Specific Infections Research Articles

Antibiofilm Activities of Borneol-Citral-Loaded Pickering Emulsions against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus in Physiologically Relevant Chronic Infection Models.

ABSTRACTPhytochemicals are promising antibacterials for the development of novel antibiofilm drugs, but their antibiofilm activity in physiologically relevant model systems is poorly characterized. As the host microenvironment can interfere with the activity of the phytochemicals, mimicking the complex environment found in biofilm associated infections is essential to predict the clinical potential of novel phytochemical-based antimicrobials. In the present study, we examined the antibiofilm activity of borneol, citral, and combinations of both as well as their Pickering emulsions against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in an in vivo-like synthetic cystic fibrosis medium (SCFM2) model, an in vitro wound model (consisting of an artificial dermis and blood components at physiological levels), and an in vivo Galleria mellonella model. The Pickering emulsions demonstrated an enhanced biofilm inhibitory activity compared to both citral and the borneol/citral combination, reducing the minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) values up to 2 to 4 times against P. aeruginosa PAO1 and 2 to 8 times against S. aureus P8-AE1 in SCMF2. In addition, citral, the combination borneol/citral, and their Pickering emulsions can completely eliminate the established biofilm of S. aureus P8-AE1. The effectiveness of Pickering emulsions was also demonstrated in the wound model with a reduction of up to 4.8 log units in biofilm formation by S. aureus Mu50. Furthermore, citral and Pickering emulsions exhibited a significant degree of protection against S. aureus infection in the G. mellonella model. The present findings reveal the potential of citral- or borneol/citral-based Pickering emulsions as a type of alternative antibiofilm candidate to control pathogenicity in chronic infection.IMPORTANCE There is clearly an urgent need for novel formulations with antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity, but while there are plenty of studies investigating them using simple in vitro systems, there is a lack of studies in which (combinations of) phytochemicals are evaluated in relevant models that closely resemble the in vivo situation. Here, we examined the antibiofilm activity of borneol, citral, and their combination as well as Pickering emulsions (stabilized by solid particles) of these compounds. Activity was tested against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in in vitro models mimicking cystic fibrosis sputum and wounds as well as in an in vivo Galleria mellonella model. The Pickering emulsions showed drastically increased antibiofilm activity compared to that of the compounds as such in both in vitro models and protected G. mellonella larvae from S. aureus-induced killing. Our data show that Pickering emulsions from phytochemicals are potentially useful for treating specific biofilm-related chronic infections.

CASE OF EMPYEMA CAUSED BY CLOSTRIDIUM BIFERMENTANS INFECTION

CASE OF EMPYEMA CAUSED BY CLOSTRIDIUM BIFERMENTANS INFECTION

Preparing for Transplant - Screening and Prophylaxis of Donor and Recipients before Solid Organ Transplantation

Infections are major cause of morbidity and mortality after transplantation. Although many infections are common worldwide, there are differences in various geographic locations. South Asia and India, in particular, has a very active transplant program for kidney and liver transplantation, however, there are no guidelines as how to screen and provide prophylaxis to solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients and donors for both specific infections prevalent in this region along with usual infections. Keeping this in mind, a working group was created comprising transplant physicians, surgeons, and infectious disease specialists from South Asia as well as experts from other countries. This working group developed guidelines based on published evidence, unpublished data from large centers in this region, along with expert opinion. This section of the guidelines deals with pretransplant screening of donors and recipients, which should be useful in dealing with transplants performed in this region for patients belonging to these countries, for those coming for transplantation from other countries, and for programs outside of South Asia who are screening donors and recipients from this region or who have spent significant time in this region.

Assessment of Specific and Non-specific Autoantibodies among Newly Diagnosed Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Sudanese Patients

Background: Pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes mellitus is associated with the presence of specific autoantibodies and viral infection. Herein we aim to assess specific and nonspecific autoantibodies in newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes mellitus patients. Materials and Methods: In this case-control study 200 subjects were enrolled, classified into 100 newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes mellitus patients ages ranged from 1 to 16 years old, and 100 apparently health control age matched group. Serum anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase/tyrosine Phosphatase 2 (anti-GAD/IA2), anti-tissue transglutaminase (anti-tTG) and antinuclear antibodies were measured. Results: Of 100, 62(62%) were males, and 38(38%) were females. Anti-GAD/IA2, anti-tTG, and antinuclear antibodies were found to be significantly higher in the case than in the control group. Anti-GAD/IA2 and anti-tTG were associated with higher risk of type 1 diabetes mellitus (OR= 5.44, P= 0.000) and (OR=5.82, P= 0.009) respectively. Conclusion: Anti-GAD/IA2, anti-tTG and antinuclear antibodies are higher in type 1 diabetes mellitus patients. Moreover, anti-GAD/IA2 and anti-tTG are associated with a high risk of type 1 diabetes mellitus.

