Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Shaffi Fazaludeen Koya, Habib Hasan Farooqui, Aashna Mehta, Sakthivel Selvaraj, Sandro Galea
Summary: The antibiotic prescription data for typhoid in private sector primary care clinicians in India during 2013-2015 indicates a higher disease burden than previously estimated, with a declining trend in prescription rates. Young adult patients account for a significant proportion of cases, as well as children under 10 years old.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Pang Yao, Iona Millwood, Christiana Kartsonaki, Alexander J. Mentzer, Naomi Allen, Rima Jeske, Julia Butt, Yu Guo, Yiping Chen, Robin Walters, Jun Lv, Canqing Yu, Martyn Plummer, Catherine de Martel, Gary Clifford, Li-ming LI, Tim Waterboer, Ling Yang, Zhengming Chen
Summary: This study systematically assessed the sero-prevalence and associated factors of major infectious pathogens in China. The results showed that previous and current infections with certain pathogens were common among Chinese adults and varied by area, sex, and birth cohort. These infections may contribute to the burden of certain cancers and other non-communicable chronic diseases.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Lynn Lieberman Lawry, Nancy Stroupe Kannappan, Covadonga Canteli, William Clemmer
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence of mental health disorders in Ebola-affected communities and their association with condom use. The results showed that survivors had higher rates of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder compared to partners and the comparison group. While many survivors discussed sexual activity precautions at discharge, the majority of survivors and partners still engaged in risky sexual behavior after the survivor's discharge. Mental health treatment and reducing stigma in Ebola areas are crucial.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Syed Fareed Mohsin, Muhammad Atif Agwan, Ziyad Ahmad Alsuwaydani
Summary: The study evaluated the knowledge of healthcare students in the central region of Saudi Arabia towards COVID-19, revealing an overall knowledge score of 65.7% with a lack of awareness about the background and mode of transmission of the disease. Further education and training programs are needed to address this issue.
POSTGRADUATE MEDICAL JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Joseph E. Ebinger, Gregory J. Botwin, Christine M. Albert, Mona Alotaibi, Moshe Arditi, Anders H. Berg, Aleksandra Binek, Patrick Botting, Justyna Fert-Bober, Jane C. Figueiredo, Jonathan D. Grein, Wohaib Hasan, Mir Henglin, Shehnaz K. Hussain, Mohit Jain, Sandy Joung, Michael Karin, Elizabeth H. Kim, Dalin Li, Yunxian Liu, Eric Luong, Dermot P. B. McGovern, Akil Merchant, Noah Merin, Peggy B. Miles, Margo Minissian, Trevor Trung Nguyen, Koen Raedschelders, Mohamad A. Rashid, Celine E. Riera, Richard Riggs, Sonia Sharma, Sarah Sternbach, Nancy Sun, Warren G. Tourtellotte, Jennifer E. Van Eyk, Kimia Sobhani, Jonathan G. Braun, Susan Cheng
Summary: This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among healthcare workers in Los Angeles and found a seroprevalence rate of 4.1%. Anosmia was the most prominently associated symptom, followed by fever and myalgias. Factors such as Hispanic ethnicity, African-American race, and contact with COVID-19-diagnosed individuals were also associated with seropositivity.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Rawlance Ndejjo, Nuole Chen, Steven N. Kabwama, Alice Namale, Solomon Tsebeni Wafula, Irene Wanyana, Susan Kizito, Suzanne N. Kiwanuka, William Sambisa, Lily L. Tsai, Rhoda K. Wanyenze
Summary: This study examined the uptake of COVID-19 vaccines among adults in Uganda and found that 49.7% of the participants had received the vaccine. Older age, higher education, medium-income, and residence in certain regions were associated with vaccine uptake. Efforts should be made to increase access to vaccines and utilize health workers to enhance uptake.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Carolina Diaz Luevano, Jonathan Sicsic, Gerard Pellissier, Sandra Chyderiotis, Pierre Arwidson, Cyril Olivier, Amandine Gagneux-Brunon, Elisabeth Botelho-Nevers, Elisabeth Bouvet, Judith Mueller
Summary: The study found that healthcare and welfare sector workers in France prioritize vaccine efficacy and benefit-risk balance when it comes to COVID-19 vaccination preferences. Some respondents exhibited significant refusal attitudes, while effective communication and information about collective benefits can help increase acceptance rates.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Dandan Zhang, Hongwu Liao, Yitong Jia, Wenren Yang, Pingping He, Dongmei Wang, Yongjun Chen, Wei Yang, Yin-Ping Zhang
Summary: This study developed a virtual reality simulation training programme and demonstrated its effectiveness in improving nurses' response capacity to fulminate respiratory infectious diseases. The results showed that the combination of virtual reality simulation training with technical skills training can enhance nurses' emergency care capacity.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Silviu Tomescu, Thomas Crompton, Jonathan Adebayo, Francis Akpan, Dauda Sulaiman Dauda, Zola Allen, Evans Odhiambo Ondura, Constance Wose Kinge, Charles Chasela, Pedro Pisa
