Systematic Review of Scales for Measuring Infectious Disease-Related Stigma.

Infectious disease outbreaks are associated with substantial stigma, which can have negative effects on affected persons and communities and on outbreak control. Thus, measuring stigma in a standardized and validated manner early in an outbreak is critical to disease control. We reviewed existing scales used to assess stigma during outbreaks. Our findings show that many different scales have been developed, but few have been used more than once, have been adequately validated, or have been tested in different disease and geographic contexts. We found that scales were usually developed too slowly to be informative early during an outbreak and were published a median of 2 years after the first case of an outbreak. A rigorously developed, transferable stigma scale is needed to assess and direct responses to stigma during infectious disease outbreaks.

Epilepsy in Nicolaides-Baraitser Syndrome: Review of Literature and Report of 25 Patients Focusing on Treatment Aspects.

Nicolaides-Baraitser syndrome (NCBRS), caused by a mutation in the SMARCA2 gene, which goes along with intellectual disability, congenital malformations, especially of face and limbs, and often difficult-to-treat epilepsy, is surveyed focusing on epilepsy and its treatment. Patients were recruited via "Network Therapy of Rare Epilepsies (NETRE)" and an international NCBRS parent support group. Inclusion criterion is NCBRS-defining SMARCA2 mutation. Clinical findings including epilepsy classification, anticonvulsive treatment, electroencephalogram (EEG) findings, and neurodevelopmental outcome were collected with an electronic questionnaire. Inclusion of 25 NCBRS patients with epilepsy in 23 of 25. Overall, 85% of the participants (17/20) reported generalized seizures, the semiology varied widely. EEG showed generalized epileptogenic abnormalities in 53% (9/17), cranial magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) was mainly inconspicuous. The five most frequently used anticonvulsive drugs were valproic acid (VPA [12/20]), levetiracetam (LEV [12/20]), phenobarbital (PB [8/20]), topiramate (TPM [5/20]), and carbamazepine (CBZ [5/20]). LEV (9/12), PB (6/8), TPM (4/5), and VPA (9/12) reduced the seizures' frequency in more than 50%. Temporary freedom of seizures (>6 months) was reached with LEV (4/12), PB (3/8), TPM (1/5, only combined with PB and nitrazepam [NZP]), and VPA (4/12). Seizures aggravation was observed under lamotrigine (LTG [2/4]), LEV (1/12), PB (1/8), and VPA (1/12). Ketogenic diet (KD) and vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) reduced seizures' frequency in one of two each. This first worldwide retrospective analysis of anticonvulsive therapy in NCBRS helps to treat epilepsy in NCBRS that mostly shows only initial response to anticonvulsive therapy, especially with LEV and VPA, but very rarely shows complete freedom of seizures in this, rather genetic than structural epilepsy.

Liver transplantation during infancy: No increased rate of neurological complications.

pLT is a highly standardized therapy for children with end-stage liver disease and liver-based metabolic diseases. However, NCs after transplantation occur and especially younger children are considered as more vulnerable and susceptible to NCs. Up to now, detailed data particularly for the very young age group do not exist. We therefore retrospectively studied NCs in children after pLT under age of 24 months. Forty children aged between 19 days and 22 months were evaluated according to type of NC and potential risk factors. NCs occurred in 8/40 patients (20%). All experienced new-onset seizures and in 1/6 surviving patients, seizures evolved into epilepsy. Other NCs were intracerebral abscess (1/8 patients) and subdural hemorrhage (1/8 patients). The overall 3-year mortality rate was 10% (4/40 patients). Significant risk factors for NCs and therefore seizures were HAT (P = 0.020), total surgery time (P = 0.009), retransplantation (P < 0.001), period of catecholamine therapy (P = 0.024), period of mechanical ventilation (P = 0.014), and period of sedation (P = 0.010). Our study is the first to provide detailed information on NCs after pLT in children under 24 months of age. The incidence of NCs in this particular group of very young patients was not increased compared to previously published data of children of all ages. Main NC was new-onset seizure. In the surviving infants, prognosis of seizure was excellent and the risk of developing epilepsy was low. Even more, the occurrence of NCs did not significantly affect mortality or survival in this particular age group.