ZnT2 Is Critical for TLR4-Mediated Cytokine Expression in Colonocytes and Modulates Mucosal Inflammation in Mice.

A wide range of microbial pathogens can enter the gastrointestinal tract, causing mucosal inflammation and infectious colitis and accounting for most cases of acute diarrhea. Severe cases of infectious colitis can persist for weeks, and if untreated, may lead to major complications and death. While the molecular pathogenesis of microbial infections is often well-characterized, host-associated epithelial factors that affect risk and severity of infectious colitis are less well-understood. The current study characterized functions of the zinc (Zn) transporter ZnT2 (SLC30A2) in cultured HT29 colonocytes and determined consequences of ZnT2 deletion in mice on the colonic response to enteric infection with Citrobacter rodentium. ZnT2 in colonocytes transported Zn into vesicles buffering cytoplasmic Zn pools, which was important for Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) expression, activation of pathogen-stimulated NF-κβ translocation and cytokine expression. Additionally, ZnT2 was critical for lysosome biogenesis and bacterial-induced autophagy, both promoting robust host defense and resolution mechanisms in response to enteric pathogens. These findings reveal that ZnT2 is a novel regulator of mucosal inflammation in colonocytes and is critical to the response to infectious colitis, suggesting that manipulating the function of ZnT2 may offer new therapeutic strategies to treat specific intestinal infections.

Regulation of cGAS/STING signaling and corresponding immune escape strategies of viruses.

Innate immunity is the first line of defense against invading external pathogens, and pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) are the key receptors that mediate the innate immune response. Nowadays, there are various PRRs in cells that can activate the innate immune response by recognizing pathogen-related molecular patterns (PAMPs). The DNA sensor cGAS, which belongs to the PRRs, plays a crucial role in innate immunity. cGAS detects both foreign and host DNA and generates a second-messenger cGAMP to mediate stimulator of interferon gene (STING)-dependent antiviral responses, thereby exerting an antiviral immune response. However, the process of cGAS/STING signaling is regulated by a wide range of factors. Multiple studies have shown that viruses directly target signal transduction proteins in the cGAS/STING signaling through viral surface proteins to impede innate immunity. It is noteworthy that the virus utilizes these cGAS/STING signaling regulators to evade immune surveillance. Thus, this paper mainly summarized the regulatory mechanism of the cGAS/STING signaling pathway and the immune escape mechanism of the corresponding virus, intending to provide targeted immunotherapy ideas for dealing with specific viral infections in the future.

Comparative analysis of two genomes of Chlamydia pecorum isolates from an Alpine chamois and a water buffalo

BackgroundTo date, whole genome sequencing has been performed mainly for isolates of Chlamydia trachomatis, C. pneumoniae, C. psittaci and C. abortus, but only a few isolates of C. pecorum have been entirely sequenced and this makes it difficult to understand its diversity and population structure. In this study the genome of two C. pecorum strains isolated from the lung of an Alpine chamois affected with pneumonia (isolate PV7855) and the brain of a water buffalo affected with meningoencephalomyelitis (isolate PV6959), were completely sequenced with MiSeq system (Illumina) and analyzed in their most polymorphic regions.ResultsThe genome length and GC content of the two isolates were found to be consistent with other C. pecorum isolates and the gene content of polymorphic membrane proteins and plasticity zone was found to be very similar. Some differences were observed in the phospholipase genes for both isolates and in the number of genes in the plasticity zone, such as the presence of some hypothetical proteins in PV6959, not present in any other genomes analyzed in this study. Interestingly, PV6959 possesses an extra pmp and has an incomplete tryptophan biosynthesis operon. Plasmids were detected in both isolates.ConclusionsGenome sequencing of the two C. pecorum strains did not reveal differences in length and GC content despite the origin from different animal species with different clinical disease. In the plasticity zone, the differences in the genes pattern might be related to the onset of specific symptoms or infection of specific hosts. The absence of a tryptophan biosynthesis pathway in PV6959 may suggest a strict relationship between C. pecorum and its host.

