Development of a physiologically based pharmacokinetic model of fostemsavir and its pivotal application to support dosing in pregnancy.

It is critical to understand the impact of significant physiological changes during pregnancy on the extent of maternal and fetal drug exposure. Fostemsavir (FTR) is a prodrug of temsavir (TMR) and is approved in combination with other antiretrovirals for multi-drug-resistant human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. This physiologically based pharmacokinetic model (PBPK) study was used to estimate TMR PK in pregnant populations during each trimester of pregnancy to inform FTR dosing. A PBPK model was developed and validated for TMR using PK data collected following intravenous TMR and oral FTR dosing (immediate-release and extended-release tablets) in healthy volunteers. Predicted TMR concentration-time profiles accurately predicted the reported clinical data and variability in healthy (dense data) and pregnant (sparse data) populations. Predicted versus observed TMR geometric mean (CV%) clearance following intravenous administration was 18.01 (29) versus 17 (21) (L/h). Predicted versus observed TMR AUC0-inf (ng.h/mL) in healthy volunteers following FTR administration of the extended-release tablet were 9542 (66) versus 7339 (33). The validated TMR PBPK model was then applied to predict TMR PK in a population of pregnant individuals during each trimester. Simulations showed TMR AUC in pregnant individuals receiving FTR 600 mg twice daily was decreased by 25% and 38% in the second and third trimesters, respectively. However, TMR exposure remained within the range observed in nonpregnant adults with no need for dose adjustment. The current PBPK model can also be applied for the prediction of local tissue concentrations and drug-drug interactions in pregnancy.

Study protocol: Early neurological deterioration in patients with minor stroke, frequency, predictors, and outcomes in Vietnam single-centre study.

Early neurological deterioration (END) is progressive neurological deterioration with an increase in NIHSS score of 2 points or more in the first 72 hours from the onset of acute ischemic stroke. END increases the risk of poor clinical outcomes at day 90 of ischemic stroke. We will study the frequency, predictors, and outcomes of patients with END in a case-control study at a comprehensive stroke centre in Vietnam. of the design is a descriptive observational study, longitudinal follow-up of patients with minor stroke hospitalized at the Stroke Center of Bach Mai Hospital from December 1, 2023, to December 1, 2024. Minor stroke patients characterized by NIHSS score ≤ 5 hospitalized within 24 hours of symptom onset will be recruited. The estimated END rate is about 30%, relative accuracy ε = 0.11, 95% reliability, expected 5% of patients lost data or follow-up, and an estimated sample size of 779 patients. This study will help determine the END rate in patients with minor stroke and related factors, thereby building a prognostic model for END. Our study determined the END rate in patients with minor stroke in Vietnam and also proposed risk factors for minor stroke management and treatment.

PFAS Porewater concentrations in unsaturated soil: Field and laboratory comparisons inform on PFAS accumulation at air-water interfaces.

Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) leaching from unsaturated soils impacted with aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) is an environmental challenge that remains difficult to measure and predict. Complicating measurements and predictions of this process is a lack of understanding between the PFAS concentrations measured in a collected environmental unsaturated soil sample, and the PFAS concentrations measured in the corresponding porewater using field-deployed lysimeters. The applicability of bench-scale batch testing to assess this relationship also remains uncertain. In this study, field-deployed porous cup suction lysimeters were used to measure PFAS porewater concentrations in unsaturated soils at 5 AFFF-impacted sites. Field-measured PFAS porewater concentrations were compared to those measured in porewater extracted in the laboratory from collected unsaturated soil cores, and from PFAS concentrations measured in the laboratory using batch soil slurries. Results showed that, despite several years since the last AFFF release at most of the test sites, precursors were abundant in 3 out of the 5 sites. Comparison of field lysimeter results to laboratory testing suggested that the local equilibrium assumption was valid for at least 3 of the sites and conditions of this study. Surprisingly, PFAS accumulation at the air-water interface was orders of magnitude less than expected at two of the test sites, suggesting potential gaps in the understanding of PFAS accumulation at the air-water interface at AFFF-impacted sites. Finally, results herein suggest that bench-scale testing on unsaturated soils can in some cases be used to inform on PFAS in situ porewater concentrations.

