Article
Immunology
Danchun Chen, Benyu Tang, Ying Li, Kelu Zheng, Xiaojing Li, Wenxiong Chen, Fei Gao, Yuanyuan Gao, Kaili Shi
Summary: This study collected information from 252 children with bacterial meningitis infected with Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, or Escherichia coli. The results showed distinct trends and age distribution for each pathogen. The antimicrobial resistance patterns for each pathogen were reviewed, providing guidance for drug use. Furthermore, blood white blood cell count was found to be a protective factor, while glucose levels in cerebrospinal fluid were a risk factor for hospitalization length.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Telmo Coelho, Maria Pacheco, Tiago Mendes, Joao Valente, Pedro Gil
Summary: This is a case report on a 66-year-old woman with Streptococcus agalactiae bacteremia presenting meningitis and septic arthritis of the left shoulder.
CUREUS JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Teodora Yaneva-Sirakova, Latchezar Traykov, Kiril Karamfiloff, Ivo Petrov, Julieta Hristova, Dobrin Vassilev
Summary: Carotid stenting can affect the levels of neurotrophins, which are important for the survival, development, and function of neurons.
ANNALS OF MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Konstantinos Karampatsas, Hannah Davies, Maren Mynarek, Nick Andrews, Paul T. Heath, Kirsty Le Doare
Summary: Prematurity/low birth weight and maternal colonization are major risk factors for late-onset Group B streptococcal infection. Future vaccine studies should identify the optimal time for vaccination during pregnancy to protect preterm infants.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Huiling Hu, Hongli Xia, Luxi Xu, Zhiwen Wang, Yishan Lu, Jichang Jian
Summary: This study explores the role of CD36 in the antimicrobial immunity of Nile tilapia. The results show that CD36 is conserved among species and is distributed in the cell membrane. CD36 gene is expressed in all tissues of healthy tilapia, with higher expression in immune tissues. Overexpression of CD36 reduces bacterial load and protects immune tissues from injury, and it also decreases pro-inflammatory factors and increases anti-inflammatory factors. CD36 may play a vital role in pathogen control and immune response in tilapia.
Article
Cell Biology
Kristin Jahn, Patience Shumba, Phoenicia Quach, Mathias Musken, Jan Wesche, Andreas Greinacher, Lakshmi Rajagopal, Sven Hammerschmidt, Nikolai Siemens
Summary: This study investigates the effects of GBS pigment on human platelets and finds that the pigment can induce platelet activation and necrotic cell death.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Pakpoom Phoompoung, Nantaporn Pirogard, Amornrut Leelaporn, Nasikarn Angkasekwinai
Summary: Invasive Group B streptococcal (iGBS) diseases are not uncommon in non-pregnant adults, particularly among older adults and those with diabetes. The study found that two-thirds of iGBS patients had bacteraemia, and the overall 30-day mortality rate was 11%.
ANNALS OF MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Angelica Pellegrini, Germana Lentini, Agata Fama, Andrea Bonacorsi, Viola Camilla Scoffone, Silvia Buroni, Gabriele Trespidi, Umberto Postiglione, Davide Sassera, Federico Manai, Giampiero Pietrocola, Arnaud Firon, Carmelo Biondo, Giuseppe Teti, Concetta Beninati, Giulia Barbieri
Summary: Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is able to switch from a harmless commensal to a pathogen responsible for neonatal meningitis. This study investigates the role of CodY, a global transcriptional regulator, in GBS virulence. Deletion of codY reduces the ability of the mutant strain to cause infections in animal models. CodY controls gene expression related to amino acid transport and metabolism, as well as surface proteins and virulence factors. Its activity is dependent on the availability of branched-chain amino acids.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Lamar S. Thomas, Nicholas A. Faiola, Emily Canessa, Yetrib Hathout, Laura C. Cook
Summary: This study evaluates the prevalence and relevance of BvaP repeated domains in GBS vaginal colonization. In silico analysis reveals that the number of repeats in the BvaP protein is not associated with GBS serotype, isolation site, or host. Experimental findings suggest that a smaller number of repeats leads to decreased bacterial chain length, but adherence to vaginal epithelial cells can be complemented using BvaP with different numbers of repeats. Further research will focus on understanding the host immune response to BvaP in vivo and the dependence of vaginal carriage or host response on the BvaP repeated domains.
