Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Wei Perng, Rebecca Conway, Elizabeth Mayer-Davis, Dana Dabelea
Summary: In this narrative review, the authors provide an overview of the epidemiology of type 2 diabetes among children and adolescents, focusing on data from the U.S. and global estimates. They also discuss the clinical course of youth-onset type 2 diabetes, comparing it with type 1 diabetes, and highlight the importance of recognizing type 2 diabetes as a pediatric disease. The review concludes with an overview of emerging topics in type 2 diabetes research that can inform preventive strategies.
Article
Immunology
Sophie Jullien, Nipun Lakshitha de Silva, Paul Garner
Summary: By analyzing the literature, there was no direct evidence found to prove the transmission of Yersinia pestis from human corpses and animal carcasses, but it was concluded that pneumonic plague may be transmitted through intensive handling of the body, and bubonic plague may be transmitted through blood-to-blood contact with a corpse.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Susanne F. Awad, Amine A. Toumi, Kholood A. Al-Mutawaa, Salah A. Alyafei, Muhammad A. Ijaz, Shamseldin A. H. Khalifa, Suresh B. Kokku, Amit C. M. Mishra, Benjamin Poovelil, Mounir B. Soussi, Katie G. El-Nahas, Abdulla O. Al-Hamaq, Julia A. Critchley, Mohammed H. Al-Thani, Laith J. Abu-Raddad
Summary: This study aimed to forecast the burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Qatar and found that the prevalence, number of cases, and incidence will increase sharply between 2021 and 2050. Obesity is one of the main risk factors and there are variations in the disease burden among different nationality groups.
BMJ OPEN DIABETES RESEARCH & CARE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Studies
Kent B. Barnes
Summary: There was a female bias in deaths during the last epidemic of bubonic plague in metropolitan London, which was different from the usual pattern of higher male mortality. This study examines the reasons behind this gender bias through statistical analyses and a review of prior studies. It suggests that greater female vulnerability to the disease and increased deaths from childbed during the plague year contributed to the higher number of female deaths. Furthermore, gendered divisions of labour and tasks assigned during the epidemic resulted in greater exposure of women to the plague.
ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS-HUMAN AND POLICY DIMENSIONS
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Julia H. Goedecke, Kim A. Nguyen, Clement Kufe, Maphoko Masemola, Tinashe Chikowore, Amy E. Mendham, Shane A. Norris, Nigel J. Crowther, Fredrik Karpe, Tommy Olsson, Andre Pascal Kengne, Lisa K. Micklesfield
Summary: This study demonstrates for the first time that the IDF Europid WC thresholds are not appropriate for an African population, and African-specific WC thresholds perform better than the IDF Europid thresholds to predict incident dysglycaemia and T2D.
DIABETES OBESITY & METABOLISM
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rosanna Capparelli, Domenico Iannelli
Summary: Epigenetic marks the genome through DNA methylation, histone modification, or non-coding RNAs, guiding cells to respond to environmental cues and maintain stable gene expression. Studies have revealed associations between DNA methylation and conditions such as body mass index, obesity, and Type 2 Diabetes, highlighting the potential therapeutic value of epigenetic research.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Kathryn A. Glatter, Paul Finkelman
Summary: The article discusses the devastating impact of the Black Death in the fourteenth century, highlighting the causative agent, transmission methods, and treatment options of the plague. It also explores historical events related to the plague, such as the blaming of Jews, and points out the repercussions of scapegoating minorities in current epidemics.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Tiffany Scully, Abora Ettela, Derek LeRoith, Emily Jane Gallagher
Summary: Obesity and type 2 diabetes are both linked to increased cancer risk, with metabolic abnormalities playing a key role in the relationship and progression of cancer. Multiple mechanisms, including insulin signaling, lipid and glucose metabolism, as well as changes in adipose tissue, are proposed to be involved in the association between obesity, diabetes, and cancer.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Ioannis Stefanogiannis, Spyros N. Michaleas, Eleni Papadaki, Ioannis Mouzas, Marianna Karamanou
Summary: The plague is a highly dangerous infectious disease that has caused numerous pandemics and over 200 million deaths throughout history. Crete, like other parts of Greece, experienced the devastating impact of the plague during the 19th century, resulting in significant mortality and hindering the island's social and economic development. Factors such as a lack of medical professionals, organized health systems, knowledge about the disease's origin and transmission, and religious beliefs contributed to the ease of spread and difficulty in controlling the plague.
