Exploring hepatitis E virus seroprevalence and associated risk factors among the human population in Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Background

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is a common cause of acute clinical hepatitis worldwide and is emerging as a disease in Argentina. It is primarily transmitted through contaminated water and food, following the fecal-oral route. Furthermore, is a zoonotic disease with swine as the primary reservoir. Prevalence of HEV infection in humans in several regions of Argentina remains unknown.

Objectives

(i) Determine the seroprevalence of HEV among the human population in Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina; (ii) Evaluate its association with demographic, socioeconomic and other risk exposures variables, and (iii) Describe and analyze spatial patterns related to HEV infection.

Methods

From August 2020 to July 2021, serum samples were collected from 969 individuals aged 1-80 years. Seroprevalence and 95% Confidence Interval was determined. To assess the factors associated with the presence of anti-HEV antibodies, associations between the variables and seropositivity were evaluated through bivariate and multivariate analysis. Spatial scanning for clusters of positivity was carried out. Factors associated with these clusters were also assessed.

Results

Anti-HEV antibodies were detected in 4.64% (IC 95% 3.27-6.02) of samples. Dark urine was associated with seropositivity (p = 0.02). Seropositivity was linked with the presence of natural water courses near their households (p = 0.02); the age (p = 0.04); and previous travel to Europe (p = 0.04). A spatial cluster of low rates of HEV seropositivity was detected, with greater distance of the households to water courses associated to the cluster, and male sex inversely associated to it.

Discussion and conclusion

This study is the first study to investigate the prevalence of HEV in the population from Tandil, Buenos Aires, Argentina. Considering HEV infection in the differential diagnosis in individuals presenting acute hepatitis is highlighted. The incorporation of HEV testing into blood screening policies should be mandatory. Factors related to the infection and spatial patterns of high and low risk were determined, and should be considered when implementing specific preventive measures.

Lactococcus garvieae in Rural Alabama: A Case Report

Lactococcus (L.) garvieae is a gram-positive coccus that has been found in various aquatic and terrestrial animals, as well as in dairy products, and is considered a potential zoonotic bacterium. The pathogen has been recognized as an emerging opportunistic human pathogen, often associated with the ingestion of raw seafood. The most common presentation of L. garvieae infection in humans is infective endocarditis, but it has also been found to have associations with other clinical manifestations. The following is a case report of a 6-year-old male with infected bilateral leg abrasions that occurred after playing in a local creek near his home in northern Alabama, which had livestock including goats, cows, and horses. Wound culture indicated that the bacteria was L. garvieae, which was found to be sensitive to ceftriaxone, levofloxacin, linezolid, tetracycline, tigecycline, and vancomycin and resistant to clindamycin. The patient was treated with oral cephalexin and topical gentamicin for ten days, after which there appeared to be an overall improvement in wound healing.

Synthesis and Effects of Co-dopants (La3+ , Sm3+ , Mn2+ , Nd3+ , V5+ , Y3+ ) on Photoluminescence of SrAl2 O4 : Dy3+ Phosphor

In this research, the co-dopant effects on photoluminescence (PL) properties of SrAl₂ O₄ : Dy³⁺ phosphors were studied. The phosphor powders were prepared with solid state reaction, which is the method that is frequently preferred in SrAl₂ O₄ phosphors and efficient results are obtained in terms of PL properties. XRD patterns of all co-doped samples were fitted with pdf card#01-034-0379. FTIR analysis supports the phase evolution determined in the XRD results. PL examinations started with the SrAl₂ O₄ that was synthesized with the addition of boron, and then continued with the doped/and co-doped samples. Except for the Sm³⁺ co-doped phosphor, PL data of characteristic Dy³⁺ transitions were obtained for other lanthanide and metal ion co-dopants. The strongest PL intensity was demonstrated in the SrAl₂ O₄ : Dy³⁺ , V⁵⁺ . SrAl₂ O₄ : Dy³⁺ , Sm³⁺ phosphor shows both the Dy³⁺ and Sm³⁺ ions transition related peaks appeared in the same spectrum. In the continuation of the studies, SrAl₂ O₄ : Dy³⁺ , Sm³⁺ and SrAl₂ O₄ : Dy³⁺ , V⁵⁺ powders were immersed in water for 2 hours. Regardless of the presence of Dy³⁺ luminescent centers and other co-dopants, broadband and intense blue emission peaked at 445 nm was recorded which is directly related to newly formed by the decomposition of SrAl₂ O₄ .

Usefulness of conventional glass ionomer cements in an environment of insufficient moisture exclusion

PURPOSE

Moisture exclusion while treating dental caries can be challenging, and the glass ionomer cements (GICs) used for these procedures are susceptible to water. Few studies have examined the effects of the powder/liquid ratio (PLR) on the physical properties of GICs exposed to water. In this study, the hardness and thickness of the water-susceptible surface layer of three GICs were evaluated.

METHODS

Three conventional GICs were mixed in increasing PLRs, and hardness over time was measured under conditions of no water exposure, distilled water exposure, and saliva exposure. Furthermore, the thickness of the water-susceptible layer for each GIC was determined.

