ROLE OF HEPATITIS B AND HEPATITS C VIRUS COINFECTION IN TB DEVELOPMENT

Tuberculosis developed differently in each individual. The role of HIV in the disease development is widely known unlike the role of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C infection. Therefore, this study is aimed at to describe the role of those co-infections in the TB development. The study employed observational – case control design with two groups, case and control group. Data collection include TB condition, whether latent or manifest, and history of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C co-infection. The study successfully recruited the total of 32 respondents in each group. At the case group, the number of male and respondent is 19 and 13. Meanwhile, at the control group the number male respondent is 10 and the female respondent is 22. The study found that 20 and 12 respondents were positive Hepatitis B at the case and the control group. Chi-square test resulted significant different between two groups (P=0.0455 and a =0.05) with odd ratio p=0.479. Meanwhile, the study only tested one respondent with positive Hepatitis C at case group and one at control group. Comparison analysis found no significant different between groups (P=1 and a =0.05). This study reveals that TB patients are more likely to have history of Hepatitis B 2.7 times than those at the control group with the same infection but without TB development. Therefore, the possibility of Hepatitis B co-infection has role in the TB manifestation, but not for Hepatitis C co-infection

Global disparities in surgeons’ workloads, academic engagement and rest periods: the on-calL shIft fOr geNEral SurgeonS (LIONESS) study

: The workload of general surgeons is multifaceted, encompassing not only surgical procedures but also a myriad of other responsibilities. From April to May 2023, we conducted a CHERRIES-compliant internet-based survey analyzing clinical practice, academic engagement, and post-on-call rest. The questionnaire featured six sections with 35 questions. Statistical analysis used Chi-square tests, ANOVA, and logistic regression (SPSS® v. 28). The survey received a total of 1.046 responses (65.4%). Over 78.0% of responders came from Europe, 65.1% came from a general surgery unit; 92.8% of European and 87.5% of North American respondents were involved in research, compared to 71.7% in Africa. Europe led in publishing research studies (6.6 ± 8.6 yearly). Teaching involvement was high in North America (100%) and Africa (91.7%). Surgeons reported an average of 6.7 ± 4.9 on-call shifts per month, with European and North American surgeons experiencing 6.5 ± 4.9 and 7.8 ± 4.1 on-calls monthly, respectively. African surgeons had the highest on-call frequency (8.7 ± 6.1). Post-on-call, only 35.1% of respondents received a day off. Europeans were most likely (40%) to have a day off, while African surgeons were least likely (6.7%). On the adjusted multivariable analysis HDI (Human Development Index) (aOR 1.993) hospital capacity > 400 beds (aOR 2.423), working in a specialty surgery unit (aOR 2.087), and making the on-call in-house (aOR 5.446), significantly predicted the likelihood of having a day off after an on-call shift. Our study revealed critical insights into the disparities in workload, access to research, and professional opportunities for surgeons across different continents, underscored by the HDI

Evaluating an app-guided self-test for influenza: lessons learned for improving the feasibility of study designs to evaluate self-tests for respiratory viruses

Abstract Background Seasonal influenza leads to significant morbidity and mortality. Rapid self-tests could improve access to influenza testing in community settings. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of a mobile app-guided influenza rapid self-test for adults with influenza like illness (ILI), and identify optimal methods for conducting accuracy studies for home-based assays for influenza and other respiratory viruses. Methods This cross-sectional study recruited adults who self-reported ILI online. Participants downloaded a mobile app, which guided them through two low nasal swab self-samples. Participants tested the index swab using a lateral flow assay. Test accuracy results were compared to the reference swab tested in a research laboratory for influenza A/B using a molecular assay. Results Analysis included 739 participants, 80% were 25–64 years of age, 79% female, and 73% white. Influenza positivity was 5.9% based on the laboratory reference test. Of those who started their test, 92% reported a self-test result. The sensitivity and specificity of participants’ interpretation of the test result compared to the laboratory reference standard were 14% (95%CI 5–28%) and 90% (95%CI 87–92%), respectively. Conclusions A mobile app facilitated study procedures to determine the accuracy of a home based test for influenza, however, test sensitivity was low. Recruiting individuals outside clinical settings who self-report ILI symptoms may lead to lower rates of influenza and/or less severe disease. Earlier identification of study subjects within 48 h of symptom onset through inclusion criteria and rapid shipping of tests or pre-positioning tests is needed to allow self-testing earlier in the course of illness, when viral load is higher