Predicting the resolution of hypertension following adrenalectomy in primary aldosteronism: Controversies and unresolved issues a narrative review.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension resolution following adrenalectomy in patients with primary aldosteronism (PA) remains a critical clinical challenge. Identifying preoperatively which patients will become normotensive is both a priority and a point of contention. In this narrative review, we explore the controversies and unresolved issues surrounding the prediction of hypertension resolution after adrenalectomy in PA. METHODS: A comprehensive literature review was conducted, focusing on studies published between 1954 and 2024 that evaluated all studies that discussed predictive models for hypertension resolution post-adrenalectomy in PA patients. Databases searched included MEDLINE®, Ovid Embase, and Web of Science databases. RESULTS: The review identified several predictors and predictive models of hypertension resolution, including female sex, duration of hypertension, antihypertensive medication, and BMI. However, inconsistencies in study designs and patient populations led to varied conclusions. CONCLUSIONS: Although certain predictors and predictive models of hypertension resolution post-adrenalectomy in PA patients are supported by evidence, significant controversies and unresolved issues remain. While the current predictive models provide valuable insights, there is a clear need for further research in this area. Future studies should focus on validating and refining these models.

Sampling Strategies for Assessing Male Clients of Female Sex Workers in Public Health Research: A Compilation of Global Evidence.

Clients of Female Sex Workers (FSWs) are major bridge population in HIV transmission. Any research among them remains challenging because they are hidden within society. The objective of this review was tocompile the global evidence on different sampling strategies used to access male clients of female sex workers for research purpose, the challenges faced during the sampling process andpossible sources of bias. Original articles and reports published globally in last 10 years, in English language and those with full text freely available online were included in this scoping review. A comprehensive search was carried out among the electronic peer-reviewed literature database (Pubmed and Web of Science) using a pre-designed peer reviewed search strategy. Narrative synthesis was applied out across all such articles. A total of 36 articles were finally included in this review. The common sampling techniques used include convenience sampling, referral by FSWs/ pimp/brothel manager/clients, time location cluster sampling, use of virtual network, anonymous telephone survey, referred by clinicians of STI clinic etc. Overall response rate varied between 35 and 90%. Major challenges in participant recruitment included non-response, feasibility issue specially to cater non-brothel-based clients, safety issue for investigators, over-representation of clients with lower socio-economic status, higher refusal rate for known HIV positive clients to provide biological sample etc. As different sampling techniques have comparable response rate, it can be recommended that a pilot study should be carried out in local context to finalise appropriate participant recruitment technique for a given population.

Evaluating BTEX in vehicle exhaust gas: A fast and efficient approach using SPME and GC-BID.

Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and the xylene isomers (m, p, and o-xylene) (BTEX) are known for their harmful effects on human health and have been extensively studied across various environmental matrices. However, quantifying BTEX in exhaust gases poses challenges due to the complexity of the matrices. In this study, we investigated a method development strategy involving solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and gas chromatography coupled with a dielectric barrier discharge ionization Detector (BID) for quantifying BTEX emitted from internal combustion engines operating at idle. Sampling was conducted using 1.0 L Tedlar bags, followed by withdrawal of aliquots and dilution with atmospheric air using a novel device (graduated vial) designed for gaseous samples. The SPME-GC-BID method was developed and validated for the conditions: BTEX extraction in CAR/PDMS 75 µm fiber at a contact time of 5.0 min at a temperature of 27 °C, followed by GC-BID analysis. Method validation to ensure the reliability of quantitative results used the merit figures e.g., limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ), precision, and accuracy (recovery). LOD varied from 0.194 to 0.340 mg m-3, LOQ varied from 0.587 to 1.03 mg m-3, precision ranged from 1.47 to 7.14 %, and recovery varied from 82.34 to 109.5 %. BTEX concentration in vehicle exhaust varied from 3.40 to 16.4 mg m-3. The results showed, concerning the figures of merit analyzed, that the SPME-GC-BID method provides good sensibility, precision, and accuracy for evaluating the presence of BTEX in the exhaust of internal combustion engines, contributing to the understanding of health risks associated with vehicle emissions.

When (and why) absolute decision attribute values influence human preferences.

