Article
Microbiology
Yingyu Chen, Wenjun Zhai, Kailun Zhang, Han Liu, Tingting Zhu, Li Su, Luiz Bermudez, Huanchun Chen, Aizhen Guo
Summary: This study examined the differential expression of sRNAs in Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) infection models, finding that many were associated with lipid metabolism. One particular sRNA, ncBCG427, was significantly downregulated when BCG entered macrophages and was linked to increased biofilm formation. The results suggest that virulence reduction in mycobacteria may be dependent on the regulation of lipid metabolism.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Tong Qiu, Guangping Luo, Jinfeng Jiang, Ping Ding, Qintong Li
Summary: This study establishes an industrial strain of Mycobacterium phlei (M. phlei) and characterizes its genomic, metabolic, and immunological profiles. The strain has been stably passed for more than a decade and shows potential as an immunomodulating agent. Immunophenotyping and metabolomic analysis demonstrate immune responses and consistent metabolic profiles in mice treated with the strain. The results suggest highly reproducible production of M. phlei under GMP conditions.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Giovanni Ghielmetti, Anne M. Kupca, Matthias Hanczaruk, Ute Friedel, Hubert Weinberger, Sandra Revilla-Fernandez, Erwin Hofer, Julia M. Riehm, Roger Stephan, Walter Glawischnig
Summary: This article reports three cases of M. microti infections in free-ranging red deer, with manifestations including pyogranulomatous pleuropneumonia and granulomas on the pericardium. Phylogenetic analysis revealed independent infection events without host-adapted genotype. Awareness of the pathogenicity and zoonotic potential of M. microti is important for personnel involved in bovine tuberculosis-monitoring programs.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Yingying Cui, Guanghui Dang, Hui Wang, Yiyi Tang, Mingyue Lv, Siguo Liu, Ningning Song
Summary: In this study, the role and mechanism of DosR in Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) were investigated using omics analysis. The results showed that deleting DosR significantly affected the transcriptional levels of genes and proteins. Targeted metabolomics data revealed that DosR knockout upregulated L-Aspartic acid and serine synthesis while downregulating seven other amino acids. These findings suggest that DosR regulates amino acid synthesis and metabolism, providing insights into its novel regulatory target.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Asegedech Sirak, Begna Tulu, Berecha Bayissa, Balako Gumi, Stefan Berg, Francisco J. Salguero, Gobena Ameni
Summary: The study found that calves vaccinated with BCG exhibited stronger local immune responses in the lymph nodes and lungs when infected with M.bovis compared to non-vaccinated calves. The incidence of bTB visible lesions was lower in vaccinated calves, suggesting a potential role of BCG vaccination in reducing the severity of primary infection sites.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biology
Qingmei Jia, Sasa Maslesa-Galic, Susana Nava, Marcus A. Horwitz
Summary: This study developed new tuberculosis vaccines based on attenuated recombinant Listeria monocytogenes and evaluated them in mouse and guinea pig models. The vaccines showed good safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy, indicating their potential as new tuberculosis vaccines.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Yongchong Peng, Xiaojie Zhu, Lin Gao, Jieru Wang, Han Liu, Tingting Zhu, Yifan Zhu, Xin Tang, Changmin Hu, Xi Chen, Huanchun Chen, Yingyu Chen, Aizhen Guo
Summary: This study aimed to identify the role of a novel protein Rv0309 in Mycobacterium tuberculosis in inhibiting the host inflammatory response and enhancing bacterial survival. Rv0309 was found to decrease cell wall permeability and suppress cytokine production through NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Shannon C. Duffy, Manigandan Venkatesan, Shubhada Chothe, Indira Poojary, Valsan Philip Verghese, Vivek Kapur, Marcel A. Behr, Joy Sarojini Michael
Summary: The study describes the development of a two-step multiplex real-time PCR assay to detect and identify BCG strains. The assay has shown potential in accurately identifying BCG from cultures and infected tissue, offering a rapid method for diagnosis and patient management. Identifying and differentiating BCG strains may also be valuable for BCG vaccine pharmacovigilance.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Neelam Mukherjee, Esther Julian, Jordi B. Torrelles, Robert S. Svatek
Summary: The BCG vaccine, originally developed to protect against active tuberculosis, has shown impressive antitumor activity, particularly in preventing bladder cancer. Recent studies indicate the importance of both innate and adaptive cell responses in BCG therapy, with cells like NK cells, macrophages, dendritic cells, neutrophils, as well as T cells playing key roles in eradicating cancer cells.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Samuel J. Vidal, Daniel Sellers, Jingyou Yu, Shoko Wakabayashi, Jaimie Sixsmith, Malika Aid, Julia Barrett, Sage F. Stevens, Xiaowen Li, Wenjun Li, Courtney R. Plumlee, Kevin B. Urdahl, Amanda J. Martinot, Dan H. Barouch
Summary: This study found that the live attenuated Mycobacterium tuberculosis vaccine Delta LprG provided better protection compared to BCG in a low-dose murine aerosol challenge model, preventing infection establishment and dissemination and confining the infection to one lung. The protection was partially influenced by certain cytokines.
