Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication

Controversy and consensus on the management of elevated sperm DNA fragmentation in male infertility: A global survey, current guidelines, and expert recommendations

Purpose Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF) has been associated with male infertility and poor outcomes of assisted reproductive technology (ART). The purpose of this study was to investigate global practices related to the management of elevated SDF in infertile men, summarize the relevant professional society recommendations, and provide expert recommendations for managing this condition. Materials and Methods An online global survey on clinical practices related to SDF was disseminated to reproductive clinicians, according to the CHERRIES checklist criteria. Management protocols for various conditions associated with SDF were captured and compared to the relevant recommendations in professional society guidelines and the appropriate available evidence. Expert recommendations and consensus on the management of infertile men with elevated SDF were then formulated and adapted using the Delphi method. Results A total of 436 experts from 55 different countries submitted responses. As an initial approach, 79.1% of reproductive experts recommend lifestyle modifications for infertile men with elevated SDF, and 76.9% prescribe empiric antioxidants. Regarding antioxidant duration, 39.3% recommend 4–6 months and 38.1% recommend 3 months. For men with unexplained or idiopathic infertility, and couples experiencing recurrent miscarriages associated with elevated SDF, most respondents refer to ART 6 months after failure of conservative and empiric medical management. Infertile men with clinical varicocele, normal conventional semen parameters, and elevated SDF are offered varicocele repair immediately after diagnosis by 31.4%, and after failure of antioxidants and conservative measures by 40.9%. Sperm selection techniques and testicular sperm extraction are also management options for couples undergoing ART. For most questions, heterogenous practices were demonstrated. Conclusions This paper presents the results of a large global survey on the management of infertile men with elevated SDF and reveals a lack of consensus among clinicians. Furthermore, it demonstrates the scarcity of professional society guidelines in this regard and attempts to highlight the relevant evidence. Expert recommendations are proposed to help guide clinicians

Convalescent plasma in patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 (RECOVERY): a randomised controlled, open-label, platform trial

SummaryBackground Azithromycin has been proposed as a treatment for COVID-19 on the basis of its immunomodulatoryactions. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of azithromycin in patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19.Methods In this randomised, controlled, open-label, adaptive platform trial (Randomised Evaluation of COVID-19Therapy [RECOVERY]), several possible treatments were compared with usual care in patients admitted to hospitalwith COVID-19 in the UK. The trial is underway at 176 hospitals in the UK. Eligible and consenting patients wererandomly allocated to either usual standard of care alone or usual standard of care plus azithromycin 500 mg once perday by mouth or intravenously for 10 days or until discharge (or allocation to one of the other RECOVERY treatmentgroups). Patients were assigned via web-based simple (unstratified) randomisation with allocation concealment andwere twice as likely to be randomly assigned to usual care than to any of the active treatment groups. Participants andlocal study staff were not masked to the allocated treatment, but all others involved in the trial were masked to theoutcome data during the trial. The primary outcome was 28-day all-cause mortality, assessed in the intention-to-treatpopulation. The trial is registered with ISRCTN, 50189673, and ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04381936.Findings Between April 7 and Nov 27, 2020, of 16 442 patients enrolled in the RECOVERY trial, 9433 (57%) wereeligible and 7763 were included in the assessment of azithromycin. The mean age of these study participants was65·3 years (SD 15·7) and approximately a third were women (2944 [38%] of 7763). 2582 patients were randomlyallocated to receive azithromycin and 5181 patients were randomly allocated to usual care alone. Overall,561 (22%) patients allocated to azithromycin and 1162 (22%) patients allocated to usual care died within 28 days(rate ratio 0·97, 95% CI 0·87–1·07; p=0·50). No significant difference was seen in duration of hospital stay (median10 days [IQR 5 to >28] vs 11 days [5 to >28]) or the proportion of patients discharged from hospital alive within 28 days(rate ratio 1·04, 95% CI 0·98–1·10; p=0·19). Among those not on invasive mechanical ventilation at baseline, nosignificant difference was seen in the proportion meeting the composite endpoint of invasive mechanical ventilationor death (risk ratio 0·95, 95% CI 0·87–1·03; p=0·24).Interpretation In patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19, azithromycin did not improve survival or otherprespecified clinical outcomes. Azithromycin use in patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 should be restrictedto patients in whom there is a clear antimicrobial indication

Culturally Responsive Assessments of Mathematical Skills and Abilities: Development, Field Testing, and Implementation

A persistent problem in education is underrepresentation of certain cultural and linguistic groups such as American Indian, African American, and Hispanic, in special programs for exceptionally talented students, especially in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). An assessment with demonstrated reliability and validity as an instrument to identify exceptionally talented students was included with new instruments created in the X project. A continuum of problems, including closed, semi-open, and open-ended, was an important component of the assessment, enabling the assessment of creativity as well as understanding of mathematics concepts. The math assessment was field tested in five high schools in high poverty areas that also had high percentages of American Indian or Hispanic students. It was implemented as part of a battery of instruments to identify students to participate in a special internship program. The test-retest reliability and construct, concurrent, and predictive validity need to be investigated in future studies.National Science FoundationThis item from the UA Faculty Publications collection is made available by the University of Arizona with support from the University of Arizona Libraries. If you have questions, please contact us at [email protected]

DISCOVERing and nurturing creative problem solving in young children: An exploratory study