Carotid Artery Dissection With Associated Territory Stroke After a Minor Head Trauma in a Healthy 4-Month-Old Child.

Internal carotid artery (ICA) dissections with associated stroke are rare events in infants. The usual pathomechanisms include direct trauma to the artery, blunt intraoral trauma, or child abuse. We describe the case of a 4-month-old male patient with ICA dissection and associated middle cerebral artery territory infarction associated with hyperextension/hyperrotation after a minor head injury. Upon treatment with anticoagulants, the patient showed significant improvement of the left-sided hemiparesis. Hemorrhagic transformation that presented shortly after middle cerebral artery infarction did not further increase under heparin treatment and prevented further embolism. In conclusion, hyperextension and/or hyperrotation in minor head trauma is a possible pathomechanism for ICA dissection in infants. However, the scenario is extremely rare, and to our best knowledge, this is the first report describing it. In our patient, anticoagulation did not worsen hemorrhagic transformation.

A 2009 cross-sectional survey of procedures for post-mortem management of highly infectious disease patients in 48 isolation facilities in 16 countries: data from EuroNHID.

PURPOSE: The handling of human remains may pose a risk for transmission of highly infectious agents. The use of appropriate biosafety measures is very important in case of management of patients deceased from highly infectious diseases (HIDs), such as Ebola virus disease. This paper presents the capabilities and resources in this field in 16 European countries, and suggests indications for the safe post-mortem management of HID patients. METHODS: The European Network for Highly Infectious Diseases conducted in 2009 a survey in 48 isolation facilities in 16 European countries. A set of standardized checklists, filled during on-site visits, have been used for data collection. RESULTS: Thirty-nine facilities (81.2%) reported to have written procedures for the management of human remains, and 27 (56.2%) for the performance of autopsies in HID patients. A Biosafety Level 3 autopsy room was available in eight (16.6%) facilities, other technical devices for safe autopsies were available in nine (18.7%). Overall, four facilities (8.3%) reported to have all features explored for the safe management of human remains. Conversely, in five (10.4%) none of these features were available. CONCLUSIONS: The level of preparedness of surveyed isolation facilities in the field of post-mortem management in case of HIDs was not satisfactory, and improvements are needed.

[Specialized clinical facilities for the treatment of highly contagious, life-threatening infectious diseases : a comparison between Germany and 15 European nations]. / Behandlungseinrichtungen für hochkontagiöse, lebensbedrohliche Erkrankungen : Deutschland im Vergleich zu 15 europäischen Staaten.

BACKGROUND: Patients suffering from highly contagious, life-threatening infections should be treated in specialized clinical facilities that follow the highest infection control standards. Consensus statements defining technical equipment and operational procedures have been published in recent years, but the level of adherence to these has not been evaluated. METHODS: Data summarized here comparing German and European isolation facilities are the partial results of a cross-sectional analysis conducted by the "European Network for Highly Infectious Diseases" that included 48 clinical care facilities in 16 European nations. Data collection was conducted using questionnaires and on-site visits, focussing on aspects of infrastructure, technical equipment, and the availability of trained personnel. RESULTS: Although all centres enrolled were listed as "isolation units", all aspects evaluated differed broadly. Eighteen facilities fulfilled the definition of a 'High Level Isolation Unit', as 6/8 enrolled German facilities did. In contrast, 24 facilities could not operate independently from their co-located hospital. DISCUSSION: Within and between nations contributing data disparities regarding the fulfilment of guidelines published were seen. German isolation facilities mostly fulfilled all criteria evaluated and performed on a high technical level. However, data presented do not reflect the current situation in Germany due to the time that has elapsed since the study was conducted. Hence, longitudinal data collection and harmonisation of terminology at least on national level needs to be implemented.

"Trust people you've never worked with" - A social network visualization of teamwork, cohesion, social support, and mental health in NHS Covid personnel.

