Prevalence Of Infectious Diseases Research Articles

Markov modeling on dynamic state space for genetic disorders and infectious diseases with mutations: Probabilistic framework, parameter estimation, and applications

Abstract The emergence and dynamic prevalence of genetic disorders and infectious diseases with mutations pose significant challenges for public health interventions. This study investigated the parameter estimation approach and the application of the dynamic state-space Markov modeling of these conditions. Using extensive simulations, the model demonstrated robust parameter estimation performance, with biases and mean-squared errors decreasing as sample size increased. Applying the model to COVID-19 data revealed distinct temporal patterns for each variant, highlighting their unique emergence, peak dominance, and decline or persistence trajectories. Despite the absence of clear trends in the data, the model exhibited a remarkable accuracy in predicting future prevalence trends for most variants, showcasing its potential for real-time monitoring and analysis. While some discrepancies were observed for specific variants, these findings suggest the model’s promise as a valuable tool for informing public health strategies. Further validation with larger datasets and exploration of incorporating additional factors hold the potential for enhancing the model’s generalizability and applicability to other evolving diseases.

Current landscape of exosomes in tuberculosis development, diagnosis, and treatment applications

Tuberculosis (TB), caused by the bacterial pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), remains one of the most prevalent and deadly infectious diseases worldwide. Currently, there are complex interactions between host cells and pathogens in TB. The onset, progression, and regression of TB are correlated not only with the virulence of MTB but also with the immunity of TB patients. Exosomes are cell-secreted membrane-bound nanovesicles with lipid bilayers that contain a variety of biomolecules, such as metabolites, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Exosome-mediated cell−cell communication and interactions with the microenvironment represent crucial mechanisms through which exosomes exert their functional effects. Exosomes harbor a wide range of regulatory roles in physiological and pathological conditions, including MTB infection. Exosomes can regulate the immune response, metabolism, and cellular death to remodel the progression of MTB infection. During MTB infection, exosomes display distinctive profiles and quantities that may act as diagnostic biomarkers, suggesting that exosomes provide a revealing glimpse into the evolving landscape of MTB infections. Furthermore, exosomes derived from MTB and mesenchymal stem cells can be harnessed as vaccine platforms and drug delivery vehicles for the precise targeting and treatment of TB. In this review, we highlight the functions and mechanisms through which exosomes influence the progression of TB. Additionally, we unravel the critical significance of exosomal constituents in the diagnosis and therapeutic applications of TB, aiming to offer novel perspectives and strategies for combating TB.

Molecular characterization of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein

Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly prevalent and potent infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Until now, the world is still endeavoring to develop new ways to diagnose and treat COVID-19. At present, the clinical prevention and treatment of COVID-19 mainly targets the spike protein on the surface of SRAS-CoV-2. However, with the continuous emergence of SARS-CoV-2 Variants of concern (VOC), targeting the spike protein therapy shows a high degree of limitation. The Nucleocapsid Protein (N protein) of SARS-CoV-2 is highly conserved in virus evolution and is involved in the key process of viral infection and assembly. It is the most expressed viral structural protein after SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans and has high immunogenicity. Therefore, N protein as the key factor of virus infection and replication in basic research and clinical application has great potential research value. This article reviews the research progress on the structure and biological function of SARS-CoV-2 N protein, the diagnosis and drug research of targeting N protein, in order to promote researchers’ further understanding of SARS-CoV-2 N protein, and lay a theoretical foundation for the possible outbreak of new and sudden coronavirus infectious diseases in the future.

Combating antimicrobial resistance in malaria, HIV and tuberculosis.

