Healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial use at a major referral hospital in Papua New Guinea: a point prevalence survey.

Background: Healthcare-associated infections (HAI) and antimicrobial use (AMU) are drivers for antimicrobial resistance, and robust data are required to inform interventions and track changes. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of HAI and AMU at Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH), the largest hospital in Papua New Guinea. Methods: We did a point prevalence survey (PPS) on HAI and AMU at PMGH in May 2023 using the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) PPS protocol. We included all critical care patients and randomly sampled half of the patients in other acute-care wards. We calculated weighted HAI and AMU prevalence estimates to account for this sampling strategy. Weighted HAI estimates were also calculated for an expanded definition that included physician diagnosis. Findings: Of 361 patients surveyed in 18 wards, the ECDC protocol identified 28 HAIs in 26 patients, resulting in a weighted HAI prevalence of 6.7% (95% CI: 4.6, 9.8). Surgical site infections (9/28, 32%) were the most common HAI. When adding physician diagnosis to the ECDC definitions, more skin and soft tissue, respiratory, and bloodstream HAIs were detected, and the weighted HAI prevalence was 12.4% (95% CI: 9.4, 16.3). The prevalence of AMU was 66.5% (95%CI: 61.3, 71.2), and 73.2% (263/359) of antibiotics were from the World Health Organization Access group. Interpretation: This is the first reported hospital PPS of HAI and AMU in Papua New Guinea. These results can be used to prioritise interventions, and as a baseline against which future point prevalence surveys can be compared. Funding: Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Therapeutic Guidelines Limited Australia.

Oral Cancer Risk and Screening Prevalence Among Hospitalized Women.

Background Oral cancer screenings are often on the back burner in the face of other cancer screenings. In high-risk individuals, early detection of oral cancer has a better prognosis and survival. Hospitalization may offer an opportunity to target high-risk populations. This study evaluates the prevalence of women at high risk for oral cancer among hospitalized women and their preference for oral cancer screening. Design and participants Five hundred and ten cancer-free women admitted to the hospital under the internal medicine service at an academic center were enrolled to participate in the study. Three hundred and seventy women were at high risk for developing oral cancer, defined by smoking status, alcohol use, or both. High-risk women received bedside smoking cessation counseling and oral cancer informational handouts and were offered oral screening examinations during hospitalization. Six months after discharge, study participants received a follow-up phone call to determine if these women discussed oral cancer screening with their primary care physicians at the follow-up visit. Results Seventy-three percent of the hospitalized women were at high risk for developing oral cancer. Fifty-seven percent of high-risk women reported having no primary dentist. High-risk women were more likely to be younger, reported a disability, and had a lower comorbidity burden than the average-risk group. Only 41% of high-risk hospitalized women received oral cancer screening examinations during the hospital stay. Post-hospitalization, 66% of high-risk patients discussed oral cancer screening with their primary care. Conclusion Almost three-fourths of hospitalized women are at high risk for developing oral cancer. Hospitalization provides an opportunity to educate and screen high-risk populations.

Worldwide Prevalence of Single-Rooted with a Single Root Canal and Four-Rooted Configurations in Maxillary Molars: A Multi-Center Cross-Sectional Study with Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the prevalence of single-root with a single root canal and four-root configurations in the maxillary first and second molars, and analyze how geographic region, ethnicity, sex, and age impact these outcomes. METHODS: Researchers from 44 nations examined 26,400 maxillary molars using cone-beam computed tomography scans to gather data on the proportions of single roots with single canals and four-root configurations. All observers underwent prior calibration regarding the step-by-step assessment protocol and anatomical concepts to ensure consistent evaluations across all assessed locations. Tests were conducted to evaluate the intra- and inter-observer reliability. Demographic data including ethnicity, gender, and age were collected for each participant. The potential impact of imaging voxel size and field-of-view on bias was also assessed. The primary results were depicted as odds ratios and untransformed proportion forest plots with 95% confidence intervals. Additionally, a meta-analysis was performed to compare various subgroups and identify sources of variation among them. Statistical significance was set at 5%. RESULTS: The prevalence of single-rooted with a single canal and four-rooted configurations in the maxillary first molar was 0.16% and 0.28%, respectively, while in the maxillary second molar, it was 2.56% and 0.83%. Males tended to exhibit lower percentages of single roots with a single canal (P < 0.05) and higher percentages of four-rooted configurations (P > 0.05) in the second molar, whereas the African subgroup displayed lower proportions for both configurations. Additionally, in both teeth, single roots with a single canal were more prevalent among older patients. Voxel size and field-of-view did not significantly influence the results (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The proportions of single-rooted with a single canal and four-rooted configurations were low, and demographic factors such as geographic region, ethnicity, sex, and age may have influenced the outcomes for the maxillary second molar.

