Mucorales: A systematic review to inform the World Health Organization priority list of fungal pathogens.

The World Health Organization, in response to the growing burden of fungal disease, established a process to develop a fungal priority pathogens list (FPPL). This systematic review aimed to evaluate the epidemiology and impact of invasive fungal disease due to Mucorales. PubMed and Web of Science were searched to identify studies published between January 1, 2011 and February 23, 2021. Studies reporting on mortality, inpatient care, complications and sequelae, antifungal susceptibility, risk factors, preventability, annual incidence, global distribution, and emergence during the study time frames were selected. Overall, 24 studies were included. Mortality rates of up to 80% were reported. Antifungal susceptibility varied across agents and species, with the minimum inhibitory concentrations lowest for amphotericin B and posaconazole. Diabetes mellitus was a common risk factor, detected in 65%-85% of patients with mucormycosis, particularly in those with rhino-orbital disease (86.9%). Break-through infection was detected in 13.6%-100% on azole or echinocandin antifungal prophylaxis. The reported prevalence rates were variable, with some studies reporting stable rates in the USA of 0.094-0.117/10 000 discharges between 2011 and 2014, whereas others reported an increase in Iran from 16.8% to 24% between 2011 and 2015. Carefully designed global surveillance studies, linking laboratory and clinical data, are required to develop clinical breakpoints to guide antifungal therapy and determine accurate estimates of complications and sequelae, annual incidence, trends, and global distribution. These data will provide robust estimates of disease burden to refine interventions and better inform future FPPL.

Eumycetoma causative agents: A systematic review to inform the World Health Organization priority list of fungal pathogens.

The World Health Organization, in response to the growing burden of fungal disease, established a process to develop a fungal priority pathogens list. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the epidemiology and impact of eumycetoma. PubMed and Web of Science were searched to identify studies published between 1 January 2011 and 19 February 2021. Studies reporting on mortality, inpatient care, complications and sequelae, antifungal susceptibility, risk factors, preventability, annual incidence, global distribution, and emergence during the study time frames were selected. Overall, 14 studies were eligible for inclusion. Morbidity was frequent with moderate to severe impairment of quality of life in 60.3%, amputation in up to 38.5%, and recurrent or long-term disease in 31.8%-73.5% of patients. Potential risk factors included male gender (56.6%-79.6%), younger age (11-30 years; 64%), and farming occupation (62.1%-69.7%). Mycetoma was predominantly reported in Sudan, particularly in central Sudan (37%-76.6% of cases). An annual incidence of 0.1/100 000 persons and 0.32/100 000 persons/decade was reported in the Philippines and Uganda, respectively. In Uganda, a decline in incidence from 3.37 to 0.32/100 000 persons between two consecutive 10-year periods (2000-2009 and 2010-2019) was detected. A community-based, multi-pronged prevention programme was associated with a reduction in amputation rates from 62.8% to 11.9%. With the pre-specified criteria, no studies of antifungal drug susceptibility, mortality, and hospital lengths of stay were identified. Future research should include larger cohort studies, greater drug susceptibility testing, and global surveillance to develop evidence-based treatment guidelines and to determine more accurately the incidence and trends over time.

Talaromyces marneffei, Coccidioides species, and Paracoccidioides species-a systematic review to inform the World Health Organization priority list of fungal pathogens.

The World Health Organization, in response to the growing burden of fungal disease, established a process to develop a fungal pathogen priority list. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the epidemiology and impact of infections caused by Talaromyces marneffei, Coccidioides species, and Paracoccidioides species. PubMed and Web of Sciences databases were searched to identify studies published between 1 January 2011 and 23 February 2021 reporting on mortality, complications and sequelae, antifungal susceptibility, preventability, annual incidence, and trends. Overall, 25, 17, and 6 articles were included for T. marneffei, Coccidioides spp. and Paracoccidioides spp., respectively. Mortality rates were high in those with invasive talaromycosis and paracoccidioidomycosis (up to 21% and 22.7%, respectively). Hospitalization was frequent in those with coccidioidomycosis (up to 84%), and while the duration was short (mean/median 3-7 days), readmission was common (38%). Reduced susceptibility to fluconazole and echinocandins was observed for T. marneffei and Coccidioides spp., whereas >88% of T. marneffei isolates had minimum inhibitory concentration values ≤0.015 µg/ml for itraconazole, posaconazole, and voriconazole. Risk factors for mortality in those with talaromycosis included low CD4 counts (odds ratio 2.90 when CD4 count <200 cells/µl compared with 24.26 when CD4 count <50 cells/µl). Outbreaks of coccidioidomycosis and paracoccidioidomycosis were associated with construction work (relative risk 4.4-210.6 and 5.7-times increase, respectively). In the United States of America, cases of coccidioidomycosis increased between 2014 and 2017 (from 8232 to 14 364/year). National and global surveillance as well as more detailed studies to better define sequelae, risk factors, outcomes, global distribution, and trends are required.