Antimicrobial resistance poses a significant threat to the sustainability of effective treatments against the three most prevalent infectious diseases: malaria, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and tuberculosis. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop novel drugs and treatment protocols capable of reducing the emergence of resistance and combating it when it does occur. In this Review, we present an overview of the status and underlying molecular mechanisms of drug resistance in these three diseases. We also discuss current strategies to address resistance during the research and development of next-generation therapies. These strategies vary depending on the infectious agent and the array of resistance mechanisms involved. Furthermore, we explore the potential for cross-fertilization of knowledge and technology among these diseases to create innovative approaches for minimizing drug resistance and advancing the discovery and development of new anti-infective treatments. In conclusion, we advocate for the implementation of well-defined strategies to effectively mitigate and manage resistance in all interventions against infectious diseases.

Antibacterial activity of Kemloko fruit ethanol extract (Phyllanthus emblica L.) against Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA bacteria

Background: Indonesia is a tropical country, so the prevalence of infectious diseases caused by bacteria remains high. On the other hand, the high use of antibacterial ingredients in Indonesia causes bacterial resistance to existing antibacterial drugs. One of the herbal plants that some people widely use is Kemloko fruit. This study aimed to determine the activity of Kemloko fruit (Phyllanthus emblica L.) ethanol extract against the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria. Methods: Simplicia of Kemloko fruit were tested for secondary metabolites and characterization test of the simplicia. The antibacterial activity test was carried out using the diffusion method, where the disc paper was immersed in the test solution with the ratio of the test concentration. Results: The results of phytochemical screening showed that the secondary metabolite compounds of Kemloko fruit are alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, tannins, saponins, and glycosides. Antibacterial activity of ethanol extract of Kemloko fruit with agar diffusion method effectively inhibits S. aureus bacteria, namely at a concentration of 80 mg/ml, the inhibition zone is 14.1 mm, and at a concentration of 100 mg/ml, MRSA bacteria obtained an inhibition zone of 14.3 mm. Conclusions: The ethanol extract inhibits the growth of S. aureus and MRSA.

Inhibition of METTL3 Alleviates NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation via Increasing Ubiquitination of NEK7.

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification, installed by METTL3-METTL14 complex, is abundant and critical in eukaryotic mRNA. However, its role in oral mucosal immunity remains ambiguous. Periodontitis is a special but prevalent infectious disease characterized as hyperinflammation of oral mucosa and bone resorption. Here, it is reported that genetic deletion of Mettl3 alleviates periodontal destruction via suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Mechanistically, the stability of TNFAIP3 (also known as A20) transcript is significantly attenuated upon m6A modification. When silencing METTL3, accumulated TNFAIP3 functioning as a ubiquitin-editing enzyme facilitates the ubiquitination of NEK7 [NIMA (never in mitosis gene a)-related kinase 7], and subsequently impairs NLRP3 inflammasome assembly. Furtherly, Coptisine chloride, a natural small-molecule, is discovered as a novel METTL3 inhibitor and performs therapeutic effect on periodontitis. The study unveils a previously unknown pathogenic mechanism of METTL3-mediated m6A modifications in periodontitis and indicates METTL3 as a potential therapeutic target.

Exploring the Impact of Socioeconomic and Natural Factors on Pulmonary Tuberculosis Incidence in China (2013-2019) using Explainable Machine Learning: A Nationwide Study

Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) stands as a significant and prevalent infectious disease in China. Integrating 13 natural and socioeconomic factors, we conduct nine machine learning (ML) models alongside the Tree-Structured Parzen Estimator to predict the monthly PTB incidence rate from 2013 to 2019 in mainland China. With explainable ML techniques, our research highlights that population size, per capita GDP, and PM10 concentration emerge as the primary determinants influencing the PTB incidence rate. We delineate both the independent and interactive impacts of these factors on the PTB incidence rate. Furthermore, crucial thresholds associated with factors influencing the PTB incidence rate are identified. Taking factors that have a positive effect on reducing the incidence rate of PTB as an example, the thresholds at which the effects of factors PM2.5, PM10, O3, and RH on the incidence rate change from increase to decrease are 105.5 μg/m3, 75.5 μg/m3, 90.8 μg/m3, and 72.3% respectively. Our work will contribute valuable insights for public health interventions.