Relative rank models of risky decision-making suggest that human preferences are informed by sampled (and not absolute) values and their relative ranks. According to this proposal, an attribute's absolute value (e.g., money or probability), retrieved from memory or/and available in the context, has a relative rank within the sampled attribute values. Moreover, decision-makers use the relative ranks of sampled absolute values when they choose or evaluate an option. In contrast, we present evidence from studies with more than 1100 UK adults, that human preferences are indeed informed by an attribute's absolute value. In particular, when making a choice between two economic gambles (a safe gamble or a risky gamble), we found that the likelihood of choosing the risky gamble increased when it was with a desirable monetary prize (a larger amount of money - £150), regardless of the distribution and relative ranks of sampled monetary values. However, when both the safe and risky gambles were with non-desirable monetary prizes (£0.50 or £1.50), participants' preferences were influenced by the distribution and relative ranks of sampled monetary values. Accordingly, we propose that decision-making desirability triggers participants' willingness to use absolute values in their choice; the switch between participants making relative and absolute judgment is predicted by Edwards et al. (2012).

A critical review of bioanalytical and clinical applications of solid phase microextraction.

Studying the functions, mechanisms, and effects of drugs and other exogenous compounds on biological systems, together with investigations performed to understand biosystems better, comprises one of the most fascinating areas of research. Although classical sample preparation techniques are dominantly used to infer the relevant information from the investigated system, they fail to meet various imperative requirements, such as being environmentally friendly, applicable in-vivo, and compatible with online analysis. As a chameleon in the analytical toolbox, solid phase microextraction (SPME) is one of the best tools available for studying biological systems in unconventional ways. In this review, SPME is spotlighted, and its capability for bioanalytical applications, including drug analysis, untargeted and targeted metabolomics, in-vivo and clinical studies, is scrutinized based on studies reported in the past five years. In addition, novel extractive phases and instrumental coupling strategies developed to serve bioanalytical research are discussed to give the perspective for state-of-the-art and future developments. The literature assessment showed that SPME could act as a critical tool to investigate in-vivo biological systems and provide information about the elusive portion of the metabolome. Moreover, recently introduced miniaturized SPME probes further improved the low-invasive nature of the sampling and enabled sampling even from a single cell. The coupling of SPME directly to mass spectrometry significantly reduced the total analytical workflow and became one of the promising tools suitable for fast diagnostic purposes and drug analysis. The numerous applications and advancements reported in bioanalysis using SPME show that it will continue to be an indispensable technique in the future.

Exploring the causes of variability in quality of oropharyngeal swab sampling for SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid testing and proposed improvement measures: a multicenter, double-blind study.

Although coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has not been considered a public health emergency of international concern since last year, intermittent regional impacts still persist, and accurate testing remains crucial. Ribonuclease P protein subunit P30 (RPP30) RNA, known for its broad and stable expression in tissue cells, was used to evaluate samples from 10 hospitals with over 3,000 negative nucleic acid tests. The results revealed that the overall pass rate for the collected samples was consistently low and exhibited significant heterogeneity. After reassessing the evaluative effectiveness of RPP30 RNA Ct values from the samples of 132 positive individuals under quarantine observation, it was used to identify factors affecting sampling quality. These factors included different stages ranging from sample collection to PCR processing, various characteristics of both samplers and individuals being sampled, as well as sampling season and location. The results indicated that post-sampling handling had minimal impact, winter and fever clinic samples showed higher quality, whereas children's samples had lower quality. The key finding was that the characteristics of samplers were closely related to sampling quality, emphasizing the role of subjectivity. Quality control warnings led to substantial improvements, confirming this finding. Consequently, although there are various factors during the testing process, the most critical aspect is to improve, supervise, and maintain standardized practices among sampling staff.IMPORTANCEThis study further confirmed the reliability of internal references (IRs) in assessing sample quality, and utilized a large sample IR data to comprehensively and multidimensionally identify significant interference factors in nucleic acid test results. By further reminding and intervening in the subjective practices of specimen collectors, good results could be achieved.

MRI at low field: A review of software solutions for improving SNR.