Candida glabrata (Nakaseomyces glabrata): A systematic review of clinical and microbiological data from 2011 to 2021 to inform the World Health Organization Fungal Priority Pathogens List.

Recognising the growing global burden of fungal infections, the World Health Organization (WHO) established an advisory group consisting of experts in fungal diseases to develop a Fungal Priority Pathogen List. Pathogens were ranked based on their research and development needs and perceived public health importance using a series of global surveys and pathogen characteristics derived from systematic reviews. This systematic review evaluates the features and global impact of invasive disease caused by Candida glabrata (Nakaseomyces glabrata). PubMed and Web of Science were searched for studies reporting on mortality, morbidity (hospitalization and disability), drug resistance (including isolates from sterile and non-sterile sites, since these reflect the same organisms causing invasive infections), preventability, yearly incidence, diagnostics, treatability, and distribution/emergence in the last 10 years. Candida glabrata (N. glabrata) causes difficult-to-treat invasive infections, particularly in patients with underlying conditions such as immunodeficiency, diabetes, or those who have received broad-spectrum antibiotics or chemotherapy. Beyond standard infection prevention and control measures, no specific preventative measures have been described. We found that infection is associated with high mortality rates and that there is a lack of data on complications and sequelae. Resistance to azoles is common and well described in echinocandins-in both cases, the resistance rates are increasing. Candida glabrata remains mostly susceptible to amphotericin and flucytosine. However, the incidence of the disease is increasing, both at the population level and as a proportion of all invasive yeast infections, and the increases appear related to the use of antifungal agents.

Nickel Slag/Laterite Soil and Nickel Slag/Iron Sand Nanocomposites: Structural, Optical, and Electromagnetic Absorption Properties.

Efforts to produce microwave absorber materials that are inexpensive and environmentally friendly have become a means of greening the environment. The breakthrough can be focused on industrial waste and natural materials for functional purposes and how to enhance their performance. We successfully synthesized nickel slag/laterite soil (NS/LS) and nickel slag/iron sand (NS/IS) nanocomposites using a simple mechanical alloying technique, and the electromagnetic (EM) wave absorption capacities of the nanocomposites were measured using a vector network analyzer. The structural properties of the nanocomposites were analyzed by X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, where the results of the analysis showed that NS/IS has the largest crystallite size (15.69 nm) and the highest EM wave absorption performance. The optical properties of the nanocomposites were determined from their Fourier transform infrared spectra using the Kramers-Kronig relation. As determined through a quantitative analysis of the optical properties, the distance between the longitudinal and transversal optical phonon wavenumber positions (Δ(LO - TO) = 65 cm-1) is inversely proportional to the reflection loss. The surface morphologies of the nanocomposites were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, and the particle diameters were observed by binary image and Gaussian distribution analyses. The nanocomposite surface exhibits a graded-like morphology, which indicates multiple reflections of the EM radiation, consequently reducing the EM interference. The best nanocomposite for an attenuated EM wave achieved a reflection loss of -39.14 dB at 5-8 GHz. A low penetration depth has implications for the electrical charge tuning of the storage and composite magnets. Finally, the EM absorption properties of NS/IS and NS/LS indicate a 2-mm-thick environmentally friendly nanocomposite for EM absorption.

Two-years antibody responses following SARS-CoV-2 infection in humans: A study protocol.

The long-term antibody response to the novel SARS-CoV-2 in infected patients and their residential neighborhood remains unknown in Indonesia. This information will provide insights into the antibody kinetics over a relatively long period as well as transmission risk factors in the community. We aim to prospectively observe and determine the kinetics of the anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody for 2 years after infection in relation to disease severity and to determine the risk and protective factors of SARS CoV-2 infections in the community. A cohort of RT-PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 patients (case) will be prospectively followed for 2 years and will be compared to a control population. The control group comprises SARS-CoV-2 non-infected people who live within a one-kilometer radius from the corresponding case (location matching). This study will recruit at least 165 patients and 495 controls. Demographics, community variables, behavioral characteristics, and relevant clinical data will be collected. Serum samples taken at various time points will be tested for IgM anti-Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 and IgG anti-Spike RBD of SARS-CoV-2 by using Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immunoassay (CMIA) method. The Kaplan-Meier method will be used to calculate cumulative seroconversion rates, and their association with disease severity will be estimated by logistic regression. The risk and protective factors associated with the SARS-CoV-2 infection will be determined using conditional (matched) logistic regression and presented as an odds ratio and 95% confidence interval.

Satellite-based meteorological drought indicator to support food security in Java Island.

