公共卫生研究摘要 (2026-05-17)

共收录 51 篇研究文章

1. Antibiotic-associated Enterococcus expansion in the gastrointestinal tract precedes infected necrosis in acute necrotizing pancreatitis.

期刊: Gut microbes 发表日期: 2026-Dec-31 链接: PubMed

摘要

Infected pancreatic necrosis complicates 30% of necrotizing pancreatitis cases, with intestinal bacterial translocation as the presumed mechanism. To characterize gastrointestinal microbiota dynamics preceding infection, we performed a predefined subgroup analysis of the POEMA cohort, a prospective multicenter microbiota study across 20 Dutch hospitals. Of 276 patients with acute pancreatitis, 57 with necrotizing pancreatitis underwent twice-weekly rectal and salivary sampling for 30 d, analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing. Twenty (35%) developed infected necrosis. After adjustment for baseline disease severity, biliary etiology, and prior antibiotic exposure, gastrointestinal Enterococcus colonization was associated with subsequent infected necrosis (rectal HR 4.48, 95% CI 1.51-13.28; salivary HR 5.37, 95% CI 1.72-16.79), typically preceding clinical diagnosis by 3 weeks; results were similar when adjusting for early extra-pancreatic infection instead of disease severity. Enterococcus colonization developed during admission, predominantly in the first 2 weeks, rather than being present at baseline. Early antibiotic use-without documented infection in 40%-was associated with Enterococcus colonisation (HR 4.99, 95% CI 1.57-15.80), reduced butyrate-producer abundance, and infected necrosis (HR 3.56, 95% CI 1.23-10.28). Whether this relationship is causal warrants further investigation, but if confirmed, it would warrant a more restrictive antibiotic policy in early acute pancreatitis.

2. Antenatal depressive symptoms impair offspring neurodevelopment by inducing maternal gut microbiota dysbiosis during pregnancy.

期刊: Gut microbes 发表日期: 2026-Dec-31 链接: PubMed

摘要

The effects of maternal antenatal depression (AND) across different stages of pregnancy on offspring neurodevelopment remain poorly understood, and the underlying microbiota-related mechanisms are largely unknown. In a multicenter prospective cohort of 2053 pregnant women, we found that elevated depressive symptoms at any trimester were significantly associated with delayed infant neurodevelopment. Using a nested case‒control design with 16S rRNA sequencing of 504 maternal fecal samples, we identified a consistent reduction of butyrate-producing bacteria and disruption of amino acid metabolism in women with AND symptoms - features that correlated with poorer infant cognitive outcomes. To establish causality, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from women with AND symptoms was administered to germ-free dams, resulting in impaired intestinal barrier integrity, heightened neuroinflammatory signaling, and altered polyunsaturated fatty acid and amino acid metabolism in fetal brains at E18.5, leading to postnatal cognitive deficits in the offspring. Remarkably, maternal butyrate supplementation partially rescued these molecular and neurodevelopmental abnormalities. Together, these findings reveal a mechanistic link between maternal mood, gut microbial ecology, and fetal brain development, and identify the maternal gut microbiota and its metabolites as potential therapeutic targets to prevent the intergenerational effects of antenatal depression.

3. Bedtime Consistency in Middle Childhood: Associations With School Engagement and Family Context in a National US Sample.

期刊: The Journal of school health 发表日期: 2026-Jun 链接: PubMed

摘要

Familial context influences children’s sleep routines, yet population-level evidence linking school engagement and self-regulation to bedtime consistency is limited. Data were drawn from the 2022-2024 National Survey of Children’s Health, including US children aged 6-11 years (N = 46,149). Sequential logistic regression models examined associations between bedtime consistency and school engagement, self-regulation, household and school context, adverse childhood experiences, caregiving factors, and demographics. Lower behavioral self-regulation, task persistence, and homework completion, perceived school unsafety, family structure, adverse childhood experiences, lack of caregiver emotional support, parenting stress, and older age were associated with higher odds of bedtime inconsistency (Wald F(16, 43,084) = 36.53, p < 0.001). In the fully adjusted model, low behavioral self-regulation (aOR = 1.41), low task persistence (aOR = 1.69), and low homework completion (aOR = 1.72) remained significant. Model explanatory power was modest (Nagelkerke R2 = 0.126). Supporting behavioral regulation and coordinated family-school strategies may promote sleep regularity. Bedtime inconsistency reflects both school-based behavioral functioning and broader family context.

4. Participation of Civil Society Organisations and Academia in COVID-19 Governance: Insights from a Six Country Study.

期刊: Health policy and planning 发表日期: 2026-May-16 链接: PubMed

摘要

This paper focuses on the engagement of persons and groups with diverse interests in the governance of the COVID-19 pandemic. During emergencies, involving diverse perspectives in governance mechanisms can contribute to more equitable and evidence-based policies that address societal needs. Previous literature shows that, even with the intent to include diverse perspectives , there can be gaps in engaging non-governmental entities in epidemic governance. This study sought to analyze participation of two important interest groups: academia and civil society organisations (CSOs) during the COVID-19 response, to identify best practices and strategies for enhancing their roles in future health crisis governance. We adopted a comparative case study design to collect data from six countries: Nigeria, Singapore, South Africa, Bangladesh, Jordan, and the United Kingdom, representing varied political and economic contexts, geographic locations, and response strategies during the pandemic. Data sources included key informant interviews and focus group discussions with a total of 64 stakeholders, including government officials, academic experts, and personnel from CSOs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, CSOs actively participated in response efforts, but in the six countries we analyzed, they largely did so independently of the government, particularly during the initial response phase. In some countries, governments involved CSOs only after reports of clusters of new transmission, primarily for risk communication and service delivery like vaccine distribution, without involving them in governance mechanisms like making pandemic preparedness and response policies. Other governments worked with public universities to gather evidence for decision-making and policy formulation starting from the pre-pandemic phase to the initial phase of the pandemic. Across disciplines, experts in epidemiology, mathematical modelling and infectious diseases were more likely to be consulted, whereas economists, sociologists, ethicists and anthropologists were less involved.

5. Missing Data Essentials Part 1: Detecting and Evaluating Patterns of Missingness in Longitudinal Cardiovascular Studies.

期刊: European journal of cardiovascular nursing 发表日期: 2026-May-16 链接: PubMed

摘要

Missing data are common in cardiovascular nursing and allied health research, especially in longitudinal studies. Common problems associated with missing data are reduced sample size, reduced statistical power and precision, and potentially biased results. There are several design strategies that can help minimize missing data including minimizing unnecessary items and incorporating reminders. It is important to understand common types of missingness, including item nonresponse, item-level missingness, wave nonresponse, and structural missingness, and to understand common mechanisms of missingness, including missing completely at random, missing at random, and missing not at random. This methods paper provides worked examples to illustrate several of these design and methodological considerations.

6. Associations Between Sociosexuality and Intoxicated Sex and Unprotected Sex: Mediating Effects of Hazardous Drinking.

期刊: Substance use & misuse 发表日期: 2026-May-16 链接: PubMed

摘要

Sociosexuality reflects behaviors, attitudes, and desires related to casual sex with multiple, concurrent, novel partners. Research on whether people high in sociosexuality are less likely to engage in safer sex practices (e.g., unprotected sex) is mixed, but there is evidence that those high in sociosexuality consume more alcohol than their peers, and drinking is associated with less likelihood of engaging in safer sex. Here we tested whether sociosexuality is associated with intoxicated and unprotected sex in a sample of college students (Study 1) and adults (Study 2). We hypothesized that sociosexuality would be associated with both intoxicated and unprotected sex on the premise that those high in sociosexuality tend to drink more (and those who drink more might be more likely to engage in sex while intoxicated) and less likely to engage in safer sex practices. Across both studies we found that sociosexuality is associated with intoxicated and unprotected sex, and this association was partially mediated by alcohol use. These findings have important implications for public health interventions aiming to increase safer sex practices.

7. Lessons on Community Engagement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Portfolio.

期刊: Journal of child sexual abuse 发表日期: 2026-May-16 链接: PubMed

摘要

Community engagement is a cornerstone of effective and fiscally responsible public health initiatives, especially in the prevention of child sexual abuse (CSA). It helps to ensure the voices, experiences, and perspectives of those directly affected by CSA prevention are central to research processes. This approach promotes collaboration, trust, and shared decision-making, leading to the development of programs and policies that are responsive to community needs and, therefore, more likely to succeed. This brief report synthesizes the community engagement experiences and lessons learned across nine Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-funded projects focused on the primary prevention of CSA. CDC and CDC Foundation scientific collaborators discussed community engagement with principal investigators (PIs) and project team members during ongoing project monitoring. These informal conversations provided insights into perspectives and strategies for community engagement, as well as the challenges and considerations for engaging communities in prevention research. Detailed notes were taken and compiled to describe these experiences. Findings offer a range of examples of community engagement practices employed by CDC’s CSA portfolio recipients and provide insight into lessons learned for researchers and practitioners aiming to strengthen community partnerships in CSA prevention.

8. Validity and reliability of a cognitive function assessment tool using psychomotor function tests in patients with alcohol use disorders - a pilot study.