Prevalence, Attributes, and Risk Factors of QT-Interval-Prolonging Drugs and Potential Drug-Drug Interactions in Cancer Patients: A Prospective Study in a Tertiary Care Hospital.

Introduction Cancer chemotherapy regimens include multiple classes of adjuvant drugs as supportive therapy. Because of the concurrent intake of other drugs (like antiemetics, antidepressants, analgesics, and antimicrobials), there is a heightened risk for possible QT interval prolongation. There is a dearth of evidence in the literature regarding the usage of QT-prolonging anticancer drugs and associated risk factors that have the propensity to prolong QT interval. The purpose was to explore the extent of the use of QT-interval-prolonging drugs and potential QT-prolonging drug-drug interactions (QT-DDIs) in cancer patients attending OPD in a tertiary-care hospital. Methods This was a hospital-based, cross-sectional, observational study. Risk stratification of QT-prolonging drugs for torsades de pointes (TdP) was done by the Arizona Center for Education and Research on Therapeutics (AzCERT)/CredibleMeds-lists, and potential QT-DDIs were determined with four online DDI-checker-software. Results In 1331 cancer patients, the overall prevalence of potential QT-prolonging drug utilization was 97.3%. Ondansetron, pantoprazole, domperidone, and olanzapine were the most frequent QT-prolonging drugs in cancer patients. The top six antineoplastics with potential QT-prolonging and torsadogenic actions were capecitabine, oxaliplatin, imatinib, bortezomib, 5-fluorouracil, and bendamustine. Evidence-based pragmatic QTc interval prolongation risk assessment tools are imperative for cancer patients. Conclusion This study revealed a high prevalence of QT-prolonging drugs and QT-DDIs among cancer patients who are treated with anticancer and non-anticancer drugs. As a result, it's critical to take precautions, stay vigilant, and avoid QT-prolonging in clinical situations. Evidence-based pragmatic QTc interval prolongation risk assessment tools are needed for cancer patients.

Investigating the Prevalence and Predictors of Uncontrolled Hypertension: A Cross-Sectional Study in Gujarat, India.

BACKGROUND: Uncontrolled hypertension is a major public health concern that contributes significantly to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Treatment of hypertension prevents and reduces cardiovascular morbidity, notably a 40% reduction in risk of stroke and a 15% reduction in risk of myocardial infarction. Understanding the prevalence and predictors of uncontrolled hypertension is crucial for developing targeted interventions. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension and identify potential predictors among patients attending the Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) clinic of a tertiary care center in Gujarat, India. METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving 732 adult patients with hypertension was conducted. Sociodemographic data, lifestyle factors, anthropometric measurements, and comorbidities were assessed. Blood pressure was measured using standardized protocols, and uncontrolled hypertension was defined as a systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of uncontrolled hypertension. RESULTS: The prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension was 60.2% (95% CI: 56.7%-63.7%). In the multivariate analysis, increasing age (adjusted OR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.05-1.39), increased body mass index (adjusted OR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.27-1.75), diabetes (adjusted OR: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.20-2.35), chronic kidney disease (adjusted OR: 2.11, 95% CI: 1.22-3.65), and current smoking status (adjusted OR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.14-2.93) were identified as independent predictors of uncontrolled hypertension. CONCLUSION: This study revealed a high prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension in this tertiary care setting. Age, obesity, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and smoking were identified as significant predictors. Targeted interventions addressing these modifiable risk factors and comorbidities are crucial for improving blood pressure control and reducing the burden of hypertension-related complications.