Potential biological functions and future perspectives of sialylated milk oligosaccharides.

Sialyllactoses (SLs) primarily include sialylated human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) and bovine milk oligosaccharides (BMOs). First, the safety assessment of 3'-sialyllactose (3'-SL) and 6'-sialyllactose (6'-SL) revealed low toxicity in various animal models and human participants. SLs constitute a unique milk component, highlighting the essential nutrients and bioactive components crucial for infant development, along with numerous associated health benefits for various diseases. This review explores the safety, biosynthesis, and potential biological effects of SLs, with a specific focus on their influence across various physiological systems, including the gastrointestinal system, immune disorders, rare genetic disorders (such as GNE myopathy), cancers, neurological disorders, cardiovascular diseases, diverse cancers, and viral infections, thus indicating their therapeutic potential.

Citizen scientists' engagement in flood risk-related data collection: a case study in Bui River Basin, Vietnam.

Time constraints, financial limitations, and inadequate tools restrict the flood data collection in undeveloped countries, especially in the Asian and African regions. Engaging citizens in data collection and contribution has the potential to overcome these challenges. This research demonstrates the applicability of citizen science for gathering flood risk-related data on residential flooding, land use information, and flood damage to paddy fields for the Bui River Basin in Vietnam. Locals living in or around flood-affected areas participated in data collection campaigns as citizen scientists using self-investigation or investigation with a data collection app, a web form, and paper forms. We developed a community-based rainfall monitoring network in the study area using low-cost rain gauges to draw locals' attention to the citizen science program. Fifty-nine participants contributed 594 completed questionnaires and measurements for four investigated subjects in the first year of implementation. Five citizen scientists were active participants and contributed more than 50 completed questionnaires or measurements, while nearly 50% of citizen scientists participated only one time. We compared the flood risk-related data obtained from citizen scientists with other independent data sources and found that the agreement between the two datasets on flooding points, land use classification, and the flood damage rate to paddy fields was acceptable (overall agreement above 73%). Rainfall monitoring activities encouraged the participants to proactively update data on flood events and land use situations during the data collection campaign. The study's outcomes demonstrate that citizen science can help to fill the gap in flood data in data-scarce areas.

Metabolites from Streptomyces aureus (VTCC43181) and Their Inhibition of Mycobacterium tuberculosis ClpC1 Protein.

Tuberculosis is one of the most common infectious diseases in the world, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The outbreak of multiple drug-resistant tuberculosis has become a major challenge to prevent this disease worldwide. ClpC1 is a Clp ATPase protein of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, functioning as a chaperon when combined with the Clp complex. ClpC1 has emerged as a new target to discover anti-tuberculosis drugs. This study aimed to explore the ClpC1 inhibitors from actinomycetes, which have been known to provide abundant sources of antibiotics. Two cyclic peptides, including nocardamin (1), halolitoralin A (3), and a lactone pleurone (2), were isolated from the culture of Streptomyces aureus (VTCC43181). The structures of these compounds were determined based on the detailed analysis of their spectral data and comparison with references. This is the first time these compounds have been isolated from S. aureus. Compounds 1-3 were evaluated for their affection of ATPase activity of the recombinant ClpC1 protein. Of these compounds, halolitoralin A (1), a macrocyclic peptide, was effective for the ATPase hydrolysis of the ClpC1 protein.

Block Copolymers of Polyolefins with Polyacrylates: Analyzing and Improving the Blocking Efficiencies Using MILRad/ATRP Approach.

