Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Amy C. Morrison, Robert C. Reiner, William H. Elson, Helvio Astete, Carolina Guevara, Clara del Aguila, Isabel Bazan, Crystyan Siles, Patricia Barrera, Anna B. Kawiecki, Christopher M. Barker, Gissella M. Vasquez, Karin Escobedo-Vargas, Carmen Flores-Mendoza, Alfredo A. Huaman, Mariana Leguia, Maria E. Silva, Sarah A. Jenkins, Wesley R. Campbell, Eugenio J. Abente, Robert D. Hontz, Valerie A. Paz-Soldan, John P. Grieco, Neil F. Lobo, Thomas W. Scott, Nicole L. Achee
Summary: This study provides conclusive evidence from a clinical trial that a transfluthrin-based spatial repellent significantly reduces ABV infection and has a significant impact on the population and blood-fed rates of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Andreas Eleftheriou, Samantha Swisher, Andreia Arruda, Amanda Berrian, Risa Pesapane
Summary: Globally, ticks are increasing as agricultural pests and carriers of tick-borne diseases (TBDs), posing a threat to both animals and humans. Veterinary professionals, being exposed to ticks through their work, need to be knowledgeable and take appropriate preventive actions. A survey of veterinary professionals in Ohio revealed that while they had cautious attitudes and practiced prevention, their knowledge of tick biology and local TBD epidemiology was lacking.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Javier Aragoneses, Ana Suarez, Cinthia Rodriguez, Juan Algar, Juan Manuel Aragoneses
Summary: The study found that dentists in the Dominican Republic showed some differences in knowledge and practice when prescribing antibiotics to pregnant/breastfeeding patients, with most dentists having sufficient knowledge but inconsistent prescription practices. These findings can be used to promote judicious antibiotic usage by dentists in the country.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Kristina Allgoewer, Shuvadeep Maity, Alice Zhao, Lauren Lashua, Moti Ramgopal, Beni N. Balkaran, Liyun Liu, Savita Purushwani, Maria T. Arevalo, Ted M. Ross, Hyungwon Choi, Elodie Ghedin, Christine Vogel
Summary: Distinguishing between Zika and dengue virus infections is crucial for accurate treatment. Using next-generation proteomics, the study identified 13 differentially expressed proteins related to infection, wound healing, pregnancy, and brain function. Three of these proteins showed potential for predicting Zika virus infection, and temporal changes in protein signatures can help differentiate diagnoses and indicate past infections.
MOLECULAR & CELLULAR PROTEOMICS
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Constantino Carreto, Roxana Gutierrez-Romero, Tania Rodriguez
Summary: This study analyzes the temporal and spatial dynamics of dengue, chikungunya, and Zika in Mexico and evaluates the impact of seasonal climatological variability on the transmission risk of these mosquito-borne diseases. The results show a strong correlation between the transmission risk index and the incidence of these diseases, indicating that the index is a valuable tool for surveillance in settings with varied climates and limited capacity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTH GEOGRAPHICS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gonzalo Ferreira, Fernanda Blasina, Marianela Rodriguez Rey, Gabriel Anesetti, Rosana Sapiro, Luisina Chavarria, Romina Cardozo, Grazzia Rey, Luis Sobrevia, Garth L. Nicolson
Summary: During pregnancy, physiological changes make the mother and fetus more susceptible to certain infections, which can lead to severe diseases. Pregnant women with COVID-19 have an increased risk of hospitalization but not for intensive care or mechanical ventilation compared to non-pregnant women. Neonates have a low risk of acquiring COVID-19 but may be more at risk for severe disease compared to older children.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR BASIS OF DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Barbara Tuska-Szalay, Sandor A. Boldogh, Robert Farkas, Luca Rompos, Nora Takacs, Viktor Beresnyak, Adam Izso, Jeno Kontschan, Jozsef Lanszki, Sandor Hornok
Summary: Among vector-borne protozoa, Hepatozoon felis and Cytauxzoon europaeus are emerging species in felids in Europe. This study investigated the presence of these two protozoa in domestic cats and wildcats in Hungary, and found that H. felis genogroup II can emerge in free-roaming domestic cats in regions where this protozoan parasite is endemic in wildcats.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Amy K. Bohmann, Lisset Martinez-Berman, Amy R. Senger, Megan R. Wise de Valdez