Low magnetic field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) ( B 0 $$ {B}_0 $$  < 1 T) is regaining interest in the magnetic resonance (MR) community as a complementary, more flexible, and cost-effective approach to MRI diagnosis. Yet, the impaired signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) per square root of time, or SNR efficiency, leading in turn to prolonged acquisition times, still challenges its relevance at the clinical level. To address this, researchers investigate various hardware and software solutions to improve SNR efficiency at low field, including the leveraging of latest advances in computing hardware. However, there may not be a single recipe for improving SNR at low field, and it is key to embrace the challenges and limitations of each proposed solution. In other words, suitable solutions depend on the final objective or application envisioned for a low-field scanner and, more importantly, on the characteristics of a specific low B 0 $$ {B}_0 $$ field. In this review, we aim to provide an overview on software solutions to improve SNR efficiency at low field. First, we cover techniques for efficient k-space sampling and reconstruction. Then, we present post-acquisition techniques that enhance MR images such as denoising and super-resolution. In addition, we summarize recently introduced electromagnetic interference cancellation approaches showing great promises when operating in shielding-free environments. Finally, we discuss the advantages and limitations of these approaches that could provide directions for future applications.

Severe hydronephrosis complicated with primary aldosteronism: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Primary aldosteronism is characterized by high plasma aldosterone and low renin. The plasma aldosterone-to-renin ratio is recommended for screening. Severe hydronephrosis leads to renal parenchymal ischemia, resulting in increased renin secretion. Since nonsuppression of renin may cause a negative result in the aldosterone-to-renin ratio test, severe hydronephrosis and primary aldosteronism occurring simultaneously in a patient are challenging to diagnose. CASE PRESENTATION: A 54-year-old Chinese man of Han ethnicity was diagnosed with hypertension and severe hypokalemia (minimum 1.57 mmol/L) 13 years prior, and was also diagnosed with severe hydronephrosis due to congenital ureteral stenosis on the left side. His clinical features suggested primary aldosteronism, but the aldosterone-to-renin ratio result of the patient was negative every time he underwent the primary aldosteronism screening test. No further treatment for primary aldosteronism was performed, which led the patient to suffer from severe hypokalemia, such that he was taking 12-15 g/day potassium chloride orally to keep his blood potassium between 3.0 and 3.5 mmol/L (reference value, 3.5-5.5 mmol/L) for 13 years, and the patient needed to be hospitalized in the intensive care unit for rescue several times. At admission, although the aldosterone-to-renin ratio result of the patient was negative, we still did the saline stress test and captopril inhibition test, and the results showed that the plasma aldosterone level was not lower after the test than before the test. Adrenal enhanced computed tomography suggested an adenoma in the left adrenal gland, and the results of adrenal vein sampling suggested that the left side was the dominant side. Therefore, laparoscopic total resection of the left adrenal gland was performed, and 2 weeks later, the patient developed short-term renal function impairment and hyperkalemia, but his renal function and blood potassium returned to normal after treatment that included fluid rehydration. The patient's biochemical test results and clinical symptoms were completely normal after 1 year. CONCLUSION: We suggest that for patients with a high suspicion of primary aldosteronism in the clinic, comprehensive analysis must be performed in combination with clinical characteristic assessments, such as severe hydronephrosis, if renin is within the normal range or if the aldosterone-to-renin ratio result is negative at screening and diagnostic tests, and adrenal vein sampling should be performed if necessary. It can help avoid misdiagnoses and contribute to the treatment of patients with severe hydronephrosis and primary aldosteronism.

A review of airborne micro- and nano-plastics: Sampling methods, analytical techniques, and exposure risks.

Atmospheric Micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs) can be easily inhaled and ingested by humans and have become a global health concern. With the development of instruments and techniques, an increasing number of sampling and analytical methods have been applied to study airborne MNPs. Active samplers and passive collectors are used to collect suspended aerosols and atmospheric depositions. Microscopes and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) have been used to physically identify the MNPs, while Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, and Pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) are used to identify the polymer compositions of the MNPs. However, the diversity of methods and strategies has greatly limited our ability to compare results and assess exposure risks. In this review, we extracted data from PubMed, Embase, and Scopus from 2018 to 2024 that reported sampling methods, analytical techniques, and abundance/deposition of airborne MNPs. Through a systematic review of the included 140 articles, we emphasized the advantages and limitations of different methods for collecting and analyzing airborne MNPs. In addition, we provided an in-depth analysis of the performance of specific methods across different airborne environments. Furthermore, the current knowledge regarding the abundance, deposition, exposure risks of airborne MNPs, and exposure risk assessment models has been discussed. Finally, we provide concrete recommendations for standardization of methods. This review identified knowledge gaps and recommended future research directions for exposure assessment of airborne MNPs.

