In this study, we sought to evaluate the capabilities of radiomics and machine learning in predicting seropositivity in patients with suspected autoimmune encephalitis (AE) from MR images obtained at symptom onset. In 83 patients diagnosed with AE between 2011 and 2022, manual bilateral segmentation of the amygdala was performed on pre-contrast T2 images using 3D Slicer open-source software. Our sample of 83 patients contained 43 seropositive and 40 seronegative AE cases. Images were obtained at our tertiary care center and at various secondary care centers in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. The sample was randomly split into training data and independent test data. A total of 107 radiomic features were extracted from bilateral regions of interest (ROIs). Automated machine learning (AutoML) was used to identify the most promising machine learning algorithms. Feature selection was performed using recursive feature elimination (RFE) and based on the determination of the most important features. Selected features were used to train various machine learning algorithms on 100 different data partitions. Performance was subsequently evaluated on independent test data. Our radiomics approach was able to predict the presence of autoantibodies in the independent test samples with a mean AUC of 0.90, a mean accuracy of 0.83, a mean sensitivity of 0.84 and a mean specificity of 0.82, with Lasso regression models yielding the most promising results. These results indicate that radiomics-based machine learning could be a promising tool in predicting the presence of autoantibodies in suspected AE patients. Given the implications of seropositivity for definitive diagnosis of suspected AE cases, this may expedite diagnostic workup even before results from specialized laboratory testing can be obtained. Furthermore, in conjunction with recent publications, our results indicate that characterization of AE subtypes by use of radiomics may become possible in the future, potentially allowing physicians to tailor treatment in the spirit of personalized medicine even before laboratory workup is completed.

BACKGROUND: China experienced an overwhelming COVID-19 pandemic from middle December 2022 to middle January 2023 after lifting the zero-COVID-19 policy on December 7, 2022. However, the infection rate was less studied. We aimed to investigate the SARS-CoV-2 infection rate in children shortly after discontinuation of the zero-COVID-19 policy.
METHODS: From February 20 to April 10, 2023, we included 393 children aged 8 months to less than 3 years who did not receive COVID-19 vaccination and 114 children aged 3 to 6 years who received inactivated COVID-19 vaccines based on the convenience sampling in this cross-sectional study. IgG and IgM antibodies against nucleocapsid (N) and subunit 1 of spike (S1) of SARS-CoV-2 (anti-N/S1) were measured with commercial kits (Shenzhen YHLO Biotech, China).
RESULTS: Of the 393 unvaccinated children (1.5 ± 0.6 years; 52.2% boys), 369 (93.9%) were anti-N/S1 IgG positive. Of the 114 vaccinated children (5.3 ± 0.9 years; 48.2% boys), 112 (98.2%) were anti-N/S1 IgG positive. None of the unvaccinated or vaccinated children was anti-N/S1 IgM positive. The median IgG antibody titers in vaccinated children (344.91 AU/mL) were significantly higher than that in unvaccinated children (42.80 AU/mL) (P < 0.0001). The positive rates and titers of anti-N/S1 IgG had no significant difference between boys and girls respectively.
CONCLUSIONS: Vast majority of children were infected with SARS-CoV-2 shortly after ending zero-COVID-19 policy in China. Whether these unvaccinated infected children should receive COVID-19 vaccine merits further investigation.

OBJECTIVE: Palghar district, located in the coastal region of the Konkan division of Maharashtra, has a predominantly tribal population. Leptospirosis is a major neglected public health problem and is highly underreported in Palghar district. The study aimed to evaluate the seropositivity of Leptospira infection and its associated epidemiological factors in tribal areas of the Palghar district of Maharashtra.
METHODS: The present retrospective study included 94 samples of patients clinically suspected of leptospirosis during a period of one year (2021-2022) tested at Model Rural Health Research Unit (MRHRU) Dahanu. The serum sample testing was done for the presence of specific Leptospira IgM antibodies using the Panbio™ Leptospira IgM ELISA kit. Leptospirosis seropositivity was correlated with various epidemiological risk factors.
RESULTS: A total of 12 samples of patients tested positive for specific IgM antibodies by ELISA method, indicating an overall positivity of 12.8%. Among those who tested positive, fever (83.3%), headache (58.3%), myalgia (50%), redness of the eyes (50%), and calf tenderness (16.7%) were the common symptoms observed. Subjects with redness of the eyes were significantly associated with leptospirosis (p = 0.018). The highest positivity (50%) was reported from the Ganjad area of Dahanu taluka. Farmers and animal handlers were most affected by leptospirosis.
CONCLUSIONS: The high proportion of Leptospirosis cases reflects the endemic nature of the disease in the Palghar district. This study shows seasonal trends in leptospirosis incidence over the year. The clinical presentation of leptospirosis may vary from sub-clinical to mild illness to severe and potentially fatal. The findings of this study will be important for achieving the overarching goal of One Health.