Background: The unprecedented rapid re-deployment of healthcare workers from different care pathways into newly created and fluid COVID-19 teams provides a unique opportunity to examine the interaction of many of the established non-technical factors for successful delivery of clinical care and teamwork in healthcare settings. This research paper therefore aims to address these gaps by qualitatively exploring the impact of COVID work throughout the pandemic on permanent and deployed personnel's experiences, their ability to effectively work together, and the effect of social dynamics (e.g., cohesion, social support) on teamwork and mental health. Methods: Seventy-five interviews were conducted across the UK between March and December 2021 during wave 2 and 3 of COVID-19 with 75 healthcare workers who were either permanent staff on Intensive Care/High Dependency Units used as COVID wards, had been rapidly deployed to such a ward, or had managed such wards. Work Life Balance was measured using the WLB Scale. Interview transcripts were qualitatively coded and thematic codes were compared using network graph modeling. Results: Using thematic network analysis, four overarching thematic clusters were found, (1) teamwork, (2) organizational support and management, (3) cohesion and social support, and (4) psychological strain. The study has three main findings. First, the importance of social factors for teamwork and mental health, whereby team identity may influence perceptions of preparedness, collaboration and communication, and impact on the collective appraisal of stressful events and work stressors. Secondly, it demonstrates the positive and negative impact of professional roles and skills on the development of teamwork and team identity. Lastly the study identifies the more pronounced negative impact of COVID work on deployed personnel's workload, mental health, and career intentions, exacerbated by reduced levels of social support during, and after, their deployment. Conclusion: The thematic network analysis was able to highlight that many of the traditional factors associated with the successful delivery of patient care were impeded by pandemic constraints, markedly influencing personnel's ability to work together and cope with pandemic work stressors. In this environment teamwork, delivery of care and staff well-being appear to depend on relational and organizational context, social group membership, and psycho-social skills related to managing team identity. While results hold lessons for personnel selection, training, co-location, and organizational support during and after a pandemic, further research is needed into the differential impact of pandemic deployment on HCWs mental health and teamwork.

Infection control management of patients with suspected highly infectious diseases in emergency departments: data from a survey in 41 facilities in 14 European countries.

BACKGROUND: In Emergency and Medical Admission Departments (EDs and MADs), prompt recognition and appropriate infection control management of patients with Highly Infectious Diseases (HIDs, e.g. Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers and SARS) are fundamental for avoiding nosocomial outbreaks. METHODS: The EuroNHID (European Network for Highly Infectious Diseases) project collected data from 41 EDs and MADs in 14 European countries, located in the same facility as a national/regional referral centre for HIDs, using specifically developed checklists, during on-site visits from February to November 2009. RESULTS: Isolation rooms were available in 34 facilities (82,9%): these rooms had anteroom in 19, dedicated entrance in 15, negative pressure in 17, and HEPA filtration of exhausting air in 12. Only 6 centres (14,6%) had isolation rooms with all characteristics. Personnel trained for the recognition of HIDs was available in 24 facilities; management protocols for HIDs were available in 35. CONCLUSIONS: Preparedness level for the safe and appropriate management of HIDs is partially adequate in the surveyed EDs and MADs.

Understanding teamwork in rapidly deployed interprofessional teams in intensive and acute care: A systematic review of reviews.

The rapid increase of acute and intensive care capacities in hospitals needed during the response to COVID-19 created an urgent demand for skilled healthcare staff across the globe. To upscale capacity, many hospitals chose to increase their teams in these departments with rapidly re-deployed inter-professional healthcare personnel, many of whom had no prior experience of working in a high-risk environment and were neither prepared nor trained for work on such wards. This systematic review of reviews examines the current evidence base for successful teamwork in rapidly deployed interprofessional teams in intensive and acute care settings, by assessing systematic reviews of empirical studies to inform future deployments and support of rapidly formed clinical teams. This study identified 18 systematic reviews for further analysis. Utilising an integrative narrative synthesis process supported by thematic coding and graphical network analysis, 13 themes were found to dominate the literature on teams and teamwork in inter-professional and inter-disciplinary teams. This approach was chosen to make the selection process more transparent and enable the thematic clusters in the reviewed papers to be presented visually and codifying four factors that structure the literature on inter-professional teams (i.e., team-internal procedures and dynamics, communicative processes, organisational and team extrinsic influences on teams, and lastly patient and staff outcomes). Practically, the findings suggest that managers and team leaders in fluid and ad-hoc inter-professional healthcare teams in an intensive care environment need to pay attention to reducing pre-existing occupational identities and power-dynamics by emphasizing skill mix, establishing combined workspaces and break areas, clarifying roles and responsibilities, facilitating formal information exchange and developing informal opportunities for communication. The results may guide the further analysis of factors that affect the performance of inter-professional teams in emergency and crisis deployment.