Article
Microbiology
Mengjin Qu, Zhengmin Liang, Yulan Chen, Yuanzhi Wang, Haoran Wang, Ziyi Liu, Yiduo Liu, Yuhui Dong, Xin Ge, Hao Li, Xiangmei Zhou
Summary: Research shows that antibodies targeting the cell wall of M. bovis can protect against infection by promoting phagocytosis, inhibiting bacterial growth, and enhancing phagosome-lysosome fusion. This study highlights the importance of these antibodies in defense against tuberculosis.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Ming Li, Yoshiyuki Yamada, G. Marcela Rodriguez, Thomas Dick, Mei Lin Go
Summary: The research demonstrates that the redox cycler SA23, by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), simulates an iron-deficient state in bacteria and enhances its bactericidal activity by increasing the expression of iron acquisition genes. Further exacerbating iron deficiency or oxidative stress enhances the activity of SA23. This study suggests that redox cyclers that perturb iron homeostasis and cellular respiration could be potent next-generation anti-tubercular drugs.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Reginaldo G. Bastos, Heba F. Alzan, Vignesh A. Rathinasamy, Brian M. Cooke, Odir A. Dellagostin, Raul G. Barletta, Carlos E. Suarez
Summary: This article discusses the potential use of BCG TI as a strategy to control babesiosis infection more efficiently, supported by experimental evidence and the possibility of vaccine development.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Miquel de Homdedeu, Lidia Sanchez-Moral, Concepcio Violan, Neus Rafols, Dan Ouchi, Berta Martin, Miguel A. Peinado, Alheli Rodriguez-Cortes, Marta Arch-Sisquella, Daniel Perez-Zsolt, Jordana Munoz-Basagoiti, Nuria Izquierdo-Useros, Betlem Salvador, Joan Matllo, Sergi Lopez-Serrano, Joaquim Segales, Cristina Vilaplana, Pere Toran-Monserrat, Rosa Morros, Ramon Monfa, Maria-Rosa Sarrias, Pere-Joan Cardona
Summary: The study aims to analyze whether heat-killed environmental mycobacteria can induce trained immunity against SARS-CoV-2 infection. The results show that heat-killed mycobacteria induce cellular immune changes in vitro, but no similar effects were observed when orally administered in vivo.
Article
Microbiology
C. Kanipe, P. M. Boggiatto, E. J. Putz, M. V. Palmer
Summary: The study found that BCG vaccination can reduce the number and size of tuberculosis lesions, decrease necrosis, and increase fibrosis in low-grade lesions. Vaccination has minimal impact on mineralization and density of multinucleated giant cells.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Wanqing Wu, Ding Ding, Qianhua Zhao, Zhenxu Xiao, Jianfeng Luo, Mary Ganguli, Tiffany F. Hughes, Erin Jacobsen, Mary N. Haan, Kristine van Dang, Maria Fernanda Lima-Costa, Sergio Luis Blay, Erico de Castro-Costa, Tze Pin Ng, Xinyi Gwee, Qi Gao, Oye Gureje, Akin Ojagbemi, Toyin Bello, Suzana Shahar, Arimi Fitri Mat Ludin, Nurul Fatin Malek Rivan, Nikolaos Scarmeas, Costas A. Anastasiou, Mary Yannakoulia, Henry Brodaty, John D. Crawford, Richard B. Lipton, Carol A. Derby, Mindy J. Katz, Darren M. Lipnicki, Perminder S. Sachdev
Summary: This multinational study found that engaging in 3.1 to 6.0 hours of physical activity per week and expending 9.1 to 18.0 MET-hours of energy may reduce the risk of dementia among older adults.