期刊: Journal of pharmaceutical health care and sciences 发表日期: 2026-May-16 链接: PubMed

摘要

Even after alcohol detoxification, 50-80% of patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD) exhibit cognitive impairments, which affect key domains of social functioning, such as employment, interpersonal relationships, and communication. Therefore, it is necessary to assess cognitive function in patients with AUD in routine practice. However, existing cognitive function assessments are difficult to apply in routine practice because they require a long time, are burdensome on patients, and are limited to evaluators with special training. The present study investigated the relationship between a simple and novel assessment, called Psychomotor Function Tests (PFT), and existing Neuropsychological Tests (NT) in patients with AUD. Twenty patients with AUD underwent a cognitive assessment using NT (Raven’s Colored Progressive Matrices, Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), and Clinical Assessment for Attention (CAT)) as well as tablet-based PFT, with each assessment being conducted twice: 1 week and 2 months after alcohol detoxification with benzodiazepines. Twenty healthy controls underwent the same assessment. Psychomotor function assessed by PFT was significantly worse in patients with AUD than in healthy controls (p < 0.05). At both assessment time points, PFT composite score correlated with the total FAB score (r = 0.500, 0.458) and CAT time required (r = -0.447, -0.496). The CRT, CTT-TT, CTT-PAT and RVIP demonstrated a degree of test-retest reliability (r = 0.816, 0.812, 0.797, 0.676). The correlations observed between PFT and conventional NT suggest the utility of PFT for evaluating cognitive function in patients with AUD in clinical settings.

9. Baseline self-efficacy and engagement in a symptom management intervention after cancer treatment: an exploratory analysis of a sequential multiple assignment randomized trial.

期刊: Journal of cancer survivorship : research and practice 发表日期: 2026-May-16 链接: PubMed

摘要

The purpose of this study was to 1) test the relationship between self-efficacy to manage symptoms and engagement in a symptom self-management intervention and 2) examine the personal, behavioral, and environmental factors associated with engagement in symptom self-management after chemotherapy. This exploratory analysis included data from 375 adult post-chemotherapy survivors of solid tumor cancers with comorbidities or elevated depressive symptoms enrolled in a sequential multiple assignment randomized trial. Survivors were initially randomized to the Symptom Management and Survivorship Handbook intervention (SMSH) or SMSH plus Telephone Interpersonal Counseling (TIPC); SMSH nonresponders (those with depression scores that remained at, or increased to, moderate or severe) at week four were rerandomized. Engagement was measured by 1) weekly session completion and 2) reported use of SMSH strategies. Baseline measures included demographics, symptom severity, comorbidities, depressive symptoms, and self-efficacy. Associations were assessed using generalized linear mixed models. SMSH alone led to greater self-management strategy use than SMSH + TIPC. Baseline self-efficacy was associated with engagement in early weeks (1-4), whereas higher symptom severity reduced the likelihood of session completion. Age, female sex, and being married or living with a partner were associated with greater early strategy use. Among nonresponders, higher baseline depressive symptoms were associated with higher odds of strategy use during weeks 5-12. Simpler formats like SMSH may better engage post-chemotherapy survivors with comorbidities or depressive symptoms. Factors associated with session completion and strategy use differed. Targeting self-efficacy and providing early support may help sustain engagement in symptom management and facilitate use of self-management strategies in later weeks among non-responders with higher depressive symptoms. Reinforcing self-efficacy and providing focused support may help cancer survivors sustain symptom self-management.

10. Metal-Driven Biochemical and Physiological Stress in Fish Inhabiting an Urban Coastal Lagoon: Evidence from an Integrated Multibiomarker Approach.

期刊: Biological trace element research 发表日期: 2026-May-16 链接: PubMed

摘要

Urban coastal lagoons are heavily impacted by untreated sewage, industrial effluents and diffuse pollution, heightening ecotoxicological risks. Herein, Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) was employed as a sentinel species concerning metal exposure at the Jacarepaguá Lagoon Complex (JLC), a critical case of ecological degradation under intense anthropogenic pressure in Rio de Janeiro, Southeastern Brazil. Samplings were conducted between 2022 and 2023 during the dry (autumn-winter) and rainy (spring-summer) seasons. Organosomatic indices and total (muscle) and subcellular (liver and muscle) metal levels were determined. Antioxidant system alterations were evaluated through superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), reduced glutathione (GSH), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and metallothionein (MT) assessments. Lipid peroxidation (LPO) and protein carbonylation (PTC) levels were also determined as oxidative effect markers, while vitellogenin (VTG) was used as an estrogenic effect indicator. Arsenic (0.018-0.033 mg L⁻¹), Mn (0.041-0.050 mg L⁻¹), Rb (0.019-0.023 mg L⁻¹), and V (0.008-0.010 mg L⁻¹) were detected in water samples in both sampling seasons; while Fe was detected only in the dry season (0.023 ± 0.03 mg L⁻¹). Subcellular As, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Rb, Ti, V, and Zn were quantified in both liver and muscle, albeit with no significant differences between seasons or sexes. Seasonal variations were noted for male VTG, although not statistically significant, with attenuation of sexual VTG differences from the dry (M/F = 0.67) to the rainy season (M/F = 1.20). The multibiomarker approach applied to wild tilapia under diffuse urban pollution indicates mild sublethal effects while highlighting the need for expanded, integrated monitoring of additional endocrine and oxidative biomarkers. Although centered on a specific lagoon complex system, these mechanisms recur in urban lagoons worldwide, indicating the need for consumption-risk evaluations and actionable remediation/management frameworks.

11. What barriers need to be removed to incorporate resistance exercise into the lives of older adults with long-term diabetes and prefrailty? A deductive framework analysis using the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation and Behaviour (COM-B) behavioural science model.

期刊: Diabetic medicine : a journal of the British Diabetic Association 发表日期: 2026-May-16 链接: PubMed

摘要

Maintaining physical function, and thus independence, is essential for people ageing with diabetes. For older adults with long-term insulin-treated diabetes, managing frailty, preserving body mass index (BMI) and muscle strength and mitigating hypoglycaemia risk are key challenges. Resistance training (RT) offers benefits, including reduced hypoglycaemia risk, increased bone density and improved muscle strength, yet its uptake remains low. This study explores behavioural influences and barriers to RT participation among older adults living with insulin-treated diabetes and prefrailty. A qualitative approach was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with individuals living with prefrailty aged 60 years or older with insulin-treated diabetes (type 1 diabetes (n = 12); type 2 diabetes with BMI < =30 kg/m2 (n = 4)). Frailty was assessed using the Rockwood Clinical Frailty Scale (3-4). Data were analysed using framework analysis and aligned to the COM-B model of behaviour change to deductively identify barriers and facilitators. Barriers to RT were identified across psychological capability, physical capability and social opportunity COM-B domains. Key barriers included fears of fatigue, hypoglycaemia and injury, diabetes-related complications and difficulties using RT equipment. Outdated advice about exercise safety and lack of awareness of RT’s benefits further hindered participation. Facilitators included tailored education on diabetes-specific RT benefits, a supportive, flexible training environment and the presence of an exercise-competent partner. This study highlights perceptual and practical barriers that discourage older adults with diabetes and prefrailty from engaging in resistance exercise. Addressing these barriers through educational initiatives and creating adaptable exercise programmes could enhance exercise participation rates in this population.

12. Lemnaceae as a poultry feed supplement: a review on the nutritional and economic potential for long term feed sustainability.

期刊: Journal of animal science and biotechnology 发表日期: 2026-May-16 链接: PubMed

摘要

Soybean is a conventional and widely used protein source in the poultry feed. Fluctuating soybean prices linked to changing climatic and agroeconomic condition brings in multiple sustainability and food security concerns in the poultry feed sector. Additionally, competition for agricultural land, coupled to rising feed costs has put economic strain on the consumers. There is a need to promote alternative low-cost protein sources to bring in circularity in production systems, reduce environmental footprints, and improve long-term resilience of the poultry feed sector in the face of climate change. This work explores duckweed as a promising and economical alternative to soybean for use in the poultry feed sector and evaluates the limitations in their widespread use. Rich protein (around 35%-40%), high lysine content and diverse nutritional profile of duckweed confirm its suitability as an attractive component in the poultry feed, particularly relevant in the era of climate change and feed security crisis. Large scale production is however limited by processing and storage concerns that need to be further addressed to increase the economic viability of duckweeds. Production systems based on recycled wastewater makes the process sustainable. Reduction in antinutritive factors by enzymes or microbial fermentation will further enhance the acceptability of these plants as feed components. This study highlights opportunities to reduce the dependency on climate-sensitive soybean while promoting a circular bioeconomy approach in the poultry feed sector. Use of duckweed offers a promising approach to ensure a climate resilient and sustainable poultry sector, with potential to enhance food security.

13. Associations of Job Strain and Health: Differences Among Nurses and Personal Support Workers in Residential Care Homes During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

期刊: Workplace health & safety 发表日期: 2026-May-16 链接: PubMed

摘要

The COVID-19 pandemic revealed stressful working conditions experienced by health care workers in long-term care and seniors’ (LTCS) homes worldwide. However, differences in job strain among regulated and unregulated health care workers and its relationship to their health are understudied. This study examined associations between job strain-related working conditions and health changes, exploring differences between nurses and personal support workers (PSWs). This cross-sectional study used the Survey of Health Care Workers’ Experiences During the Pandemic (2021). Job strain-related working conditions included workload increases, working overtime, and beyond-role work. Outcomes were workers’ perceived changes in general health and mental health during the pandemic. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression models were employed, stratified by occupation, and controlled for covariates. Job strain prevalence during the pandemic was high, with more nurses reporting job strain-related working conditions (increased workloads, overtime, or beyond-role work) than PSWs. Associations between job strain working conditions and worsened health varied by occupation. Beyond-role work was associated with worsened mental health for both workers, but only worsened general health for nurses, not PSWs. Differences among nurses and PSWs demonstrate the importance of understanding variations in roles, occupational experiences and policies regulating health care workers. These findings support the need for targeted monitoring of mental and general health among nurses and PSWs in LTCS settings. Occupational health practitioners can identify experiences of job strain among staff and provide counsel for solutions, collaborating with management to ensure the LTCS workforce’s health and safety.