Despite their industrial ubiquity, polyolefin-polyacrylate block copolymers are challenging to synthesize due to the distinct polymerization pathways necessary for respective blocks. This study utilizes MILRad, metal-organic insertion light-initiated radical polymerization, to synthesize polyolefin-b-poly(methyl acrylate) copolymer by combining palladium-catalyzed insertion-coordination polymerization and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Brookhart-type Pd complexes used for the living polymerization of olefins are homolytically cleaved by blue-light irradiation, generating polyolefin-based macroradicals, which are trapped with functional nitroxide derivatives forming ATRP macroinitiators. ATRP in the presence of Cu(0), that is, supplemental activators and reducing agents , is used to polymerize methyl acrylate. An increase in the functionalization efficiency of up to 71% is demonstrated in this study by modifying the light source and optimizing the radical trapping condition. Regardless of the radical trapping efficiency, essentially quantitative chain extension of polyolefin-Br macroinitiator with acrylates is consistently demonstrated, indicating successful second block formation.

The Postoperative Breast: Imaging Findings and Diagnostic Pitfalls After Breast-Conserving Surgery and Oncoplastic Breast Surgery.

Breast surgery is the cornerstone of treatment for early breast cancer. Historically, mastectomy and conventional breast-conserving surgery (BCS) were the main surgical techniques for treatment. Now, oncoplastic breast surgery (OBS), introduced in the 1990s, allows for a combination of BCS and reconstructive surgery to excise the cancer while preserving or enhancing the contour of the breast, leading to improved aesthetic results. Although imaging after conventional lumpectomy demonstrates typical postsurgical changes with known evolution patterns over time, OBS procedures show postsurgical changes/fat necrosis in locations other than the lumpectomy site. The purpose of this article is to familiarize radiologists with various types of surgical techniques for removal of breast cancer and to distinguish benign postoperative imaging findings from suspicious findings that warrant further work-up.

Multifocal fatty liver nodules mimicking a metastatic disease: A case report.

Multifocal fatty liver nodules can present a diagnostic challenge due to their resemblance to metastatic liver disease. This case report illustrates the complexity of such scenarios through the presentation of a middle-aged male patient. Despite the common nature of fatty liver disease, characterized by hepatocyte fat accumulation leading to diffuse and uniform liver lesions, rare instances exhibit heterogeneous appearances. The case underlines the potential confusion arising from imaging modalities when multiple small nodules disperse throughout the liver, mimicking multifocal tumors or metastases. The report emphasizes the critical role of comprehensive diagnostic procedures in preventing misdiagnosis and unwarranted interventions. Effective management hinges on multidisciplinary collaboration among specialists, ensuring accurate differentiation and appropriate treatment. This study serves as a reminder of the intricacies involved in interpreting multifocal fatty liver nodules that may masquerade as metastatic disease, highlighting the need for precision in clinical practice.

Dataset of United States Incident Management Situation Reports from 2007 to 2021.

This paper presents a unique 15-year dataset of Incident Management Situation Reports (IMSR), which document daily wildland fire situations across ten geographical regions in the United States. The IMSR dataset includes summaries for each reported day on national and regional wildfire activities, wildfire-specific activities, and committed fire suppression resources (i.e., personnel and equipment). This dataset is distinct from other wildfire data sources as it provides daily information on national fire suppression resource utilization, national and regional preparedness levels, and management priority for each region and fire. We developed an open-source Java program, IMSR-Tool, to process 3,124 IMSR reports available from 2007 to 2021 to generate this structured IMSR dataset, which can be updated when future reports become available. The dataset presented here and its future extension enable researchers and practitioners to study historical wildfire activity and resource use across regions and time, examine fire management perceptions, evaluate strategies for fire prioritization and fire resource allocation, and exploit other broader usage to improve wildfire management and response in the United States.

Removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances from wastewater via aerosol capture.