Summary: This study focuses on the role of personality in implementing personal protective measures to prevent mosquito-borne diseases. Using knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) survey and measuring the Big Five personality traits, the study found that openness, agreeableness, and extraversion predict certain attitudes and protective measures. The findings also suggest that city culture plays a significant role in public health messaging.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Tami H. Skoff, Amanda E. Faulkner, Jennifer L. Liang, Meghan Barnes, Kathy Kudish, Ebony Thomas, Cynthia Kenyon, Marisa Hoffman, Eva Pradhan, Juventila Liko, Susan Hariri
Summary: The study found that the incidence of pertussis and clinical characteristics of the disease are similar among pregnant and nonpregnant women. Continued monitoring is crucial for further defining pertussis epidemiology in pregnant women.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Jaime A. Cardona-Ospina, Adriana M. Trujillo, Erika V. Jimenez-Posada, Juan C. Sepulveda-Arias, Fredy A. Tabares-Villa, Joanne S. Altieri-Rivera, Alejandro Monsalve, Juliana Restrepo-Chica, Daniela Osorio, Daniel Espinoza, Yerun Zhu, Juan D. Castrillon-Spitia, Valentina Henao-SanMartin, David R. Murillo-Garcia, Natalia Millan, Sandra X. Olaya, Ana M. Valencia-Montoya, Hugo A. Bedoya-Arias, Rhuvi Villamizar-Pena, Estefania Gutierrez-Ocampo, Yeimer Holguin-Rivera, Isabella Cortes-Bonilla, Maria C. Cardona-Trujillo, Alejandra Garcia-Barco, D. Katterine Bonilla-Aldana, Guillermo J. Lagos-Grisales, Alfonso J. Rodriguez-Morales, Matthew H. Collins
Summary: A high proportion of pregnant women in a region endemic for Aedes-borne viruses, including the teratogenic Zika virus, remain susceptible, suggesting a risk for future epidemics.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Donya L. Francis, Utoomporn Wongsin, Shuo-Chen Chien, Yi-Hsin (Elsa) Hsu, Franziska Michaela Lohmeyer, Wen-Shan Jian, Li-Fong Lin, Usman Iqbal
Summary: The study found significant associations between the sociodemographic characteristics of healthcare workers and their knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards Zika virus. Interventions to increase awareness of Zika virus should focus on training younger healthcare workers without formal degrees and those with lower incomes.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Virology
Karin Stiasny, Stefan Malafa, Stephan W. Aberle, Iris Medits, Georgios Tsouchnikas, Judith H. Aberle, Heidemarie Holzmann, Franz X. Heinz
Summary: In this study, a new IgM assay format was developed for specific diagnosis of TBE, Zika, and dengue virus infections. The IgM response proved to be highly specific for TBE and Zika infections, while cross-reactive IgM antibodies were detected in cases of primary dengue virus infections. Despite the presence of cross-reactive IgM, the assay allowed for serotype-specific diagnosis of recent dengue virus infections in most cases.
Review
Microbiology
Silvia Beltrami, Sabrina Rizzo, Giovanna Schiuma, Giorgia Speltri, Dario Di Luca, Roberta Rizzo, Daria Bortolotti
Summary: Viral infections during pregnancy can have serious consequences for both the mother and the fetus. Depending on the timing and type of infection, different clinical manifestations can occur. The unique immunological status of pregnancy allows viruses to exploit and evade the maternal immune system. Understanding the interaction between these viruses and the host's immune system is crucial for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. This review focuses on the DNA and RNA viruses associated with gestational infections.
Article
Virology
Ellie K. Bohm, Jennifer T. Vangorder-Braid, Anna S. Jaeger, Ryan Moriarty, John J. Baczenas, Natalie C. Bennett, Shelby L. O'Connor, Michael K. Fritsch, Nicole A. Fuhler, Kevin K. Noguchi, Matthew T. Aliota
Summary: Zika virus causes congenital Zika syndrome with varying rates of adverse fetal outcomes in different regions. Research indicates that differences in ZIKV strains may impact phenotypic outcomes, highlighting the importance of understanding underlying mechanisms. This understanding is critical in comprehending global implications of ZIKV infection during pregnancy.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Health Policy & Services
Russell Dowling, Azure B. Thompson, Sergios-Orestis Kolokotronis
Summary: Data from 483 respondents were collected between September 2020 and January 2021. The findings revealed a significant association between engagement in mosquito-related preventive practices while traveling and respondents' race/ethnicity, pregnancy status, knowledge, concern, and information about Zika virus. The multivariable logistic modeling indicated that knowledge was a significant factor in engaging in preventive practices while traveling. Therefore, tailored health education efforts are crucial for vulnerable populations.
JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Ioanna Avakian, Lemonia Anagnostopoulos, George Rachiotis, Konstantinos Fotiadis, Anargyros Mariolis, Michalis Koureas, Katerina Dadouli, Christos Papadopoulos, Matthaios Speletas, Maria Bakola, Panagiota Vardaka, Stamatia Zoubounelli, Evangelos Tatsios, Fevronia Niavi, Apostolia Pouliou, Christos Hadjichristodoulou, Varvara A. Mouchtouri
Summary: The COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among Primary Health Care Center personnel in Greece was relatively high, with factors such as knowledge about the vaccine, acceptance of seasonal flu vaccine, and lack of concerns regarding vaccine novelty playing significant roles. Certain groups, particularly nurses, displayed vaccine hesitancy due to reasons such as inadequate information and concerns about vaccine safety. The strong correlation in vaccine acceptance between PHCC personnel and the general population in each health district highlights the potential influence of healthcare workers as role models in improving community-wide vaccine acceptance.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Maria A. Kyritsi, Matthaios Speletas, Varvara Mouchtouri, Evangelia Vachtsioli, Dimitrios Babalis, Olympia Kouliou, Anastasia Tsispara, Maria Tseroni, Christos Hadjichristodoulou
Summary: This study evaluated a commercial rapid antigen test in the emergency ward of a general hospital in Larissa, Central Greece, due to uncertainty about its performance for the B.1.1.529 (Omicron) variant. The results showed discordance in sensitivity and specificity between two samplings conducted by different personnel. Additionally, the test exhibited slightly lower sensitivity compared to its initial evaluation with the B.1.1.7 (Alpha) variant dominating.
Article
Immunology
Ioanna Voulgaridi, Styliani Sarrou, Aikaterini Dadouli, Athanasia-Marina Peristeri, Asimina Nasika, Ilias Onoufriadis, Maria A. Kyritsi, Lemonia Anagnostopoulos, Aikaterini Theodoridou, Ioanna Avakian, Dimitra Pappa, Adamos-Konstantinos Konstantinou, Georgia Papadamou, Varvara A. Mouchtouri, Efi Petinaki, Matthaios Speletas, Christos Hadjichristodoulou
Summary: The study compared mRNA vaccine BNT162b2 with adenovirus vector-based vaccines in terms of adverse reactions, immunogenicity, and protection against COVID-19. Both types of vaccines caused mild side-effects and induced adequate antibody responses. However, BNT162b2 showed superior intensity of antibody responses and better protection against severe COVID-19.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Panagiotis Prezerakos, Katerina Dadouli, Eirini Agapidaki, Christina-Maria Kravvari, Ioanna Avakian, Athanasia-Marina Peristeri, Lemonia Anagnostopoulos, Varvara A. A. Mouchtouri, Konstantinos N. N. Fountoulakis, Sotirios Koupidis, Christos Hadjichristodoulou
Summary: Monitoring behavioral and cultural insights during the pandemic is important for understanding COVID-19 vaccine acceptance. Data collected through surveys showed an increase in vaccination acceptance, decrease in undecided individuals, and relatively stable vaccine resistance. Factors associated with vaccination included age, gender, following recommendations, and access to information sources. The study also identified pandemic fatigue and its impact on preventive measures. It highlighted the need for tailored approaches to hesitant populations.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Antonis Giakountis, Zoe Stylianidou, Anxhela Zaka, Styliani Pappa, Anna Papa, Christos Hadjichristodoulou, Kostas D. Mathiopoulos
Summary: West Nile virus (WNV) is an emerging neurotropic RNA virus that primarily circulates between mosquitoes and birds. In humans, most infections are asymptomatic, while a small percentage develop mild febrile infection and an even smaller percentage develop severe neuroinvasive disease. Current diagnostic tools for WNV are either serological methods with cross-reactivity or expensive molecular approaches. However, a low-cost and non-invasive synthetic biology-based method using riboswitches has been developed, which allows for sensitive detection of WNV in humans, birds, and mosquitoes.