Arsenic and young liver: a case report of hepatic steatosis due to arsenic toxicity.

Arsenic toxicity is rare in developed countries. It may be difficult to diagnose due to its heterogenous symptom presentation. We present a case of severe hepatic steatosis and cholestatic hepatitis associated with arsenic toxicity in an adult.

Affective dynamics surrounding craving, non-heavy alcohol use and binge drinking in female patients with alcohol use disorder and controls: An experience sampling method study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Studies show that higher levels of positive affect (PA) and lower levels of negative affect (NA) are related to craving and alcohol consumption at a daily level in men, but little is known on these associations at a momentary level, and whether they are present in women. This study measured the dynamics of within-person NA and PA surrounding craving, non-heavy alcohol use and binge drinking in women with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and female controls without AUD. METHODS: 53 female patients with AUD and 75 female controls, all recruited in Belgium, were included in an experience sampling study where they reported on momentary NA, PA, craving and alcohol use in daily life over a period of 12 months. Assessments occurred eight times a day on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays in seven bursts of three weeks. RESULTS: Within-person NA at a previous assessment (t-1) predicted craving at the current assessment (t0) in patients with AUD in a positive linear [ß = 0.043; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.002, 0.057; P = 0.041] and quadratic fashion (ß = 0.034; CI = 0.011, 0.057; P = 0.004). Within-person PA at t-1 predicted craving at t0 in patients with AUD with a positive quadratic relation (ß = 0.042; CI = 0.08, 0.065; P < 0.001). Within-person NA at t-1 negatively predicted non-heavy alcohol use at t0 in a linear fashion in controls (ß = -0.495; CI = -0.677, -0.312; P < 0.001) and patients with AUD (ß = -0.276; CI = -0.421, -0.132; P < 0.001). Within-person PA at t-1 significantly predicted non-heavy alcohol use at t0 with a positive linear term (ß = 0.470; CI = 0.329, 0.610; P < 0.001) in controls, but with a positive linear term (ß = 0.399; CI = 0.260, 0.454; P < 0.001) and a positive quadratic term (ß = 0.203; CI = 0.060, 0.347; P = 0.003) in patients with AUD. Within-person NA at t-1 predicted binge drinking at t0 in patients with AUD with a significant quadratic term (ß = 0.236; CI = 0.060, 0.412; P = 0.008), but not for controls. Within-person PA at t-1 predicted binge drinking at t0 in patients with AUD with a significant quadratic term (ß = 0.378; CI = 0.215, 0.542; P < 0.001), and this was also the case for controls (ß = 0.487; CI = 0.158, 0.770; P < 0.001). Non-heavy alcohol use at t0 predicted lower levels of NA at t+1 in both patients with AUD (ß = -0.161; SE = 0.044; CI = -0.248, 0.074; P = 0.001) and controls (ß = -0.114; CI = -0.198, -0.029; P = 0.010). Non-heavy alcohol use at t0 also predicted higher levels of PA at t+1 in both patients with AUD (ß = 0.181; CI = 0.088, 0.274; P < 0.001) and controls (ß = 0.189; CI = 0.101, 0.278; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The momentary relation between affect and craving or alcohol use seems to be non-linear in female patients with alcohol use disorder, whereby a worse mood predicts subsequent alcohol use, though more for binge drinking than for non-heavy alcohol use.

Checklist and key to species of stink bugs (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Pentatomidae) of Kentucky, United States of America.

Stink bugs (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) have received a lot of attention as there are many economically important pest species. However, the status of species richness, distribution, and taxonomy remain overlooked and outdated in Kentucky (USA). Having such information at a regional scale is crucial to allow the development of suitable pest management and conservation programs. Here, the stink bug fauna of Kentucky was examined from museum specimens, literature, and public online repositories. Overall, 42 species in 28 genera and three subfamilies (Asopinae, Podopinae, and Pentatominae) are listed from Kentucky. Thirteen species are new records for Kentucky, 10 species are considered to be of economic importance and eight are strict predators. Pictures of species are provided along with the first key for the identification of the stink bug species of Kentucky.

Exploring emotions beyond the laboratory: A review of emotional and physiological ecological momentary assessment methods in children and youth.

