified through fitting. Moreover, the study elucidates that larger radius ratios lead to an earlier transition to the final turbulent region with increasing Taylor numbers. Furthermore, detailed analysis of the flow field vortex structure demonstrates the profound influence of radius ratio on the number of Taylor vortices.

Vaginal candidiasis prevalence, associated factors, and antifungal susceptibility patterns among pregnant women attending antenatal care at bule hora university teaching hospital, Southern Ethiopia

BackgroundVulvovaginitis is common in women of reproductive age group characterized by purulent white discharge. The incidence of vulvovaginitis has risen recently due to the resistance of Candida species to commonly used antifungal agents and recurrent infections.ObjectiveThe study aimed to determine the prevalence, associated factors, and antifungal susceptibility patterns of vaginal candidiasis among pregnant women attending Bule Hora University Teaching Hospital.MethodsA hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2023 to August 2023. Using systematic random sampling, 317 pregnant women participated in the study. Sabouraud Dextrose Agar and Chromogenic Candida Differential Agar were used to isolate and identify Candida species from clinical samples. Antifungal susceptibility was performed using a modified disc diffusion method. Epi data version 4.6 was used for data entry and Statistical Packages for Social Sciences version 25 was used for statistical analysis. A P-value < 0.05 was declared statistically significant.ResultThe prevalence of vaginal candidiasis was 26.8% (95%, CI 21.9–31.72%). History of using contraceptives (AOR = 5.03, 95%CI, 1.21–11.37), past vaginal candidiasis (AOR = 6, 95%CI, 1.61–12.92), pregnant women infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (AOR = 4.24, 95%CI, 1.23–14.14), diabetic mellitus (AOR = 2.17, 95%CI, 1.02–4.64), history of antibiotic use (AOR = 3.55, 95%CI, 1.67–12.75), pregnant women in third trimester (AOR = 8.72, 95%CI, 1.30–23.07), were the significantly associated factors for vaginal candidiasis. The study revealed that itraconazole, amphotericin B, and miconazole were the most effective antifungal drugs for all Candida isolates.ConclusionThe present study has identified a high prevalence of vaginal candidiasis among pregnant women. The isolated Candida species showed resistance to fluconazole, ketoconazole, and clotrimazole. Therefore, healthcare providers should increase awareness of the risks of Candida infections to reduce Candida species among pregnant women. Physicians should prescribe suitable medications based on antifungal drug test outcomes to treat pregnant women with vaginal candidiasis.

High chytrid prevalence and infection intensities in tadpoles of Mixophyes fleayi

Context The amphibian chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) has caused catastrophic biodiversity loss globally, but species and life stages within species respond differently to the pathogen. Although tadpoles are often reported to be less vulnerable to disease, they can constitute important infection reservoirs in ecosystems. Aims We aimed to describe Bd infection patterns of a long-lived tadpole in a species where post-metamorphic animals appear to exhibit limited mortality as a result of chytridiomycosis. We further investigated how oral dekeratinisation can be used as an indicator of infection. Methods We conducted surveys of tadpoles of Mixophyes fleayi (Fleay’s barred frog) over 2 years, at two rainforest streams on the east coast of Australia, to assess patterns in Bd infection prevalence and intensity. We developed an integrated hierarchical model propagating pathogen-detection errors and incorporating how Bd infections affect oral dekeratinisation. Key results We found that Bd infection prevalence was strongly associated with lower temperatures and a larger body size, consistent with Bd optimal thermal range and a cumulative risk of exposure for tadpoles. The individual probability of a tadpole being infected with Bd was estimated to be 0.58 [95% HPDI: 0.432, 0.713], the odds of which were approximately eight times greater than for adults at the same sites. Tadpoles infected with Bd were 113 [29, 293] times more likely to have oral dekeratinisation than were uninfected tadpoles, where uninfected individuals were estimated to have a 0.05 [95% HPDI: 0.011, 0.11] probability of having mouthpart loss. Conclusions Our results showed that M. fleayi tadpoles are more likely to be infected with Bd than are adults, suggesting that tadpoles could contribute to Bd maintenance in streams. We further showed that sites can be rapidly assessed for Bd by visually checking for oral dekeratinisation. Implications Long-lived tadpoles, in general, may contribute to Bd maintenance in ecosystems. We suggest continued exploration of Bd immunocompetence across amphibian life stages to further understand the vastly different infection patterns.

Prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of Uro-pathogens isolated from urine in a tertiary care hospital in Nigeria

Prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of Uro-pathogens isolated from urine in a tertiary care hospital in Nigeria

Asymptomatic Group B Streptococcal infection, Antibiotic Sensitivity, Risk Factors and Pregnancy Outcome among Pregnant Women at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria

Background Streptococcus agalactiae or group B streptococcus (GBS), although a normal commensal, it is a leading cause of both maternal and neonatal sepsis. Objectives The study assessed the prevalence and sensitivity pattern of Group B Streptococcus, as well as the risk factors for infection and pregnancy outcome among pregnant women at the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria. Methods A prospective study among 152 pregnant women at the antenatal care clinic of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, selected by simple random sampling technique and relevant information was obtained using semi structured interviewer questionnaire. Swab samples were collected from the vagina and rectum for culture and further evaluation. The data was managed using SPSS software version 26 and the variables were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, and P- value &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Result The prevalence of Group B Streptococcal infection among respondents was 4.6%. The mean age was 26.97± 5.6 with a range of 16 to 39 years. The organism was 100 % sensitive to Levofloxacin, Gentamycin and Clindamycin, but 57.1 %, 28.6 % and 14.3 % sensitive to Erythromycin, Augmentin and Penicillin respectively. The spousal educational status was statistically associated with GBS infection at a P- Value 0.04. There was 1(0.7%) each of spontaneous miscarriage and a preterm birth at 36 weeks’ gestation. Conclusion Group B Streptococcal infection is relatively common in our environment, with a contrary susceptibility pattern. It is association with spousal educational status.

Research trends and hot topics of wearable sensors in wound care over past 18 years: A bibliometric analysis

ObjectiveThis study determined the development trends, analyzed collaboration networks, and identified research hotspots in the field of wearable sensors for wound care from 2007 to 2024 using a rigorous bibliometric analysis approach. MethodsBibliometric and scientometric analyses were performed utilizing data sourced from the Web of Science Core Collection database. This study examined publication trends, contributions from various countries and institutions, author productivity, keyword prevalence, and citation patterns to discern research hotspots and potential future avenues in the application of wearable sensors for wound care. ResultsThis study included 1177 articles, which demonstrated a marked increase in publications since 2016 and underscores the burgeoning interest in wearable sensors for wound care. China and the United States have emerged as prominent contributors to the research field, exhibiting numerous international collaborations. An analysis of keywords and citation bursts highlighted wound healing, hydrogels, and sensors as the key research foci with recent trends shifting towards the integration of wearable technology with advanced materials and artificial intelligence for advanced wound management. The research landscape is characterized by a diverse network of international collaborations and an emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches that integrate materials science, sensor technology, and clinical applications. ConclusionThe utilization of wearable sensors in wound care constitutes a rapidly progressing area of research, garnering significant interest and promising avenues for future advances. The integration of wearable sensors with advanced materials and AI technologies presents a frontier of opportunity for innovating wound care methodologies, enhancing patient outcomes, and optimizing the allocation of healthcare resources.

Prevalence And Antibiotic Resistance Patterns of Urinary Tract Infections in Menopausal Women

Prevalence And Antibiotic Resistance Patterns of Urinary Tract Infections in Menopausal Women

Patterns of beverages consumption and prevalence of non-communicable chronic diseases.