14. Diagnostic correction based on toxicology: A case of combined dichlorvos (DDVP), ethanol, and pesticide co-solvent intoxication.

期刊: Journal of forensic sciences 发表日期: 2026-May-16 链接: PubMed

摘要

Organophosphate pesticides (OPs) are commonly encountered toxic substances in poisoning incidents, often associated with severe clinical symptoms. The diagnosis and treatment become more complicated, especially when mixed with other toxic substances, requiring detailed toxicological analysis to identify the involved agents. This report presents a case of mixed poisoning in a 37-year-old male who ingested 250 mL of 40% alcohol and was admitted with impaired consciousness, absent pupillary light reflexes, and severe metabolic acidosis, which did not improve with initial treatment. Gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of the collected samples revealed dichlorvos (DDVP) in the gastric contents, along with 2,2-dichloroethanol, ethanol, butyl acetate, and isobutyl acetate in the blood. Following accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment, the patient’s condition gradually improved. This case highlighted the critical role of toxicological testing in diagnosing complex poisoning, providing vital guidance for clinical management, and emphasizing the importance of collaboration between laboratory and clinical teams in the treatment of acute poisoning.

15. Assessing implementation fidelity in a child maltreatment pilot trial: Lessons for evaluating complex interventions.

期刊: Scandinavian journal of public health 发表日期: 2026-May-15 链接: PubMed

摘要

This paper evaluates the implementation fidelity of Family Partner, a home-visiting intervention from the child welfare service that aims to reduce child maltreatment in families with complex support needs. To assess implementation fidelity, we utilized self-reported routine data from practitioners delivering the intervention, comprising 1657 reports concerning 19 enrolled families. Furthermore, five in-depth qualitative interviews and two focus groups were conducted with practitioners. Descriptive analyses were conducted on quantitative data, and thematic analysis on the qualitative data. The critical components for the implementation of the Family Partner intervention were generally met, with the exception of the requirement to conduct three home visits within the first 10 days of the intervention. Additionally, the quality and structure of the practitioner-reported routine data presented challenges in accurately assessing fidelity. Our study demonstrates the importance of developing robust measures for assessing implementation fidelity during the early stages of pilot testing before proceeding to a full-scale randomized controlled trial. Future research should include thoughtful and predefined fidelity measures to strengthen the evaluation of complex interventions.

16. Supporting Age-Friendly, Supported Housing for Aging and Physically Disabled Veterans.

期刊: Journal of applied gerontology : the official journal of the Southern Gerontological Society 发表日期: 2026-May-15 链接: PubMed

摘要

Background and ObjectivesHomelessness among Veterans aged 55+ rose 150% from 2010-2023, reflecting a critical housing crisis. While Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) offers support, aging and disabled Veterans may require a more tailored approach. To facilitate implementation of a HUD-VASH initiative on behalf of these Veterans, we identified barriers and potential facilitators for HUD-VASH community collaborative efforts and created an implementation blueprint for optimal partnerships.Research Design and MethodsWe conducted qualitative interviews with 18 HUD-VASH Geriatric Specialists nationwide and user-centered design sessions with VHA staff and community agencies in two large healthcare systems.ResultsGuided by Shepherd (et al.) collaboration framework, challenges included communication barriers, administrative complexity, resource gaps, unclear roles, geographic diversity, and limited information sharing.Discussion and ImplicationsFindings informed a blueprint to enhance collaboration and housing stability for aging and disabled Veterans. Future research should assess its effectiveness for nationwide adoption.

17. Survey to inform personalised prescribing in a British South Asian community: pharmacogenomics and traditional medicine use.

期刊: BMC medicine 发表日期: 2026-May-15 链接: PubMed

摘要

Pharmacogenomics (PGx) uses genetic information to personalize medication, reducing adverse reactions and improving efficacy. Despite its promise, low public awareness and disparities in PGx acceptability among under-represented groups may exacerbate health inequalities. The objective of this study was to elucidate a British South Asian community’s attitudes toward personalised prescribing. Adults of Bangladeshi or Pakistani ancestry from the Genes & Health (G&H) study completed a survey. Community feedback guided theme prioritization. Multivariable logistic regression analyses (controlling for age and gender) explored relationships among survey variables, and case-control Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS) and candidate variant enrichment analysis examined the genetic architecture underlying herbal remedy use. Out of 553 respondents (57% female, mostly aged 25-54), 72% reported medication inefficacy, and 54% experienced side effects. Herbal remedies were widely used (66%), notably Black seed (39%), Turmeric (37%), and Ginger (36%). Participants who reported not using traditional or herbal medicines had higher medication adherence MARS-5 scores (Odds Ratio (OR) 1.10, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.05-1.16, p < 0.0002). All three commonly used herbal remedies inhibit the pharmacogenomically variable CYP2C9 enzyme responsible for metabolising commonly used medications. 58% of respondents were willing to provide DNA samples for PGx testing, yet 70% agreed that they would be more likely to take medication as instructed if PGx results suggested the medicine would suit them. Concerns about PGx testing were common (27%), especially among non-English speakers. Most (69%) were concerned about misuse of PGx data, particularly by pharmaceutical companies (82%). Importantly, 87% demanded stronger PGx data protections compared to other health data. Compared to a national UK population, the surveyed subpopulation reported higher rates of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and perceived medication inefficacy, yet fewer respondents indicated willingness to undergo PGx testing. This highlights the need for tailored implementation strategies and underscores the importance of engaging underrepresented populations in policy development. The inverse relationship between medication adherence and herbal remedy use indicates an association between cultural health practices and medication behaviours that merits further investigation. Increased awareness of the common use of these CYP2C9 inhibitors and further research into the genetic architecture underlying herbal remedy use are warranted.

18. Comparison of Ritchie and Kato-Katz methods for the detection of intestinal helminths in humans: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

期刊: Parasites & vectors 发表日期: 2026-May-15 链接: PubMed

摘要

Comparative evidence on the diagnostic performance of Formalin-Ether Concentration (FEC) versus the Kato-Katz thick smear (KK) for detecting intestinal helminths in humans remains inconsistent. This systematic review and meta-analysis compared the odds of detecting intestinal helminths using FEC versus the single-slide KK. A systematic search was conducted across six databases (PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, Nursing and Allied Health Premium, and Ovid). Eligible studies directly compared FEC with single-slide KK for stool examination. Data was extracted using a standardized template, and risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) tools. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) were estimated using fixed-effect and random-effects models. Heterogeneity (I2), subgroup analyses, meta-regression, and assessments of publication bias (funnel plots, Harbord tests, and trim-and-fill) were performed where appropriate. A total of 40 studies met the inclusion criteria. For overall intestinal helminths (27 studies; 11,198 samples), the random-effects model produced a nonsignificant pooled OR of 0.76 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.55-1.05, I2 = 94.2%), whereas the fixed-effect model indicated higher detection by KK (OR = 0.84; 95% CI 0.78-0.91). For soil-transmitted helminth infections (STHs) (12 studies; 3615 samples), pooled estimates were 0.98 (95% CI 0.61-1.55, I2 = 71.3%; random-effects) and 0.84 (95% CI 0.74-0.97; fixed-effect). Species-specific pooled ORs were nonsignificant for hookworm (0.75; 95% CI 0.48-1.18, I2 = 83.2%), Ascaris lumbricoides (0.94; 95% CI 0.63-1.40, I2 = 80.8%), and Trichuris trichiura (0.65; 95% CI 0.40-1.07, I2 = 68.2%). FEC detected Strongyloides stercoralis significantly more frequently (OR = 5.02; 95% CI 1.75-14.41, I2 = 0%), while KK detected Schistosoma mansoni more often (OR = 0.59; 95% CI 0.39-0.90, I2 = 93.7%). For Opisthorchis viverrini, no difference was observed between the two detection methods (OR = 1.09; 95% CI 0.61-1.92, I2 = 86.7%). Subgroup analyses revealed notable regional and species-level variation. Meta-regression indicated minimal influence of study design, continent, or participant type. Publication bias assessments suggested minimal small-study effects. The diagnostic performance varied substantially between FEC methods and KK, depending on helminth species, region, and study design. KK was more sensitive at detecting S. mansoni and often performed similarly to or better than other methods for STHs, particularly in low-intensity settings. In contrast, FEC methods showed superior detection of S. stercoralis and preserved hookworm eggs. These findings support the use of integrated diagnostic strategies that combine KK with sedimentation or molecular methods to enhance surveillance in the era of helminth control and elimination.

19. Performance evaluation of finger-worn devices for sleep stage classification and sleep apnea detection: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

期刊: Journal of translational medicine 发表日期: 2026-May-15 链接: PubMed

摘要

Recently, sleep wearables have experienced a boom, particularly devices worn on the finger, such as smart rings, which have garnered growing attention. However, there currently exists no review that comprehensively and systematically evaluates the accuracy of these devices. This scoping review evaluates 11 finger-worn devices against polysomnography (PSG) across 28 articles from inception to April, 2025, assessing sleep staging (primarily healthy participants) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) detection (clinical cohorts) via heterogeneous sensors and algorithms. Current evidence in our study demonstrates efficacy in sleep/wake classification (pooled accuracy = 87%, 95%CI = 86%~89%) and severe OSA screening, but reveals persistent challenges in multi-stage sleep analysis (pooled accuracy for light/deep/rapid eye movement (REM) sleep = 0.65, 0.81, 0.74, respectively) and mild OSA detection. All devices, except one, demonstrated higher accuracy at an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) threshold of 30 than at thresholds of 5 or 15. Finger-worn devices may be used for longitudinal sleep/wake tracking in healthy adults or as a triage tool for severe OSA, but should not replace PSG for diagnosis of mild OSA or detailed sleep architecture assessment. Achieving PSG-comparable accuracy in multi-stage sleep analysis and mild OSA detection requires addressing algorithmic transparency, population diversity, and standardized methodologies.