The widespread use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)-containing products in numerous commercial and industrial applications has resulted in their occurrence in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Herein, proof-of-concept bench-scale experiments were performed to measure the extent to which PFAS could be removed from a WWTP if aerosols generated during aeration were captured. Experiments were designed to mimic the aeration rate:water volume ratio, the water volume:surface area ratio, and aeration bubble size applicable to the full-scale aeration vessel. Results showed that substantial (75%) removal of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was observed under these operating conditions in the bench-scale system; up to 97% PFOS removal was observed if the aeration rate was increased 3-fold. PFAS removal generally increased with increasing aerosol capture and with increasing PFAS surface activity. Analysis of semi-quantified PFAS showed that the semi-quantified PFAS accounted for approximately 93% of the identified PFAS in the raw wastewater, dominated largely by the presence of 2:2 fluorotelomer carboxylic acid (2:2 FTCA). This preliminary study suggests that aerosol capture in aeration basins has potential for mitigating PFAS in WWTPs. Further testing is needed to assess the feasibility of this approach at the field scale.

3'-Sialyllactose protects against LPS-induced endothelial dysfunction by inhibiting superoxide-mediated ERK1/2/STAT1 activation and HMGB1/RAGE axis.

AIM: Endothelial hyperpermeability is an early stage of endothelial dysfunction associated with the progression and development of atherosclerosis. 3'-Sialyllactose (3'-SL) is the most abundant compound in human milk oligosaccharides, and it has the potential to regulate endothelial dysfunction. This study investigated the beneficial effects of 3'-SL on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced endothelial dysfunction in vitro and in vivo. MAIN METHODS: We established LPS-induced endothelial dysfunction models in both cultured bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAECs) and mouse models to determine the effects of 3'-SL. Western blotting, qRT-PCR analysis, immunofluorescence staining, and en face staining were employed to clarify underlying mechanisms. Superoxide production was measured by 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate, and dihydroethidium staining. KEY FINDINGS: LPS significantly decreased cell viability, whereas 3'-SL treatment mitigated these effects via inhibiting ERK1/2 activation. Mechanistically, 3'-SL ameliorated LPS-induced ROS accumulation leading to ERK1/2 activation-mediated STAT1 phosphorylation and subsequent inhibition of downstream transcriptional target genes, including VCAM-1, TNF-α, IL-1ß, and MCP-1. Interestingly, LPS-induced ERK1/2/STAT1 activation leads to the HMGB1 release from the nucleus into the extracellular space, where it binds to RAGE, while 3'-SL suppressed EC hyperpermeability by suppressing the HMGB1/RAGE axis. This interaction also led to VE-cadherin endothelial junction disassembly and endothelial cell monolayer disruption through ERK1/2/STAT1 modulation. In mouse endothelium, en face staining revealed that 3'-SL abolished LPS-stimulated ROS production and VCAM-1 overexpression. SIGNIFICANCE: Our findings suggest that 3'-SL inhibits LPS-induced endothelial hyperpermeability by suppressing superoxide-mediated ERK1/2/STAT1 activation and HMGB1/RAGE axis. Therefore, 3'-SL may be a potential therapeutic agent for preventing the progression of atherosclerosis.

Concurrent management of lymphedema and breast reconstruction with single-stage omental vascularized lymph node transfer and autologous breast reconstruction: A case series.

