Use of Polymerase Chain Reaction to Characterize the Etiology of Culture-Negative Empyema and Parapneumonic Effusion Among Alaska Native Children-2018-2023.

We used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to identify bacterial infections in culture-negative pleural fluid specimens from Alaska Native children hospitalized with empyema. PCR identified ≥1 organism in 11 (79%) of 14 specimens. Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 3 was detected in 6 specimens; all 6 participants had received 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.

Seropositivity of Chikungunya in Hospital Setting, India: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Backround: Information about the chikungunya disease burden by age groups and geographic distribution is necessary to guide appropriate control measures. With this, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the disease burden of chikungunya fever in India.

Material And Methods: We conducted this systematic review according to the Cochrane Collaboration guidelines.

Molecular Analysis of ApiA, a Multi-Functional Protein.

ApiA is a trimeric autotransporter outer membrane protein (Omp) that participates in multiple functions, enabling to adapt to a variety of environments. The goal of this study is to identify regions in the gene responsible for three of these functions: auto-aggregation, buccal epithelial cell binding, and complement resistance. Initially, was expressed in .

Green-synthesized CuO and ZnO nanoparticles derived from Calotropis gigantea (Apple of Sodom): enhancing plant growth, efficient dye removal, and potent antibacterial applications.

Nanoparticles, owing to their unique physicochemical properties, have garnered significant attention in various scientific disciplines, including materials science, chemistry, biology, and environmental engineering. In recent years, the synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles, such as NiO, FeO, ZnO, SnO, and CuO via green routes, has gained attraction due to their diverse applications in fields ranging from catalysis and electronics to medicine and environmental remediation. This study focuses on the green synthesis of copper oxide (CuO) and zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles using Calotropis gigantea (Apple of Sodom) leaf extract as a reducing agent and stabilizer, with zinc nitrate (ZnNO.

Pneumococcal Carriage in Burkina Faso After 13-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Introduction and Before a Schedule Change.

Background: In October 2013, Burkina Faso introduced 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) into the routine childhood immunization program using 3 primary doses with no booster. Previous pneumococcal carriage studies showed reductions in vaccine-type (VT) carriage in children aged <5 years but not in older age groups.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional, age-stratified pneumococcal carriage study among healthy persons aged ≥1 month in Bobo-Dioulasso in March 2020.