RESULTS

A water-susceptible layer of approximately 250 μm was evident for all GICs, and the thickness decreased with increasing PLR. GIC hardness increased with increasing PLR in conditions without water for all GIC types. Furthermore, the removal of the water-susceptible layer restored the physical properties of each GIC.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the results indicate that conventional GIC restoration with the removal of the water-susceptible surface layer is a feasible strategy for treating dental caries in individuals for whom exclusion of moisture can be difficult.

Water dissociation on mixed Co-Fe oxide bilayer nanoislands on Au(111)

We investigate the hydroxylation behaviour of mixed Co-Fe oxide nanoislands synthesized on a Au(111) surface under exposure to water vapour at vacuum conditions. The pure Co and Fe bilayer oxides both become hydroxylated by water exposure in vacuum conditions, albeit to a very different extent. It is however an open question how mixed oxides, exposing sites with a mixed coordination to Fe and Co, behave. By forming surface O species with a mixed Fe/Co coordination, we can investigate the nature of such sites. By means of scanning tunnelling microscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, we characterize a series of Co-Fe oxides samples with different Fe contents at the atomic scale and observe a scaling of the hydroxylation degree with the amount of Fe inside the Co-Fe oxides. Our results indicate that the Fe dopants within the Co-Fe oxides have opposing effects on edge and basal plane sites modifying the maximum hydroxylation degree of pure cobalt oxide, perturbing the original binding sites of H, releasing the absorbed H or blocking the diffusion pathway of H.

A Randomized, Crossover, Adhesion Performance and Pharmacokinetic Study of a Lidocaine Topical System Under Conditions of Water Exposure in Healthy Subjects

Purpose

This study compares the adhesion performance, pharmacokinetic profile, and safety of lidocaine topical system 1.8%, which is approved to treat postherpetic neuralgia, under conditions of swimming and showering versus normal conditions.

Patients and Methods

This open-label, 3-period, 3-treatment crossover study randomized 24 healthy adults to receive one lidocaine topical system during each of three treatment periods; subjects either swam in a heated swimming pool for 15 minutes 4.0 hours post-product application (swimming), showered for 10 minutes 8.0 hours after product application (showering), or the product remained dry throughout the treatment period (normal conditions). The product was applied to the mid-upper back and was removed after 12 hours. The pharmacokinetic profile of each subject under water exposure conditions was compared to subjects under normal conditions. Skin irritation, adhesion, and adverse events were assessed.

Results

Twenty-four (24) subjects enrolled and 23 completed the study. Exposure to water resulted in lifting of the topical systems. There were two complete detachments, as well as seven occurrences of major lifting (more than 50% detached) after water exposure. The topical systems were immediately pressed down and/or reapplied after observing lifting and remained adhered to for the rest of the 12-hour application period. No clinically relevant differences in systemic absorption were observed under either showering or swimming conditions. The topical systems were well tolerated, with only mild adverse events, none leading to discontinuation.

Conclusion

These data show that while water exposure can cause the topical system to lift or detach, the lidocaine topical system 1.8% is capable of being reapplied and maintains adhesion for up to 12 hours of wear with no clinically significant changes in drug delivery.

Clinicaltrials.gov

NCT04784728.

Microsporidial Keratitis Related to Water Exposure: A Case Series

The objective of this retrospective study was to present a series of cases involving the rare ocular disease of microsporidia keratitis treated at a private practice clinic and describe the details regarding specific water exposure, clinical course, voriconazole treatment, and increased prevalence of this infection in Augusta, Georgia, USA. Our analysis was based on the accumulated data from all patients (n=15) diagnosed with microsporidia keratitis at our private practice clinic; the clinical course of three cases is discussed in detail in this article. Specific environmental exposures were documented in 10 patients. All patients self-reported that they had no acquired immunodeficiency. In all cases, patients had complete resolution of active symptoms after receiving treatment with 1-2% topical voriconazole, with an approximate average primary treatment duration of 40.1 ± 17.1 days (median: 40 days, range: 14-70 days). None of the patients reported any clinically significant adverse effects from therapy.

There have been increasing reports about this emerging infectious pathogen, particularly in Asia. However, there is limited data in the literature on the etiology, pathogenesis, and treatment of microsporidia-caused ophthalmic diseases. In this case series, we highlight the strong correlation of our patients' condition with specific types of water exposure in the USA as well as the complete resolution of active disease in all our patients as a result of monotherapy with topical voriconazole.

Surfactant-assisted-water-exposed versus surfactant-aqueous-solution-exposed electrospinning of novel super hydrophilic Polycaprolactone-based fibers: Cell culture studies

Blend electrospun scaffolds composed of Polycaprolactone and Pluronic are suitable for bone tissue engineering due to their excellent biocompatibility and hydrophilicity. However, exceeding from certain amounts of Pluronic, surface enrichment of this polymer leads to segregation of Pluronic chains within the fiber, endangering the integrity and mechanical properties of the scaffold. In this article, a novel method of blend electrospinning has been employed using a parallel water supply, positioning the Pluronic chains on the surface, thus enhancing the miscibility within the fibers. Water uptake test revealed the super hydrophilicity of obtained scaffolds. Atr-FTIR and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy verified a higher percentage of Pluronics on the surface in comparison with conventional blend electrospinning. Tensile test demonstrated improved mechanical properties of the modified scaffolds. The results of cytocompatibility tests have also revealed enhanced viability of cells on these scaffolds confirming their great promise for clinical applications. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 1204-1212, 2019.

