Bloodstream Infections in Critical Care Units in England, April 2017 to March 2023: Results from the First Six Years of a National Surveillance Programme.

Background: Patients in critical care units (CCUs) are at an increased risk of bloodstream infections (BSIs), which can be associated with central vascular catheters (CVCs). This study describes BSIs, CVC-BSIs, organism distribution, percentage of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) organisms, and case fatality rates (CFRs) over the first six years of a voluntary national CCU surveillance programme in England.

Methods: Surveillance data on BSIs, CVCs, and bed-days between 04/2017 and 03/2023 for adult CCUs were linked to mortality and AMR data, and crude rates were calculated.

Genomic interrogation of commercial infant probiotic products for label accuracy.

Objective: To evaluate the label accuracy of commercial infant probiotic products and identify potential microbial contamination.

Methods: DNA was extracted from seventeen infant probiotic products purchased from a large online vendor. Samples underwent 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing, QIIME analysis, and bacterial taxonomic classification.

Evaluating the tolerance of harmful algal bloom communities to copper.

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) cause severe economic and environmental impacts, including hypoxic events and the production of toxins and off-flavor compounds. Chemical treatments, such as copper sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO·5HO), are often used to mitigate the damaging effects of algal blooms. However, treatment effects are usually short-lived leading to waterbodies requiring repeated CuSO·5HO applications to control persistent algal blooms, particularly in highly eutrophic systems, such as aquaculture ponds or small agricultural impoundments.

A systematic review of interventions targeting .

Background: , a malaria mosquito originally from South Asia and the Middle East, has been expanding across both Asia and Africa in recent decades. The invasion of this species into sub-Saharan Africa is of particular concern given its potential to increase malaria burden, especially in urban environments where thrives. Whilst surveillance of this vector in Africa has recently increased markedly there is a need to review the existing methods of control so that we can stop, rather than simply monitor, its spread in Africa.

Obesity increases DNA damage in the breast epithelium.

Obesity is a modifiable risk factor for breast cancer. Yet, how obesity contributes to cancer initiation is not fully understood. The goal of this study was to determine if the body mass index (BMI) and metabolic hallmarks of obesity are related to DNA damage in normal breast tissue.