INTRODUCTION: The omentum has gained recent popularity in vascularized lymph node transfers (VLNT) as well as its novel use as a free flap for autologous breast reconstruction. The omentum has multiple unique advantages. It can be harvested laparoscopically or in an open fashion when utilized with abdominally-based free flaps. Additionally, it can be split into multiple flaps for simultaneous autologous breast reconstruction with VLNT or for multiple sites of VLNT. We present the safe and advantageous use of the omentum for VLNT with simultaneous autologous breast reconstruction in a series of patients. METHODS: From the years 2019-2022, patients who underwent breast reconstruction with deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) or muscle sparing tram (MS-TRAM) flaps with concurrent omental VLNT through a mini-laparotomy or breast reconstruction with Omental Fat-Augmented Free Flap (O-FAFF) with concurrent laparoscopic harvesting of omental VLNT were studied. Patient demographics included age, gender, comorbidities, prior radiation or chemotherapy, body mass index, complications, hospital length of stay, and surgical outcomes. RESULTS: A total of seven patients underwent omental VLNT with breast reconstruction for a total of 12 breasts and eight limbs treated. Three of the patients underwent autologous breast reconstruction using omental free flap. The mean age was 52.3 (range 40-75) years and mean body mass index (BMI) was 29.3 (range 23-38) kg/m2 . The flap survival rate was 100%. All the patients had successful reduction of extremity circumference and improvement of symptoms. The range of follow-up was 5 to 19 months, with an average follow-up of 14.6 months. There was only one complication among our 7 patients: a patient with a BMI of 38 developed a post-surgical abdominal wound treated with local wound care. Otherwise, post-operative courses were uneventful, and no further complications were reported. CONCLUSION: We demonstrate here additional evidence to the growing body of literature of the versatility and safety of the omentum to be utilized as an independent tool for surgical treatment of lymphedema as well as its simultaneous use with autologous breast reconstruction.

Treatment of Rat Lymphedema by Propeller Lymphatic Tissue Flap Combined with Nanofibrillar Collagen Scaffolds.

BACKGROUND: The aim of our study was to evaluate a new propeller vascularized lymphatic tissue flap (pVLNT) combined with aligned nanofibrillar collagen scaffolds (CS) (BioBridge) in reducing lymphedema in the rat lymphedema model. METHODS: Unilateral left hindlimb lymphedema was created in 15 female Sprague-Dawley rats following inguinal and popliteal lymph nodes (LN) resection and radiation. An inguinal pVLNT was elevated from the contralateral groin and transferred through a skin tunnel to the affected groin. Four collagen threads were attached to the flap and inserted in the hindlimb at the subcutaneous level in a fan shape. The three study groups consisted of group A (control), group B (pVLNT), and group C (pVLNT + CS). Volumetric analysis of both hindlimbs was performed using micro-computed tomography imaging before the surgery (at initial time point) and then at 1 and 4 months, postoperatively, and the relative volume difference (excess volume) was measured for each animal. Lymphatic drainage was assessed by indocyanine green (ICG) fluoroscopy for number and morphology of new collectors and the time required for ICG to move from injection point to the midline. RESULTS: Four months after the induction of lymphedema, an increased relative volume difference remained in group A (5.32 ± 4.74%), while there was a significant relative volume reduction in group B (-13.39 ± 8.55%) and an even greater reduction in group C (-14.56 ± 5.04%). ICG fluoroscopy proved the functional restoration of lymphatic vessels and viability of pVLNT in both B and C groups. Notably, only group C demonstrated statistically significant improvements in lymphatic pattern/morphology and in the number of lymphatic collectors as compared with the control group A. CONCLUSION: The pedicle lymphatic tissue flap combined with SC is an effective procedure for the treatment of lymphedema in rats. It can be easily translated into treatment of humans' lower and upper limb lymphedema and further clinical studies are warranted.

Financial sanctions and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance: A comparative study of ownership responses in the Chinese context.

This study conducts a comprehensive examination of the relationships between strategic investors, financial sanctions, and ESG performance in non-financial Chinese firms from 2011 to 2022. Using data from ASSET4 and the Global Sanction Database (GSDB), the study reveals that government and foreign investors significantly promote ESG performance, while family investors have a negative impact. Moreover, the findings show distinct responses among government, foreign, and family investors when confronted with financial sanctions. Specifically, both foreign and family investors demonstrate an increased engagement in CSR activities during these periods. Conversely, government investors are linked to a decrease in ESG performance amidst financial sanctions. The results make significant contributions to the fields of ownership literature, agency theory, and sanctions literature. Additionally, they provide practical implications for diverse stakeholders, including investors, managers, and policymakers.