20. Standardization of surgical gesture taxonomy: a SAGES Delphi consensus study.

期刊: Surgical endoscopy 发表日期: 2026-May-15 链接: PubMed

摘要

Artificial intelligence (AI) for surgical workflow analysis often fails to generalize because surgical actions lack a standardized, fine-grained representation. Gesture-level “tokenization” of surgery, capturing instrument-tissue interactions as the smallest intentional functional units, offers greater technical specificity than phase- or step-level labels and has demonstrated associations with proficiency and clinical outcomes. However, the field remains fragmented by heterogeneous gesture terminology, limiting dataset interoperability and model reproducibility. We conducted a SAGES-led, accelerated Delphi consensus process to establish a standardized surgical gesture taxonomy. Starting with 270 literature-derived gesture terms, we employed a novel hybrid pipeline combining large language model (LLM)-assisted semantic clustering with multi-round expert review. The process involved two Delphi surveys (open-ended, then structured agreement) with a predefined ≥ 80% agreement threshold, a pilot interactive video-based validation task where participants labeled 30 surgical clips, and a final in-person consensus meeting with live anonymous polling. Across iterative refinement, the taxonomy evolved from 106 gestures in 11 clusters to a hierarchical framework of Clusters, Gestures, and Sub-gestures, which, after consolidation and pilot annotation, reached a final consensus taxonomy comprising 10 clusters, 24 gestures, and 46 sub-gestures. The panel rejected dominant-instrument-only labeling, supporting multi-instrument annotation to capture assisting actions critical to surgical quality. Video-based validation demonstrated high agreement for multiple gestures (e.g., coagulate, suction, irrigate, staple, clip, needle drive), while identifying predictable ambiguities among semantically proximate actions (e.g., cut vs seal; grasp vs clamp; dissect vs spread), informing final revisions. This work establishes a standardized, hierarchical taxonomy for surgical gestures, providing a foundational language for surgical data science. This framework is designed to reduce annotation variability, enable reliable cross-study comparisons, and accelerate the development of scalable video-based assessment, computer vision, and autonomous systems. Defining temporal boundaries for these gestures was identified as the next critical step.

21. APOE ε4 influences the widespread TDP-43 pathological subtype in sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

期刊: Acta neuropathologica 发表日期: 2026-May-15 链接: PubMed

摘要

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder, most sporadic cases exhibiting TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) pathology. The anatomical distribution of TDP-43 pathology varies among patients; however, factors contributing to this heterogeneity remain unclear. Apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 is known to influence the spread of pathological protein in several neurodegenerative diseases, raising the possibility that it also modulates the pathological distribution of TDP-43 inclusions in ALS. We investigated this hypothesis in a cohort of 145 autopsy-confirmed sporadic ALS cases. ALS-associated TDP-43 pathology was classified into two subtypes: type 1 - largely restricted to motor regions - and type 2 - characterized by widespread cortical involvement. APOE genotypes and rare variants in known ALS-associated genes were determined by exome sequencing. Amyloid-β and tau pathologies were assessed neuropathologically using established staging systems. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied to disentangle direct and indirect relationships among APOE ε4, temporal clinical parameters, Alzheimer’s disease-related pathologies, and ALS TDP-43 subtype. Furthermore, we also performed an unbiased evaluation using random forest model. APOE ε4 carriers showed a significantly higher proportion of type 2 pathology than non-carriers. Bayesian SEM demonstrated that APOE ε4 was directly associated with the type 2, widespread TDP-43 subtype, independent of amyloid-β and tau pathology, while also reproducing the canonical cascade linking APOE ε4 to amyloid-β and tau. Rare variants in ALS-associated genes showed no clear effect on TDP-43 subtype. These findings indicate that APOE ε4 modifies the anatomical distribution of TDP-43 pathology in sporadic ALS through mechanisms independent of classical Alzheimer’s disease pathology. Incorporation of APOE genotype into ALS stratification may be informative for biologically grounded subtype-specific therapeutic approaches.

22. Keratin 1 and keratin 18 as immunohistochemical markers for distinguishing pulmonary metastases of oral squamous cell carcinoma from primary lung squamous cell carcinoma.

期刊: Scientific reports 发表日期: 2026-May-15 链接: PubMed

摘要

Accurate distinction between pulmonary metastases of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and primary lung squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is critical for clinical management, but practical immunohistochemical markers remain limited in routine practice. We screened three public mRNA expression datasets, GSE84846 for OSCC and The Cancer Genome Atlas and Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium for LSCC, and selected six candidate markers for immunohistochemical evaluation in 39 OSCC and 92 LSCC specimens. Among them, keratin 1 (K1; encoded by KRT1) and keratin 18 (K18; encoded by KRT18) showed the most significant differential expression between OSCC and LSCC (both p < 0.0001). K1 was predominantly expressed in OSCC and rarely in LSCC, whereas K18 showed the opposite pattern. K1 showed high specificity (0.989) and an odds ratio of 117.8, while K18 showed a specificity of 0.974 and an odds ratio of 59.1. Receiver operating characteristic analysis confirmed strong discriminatory performance for K1 (AUC, 0.865) and K18 (AUC, 0.872). In four whole-exome sequencing-confirmed pairs of primary OSCC and lung metastases, staining patterns for both markers were concordant between the primary oral tumors and pulmonary lesions. These findings support K1 and K18 as practical markers for distinguishing pulmonary metastases of OSCC from primary LSCC.

23. Advances in causal discovery methods for ecological time series.

期刊: Biological reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society 发表日期: 2026-May-15 链接: PubMed

摘要

Recent advances in data collection technologies (e.g. automated sensor networks, satellite remote sensing, and high-throughput sequencing) have greatly expanded the availability of ecological time series, enabling new opportunities for causal analyses in dynamic ecosystems. Granger causality (GC) and convergent cross mapping (CCM), two prominent dynamical causal discovery methods, have gained attention in ecological studies for uncovering causal relationships in nonlinear systems. GC traces its roots to economics and was later extended through the information-theoretic framework of transfer entropy (TE). On the other hand, CCM was developed from studies of chaotic time series. Both methods have provided critical insights into the dynamics of complex systems. In this review, we synthesize foundational concepts and recent developments in GC and CCM, exploring their respective strengths and limitations, while clarifying their interrelationship. We also review recent advances in temporal causal discovery methods, originally developed within the framework of statistical causal inference for non-temporal data, and highlight their applicability to ecological data sets. Despite these advances, such approaches remain largely unfamiliar to ecologists. We argue that a rigorous framework of time-series-based causal inference, together with an appreciation of their diverse methodological developments to date, will not only raise awareness of unresolved challenges but also create new research opportunities in ecology. By offering an integrated perspective, we encourage the application and development of cutting-edge methods in ecology to help foster a deeper understanding of ecosystem dynamics.

24. Corrigendum to "Screening for depressive symptoms in primary and secondary school students based on speech features: A one-year longitudinal study from Jiangsu, China" [J. Affect. Disord. Volume 398, 1 April 2026, Article 120976].

期刊: Journal of affective disorders 发表日期: 2026-May-15 链接: PubMed

摘要

25. Small muscle mass aerobic exercise in health and disease: Unique insights into muscle vascular and metabolic control and performance.

期刊: Experimental physiology 发表日期: 2026-May-15 链接: PubMed

摘要

Studies of small muscle mass exercise (SMME) have revealed that the peripheral O2 transport-utilization cascade is a dynamically regulated system in which perfusive and diffusive components can be selectively amplified, redistributed and mechanically limited depending on contraction pattern, recruitment strategy and intramuscular pressure development. By relatively unbridling skeletal muscle from systemic circulatory restraint, SMME can expose both the maximal capacity and the intrinsic mechanical vulnerabilities of convective and microvascular O2 delivery ( Q ̇ O 2 $}{\mathrm{2}}}}}$ ) in humans. The evidence reviewed herein demonstrates that V ̇ O 2 $}{\mathrm{2}}}}}$ kinetics in young healthy individuals, performing cycling or SMME, are not limited by Q ̇ O 2 $}{\mathrm{2}}}}}$ per se. With mass-specific blood flows and diffusive conductance being markedly elevated during SMME, intramuscular metabolic regulation remains the dominant determinant of V ̇ O 2 $}{\mathrm{2}}}}}$ kinetics, while alterations in Q ̇ O 2 $}{\mathrm{2}}}}}$ -to- V ̇ O 2 $}{\mathrm{2}}}}}$ matching primarily shape fatigue development, metabolite accumulation and force economy rather than the speed of the V ̇ O 2 $}{\mathrm{2}}}}}$ kinetics. SMME alters not only the pattern of muscle recruitment but also the balance between Q ̇ O 2 $}{\mathrm{2}}}}}$ and V ̇ O 2 $}{\mathrm{2}}}}}$ in a muscle-specific manner, uncoupling activation from deoxygenation in selected muscles. Above critical power, mechanical impedance to both conduit and microvascular blood flow can emerge, linking peripheral perfusion directly to metabolic instability and exercise intolerance. By isolating active muscle mass, SMME reveals whether a mitochondrial and microvascular metabolic reserve exists at peak exercise, and whether this reserve can be restored, or at least improved, through focused training. From a translational perspective, SMME provides a uniquely powerful framework to both diagnose and therapeutically target peripheral limitations in patients whose exercise intolerance is traditionally ascribed to central or ventilatory constraints.

26. Ozonation and UV-C photolysis for the removal of antipsychotics in real hospital wastewater: kinetics, removal efficiency, and insights into transformation products.