ALZHEIMERS & DEMENTIA
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bruna Goncalves, Ana Barbosa, Ana Raquel Soares, Mariana Henriques, Sonia Silva
Summary: This study reveals the regulatory role of the transcription factor Sfi1 on Candida albicans biofilms under acidic conditions. Despite being a filamentation repressor, Sf1 is required for maximal biofilm formation under acidic conditions. The study also identifies the complex regulatory network of Sfi1 in acidic biofilms, involving positive and negative regulation of transcription factors and their targets.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Jessica Gong, Katie Harris, Darren M. Lipnicki, Erico Castro-Costa, Maria Fernanda Lima-Costa, Breno S. Diniz, Shifu Xiao, Richard B. Lipton, Mindy J. Katz, Cuiling Wang, Pierre-Marie Preux, Maelenn Guerchet, Antoine Gbessemehlan, Karen Ritchie, Marie-Laure Ancelin, Ingmar Skoog, Jenna Najar, Therese Rydberg Sterner, Nikolaos Scarmeas, Mary Yannakoulia, Mary H. Kosmidis, Antonio Guaita, Elena Rolandi, Annalisa Davin, Oye Gureje, Stella Trompet, Jacobijn Gussekloo, Steffi Riedel-Heller, Alexander Pabst, Susanne Rohr, Suzana Shahar, Devinder Kaur Ajit Singh, Nurul Fatin Malek Rivan, Martin van Boxtel, Sebastian Kohler, Mary Ganguli, Chung-Chou Chang, Erin Jacobsen, Mary Haan, Ding Ding, Qianhua Zhao, Zhenxu Xiao, Kenji Narazaki, Tao Chen, Sanmei Chen, Tze Pin Ng, Xinyi Gwee, Katya Numbers, Karen A. Mather, Marcia Scazufca, Antonio Lobo, Concepcion De-la-Camara, Elena Lobo, Perminder S. Sachdev, Henry Brodaty, Maree L. Hackett, Sanne A. E. Peters, Mark Woodward
Summary: This meta-analysis of data from 21 cohorts across six continents found that women have a higher risk of developing dementia than men, especially in low- and lower-middle-income economies. Longer education and former alcohol use are stronger risk factors for dementia in men than in women, while other risk factors have similar effects in both genders.
ALZHEIMERS & DEMENTIA
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Gowsaly Mahalingam, Suraj Samtani, Ben Chun Pan Lam, Darren M. Lipnicki, Maria Fernanda Lima-Costa, Sergio Luis Blay, Erico Castro-Costa, Shifu Xiao, Maelenn Guerchet, Pierre-Marie Preux, Antoine Gbessemehlan, Ingmar Skoog, Jenna Najar, Therese Rydberg Sterner, Nikolaos Scarmeas, Mary Yannakoulia, Themis Dardiotis, Ki-Woong Kim, Steffi Riedel-Heller, Susanne Roehr, Alexander Pabst, Suzana Shahar, Katya Numbers, Mary F. Ganguli, Tiffany Hughes, Chung-Chou H. Chang, Michael Crowe, Tze Pin Ng, Xinyi Gwee, Denise Qian Ling Chua, Joanna Rymaszewska, Karin Wolf-Ostermann, Anna-Karin Welmer, Jean Stafford, Rene Melis, Myrra Vernooij-Dassen, Yun-Hee Jeon, Perminder S. Sachdev, Henry Brodaty
Summary: Based on individual participant data from 13 longitudinal ageing studies, the study found that social connections are associated with lower risks of mild cognitive impairment, dementia, and mortality. Specifically, good social connection structure and quality are linked to lower risk of incident mild cognitive impairment, while social connection structure and function are related to lower risk of incident dementia and mortality. In Asian cohorts, being married/in a relationship is associated with reduced risk of dementia, and having a confidante is associated with reduced risk of dementia and mortality.
ALZHEIMERS & DEMENTIA
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Jonas Gordilho Souza, Daniela Souza Farias-Itao, Marlon J. R. Aliberti, Laiss Bertola, Fabiola Bof de Andrade, Maria Fernanda Lima-Costa, Cleusa P. Ferri, Claudia K. Suemoto
Summary: This study investigated the association between social isolation and cognitive performance in the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging, finding that better social connections were associated with better cognition, while perceived loneliness was associated with worse cognition. Additionally, depressive symptoms weakened the associations between social isolation or loneliness and cognitive performance.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Bruno de Souza Moreira, Amanda Cristina de Souza Andrade, Alessandra de Carvalho Bastone, Juliana Lustosa Torres, Luciana de Souza Braga, Nair Tavares Milhem Ygnatios, Juliana Vaz de Melo Mambrini, Maria Fernanda Lima-Costa, Renata Noce Kirkwood
Summary: This study examined home-based gait speed performance for men and women stratified by age group and its associations with sociodemographic and anthropometric variables. The results showed that median gait speed decreased with increasing age and was significantly lower in women than men. Age group, education, and waist circumference were significantly associated with gait speed.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Matheus Ghossain Barbosa, Deborah Oliveira, Maria Cecilia Martinelli, Ana Agata Mezzomo Keinert, Maria Fernanda Lima-Costa, Claudia Kimie Suemoto, Cleusa P. Ferri
Summary: This study investigated the association of hearing loss with depressive symptoms and cognitive function among older people in Brazil. The results showed that hearing loss was associated with a higher number of depressive symptoms but not worse cognitive performance. The use of a hearing aid was not significantly associated with cognitive performance or depressive symptoms, but its effective use was associated with reduced depressive symptoms.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Mycology
Liliana Fernandes, Raquel Costa, Mariana Henriques, Maria Elisa Rodrigues
Summary: Candida species maintained the same biofilm formation capacity and morphology in both simulated vaginal fluid (SVF) and Sabouraud Dextrose Broth (SDB), and the effect of vapor phase of oregano and white thyme essential oils (VP-EOs) was not affected by the SVF medium, suggesting their potential application as prophylactic or therapeutic treatment for biofilm-related vulvovaginal candidiasis.