Recent advancements in methodologies such as ecological momentary assessment (EMA) and ambulatory physiology devices have enhanced our ability to measure emotions experienced in daily life. Despite the feasibility of EMA for assessing children's and youth's emotional self-reports, the feasibility of combining it with physiological measurements in a real-life context has yet to be established. Our scoping review evaluates the feasibility and usability of implementing emotional and physiological EMA in children and youth. Due to the complexities of physiological EMA data, this review also synthesized existing methodological and statistical practices of existing studies. Following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we searched and screened PsycINFO, PubMed, and Web of Science electronic databases for studies that assessed children's and youth's subjective emotions and cardiac or electrodermal physiological responses outside the laboratory. Our initial search resulted in 4174 studies, 13 of which were included in our review. Findings showed significant variability in the feasibility of physiological EMA, with physiology device wear-time averaging 58.77% of study periods and data loss due to quality issues ranging from 0.2% to 77% across signals. Compliance for emotional EMA was approximately 60% of study periods when combined with physiological EMA. The review points to a lack of standardized procedures in physiological EMA and suggests a need for guidelines in designing, processing, and analyzing such data collected in real-life contexts. We offer recommendations to enhance participant engagement and develop standard practices for employing physiological EMA with children and youth for emotion, developmental, and psychophysiology researchers.

Whole-brain T2 mapping with radial sampling and retrospective motion correction at 3T.

PURPOSE: Several barriers prevent the use of whole-brain T2 mapping in routine use despite increasing interest in this parameter. One of the main barriers is the long scan time resulting in patient discomfort and motion corrupted data. To address this challenge, a method for accurate whole-brain T2 mapping with a limited acquisition time and motion correction capabilities is investigated. METHODS: A 3D radial multi-echo spin-echo sequence was implemented with optimized sampling trajectory enabling the estimation of intra-scan motion, subsequently used to correct the raw data. Motion corrected echo images are then reconstructed with linear subspace constrained reconstruction. Experiments were carried out on phantom and volunteers at 3T to evaluate the accuracy of the T2 estimation, the sensitivity to lesions and the efficiency of the correction on motion corrupted data. RESULTS: Whole-brain T2 mapping acquired in less than 7 min enabled the depiction of lesions in the white matter with longer T2. Data retrospectively corrupted with typical motion traces of pediatric patients highly benefited from the motion correction by reducing the error in T2 estimates within the lesions. All datasets acquired on seven volunteers, with deliberate motion, also showed that motion corrupted T2 maps could be improved with the retrospective motion correction both at the voxel level and the structure level. CONCLUSION: A whole-brain T2 mapping sequence with retrospective intra-scan motion correction and reasonable acquisition time is proposed. The method necessitates advanced iterative reconstruction strategies but no additional navigator, external device, or increased scan time is required.

Investigating the deposition of fibrous zeolite particles on leaf surfaces: A novel low-cost method for detecting the presence of airborne hazardous mineral fibers.

Naturally occurring fibrous minerals, such as erionite, can pose a significant threat to human health when disturbed and subsequently respired. Understanding the spatial abundance and characteristics of these hazardous fibrous minerals in ambient air is crucial for minimizing human exposure and assessing risk. Conventional detection methods for airborne hazardous mineral fibers, such as those developed for asbestos, are of limited utility in environmental settings where fiber concentrations are low and different fiber types may be present and can be costly especially when monitoring large areas over long periods of time. This study presents an innovative methodology for detecting and identifying the presence of airborne naturally occurring fibrous zeolites, using leaf surface deposition sampling, SEM-EDX analysis for the detection and assessment of elemental composition, and TEM-SAED with continuous rotation diffraction (MicroED) to determine their crystallographic unit cell parameters. In total, 309 fibrous zeolite particles (FZPs) were identified on a range of tree leaf surfaces across 80 % of the sampling sites located close to both active and disused zeolite quarries in the Taupo Volcanic Region, New Zealand. The FZPs displayed various morphologies including aggregates, bundles, and fibril-like structures. Of the FZPs detected, 92.2 % were < 5 µm in length. Tetrahedral Si:(Si+Al) ratio results indicated that 40 % of the FZPs were in the reference range for zeolite mordenite. TEM-SAED plus MicroED analysis resulted in 61 % of tested FZPs indexed to unit cell parameters that matched with mordenite. This research demonstrates the potential of leaf sampling as a cost-effective method for detecting airborne FZPs while the MicroED data can be utilized for distinguishing between different types of airborne fibrous zeolites in ambient air.