期刊: Journal of environmental science and health. Part A, Toxic/hazardous substances & environmental engineering 发表日期: 2026-May-15 链接: PubMed

摘要

Hospital wastewater is a significant source of pharmaceutical contaminants, including antipsychotic drugs, which are often inefficiently removed by conventional treatment systems. In this study, the degradation of four antipsychotics was investigated using ozonation and UV-C photolysis under different pH conditions. Kinetic analyses indicated pseudo-first-order behavior, with ozonation achieving faster and more efficient removal compared to photolysis. To complement the evaluation of removal performance, the formation of transformation products (TPs) was assessed. For haloperidol, TPs generated during ozonation were experimentally investigated, while for the other compounds, previously reported TPs from the literature were considered to provide a broader perspective. These compounds were further evaluated using in silico QSAR models to estimate biodegradability and ecotoxicity toward aquatic organisms. The results indicate that although several TPs exhibit increased biodegradability relative to their parent compounds, this trend is not universal and does not consistently translate into reduced ecotoxicity. In the case of haloperidol ozonation, intermediate TPs exhibited a marked increase in predicted toxicity, suggesting that partial oxidation may enhance biological reactivity before subsequent degradation yields less harmful species. Overall, this study highlights that while ozonation is highly effective at removing antipsychotics, assessing TPs is essential for a more comprehensive evaluation of environmental implications.

27. Antibiotic Metabolites Are an Overlooked Driver of Resistance Dissemination in Plant Systems.

期刊: Environmental science & technology 发表日期: 2026-May-15 链接: PubMed

摘要

Antibiotic pollution in agroecosystems is widely recognized, yet the risks posed by their metabolites remain insufficiently addressed. Using lettuce as a model, we investigated how tetracycline (TC) and its metabolites, anhydrotetracycline (ATC) and epitetracycline (ETC), contribute to the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). TC primarily accumulated in roots and declined during translocation, whereas ATC exhibited greater persistence and became the predominant residue through in planta transformation. At environmentally relevant concentrations (≤0.1 mg·L-1), ATC more effectively expanded the mobilizable resistome than the parent compound by inducing reactive oxygen species, activating the SOS response, increasing membrane permeability, and promoting RP4 plasmid conjugative transfer. These processes facilitated the acquisition of multidrug resistance and the colonization of plant tissues by human pathogens, including Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, thereby increasing ARG burdens in both rhizosphere and phyllosphere compartments. Metagenomic analysis further confirmed the coselection of nontetracycline ARGs, such as aph3’-I and catB, and the enrichment of efflux systems (acr/emr) in pathogenic bacteria. Our findings challenge the parent-compound-centered paradigm of antibiotic risk assessment by identifying ATC as a key high-risk driver of ARG dissemination in food plants and highlighting the need to incorporate transformation products into future management strategies.

28. Noninvasive early detection and grading of pneumoconiosis via plasma proteomics and machine learning: PRSS3 as a potential biomarker.

期刊: Clinical proteomics 发表日期: 2026-May-15 链接: PubMed

摘要

Coal-dust, a persistent airborne pollutant, induces dose-related pulmonary fibrosis; however, plasma biomarkers for pre-clinical toxicity remain lacking. We enrolled 158 participants, including 28 healthy controls (HCs), 30 dust-exposed workers (DEWs), and 100 patients with coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP) at different stages (n CWP-I=40, n CWP-II=30, n CWP-III=30). Plasma proteomic profiling was performed via data-independent acquisition (DIA) mass spectrometry. Differentially expressed proteins were identified and functionally annotated. Key proteins were selected and multiple machine learning algorithms were employed to construct and validate predictive models. We identified 1,239 plasma proteins, including 645 high-confidence candidates. Functional enrichment revealed significant associations between disease progression and pathways such as PPAR signaling, cholesterol metabolism, Epstein-Barr virus infection, and the pentose phosphate pathway. These alterations converge on dysregulated lipid metabolism, chronic inflammatory signaling and virus-induced immune evasion, suggesting a metabolic-immune axis that orchestrates early fibrotic progression. We successfully constructed the first plasma proteomics-based machine learning models for pneumoconiosis grading and early screening. Notably, a single biomarker, PRSS3, demonstrated exceptional performance in distinguishing DEW patients from early-stage pneumoconiosis patients (CWP-I), achieving an area under the curve (AUC) of 1.00 and an accuracy of 1.00 in the training set and an AUC of 1.00 with an accuracy between 0.93 and 1.00 in the validation set. This study establishes innovative machine learning-based models for the grading and early screening of pneumoconiosis via plasma proteomics. The identification of PRSS3 as a potential biomarker highlights the clinical utility of our approach. These findings provide a foundation for noninvasive diagnostic strategies and future translational research in occupational lung diseases.

29. A Novel Splice Variant in ERGIC1 Causes Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita-Characterization Using Urine-Derived Cells.

期刊: American journal of medical genetics. Part C, Seminars in medical genetics 发表日期: 2026-May-15 链接: PubMed

摘要

Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) is defined as the presence of joint contractures affecting at least two body regions at birth. Three different ERGIC1 variants have been reported in individuals with AMC. Here, we report on a 16-year-old male with a homozygous ERGIC1 c.250+1G>A variant that was classified as a variant of uncertain significance on trio genome analysis. The proband’s phenotype resembled that of previously reported individuals with ERGIC1 variants, but also included an absent patella and advanced bone age, which have not been reported in ERGIC1-related AMC. RNA extracted from urine-derived cells showed a splice defect of exon 4. This caused a deletion of two base pairs from the end of the exon, expected to result in a frameshift and nonsense-mediated decay. This report expands the number of ERGIC1 variants linked to AMC and demonstrates the utility of RNA-based diagnostic methods.

30. Prevalence of nasal carriage and methicillin resistance of Staphylococcus aureus among hotel workers in Sétif province, Algeria.

期刊: International journal of hygiene and environmental health 发表日期: 2026-May-15 链接: PubMed

摘要

Nasal colonization with Staphylococcus aureus, particularly methicillin-resistant strains (MRSA), represents a potential source of transmission in community and occupational settings. Hotel employees may serve as asymptomatic carriers due to frequent interpersonal and environmental contact, yet they are rarely included in surveillance programs. A cross-sectional study was conducted in four hotels in Sétif Province, Algeria. Nasal swabs were collected from 115 employees and processed using standard microbiological methods. Methicillin resistance was determined by the cefoxitin disk diffusion test. Demographic characteristics, recent antibiotic use, and potential risk factors were recorded. Phenotypically confirmed MRSA isolates were analyzed for the presence of the mecA gene. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from 26 samples (22.6%), including 9 MRSA isolates (7.8%). Carriage was more frequent among males, individuals aged 30-45 years, and rural residents. No significant association was observed between recent antibiotic use and MRSA carriage. One hotel showed notably higher prevalence rates. Resistance was highest to penicillin G (65.4%), followed by oxacillin, cefoxitin, and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (34.6%). Moderate resistance was observed to kanamycin, ciprofloxacin, chloramphenicol, and gentamicin, while lower resistance rates were found for erythromycin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline, and clindamycin. All isolates were susceptible to vancomycin, rifampicin, and streptomycin. The mecA gene was detected in 66.7% of MRSA isolates. This study shows a moderate prevalence of S. aureus and mecA-positive MRSA among hotel workers, suggesting occupational exposure may facilitate community dissemination and supporting the inclusion of non-clinical, high-contact occupations in antimicrobial resistance surveillance programs.

31. Metal concentration in biological samples of shipyard welders: a scoping review.

期刊: International journal of hygiene and environmental health 发表日期: 2026-May-15 链接: PubMed

摘要

Welding fumes are an unavoidable by-product of welding processes and have been associated with various adverse health effects. In the shipbuilding industry, welders are potentially exposed to large amounts of welding fumes containing various metal species. For the assessment of health risks human biomonitoring (HBM) constitutes a valuable tool determining the actual internal exposure to the metal content. This review aims to provide an overview of the current HBM data on the internal metal burden of shipyard welders, including associations with 1) ambient monitoring (AM) data, 2) welding processes, and 3) an assessment of health risks for welders based on reported HBM results. PubMed and Web of Science were searched for HBM studies providing metal concentrations in biological samples from shipyard welders. Study characteristics, AM and HBM results, and welding processes were extracted. Twenty-two studies were included in this review. Overall, sixteen metals were quantified in biological samples, with manganese, nickel and chromium being the most frequently analysed. In welders, metal concentrations were 1.02 to 20.6 times higher than in controls for 81 % of the HBM data, with a statistically significant difference observed in 33 % of cases. Weak associations were found between metal levels and AM results or welding processes. The limitations of using occupational exposure limits for risk assessment were discussed. Prospective studies with a harmonised design are needed to elucidate causal relationships between welding fume exposure and systemic metal burden, and to facilitate an accurate assessment of the resulting health risks.

32. Infectious contamination of healthcare workers.

期刊: Presse medicale (Paris, France : 1983) 发表日期: 2026-May-14 链接: PubMed

摘要

Infectious diseases represent a major component of biological hazards encountered by healthcare workers. Occupational exposure may occur through multiple transmission pathways including airborne particles, direct contact, contaminated environments, or blood exposure accidents. Understanding these mechanisms is essential to guide effective prevention strategies in healthcare settings. This narrative review synthesises current epidemiological data and preventive recommendations regarding occupational infectious risks in healthcare and related professional environments. Major pathogens and transmission mechanisms were analysed using recent literature and public health guidance. Healthcare workers may be exposed to a wide spectrum of infectious agents including respiratory viruses (influenza, measles, tuberculosis), contact transmitted pathogens (scabies, cytomegalovirus), enteric infections (hepatitis A), and blood borne viruses such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and human immunodeficiency virus. Transmission risk depends on the interaction between an infectious source, transmission route, and host susceptibility. Occupational exposure varies according to professional activities, patient populations, and environmental conditions. Although some infections such as measles or influenza show increased incidence among healthcare workers, improved infection control measures have substantially reduced risks associated with blood exposure accidents and other occupational exposures. Preventive strategies rely on a combination of measures including vaccination, standard precautions, hand hygiene, appropriate use of personal protective equipment, environmental control, and rapid management of exposure incidents. Infectious risks remain a significant occupational concern for healthcare workers. However, adherence to comprehensive prevention strategies-particularly vaccination, hygiene measures, and appropriate protective equipment-substantially reduces transmission risk in healthcare environments.