Summary: Factors such as gender, age, treatment duration, and healthcare facility level are associated with non-suppressed viral load (VL) among people living with HIV (PLHIV) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Nigeria. Targeted interventions for males, younger age groups, those on treatment for less than 3 years, clients at tertiary and secondary health facilities, small and medium facilities, and clients in the Edo, Niger, and Borno states could improve VL suppression in Nigeria.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Signe Ulfbeck Schovsbo, Line Tang Mollehave, Marie Weinreich Petersen, Anne Ahrendt Bjerregaard, Marie Eliasen, Susanne Brix Pedersen, Lene Falgaard Eplov, Line Lund Karhus, Per Fink, Allan Linneberg, Thomas Meinertz Dantoft, Torben Jorgensen, Michael Eriksen Benros
Summary: This study aimed to test the association between former infections and functional somatic disorders (FSD) using data from nationwide registries and a large population-based cohort study.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Christina Atchison, Leigh Robert Bowman, Charlotte Vrinten, Rozlyn Redd, Philippa Pristera, Jeffrey Eaton, Helen Ward
Summary: The study found that the majority of respondents adopted at least one preventive measure, with social distancing measures more common among those over 70 years old. Individuals with the lowest household income were less likely to work from home and self-isolate, while the ability to self-isolate was also lower in minority ethnic groups.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Diego Enrique Velez-Gomez, Natalia Torres-Vellojin, Juan Camilo Grajales-Zapata, Juan Guillermo McEwen-Ochoa, Alonso Martinez, Veronica Ramirez-Lopera, Aracelly Villegas-Castano
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG) in the homeless population in Medellin, Colombia, and explore the associated factors and dynamics of social and sexual interactions in this community. The results showed that the prevalence of CT and NG was higher than that in the general population, and females had a higher percentage of infection compared to males.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Ting-Ting Jiang, Yan Han, Ying Zhou, Ning-Xiao Cao, Mei-Qin Shi, Yue Ping Yin, Xiang-Sheng Chen
Summary: This study aims to determine the prevalence and genotype distribution of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) among men who have sex with men (MSM) in China. The study will involve collecting sociodemographic and behavioral data through a self-administered questionnaire and collecting specimens for testing CT and Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections. The results of the study will contribute to the development of control programs and health education materials.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Biruk Befekadu, Muluneh Shuremu, Asrat Zewdie
Summary: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of syphilis and associated factors among pregnant women with antenatal care follow-up. The results showed a syphilis prevalence of 1.4% among pregnant women, and education level, husband's history of substance use, antenatal care, age at marriage, and knowledge about syphilis were identified as independent predictors of syphilis.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Pippa McDermid, Adam Craig, Meru Sheel, Katrina Blazek, Siobhan Talty, Holly Seale
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the psychological and financial distress faced by citizens and permanent residents stranded abroad due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. The survey revealed that individuals stranded abroad are experiencing significant psychological stress and financial difficulties, with a majority hoping to return to the Oceania region. Factors such as financial stress, employment changes, age, perceived risk of contracting COVID-19 abroad, and duration of strandedness were found to be significantly associated with moderate-to-extremely severe levels of depression, anxiety, and stress.
Article
Immunology
Zacharoula Bogogiannidou, Matthaios Speletas, Alexandros Vontas, Dimitrios J. Nikoulis, Katerina Dadouli, Maria A. Kyritsi, Varvara A. Mouchtouri, Paraskevi Mina, Lemonia Anagnostopoulos, Michalis Koureas, Vasileios Karavasilis, Olga Nikou, Ourania Pinaka, Pavlos C. Thomaidis, Kornilia Kadoglou, Konstantinos Bedevis, Natalia Spyrou, Alexandros A. Eleftheriou, Vassiliki Papaevangelou, Achilleas Gikas, Alkiviadis Vatopoulos, Evangelia E. Ntzani, Panagiotis Prezerakos, Sotirios Tsiodras, Christos Hadjichristodoulou
Summary: A serosurvey conducted in Greece between May and August 2020 revealed low seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, with the highest seroprevalence observed in the 30-49 year age group and in females during May. However, differences in seropositivity rates were noted between urban areas and the rest of the country, as well as changes in gender distribution over time. The study also estimated a four-month infection fatality rate of 0.47% and a case fatality rate of 1.89%.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Doret de Rooij, Evelien Belfroid, Christos Hadjichristodoulou, Varvara A. Mouchtouri, Joerg Raab, Aura Timen, E. U. H. E. A. L. T. H. Y. G. A. T. E. W. A. Y. S. Joint Action consortium
Summary: The study conducted a training needs assessment on infectious disease management among professionals at European points of entry (POEs), identifying topics with the highest priority for training including handling of ill travelers, composing public health emergency contingency plans, and public health measures. Results showed variations in importance and training needs among respondents, with ports showing higher training needs on 75% of topics. The most preferred training methods were presentations, while simulation was preferred for training the handling of ill or exposed travelers.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Michalis Koureas, Grigoris D. Amoutzias, Alexandros Vontas, Maria Kyritsi, Ourania Pinaka, Argyrios Papakonstantinou, Katerina Dadouli, Marina Hatzinikou, Anastasia Koutsolioutsou, Varvara A. Mouchtouri, Matthaios Speletas, Sotirios Tsiodras, Christos Hadjichristodoulou