Data on chemical composition of coffee husks and lignin microparticles as their extracted product.

Coffee husks are an abundant and underutilized biomass waste released from coffee production. Experimental analysis showed that coffee husks consisted of 39.2 ± 0.2 wt% cellulose, 12.6 ± 0.1 wt% hemicellulose, 23.3 ± 0.1 wt% Klason lignin, 2.9 ± 0.4 wt% acid-soluble lignin, 8.7 ± 0.2 wt% extractives, and 9.5 ± 0.2 wt% ash. Moreover, different minor elements, including K, Ca, Mg, Al, Fe, Ti, S, and Si, were found. Subsequently, coffee husks were used for the extraction of lignin using an alkaline treatment. As a result, lignin microparticles were formed with a relatively uniform size of 0.55 ± 0.11 mm. Altogether, the current article provided useful data for the valorization of coffee husks and the primary properties of lignin microparticles for further use.

Relationship between BMI and prognosis of chronic heart failure outpatients in Vietnam: a single-center study.

Background: Insufficient data exists regarding the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and the prognosis of chronic heart failure (CHF) specifically within low- and middle-income Asian countries. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of BMI on adverse outcomes of ambulatory patients with CHF in Vietnam. Methods: Between 2018 and 2020, we prospectively enrolled consecutive outpatients with clinically stable CHF in an observational cohort, single-center study. The participants were stratified according to Asian-specific BMI thresholds. The relationships between BMI and adverse outcomes (all-cause death and all-cause hospitalization) were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox proportional-hazards model. Results: Among 320 participants (age 63.5 ± 13.3 years, 57.9% male), the median BMI was 21.4 kg/m2 (IQR 19.5-23.6), and 10.9% were underweight (BMI <18.50 kg/m2). Over a median follow-up time of 32 months, the cumulative incidence of all-cause mortality and hospitalization were 5.6% and 19.1%, respectively. After multivariable adjustment, underweight patients had a significantly higher risk of all-cause mortality than patients with normal BMI (adjusted hazard ratios = 3.03 [95% CI: 1.07-8.55]). Lower BMI remained significantly associated with a worse prognosis when analyzed as a continuous variable (adjusted hazard ratios = 1.27 [95% CI: 1.03-1.55] per 1 kg/m2 decrease for all-cause mortality). However, BMI was not found to be significantly associated with the risk of all-cause hospitalization (p > 0.05). Conclusion: In ambulatory patients with CHF in Vietnam, lower BMI, especially underweight status (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2), was associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality. These findings suggest that BMI should be considered for use in risk classification, and underweight patients should be managed by a team consisting of cardiologists, nutritionists, and geriatricians.

Prophylaxis of Patent Ductus Arteriosus with Paracetamol in Extremely Low Gestational Age Newborns (ELGANs): A Single-Institution Observational Study in Vietnam.

INTRODUCTION: Prophylactic paracetamol for extremely low gestation age neonates (ELGAN, <27 weeks' gestation) with symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus (sPDA) in high-income countries (HIC) reduces medical and surgical interventions. Its effectiveness in low-to-middle-income countries (LMIC) remains uncertain. This study assesses prophylactic paracetamol's impact on sPDA interventions in ELGANs in an LMIC. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study that compared a historical cohort of ELGANs that were treated with oral ibuprofen or intravenous paracetamol after diagnosis of sPDA (n = 104) with infants (n = 76) treated with prophylactic paracetamol (20 mg/kg loading, 7.5 mg/kg qid for 4 days), in a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Vietnam. Oral ibuprofen or intravenous therapeutic paracetamol were administered if prophylactic paracetamol failed to close sPDA. Surgical ligation was conducted if targeted medical intervention failed, or the infant deteriorated from conditions attributable to sPDA. RESULTS: In the historical cohort, 57 (55%) infants died within 7 days of life compared to 18 (24%) from the prophylactic cohort (p < 0.01). Of the survivors, 21 (45%) of the historical and 23 (39.7%) of the prophylactic cohort required surgical ligation (p = 0.6). Duration of hospitalization for survivors was lower in the prophylactic cohort (mean 74 vs. 97 days, p = 0.01). In the prophylactic cohort, 24 (41%) infants did not need further treatment while 34 (59%) required further treatment including ibuprofen and/or paracetamol 28 (48%) and surgical ligation 22 (38%). CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic paracetamol for ELGAN in LMIC does not reduce the need for surgical ligation, sPDA rates, and other PDA-related morbidities in infants who survive beyond 7 days of age. It may reduce the risk of death and the duration of hospitalization but further study into the reasons behind this need to be determined with larger studies.