Exploring the association between dietary Inflammatory Index and chronic pain in US adults using NHANES 1999-2004.

Chronic pain, a substantial public health issue, may be influenced by dietary patterns through systemic inflammation. This cross-sectional study explored the association between Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) and chronic pain among 2581 American adults from NHANES data. The DII, ranging from - 4.98 to 4.69, reflects the inflammatory potential of the diet, with higher scores indicating greater pro-inflammatory capacity. Our findings showed no significant association between the continuous DII score and chronic pain prevalence. However, a nonlinear relationship emerged. When the DII was categorized, a significant association between higher DII scores (DII ≥ 2.5) and chronic pain prevalence was observed. The analysis uncovered a U-shaped pattern, with an inflection point at a DII score of - 0.9, indicating an association between both low and high levels of dietary inflammation are associated with higher pain prevalence. This nuanced interaction between dietary inflammation and chronic pain indicates the possibility of incorporating dietary modification into pain management strategies and underscores the need for further research into the long-term effects of diet on chronic pain.

Diet and lifestyle behaviours simultaneously act on frailty: it is time to move the threshold of frailty prevention and control forward.

BACKGROUND: To analyse the association among the simultaneous effects of dietary intake, daily life behavioural factors, and frailty outcomes in older Chinese women, we predicted the probability of maintaining physical robustness under a combination of different variables. METHODS: The Fried frailty criterion was used to determine the three groups of "frailty", "pre-frailty", and "robust", and a national epidemiological survey was performed. The three-classification decision tree model was fitted, and the comprehensive performance of the model was evaluated to predict the probability of occurrence of different outcomes. RESULTS: Among the 1,044 participants, 15.9% were frailty and 50.29% were pre-frailty; the overall prevalence first increased and then decreased with age, reaching a peak at 70-74 years of age. Through univariate analysis, filtering, and embedded screening, eight significant variables were identified: staple food, spices, exercise (frequency, intensity, and time), work frequency, self-feeling, and family emotions. In the three-classification decision tree, the values of each evaluation index of Model 3 were relatively average; the accuracy, recall, specificity, precision, and F1 score range were between 75% and 84%, and the AUC was also greater than 0.800, indicating excellent performance and the best interpretability of the results. Model 3 takes exercise time as the root node and contains 6 variables and 10 types, suggesting the impact of the comprehensive effect of these variables on robust and non-robust populations (the predicted probability range is 6.67-93.33%). CONCLUSION: The combined effect of these factors (no exercise or less than 0.5 h of exercise per day, occasional exercise, exercise at low intensity, feeling more tired at work, and eating too many staple foods (> 450 g per day) are more detrimental to maintaining robustness.

Trends in Antibiotic Use in a Large Children's Hospital in London (United Kingdom): 5 Years of Point Prevalence Surveys.

Background: Antibiotics are commonly prescribed in paediatrics. As their excessive use contributes to adverse drug events, increased healthcare costs, and antimicrobial resistance, antimicrobial stewardship initiatives are essential to optimising medical care. These single-centre point prevalence surveys aimed to provide insights into antibiotic prescribing trends and identify targets for paediatric AMS activities. Methods: 14 point prevalence surveys were conducted from March 2016-April 2021, collecting data on antibiotic prescriptions, indication, adherence to guidelines, and route of administration. The UK adapted the World Health Organisation's AWaRe classification-guided antibiotic categorization. Results: 32.5% of all inpatients were on at least one antimicrobial; this remained stable during all surveys (range: 20-44%, p = 0.448). Of all prescriptions, 67.2% had an end- or review-date, and the majority was for agents in the Watch category (46.8-70.5%). Amoxicillin and clavulanate were the most frequently prescribed antibiotics (20.8%), followed by gentamicin (15.3%). Approximately 28.8% of all prescriptions were for prophylactic indications, while 7.6% of the prescriptions were not adherent to the hospital guidelines. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring and robust AMS initiatives to ensure prudent antibiotic prescribing in paediatric healthcare. It underscores the need for tailored guidelines, educational efforts, and targeted interventions to enhance the quality of antibiotic usage, ultimately benefiting both individual patients and public health.