33. The mediation and interaction roles of hypertension on the pathway between occupational noise and cardiac arrhythmia: insights from a large cross-sectional occupational population of 229,686 workers.

期刊: Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987) 发表日期: 2026-May-14 链接: PubMed

摘要

Evidence on the association between occupational noise exposure and cardiac arrhythmia remains limited, and even less is known about the potential mediation and interaction roles of hypertension along this pathway. Using data from a large population of noise-exposed workers in southern China, we conducted a cross-sectional study including 229,686 participants. Noise exposure, measured as time-weighted average intensity (8-hour/day or 40-hour/week equivalent sound levels), categorized as reference group, 65-84 dB(A), and ≥85 dB(A). Mixed-effect models were applied to assess the association of occupational noise with the prevalence of cardiac arrhythmia and its subtypes. A mediation analysis, combined with a four-way decomposition method, was used to examine the complex role of hypertension on the pathway. Among the study population, 43,531 workers were diagnosed with cardiac arrhythmia. Compared with the reference group, workers exposed to 65-84 dB(A) and ≥85 dB(A) of noise had a 40% (95% CI: 36%-45%) and 32% (95% CI: 24%-40%) increased risk of arrhythmia, respectively. Hypertension showed both mediation (0.19%-1.98%) and interaction effects (25.25%-31.11%) on this pathway. Additionally, occupational noise markedly elevated the risks of multiple arrhythmia subtypes, with the strongest association observed for irregular heartbeat (65-84 dB(A): 3.74, 95% CI: 3.45-4.05; ≥85 dB(A): 1.46, 95% CI: 1.13-1.89), and with substantial heterogeneity in mediation and interaction effects across subtypes. Overall, occupational noise is a significant predictor underlying the increased prevalence of cardiac arrhythmia and its subtypes, particularly irregular heartbeat. Additionally, hypertension plays a mediation and interaction role in this pathway, with the interaction effect accounts for a larger proportion.

34. Occupational profile types of Chinese vocational nursing faculty in a neijuan context and their associations with burnout and turnover intention.

期刊: Nurse education in practice 发表日期: 2026-May-11 链接: PubMed

摘要

To explore occupational profiles among vocational nursing faculty and compare burnout and turnover intention across profiles. Neijuan (translated as involution) describes a context of intensified evaluation and competition where teaching, research and clinical skill updating may overlap. Using Bourdieu’s field theory as a contextual lens, we examined how occupational profiles relate to burnout and turnover intention among vocational nursing faculty in Henan Province, China. Cross-sectional study. The sample included 208 vocational nursing faculty from multiple higher vocational colleges in Henan Province, China. A self-administered questionnaire assessed profile indicators covering work demands, perceived organizational justice and publication-related orientations and behaviours and measured burnout and turnover intention. Indicators were standardised and entered into K-means clustering. Differences were examined using ANOVA and covariate-adjusted linear models. Four profiles were identified: A, high workload, low justice, high publication-related responses (34.6%); B, relatively high justice, low publication-related responses (20.7%); C, high justice, quality-oriented, low collaboration avoidance (31.7%); D, low workload, moderate justice (13.0%). Both outcomes differed by profile (p < 0.001). Profile A had the highest burnout and turnover intention. Profile D had the lowest burnout. Turnover intention was lower in Profiles B and C and did not differ from Profile D. Differences remained after adjustment. Vocational nursing faculty show distinct occupational profiles reflecting work demands, perceived organizational justice and publication-related patterns. Profiles are linked to burnout and turnover intention, informing targeted workload reduction and tailored support.

35. Current state and potential of hospitals for automated healthcare-associated infection surveillance: data from 24 European countries, 2022 to 2023.

期刊: Euro surveillance : bulletin Europeen sur les maladies transmissibles = European communicable disease bulletin 发表日期: 2026-May 链接: PubMed

摘要

BACKGROUNDAlthough electronic health records are increasingly used for automated surveillance (AS) of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), implementation is still a challenge. To develop more targeted implementation initiatives across Europe, knowledge about the current state of AS and potential to implement AS systems is needed.AIMTo assess the adoption and feasibility of AS based on the 2022-2023 European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) Point Prevalence Survey (PPS).METHODSThe 2022-2023 ECDC PPS included questions on the degree of AS and digital data storage for seven HAIs. Descriptive analyses of the responses were performed and stratified by geographic region and hospital characteristics. Categorical variables were analysed as such and converted to ordinal scales.RESULTSOverall, 992 hospitals from 24 European countries participated. Across all seven HAIs, fully manual surveillance was the most common method (from healthcare-associated pneumonia (HAP) 38.8% to Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) 45.4%). A considerable proportion, i.e. 19.3% (HAP) to 29.8% (CDI), employed some form of automation (automated denominator 5.3-11.3%; semi-automated 12.2-16.9%; fully automated 1.8-2.9%). Many hospitals not employing AS had required source data digitally stored. Generally, tertiary hospitals had higher levels of automation and digital data storage compared with other hospital types. Smaller hospitals (≤ 250 beds) had lower levels of automation, but a similar level of digital data storage compared with larger hospitals.CONCLUSIONThis study highlights variability in AS implementation and digital potential across European hospitals and underscores the need for targeted strategies to advance AS adoption and optimise surveillance.

36. Prenatal environmental exposures and the risk of repeated childhood wheeze and diagnosed atopic disease.

期刊: Pediatric allergy and immunology : official publication of the European Society of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology 发表日期: 2026-May 链接: PubMed

摘要

Early pregnancy represents a critical developmental period and may influence later development of respiratory and allergic diseases in children. A growing body of evidence links prenatal exposures to atopic diseases, such as asthma, with sex-specific differences. Children from the F2-generation (i.e., children born to male or female F1 participants of the original 1989 birth cohort) of the Isle of Wight Birth Cohort (IOWBC) (n = 617) were followed from pregnancy through 10 years. Prenatal exposures (12 weeks), including cooking heat source, dampness or fungi in the home, air pollution and vehicle traffic near the home, were determined via standardized questionnaires. The status of wheezing, asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eczema status were also determined through questionnaires. Generalized linear mixed models analyzed the association of these early in utero exposures with the risk of childhood atopic disease status and respiratory symptoms. Increased vehicle traffic near the home (10+ per hour) was associated with increased risk of wheezing during childhood (RR: 1.74; 95% CI: 1.02-2.99); particularly in girls. Any increased vehicle traffic was also associated with higher risk of repeated wheezing in girls compared to infrequent traffic. A significant additive interaction between outdoor air pollution and sex was observed for repeated wheezing (RERI = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.10-0.82), indicating that the combined effect of prenatal air pollution exposure and female sex exceeded the sum of their individual effects. However, no prenatal environmental factors were associated with increased risk of diagnosed asthma, allergic rhinitis, or eczema. Our findings suggest that prenatal exposures to vehicle traffic near home are associated with an increased risk of repeated childhood wheezing, and such associations are likely to be different between boys and girls. Early exposures to vehicle traffic and outdoor air pollution increase susceptibility to childhood wheeze without increasing the risk of atopic diseases.

37. Clinical and economic benefits of seasonal COVID-19 vaccination in Germany: results from the ROUTINE-COV19 Study, September 2022 to March 2024.

期刊: Euro surveillance : bulletin Europeen sur les maladies transmissibles = European communicable disease bulletin 发表日期: 2026-Apr 链接: PubMed

摘要

BACKGROUNDVaccinations against COVID-19 were integrated into routine care in Germany in April 2023. However, evidence of the impact of seasonal vaccination remains limited.AIMTo assess the clinical and economic impact of COVID-19 vaccination in routine care during the early SARS-CoV-2-endemic phase in Germany.METHODSA retrospective cohort study using statutory health insurance data from two German federal states (Saxony and Thuringia), covering over 3 million individuals, was conducted. Adults aged ≥ 18 years vaccinated against COVID-19 between 1 September and 30 November 2023 were matched 1:1 with unvaccinated individuals using propensity scores. Outcomes during the 4-month follow-up included occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 infection, long COVID, other respiratory infections, hospitalisations, mortality, healthcare costs and indirect costs caused by sick leave. Rate and hazard ratios (RR, HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Sensitivity analyses tested robustness.RESULTSA total of 146,132 individuals (73,066 per group) were matched. COVID-19 vaccination was associated with reduced rates of long COVID (RR: 0.43; 95% CI: 0.26-0.70), respiratory infections (RR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.87-0.95) and COVID-19-related hospitalisations (RR: 0.41; 95% CI: 0.31-0.54). All-cause mortality was 25% lower among COVID-19-vaccinated individuals (HR: 0.76; 95% CI: 0.70-0.82). Healthcare costs were lower in the vaccinated cohort, particularly for inpatient care, e.g. EUR 1 million savings in COVID-19-related hospitalisations. Indirect costs caused by sick leave were also reduced by EUR 1.3 million.CONCLUSIONSeasonal COVID-19 vaccinations in routine care settings were associated with substantial clinical and economic benefits. These real-world findings support continued implementation of national immunisation recommendations during the endemic phase of SARS-CoV-2 circulation.