JOURNAL DE MYCOLOGIE MEDICALE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Alexandra Catarina Pinto, Mariana Henriques, Pedro Gomes, Juliana Cruz, Fernanda Gomes
Summary: The study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity and durability of silver-modified textiles functionalized using fiber extrusion and exhaustion methods, and to investigate the influence of knitting structure and wash/dry conditions. The results showed that both methods achieved good antibacterial activity but had low durability to washing cycles. Additionally, knitting structure and washing/drying conditions affected the durability of antibacterial activity.
Article
Polymer Science
Tania Ferreira, Ana Catarina Vale, Alexandra C. Pinto, Rita V. Costa, Vania Pais, Diana Sousa, Fernanda Gomes, Graca Pinto, Jose Guilherme Dias, Ines P. Moreira, Carlos Mota, Joao Bessa, Joana C. Antunes, Mariana Henriques, Fernando Cunha, Raul Fangueiro
Summary: The development of advanced facemasks is a top priority for enhancing healthcare preparedness. This study characterized different polypropylene non-woven fabrics and used zinc oxide nanoparticles to functionalize the selected fabric for improved antimicrobial properties. The functionalized fabric showed promising results, with the ability to eradicate bacteria and inhibit virus growth. A three-layered facemask with antimicrobial capacity was developed and evaluated for filtration efficiency and breathability. These findings demonstrate the potential of these advanced facemasks for individual protection.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Pricila H. Mullachery, Maria Fernanda Lima-Costa, Antonio Ignacio de Loyola Filho
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence of pain and the use of prescription opioids among older adults in Brazil. It found a high prevalence of pain and 30% of those reporting pain used opioid analgesics. Therefore, monitoring the use of prescription opioids is crucial to prevent harmful consequences.
LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH-AMERICAS
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Alice Ferreira, Daniela Silva, Carina Almeida, Maria Elisa Rodrigues, Sonia Silva, Joana Castro, Dalila Mil-Homens, Isidro Garcia-Menino, Azucena Mora, Mariana Henriques, Ana Oliveira
Summary: This study evaluated the efficacy of phage vB_EcoM_FJ1 (FJ1) in reducing the load of pathogenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) and found that encapsulated FJ1 in microparticles significantly reduced the quantity of ETEC. Bacteriophage-insensitive mutants (BIMs) displayed weaker adaptability in the pig model.
VETERINARY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Jaquelini Betta Canever, Leticia Martins Candido, Bruno de Souza Moreira, Ana Lucia Danielewicz, Helena Iturvides Cimarosti, Maria Fernanda Lima-Costa, Nubia Carelli Pereira de Avelar
Summary: This study investigated the association between self-reported sleep problems and pain manifestations in older adults. The results showed that older adults with poor sleep quality, insomnia, and daytime sleepiness were more likely to report frequent pain and pain-related disability. These findings may inform the development of programs and public health policies.
EUROPEAN GERIATRIC MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jaquelini Betta Canever, Leticia Martins Candido, Bruno de Souza Moreira, Ana Lucia Danielewicz, Helena Iturvides Cimarosti, Maria Fernanda Lima-Costa, Nuhia Carelli Pereira de Avelar
Summary: Sleep problems, including insomnia and daytime sleepiness, are common among older adults. Factors such as female sex, presence of chronic diseases, poor diet, and self-rated health are associated with sleep problems. However, regular alcohol consumption may have a protective effect against initial insomnia. These findings can be used to develop strategies for addressing sleep problems in older adults.
CADERNOS DE SAUDE PUBLICA
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Janderson Diego Pimenta da Silva, Isadora Viegas Martins, Luciana Helena Reis Braga, Cesar Messias de Oliveira, Maria Fernanda Lima-Costa, Luciana de Souza Braga, Juliana Lustosa Torres
Summary: This study investigated the differences in determinants of active aging and their association with physical health between older adults in Brazil and England. The results showed that overall, the active aging determinants were worse in Brazil than in England, except for life satisfaction. Social determinants had the most significant difference, mainly due to lower education levels in Brazil. All determinants were associated with health in both countries, but the association was stronger with behavioral factors in England compared to Brazil.
CADERNOS DE SAUDE PUBLICA
(2023)