Worldwide Anatomic Characteristics of the Mandibular Canine-A Multicenter Cross-Sectional Study with Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to examine the global prevalence of root and root canal morphologies in mandibular canines and analyze potential influences of region, ethnicity, sex, and age on the proportion of a second root and root canal configuration. METHODS: Observers from 44 countries screened 13,200 canines using cone-beam computed tomographic exams and gathered data on the percentages of 2 root canal morphologies and 2-rooted configurations (primary outcomes), as well as the root canal configurations (secondary outcome). Demographic factors (ethnicity, sex, and age) were collected for each participant. Primary outcomes were represented as odds ratios and untransformed proportions accompanied by 95% confidence interval (CI) forest plots. Meta-analysis compared subgroups and identified sources of heterogeneity. Intra- and inter-rater tests were conducted. Statistical significance was set at 5%. RESULTS: The worldwide prevalence of a second canal was 7.5% (95% CI, 6.3%-8.7%), ranging from 0.7% in Nigeria to 17.7% in Uruguay. The meta-analysis also revealed significant variations when comparing ethnicity, gender, and age (P < .05). The global prevalence of a second root was 1.9% (95% CI, 1.5%-2.3%), with the highest proportion observed in Spain (6.7%). Caucasian and Indian (south Asian) ethnic groups, females, and older patients exhibited higher proportions of 2 roots (P < .05). Meta-regression excluded side, voxel size, and field of view as sources of heterogeneity (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of 2 root canals and 2-rooted configurations in the mandibular canine exhibited variations based on geographic location, ethnicity, sex, and age. The global prevalence of 2 root canals and 2-root configuration was 7.5% and 1.9%, respectively.

Lactancia materna en España y factores relacionados con su instauración y mantenimiento: estudio LAyDI (PAPenRed) / Breastfeeding in Spain and the factors related to its establishment and maintenance: LAyDI Study (PAPenRed)

Objetivo: Conocer estadísticas reales sobre lactancia materna en España, así como factores socioculturales y perinatales que afectan a su inicio y mantenimiento. Diseño: Estudio prospectivo, multicéntrico, longitudinal, de ámbito nacional (estudio LAyDI). Sitio: Consulta de pediatras de atención primaria. Participantes: Cohorte de recién nacidos entre abril de 2017 y marzo de 2018 en España que se siguieron hasta los dos años en ocho visitas. Medidas principales: Se analizaron las tasas de los diferentes tipos de lactancia en cada visita y también se analizaron variables relacionadas con la gestación, el parto, el período neonatal, sociales, económicas y biológicas. Resultados: Muestra inicial de 1.946 (50,1% varones). El 90,7% decidieron iniciar lactancia materna al nacimiento. La cifra de lactancia materna exclusiva (LME) fue del 66,4% a los 15días y del 35,2% a los 6meses. Cualquier tipo de lactancia materna (lactancia materna total [LMT]) a los 6meses fue del 61,7%. La supervivencia de LMT presentó una mediana de 6,0meses (IC95%: 6,0-6,1). Variables relacionadas con LME a los 15días: hijos previos, nivel de educación de madre, ausencia de enfermedad durante el embarazo, no separación madre e hijo al nacer, no utilización de chupete, no existencia de problemas en pezones, y momento de decisión tipo lactancia. Variables relacionadas con mayor duración LMT son: la relación mayor de 5años de los padres, no usar de chupete, colecho al mes de vida, decidir lactancia materna antes del embarazo, recibir información sobre lactancia durante el embarazo y utilizar apoyo de asociaciones. Conclusiones: El abandono temprano de la lactancia materna es un problema importante en las sociedades occidentales. Existen factores sobre los que se puede actuar para mejorar resultados.(AU)