Beverages consumption influences diet quality in general and has been associated with the development of non-communicable chronic diseases (NCCD). We aimed to verify the association between beverage consumption patterns and the prevalence of NCCD. A cross-sectional household and population-based study was conducted with 489 individuals aged 20 years and older. The presence of NCCD (arterial hypertension, diabetes, cancer and hypercholesterolemia) was obtained by self-report, while obesity was diagnosed by measuring body weight, height and waist circumference. Beverage consumption patterns were obtained by principal component analysis. The association between beverages patterns and the prevalence of NCCD was verified using Poisson regression, expressed as prevalence ratio (PR) and adjusted for potential confounding factors. Three beverage patterns were identified: ‘ultra-processed beverages’, ‘alcoholic beverages’ and ‘healthy beverages’. Individuals with greater adherence to the Ultra-processed Beverages Pattern had a 2·77 times higher prevalence of cancer (PR: 3·77; 95 % CI 1·57, 9·07). Higher adherence to the Alcoholic Beverages Pattern was associated with a higher prevalence of obesity (PR: 1·97; 95 % CI 1·13, 3·44). In contrast, individuals in the second tertile of adherence to the Healthy Beverages Pattern had a 39 % lower prevalence of hypercholesterolemia (PR: 0·61; 95 % CI 0·40, 0·92), and individuals in the third tertile had a 10 % lower prevalence of abdominal obesity estimated by the waist-to-height ratio (PR: 0·90; 95 % CI 0·83, 0·97). Beverage consumption patterns may be associated with a higher prevalence of NCCD, regardless of other risk factors. It is therefore important to conduct more studies investigating the impact of beverages patterns on health.

Optimisation of cooling performance and water consumption of a solid desiccant-assisted indirect evaporative cooling system using response surface methodology

Solid desiccant-assisted dew-point indirect evaporative cooling (SD-DPIEC) systems have gained considerable attention as a potential eco-friendly alternative to vapour-compression cooling systems in building cooling applications. However, one major drawback of these systems is their substantial water consumption during evaporative cooling. To tackle this issue, this study aims to improve the cooling efficiency and water utilisation of an SD-DPIEC system using response surface methodology (RSM). This research focuses on optimising four key parameters: supply air temperature, humidity ratio, water consumption rate and coefficient of performance (COP). The independent variables encompass the ambient temperature, relative humidity, regeneration temperature, and recirculation air ratio. Employing a multi-objective optimisation approach via the desirability function, the optimised SD-DPIEC system is subsequently tested in two prevalent weather patterns in Australia. The results demonstrated that the regression models derived from RSM exhibited commendable predictive capability, with the determination coefficient R2 and Adequate Precision exceeding 0.97 and 40.46, respectively. The outcomes revealed that the system attained its optimal performance with a supply air temperature of 20.36 °C, humidity ratio of 12.56 g kg-1, a water consumption rate of 3.11 kg/hr, and COP of 2.03 under the ambient temperature of 33.79 °C, relative humidity of 68.48 %, regeneration temperature of 51.78 °C, and recirculation air ratio of 60 %. Based on the optimisation results, a case study was undertaken to evaluate the system's applicability in representative Australian climates. The results demonstrated that the system could uphold air conditions with the supply air temperature below 19 °C and humidity ratio below 11.51 g kg-1 under the studied Australian climates.

An investigation on hydrodynamic behavior of horizontal gas–liquid intermittent flow by S-PLIF and parallel-wire conductance sensors