The purpose of this exploratory study of creative problem-solving characteristics of young children was to (a) determine whether the percentage of creativity-relevant behaviors declined, stayed the same, or increased as children entered school and progressed to the first grade (ages 4, 5, and 6) and (b) describe differences and similarities across the three ages and ten domains in the assessment. Using a playbased assessment with developmentally appropriate, flexible materials and activities that were engaging to young children, trained observers with tablet computers administered the assessments, took photographs and videos, observed problemsolving behaviors, entered the behaviors into a database, reviewed children's performance with others in talent groupings, and made decisions about children's strengths across the ten areas of ability. Across the talent areas, of the 29 behaviors included, the percentage of 18 creative problem-solving behaviors increased across the three years, 9 behaviors declined at age 5 and increased at age 6, and from age 5 to age 6, 4 behaviors declined. The patterns were different in different talent areas. Consistent with results of other studies of this age group, we concluded that agerelated development, teaching methods, culture, and other factors interact in the development of creative problem solving. The use of creativity-enhancing teaching methods can make a positive difference in children's development of creative problem solving

Stability behavior of non-surfactant water-in-diesel emulsion fuel using microscopic observation

Water-in-diesel emulsion fuel (W/D) is considered to be a potential alternative fuel that can reduces nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM). W/D is normally produced with addition of surfactant to prolong its stability. However, the dependency on surfactant leads to higher production cost. A concept that can eliminate dependency on the surfactant was introduced by strong mixing concept and direct supply the non-surfactant W/D to a diesel engine. Therefore, the objective of this study is to investigate the stability behavior of non-surfactant W/D using microscopic observation. Water and diesel fuel were mixed using a combination of high-shear mixer and an ultrasonic transducer. The amount of water injected into the system are 5% and 10% by volume, which were labelled as E5 and E10 respectively. The produced non-surfactant W/D was then placed into a petri dish for microscopic observation. The results showed that the average diameter of water droplets observed in E5 and E10 at sedimentation stage were 15.38 and 22.41 μm respectively. The stability period of E5 and E10 before it sediment were 25 and 67 seconds correspondingly. Overall, it is observed that microscopic observation is a reliable approach to determine the stability behavior of non-surfactant W/D

İş Sağlığı ve Güvenliği Meslek Hastalıkları

Ülkemizde iş sağlığı ve güvenliği ile meslek hastalıkları konularında, kapsamlı Türkçe kitap ihtiyacı bulunmaktadır. Bu saptamadan hareketle “İş Sağlığı ve Güvenliği Meslek Hastalıkları” kitabı iki yılı aşkın bir sürede tamamlanmıştır. Mezuniyet öncesi ve sonrası eğitimlere, sertifika eğitimlerine, çalışanların sağlıklı ve güvenlikli ortamda çalışmaları hakkına, saha uygulamalarına, araştırmalara katkı sağlaması amaçlanmıştır. Kaynak kitap ihtiyacı öncelikle, müfredatlarında konuya ilişkin başlıklar bulunan, Tıp, Mühendislik, Hemşirelik, Sağlık Bilimleri ve Fen fakülteleri, ilgili yüksek lisans ve doktora programları, ilgili yüksek okullar olmak üzere yüksek öğretim öğrencileri için geçerli iken aynı zamanda iş yeri hekimleri, iş güvenliği uzmanları, diğer sağlık personeli sertifika eğitimleri, çalışanların yasal olarak zorunlu olan eğitimleri için de söz konusudur.Kitabın, Hacettepe Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Halk Sağlığı Anabilim Dalı öğretim üyesi Prof. Dr. İsmail TOPUZOĞLU’nun 1980’li yıllarda başlattığı, Prof. Dr. Nazmi BİLİR’in emekli olana kadar 30 yılı aşkın süre ile sürdürdüğü mezuniyet öncesi ve sonrası eğitim, araştırma, uygulama ve yayın çalışmaları ile bu alanlarda öncü rolü olan Hacettepe Üniversitesi’nin yayını olması ayrı bir mutluluk kaynağıdır, kendilerine şükranlarımızı sunarız.Kitap, sayfa dağılımları farklılık gösteren, konu başlıkları itibariyle toplam 79 bölümden oluşmaktadır. Meslek hastalıklarına ilişkin bazı bölümlerde, yazarlar ikinci baskısı yapılmış olan “Yıldız, A.N., Sandal, A. (Ed.). Meslek Hastalıkları İşle İlgili Hastalıklar (Seçilmiş Başlıklarda). Ankara: Hacettepe Üniversitesi Yayını. ISBN: 978-975-491-460-3.” kitabındaki bölümlerini güncelleyerek genişletmişlerdir.Kitabın yazarları başlıca, Hacettepe Üniversitesi öğretim elemanları, Tıp Fakültesi İş ve Meslek Hastalıkları Yan Dal Uzmanlık Eğitimi Programı eğitim kadrosu ile bu kapsamda eğitim almış veya almaya devam eden uzman hekimler, ile T.C. Aile, Çalışma ve Sosyal Hizmetler Bakanlığı yönetici ve uzmanlarıdır. Bütün yazarlara katkıları için teşekkür ederiz.Kitabın elektronik kitap olarak yayınlanması, ulaşılabilirliğinin artması, içerik arama ve güncelleme gibi hususlarda kolaylık sağlayacağı kanaatindeyiz. Ayrıca kaynakları metin içinde gösterilmiş olması da ileri incelemeler için katkı sağlayacaktır.Yoğun çalışma sürecinde gösterdikleri anlayış için ailelerimize, Hacettepe Üniversitesi Hastaneleri Basım Yayın ve Tanıtım Koordinatörlüğü ile Kütüphane ve Dokümantasyon Daire Başkanlığı yetkilileri ve çalışanlarına, kitabı yayına hazırlamada katkı sağlayan Dr. A. Kadir ATLI, Dr. Buhara ÖNAL ve Özge Rojda BENZİL’e teşekkür ederiz.Saygılarımızla,Prof. Dr. Bülent ALTUN (Hacettepe Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Dekanı)Prof. Dr. Ali Naci YILDIZ (Editör)Uzm. Dr. Abdulsamet SANDAL (Editör