Bayesian Estimation of the Time-Varying Reproduction Number for Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Iran: A Registry-Based Study from 2018 to 2022 Using New Smear-Positive Cases

IntroductionTuberculosis (TB) is one of the most prevalent infectious diseases in the world, causing major public health problems in developing countries. The rate of TB incidence in Iran was estimated to be 13 per 100,000 in 2021. This study aimed to estimate the reproduction number and serial interval for pulmonary tuberculosis in Iran. Material and MethodsThe present national historical cohort study was conducted from March 2018 to March 2022 based on data from the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Registration Center of Iran's Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MOHME). The study included 30,762 tuberculosis cases and 16,165 new smear-positive pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Iran. We estimated the reproduction number of pulmonary tuberculosis in a Bayesian framework, which can incorporate uncertainty in estimating it. Statistical analyses were accomplished in R software. ResultsThe mean age at diagnosis of patients was 52.3±21.2 years, and most patients were in the 35–63 age group (37.1%). Among the data, 9,121 (56.4%) cases were males, and 7,044 (43.6%) were females. Among patients, 7,459 (46.1%) had a delayed diagnosis between 1 and 3 months. Additionally, 3,039 (18.8%) cases were non-Iranians, and 2,978 (98%) were Afghans. The time-varying reproduction number for pulmonary tuberculosis disease was calculated at an average of 1.06±0.05 (95% Crl 0.96–1.15). ConclusionsIn this study, the incidence and the time-varying reproduction number of pulmonary tuberculosis showed the same pattern. The mean of the time-varying reproduction number indicated that each infected person is causing at least one new infection over time, and the chain of transmission is not being disrupted.

Fourteen-year trends in overweight, general obesity, and abdominal obesity in Amazonian indigenous peoples.

Available data show that the epidemiological profile of most indigenous Brazilian populations is characterized by the coexistence of long-standing health problems (high prevalence of infectious and parasitic diseases, malnutrition, and deficiency diseases, such as anemia in children and women of reproductive age), associated with new health problems, especially those related to obesity (hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus and dyslipidemia). Based on this scenario, this study analyzed the nutritional profile of the adult population of seven indigenous peoples from the Brazilian Amazon in the years 2007 and 2021. A total of 598 adults individuals were analyzed in 2007 (319 women and 279 men) and 924 in 2021 (483 women and 441 men), from seven indigenous peoples located in the state of Pará, who were assisted during health actions carried out in 2007 and in 2021. Body mass index classification used the World Health Organization criteria for adults: low weight, < 18.5kg/m2; normal weight, ≥ 18.5 and < 25kg/m2); overweight, ≥ 25 and < 30kg/m2, and obesity, ≥ 30kg/m2. A waist circumference (WC) < 90cm in men and < 80cm in women was considered normal. The data revealed heterogeneous anthropometric profiles, with a low prevalence of nutritional changes in the Araweté, Arara and Parakanã peoples, and high proportions of excess weight and abdominal obesity in the Kararaô, Xikrin do Bacajá, Asurini do Xingu and Gavião peoples, similar to or even higher than the national averages. Different stages of nutritional transition were identified in the indigenous peoples analyzed, despite apparently having been subjected to the same environmental pressures that shaped their nutritional profile in recent decades, which may indicate different genetic susceptibilities to nutritional changes. The evidence shown in this study strongly suggests the need to investigate in greater depth the genetic and environmental factors associated with the nutritional profile of Brazilian indigenous peoples, with assessment of diet, physical activity and sociodemographic and socioeconomic variables that enable the development of appropriate prevention and monitoring measures.