CUREUS JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Robin John Shattock, Voahangy Andrianaivoarimanana, Paul F. Mckay, Lovasoa Nomena Randriantseheno, Valarmathy Murugaiah, K. Samnuan, Paul Rogers, John S. Tregoning, Minoarisoa Rajerison, Kristoffer M. Moore, Thomas Robert Laws, E. Diane Williamson
Summary: In this study, mice were immunized with self-amplifying RNA constructs encoding the essential virulence antigens of Yersinia pestis. The results showed that the saRNA vaccine provided protection against subsequent challenge with Y. pestis. This RNA vaccine approach has the potential for further development and can be rapidly manufactured and deployed during disease outbreaks.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Ehtasham Ahmad, Soo Lim, Roberta Lamptey, David R. Webb, Melanie J. Davies
Summary: Type 2 diabetes accounts for nearly 90% of global diabetes cases, with an increasing number of affected individuals, particularly among young people. Early detection and proactive management are crucial for preventing complications and reducing mortality. Technology and precision medicine offer potential improvements to treatment outcomes but face significant barriers.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Kimberly P. Newton, Laura A. Wilson, Nancy A. Crimmins, Mark H. Fishbein, Jean P. Molleston, Stavra A. Xanthakos, Cynthia Behling, Jeffrey B. Schwimmer
Summary: The study aimed to determine the incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in children with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and identify associated risk factors. The results showed a high incidence rate of T2D in children with NAFLD, and being female, having a higher BMI z-score, and more severe liver histology were independent risk factors for T2D development.
CLINICAL GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Emanuel Fryk, Vagner R. R. Silva, Per-Anders Jansson
Summary: Galectin-1 plays a crucial role in obesity and insulin resistance, and may be associated with the development and progression of type 2 diabetes and its complications.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Shylaja Srinivasan, Ling Chen, Jennifer Todd, Jasmin Divers, Samuel Gidding, Steven Chernausek, Rose A. Gubitosi-Klug, Megan M. Kelsey, Rachana Shah, Mary Helen Black, Lynne E. Wagenknecht, Alisa Manning, Jason Flannick, Giuseppina Imperatore, Josep M. Mercader, Dana Dabelea, Jose C. Florez
Summary: In this study, a multiethnic collaboration named ProDiGY identified genetic variants predisposing to youth-onset type 2 diabetes, including seven genome-wide significant loci such as the novel locus rs10992863 in PHF2. Secondary analysis revealed an additional locus in CPEB2, providing insights into the genetic underpinnings of youth-onset type 2 diabetes.