An Observational Cross-sectional Single Arm Trial and Perspective Study of Siddha Diagnostic Tool Neerkuri and Neikuri (Uroscopy) in COVID-19 Patients

Aim: Siddha diagnostic method neerkuri includes the visual observation of urine directly or by adding one drop of gingelly oil on the urine surface. The study is an effort to understand the non-invasive affordable Siddha method of identifying pathological disorders, which may be used for both diagnostic and prognostic purposes in COVID cases. The present aim is to observe the changes in the urine before and after the Siddha fixed treatment regimen and validate the effectiveness of neerkuri-neikuri urine test mentioned in Siddha texts.
 Presentation of Case: This study was conducted among ten patients with SARS-CoV2 infection admitted in Kokila Siddha Hospital and Research Centre, COVID-ward. They underwent modern tests as well as Siddha diagnostic test neerkuri-neikuri and the results interpreted. For adequate assessment, the entire procedure was captured in the form of video clips.
 Discussion: The foundation of neerkuri-neikuri is one of the Envagaithervu (Eight-fold assessment) of Siddha diagnosis based on three humor theory, fundamental physiology and it alter with specific infection. The neerkuri-neikuri tests are rational criteria that are comprehensive to understand one's health and illness status based on Siddha physiopathology.
 Conclusion: After the administration of the Siddha intervention, the neerkuri-neikuri test results also showed good improvement along the clinical symptoms and modern laboratory parameters of patient tests. The prognostic clinical findings and modern test results were also simultaneously reflected in the neerkuri-neikuri tests. After the completion of Siddha treatment, the neikuri patterns also reached single kabha humor in muthu (pearl), vatha humor in aravu(snake) and sangu (conch-shell) patterns from three humor state, which indicated a good prognosis.

Maternal infection during pregnancy and likelihood of autism and intellectual disability in children in Sweden: a negative control and sibling comparison cohort study

Maternal infections during pregnancy are associated with intellectual disability and autism in exposed children. Whether these associations are causal, and therefore should be targets of preventive strategies, remains unknown. We aimed to investigate these associations, to determine whether there is a causal role of maternal infection during pregnancy for children's risk of autism and intellectual disability, by accounting for unmeasured familial factors. We used a register-based cohort study design, and included children living in Stockholm County, Sweden, who were born in 1987-2010. We excluded children not born in Sweden, adopted children, and children with unknown biological mothers or fathers. Maternal infections during pregnancy, defined by ICD-8, ICD-9, and ICD-10 codes, were identified in the National Patient Register and Medical Birth Register. Children were followed up from birth to an outcome or a censoring event (death, migration from Stockholm, age 18 years, or Dec 31, 2016, whichever occurred first). The primary outcomes were diagnosis of autism or diagnosis of intellectual disability. We did a survival analysis to examine the association between inpatient and outpatient specialised care for any infection during pregnancy and likelihood of autism or intellectual disability in the child. To address potential residual confounding, we also estimated the relationship between maternal infection in the year preceding pregnancy as a negative control exposure and conducted a matched sibling analysis of sibling pairs who were discordant for autism or intellectual disability. 647 947 children living in Stockholm County were identified and, after excluding 97 980 children, we included 549 967 in the study (267 995 [48·7%] were female and 281 972 [51·3%] were male; mean age at censoring 13·5 years [SD 5·0; range <1 to 18]; 142 597 [25·9%] had a mother who was not born in Sweden). 445 (1·3%) of 34 013 children exposed to maternal infection during pregnancy were diagnosed with intellectual disability and 1123 (3·3%) with autism. 5087 (1·0%) of 515 954 unexposed children were diagnosed with intellectual disability and 13 035 (2·5%) with autism. Maternal infection during pregnancy was associated with autism (hazard ratio [HR] 1·16, 95% CI 1·09-1·23) and intellectual disability (1·37, 1·23-1·51) in exposed children compared with unexposed children. Maternal infection in the year before pregnancy (negative control exposure) was also associated with autism (HR 1·25, 95% CI 1·14-1·36), but was not associated with intellectual disability (1·09, 0·94-1·27). In sibling comparisons, the associations with maternal infection during pregnancy were attenuated for autism (HR 0·94, 95% CI 0·82-1·08; n=21 864), but not to the same extent for intellectual disability (1·15, 0·95-1·40; n=9275). Although infections in pregnant women are associated with both autism and intellectual disability in their children, the association with autism does not appear to reflect a causal relationship, but is more likely to be explained by factors shared between family members such as genetic variation or aspects of the shared environment. Thus, infection prevention is not expected to reduce autism incidence. For intellectual disability, unmeasured familial factors might not fully explain the observed associations, and a causal role of maternal infections cannot be excluded. Causal effects of specific but rare infections or infections not requiring health care contact cannot be excluded in either autism or intellectual disability. Swedish Research Council, Stanley Medical Research Institute, and Autism Speaks. For the Swedish translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