Optimization of skin sampling based on tape stripping for lipidome analysis by nanoflow ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

In this study, skin sampling by tape stripping for lipid analysis was optimized by examining the lipid profiles of the stratum corneum (SC), focusing on the composition and levels of ceramides (Cer), diacylglycerols (DG), and triacylglycerols (TG), using nanoflow ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Significant variations in the number and composition of the identified lipids, particularly Cer and neutral lipid species, were observed across different skin locations, including the forearm, forehead, cheek, and neck. Analysis of the layer-to-layer lipid profiles of the seven consecutive layers revealed a gradual decrease in DG and TG levels from the outermost to the innermost layers, with certain Cer subclasses showing increases in the second to fourth layers and subsequent decreases. Comparative analysis of lipid profiles from adjacent spots demonstrated statistical consistency and persistent differences between spots. Pooling layers were evaluated as an alternative method for representing SC layers, and their efficiencies were assessed by varying the number of pooled layers. We found that pooling five consecutive layers was effective in terms of the number and levels of identified lipids. Additionally, investigations into the matrix effect and extraction efficiency upon pooling layers indicated that pooling up to five layers did not significantly affect ionization suppression or reduce extraction recovery.

Epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance in commensal E. coli from healthy dairy cattle on a Mediterranean pasture-based system of Australia: A cross-sectional study.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in commensal E. coli from healthy lactating cows and calves in the Mediterranean pasture-based feeding dairy system of Western Australia (WA). Fecal samples were collected from healthy adult lactating cows and healthy calves from dairy farms in WA. Presumptive commensal E. coli was isolated from these samples and confirmed using matrix-assisted laser-desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Broth microdilution was used to assess the prevalence and the phenotypic AMR profiles of the E. coli isolates to 8 antimicrobial agents of dairy industry and human importance. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for each isolate was interpreted using the Epidemiologic Cutoff (ECOFF) and Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) breakpoints. Genomic characterization provided multi-locus sequence types and AMR genes for a selection of isolates categorised as non-wild type (NWT) by ECOFF values for the combination of ampicillin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and tetracycline. From a total of 1,117 fecal samples (633 adult, 484 calf) collected across 26 randomly selected farms, 891 commensal E. coli isolates were recovered (541 adult, 350 calf). Commensal E. coli classified as NWT was highest for ampicillin for both adult (68.8%; 95% CI = 64.7 - 72.7) and calf feces (67.1%; 95% CI = 62.0 - 72.0). A large proportion of tetracycline NWT and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole NWT organisms were also identified from calf feces, being 44.0% (95% CI = 38.7 - 49.4) and 24.6% (95% CI = 20.2 - 29.4) respectively. Clinical resistance prevalence was low, being higher for calves than for adult feces (ampicillin (adult: 7.8% (95% CI = 5.7 - 10.3); calf: 30.0% (95% CI = 25.2 - 35.1), tetracycline (adult: 6.3% (95% CI = 4.4 - 8.7); calf: 40.3% (95% CI = 35.1 - 45.6), and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (adult: 2.6% (95% CI = 1.4 - 4.3); calf: 22.0% (95% CI = 17.7 - 26.7)). Commensal E. coli originating from calf feces was significantly higher in NWT prevalence compared with adult feces for ciprofloxacin (P = 0.023), gentamicin (P = 0.02), tetracycline (P < 0.001), and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (P < 0.001). The overall number of antimicrobials an isolate was classified as NWT toward varied among farms and was significantly higher for isolates originating from calf than adult feces (P < 0.001). The strain type and sampling source of the commensal E. coli investigated were both associated with the commonality of the resultant resistance genome. Clinical resistance and NWT classification were highest for ampicillin, tetracycline, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, all antimicrobials commonly used in the treatment of dairy cattle in Australia. Though highly variable across farms, commensal E. coli isolated from healthy dairy calf feces had significantly higher NWT and multidrug resistance (MDR) prevalence compared with feces from healthy adult lactating dairy cows. The resistant genome identified in MDR isolates, though not always consistent with the phenotype, included QnrS1 and genes encoding AmpC ß-lactamase and aminoglycoside phosphotransferase.