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Emma K. Rautenberg, Yassin Hamzaoui, Dawn K. Coletta
Summary: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity present major challenges in public health. Understanding the molecular mechanisms contributing to these metabolic disorders, particularly insulin resistance, is crucial. Impaired mitochondria structure and function are common features in insulin-resistant individuals with T2D or obesity, potentially due to epigenetic regulation of mitochondrial and nuclear-encoded genes. Investigating mitochondrial abnormalities is important for gaining insights into the pathogenesis of diabetes and obesity.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Karina Doris Vihta, Koen B. Pouwels, Tim Ea Peto, Emma Pritchard, Thomas House, Ruth Studley, Emma Rourke, Duncan Cook, Ian Diamond, Derrick Crook, David A. Clifton, Philippa C. Matthews, Nicole Stoesser, David W. Eyre, Ann Sarah Walkerand
Summary: A UK community study found that loss of taste/smell was less common in Omicron BA.1/BA.2 infections compared to Delta severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infections. There were smaller declines in reported shortness of breath, myalgia, and fatigue/weakness, but increases in sore throat, challenging symptom-based testing algorithms.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nicolas Shiaelis, Alexander Tometzki, Leon Peto, Andrew McMahon, Christof Hepp, Erica Bickerton, Cyril Favard, Delphine Muriaux, Monique Andersson, Sarah Oakley, Ali Vaughan, Philippa C. Matthews, Nicole Stoesser, Derrick W. Crook, Achillefs N. Kapanidis, Nicole C. Robb
Summary: The increasing frequency and magnitude of viral outbreaks in recent decades, epitomized by the COVID-19 pandemic, has led to an urgent need for rapid and sensitive diagnostic methods. In this study, a methodology for virus detection and identification using a convolutional neural network is presented. The trained neural network was able to differentiate SARS-CoV-2 from negative clinical samples and other respiratory pathogens, as well as closely related strains of influenza and SARS-CoV-2 variants. This approach offers a promising alternative to traditional viral diagnostic and genomic sequencing methods.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Asgeir Johannessen, Alexander J. Stockdale, Marc Y. R. Henrion, Edith Okeke, Moussa Seydi, Gilles Wandeler, Mark Sonderup, C. Wendy Spearman, Michael Vinikoor, Edford Sinkala, Hailemichael Desalegn, Fatou Fall, Nicholas Riches, Pantong Davwar, Mary Duguru, Tongai Maponga, Jantjie Taljaard, Philippa C. Matthews, Monique Andersson, Souleyman Mboup, Roger Sombie, Yusuke Shimakawa, Maud Lemoine
Summary: This study evaluated the performance of fibrosis biomarkers for the diagnosis of fibrosis and cirrhosis in chronic hepatitis B patients living in sub-Saharan Africa. The aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index recommended by the World Health Organization had low sensitivity in detecting cirrhosis. Optimal thresholds were identified for improved diagnosis and treatment recommendations in this setting.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Virology
Jose Lourenco, Anna L. McNaughton, Caitlin Pley, Uri Obolski, Sunetra Gupta, Philippa C. Matthews
Summary: A machine learning approach was used in this study to identify 10 informative amino acid sites in the HBV genome that can be used to distinguish between different genotypes. These sites were predominantly located in the spacer domain of the polymerase gene, rather than the core protein. These findings improve genotype prediction and provide insights into HBV evolution.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Esther Ng, Mihaela-Olivia Dobrica, James M. Harris, Yanxia Wu, Senko Tsukuda, Peter A. C. Wing, Paolo Piazza, Peter Balfe, Philippa C. Matthews, M. Azim Ansari, Jane A. McKeating
Summary: This study used oligonucleotide enrichment and PacBio long read sequencing to identify the repertoire of HBV RNAs. The method allowed for the detection of up to 25% viral sequences and the identification of canonical and non-canonical viral-human transcripts. RNA isolated from de novo HBV infected cells and transfected cells were used to assess the viral transcriptome and annotate truncations and polyadenylation profiles. The enrichment capture and PacBio sequencing method provides an accurate mapping of the HBV transcriptome.
JOURNAL OF GENERAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jia Wei, Philippa Matthews, Nicole Stoesser, John Newton, Ian Diamond, Ruth Studley, Nick Taylor, John Bell, Jeremy Farrar, Jaison Kolenchery, Brian Marsden, Sarah Hoosdally, E. Yvonne Jones, David Stuart, Derrick Crook, Tim E. A. I. Peto, A. Sarah Walker, Koen Pouwels, David Eyre
Summary: This study finds that breakthrough infections provide longer-lasting protection against new Omicron BA.4/5 infections than booster vaccinations. The duration and strength of protection resulting from a booster vaccine dose or breakthrough infection are not well understood.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
John Buckell, Joel Jones, Philippa C. Matthews, Sir Ian Diamond, Emma Rourke, Ruth Studley, Duncan Cook, Ann Sarah Walker, Koen B. Pouwels
Summary: The physiological effects of COVID-19 vaccination are well-documented, but the impact on behavior is not well understood. Risk compensation theory suggests that individuals may engage in more risky activities after being vaccinated, offsetting the gains in personal safety. This study found that behavior was not directly related to personal vaccination status, but was influenced by the level of vaccination in the wider population, indicating a potential risk compensation effect.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Review
Biology
Emily Martyn, Sarah Eisen, Nicky Longley, Philippa Harris, Julian Surey, James Norman, Michael Brown, Binta Sultan, Tongai G. Maponga, Collins Iwuji, Stuart Flanagan, Indrajit Ghosh, Alistair Story, Philippa C. Matthews
Summary: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a significant global health threat, causing millions of chronic infections and deaths each year. The impact of HBV disproportionately affects marginalized populations and exacerbates healthcare inequities. The 'inclusion health' agenda seeks to address these disparities and improve HBV diagnosis, treatment, and prevention for excluded populations, contributing to the global goal of eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat.