Objective: To find out actual statistics on breastfeeding in Spain, as well as sociocultural and perinatal factors that affect its initiation and maintenance. Design: Prospective, multicentre, longitudinal, nationwide study (XXX study). Site: Primary care paediatricians’ office. Participants: Cohort of newborns born between April 2017 and March 2018 in Spain who were followed up to two years of age in 8 visits. Main measures: Rates of different types of breastfeeding were analysed at each visit and variables related to gestation, delivery, neonatal period, social, economic and biological variables were also analysed. Results: Initial sample of 1946 (50.1% male). 90.7% decided to initiate breastfeeding at birth. Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) was 66.4% at 15days and 35.2% at 6months. Any type of breastfeeding (total breastfeeding [TBF]) at 6months was 61.7%. Median survival from TBF was 6.0months (95%CI: 6.0-6.1). Variables related to EBF at 15days: previous children, mother's level of education, absence of illness during pregnancy, no separation of mother and child at birth, no dummy use, no nipple problems, and time of decision to breastfeed. Variables related to longer duration of TBF: relationship of parents older than 5years, no dummy use, co-sleeping at one month of life, deciding to breastfeed before pregnancy, receiving information on breastfeeding during pregnancy and using support from associations. Conclusions: Early abandonment of breastfeeding is a major problem in Western societies. There are factors that can be worked on to improve outcomes.(AU)

[Breastfeeding in Spain and the factors related to its establishment and maintenance: LAyDI Study (PAPenRed)]. / Lactancia materna en España y factores relacionados con su instauración y mantenimiento: estudio LAyDI (PAPenRed).

OBJECTIVE: To find out actual statistics on breastfeeding in Spain, as well as sociocultural and perinatal factors that affect its initiation and maintenance. DESIGN: Prospective, multicentre, longitudinal, nationwide study (XXX study). SITE: Primary care paediatricians' office. PARTICIPANTS: Cohort of newborns born between April 2017 and March 2018 in Spain who were followed up to two years of age in 8 visits. MAIN MEASURES: Rates of different types of breastfeeding were analysed at each visit and variables related to gestation, delivery, neonatal period, social, economic and biological variables were also analysed. RESULTS: Initial sample of 1946 (50.1% male). 90.7% decided to initiate breastfeeding at birth. Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) was 66.4% at 15days and 35.2% at 6months. Any type of breastfeeding (total breastfeeding [TBF]) at 6months was 61.7%. Median survival from TBF was 6.0months (95%CI: 6.0-6.1). Variables related to EBF at 15days: previous children, mother's level of education, absence of illness during pregnancy, no separation of mother and child at birth, no dummy use, no nipple problems, and time of decision to breastfeed. Variables related to longer duration of TBF: relationship of parents older than 5years, no dummy use, co-sleeping at one month of life, deciding to breastfeed before pregnancy, receiving information on breastfeeding during pregnancy and using support from associations. CONCLUSIONS: Early abandonment of breastfeeding is a major problem in Western societies. There are factors that can be worked on to improve outcomes.

Worldwide Assessment of the Root and Root Canal Characteristics of Maxillary Premolars - A Multi-center Cone-beam Computed Tomography Cross-sectional Study With Meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: This worldwide study examined the root and root canal characteristics of maxillary premolars and explored how demographic factors impact the outcomes. METHODS: Observers from 44 countries assessed 26,400 maxillary premolars using cone-beam computed tomography and employed a standardized screening method to gather data on multiple canal morphology and 3-rooted configuration (primary outcomes), as well as secondary outcomes related to root and root canal anatomies. Demographic factors such as ethnicity, sex, and age were collected for each participant. The intra- and inter-observer tests ensured observer reliability. Primary outcomes were represented as odds ratios and untransformed proportions accompanied by 95% confidence interval (CI) forest plots. Meta-analysis compared sub-groups and identified sources of heterogeneity (α = 5%). RESULTS: The overall prevalence of multiple canal morphology in the first premolar was 93.5% (95% CI, 93.3%-94.7%), while in the second premolar, it was 49.7% (95% CI, 44.9%-54.6%). The proportion of 3-rooted configuration was 1.8% (95% CI, 1.4%-2.1%) in the first premolar and 0.4% (95% CI, 0.3%-0.5%) in the second. Asian countries generally displayed fewer roots and root canals, while European nations showed higher counts (P < .05). Males exhibited higher percentages and odds ratios for both outcomes in both premolars. Younger patients demonstrated lower percentages of multiple root canal morphologies (P < .05). Factors such as tooth side, voxel size and field-of-view did not influence the outcomes (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: The worldwide assessment of root and root canal characteristics of maxillary premolars has revealed a discernible influence of various factors such as tooth type, geographical region, ethnicity, sex, and age.