Predominance of A2063G mutant strains in the Mycoplasma pneumoniae epidemic in children–a clinical and epidemiological study in 2023 in Wuhan, China

ObjectivesThe prevalence of respiratory infectious diseases has changed in the post Covid-19 epidemic era, and mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) infection in children has attracted wide attention. MethodsChildren hospitalized for pneumonia in Wuhan, China, in 2023 were enrolled. Respiratory secretions were obtained for the targeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS) including mutation of MP. Pulmonary inflammation was divided into bronchopneumonia and pulmonary consolidation/atelectasis according to lung CT imaging. ResultsOf the 667 pediatric pneumonia, 478 were MP positive (72%). The positive rate of MP detected by tNGS increased from April, and MP had become the primary pathogen of pneumonia in children in year 2023. The 23S rRNA mutations were all A2063G, accounting for 85% of detected MP. The clinical symptoms of the mutant and wild type strains were similar, with half of them experiencing atelectasis and lung consolidation. Early bronchoscopic lavage combined with azithromycin in pediatric pulmonary consolidation was an effective therapy strategy, which could be an alternative selection to MPP treatment. ConclusionA2063G mutant strain MP was the primary pathogen of mycoplasma pneumoniae in children recently, which was often complicated by extra-pulmonary symptoms and complications.

Safety, pharmacokinetics, and food-effect of pivmecillinam after single- and multiple-dose in healthy Chinese subjects: a phase I study.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most prevalent bacterial infectious diseases worldwide. However, the resistance of urinary pathogens to other UTI antibiotics such as trimethoprim and trimethoprim/sulphamethoxazole increased. Pivmecillinam is a prodrug of mecillinam, which is effective for the treatment of urinary tract infections. The purpose of this study was to assess the safety, and pharmacokinetics of pivmecillinam and mecillinam after single- and multiple-dose oral administration of pivmecillinam tablets in healthy Chinese subjects. The study also investigated the profile of urinary excretion of mecillinam, as well as the effect of food and gender on the pharmacokinetics of pivmecillinam and mecillinam. This study was a single-center, open-label phase I study carried out in three groups. In total, 34 subjects were included in the study: group 1-food effect study with pivmecillinam 200mg (n = 12); group 2-single- and multiple-dose study with pivmecillinam 400mg (n = 12); group 3-single dose study with pivmecillinam 600mg (n = 10). The plasma and urine concentrations of pivmecillinam and mecillinam were measured, and their pharmacokinetics were calculated. Treatment-emergent adverse events were evaluated and recorded in safety assessments for three groups. No severe adverse events were found in this study. After a single dose of pivmecillinam was taken orally, the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of pivmecillinam increased in a dose-proportional manner, nor did mecillinam. Food had significant effects on Cmax and AUC0-t of pivmecillinam and Cmax of mecillinam. The mean cumulative percentage of urine excretion of mecillinam at 0 to 24h ranged from 35.5 to 44.0%. Urinary cumulative excretion is relative to the drug dose, but the diet and multiple-dose administration did not affect the urinary cumulative excretion rate. The safety and pharmacokinetics of pivmecillinam and mecillinam after single- (200/400/600mg) or multiple-dose (400mg) administration were demonstrated in healthy Chinese subjects. Food affected the pharmacokinetics of pivmecillinam and mecillinam.

Retrospective Analysis of Tuberculosis Epidemiology in Okara, Pakistan

Tuberculosis, commonly called T.B., is a persistent bacterial illness attributed to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tuberculosis (T.B.) is a prevalent infectious disease that results in millions of deaths each year, particularly in low-income countries. A retrospective study was conducted between December 1, 2022, and April 30, 2023. Sputum smear microscopy was performed on all individuals suspected of having the T.B. condition. Out of the entire pool of 711 cases under suspicion, 227 cases, which accounts for 31.93% of the total, were confirmed positive for Tuberculosis. The male population is more susceptible to T.B. infection than their female counterparts, with a distribution of 59.47% and 40.53%, respectively. The age group of 30-44 years exhibited the highest rate of pulmonary tuberculosis cases at 24.67%, whereas the age group of 60-74 years recorded the highest percentage of cases at 25.56%. Based on our research, it was determined that the incidence of Tuberculosis exhibited a statistically significant increase within the overall populace of Okara District. The objective of the present study was to examine the Prevalence of Tuberculosis (T.B.) infection and raise awareness among the population regarding T.B. infection in the Okara district of Punjab, Pakistan. Effective disease control and elimination require appropriate management, diagnosis, treatment, and public consciousness.

Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of urinary tract infections causing bacterial isolates and associated risk factors among HIV patients in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

BackgroundUrinary tract infections, a prevalent global infectious disease, are clinical issues not well studied in HIV-positive individuals. UTIs have become a global drug resistance issue, but the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of UTI-causing bacteria among HIV patients in Tigray, Ethiopia, are poorly understood. This study aims to identify the prevalence of UTI-causing bacteria, their antibiotic susceptibility patterns, and associated risk factors in HIV patients attending ART clinics at Mekelle General Hospital and Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia.MethodClean-catch midstream urine samples (10–15 mL) were collected from HIV patients who are attending ART clinics at Mekelle General Hospital and Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. Samples were analyzed based on standard microbiological protocols using cysteine-lactose electrolyte deficient (CLED) agar. Pure colonies of bacterial isolates were obtained by sub-culturing into Mac-Conkey, Manitol Salt agar and blood agar plates. The bacterial isolates were then identified using macroscopic, microscopic, biochemical, and Gram staining methods. Gram-negative bacteria were identified using biochemical tests like triple sugar iron agar, Simon’s citrate agar, lysine iron agar, urea, motility test, and indol test, whereas Gram-positive isolates were identified using catalase and coagulase tests. The Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion technique was used to analyze the antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of bacterial isolates. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25.0.ResultsAmong the 224 patients, 28 (12.5%) of them had been infected by UTIs-causing bacteria. E. coli was the dominant bacterium (16 (57%)) followed by K. pneumoniae (4 (14%)), and S. aureus (3 (11%)). Of the total bacterial isolates, 22 (78.6%) of them developed multi-drug resistance. All Gram-positive (100%) and 75% of Gram-negative bacterial isolates were found to be resistant to two or more drugs. Patients with a history of UTIs, and with CD4 count < 200 cells/ mm3, were more likely to have significant bacteriuria. Compared to male patients, female patients were more affected by the UTIs-causing bacteria. More than 93% of the UTIs-causing bacterial isolates were susceptible to nitrofurantoin, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, and gentamycin; whereas they are highly resistant to ampicillin (96%), cotrimoxazole (82%) and tetracycline (71%).ConclusionsMost of the bacterial isolates were highly resistant to ampicillin, cotrimoxazole, and tetracycline. Female patients were more affected by the UTIs causing bacteria. The highest prevalence (12.5%) of UTIs in HIV patients needs special attention for better management and monitoring. Previous UTI history and immune suppression are predictors of UTIs, highlighting the need for intervention measures involving molecular studies to identify resistant bacteria genes and promote patient immune reconstitution.

Changes in transfusion-transmissible infection prevalence and demographics among US blood donors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the US blood supply. We compared blood donor demography and infectious disease prevalence before and during the pandemic using a large multicenter database. Data were categorized as "Before COVID-19" (March 2018-February 2020) or "During COVID-19" (March 2020-February 2022). Donor demographics, donation frequency, and infectious marker prevalence of HIV, HBV, and HCV were compared for the two time periods. The odds of a donor testing positive for these infections among the two time periods were calculated using multivariable logistic regression. Our study assessed a total of 26,672,213 donations including 13,430,380 before and 13,241,833 during COVID-19. There were significantly more donations from donors who were female, aged 40 and older, white, and repeat, during COVID-19. Donation frequency comparison quantified the increase in donations from donors who were white, female, older, and repeat during the pandemic. The prevalence of HIV and HCV decreased significantly during COVID-19 compared to before, but not for HBV. For HIV, the adjusted odds of infection during the pandemic did not differ but for HBV, the odds were significantly more likely during the pandemic and were significantly lower for HCV. Demographics and infectious disease marker prevalence changed during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States. Prevalence of each infection in the donor population will continue to be monitored to determine if changes were specific to the pandemic period.