Asymmetric synthesis of 3-substituted isoindolinones: application to the total synthesis of (+)-lennoxamine.

An anionic chiral auxiliary mediated asymmetric alkylation of carbamate 2 provides 3-substituted isoindolinones 4 in high ee. This methodology was used in the first asymmetric synthesis of (+)-lennoxamine.

Laboratory diagnosis of primary and secondary dengue infection.

BACKGROUND: Dengue fever is routinely detected in many laboratories using commercial tests for the specific detection of dengue IgM antibodies. OBJECTIVES: We have studied the sensitivity of IgM antibody detection in paired serum samples of 43 patients with either with primary dengue (PD) or secondary dengue (SD). STUDY DESIGN: Two consecutive samples were drawn from 23 Vietnamese and 20 German patients. All patients were selected for a positive PCR and for the fact that consecutive serum samples were available. The diagnosis of PD was based on seroconversion to dengue antigen and in SD on the detection of virus RNA in the presence of anti-dengue IgG antibodies. RESULTS: In samples of patients with PD fever taken during days 1-3 of the disease no IgM antibody could be detected. During days 4-7 and after day 7, IgM antibody was detected in 55% and 94%, respectively. In patients with SD fever, even less positive IgM samples were found in samples taken during days 4-7 (47%) and after day 7 (78%). IgG titers were significantly higher in SD compared to PD patients, although high (>1280) titers were also found in some PD patients. CONCLUSION: In numerous acute dengue fever patients an early diagnosis will be obtained only by combining IgM antibody detection with detection of virus or virus RNA using RT-PCR.

Multiphasic disseminated encephalomyelitis associated with streptococcal infection.

Multiphasic disseminated encephalomyelitis (MDEM) is a rare peculiar diagnosis which is defined as acute demyelinating central nervous system disease with relapses occurring only within 4 weeks of initial manifestation. This report describes the case of a 6-year-old boy with MDEM diagnosed by clinical findings and magnetic resonance imaging. The disease had a biphasic evolution, and with a second course of high-dose corticosteroids a complete recovery without further relapse was obtained during the following 18 months. Serological evidence of streptococcal infection as specific trigger for MDEM was given. Thus this report raises the question whether an additional penicillin prophylaxis could be valuable for prevention of streptococcus-associated MDEM relapses.

Isolated unilateral cortical oedema and complex partial seizures in association with coxsackievirus B infection.

A unilateral cortical oedema in association with coxsackievirus B infection is reported. A 10-year-old girl presented with right hemiparesis and complex partial seizures. The cerebral MRI showed a unique pattern of isolated unilateral cortical oedema sparing the white matter with intravascular gadolinium enhancement of the left hemispheric sulcal veins. With anticonvulsant medication, the patient recovered within two weeks and MRI abnormalities were completely resolved after four weeks, whereas the EEG left hemispheric slowing showed delayed normalisation over the following five months.

Isolation facilities for highly infectious diseases in Europe--a cross-sectional analysis in 16 countries.

BACKGROUND: Highly Infectious Diseases (HIDs) are (i) easily transmissible form person to person; (ii) cause a life-threatening illness with no or few treatment options; and (iii) pose a threat for both personnel and the public. Hence, even suspected HID cases should be managed in specialised facilities minimizing infection risks but allowing state-of-the-art critical care. Consensus statements on the operational management of isolation facilities have been published recently. The study presented was set up to compare the operational management, resources, and technical equipment among European isolation facilities. Due to differences in geography, population density, and national response plans it was hypothesized that adherence to recommendations will vary. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Until mid of 2010 the European Network for Highly Infectious Diseases conducted a cross-sectional analysis of isolation facilities in Europe, recruiting 48 isolation facilities in 16 countries. Three checklists were disseminated, assessing 44 items and 148 specific questions. The median feedback rate for specific questions was 97.9% (n = 47/48) (range: n = 7/48 (14.6%) to n = 48/48 (100%). Although all facilities enrolled were nominated specialised facilities' serving countries or regions, their design, equipment and personnel management varied. Eighteen facilities fulfilled the definition of a High Level Isolation Unit'. In contrast, 24 facilities could not operate independently from their co-located hospital, and five could not ensure access to equipment essential for infection control. Data presented are not representative for the EU in general, as only 16/27 (59.3%) of all Member States agreed to participate. Another limitation of this study is the time elapsed between data collection and publication; e.g. in Germany one additional facility opened in the meantime. CONCLUSION: There are disparities both within and between European countries regarding the design and equipment of isolation facilities. With regard to the International Health Regulations, terminology, capacities and equipment should be standardised.