Horizontal gas–liquid two-phase flows widely exist in a variety of industrial fields such as the environment, chemical industry and energy. Intermittent flow, characterized by the quasi-periodic alternation motion of liquid slugs and large-scale Taylor bubbles, is the most prevalent flow pattern in horizontal gas–liquid two-phase flows. Comprehensive research on the hydrodynamic behavior of gas–liquid intermittent flow is essential for revealing the mass and heat transfer characteristics between phases, thereby establishing physical models of flow parameters. In this study, a structured planar laser-induced fluorescence (S-PLIF) system and paired parallel-wire conductance sensors (PWCSs) are designed to detect the gas–liquid interface structures and the hydrodynamic parameters. The S-PLIF system consists of a laser, a visualization box, a Ronchi ruling-plate and a pair of high-speed cameras. An optical linear prism forms a laser sheet in the transverse direction and the middle of the test section, and the cameras are positioned at 70° and 90° respectively to the plane of the laser sheet, referred to as S-PLIF70 and S-PLIF90. Under the laser excitation, bright and dark stripes generated by the Ronchi ruling-plate are deflected at the gas–liquid interface. The influence of total reflection can be effectively avoided by identifying the deflection position of the stripes, allowing for accurate detection of the gas–liquid interfacial structures. The effects of the interface fluctuations and detached bubbles on the S-PLIF70&90 results are investigated. Fluctuation and evolution characteristics of the gas–liquid interface are analyzed by probability density function (PDF) and power spectral density (PSD). Meanwhile, hydrodynamic parameters, i.e., Taylor bubble nose and tail velocity, Taylor bubble and slug length, and slug frequency, are detected by the PWCSs, and compared with previous correlations. The evolution characteristics of the interfacial structures and hydrodynamic parameters are uncovered as the flow condition changes.

The overwhelming problem of childhood cancer in Mexico

Childhood cancer is the second cause of mortality of the population between 4 and 15 years. More than 20 million new cases of cancer in the world are expected by the year 2025, and 80% of the load will be on countries of low to middle income. In the past two decades, significant changes have been observed in patterns of incidence, prevalence, survival, and childhood cancer mortality in Mexico. An extensive review of all the published studies in Mexico by various health institutions revealed a steady 18-year trend of 150 new cases/million/year. The prevalence showed that acute leukemias constitute a 50% of all childhood cancer cases, followed by lymphoma (Hodkin and non-Hodgkin), and primary malignant brain tumors. A significant survival rate was observed in 8 thousand children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia with an overall 5-year survival rate of 62%, with a range of 45 to 73%. The national mortality rate for all types of cancer was 5.2/100,000/year, which is higher than what is reported in most middle-income countries. In the face of the current results, the need arises to modify how we approach this group of diseases by integrating a socio-educational healthcare of the Mexican children who are currently treated under unfavorable conditions. The current sanitary authorities must be aware of the importance of the transmission and adjustment of the care received by children with these diseases at a national level, to be in line with international standards. KEYWORDS: Childhood Cancer, Morbidity, Mortality, leukemia, lymphoma

Prevalence and population genetic analyses of parasites in invasive Vespa velutina and native Hymenoptera

Invasive species pose a threat to the ecological balance of the ecosystems they invade by altering local host-pathogen dynamics. To investigate these relationships and their potential consequences, we examined the prevalence and genetic diversity patterns of Trypanosomatidae, Lipotrophidae, and Nosematidae in a collection of sympatric isolates of the invasive hornet Vespa velutina and local Hymenoptera from two recently colonized areas: Europe and South Korea. Data were gathered through PCR amplification and massive parallel sequencing, and analyses were conducted using population genetics tools. Parasite prevalences showed substantial variation depending on (i) the parasite family (Trypanosomatidae and Nosematidae were the most and less prevalent, respectively), (ii) location (e.g. Galicia displayed the highest pooled values), (iii) the season (highest in spring for Trypanosomatidae and Lipotrophidae), and (iv) the host. V. velutina exhibited significantly lower parasite occurrence than native Hymenoptera across all parasite families (consistent with the enemy release hypothesis), although this difference was less pronounced during the periods of heightened predatory activity, suggestive of trophic transmission. Parasite species displayed significant genetic differentiation between European and South Korean isolates, yet no differentiation was observed across hosts, suggesting that all Hymenoptera are exposed to a common local pathogen population. There was no indication that V. velutina acted as a carrier of foreign parasites to the invaded territories.