Screening of Asymptomatic Urinary Tract Infection among School Childrens through Dipstick and Microscopic Examination

Background: Urinary tract infections (UTI) are among the most prevalent pediatric infectious diseases, leading to substantial healthcare utilization including hospitalization and antibiotic therapy. Despite the asymptomatic nature of many pediatric UTIs, these infections can contribute to significant morbidity if left undiagnosed and untreated, including the development of chronic kidney disease. Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of asymptomatic UTIs in school-going children and to evaluate the effectiveness of dipstick and microscopic urinalysis as diagnostic tools. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 67 asymptomatic school-aged children in the district of Nowshera, KP. Urine samples were analyzed using urine dipstick tests followed by microscopic examination to detect the presence of pyuria, hematuria, and proteinuria. The study excluded children previously diagnosed with UTI or any other infectious disease. SPSS version 25 was utilized for data analysis, with results presented in descriptive statistics. Results: Of the total children screened, 40 (59.7%) were male, and 27 (40.3%) were female. Age distribution was split between 3 to 7 years (25.4%) and 8 to 15 years (74.6%). The dipstick and microscopic examinations revealed UTI positivity in 46 children (68.7%). Specifically, pyuria was detected in 32.83%, hematuria in 32.83%, and proteinuria in 18% of the screened children. Conclusion: The study highlights the high prevalence of asymptomatic UTIs among school children and emphasizes the necessity for routine urine examinations as an integral component of pediatric healthcare to prevent future complications. Furthermore, dipstick and microscopic analyses were validated as efficient diagnostic tools for early detection of UTIs.

Effect of nanoformulation Azadirachta indica on some factors associated with the vectorial capacity and competence of Anopheles aquasalis experimentally infected with Plasmodium vivax

Malaria remains a highly prevalent infectious disease worldwide, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Effectively controlling of mosquitoes transmitting of Plasmodium spp. is crucial in to control this disease. A promising strategy involves utilizing plant-derived products, such as the Neem tree (Azadirachta indica), known for its secondary metabolites with biological activity against various insect groups of agricultural and public health importance. This study investigated the effects of a nanoformulation prototype Neem on factors linked to the vector competence of Anopheles aquasalis, a malaria vector in Latin America. Different concentrations of the nanoformulation were supplied through sugar solution and blood feeding, assessing impacts on longevity, fecundity, fertility, and transgenerational survival from larvae to adults. Additionally, the effects of the Neem nanoformulation and NeemAZAL® formulation on the sporogonic cycle of P. vivax were evaluated.Overall, significant impacts were observed at 100 ppm and 1,000 ppm concentrations on adult survival patterns and on survival of the F1 generation. A trend of reduced oviposition and hatching rates was also noted in nanoformulation-consuming groups, with fertility and fecundity declining proportionally to the concentration. Additionally, a significant decrease in the infection rate and intensity of P. vivax was observed in the 1,000 ppm group, with a mean of 3 oocysts per female compared to the control's 27 oocysts per female. In the commercial formulation, the highest tested concentration of 3 ppm yielded 5.36 oocysts per female. Concerning sporozoite numbers, there was a reduction of 52 % and 87 % at the highest concentrations compared to the control group. In conclusion, these findings suggest that the A. indica nanoformulation is a potential as a tool for malaria control through reduction in the vector longevity and reproductive capacity, possibly leading to decreased vector population densities. Moreover, the nanoformulation interfered with the sporogonic development of P. vivax. However, further basic research on Neem formulations, their effects, and mechanisms of action is imperative to gain a more specific perspective for safe field implementation.

Air Pollution and Respiratory Infectious Diseases

Recent research suggests that short-term exposure to air pollution is associated with an elevated prevalence of respiratory infectious disease. In this paper, we examine the relationship between the air quality index and weekly cases of COVID-19 and influenza-like illnesses (ILI) in the United States. We address potential bias from omitted variables and measurement error with an instrumental variable approach using atmospheric temperature inversions. Unlike other recent studies, we find no relationship between air quality and either COVID-19 or ILI cases.