Article
Parasitology
Stavroula Beleri, Georgios Balatsos, Nikolaos Tegos, Dimitrios Papachristos, Varvara Mouchtouri, Christos Hadjichristodoulou, Antonios Michaelakis, Nikos T. Papadopoulos, Eleni Patsoula
Summary: The Asian tiger mosquito has the ability to overwinter and survive in temperate regions, which can contribute to the spread of diseases. A study in Greece shows evidence of winter survival in two different populations of the mosquito, but there are variations in lifespan between the populations. Further research is needed to understand the impact of local and climatic conditions on the survival of this mosquito species.
Article
Virology
Danai Pervanidou, Chrysovaladou Niki Kefaloudi, Anna Vakali, Ourania Tsakalidou, Myrsini Karatheodorou, Katerina Tsioka, Maria Evangelidou, Kassiani Mellou, Styliani Pappa, Konstantina Stoikou, Vasiliki Bakaloudi, George Koliopoulos, Kostas Stamoulis, Eleni Patsoula, Constantina Politis, Christos Hadjichristodoulou, Anna Papa
Summary: Since 2010, the West Nile virus (WNV) has been established in Greece. In 2022, there were 286 diagnosed cases of WNV infection in Greece, with 184 cases of neuroinvasive disease (WNND) and 33 deaths. The virus strain belonged to the Central European subclade of WNV lineage 2. Prompt diagnosis and investigation of cases are important for a timely response, and whole genome sequences enable studies on the molecular epidemiology of the disease.
Article
Virology
Evangelos Bakaros, Ioanna Voulgaridi, Vassiliki Paliatsa, Nikolaos Gatselis, Georgios Germanidis, Evangelia Asvestopoulou, Stamatia Alexiou, Elli Botsfari, Vasiliki Lygoura, Olga Tsachouridou, Iordanis Mimtsoudis, Maria Tseroni, Styliani Sarrou, Varvara A. Mouchtouri, Katerina Dadouli, Fani Kalala, Simeon Metallidis, George Dalekos, Christos Hadjichristodoulou, Matthaios Speletas
Summary: COVID-19 exhibits heterogeneous clinical presentation and prognosis. In addition to old age and comorbidities, the genetic background of the host plays a crucial role in disease severity and prognosis. This study analyzes the contribution of innate immune gene polymorphisms to COVID-19 severity and identifies several polymorphisms as potential molecular predictors of clinical phenotype.
Article
Immunology
Asimina Nasika, Zacharoula Bogogiannidou, Varvara A. Mouchtouri, Katerina Dadouli, Maria A. Kyritsi, Alexandros Vontas, Ioanna Voulgaridi, Zafeiris Tsinaris, Konstantina Kola, Alexia Matziri, Athanasios G. Lianos, Fani Kalala, Efthimia Petinaki, Matthaios Speletas, Christos Hadjichristodoulou
Summary: There is a lack of accurate data on susceptibility rates against measles in the general population of Greece. The purpose of the study was to determine the measles immunity status, especially after the latest outbreak in 2017-2018. The overall seroprevalence was 89.8%, with higher immunity rates in older age groups.
Article
Rheumatology
Aliki Venetsanopoulou, Natasa Kalpourtzi, Yannis Alamanos, Magda Gavana, Apostolos Vantarakis, Christos Hadjichristodoulou, Varvara Mouchtouri, Grigoris Chlouverakis, Grigoris Trypsianis, Alexandros Drosos, Giota Touloumi, Paraskevi Voulgari
Summary: The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of self-reported diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the general adult population in Greece. The study found that the prevalence of self-reported RA in Greece is 0.5%, with higher rates in women compared to men. Urban areas have lower disease rates, while individuals with lower socioeconomic status have higher rates. Gender, age, and income are factors related to the prevalence of RA in Greece.
RHEUMATOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Dimitra Dimopoulou, Maria Kyritsi, Katerina Dadouli, Eleni Vergadi, Ekaterini Tsiligianni, Eleni Papadimitriou, Artemis Mavridi, Spyridon Giannakopoulos, Georgia Tsiourvopoulou, Maria Palyvou, Evangelia Angeli, Nikitas Brikos, Irini Eleftheriou, Vassiliki Spoulou, Athanasios Michos, Despoina Gkentzi, Ekaterini Siomou, Vassiliki Papaevangelou, Ioanna Grivea, George Syrogiannopoulos, Emmanouil Galanakis, Christos Hadjichristodoulou, Maria Tsolia
Summary: A study conducted in Greece during the COVID-19 lockdown found that the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 transmission among children was low, similar to adults, most likely due to intrafamilial transmission. Therefore, it is unlikely that children play a significant role in virus transmission.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS
(2023)