Perceptions of the complete eradication of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) may foster complacency and compromise vaccination efforts. Decreased measles vaccination rates during the COVID-19 pandemic have heightened the risk of outbreaks, even in adequately vaccinated populations. To address this, we have aligned with ECDC recommendations, leveraging previous cross-border sero-epidemiological assessments between Pécs, Hungary, and Osijek, Croatia, to identify latent risk groups and uncover potential parallels between our nations. Testing 2680 Hungarian and 1764 Croatian serum samples for anti-MMR IgG via ELISAs revealed anti-measles seropositivity ratios below expectations in Croatian cohorts aged ~20-30 (75.7%), ~30-40 (77.5%) and ~40-50 years (73.3%). Similarly, Hungarian samples also showed suboptimal seropositivity ratios in the ~30-40 (80.9%) and ~40-50 (87.3%) age groups. Considering mumps- and rubella-associated seropositivity trends, in both examined populations, individuals aged ~30-50 years exhibited the highest vulnerability. Additionally, we noted congruent seropositivity trends across both countries, despite distinct immunization and epidemiological contexts. Therefore, we propose expanding research to encompass the intricate dynamics of vaccination, including waning long-term immunity. This understanding could facilitate targeted interventions and bolster public awareness. Our findings underscore persistent challenges in attaining robust immunity against measles despite vaccination endeavors.

Neosporosis is a worldwide parasitic disease caused by the protozoan Neospora caninum. It can cause economic losses to farmers due to its relationship with abortions and neonatal mortality in cows. Dogs play a key role in its spread as they are considered definitive hosts. In this study, we determined for the first time the seropositivity of N. caninum infection in dogs from Ecuador and evaluated potential risk factors. A total number of 339 free-roaming dogs from the three main regions of Ecuador (Coastal, Andean, and Amazonian regions) were included in the study and classified either as urban or rural dogs. Serum samples were collected from November 2018 to May 2019, and analyzed with a commercial ELISA test. An overall seropositivity of 6.8 % (CI: 95 %, 2.8 % - 11.7 %) was found in N. caninum infection with no statistical differences among regions or urban/rural dogs. This is the first surveillance of N. caninum in Ecuador, confirming a country-wide distribution of this pathogen. Considering the large populations of free-roaming dogs in Ecuador, a One Health approach for surveillance and managing N. caninum in dogs is needed to protect either livestock or wildlife.

Leptospirosis is a (re) emerging zoonosis that occurs worldwide. This study aimed to assess seroprevalence of leptospirosis and to identify the most common reactive serovars and risk factors for seropositivity in apparently healthy stray dogs of unknown vaccination status in the Sarajevo region of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Positive microscopic agglutination test titres (≥ 1:25) were detected in 3.87% (156/4028) of samples and most of the sera reacted against one serovar (85.9%). Dogs were most commonly reactive to Canicola (40.4%) and Hardjo (33.3%), followed by Pomona (15.4%) Tarassovi (14.7%), Icterohaemorrhagiae (8.3%), Grippotyphosa (5.8%), Bratislava (1.3%) and Saxkoebing (0.6%). Dogs older than one year had higher odds of seropositivity compared to younger dogs. The seropositivity was higher in spring and autumn than in summer. These results advocate for the need of a control strategy for this zoonosis in the country, which should include sero-surveillance, monitoring, and the inclusion of additional serovars in the testing.

The aim of this study was to evaluate maternal serological status and fetal sonographic findings of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. This is a retrospective study performed at Perinatology Department of Istanbul Başakşehir Çam and Sakura City Hospital. A computerized search was conducted to identify cases who underwent prenatal diagnosis of fetal CMV infection between September 2020 and December 2023. We identified nine cases with fetal CMV infection. The clinical data of the patients, gestational age at the time of diagnosis, serological, sonographic findings, and pregnancy outcomes were analyzed. A computer search of the database was made for the seroprevalance of CMV-IgM and CMV-IgG in our population. The CMV-IgM and IgG results of the 1235 patients who underwent CMV screening in the first trimester between September 2020 and December 2023 were evaluated. Fetal CMV infection was identified in nine patients. None of the 9 cases showed maternal CMV-IgM positivity. Seven of the 9 patients showed high IgG avidity index. Pregnant population had 98 % positivity for CMV-IgG. The evaluation of serologic tests for CMV is not straightforward in the second and third trimester. IgM and IgG avidity should be interpreted with caution in the second and third trimester. In the presence of ultrasound findings suggesting fetal CMV infection and CMV-IgG positivity, invasive diagnostic tests rather than serological test should be discussed with the patient, and non-primary infections should always be considered to minimize overlooked fetal cytomegalovirus infections and missed antiviral treatment opportunity.

