Potential determinants of the decline in mpox cases in Belgium: A behavioral, epidemiological and seroprevalence study.

Objectives: The 2022 mpox epidemic reached a peak in Belgium and the rest of Europe in July 2022, after which it unexpectedly subsided. This study investigates epidemiological, behavioral, and immunological factors behind the waning of the epidemic in Belgium.

Methods: We investigated temporal evolutions in the characteristics and behavior of mpox patients using national surveillance data and data from a prospective registry of mpox patients in the Institute of Tropical Medicine (Antwerp).

Simultaneous removal of nutrients and biological pollutants via specialty absorbents in a water filtration system for watershed remediation.

To investigate watershed remediation within a Total Maximum Daily Load program, this study examined the field-scale filtration performance of two specialty absorbents. The goal was to simultaneously remove nutrients and biological pollutants along Canal 23 (C-23) in the St. Lucie River Basin, Florida.

Estimation of antimicrobial resistance of Belgium, 2022.

BackgroundAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) of (MG) is a growing concern worldwide and surveillance is needed. In Belgium, samples are sent to the National Reference Centre of Sexually Transmitted Infections (NRC-STI) on a voluntary basis and representative or robust national AMR data are lacking.AimWe aimed to estimate the occurrence of resistant MG in Belgium.

Neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 variants following mRNA booster vaccination in adults older than 65 years.

Immune response induced by COVID-19 vaccine booster against delta and omicron variants was assessed in 65 adults (65-84 years old) early aftesr a first booster dose. An increase in SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies was shown in individuals not previously infected without evidence of an age-related effect, with lower increase in those infected before a single dose of primary vaccination. Of note, humoral response was observed only starting from the 5th day after the boost.

Understanding sexual transmission dynamics and transmission contexts of monkeypox virus: a mixed-methods study of the early outbreak in Belgium (May-June 2022).

Objective: The available epidemiological and clinical evidence from the currently ongoing monkeypox (MPX) outbreak in non-endemic areas suggests an important factor of sexual transmission. However, limited information on the behaviour and experiences of individuals with an MPX infection has to date been provided. We aimed to describe the initial phase of the MPX outbreak in Belgium, and to provide a more in-depth description of sexual behaviour and transmission contexts.

Development of a model-based clinical sepsis biomarker for critically ill patients.

Sepsis occurs frequently in the intensive care unit (ICU) and is a leading cause of admission, mortality, and cost. Treatment guidelines recommend early intervention, however positive blood culture results may take up to 48 h. Insulin sensitivity (S(I)) is known to decrease with worsening condition and could thus be used to aid diagnosis.

A benchmark data set for model-based glycemic control in critical care.

Background: Hyperglycemia is prevalent in critical care. That tight control saves lives is becoming more clear, but the "how" and "for whom" in repeating the initial results remain elusive. Model-based methods can provide tight, patient-specific control, as well as providing significant insight into the etiology and evolution of this condition.

Monte Carlo analysis of a new model-based method for insulin sensitivity testing.

Insulin resistance (IR), or low insulin sensitivity, is a major risk factor in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. A simple, high resolution assessment of IR would enable earlier diagnosis and more accurate monitoring of intervention effects. Current assessments are either too intensive for clinical settings (Euglycaemic Clamp, IVGTT) or have too low resolution (HOMA, fasting glucose/insulin).

Model-based insulin and nutrition administration for tight glycaemic control in critical care.

Objective: Present a new model-based tight glycaemic control approach using variable insulin and nutrition administration.

Background: Hyperglycaemia is prevalent in critical care. Current published protocols use insulin alone to reduce blood glucose levels, require significant added clinical effort, and provide highly variable results.

Clinical validation of a model-based glycaemic control design approach and comparison to other clinical protocols.

Hyperglycaemia is prevalent in critical care and tight control can reduce mortality from 9-43% depending on the level of control and the cohort. This research presents a table-based method that varies both insulin dose and nutritional input to achieve tight control. The system mimics a previously validated model-based system, but can be used for long term, large patient number clinical evaluation.

Overview of glycemic control in critical care: relating performance and clinical results.

Background: Hyperglycemia is prevalent in critical care and tight control can save lives. Current ad-hoc clinical protocols require significant clinical effort and produce highly variable results. Model-based methods can provide tight, patient specific control, while addressing practical clinical difficulties and dynamic patient evolution.

Prevalence of Paramphistomum daubneyi infection in cattle in central France.

Investigations at the slaughterhouse of Limoges (Central France) were performed in 1994-1996 to determine the prevalence of Paramphistomum daubneyi infection in cattle. In 1994/1995, higher prevalences of P. daubneyi were recorded in May, October, and January.