Outcomes of Total Hip Arthroplasty Performed for HIV-Associated Osteonecrosis in China: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

In the post-epidemic era, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) remains one of the most prevalent and detrimental infectious diseases worldwide. The incidence of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) in AIDS patients is 100 times higher than that in healthy individuals. Although Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) is ultimately necessary for most patients, there is still a dearth of evidence regarding its safety and efficacy in Chinese AIDS patients. The clinical data of 49 patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were retrospectively analyzed. Simultaneously, we categorized patients whose hemoglobin and albumin met a specific threshold as the optimized group and performed group comparisons. There are statistical differences in Harris score and VAS score pre- and post-operation, with a low overall complication rate. Notably, no disparities were observed between the optimized group and the partial optimized group in terms of overall conditions, laboratory examination indicators, severity of ONFH, surgical outcomes, surgical complications, pain perception or functional limitations. Furthermore, no correlation was found between CD4+ T lymphocytes and hemoglobin levels, albumin levels, white blood cell count, or platelet count. THA is safe and effective in Chinese AIDS patients with ONFH. However, optimal treatment has limited efficacy in AIDS patients undergoing THA for ONFH. The reconsideration and evaluation of the predictive value of CD4+ T lymphocytes for postoperative complications in joint replacement procedures is warranted.

Members of the paralogous gene family 12 from the Lyme disease agent Borrelia burgdorferi are non-specific DNA-binding proteins.

Lyme disease is the most prevalent vector-borne infectious disease in Europe and the USA. Borrelia burgdorferi, as the causative agent of Lyme disease, is transmitted to the mammalian host during the tick blood meal. To adapt to the different encountered environments, Borrelia has adjusted the expression pattern of various, mostly outer surface proteins. The function of most B. burgdorferi outer surface proteins remains unknown. We determined the crystal structure of a previously uncharacterized B. burgdorferi outer surface protein BBK01, known to belong to the paralogous gene family 12 (PFam12) as one of its five members. PFam12 members are shown to be upregulated as the tick starts its blood meal. Structural analysis of BBK01 revealed similarity to the coiled coil domain of structural maintenance of chromosomes (SMC) protein family members, while functional studies indicated that all PFam12 members are non-specific DNA-binding proteins. The residues involved in DNA binding were identified and probed by site-directed mutagenesis. The combination of SMC-like proteins being attached to the outer membrane and exposed to the environment or located in the periplasm, as observed in the case of PFam12 members, and displaying the ability to bind DNA, represents a unique feature previously not observed in bacteria.

Vaccination Motivators and Deterrents Among Undervaccinated Older Adults in North Dakota.

Despite increased risk of morbidity and mortality among older adults due to preventable infectious diseases such as influenza, shingles, pneumonia, and COVID-19, many forego receiving some, if not all, of these vaccinations. This study examines vaccination motivators and deterrents for undervaccinated older adults in North Dakota (ND). Adults aged 65+ in ND were mailed a survey (n = 901) with questions gauging vaccination behaviors and perceptions, with 132 of these indicating not receiving certain vaccinations. Further questions assessed reasons they have not been vaccinated against the following diseases: influenza, shingles, pneumonia, and COVID-19 (e.g., "Concerned about side effects", "Vaccines are dangerous", "I'm healthy and I do not need it") and what would make it more likely to get a vaccine (e.g., "More information", "Doctor recommendation", "Easy access to vaccines"). Reasons for remaining unvaccinated varied by vaccine. For influenza and pneumococcal vaccines, respondents were more likely to indicate they are healthy and do not need the vaccine. For shingles and COVID-19, respondents were more likely to indicate concerns about side effects. Factors reported to motivate increasing the likelihood of getting a vaccine were receiving a doctor recommendation, receiving more information, and having a vaccine provided at no cost. These results contribute to our understanding of vaccination behaviors among older adults and underscore specific issues around which to frame interventions tailored to increase vaccine uptake for this population.