Systematic Review with Trial Sequential Analysis of Prophylactic Antibiotics for Acute Pancreatitis.

Background/Objectives: Prophylactic antibiotics (PAB) are being still widely used for treatment of acute pancreatitis (AP) despite trials showing no firm evidence of efficacy. We aimed to evaluate effects of PAB for AP in a meta-analysis and the need for further research by trial sequential analysis (TSA). Methods: Medline, Scopus and Web of Science were searched for randomized clinical trials. Primary outcomes were all infections and mortality. Secondary outcomes comprised infected pancreatic necrosis (IPN), specific infections, organ failure, surgical interventions, and length of hospital stay. Results: Twenty-one trials with 1383 pts were included. PAB were received by 703 pts, while 680 were controls. Mortality was similar with RR 0.85 (95% CI 0.66–1.10). Infections were significantly reduced (RR 0.60; 95% CI 0.49–0.74), mainly due to decreased risk of sepsis (RR 0.43; 95% CI 0.25–0.73) and urinary tract infections (RR 0.46; 95% CI 0.25–0.86). No significant reduction for IPN was shown (RR 0.81; 95% CI 0.63–1.04). Length of hospital stay was diminished by MD −6.65 (95% CI −8.86 to −4.43) days. TSA for all infections showed that the cumulative Z score crossed both conventional and monitoring boundaries at 526 pts from a heterogeneity-corrected required information size of 1113 pts based on a 40% incidence of infections in the control group, RRR of 30%, alpha 5%, beta 20%, and heterogeneity 56%. Conclusions: PABs decrease the rate of infections in AP, mainly due to RRR of extra-pancreatic infections, requiring no further research. No significant effect is shown on IPN and mortality, although firmer evidence is needed.

1 Viridans group streptococcal bacteraemia: species specific infection association, a 5 year retrospective cohort analysis

1 Viridans group streptococcal bacteraemia: species specific infection association, a 5 year retrospective cohort analysis

INTESTINAL PARASITE INFECTIONS AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS IN INHABITANTS OF THE CITY OF YAOUNDÉ, CAMEROON

Intestinal parasite infections are still prevalent in developing countries and in Cameroon where over 90% of the population is at high risk. To assess the distribution of intestinal parasitic infections and risk factors of the city of Yaoundé, both household and parasitological surveys were conducted from October to December 2019 among inhabitants of lowlands aged from 15 years and over. Stools samples were collected and screened for intestinal parasites presence using Kato Katz and Formol-Ether methods. Sociodemographic status, prevention measures against intestinal parasitic diseases and practices with increase exposition to risky environments were then recorded.&#x0D; A total of 229 participants (142 females: 62.0%; 87 males: 38.0%) were enrolled for the study, and 24.02% (55/229) were found infected by helminthes (ten species) and/or protozoans (one species). Participant infection rates and risk varied by parasite species and socio-demographic factors. Global risk analysis showed that age (OR ranges: 3.78-15.96), anti-parasitic drug consumption (OR: 2.53), eating behavior,,hygiene (OR: 22.4), occupation (OR ranges: 1.92-3.53) and type of toilets (OR: 3.4) were strongly associated with risk of infection by intestinal parasites. The risk increased in 15-30 years age group for A. lumbricoïdes, T. trichiura and Schistosoma mansoni, unpredictably in those washing their hands before meals for A. lumbricoïdes and H. nana, in respondents using antiparasitic drugs as auto-medication for H. nana and in those using traditional toilets for A. lumbricoïdes. However, other variables with high OR values (&gt; 5.0) might be potential risk factor for the occurrence of specific parasite infections. The study suggests the need for household sensitization and community actions including integrated environmental management as complement strategy to reduce intestinal parasite transmission in the city of Yaoundé.