How Do Older Patients with End-Stage Osteoarthritis of the Hip Eat Prior to Hip Replacement? A Preliminary Snapshot That Highlights a Poor Diet.

Diet quantity and quality in older adults is critical for the proper functioning of the musculoskeletal system. In view of hip surgery, old patients should consume 1.2-1.5 g of proteins and 27-30 kcal per kilo of body weight daily, and adhere to healthy eating habits. In this analytical study, we studied diet quantity and quality in relation to the clinical chemistry and functional status of 57 older adults undergoing elective hip replacement. Nine in ten patients did not meet suggested protein and energy intakes and only one in ten patients exhibited high adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Legume consumption adjusted for sex, age, body mass index, and health status successfully forecasted haemoglobin levels (p < 0.05), and patients regularly consuming olive oil reported minor hip disability compared to those using it less frequently (p < 0.05). Patients who reported daily ingestion of <1 serving of meat versus those consuming >1.5 servings had greater cumulative comorbidity (p < 0.05), with meat consumption independently predicting walking ability, mobility, and balance in the fully adjusted model (p < 0.01). In conclusion, our patients seem to eat poorly. There is room for improvement in pre-operative pathways to make older adults eat better, but there is a need to plan an interventional study to fully understand the cause-effect of a dietary pattern or specific food in enhancing recovery after surgery.

A systematic model to identify and reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders in firefighters, and improve their function.

INTRODUCTION: Firefighting is a high-risk job with a high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). The aim of his study was to determine the prevalence of WMSDs, estimate the likelihood of subsequent disorders, and investigate the effect of NASM-based training protocol on firefighters function. METHOD: First, prevalence and region of WMSDs in all 524 male Isfahan firefighters were determined by Medical-history-questionnaire. Then, functional movement screen (FMS) separated firefighters to the 2-dimension FMS score (FMSCS≤14 or FMSCS>14) to show at risk firefighters. Finally, 40 Participants with both FMSCS≤14 and common WMSDs randomly assigned to either an intervention (IG) (n = 20) or control (CG) (n = 20) group. The IG received NASM-based training, while the CG engaged in daily activities. Outcomes included movement efficiency during landing error scoring system-real time, Y balance, single-leg squat, and deep squat, which were assessed in pretest and posttest. RESULTS: The prevalence of disorders was 52.1%, which lower limb, back, upper limb, and neck were the highest prevalence respectively. Only lower limb and back disorders could identify individuals at disorder risk with a likelihood of 89% and 71%, sequentially. Also, movement performance significantly improved in all functional tests in IG relative to CG. CONCLUSIONS: Considering high disorder rate in firefighters, the value of our study lies in alleging a systematic model periodically to reduce WMSDs and risk of subsequent disorders. Not only our model determined the prevalence of WMSDs, but it also identified those who are at risk. In addition, our model represents exercise therapy as a solution.

Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres Is Rare in Canine Histiocytic Sarcoma.