Article
Immunology
Nombuyiselo Mofokeng, Tongai G. Maponga, Marije van Schalkwyk, Susan Hugo, Molefi Daniel Morobadi, Sabeehah Vawda, Leane Badenhorst, Cloete van Vuuren, Christo van Rensburg, Wolfgang Preiser, Jantjie Taljaard, Su Wang, Veronica Miller, Dan Wu, Joseph D. Tucker, Janet Seeley, Dominique Goedhals, Philippa C. Matthews
Summary: High profile international goals have been set for the elimination of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection as a public health threat by the year 2030. Developing and expanding equitable, accessible translational HBV research programmes that represent real-world populations are an urgent priority for clinical and academic communities. We present experiences and insights by an expert interdisciplinary group focusing on barriers that impede adults living with HBV infection from participating in clinical studies.
JOURNAL OF VIRUS ERADICATION
(2023)
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Philippa C. Matthews, Ponsiano Ocama, Su Wang, Manal El-Sayed, Anna Turkova, Deborah Ford, Judith Torimiro, Ana Cristina Garcia Ferreira, Angelica Espinosa Miranda, Fernando Pio De La Hoz Restrepo, Emmanuel Seremba, Robinson Mbu, Calvin Q. Pan, Homie Razavi, Geoffrey Dusheiko, C. Wendy Spearman, Saeed Hamid
Summary: Prevention of mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is crucial for eliminating viral hepatitis, but current guidelines are not consistently followed, especially in high endemicity settings. This article summarizes the evidence for current practice and discusses potential ways to enhance prevention efforts. By reducing health inequities, improving resource allocation, addressing data gaps, advocating for change, and securing consistent investment, significant progress can be made to reduce vertical transmission of HBV.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Shona C. Moore, Barbara Kronsteiner, Stephanie Longet, Sandra Adele, Alexandra S. Deeks, Chang Liu, Wanwisa Dejnirattisai, Laura Silva Reyes, Naomi Meardon, Sian Faustini, Saly Al-Taei, Tom Tipton, Luisa M. Hering, Adrienn Angyal, Rebecca Brown, Alexander R. Nicols, Susan L. Dobson, Piyada Supasa, Aekkachai Tuekprakhon, Andrew Cross, Jessica K. Tyerman, Hailey Hornsby, Irina Grouneva, Megan Plowright, Peijun Zhang, Thomas A. H. Newman, Jeremy M. Nell, Priyanka Abraham, Mohammad Ali, Tom Malone, Isabel Neale, Eloise Phillips, Joseph D. Wilson, Sam M. Murray, Martha Zewdie, Adrian Shields, Emily C. Horner, Lucy H. Booth, Lizzie Stafford, Sagida Bibi, Daniel G. Wootton, Alexander J. Mentzer, Christopher P. Conlon, Katie Jeffery, Philippa C. Matthews, Andrew J. Pollard, Anthony Brown, Sarah L. Rowland-Jones, Juthathip Mongkolsapaya, Rebecca P. Payne, Christina Dold, Teresa Lambe, James E. D. Thaventhiran, Gavin Screaton, Eleanor Barnes, Susan Hopkins, Victoria Hall, Christopher J. A. Ducan, Alex Richter, Miles Carroll, Thushan I. de Silva, Paul Klenerman, Susann Dunachie, Lance Turtle, PITCH Consortium
Summary: In this study, the researchers observed the immune response changes in 684 UK healthcare workers after receiving two doses of BNT162b2 or AZD1222 vaccines during a follow-up period of 6-9 months. The study found that the antibody and memory B cell responses were relatively stable, while the levels of binding and neutralizing antibodies declined. The study also found that individuals with prior infection had stronger and broader T cell responses to the vaccine, especially after receiving the third dose.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Yasir Shitu Isa, Jonathan Sicsic, Henry Njuguna, John Ward, Mohamed Chakroun, Mohamed El-Kassas, Rado Ramanampamonjy, Salim Chalal, Jeanne Perpetue Vincent, Monique Andersson, Hailemichael Desalegn, Fatou Fall, Asgeir Johannessen, Philippa C. Matthews, Gibril Ndow, Edith Okeke, Nicholas Riches, Moussa Seydi, Edford Sinkala, C. Wendy Spearman, Alexander Stockdale, Michael J. Vinikoor, Gilles Wandeler, Roger Sombie, Maud Lemoine, Judith E. Mueller, Yusuke Shimakawa