Summary: The pilot study examined the association between SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations in untreated wastewater and recorded COVID-19 cases in two Greek municipalities, using Machine Learning models to analyze data from 111 wastewater samples. The study found that wastewater-based predictions can be used to support and strengthen epidemiological surveillance, although the accuracy of these predictions may vary.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Editorial Material
Allergy
M. Speletas, S. Raftopoulou, E. Farmaki, N. Gatselis, G. Germanidis, V. A. Mouchtouri, S. Hatzianastasiou, S. Georgiadou, G. Tsinti, O. Tsachouridou, M. Tseroni, S. Metallidis, G. Dalekos, H. Eibel, C. Hadjichristodoulou
JOURNAL OF INVESTIGATIONAL ALLERGOLOGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Matthaios Speletas, Ioanna Voulgaridi, Styliani Sarrou, Aikaterini Dadouli, Varvara A. Mouchtouri, Dimitrios J. Nikoulis, Maria Tsakona, Maria A. Kyritsi, Athanasia-Marina Peristeri, Ioanna Avakian, Asimina Nasika, Paraskevi C. Fragkou, Charalampos D. Moschopoulos, Stamatia Zoubouneli, Ilias Onoufriadis, Lemonia Anagnostopoulos, Alexia Matziri, Georgia Papadamou, Aikaterini Theodoridou, Sotirios Tsiodras, Christos Hadjichristodoulou
Summary: This study investigated the immunogenicity of the BNT162b2 vaccine in vaccinated individuals based on their age and medical status. The results showed that the majority of participants had positive antibody responses after vaccination, although antibody titers decreased over time. The study also found that the intensity of humoral responses was positively correlated with age and prior COVID-19 infection, while the presence of autoimmune disease and systemic adverse reactions were associated with the intensity of antibody responses.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Michalis Koureas, Zacharoula Bogogiannidou, Alexandros Vontas, Maria A. Kyritsi, Varvara A. Mouchtouri, Katerina Dadouli, Lemonia Anagnostopoulos, Paraskevi Mina, Alexia Matziri, Maria Ntouska, Maria Tsigaridaki, Vasiliki Gkiata, Konstantinos K. Tsilidis, Evangelia E. Ntzani, Panagiotis Prezerakos, Sotirios Tsiodras, Matthaios Speletas, Christos Hadjichristodoulou
Summary: A serosurvey of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 conducted in Greece showed that seroprevalence varied widely by region and age group, aligning with the course of the pandemic. Young and middle-aged adults appeared to be drivers of the pandemic under strict policy measures.
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
Neurosciences
Katerina Dadouli, Michel B. Janho, Apostolia Hatziefthimiou, Ioanna Voulgaridi, Konstantina Piaha, Lemonia Anagnostopoulos, Panagiotis Ntellas, Varvara A. Mouchtouri, Konstantinos Bonotis, Nikolaos Christodoulou, Matthaios Speletas, Christos Hadjichristodoulou
Summary: The study found that patients with BD had higher NLR, MLR, and SII index compared to healthy controls during manic and depressive episodes, indicating a higher level of inflammation in BD patients.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lemonia Anagnostopoulos, Leonidas Kourentis, Antonios Papadakis, Varvara A. Mouchtouri
Summary: This study evaluated the effectiveness of a COVID-19 public health emergency contingency plan developed by a major tourist-based Greek island port, through reviewing epidemiological data, monitoring outcomes, and analyzing three event responses. Overall, the plan showed some success in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in terms of senior management commitment, involvement of multi-disciplinary teams, and cooperation with ships.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Biology
Georgios K. Georgakilas, Achilleas P. Galanopoulos, Zafeiris Tsinaris, Maria Kyritsi, Varvara A. Mouchtouri, Matthaios Speletas, Christos Hadjichristodoulou
Summary: T cell receptor profiling has emerged as an important method to study COVID-19. This study proposes a novel Machine Learning approach to analyze T cell receptor repertoires, which not only explores the properties and characteristics of T cell receptors, but also identifies the preferential recognition of viral antigens by T-cell-mediated immune response. The study reveals a group of T cell receptors capable of recognizing SARS-CoV-2 antigens, which were already established in samples from the healthy cohort, suggesting a cross-reactivity phenomenon. Additionally, the study provides evidence of putative cross-reactivity between SARS-CoV-2 and a wide spectrum of pathogens and diseases.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Matthaios Speletas, Evangelos Bakaros, Athanasia-Marina Peristeri, Ioanna Voulgaridi, Styliani Sarrou, Vassiliki Paliatsa, Asimina Nasika, Maria Tseroni, Lemonia Anagnostopoulos, Kalliopi Theodoridou, Fani Kalala, Aikaterini Theodoridou, Barbara A. Mouchtouri, Sotirios Tsiodras, Hermann Eibel, Christos Hadjichristodoulou
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of the rs1883832 polymorphism on humoral immune responses following COVID-19 vaccination. The T allele of rs1883832 was associated with lower antibody levels and can serve as a predictor of antibody response intensity after vaccination.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
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
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)