Cancer cells activate telomere maintenance mechanisms (TMMs) to overcome senescence and thus are targets for TMM-specific therapies. Telomerase-independent alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) is frequently utilized as a TMM in human sarcoma subtypes. Histiocytic sarcoma (HS) is a rare but aggressive tumor of hematopoietic origin with unknown ALT incidence in humans. ALT has been identified in canine HS, a tumor type comparable to human HS that occurs with high rates in certain canine breeds such as Bernese mountain dogs (BMDs). This retrospective study characterized the frequency of ALT in BMD and non-BMD patients diagnosed with HS as surrogates for humans. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor samples from 63 dogs at two centers, including 47 BMDs, were evaluated for their ALT activity and relative telomere content (TC) using a radiolabel C-circle assay (CCA). Known ALT-positive samples served as controls. CCA-positive cases were validated via FISH. Two BMD samples showed ALT activity of 1-14% compared to controls. All other samples were ALT-negative. The TC did not correlate with the CCA results. ALT positivity was validated by the appearance of ultrabright telomere foci. Low ALT activity was present in 4% of BMDs with HS and therefore does not appear to be a common target for therapeutic approaches but can have diagnostic value.

Study of Plasmid-Mediated Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Clinical Strains of Enterobacteriaceae From Tabuk Region.

BACKGROUND: Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae threaten infection treatment globally. This study aims to assess ESBLs-E prevalence and multidrug-resistant organisms (MDR) in clinical specimens from Tabuk, KSA. METHODS: A cross-sectional research was carried out in March-May 2023. A collective of 90 Enterobacteriaceae isolates were identified from clinical specimens. The specimen was identified by standard methods. The Enterobacteriaceae member was screed for ESBL production by screening and confirmatory as per the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). RESULT: E. coli was the most common isolate, followed by Proteus mirabilis and Citrobacter sp, Klebsiella oxytoca, Klebsiella pneumonia, Proteus vulgaris and Morganella morganii. Among the sample, the majority of isolates were from urine (47.8%) followed by pus (25.6%) and the least from other body fluids (6.7%). The E. coli showed the highest average antibiotic resistance (73.7%) among all the antibiotics used followed by P. mirabilis (70.4%), K. pneumoniae (70%), P. vulgaris (69.8%), M. morganii and Citrobacter (69.4% both), and K. oxytoca (68.8%). There was a 41.2% average reduction in ESBL positivity from phenotypic to confirmatory test results. The highest reduction was observed among M. morganii (66.7%) and the least was observed in E. coli (17.1%). CONCLUSION: Most of the ESBL-producing isolates were found mainly in blood and urine samples. The most frequent ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae were K. pneumoniae and E. coli. The best options for treating Enterobacteriaceae that produce ESBL are Amoxicillin, Amikacin, and Cefoxitin. ESBL-producing isotopes showed a high resistance rate to cefepime and cefotaxime compared to non-ESBL producers. It is of utmost importance to implement reliable infection control measures in healthcare institutions nationwide.

Point Prevalence Study (PPS) of Antibiotic Usage and Bacterial Culture Rate (BCR) among Secondary Care Hospitals of Small Cities in Central India: Consolidating Indian Evidence.

Objective Indian hospitals (especially government-run public sector hospitals) have a nonexistent antimicrobial stewardship program (AMSP). After successfully initiating AMSPs in tertiary care hospitals of India, the Indian Council of Medical Research envisages implementing AMSP in secondary care hospitals. This study is about the baseline data on antibiotic consumption in secondary care hospitals. Materials and Methods It was a prospective longitudinal observational chart review type of study. Baseline data on antibiotic consumption was captured by a 24-hour point prevalence study of antibiotic usage and bacterial culture rate. The prescribed antibiotics were classified according to the World Health Organization (WHO) Access, Watch, and Reserve classification. All data were collated in Microsoft Excel and summarized as percentages. Results Out of the 864 patients surveyed, overall antibiotic usage was 78.9% (71.5% in low-priority areas vs. 92.2% in high-priority areas). Most of the antibiotic usage was empirical with an extremely low bacterial culture rate (21.9%). Out of the prescribed drugs, 53.1% were from the WHO watch category and 5.5% from the reserve category. Conclusion Even after 5 years of the launch of the national action plan on AMR (NAP-AMR) of India, AMSP is still non-existent in small- and medium-level hospitals in urban cities. The importance of trained microbiologists in the health care system is identified as a fulcrum in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR); however, their absence in government-run district hospitals is a matter of grave concern and needs to be addressed sooner than later.