Summary: To eliminate the transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) from mother to child, immunoprophylaxis for infants and antiviral prophylaxis for pregnant women with high viral loads are needed. Rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) detecting alternative HBV markers may be necessary in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) where real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is not accessible or affordable. Through a discrete choice experiment (DCE), healthcare workers (HCWs) in Africa expressed their preferences and trade-offs for different attributes of fictional RDTs.
Article
Immunology
Jane Millar, Gabriela Z. L. Cromhout, Noxolo Mchunu, Nomonde Bengu, Thumbi Ndung'u, Philip J. Goulder, Philippa C. Matthews, Anna L. McNaughton
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in a cohort of HIV-transmitting mother-child pairs in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The study found a high proportion of HBV infection and exposure in the maternal samples, as well as a high risk of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT). The study suggests the need to increase access to birth dose vaccines for infants.
OPEN FORUM INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Iain A. A. Gillespie, Eleanor Barnes, Ian C. K. Wong, Philippa C. C. Matthews, Graham S. S. Cooke, Craig Tipple, Robert C. C. Elston, Yunhao Liu, David A. A. Smith, Tingyan Wang, Jim Davies, Kinga A. A. Varnai, Oliver Freeman, Kenneth K. C. Man, Wallis C. Y. Lau, Ben Glampson, Xing Meng, Eleonora Morais, Sen Liu, Luca Mercuri, Naomi Boxall, Sarah Jenner, Stuart Kendrick, Jane Dong, Dickens Theodore
Summary: This study aimed to characterize patients with chronic HBV infection across different continents and determine their treatment need. The results showed that a considerable proportion of patients who were indicated for treatment were currently untreated, including many patients with fibrosis/cirrhosis.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES AND THERAPY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Nicholas Riches, Michael Vinikoor, Alice Guingane, Asgeir Johannessen, Maud Lemoine, Philippa Matthews, Edith Okeke, Yusuke Shimakawa, Roger Sombie, Alexander Stockdale, Gilles Wandeler, Monique Andersson, Pantong Davwar, Hailemichael Desalegn, Mary Duguru, Fatou Fall, Tongai Maponga, David Nyam Paul, Moussa Seydi, Edford Sinkala, Jantjie Taljaard, Mark Sonderup, C. Wendy Spearman
Summary: Approximately 80 million people in the WHO Africa Region live with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The natural history of HBV infection in this region is poorly understood and may be different due to various factors. The Hepatitis B in Africa Collaborative Network (HEPSANET) was established in 2022 to improve understanding through data collection and analysis from 13 collaborating HBV cohorts in eight African countries. Baseline data analysis of 4,173 participants with chronic HBV infection revealed important insights.
EPIDEMIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2023)