38. Imported case of avian influenza A(H9N2) virus infection in a patient with miliary tuberculosis, Italy, March 2026.

期刊: Euro surveillance : bulletin Europeen sur les maladies transmissibles = European communicable disease bulletin 发表日期: 2026-Apr 链接: PubMed

摘要

On 21 March 2026, avian influenza A(H9N2) virus was confirmed in Italy in a patient with miliary tuberculosis. The patient had recently travelled to West Africa. Following the detection of an unsubtypable influenza A virus, rapid molecular confirmation and full genome sequencing were performed. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the virus belonged to subclade G5.5 and was closely related to African strains. Epidemiological investigations identified no additional cases, suggesting there was no evidence of onward transmission at the time of reporting.

39. Surveillance and vaccine effectiveness of pertussis, the Netherlands, 2012 to 2024, with an unprecedented surge in 2023 and 2024.

期刊: Euro surveillance : bulletin Europeen sur les maladies transmissibles = European communicable disease bulletin 发表日期: 2026-Apr 链接: PubMed

摘要

BACKGROUNDA surge in pertussis occurred in the Netherlands in 2023-24. Infant vaccination uptake decreased from 95% in 2011 to ca 86% in 2024. Maternal vaccination was introduced in 2019, with uptake ca 70%.AIMTo describe pertussis epidemiological trends in the Netherlands.METHODSWe conducted a retrospective study using pertussis notification data from 2012 to 2024 and estimated infant and maternal vaccine effectiveness (VE) with the screening method.RESULTSDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, pertussis notifications dropped from ca 6,000 in 2013-19 to 79 in 2021 (incidence ca 35 to < 0.01/100,000 population). Notifications surged from May 2023, peaking in March 2024, resulting in 18,208 notifications in 2024 (102/100,000). Notifications and hospitalisations in 2024 were highest among infants aged 0-5 months (573 and 304/100,000) followed by infants aged 6-11 months (446 and 92/100,000). Annually, 0-2 deaths were reported; in 2023-24, 10 deaths were reported (6 infants, 4  ≥ 60-year-olds). In 2024, 83% of mothers of notified infants aged 0-2 months were unvaccinated. In 2020-24, maternal VE against pertussis in infants aged 0-2 months was 91%. In 2012-24 primary series VE was 98% at age 1, 92% at age 3, 92% post-booster at age 5, and 71% at age 9 years.CONCLUSIONLow population immunity after 2 years of reduced circulation likely contributed to the highest pertussis incidence ever recorded in the Netherlands, posing a particular threat to unprotected infants. Maternal and infant VE are high, underscoring the public health priority of enhancing vaccination uptake.

40. Large outbreak of group B invasive meningococcal disease in young adults in South East England, March 2026.

期刊: Euro surveillance : bulletin Europeen sur les maladies transmissibles = European communicable disease bulletin 发表日期: 2026-Apr 链接: PubMed

摘要

An unusually large outbreak of invasive meningococcal disease affecting young adults occurred in South East England between 13 and 18 March 2026, with 21 confirmed cases including two fatalities. Thirteen cases were university students and 19 had attended the same nightclub over a 3-day period. The outbreak strain was a distinct genome within the previously seen type B: P1.12-1,16-183: F1-5: ST-485 (cc41/44). Over 13,000 chemoprophylaxis doses and 11,000 meningococcal B vaccinations were provided to possible contacts.

41. Anticipating impact of implementing PCV20 or PCV21 vaccines for older adults in the immunisation programme for invasive pneumococcal disease, using nationwide surveillance data, Israel, 2009 to 2024.

期刊: Euro surveillance : bulletin Europeen sur les maladies transmissibles = European communicable disease bulletin 发表日期: 2026-Apr 链接: PubMed

摘要

BACKGROUNDPneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) have reduced vaccine-type (VT) invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in older adults through direct and indirect effects. However, non-vaccine-type serotypes have emerged. Since the recently licensed PCV20 and PCV21 vaccines differ in serotype composition, epidemiological data are essential to guide adult vaccination policy.AIMWe aimed to assess serotype-specific IPD dynamics in older adults in Israel and evaluate the potential impact of implementing either the PCV20 or PCV21 vaccine in the adult National Immunisation Programme (NIP).METHODSIn a national active IPD surveillance study in Israel, 2009-2024, on adults aged ≥ 65 years, IPD incidence per 100,000 population was assessed by age group, individual serotype and VT group.RESULTSWe recorded 3,553 IPD episodes. All-IPD incidence was relatively stable between 2014/15 and 2023/24, excluding the COVID-19 period. In the late PCV13 period (2014-2019, 1,210 IPD episodes) and late/post COVID-19 pandemic (2021-2024, 608 episodes) periods, incidence of serotypes unique to PCV21 (VT21-only) was consistently higher than that of those unique to PCV20 (VT20-only). During 2022-2024, VT21-only IPD constituted 25.5% of all-IPD cases compared with 10.9% for VT20-only. Of the VT20-only serotypes, serotype 14 showed the highest late/post-pandemic incidence (1.76 per 100,000).CONCLUSIONSThe PCV21 vaccine currently demonstrates broader serotype coverage than PCV20 among older adults in Israel. However, the spectrum of serotypes only partially overlap. Potential further serotype-specific dynamics following PCV20 implementation in the paediatric NIP and unknown actual effectiveness of newly introduced vaccine serotypes make it difficult to accurately predict impact following implementation.

42. Epidemiological and genomic features of chikungunya virus disease in travellers returning from Cuba, September 2025 to January 2026: a GeoSentinel analysis.

期刊: Euro surveillance : bulletin Europeen sur les maladies transmissibles = European communicable disease bulletin 发表日期: 2026-Apr 链接: PubMed

摘要

During September 2025-January 2026, 111 travellers (61 female/50 male; median age:  53 years) who acquired chikungunya virus (CHIKV) in Cuba were reported to GeoSentinel. Upon return, 64.2% (70/109) were potentially viraemic. Only 8.2% (9/98) had received pre-travel consultations. The CHIKV was of East-Central-South Africa genotype, closely related to Brazilian strains. International travellers can serve as arboviral outbreak sentinels and, if viraemic, risk introducing CHIKV into areas with established Aedes spp. vectors. Their effective surveillance can trigger adequate public health responses.

43. Predicting West Nile virus circulation: a 20-year spatiotemporal study in humans and animals in Spain, 2003 to 2022.

期刊: Euro surveillance : bulletin Europeen sur les maladies transmissibles = European communicable disease bulletin 发表日期: 2026-Apr 链接: PubMed

摘要

BACKGROUNDWhile West Nile virus (WNV), a mosquito-borne zoonotic pathogen, is detected every year in animals in Spain, clinical human cases occur more sporadically. Most explanatory and predictive models for WNV circulation focus on single components and aggregate multiple year data into a single dataset.AIMWe sought WNV circulation environmental drivers across different ecological components (vectors, reservoirs, and dead-end hosts), by analysing their spatial and temporal dynamics.METHODSWe used active and passive surveillance data collected in Spain between 2003 and 2022, encompassing mosquitoes, 120 bird species, 115 mammal species, and humans. To understand WNV circulation, mosquito spatial and host spatiotemporal models were developed, incorporating current and lagged environmental variables. Our One Health approach integrated the different models to determine WNV exposure risk, including 1 year in advance.RESULTSOver 20 years, WNV exposure risk in Spain rose by 19% in birds, 17% in non-human mammals, and 38% in humans. In birds and non-human mammals, exposure more likely occurred in areas experiencing mean respective annual temperatures > 5 °C and > 8 °C in the previous year. In humans, increased exposure risk concurred with mild winters (> 5.3 °C). Integrating mosquito and host models found the country’s southern half and mediterranean coast most suited for WNV. Predictive models solely using prior-year variables yielded comparable results to contemporaneous ones.CONCLUSIONThe models suggest that annual human WNV transmission may occur more regularly than evidenced by surveillance, possibly due to asymptomatic or misdiagnosed cases. Our framework could serve as an early warning tool, enhancing outbreak preparedness up to 1 year ahead.

44. Letter to the editor: When do rare events become expected in HIV drug resistance?

期刊: Euro surveillance : bulletin Europeen sur les maladies transmissibles = European communicable disease bulletin 发表日期: 2026-Apr 链接: PubMed

摘要

45. Hungary as a source of West Nile virus diversity and spread in Europe: insights from the 2024 transmission season.

期刊: Euro surveillance : bulletin Europeen sur les maladies transmissibles = European communicable disease bulletin 发表日期: 2026-Apr 链接: PubMed

摘要

BACKGROUNDWest Nile virus (WNV) has become established across Europe, with Hungary serving as a key transmission hub since 2004. Following reduced activity during 2020-22, the 2024 season marked a resurgence with the largest geographical distribution ever recorded in Europe.AIMTo analyse the 2024 WNV transmission season in Hungary using a One Health approach and characterise circulating strains within the European phylogeographic context using comprehensive genomic surveillance.METHODSComplete and near-complete genome sequencing was performed on 55 specimens from 38 humans, 15 birds and two Culex pipiens mosquito pools using amplicon-based next-generation sequencing. Phylogeographic analysis incorporated 637 European WNV genome sequences (2004-24) with time-scaled Bayesian phylogenetic reconstruction and continuous spatial diffusion modelling.RESULTSHungary reported 113 human WNV cases in 2024 (n = 111 autochthonous, 2 imported), a 3.7-fold increase from 2023 (incidence: 1.16 vs 0.31 per 100,000 population). Neuroinvasive disease predominated (92%, n = 104) with a 7.9% case fatality rate. All 55 sequenced strains belonged to WNV lineage 2. Phylogeographic analysis revealed Hungary’s central role in European WNV dissemination since 2004, with multiple introductions and local diversification across distinct clades. Continuous spatial modelling identified Hungary as a persistent transmission hub with bidirectional viral flow to neighbouring countries, contributing to northward expansion.CONCLUSIONHungary remains a critical WNV transmission hub in Central Europe with established endemicity of multiple lineage 2 clades. The analysis highlights Hungary’s role as both a recipient and major source of European WNV diversity, emphasising the need for coordinated surveillance and climate-adapted preparedness strategies.