Increased Prevalence of Advanced Histologic Features in Small and Diminutive Polyps in Patients Undergoing Surveillance and Diagnostic Colonoscopy.

OBJECTIVE: Studies addressing small and diminutive polyps and their potential of harboring advanced histologic features (AH) are scarce in Hispanics. We aimed to determine the prevalence of AH in a cohort of Hispanics. METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records of patients who had a colonoscopy from 2005 through 2010. The data collected included demographics, indications, history (personal/family) of colon cancer and/or polyps, and polyp histology. Polyps with high-grade dysplasia, prominent villous component, adenocarcinoma or serrated were classified as having AH. RESULTS: The population comprised 1884 patients, and 3835 polyps were evaluated; 63.3% were diminutive (1-5 mm), 22.7% small (6-9 mm), and 13.9% large (≥10 mm). The prevalence of AH for small and diminutive polyps were 4.9% and 1.1%, respectively. Of the polyps with AH, 11.9% were diminutive and 19.6% small. Small polyps were 5.04 times more likely to harbor AH than were diminutive polyps. Distal rather than proximal polyps were more likely to harbor AH. Furthermore, AH was >7 times more common in small (6-9 mm) polyps identified during diagnostic or surveillance colonoscopies compared to screening colonoscopies. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of AH was significantly associated with size, location (distal), and procedure indication. Although diminutive polyps (<6 mm) were less likely to harbor AH, the risk for non-Hispanics was higher than previously reported. The "resect and discard" strategy for polyps ≤ 1 cm should be used with caution in ethnically diverse cohorts, as the risk for AH may be higher in Hispanics than in non-Hispanic Whites.

Linkage Health and Environmental Data: A Case Study on Asthma Prevalence in Children and Adolescents in Slovenia.

For the last 10 years there is no data on the prevalence of asthma in Slovenian children. To ensure accurate and high-quality data we will conduct a cross-sectional survey Health Interview (HIS) and Health Examination Survey (HES) design type. Therefore, we first prepared the study protocol. To get the data for the HIS part of the study we developed a new questionnaire. The exposure to outdoor air quality will be evaluated from the National Air Quality network data. In Slovenia the problems with health data should be addressed with the common unified system at the national level.

A snapshot of pediatric inpatients and outpatients with COVID-19: a point prevalence study from Turkey.

This multi-center point prevalence study evaluated children who were diagnosed as having coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). On February 2nd, 2022, inpatients and outpatients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) were included in the study from 12 cities and 24 centers in Turkey. Of 8605 patients on February 2nd, 2022, in participating centers, 706 (8.2%) had COVID-19. The median age of the 706 patients was 92.50 months, 53.4% were female, and 76.7% were inpatients. The three most common symptoms of the patients with COVID-19 were fever (56.6%), cough (41.3%), and fatigue (27.5%). The three most common underlying chronic diseases (UCDs) were asthma (3.4%), neurologic disorders (3.3%), and obesity (2.6%). The SARS-CoV-2-related pneumoniae rate was 10.7%. The COVID-19 vaccination rate was 12.5% in all patients. Among patients aged over 12 years with access to the vaccine given by the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Health, the vaccination rate was 38.7%. Patients with UCDs presented with dyspnea and pneumoniae more frequently than those without UCDs (p < 0.001 for both). The rates of fever, diarrhea, and pneumoniae were higher in patients without COVID-19 vaccinations (p = 0.001, p = 0.012, and p = 0.027).  Conclusion: To lessen the effects of the disease, all eligible children should receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The illness may specifically endanger children with UCDs. What is Known: • Children with COVID-19 mainly present with fever and cough, as in adults. • COVID-19 may specifically threaten children with underlying chronic diseases. What is New: • Children with obesity have a higher vaccination rate against COVID-19 than children without obesity. • Among unvaccinated children, fever and pneumoniae might be seen at a higher ratio than among vaccinated children.