Sexual behaviour does not reflect HIV-1 prevalence differences: A comparison study of Zimbabwe and Tanzania

Background: Substantial heterogeneity in HIV prevalence has been observed within sub-Saharan Africa. It is not clear which factors can explain these differences. Our aim was to identify risk factors that could explain the large differences in HIV-1 prevalence among pregnant women in Harare, Zimbabwe, and Moshi, Tanzania. Methods. Cross-sectional data from a two-centre study that enrolled pregnant women in Harare (N = 691) and Moshi (N = 2654) was used. Consenting women were interviewed about their socio-demographic background and sexual behaviour, and tested for presence of sexually transmitted infections and reproductive tract infections. Prevalence distribution of risk factors for HIV acquisition and spread were compared between the two areas. Results. The prevalence of HIV-1 among pregnant women was 26% in Zimbabwe and 7% in Tanzania. The HIV prevalence in both countries rises constantly with age up to the 25-30 year age group. After that, it continues to rise among Zimbabwean women, while it drops for Tanzanian women. Risky sexual behaviour was more prominent among Tanzanians than Zimbabweans. Mobility and such infections as HSV-2, trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis were more prevalent among Zimbabweans than Tanzanians. Reported male pa

Diving into the vertical dimension of elasmobranch movement ecology

Knowledge of the three-dimensional movement patterns of elasmobranchs is vital to understand their ecological roles and exposure to anthropogenic pressures. To date, comparative studies among species at global scales have mostly focused on horizontal movements. Our study addresses the knowledge gap of vertical movements by compiling the first global synthesis of vertical habitat use by elasmobranchs from data obtained by deployment of 989 biotelemetry tags on 38 elasmobranch species. Elasmobranchs displayed high intra- and interspecific variability in vertical movement patterns. Substantial vertical overlap was observed for many epipelagic elasmobranchs, indicating an increased likelihood to display spatial overlap, biologically interact, and share similar risk to anthropogenic threats that vary on a vertical gradient. We highlight the critical next steps toward incorporating vertical movement into global management and monitoring strategies for elasmobranchs, emphasizing the need to address geographic and taxonomic biases in deployments and to concurrently consider both horizontal and vertical movements

Preferences for thromboprophylaxis in the intensive care unit : An international survey

Publisher Copyright: © 2025 The Author(s). Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica Foundation.BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a frequent complication in critically ill patients, who often have multiple risk factors. Pharmacological thromboprophylaxis is widely applied to lower this risk, but guidelines lack dosing recommendations. OBJECTIVE: This survey aims to assess current thromboprophylaxis preferences and willingness to participate in future randomized clinical trials (RCTs) on this topic. METHOD: We conducted an international online survey between February and May 2023 among intensive care unit (ICU) physicians, including 16 questions about preferences in relation to thromboprophylaxis and preferences on topics for a future RCT. The survey was distributed through the network of the Collaboration for Research in Intensive Care. RESULTS: A total of 715 physicians from 170 ICUs in 23 countries contributed information, with a mean response rate of 36%. In most ICUs, both pharmacological (n = 166, 98%) and mechanical thromboprophylaxis (n = 143, 84%) were applied. A total of 36 pharmacological thromboprophylaxis regimens were reported. Use of low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) was most common (n = 149 ICUs, 87%), followed by subcutaneous unfractionated heparin (n = 44 ICUs, 26%). Seventy-five percent of physicians indicated that they used enoxaparin 40 mg (4000 IU), dalteparin 5000 IU, or tinzaparin 4500 IU once daily, whereas 25% reported the use of 16 other LMWH type and dose combinations. Dose adjustment according to weight was common (78 ICUs, 46%). Participants perceived high variation in the application of thromboprophylaxis and were willing to consider an alternative LMWH type (n = 542, 76%) or dose (n = 538, 75%) in the context of an RCT. CONCLUSION: LMWH was the preferred agent for thromboprophylaxis in critically ill patients. There was considerable variation in the application of LMWH for prophylaxis, reflected by the use of different types, doses, and dosing strategies. Most physicians would be willing to participate in an RCT on thromboprophylaxis. EDITORIAL COMMENT: This survey demonstrates current patterns in implementation preferences for critically ill patients. While there is one approach and drug that is commonly preferred, these findings show that there is some variation in practice.Peer reviewe

Drying colloidal systems: laboratory models for a wide range of applications

The drying of complex fluids provides a powerful insight into phenomena that take place on time and length scales not normally accessible. An important feature of complex fluids, colloidal dispersions and polymer solutions is their high sensitivity to weak external actions. Thus, the drying of complex fluids involves a large number of physical and chemical processes. The scope of this review is the capacity to tune such systems to reproduce and explore specific properties in a physics laboratory. A wide variety of systems are presented, ranging from functional coatings, food science, cosmetology, medical diagnostics and forensics to geophysics and art

Investigation of hospital discharge cases and SARS-CoV-2 introduction into Lothian care homes

Background The first epidemic wave of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Scotland resulted in high case numbers and mortality in care homes. In Lothian, over one-third of care homes reported an outbreak, while there was limited testing of hospital patients discharged to care homes. Aim To investigate patients discharged from hospitals as a source of SARS-CoV-2 introduction into care homes during the first epidemic wave. Methods A clinical review was performed for all patients discharges from hospitals to care homes from 1st March 2020 to 31st May 2020. Episodes were ruled out based on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) test history, clinical assessment at discharge, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data and an infectious period of 14 days. Clinical samples were processed for WGS, and consensus genomes generated were used for analysis using Cluster Investigation and Virus Epidemiological Tool software. Patient timelines were obtained using electronic hospital records. Findings In total, 787 patients discharged from hospitals to care homes were identified. Of these, 776 (99%) were ruled out for subsequent introduction of SARS-CoV-2 into care homes. However, for 10 episodes, the results were inconclusive as there was low genomic diversity in consensus genomes or no sequencing data were available. Only one discharge episode had a genomic, time and location link to positive cases during hospital admission, leading to 10 positive cases in their care home. Conclusion The majority of patients discharged from hospitals were ruled out for introduction of SARS-CoV-2 into care homes, highlighting the importance of screening all new admissions when faced with a novel emerging virus and no available vaccine

Ecological approach to develop a shared mental model for collaboration at a distance during a crisis situation

Man Machine InteractionElectrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Scienc

Legal aspects of contraceptive implants

Key message points - There has been litigation in relation to the three types of harm associated with contraceptive implants: non-insertion, deep insertion and nerve injury. - Recommendations for safe clinical practice can be derived from analysis of legal cases and published case reports. - Nerve injury has invariably been caused by clinicians without upper limb surgical skills attempting difficult removals. - The launch of the updated single-rod implant (Nexplanon®) may hold the best possibility for harm reduction. - Litigation in relation to side effects can lead to the withdrawal of safe and effective contraceptive products, so reducing choice for wome