Continued vigilance - development of an online evaluation tool for assessing preparedness of medical facilities for biological events.

OBJECTIVE: Effective response to biological events necessitates ongoing evaluation of preparedness. This study was a bilateral German-Israeli collaboration aimed at developing an evaluation tool for assessing preparedness of medical facilities for biological events. METHODS: Measurable parameters were identified through a literature review for inclusion in the evaluation tool and disseminated to 228 content experts in two modified Delphi cycles. Focus groups were conducted to identify psychosocial needs of the medical teams. Table-top and functional exercises were implemented to review applicability of the tool. RESULTS: One hundred seventeen experts from Germany and Israel participated in the modified Delphi. Out of 188 parameters that were identified, 183 achieved a consensus of >75% of the content experts. Following comments recommended in the Delphi cycles, and feedback from focus groups and hospital exercises, the final tool consisted of 172 parameters. Median level of importance of each parameter was calculated based on ranking recommended in the Delphi process. Computerized web-based software was developed to calculate scores of preparedness for biological events. CONCLUSION: Ongoing evaluation means, such as the tool developed in the study, can facilitate the need for a valid and reliable mechanism that may be widely adopted and implemented as quality assurance measures. The tool is based on measurable parameters and indicators that can effectively present strengths and weaknesses in managing a response to a public health threat, and accordingly, steps can be implemented to improve readiness. Adoption of such a tool is an important component of assuring public health and effective emergency management.

Epidemic vitamin D deficiency among patients in an elderly care rehabilitation facility.

BACKGROUND: Many benefits are ascribed to vitamin D beyond its well-known effects on calcium and bone metabolism. Vitamin D in adequate amounts is apparently beneficial to muscle, lessening the risk of falls and fractures in the elderly. The elderly produce less vitamin D in their skin than younger persons do, and they also spend less time in the sun; they are therefore at greater risk of vitamin D deficiency. METHODS: We used gas chromatography with mass spectrometry coupling to measure the 25-OH-vitamin D level of 1578 elderly persons (72% women) who were consecutively admitted to an elderly care rehabilitation facility in Trier, Germany, from July 2009 to March 2011. Their mean and median age was 82 years. RESULTS: 89% of the patients had 25-OH-vitamin D deficiency (defined as a level below 20 ng/mL), and 67% had a severe deficiency (below 10 ng/mL). Only 4% had levels in the target range (30-60 ng/mL); none had a level above 100 ng/mL. CONCLUSION: Many of these patients were deficient in vitamin D. Persons of very advanced age need a better supply of vitamin D not only to keep their bones healthy, but also to lessen the risk of falls and fractures.

Biosecurity measures in 48 isolation facilities managing highly infectious diseases.

Biosecurity measures are traditionally applied to laboratories, but they may also be usefully applied in highly specialized clinical settings, such as the isolation facilities for the management of patients with highly infectious diseases (eg, viral hemorrhagic fevers, SARS, smallpox, potentially severe pandemic flu, and MDR- and XDR-tuberculosis). In 2009 the European Network for Highly Infectious Diseases conducted a survey in 48 isolation facilities in 16 European countries to determine biosecurity measures for access control to the facility. Security personnel are present in 39 facilities (81%). In 35 facilities (73%), entrance to the isolation area is restricted; control methods include electronic keys, a PIN system, closed-circuit TV, and guards at the doors. In 25 facilities (52%), identification and registration of all staff entering and exiting the isolation area are required. Access control is used in most surveyed centers, but specific lacks exist in some facilities. Further data are needed to assess other biosecurity aspects, such as the security measures during the transportation of potentially contaminated materials and measures to address the risk of an "insider attack."

