New methodology to assess the excess burden of antibiotic resistance using country-specific parameters: a case study regarding urinary tract infections.

Objectives: Antimicrobial resistant (AMR) infections are a major public health problem and the burden on population level is not yet clear. We developed a method to calculate the burden of resistance which uses country-specific parameter estimates and surveillance data to compare the mortality and morbidity due to resistant infection against a counterfactual (the expected burden if infection was antimicrobial susceptible). We illustrate this approach by estimating the excess burden for AMR (defined as having tested positive for extended-spectrum beta-lactamases) urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by in the Netherlands in 2018, which has a relatively low prevalence of AMR , and in Italy in 2016, which has a relatively high prevalence.

The importance of sustained compliance with physical distancing during COVID-19 vaccination rollout.

Background: Increasing vaccination coverage against SARS-CoV-2 enabled relaxation of lockdowns in many countries in Europe. As the vaccination rollouts progressed, the public health authorities were seeking recommendations on the continuation of physical distancing measures during ongoing vaccination rollouts. Compliance with these measures was declining while more transmissible virus variants have emerged.

Transmission routes of antibiotic resistant bacteria: a systematic review.

Background: Quantification of acquisition routes of antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) is pivotal for understanding transmission dynamics and designing cost-effective interventions. Different methods have been used to quantify the importance of transmission routes, such as relative risks, odds ratios (OR), genomic comparisons and basic reproduction numbers. We systematically reviewed reported estimates on acquisition routes' contributions of ARB in humans, animals, water and the environment and assessed the methods used to quantify the importance of transmission routes.

Does plasmid-based beta-lactam resistance increase E. coli infections: Modelling addition and replacement mechanisms.

Infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria have become more prevalent during past decades. Yet, it is unknown whether such infections occur in addition to infections with antibiotic-susceptible bacteria, thereby increasing the incidence of infections, or whether they replace such infections, leaving the total incidence unaffected. Observational longitudinal studies cannot separate both mechanisms.

Identifying Sexually Transmitted Infection Risk Groups Based on Behavioral and Psychological Characteristics Among Heterosexuals During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: Measures to reduce coronavirus disease (COVID-19) transmission may impact sexual health. We aimed to examine the impact of COVID-19 on sexual behavior and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and to characterize individuals who were at high STI risk.

Methods: Dutch heterosexual males and females who participated in a cohort study in 2016 to 2018 were invited to fill out 2 questionnaires again in 2020 (age, 21-28 years).

Impact of self-imposed prevention measures and short-term government-imposed social distancing on mitigating and delaying a COVID-19 epidemic: A modelling study.

Background: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread to nearly every country in the world since it first emerged in China in December 2019. Many countries have implemented social distancing as a measure to "flatten the curve" of the ongoing epidemics. Evaluation of the impact of government-imposed social distancing and of other measures to control further spread of COVID-19 is urgent, especially because of the large societal and economic impact of the former.

Heart Rate Variability, HIV and the Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases in Rural South Africa.

Background: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) transformed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection into a chronic disease. Possible HIV-associated complications have emerged including cardiovascular diseases (CVD).

Objectives: This study aims to determine the heart rate variability (HRV) distribution and association between HRV and HIV treated with ART in a rural African population.

Hypertension in a rural community in South Africa: what they know, what they think they know and what they recommend.

Background: Hypertension is one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular disease and has a high prevalence in South Africa and other low- and middle-income countries. However, awareness of hypertension has been reported to be low. Health programmes can increase awareness of hypertension and its causes, but hinge on the knowledge and perception of the targeted community.