Risk of infections in patients with NAFLD and Type 2 Diabetes under treatment with SGLT2 inhibitors and relationship with liver outcomes: A retrospective case-control study.

IntroductionNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent chronic liver disease in developed countries, with its incidence growing parallel to the epidemics of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are becoming a cornerstone in the management of cardiovascular health and some studies suggest the potential role in NAFLD. However, patients under treatment with SGLT2i are at risk of developing genitourinary fungal infections (GFIs). Moreover, both NAFLD and SGLT2i have a strong influence on the immune system, and therefore the risk of infections other than GFIs could be increased in NAFLD patients treated with SGLT2i. We aimed to examine the possible association of SGLT2i with infections and hepatic outcomes in NAFLD patients.MethodsWe conducted a case-control study including NAFLD patients with T2DM visited at the Liver Unit outpatient clinic from 2016 to 2021 with a minimum follow-up of 6 months by selecting 65 patients receiving SGLT2i and 130 matched patients with other types of antidiabetic treatment.ResultsDuring follow-up, GFIs were significantly higher in the SGLT2i group (15.4% vs. 3.8%; p=0.008), whereas there were no differences in the occurrence of overall infections (41.5% vs. 30%; p=0.1) nor in other types of specific infections. In the multivariable analysis, treatment with SGLT2i was not independently associated with higher odds of overall infection. On the other hand, SGLT2i patients showed a significantly lower incidence of hepatic events (1.5% vs. 10.7%; p=0.02). There were no significant different in all-cause mortality between cases and controls.ConclusionsNAFLD patients with T2DM receiving SGLT2i more frequently presented GFIs, whereas the incidence of other types of infections was not found to be higher than in other patients with NAFLD and T2DM treated with other drugs. Moreover, SGLT2i-treated patients had a lower occurrence of hepatic events. Further studies are warranted to validate our data.

Spectrum of Echocardiographic Findings in Patients with Severe and Critical COVID-19: A Single Center Experience

Introduction: Information on the cardiac manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is scarce. In this study we assessed the echocardiogram of consecutive patients with COVID-19 infection to assess the frequency of cardiac abnormalities. Materials and Methods: This retrospective descriptive study examined the echocardiographic study of 43 patients with severe and critical COVID-19 infection admitted at the ICU of Chitwan Medical College from May 16, 2021 to June 05, 2021. The study focused on left ventricle (LV) and right ventricle (RV) function. The results were then compared between severe and critical infections to examine if any differences exist between them. Results: The mean age of the study population was 54 years and predominately males. One-third were classified as critical COVID-19 while the remaining were severe COVID-19. Majority(83.7%) had a normal echocardiogram. Among the patients with abnormal reports, the distribution of echocardiographic pattern were biventricular dilation with biventricular dysfunction in two patients (4.6%), LV dialtion with LV dysfunction in two patients (4.6%) and isolated LV dysfunction (diastolic and systolic) in three patients (6.9%). None of the echocardiographic parameters were significantly different between the severe and the critical infection. Conclusion: COVID-19 in primarily a respiratory disease and the cardiac complications is largely attributed to the critical nature of the illness than the specific infection. Considering the risk of infection spread, routine echocardiography for all patients with COVID-19 infection is not advisable.

In Silico and In Vitro Screening Constituents of Eclipta alba Leaf Extract to Reveal Antimicrobial Potential.