Phthalate Exposure from Drinking Water in Romanian Adolescents

Phthalates are plastic softeners that have been linked to several adverse health outcomes. The relative contributions of different sources to phthalate exposure in populations in different regions and at different life stages is unclear. We examined the relationships between water consumption, consumer product use, and phthalate exposure among 40 adolescents (20 males, 20 females) in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Interviewers administered a questionnaire about drinking water consumption and use of phthalate-containing consumer products. Four common phthalates were measured in representative samples of participants’ municipal drinking water and consumed bottled water using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Urine samples were collected from participants and analyzed for the corresponding phthalate metabolites. Relationships between different exposure measures were assessed using nonparametric tests (Spearman rank correlation coefficients and the Kruskal–Wallis test). Diisobutyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate were commonly detected in bottled water, but generally not the municipal drinking water samples. Mono-n-butyl phthalate (MnBP) was the most commonly detected urinary metabolite (detected in 92.5% of participants) and had the highest maximum concentration (1139.77 µg/g creatinine). We did not identify any statistically significant associations between water consumption or consumer product use practices and urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations in our adolescent group, and directions of correlation coefficients differed by individual phthalate compound. While phthalate exposure was widespread, these results highlight the challenges in examining phthalate exposure determinants and emphasize the need for further investigation into understanding exposure sources and potential health risks from chronic low-level exposures.

Fate of Flumioxazin in Aquatic Plants: Two Algae (Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata, Synechococcus sp.), Duckweed (Lemna sp.), and Water Milfoil (Myriophyllum elatinoides)

Flumioxazin separately ¹⁴C-labeled at 1,2-positions of the tetrahydrophthalimide moiety or uniformly labeled at the phenyl ring was exposed to two algae and duckweed via the water layer and water milfoil via the water layer or bottom sediment for 14 days to investigate uptake and metabolic profiles in these aquatic plants. While ¹⁴C-flumioxazin received immediate hydrolysis through maleimide ring opening and amide bond cleavage with its hydrolytic half-life of <1 day in both water and sediment, the ¹⁴C-plant uptake was ≤4.7% of the applied radioactivity (%AR) with water exposure for all plants and 0.9%AR with sediment exposure for water milfoil. No ¹⁴C-translocation between shoot/leaves and roots occurred in water milfoil. The components of ¹⁴C residues in plants were common among the species, which were the above hydrolysates and their transformation products, that is, dicarboxylic acid derivative metabolized via hydroxylation at the double bond of the cyclohexene ring followed by sugar conjugation with its counterpart amine derivative via acid conjugations.

Mycobacterium marinum Infection After Exposure to Coal Mine Water

Mycobacterium marinum infection has been historically associated with exposure to aquariums, swimming pools, fish, or other marine fauna. We present a case of M marinum left wrist tenosynovitis and elbow bursitis associated with a puncture injury and exposure to coal mine water in Illinois.

Efficacy of a new combination of fipronil and permethrin against Ctenocephalides felis flea infestation in dogs

BACKGROUND

Five studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of a new combination of fipronil and permethrin on cat fleas, Ctenocephalides felis, when applied to dogs, including dogs that underwent water exposure or shampooing.

METHODS

In each study, 16 dogs were allocated to two groups. Each dog was infested with 100 unfed adult fleas on Days -1, 7, 14, 21 and 28. Eight dogs were treated with a new topical spot-on formulation containing 6.76% w/v fipronil + 50.48% w/v permethrinon Day 0; and eight dogs served as untreated controls. Twenty-four or 48 h after treatment or subsequent infestation, each dog was combed to remove and count live fleas. In addition, the dogs were subjected to different levels of water or shampoo exposure. In study 1, dogs were not subjected to any water exposure or shampooing; in study 2, dogs were water immersed twice during the month on Days 10 and 24; in study 3, dogs were water immersed three times on Days 10, 17 and 24; and in studies 4 and 5, dogs were shampooed once on Day 17.

RESULTS

All groups of dogs administered a single topical treatment with a combination of fipronil and permethrin had significantly (p < 0.005) lower flea counts than untreated controls 24 h and 48 h post-treatment or post-infestation, regardless of whether they underwent water exposure/shampooing or not. The reductions in C. felis counts were between 98.4% and 100% at all time points in all studies.

CONCLUSIONS

The new topical spot-on formulation of fipronil and permethrin maintains a high level of protection of dogs against C. felis flea infestations even when the dogs are exposed to environmental factors that are believed to adversely affect efficacy, such as water exposure or shampooing.