Vaccine acceptance, determinants, and attitudes toward vaccine among people experiencing homelessness: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 has caused millions of deaths globally, with vulnerable populations such as people experiencing homelessness (PEH) at higher risk. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to identify the prevalence and key factors contributing to vaccine acceptance experienced by PEH. METHODS: The protocol of this study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023391659). We included studies that reported relevant information about vaccine acceptance or vaccine hesitant/refusal among PEH. Eight databases were systematically searched in January 2023. Meta-analysis was conducted for the prevalence of vaccine acceptance, vaccine uptake, and factors associated with vaccine acceptance. Attitudes toward vaccines were combined into bar charts. RESULT: A total of 29 papers were included in this systematic review and 19 papers were included for meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among PEH was 66% (95%CI: 58%-73%). Our meta-regression showed vaccine acceptance was significantly increased over time. Moreover, subgroup meta-analysis showed that PEH were more likely to accept the COVID-19 vaccine after June 2021 (78%, 95%CI: 65%-86%) compared with earlier period (56%, 95%CI: 54%-59%). Subgroup meta-analysis also revealed that women and participants without underlying medical condition (chronic diseases) were significantly less likely to accept the COVID-19 vaccine, compared to men and those with medical conditions, respectively. CONCLUSION: The study emphasizes the need for targeted public health interventions aimed at increasing vaccine acceptance among PEH, especially at the early stage of the pandemic, among females, those without underlying medical conditions, being Black (in Canada and the USA), and young people. These interventions should address the common concerns of vaccine safety, adverse effects, effectiveness, and distrust in health care systems. In addition to offering vaccinations in different areas convenient to them, education programs could be established to increase vaccine acceptance among PEH.

Phylogenetic Analysis of Hepatitis C Virus Infections in a Large Belgian Cohort Using Next-Generation Sequencing of Full-Length Genomes.

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemic in Western countries is primarily perpetuated by the sub-populations of men who have sex with men (MSM) and people who inject drugs (PWID). Understanding the dynamics of transmission in these communities is crucial for removing the remaining hurdles towards HCV elimination. We sequenced 269 annotated HCV plasma samples using probe enrichment and next-generation sequencing, obtaining 224 open reading frames of HCV (OR497849-OR498072). Maximum likelihood phylogenies were generated on the four most prevalent subtypes in this study (HCV1a, 1b, 3a, 4d) with a subsequent transmission cluster analysis. The highest rate of clustering was observed for HCV4d samples (13/17 (76.47%)). The second highest rate of clustering was observed in HCV1a samples (42/78 (53.85%)) with significant association with HIV-positive MSM. HCV1b and HCV3a had very low rates of clustering (2/83 (2.41%) and (0/29)). The spread of the prevalent subtype HCV1b appears to have been largely curtailed, and we demonstrate the onwards transmission of HCV1a and HCV4d in the HIV-positive MSM population across municipal borders. More systematic data collection and sequencing is needed to allow a better understanding of the HCV transmission among the community of PWID and overcome the remaining barriers for HCV elimination in Belgium.