Diagnostic issues and capabilities in 48 isolation facilities in 16 European countries: data from EuroNHID surveys.

BACKGROUND: Highly infectious diseases (HIDs) are defined as being transmissible from person to person, causing life-threatening illnesses and presenting a serious public health hazard. The sampling, handling and transport of specimens from patients with HIDs present specific bio-safety concerns. FINDINGS: The European Network for HID project aimed to record, in a cross-sectional study, the infection control capabilities of referral centers for HIDs across Europe and assesses the level of achievement to previously published guidelines. In this paper, we report the current diagnostic capabilities and bio-safety measures applied to diagnostic procedures in these referral centers. Overall, 48 isolation facilities in 16 European countries were evaluated. Although 81% of these referral centers are located near a biosafety level 3 laboratory, 11% and 31% of them still performed their microbiological and routine diagnostic analyses, respectively, without bio-safety measures. CONCLUSIONS: The discrepancies among the referral centers surveyed between the level of practices and the European Network of Infectious Diseases (EUNID) recommendations have multiple reasons of which the interest of the individuals in charge and the investment they put in preparedness to emerging outbreaks. Despite the fact that the less prepared centers can improve by just updating their practice and policies any support to help them to achieve an acceptable level of biosecurity is welcome.

Personal protective equipment management and policies: European Network for Highly Infectious Diseases data from 48 isolation facilities in 16 European countries.

OBJECTIVE: To collect data about personal protective equipment (PPE) management and to provide indications for improving PPE policies in Europe. DESIGN: Descriptive, cross-sectional survey. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Data were collected in 48 isolation facilities in 16 European countries nominated by National Health Authorities for the management of highly infectious diseases (HIDs). METHODS: Data were collected through standardized checklists at on-site visits during February-November 2009. Indications for adequate PPE policies were developed on the basis of a literature review, partners' expert opinions, and the collected data. RESULTS: All facilities have procedures for the selection of PPE in case of HID, and 44 have procedures for the removal of PPE. In 40 facilities, different levels of PPE are used according to a risk assessment process, and in 8 facilities, high-level PPE (e.g., positive-pressure complete suits or Trexler units) is always used. A fit test is performed at 25 of the 40 facilities at which it is applicable, a seal check is recommended at 25, and both procedures are used at 17. Strategies for promoting and monitoring the correct use of PPE are available at 42 facilities. In case of a sudden increase in demand, 44 facilities have procedures for rapid supply of PPE, whereas 14 facilities have procedures for decontamination and reuse of some PPE. CONCLUSIONS: Most isolation facilities devote an acceptable level of attention to PPE selection and removal, strategies for the promotion of the correct use of PPE, and ensuring adequate supplies of PPE. Fit test and seal check procedures are still not widely practiced. Moreover, policies vary widely between and within European countries, and the development of common practice procedures is advisable.

Acute liver failure, multiorgan failure, cerebral oedema, and activation of proangiogenic and antiangiogenic factors in a case of Marburg haemorrhagic fever.

A woman developed Marburg haemorrhagic fever in the Netherlands, most likely as a consequence of being exposed to virus-infected bats in the python cave in Maramagambo Forest during a visit to Uganda. The clinical syndrome was dominated by acute liver failure with secondary coagulopathy, followed by a severe systemic inflammatory response, multiorgan failure, and fatal cerebral oedema. A high blood viral load persisted during the course of the disease. The initial systemic inflammatory response coincided with peaks in interferon-γ and tumour necrosis factor-α concentrations in the blood. A terminal rise in interleukin-6, placental growth factor (PlGF), and soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 (sVEGF-R1) seemed to suggest an advanced pathophysiological stage of Marburg haemorrhagic fever associated with vascular endothelial dysfunction and fatal cerebral oedema. The excess of circulating sVEGF-R1 and the high sVEGF-R1:PlGF ratio shortly before death resemble pathophysiological changes thought to play a causative part in pre-eclampsia. Aggressive critical-care treatment with renal replacement therapy and use of the molecular absorbent recirculation system appeared able to stabilise--at least temporarily--the patient's condition.