46. Waning humoral immunity following monkeypox virus infection and vaccination, Canada, 2020 to 2023.

期刊: Euro surveillance : bulletin Europeen sur les maladies transmissibles = European communicable disease bulletin 发表日期: 2026-Apr 链接: PubMed

摘要

BACKGROUNDMonkeypox virus (MPXV) has spread globally to non-endemic countries in recent years and has the potential to cause recurrent outbreaks. Vaccine breakthrough infections and reinfections are suggested to be linked to immunity waning over time.AIMWe aimed to determine how long individuals remain protected following MPXV infection and if vaccination can be used as a public heath measure to elicit durable protective immune responses.METHODSThis retrospective observational study investigated the durability of humoral immune responses in a longitudinal cohort of 46 individuals infected with MPXV during the 2022 global mpox outbreak. We collected 86 blood samples up to 7 months after infection, and analysed the antibody responses against MPXV with a serological assay using a panel of eight viral antigens.RESULTSMonitoring of antibody kinetics revealed transient IgM responses in the first weeks following infection and a robust polyclonal IgG response that peaked 1-2 months after infection but declined consistently in the following months. Post-exposure immunisation with third-generation modified Vaccinia Ankara-Bavarian Nordic (MVA-BN) vaccine did not seem to increase significantly the strength, breadth or longevity of antibody responses. Using a separate cohort of 25 uninfected long-term MVA-BN vaccinees, we observed low to undetectable seropositivity against most MPXV antigens after 30 months.CONCLUSIONAs circulating antibody titres have been identified as a correlate of protection against mpox, declining antibody levels raise concerns for mpox susceptibility in previously infected and vaccinated persons. This warrants further evaluation of long-term vaccine effectiveness to inform booster vaccination guidance.

47. Use of the Workbook Method to estimate the prevalence of chronic hepatitis B infections in the European Union and European Economic Area, 2022.

期刊: Euro surveillance : bulletin Europeen sur les maladies transmissibles = European communicable disease bulletin 发表日期: 2026-Apr 链接: PubMed

摘要

BACKGROUNDUp-to-date estimates of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) prevalence in both general and key populations are challenging to obtain because of underdiagnosis, heterogeneous surveillance systems and underrepresentation of key populations.AIMWe aimed to test the Workbook Method to estimate chronic HBV prevalence in 2022 across the EU/EEA, by country and among men who have sex with men (MSM), people who inject drugs (PWID) and migrants.METHODSWe used the Robert Koch Institute’s version of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) Workbook Method to generate HBV prevalence estimates for each EU/EEA country and for MSM, PWID and migrants within each country. We combined data on population size and HBV prevalence for each population group gathered from scientific sources and reviewed by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control’s hepatitis national contact points.RESULTSOverall, 0.7% (lower bound-upper bound: 0.5-0.9%) of the EU/EEA population (3,226,000 (2,397,000-4,149,000) individuals) were estimated to be living with HBV in 2022. National HBV prevalence ranged from 0.1% (0.1-1.0%) to 3.1% (2.8-3.3%). Prevalence estimates varied from 0.8% (0.5-1.0%) to 10.5% (9.3-11.9%) for migrants, < 0.1% to 8.7% (lower and upper bounds not available) for PWID and from < 0.1% (< 0.1- < 0.1%) to 10.5% (10.2-10.8%) for MSM.DISCUSSIONDespite limitations, including the inability to address overlapping populations, these estimates confirm substantial chronic HBV prevalence in the EU/EEA, with considerable variation between countries and population groups. This relatively straightforward method offers an alternative means of generating HBV prevalence estimates.

48. The EU Health Task Force for emergency preparedness and response: overview of its first 2 years of operation, 2023 to 2025.

期刊: Euro surveillance : bulletin Europeen sur les maladies transmissibles = European communicable disease bulletin 发表日期: 2026-Apr 链接: PubMed

摘要

The European Union (EU) Regulation on serious cross-border threats to health (2022/2371) and ECDC’s enhanced mandate (2022/2370) established the EU Health Task Force (EUHTF) as a deployable public health workforce providing emergency response and preparedness support globally during EU Public Health Emergency and non-emergency periods. The EUHTF comprises an ECDC Coordination Team and three expert pools: the ECDC expert pool, the ECDC fellowship pool and the external expert pool. The EUHTF’s establishment and operationalisation was guided by an advisory group with representatives from EU/EEA countries, the European Commission, the European Medicines Agency, the World Health Organization Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network and other international stakeholders. Mechanisms were developed for EUHTF logistics within the EU/EEA, while formalised partnerships facilitate operations beyond the EU/EEA. From its inception in January 2023 to 31 December 2025, the EUHTF supported 31 requests: 23 from 15 EU/EEA countries, including 19 on preparedness and four on outbreak response, and eight emergency response assignments from outside the EU/EEA. The EUHTF facilitates stronger EU/EEA-level support for disease outbreaks inside and outside the EU/EEA, enhances ECDC’s capacity to mobilise European expertise and enables close collaboration with global partners and EU/EEA countries to ensure coordination and efficient use of resources.

49. Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) in poultry and domestic cats and occupational exposure among veterinary and other first responders, Germany, February 2026.

期刊: Euro surveillance : bulletin Europeen sur les maladies transmissibles = European communicable disease bulletin 发表日期: 2026-Apr 链接: PubMed

摘要

In February 2026, a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) outbreak in a poultry holding in Sigmaringen, Germany, affected poultry and domestic cats, with infection confirmed by RT-qPCR. A One Health investigation identified 17 exposed humans, one of whom developed respiratory symptoms but tested negative for HPAI A(H5N1) (human coronavirus OC43 detected). Serological testing used haemagglutination inhibition assays. This outbreak highlights zoonotic risk, mammalian spillover and the need for coordinated veterinary and public health response and preventive measures.

50. Seasonality and effects of climatic exposures on community-acquired Legionnaires' disease incidence, Italy, 2005 to 2023.

期刊: Euro surveillance : bulletin Europeen sur les maladies transmissibles = European communicable disease bulletin 发表日期: 2026-Mar 链接: PubMed

摘要

BACKGROUNDCommunity-acquired Legionnaires’ disease (LD) has increased globally, including Europe. Climatic exposures may contribute to this rise, yet evidence from high-incidence countries, such as Italy, is limited.AIMWe aimed to assess LD seasonality at the national level and the effects of temperature, relative humidity and precipitation on LD incidence at the municipality level.METHODSWe analysed data on notified community-acquired LD cases and national climatic data from 2005 to 2023. Seasonality was assessed (peak-to-trough ratio (PTR)). A case time-series design with distributed lag nonlinear models was applied to estimate 1-10 week lagged effects of climatic exposures on LD incidence at the municipality level, as incidence rate ratios (IRRs).RESULTSOf the 28,662 notified LD cases, 27,458 (95.8%) were included. A clear seasonality was observed in the incidence, with a trough in early spring and a peak in autumn (PTR = 3.62; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.45-5.34). Higher temperature and relative humidity had the strongest effects 10-9 weeks before disease onset (for 5°C increase above 15°C: IRR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.33-1.58 and for 5% increase above 60%: IRR = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.12-1.26). Precipitation showed more immediate effects, particularly with a 1-week lag (for 5 mm increase above 10 mm: IRR = 1.07; 95% CI: 1.06-1.09). Findings were consistent among individuals aged ≥ 60 years.CONCLUSIONA clear seasonal pattern was seen in the LD incidence, peaking in summer and autumn. Temperature and humidity increased LD risk over longer lags, while precipitation had shorter-term effects, suggesting climatic exposures influence environmental proliferation and immediate transmission of Legionella.

51. Exploring the Implementation of a New Nursing Role Using the CFIR-ERIC Approach: A Qualitative Study.

期刊: Journal of nursing management 发表日期: 2026 链接: PubMed

摘要

This study aimed to retrospectively describe the implementation barriers and facilitators when introducing a new nursing role (RPN) using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and to map implementation strategies onto the Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) factors to identify relevant strategies supporting new role implementation in the acute care setting. A qualitative descriptive study embedded in a multiphase implementation evaluation study. Semistructured interviews with organizational leaders, implementation leaders, and nurses, combined with document analysis, were analyzed using the CFIR deductively to identify barriers and enablers mapped to the ERIC tool for strategies guiding implementation. Participants (N = 25) represented organizational leaders (n = 3), implementation leaders (n = 11), RNs (n = 4), and RPNs (n = 7) from October 2024 to January 2025. Seventeen CFIR constructs across five domains were identified. Common themes of enablers include factors in the inner setting, such as a tension for change, mission alignment, and innovation compatibility. Many enablers were also found in the implementation process, which involved teaming, assessing context and needs, engaging, tailoring strategies, and reflecting and evaluating. Barriers to implementation were found in the inner setting, including culture and limited access to knowledge and information about the role. Eleven implementation strategies were identified to address or amplify the barriers or enablers, including involving and preparing staff for the introduction, developing education material, and identifying champions. The introduction of the RPN role in acute care was shaped by organizational readiness, leadership support, and workforce needs, while challenges related to role clarity and team integration remained. Implementation science approaches may help guide strategies to support the successful integration of new nursing roles within hospital care delivery models. This study adhered to COREQ guidelines. No patient or public contribution.