Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Naoyuki Yamakawa, Hiroyuki Komatsu, Yoshihiko Usui, Kinya Tsubota, Yoshihiro Wakabayashi, Hiroshi Goto
Summary: Various immune mediators have been found to be associated with the development of advanced forms of diabetic retinopathy (DR). However, the exact pathophysiological mechanisms of early stages of DR, such as simple DR, remain unclear. This study examined the immune mediator profile in the aqueous humor of eyes with simple DR and found altered concentrations of certain immune mediators compared to control eyes. These findings suggest that various immune mediators may contribute to the pathogenesis of simple DR, and further studies are needed to assess their association with an increased risk of progression to advanced stages of DR.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Ophthalmology
Kexin Li, Xue Feng, Kenji Hikosaka, Kazumi Norose
Summary: A murine model of primary acquired ocular toxoplasmosis was successfully established through peroral infection with Toxoplasma gondii. After infection, various immune mediators in the aqueous humor showed significant increase, providing new insights into the immunopathogenesis of ocular toxoplasmosis.
INVESTIGATIVE OPHTHALMOLOGY & VISUAL SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Yushan Ma, Jierui Wang, Shuo Guo, Zirui Meng, Yan Ren, Yi Xie, Minjin Wang
Summary: This study aimed to summarize the cytokine/chemokine levels in patients with anti-N-methyl-Daspartate receptor encephalitis (NMDAR-E) and explore the potential role of these molecules and immune cells in the pathogenic mechanism. The results showed that the levels of several cytokines and chemokines were significantly higher in the cerebrospinal fluid of NMDAR-E patients. However, there were no significant differences in the levels of certain cytokines and chemokines in the serum between cases and controls.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Virology
Seda Tural Onur, Sedat Altin, Sinem Nedime Sokucu, Burcu Ileri Fikri, Tugce Barca, Erkut Bolat, Mehmet Toptas
Summary: The study investigated the relationship between serum ferritin levels and mortality rate in COVID-19 patients, finding ferritin levels to be significantly predictive of mortality. Additionally, patient age and length of hospital stay were found to be closely related to mortality rates.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Thomas F. Rice, Dimitri A. Diavatopoulos, Yanping Guo, Beverly Donaldson, Marielle Bouqueau, Anna Bosanquet, Sara Barnett, Beth Holder, Beate Kampmann
Summary: Maternal Tdap-IPV vaccination during pregnancy enhances pro-inflammatory cytokine responses to Bordetella pertussis, leading to elevated IL-2 and IL-12 responses in infants of vaccinated women at birth. Additionally, infants from vaccinated pregnancies show altered cellular immune responses, including reduced monocyte and NK cell cytokine responses at birth and lower IL-10 and IL-13 responses at seven weeks of age.
Review
Immunology
Xinyu Gu, Qingfei Chu, Xiao Ma, Jing Wang, Chao Chen, Jun Guan, Yanli Ren, Shanshan Wu, Haihong Zhu
Summary: NKT cells play a crucial role in the immune system, particularly in liver diseases. Hepatic iNKT cells interact with other immune cells through direct cell-to-cell contact and cytokine secretion, bridging the innate and adaptive immune systems.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kamaludin Dingle, Osama M. Kassem, Fawaz Azizieh, Ghadeer AbdulHussain, Raj Raghupathy
Summary: This study examined the effects of estrogen, progesterone, and dydrogesterone on cytokine profiles in women with recurrent spontaneous miscarriages. The results showed that estrogen had the fewest effects on cytokines, while progesterone and dydrogesterone affected seven out of eight cytokines. The new statistical method identified IFN-gamma, IL-10, and IL-23 as particularly significant for progesterone and dydrogesterone treatments.
Article
Immunology
Fumiko Oda, Akiyuki Uzawa, Yukiko Ozawa, Manato Yasuda, Satoshi Kuwabara
Summary: This study measured serum levels of cytokines in IMNM patients and found that IP-10 and MIP-1 alpha levels were significantly increased, correlated with changes after immunosuppressive therapy and serum creatine kinase levels. IP-10 and MIP-1 alpha may play important roles in the pathogenesis of IMNM.
JOURNAL OF NEUROIMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Xuewei Huang, Wei Liu, Junyan Zhang, Zengsu Liu, Meng Wang, Li Wang, Han Zhou, Yanping Jiang, Wen Cui, Xinyuan Qiao, Yigang Xu, Yijing Li, Lijie Tang
Summary: The study focused on the effects of a highly virulent IBDV strain LJ-5 on young SPF chickens, showing that infection led to decreased B lymphocyte activity, lower immunoglobulin levels, inflammation, apoptosis, and an imbalance of cytokines in the bursa, ultimately resulting in immune injury.
DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Klaus Berek, Angelika Bauer, Dagmar Rudzki, Michael Auer, Robert Barket, Anne Zinganell, Magdalena Lerch, Livia Hofer, Astrid Grams, Paulina Poskaite, Sebastian Wurth, Thomas Berger, Franziska Di Pauli, Florian Deisenhammer, Harald Hegen, Markus Reindl
Summary: This study investigated the distribution of 65 different cytokines, chemokines, and related molecules in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum of newly diagnosed people with multiple sclerosis (pwMS). The results showed that 29 cytokines and chemokines were significantly elevated in the CSF, while 15 were elevated in the serum. Additionally, associations were found between 34 analytes and sex, age, CSF, MRI parameters, and disease progression. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis and its association with disease progression.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Jane S. Woodrow, Melissa Hines, Carla Sommardahl, Bente Flatland, Yancy Lo, Zhiping Wang, Mary Katie Sheats, Elizabeth M. Lennon
Summary: Equine asthma is a lung disease characterized by airway obstruction, pulmonary remodeling, and airway inflammation. This study investigated the cellular and inflammatory characteristics of equine asthma and evaluated potential biomarkers for different asthma groups. The results can contribute to the understanding and treatment of asthma in horses.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tamara Gulic, Gordana Laskarin, Lana Glavan, Tanja Grubic Kezele, Herman Haller, Daniel Rukavina
Summary: The study investigated the binding of gp96 to Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 and CD91 receptors on decidual CD1a(+) DCs in vitro, as well as the influence on the maturation status of CD1a(+) DCs. It was found that gp96 efficiently bound CD91 and TLR4 receptors, leading to the maturation of CD1a(+) DCs and significantly increasing the expression of INF-gamma and IL-15, which could potentially have detrimental effects on ongoing pregnancy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alex Eisner, Yuan Gao, Fiona Collier, Katherine Drummond, Sarah Thomson, David Burgner, Peter Vuillermin, Mimi LK. Tang, Jochen Mueller, Christos Symeonides, Richard Saffery, Anne-Louise Ponsonby
Summary: Prenatal exposure to plastic chemicals may impact the early-life immune function in children. A large-scale study found negative associations between prenatal phthalate exposure and cord blood immune indices. These results highlight the importance of further research on the potential links between exposure to plastic chemicals and health outcomes.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Erica C. F. Yeo, Michael P. Brown, Tessa Gargett, Lisa M. Ebert
Summary: Glioblastoma is the most common primary brain tumor in adults, with conventional treatments showing limited improvement in patient survival over the past decade. The immunosuppressive mechanisms employed by tumor cells can hinder treatment efficacy, highlighting the importance of understanding intercellular interactions for potential immunotherapeutic targeting and better patient outcomes.
Article
Immunology
Christophe Vanpouille, Alan Wells, Timothy Wilkin, Jyoti S. Mathad, Sheldon Morris, Leonid Margolis, Sara Gianella
Summary: Despite lower plasma HIV RNA levels, women progress faster to AIDS than men, which might be a consequence of an elevated inflammatory response in women. Our study found that women had higher levels of certain cytokines compared to men, suggesting higher immune activation in women under suppressive therapy.
Article
Education, Scientific Disciplines
David R. Brown, Jeremy J. Moeller, Douglas Grbic, Diane M. Biskobing, Ruth Crowe, William B. Cutrer, Michael L. Green, Vivian T. Obeso, Dianne P. Wagner, Jamie B. Warren, Sandra L. Yingling, Dorothy A. Andriole
Summary: In 2014, the Association of American Medical Colleges defined 13 Core Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) that all graduating students should be ready to do upon entering residency with indirect supervision. In 2019, a pilot program was conducted involving 10 schools to test the implementation of the Core EPAs framework. Trained entrustment groups (TEGs) were established to review assessment data and make summative entrustment decisions. The results showed that a significant number of students were ready for indirect supervision, but further improvements are needed.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Olga Selioutski, Peggy Auinger, Omar K. Siddiqi, Benedict Daniel Michael, Clayton Buback, Gretchen L. Birbeck
Summary: The study aimed to assess the role of the verbal component of GCS in nonintubated patients with encephalopathy and compare the performance of GCS and FOUR Score in mortality prediction. The results showed that the absence of a verbal component in GCS did not significantly impact the performance of the total GCS. Both GCS and FOUR Score are acceptable scoring tools for mortality prediction in resource-limited settings.