Phytochemicals have been shown to possess multiple bioactives and have been reported to showcase many medicinal effects. A similar kind of evaluation of phytoconstituents for their antimicrobial action has been reported, based on in vitro and in silico data. The goal of the research was to explore bioactive phytoconstituents of Eclipta alba leaf for antimicrobial activity. The antimicrobial activity was validated by both molecular docking and antimicrobial assay. Bioactive metabolites were identified using GC-MS. The antimicrobial and antimycobacterial activity of Eclipta alba leaves was investigated using the Kirby–Bauer well diffusion method and the rapid culture—MGIT™ DST method against a variety of human pathogens, as well as Mycobacterium tuberculosis (H37Rv) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria resistant to isoniazid and rifampicin. Eclipta alba's GC-MS studies confirmed the detection of 17 bioactive constituents. The extract demonstrates the highest antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (sensitive), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (sensitive) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa susceptible and MRSA (sensitive) with zone of inhibition of 27 mm, 24 mm, and 32 mm respectively. The extract showed no effect on Mycobacterium tuberculosis (H37Rv) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria resistant to isoniazid and rifampicin in antimycobacterial activity testing. Molecular docking investigation revealed that three compounds (phthalic acid, isobutyl octadecyl ester, hexadecanoic acid, 1(hydroxymethyl)1,2-ethanediylester, and 2,myristynoyl pantetheine) have generated the best results in terms of binding energies and significant interactions with key residues of target protein 3-hydroxydecanoyl-acyl carrier protein dehydratase (FabA) and confirm its activity as antimicrobial inhibitors. These two-dimensional plots show significant protein-ligand binding interactions (van der Waals interactions, hydrogen bond, alkyl, and Pi-alkyl interactions). ADMET (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) results additionally support the drug-likeness characteristics of concluded potential compounds. The experimental and computational results demonstrated that methanolic extract of Eclipta alba leaves had antimicrobial effects for specific infections due to the presence of phytochemical compounds.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors for the treatment of sepsis:insights from preclinical and clinical development

Introduction Sepsis represents one-fifth of all deaths worldwide and is associated with huge costs. Regarding disease progression, it is now well established that sepsis induces a state of acquired immunosuppression, with an increased risk of secondary infections that contributes to patients’ worsening. Thus, tackling sepsis-induced immunosuppression represents a promising perspective. Areas covered Of mechanisms responsible for sepsis-induced immunosuppression, the increased expression of co-inhibitory receptors (aka immune checkpoint) such as PD-1, CTLA4, TIM-3, LAG-3 or BTLA and their ligands recently received considerable interest since their inhibition, thanks to the so-called checkpoint inhibitors (CPI), provided astonishing results in cancer by rebooting immune functions. This review reports on the first landmarks of these molecules in sepsis. We introduce them in terms of basic immunology in line with sepsis pathophysiology both in experimental models and observational works and assess the first human clinical studies. Expert opinion Preclinical results are positive and the first human clinical trials, although currently limited to the early phase, showed a beneficial effect on immunological functions and/or markers and suggested that tolerance of CPIs side effects, mainly auto-immune disorders, is acceptable in sepsis. Elsewhere, in some specific infections leading to ICU admission (or occurring during ICU stay), such as fungal infections, preliminary convincing case reports have been published. Overall, the first results regarding CPIs in sepsis appear encouraging. However, further efforts are warranted, especially in defining the right patients to be treated (i.e., in an individualized approach) and establishing the optimal time to start an immune restoration. Larger trials are now mandatory to confirm CPIs’ potential in sepsis.

Population differences in the completeness and reliability of COVID-19 registration data

SamenvattingDe complexe interactie tussen het beleid en de kwaliteit van registratiedata vormde tijdens de COVID-19-pandemie een uitdaging voor GGD-onderzoekers. Beleidskeuzen gericht op populatiespecifieke testlocaties en de selectieve registratieplicht van negatieve testresultaten leidden tot populatieverschillen in datakwaliteit. Populatieverschillen in de besmettingsgraad konden daardoor niet betrouwbaar worden vastgesteld. Dit belemmerde de ontwikkeling van relevante sturingsinformatie voor beleidsmakers in de publieke gezondheidssector.

Long-term human papillomavirus vaccination effectiveness and immunity in Rwandan women living with and without HIV: a study protocol

IntroductionProphylactic human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines have been shown to be highly effective in protecting women against cervical infections, high-grade abnormalities and cancer caused by the targeted HPV types. However, the...

"Late" effectors from Leptosphaeria maculans as tools for identifying novel sources of resistance in Brassica napus.

The Dothideomycete Leptosphaeria maculans, causing stem canker (blackleg) of Brassica napus, secretes different cocktails of effectors at specific infection stages. Some effectors (“Late” effectors) are specifically produced during the long asymptomatic phase of stem colonization. By manipulating their expression so that they are overexpressed during cotyledon infection (OEC transformants of the fungus), we previously postulated that resistance genes operating in the stem may be involved in gene‐for‐gene relationship and thus contribute to quantitative disease resistance (QDR). Here, we selected 10 relevant new effector genes, and we generated OEC transformants to screen a collection of 130 B. napus genotypes, representative of the available diversity in the species. Five B. napus accessions showed a typical hypersensitive response when challenged with effectors LmSTEE98 or LmSTEE6826 at the cotyledon stage, and all belong to the semi‐winter type of the diversity panel. In addition, five winter‐type genotypes displayed an intermediate response to another late effector, LmSTEE7919. These new interactions now have to be genetically validated to check that they also correspond to gene‐for‐gene interactions. In all cases, they potentially provide novel resources, easy to breed for, and accounting for part of the quantitative resistance in a species for which we are currently facing limited resistance sources.