A meteorological drought refers to reduced rainfall conditions and is a great challenge to food security. Information of a meteorological drought in advance is important for taking actions in anticipation of its effects, but this can be difficult for areas with limited or sparse ground observation data available. In this study, a meteorological drought indicator was approached by applying the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) to satellite-based precipitation products from multiple sources. The SPI based meteorological drought analysis was then applied to Java Island, in particular to the largest rice-producing districts of Indonesia. A comparison with ground observation data showed that the satellite products accurately described meteorological drought events in Java both spatially and temporally. Meteorological droughts of the eight largest rice-producing districts in Java were modulated by the natural variations in El Niño and a positive-phase Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD). The drought severity was found to be dependent on the intensity of El Niño and a positive-phase IOD that occurs simultaneously, while the duration seems to be modulated more by the positive-phase IOD. The results demonstrate the potential applicability of satellite-based precipitation monitoring to predicting meteorological drought conditions several months in advance and preparing for their effects.

In vivo approach on femur bone regeneration of white rat (Rattus norvegicus) with the use of hydroxyapatite from cuttlefish bone (Sepia spp.) as bone filler.

BACKGROUND: Hydroxyapatite (HA) from bovine bone has been widely used as bone filler in many fractures cases. HA can also be made from cuttlefish bone (Sepia spp.) that has abundant availability in Indonesia and contains 84% CaCO3, which is a basic ingredient of HA. However, research on the effects of HA from cuttlefish bone on bone regeneration parameters has not been done yet. AIM: This study aimed to determine femur bone regeneration of white rats (Rattus norvegicus) through the use of HA from cuttlefish bone (Sepia spp.) as bone filler. MATERIALS AND METHODS: HA was made using the hydrothermal method by mixing 1M aragonite (CaCO3) from cuttlefish bone and 0.6 M NH4H2PO4 at 200°C for 12 h followed by sintering at 900°C for 1 h. In vivo test was carried out in three groups, including control group, bovine bone-derived HA group, and cuttlefish bone-derived HA group. The generation of femur bone was observed through the number of osteoblasts, osteoclasts, woven bone, lamellar bone, havers system, and repair bone through anatomical pathology test for 28 days and 56 days. RESULTS: Anatomical pathology test results are showed that administration of bovine bone-derived HA and cuttlefish bone-derived HA increased the number of osteoblasts, osteoclasts, woven bone, lamellar bone, havers system, and bone repair at recuperation of 56 days. Statistical test using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences with Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U-test was resulted in significant differences between the bovine bone-derived HA control group and the cuttlefish-derived HA control group. There was no significant difference toward the indication of bone formation through the growth of osteoblasts, osteoclasts, woven bone, lamellar bone, havers system, and bone repair in the bovine bone-derived HA and cuttlefish bone-derived HA groups. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that cuttlefish bone-derived HA has the potential as bone filler based on the characteristics of bone regeneration through in vivo test.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA Increases Vitamin D Receptor mRNA Expression and the Production of Nitric Oxide and Cathelicidin in Human Monocytes.

BACKGROUND: The innate immune response to tuberculosis infection may involve the increased production of nitric oxide and cathelicidin due to the up-regulated expression of the vitamin D receptor (VDR), though this proposed mechanism remains controversial. The aim of this study was to determine how the exposure of human monocytes to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) DNA affects the production of nitric oxide and cathelicidin, as well as the expression of VDR. METHODS: This study was performed using monocytes obtained from healthy donors. After 24 h incubation, monocytes were stimulated with M. tuberculosis DNA for 18 h to determine the expression of VDR mRNA and the production of nitric oxide and cathelicidin versus non-stimulated cells (the control group). RESULTS: The expression of VDR mRNA was higher in the monocytes exposed to M. tuberculosis DNA compared to the control group (P = 0.020). Monocytes exposed to M. tuberculosis DNA also showed significantly increased production of nitric oxide and cathelicidin compared to the control group (P = 0.0001; P = 0.028). CONCLUSION: The stimulation of human monocytes with M. tuberculosis DNA increases the expression of the VDR mRNA and the production of nitric oxide and cathelicidin.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA Increases Vitamin D Receptor mRNA Expression and the Production of Nitric Oxide and Cathelicidin in Human Monocytes

Background: The innate immune response to tuberculosis infection may involve the increased production of nitric oxide and cathelicidin due to the up-regulated expression of the vitamin D receptor (VDR), though this proposed mechanism remains controversial. The aim of this study was to determine how the exposure of human monocytes to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) DNA affects the production of nitric oxide and cathelicidin, as well as the expression of VDR. Methods: This study was performed using monocytes obtained from healthy donors. After 24 h incubation, monocytes were stimulated with M. tuberculosis DNA for 18 h to determine the expression of VDR mRNA and the production of nitric oxide and cathelicidin versus non-stimulated cells (the control group). Results: The expression of VDR mRNA was higher in the monocytes exposed to M. tuberculosis DNA compared to the control group (P = 0.020). Monocytes exposed to M. tuberculosis DNA also showed significantly increased production of nitric oxide and cathelicidin compared to the control group (P = 0.0001; P = 0.028). Conclusion: The stimulation of human monocytes with M. tuberculosis DNA increases the expression of the VDR mRNA and the production of nitric oxide and cathelicidin.