Article
Virology
Frauke Seehusen, Jordan J. Clark, Parul Sharma, Eleanor G. Bentley, Adam Kirby, Krishanthi Subramaniam, Sabina Wunderlin-Giuliani, Grant L. Hughes, Edward Patterson, Benedict D. Michael, Andrew Owen, Julian A. Hiscox, James P. Stewart, Anja Kipar
Summary: SARS-CoV-2 not only affects the respiratory tract but also causes neurological symptoms and neuroinflammation. Using transgenic mice, it was found that various SARS-CoV-2 variants can spread to the central nervous system (CNS) following intranasal infection and primarily infect neurons. The inflammatory response is mainly driven by microglia and immune cells, and microglia may play a significant role in the pathology and viral effects of COVID-19.
Article
Virology
Artur Capao, Maria L. Aguiar-Oliveira, Braulia C. Caetano, Thayssa K. Neves, Paola C. Resende, Walquiria A. F. Almeida, Milene D. Miranda, Olindo A. ssis Martins-Filho, David Brown, Marilda M. Siqueira, Cristiana C. Garcia
Summary: Annual vaccination against influenza is crucial in preventing deaths and hospitalizations. The effectiveness of trivalent inactivated influenza vaccines (TIV) is influenced by antigenic mismatches, age, previous immunity, and other host factors. A study on Brazilian volunteers revealed that TIV significantly enhanced antibody titers and seroprotection, but the response weakened over time. Regular evaluations based on regional influenza strain circulation and the factors affecting vaccine response are recommended.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nana Aisha Garba, Lea Sacca, Rachel D. Clarke, Prasad Bhoite, John Buschman, Virama Oller, Nancy Napolitano, Samuel Hyppolite, Sophia Lacroix, Al Archibald, Ocean Hamilton, Tobi Ash, David R. Brown
Summary: This study introduces an intervention measure taken by Florida International University to address the urgent need for food security during the pandemic. By collaborating with other departments, community partners, and donors, they successfully provided 1543 food boxes to participating households, emphasizing the importance of utilizing community resources to meet the needs during a crisis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Daiana Lima Almada, Arthur Daniel Rocha Alves, Luciane Almeida Amado Leon, Debora Familiar Rodrigues Macedo, Solange Artimos de Oliveira, Marilda Mendonca Siqueira, David Brown, Rita de Cassia Nasser Cubel Garcia
Summary: This study evaluated the feasibility of using in-house PCR-based assays for the rapid diagnosis and molecular characterization of B19 strains during outbreaks. The results showed that qPCR was more sensitive than cPCR for detecting B19-DNA in oral fluid (OF) samples, and OF had a lower viral load compared to serum. Sequence analysis confirmed the circulation of subgenotype G1a during the outbreaks.
BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Lea Sacca, Nana Aisha Garba, Rachel D. Clarke, Veronica Maroun, David R. Brown
Summary: This study aims to describe the main barriers to food security in low-income U.S. households caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, identify effective community-based implementation frameworks and strategies, and discuss the lessons learned from implementing community-based approaches during the pandemic.
JOURNAL OF HUNGER & ENVIRONMENTAL NUTRITION
(2023)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Corey Ratcliffe, Guleed Adan, Anthony Marson, Tom Solomon, Jitender Saini, Sanjib Sinha, Simon S. Keller
Summary: Neurocysticercosis (NCC), a parasitic CNS infection, is the leading global cause of acquired epilepsy but remains understudied. The factors contributing to recurrent seizures and the features predisposing to an epileptogenic state in NCC are uncertain.
SEIZURE-EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF EPILEPSY
(2023)
Review
Education & Educational Research
John A. Encandela, Lynn Shaull, Amy Jayas, Jonathan M. Amiel, David R. Brown, Vivian T. Obeso, Michael S. Ryan, Dorothy A. Andriole
Summary: In 2014, AAMC published 13 Core EPAs that graduating students should be able to perform when entering residency. A multi-year pilot was conducted to test the feasibility of implementing these EPAs. A case study in 2020-21 described the implementation experiences of pilot schools, highlighting the importance of team commitment, curriculum reform, inter-school collaboration, and robust formative feedback for student progress.