Pharmacy Infection Control: Pharmacoepidemiology and infection control surveillance

PTB Reports,2022,8,2,77-83.DOI:10.5530/PTB.2022.8.10Published:July 2022Type:Review ArticleAuthors:Dr. Yousef Ahmed Alomi, Anhar Alyousef, Mohammed Mominul Islam, Nahed Rashid Alyami, Maha Hussein Almadany, and Fatimah Abdaziz Almana Author(s) affiliations:Dr. Yousef Ahmed Alomi*, BSc. Pharm, MSc. Clin Pharm, BCPS, BCNSP, DiBA, CDE Critical Care Clinical Pharmacists TPN Clinical Pharmacist, Freelancer Business Planner, Content Editor, and Data Analyst, Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA. Anhar Alyousef, Pharm D Innova Healthcare Company, Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA. Mohammed Mominul Islam, MBBS, MPH, MSc, Deputy Director, Department of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Tabuk, SAUDI ARABIA. Nahed Rashid Alyami, BSc, Mphil, BCPS, BCCCP, CPHQ Head of Clinical Pharmacy Unit, ID and ICU Senior Clinical Pharmacist, Jubail General Hospital, Jubail, SAUDI ARABIA. Maha Hussein Almadany, BSc. Pharm. Health Care Quality Management Professional Diploma (HCQM), Pharmacy Quality, Department King Salman bin Abdulaziz Medical City, Al Madina Al Monwarah, SAUDI ARABIA. Fatimah Abdaziz Almana, BSc, MSc, MSHA, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, SAUDI ARABIA. Abstract:Objectives: Pharmacoepidemiology and infection control surveillance is an initiative that provides insights into pharmacy infection control. It involves various guidelines and policies that must be followed to ensure the pharmacy environment and workplace are secured from infections. Different approaches have been considered for the measures to be effective. Documentation of pharmacy practices in every area of the pharmacy department is vital in controlling the pharmacy infections. This study aimed to explore the pharmacoepidemiology and infection control surveillance policy in pharmacy practice as a new initiative in Saudi Arabia. Methods: It is a narrative review of pharmacoepidemiology and infection control surveillance pharmacy practice. Litterateur searched. A literature search was performed using various databases, including PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar, about specific pharmacy practice infection control policies and procedures. The search period was from the 1960s until October 2021. The terms were in English and included narrative review, systemic review, metaanalysis, and guidelines across all hospitals and community pharmacy services. Moreover, the national and international guidelines of were searched that relates to the study objectives. The committee of pharmacy research formulated and consisted of various experts, including clinical pharmacists, drug information pharmacists, and infection control specialists. Some authors drafted the policy guidelines, and others reviewed and corrected them. The additional author, an infection control specialist, revised the final document. The study emphasizes the pharmacoepidemiology and infection control surveillance of the Pharmacy infection control policy. Results: The Pharmacoepidemiology and infection control surveillance policy consisted of pharmacoepidemiology and infection control surveillance steps in pharmacy practice. The pharmacoepidemiology and infection control surveillance contained multiple performances: infected prepared medications, type of bugs, and sensitivity patterns to medications. In addition to the number of spillage cleaning and needle-stick injuries, the number of cross-tarnsmission of infections. Besides, the search also included adherence to infection control guidelines. Conclusion: Pharmacoepidemiology and infection control surveillance policy is a new pharmacy infection prevention and control initiative. The pharmacoepidemiology and infection control surveillance policy enhances the infection control documentation system. Additionally, it encourages pharmacists to follow infection prevention and control regulations in various locations throughout the public and healthcare systems. Therefore, pharmacoepidemiology and infection control surveillance policies strongly recommend Saudi Arabian pharmacy pratices. Keywords:Control, Infection, Pharmacoepidemiology, Pharmacy, SurveillanceView:PDF (268.25 KB) PDF PDF Images Pharmacoepimedilogy and infection control surveillances steps flow chart.