UNASSIGNED: With the spread of SARS-CoV-2 impacting upon public health directly and socioeconomically, further information was required to inform policy decisions designed to limit virus spread during the pandemic. This study sought to contribute to serosurveillance work within Northern Ireland to track SARS-CoV-2 progression and guide health strategy.
UNASSIGNED: Sera/plasma samples from clinical biochemistry laboratories were analysed for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Samples were assessed using an Elecsys anti-SARS-CoV-2 or anti-SARS-CoV-2 S ECLIA (Roche) on an automated cobas e 801 analyser. Samples were also assessed via an anti-SARS-CoV-2 ELISA (Euroimmun). A subset of samples assessed via the Elecsys anti-SARS-CoV-2 ECLIA were subsequently analysed in an ACE2 pseudoneutralisation assay using a V-PLEX SARS-CoV-2 Panel 7 for IgG and ACE2 (Meso Scale Diagnostics).
UNASSIGNED: Across three testing rounds (June-July 2020, November-December 2020 and June-July 2021 (rounds 1-3 respectively)), 4844 residual sera/plasma specimens were assayed for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Seropositivity rates increased across the study, peaking at 11.6 % (95 % CI 10.4 %-13.0 %) during round 3. Varying trends in SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity were noted based on demographic factors. For instance, highest rates of seropositivity shifted from older to younger demographics across the study period. In round 3, Alpha (B.1.1.7) variant neutralising antibodies were most frequently detected across age groups, with median concentration of anti-spike protein antibodies elevated in 50-69 year olds and anti-S1 RBD antibodies elevated in 70+ year olds, relative to other age groups.
UNASSIGNED: With seropositivity rates of <15 % across the assessment period, it can be concluded that the significant proportion of the Northern Ireland population had not yet naturally contracted the virus by mid-2021.

UNASSIGNED: The aim of this study was to determine the seropositivity rate of pharmacists and pharmacy staff after the administration of two doses of the CoronaVac-SinoVac vaccine and to assess changes in their antibody levels according to sociodemographic characteristics.
UNASSIGNED: This descriptive study was conducted between June 04, 2021 and September 30, 2021 in pharmacies located in Istanbul, Türkiye. The results of self-initiated immunoglobulin (Ig) G testing of the pharmacists and pharmacy staff, conducted at diagnostic laboratories contracted by the Istanbul Chamber of Pharmacists, were obtained using an online data collection tool. IgG measurements taken from 15 days up to 120 days after the two vaccine doses were included in the study. Participants were asked whether they smoked, had any chronic diseases (hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, diabetes, etc.), or took any medications. Subgroup analyses were performed for each method used to measure antibody levels.
UNASSIGNED: The study included 329 pharmacists/pharmacy staff (298 pharmacists and 31 pharmacy staff). The mean age of the participants was 49.7 ± 13.7 years, and 71.4% were female. The antibody positivity of the 329 participants was 94.9% following the two doses. The positivity rate was 95.4% in participants under 65 years of age, whereas it was 91.8% in those aged 65 years and over. There was no significant difference in the mean age between those with positive and negative antibody results (p > 0.05). Although antibody levels were lower older people, smokers, and those with chronic diseases, this difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05).
UNASSIGNED: Seropositivity developed following the administration of two doses of CoronaVac-Sinovac vaccines. IgG antibody levels were lower in older adults, smokers, and those with chronic diseases, although not to a statistically significant extent. Further studies are needed to better understand the reasons for the different immunological responses to COVID-19.

Immunosuppressed kidney transplant (KT) recipients produce a weaker response to COVID-19 vaccination than immunocompetent individuals. We tested antiviral IgG response in 99 KT recipients and 66 healthy volunteers who were vaccinated with mRNA-1273 Moderna or BNT162b2 Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines. A subgroup of participants had their peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) evaluated for the frequency of T helper 1 (Th1) cells producing IL-2, IFN-γ and/or TNF-α, and IL-10-producing T-regulatory 1 (Tr) cells. Among KT recipients, 45.8% had anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG compared to 74.1% of healthy volunteers (p = 0.009); also, anti-viral IgG levels were lower in recipients than in volunteers (p = 0.001). In terms of non-responders (≤2000 U/mL IgG), Moderna\'s group had 10.8% and Pfizer-BioNTech\'s group had 34.3% of non-responders at 6 months (p = 0.023); similarly, 15.7% and 31.3% were non-responders in Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech groups at 12 months, respectively (p = 0.067). There were no non-responders among controls. Healthy volunteers had higher Th1 levels than KT recipients, while Moderna produced a higher Th1 response than Pfizer-BioNTech. In contrast, the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine induced a higher Tr1 response than the Moderna vaccine (p < 0.05); overall, IgG levels correlated with Th1(fTTNF-α)/Tr1(fTIL-10) ratios. We propose that the higher number of non-responders in the Pfizer-BioNTech group than the Moderna group was caused by a more potent activity of regulatory Tr1 cells in KT recipients vaccinated with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.