Evaluating survey techniques in wastewater-based epidemiology for accurate COVID-19 incidence estimation.

Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) requires high-quality survey methods to determine the incidence of infections in wastewater catchment areas. In this study, the wastewater survey methods necessary for comprehending the incidence of infection by WBE are clarified. This clarification is based on the correlation with the number of confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases, considering factors such as handling non-detect data, calculation method for representative values, analytical sensitivity, analytical reproducibility, sampling frequency, and survey duration. Data collected from 15 samples per week for two and a half years using a highly accurate analysis method were regarded as gold standard data, and the correlation between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA concentrations in wastewater and confirmed COVID-19 cases was analyzed by Monte Carlo simulation under the hypothetical situation where the quality of the wastewater survey method was reduced. Regarding data handling, it was appropriate to replace non-detect data with estimates based on distribution, and to use geometric means to calculate representative values. For the analysis of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in samples, using a highly sensitive and reproducible method (non-detect rates of <40 %; ≤0.4 standard deviation) and surveying at least three samples, preferably five samples, per week were considered desirable. Furthermore, conducting the survey over a period of time that included at least 50 weeks was necessary. A WBE that meets these survey criteria is sufficient for the determination of the COVID-19 infection incidence in the catchment. Furthermore, WBE can offer additional insights into infection rates in the catchment, such as the estimated 48 % decrease in confirmed COVID-19 cases visiting a clinic following a COVID-19 legal reclassification in Japan.

Comparison of liquid and filter sampling techniques for recovery of Bacillus spores and Escherichia coli from environmental water.

Historically, detecting water contamination has involved collecting and directly analyzing liquid samples, but recent advances in filter sampling methods offer numerous potential advantages. Emerging technologies, including environmental DNA (eDNA) samplers, could be used for remote microbial contamination sampling, but work is needed to determine if target microorganisms can be recovered from filters at comparable levels to traditional sampling methods. In this study, Escherichia coli and a surrogate for Bacillus anthracis spores were sampled from synthetic stormwater and quantified using both direct liquid and filter methods, and dwell time tests compared microorganism persistence in water and on filters. At nearly all tested timepoints, the recoveries of spores from membrane filters were within 0.5 log10 colony forming units per sample (CFU/sample) compared to the liquid-only samples, suggesting that the use of filter sampling is a feasible alternative to liquid-based sampling, and samples were held for up to 4 weeks without significant sample degradation. Recoveries for E. coli remained relatively consistent for ∼3 days in phosphate buffered saline (PBS), in synthetic stormwater, and on membrane filters, but decreases in recoveries were observed for samples held for >3 days. These results indicate that emerging water sampling technologies, which reduce logistical burdens and offer potential cost savings, can be leveraged to characterize biological contamination in water matrices with multiple types of microbiological agents.

A comparative study of self-collected versus clinician-collected specimens in detecting high-risk HPV infection: a prospective cross-sectional study.

Objective: The primary objective of this study was to compare the detection rate of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection between self-sampling to collect vaginal specimens and clinician sampling to collect cervical specimens, as well as the correlation between the two techniques. The secondary objective was to assess satisfaction with self-sampling for HPV testing. Methods: From October 2021 to September 2022, women positive for HPV 16/18 and other 12 high-risk HPV genotypes and cytological ASCUS were enrolled. All participants were instructed on the method for self-collection of HPV samples. Self-collected vaginal samples and clinician-collected cervical samples were subjected to HPV DNA typing. Results: Paired self- and clinician-collected specimens were obtained from 104 women with positive HPV-positive results. The detection rate of high-risk HPV infection was comparable between the two techniques: 79/98 (80.6%) vs. 81/98 (82.7%) for the self-sampling and clinician-sampling techniques, respectively (McNemar's test; P=0.774). The agreement in detecting HPV infection was substantial, with a kappa coefficient of 0.75. More than 90% of the participants rated self-collection as satisfactory to very satisfactory because of its convenience and safety. Regarding methods of further follow-up, 51% of the participants chose self-sampling, whereas the remaining participants preferred collection by clinicians. No intervention-related complications were observed. Conclusion: The self-sampling technique for HPV testing was as effective as the clinician-sampling technique, and both techniques were substantially correlated in detecting high-risk HPV infection. The self-sampling method appears to be highly satisfactory and may provide better compliance for the detection of cervical HPV infection.