MEDICAL EDUCATION ONLINE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rachel D. Clarke, Nana Aisha Garba, Manuel A. Barbieri, Leonardo Acuna, Marianna Baum, Maribel Saad Rodriguez, Hansel Frias, Paulina Saldarriaga, Troy Stefano, Kalai Mathee, Giri Narasimhan, David R. Brown
Summary: This study investigates the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in public spaces and examines the effectiveness of inexpensive air purifiers with HEPA filters for viral detection. The results show the potential for airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in indoor air, especially in child daycare centers. Additionally, the study demonstrates the efficacy of readily available HEPA filters in detecting the virus. Improving indoor ventilation and implementing air filtration systems are crucial in reducing COVID-19 transmission.
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sylviane Defres, Kukatharmini Tharmaratnam, Benedict D. Michael, Mark Ellul, Nicholas W. S. Davies, Ava Easton, Michael. J. Griffiths, Maneesh Bhojak, Kumar Das, Hayley Hardwick, Chris Cheyne, Rachel Kneen, Antonieta Medina-Lara, Anne Christine Salter, Nicholas. J. Beeching, Enitan Carrol, Angela Vincent, Marta Garcia-Finana, Tom Solomon, Thomas Tischer, Richard John Lessells, Rizaldy Taslim Pinzon
Summary: This study aims to identify clinical predictors of different types of encephalitis to assist clinicians in considering early treatment. The results show that treatment initiation for autoimmune encephalitis is considerably delayed compared to HSV encephalitis.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Emily M. D'Agostino, Jorge Ramirez Garcia, Suzanne R. Bakken, Lisa Wruck, Ester Kim Nilles, Troy A. Stefano, Haley R. Martin, Annette Hungler, Rebecca E. Lee, Krista M. Perreirai, Marianna K. Baum, David Brown
Summary: This study examined the association of heritage and language preference with COVID-19 testing and vaccination outcomes among Hispanic participants. The findings showed that individuals identifying as Puerto Rican or Dominican were more likely to test for COVID-19, and South American heritage was associated with higher testing and vaccination rates. Speaking Spanish or another language at home was associated with increased testing and vaccination compared to speaking English at home.
PREVENTIVE MEDICINE REPORTS
(2023)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Rajish Sanjit Kumar Shil, Thomas William Hughes, Brendan Francis Sargent, Yun Huang, Arina Anna Tamborska, Bernhard Frank, Mark Alexander Ellul, Benedict Daniel Michael
Summary: COVID-19 is associated with a range of long-term neurological symptoms, including neuropathic pain, paraesthesia, numbness, and dysesthesia. The underlying causes of these symptoms are still unclear, but a biopsychosocial approach to management and early identification can help improve patients' quality of life.
EUROPEAN ARCHIVES OF PSYCHIATRY AND CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Education, Scientific Disciplines
Adam M. Garber, Allison R. Ownby, Gregory Trimble, Meenakshy K. Aiyer, David R. Brown, Douglas Grbic
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a multi-institutional patient handover curriculum on observation/feedback frequency and skill acquisition for graduating medical students. The study found that graduates from institutions that implemented the shared curriculum had higher frequency of handover observation/feedback and stronger confidence in their handover skills.
MEDICAL SCIENCE EDUCATOR
(2022)
Letter
Immunology
Joshua J. Anzinger, Chadwic D. Mears, A. E. Ades, Keisha Francis, Yakima Phillips, Ynolde E. Leys, Moira J. Spyer, David Brown, Ana M. Bispo de Filippis, Eleni Nastouli, Thomas Byrne, Heather Bailey, Paulette Palmer, Lenroy Bryan, Karen Webster-Kerr, Carlo Giaquinto, Claire Thorne, Celia D. C. Christie, Brittiana Brown, Leroy Campbell, Carla Giaquinto, Georgiana Gordon-Strachan, Marlyn Grindley, Donna Kamicka, Clayton Kelly, John Lindo, Paul Mitchell, Orville Morgan, Alexander Onyonyor, Russell Pierre, Amanda Rousseau, Sofier Scott
Summary: To determine the extent of exposure to Zika virus (ZIKV) and chikungunya virus (CHIKV) in Jamaica, serum samples from 584 pregnant women were collected during 2017-2019. The results showed that 15.6% had antibodies against ZIKV and 83.6% against CHIKV. These findings suggest a potential recirculation of ZIKV in the near future, but not CHIKV.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