INFECTION AND IMMUNITY
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Edmund Bedeley, Andrea Gori, Dorothy Yeboah-Manu, Kanny Diallo
Summary: This review examines the threat posed by group B streptococcus (GBS) and Streptococcus pneumoniae to human health, discussing current treatment options and vaccination status, as well as investigating the biology and structural similarities of these pathogens.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Allison N. Dammann, Anna B. Chamby, Francisco J. Gonzalez, Molly E. Sharp, Karina Flores, Ifrah Shahi, Sophia Dongas, Thomas A. Hooven, Adam J. Ratner
Summary: This study found that specific capsule types may provide an advantage in GBS vaginal colonization, but the success of certain GBS lineages may involve both capsule and non-capsule genetic elements.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Jasmine Arya, Divya Sharma, Dev Kumar, Ritu Jakhar, Alka Khichi, Mehak Dangi, Anil Kumar Chhillar
Summary: The aim of this study was to identify the genes responsible for causing neonatal meningitis in Streptococcus agalactiae. Comparative analysis revealed that the pathogenic strain of Streptococcus agalactiae has similarities with Streptococcus dysgalactiae, and the presence of resistant genes may provide a competitive advantage for survival. This research provides new insights into pathogenicity and can aid in the development of new drug development strategies.
INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Huiling Hu, Zhiwen Wang, Dapeng Yu, Liqun Xia, Wenjie Chen, Meng Long, Huimin Fan, Hongli Xia, Yishan Lu
Summary: TRAF2 plays a dual role in immune signaling transduction processes. In this study, OnTRAF2 was cloned from Nile tilapia and found to be widely expressed in healthy tilapia, with highest expression level in the brain. After Streptococcus agalactiae infection, the expression level of OnTRAF2 significantly increased, indicating its involvement in host defense against the infection.
FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Anesthesiology
Julia Sanchez-Sanchez, Cristina Vicente-Garcia, Daniel Canada-Garcia, Dionisio Martin-Zanca, Juan C. Arevalo
Summary: Pain serves as a protective mechanism against harmful stimuli, and the NGF/TrkA axis plays a crucial role as a pain mediator. However, the clinical approval of NGF antibodies is hindered due to side effects. This study reveals that ARMS/Kidins220, a scaffold protein for Trk receptors, modulates nociception. Reduction of ARMS/Kidins220 in TrkA-expressing cells results in hyperalgesia to certain stimuli, which can be reversed by simultaneous deletion of BDNF. Mechanistically, capsaicin-induced reduction of ARMS/Kidins220 leads to enhanced BDNF secretion. These findings highlight the role of ARMS/Kidins220 in the regulation of pain through the NGF/TrkA axis and BDNF secretion.
Article
Fisheries
Nguyen Ngoc Phuoc, Nguyen Thi Hue Linh, Chiara Crestani, Ruth N. Zadoks
Summary: Group B Streptococcus poses a major threat to the global aquaculture industry, especially tilapia farming. Environmental conditions impact fish susceptibility to GBS, with different clonal complexes showing varying levels of virulence. Changes in water temperature and pH can affect the outcome of fish infection with GBS.
Article
Neurosciences
Larissa Silva Joaquim, Lucineia Gainski Danielski, Sandra Bonfante, Erica Biehl, Khiany Mathias, Tais Denicol, Erick Bagio, Everton Venicius Lanzzarin, Richard Simon Machado, Gabriela Costa Bernades, Jaqueline Generoso, Amanda Della Giustina, Tatiana Barichello, Fabricia Petronilho
Summary: The study demonstrates that inhibiting NLRP3 activation with MCC950 can reduce brain oxidative damage after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in rats.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Gislaine Z. Reus, Morgana S. Abitante, Luana M. Manosso, Airam B. de Moura, Laura A. Borba, Maria Eduarda M. Botelho, Ana Caroline Darabas, Julia P. Demo, Joao Paulo Behenck, Camila O. Arent, Leandro Garbossa, Larissa Joaquim, Taiane A. Cardoso, Fabricia Petronilho, Joao Quevedo
Summary: This study investigated the effects of early stress, represented by maternal deprivation, on behavior and oxidative stress in rats. It was found that maternal deprivation can promote anxiety-like behavior and impair memory, while also increasing oxidative stress and altering antioxidant defenses. However, environmental enrichment was able to reverse these changes, although its effects were dependent on sex and developmental period.
MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2023)
News Item
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giselli Scaini, Joao Quevedo
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Letter
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Albert J. Fenoy, Joao Quevedo, Jair C. Soares
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Taiane de Azevedo Cardoso, Ritele H. Silva, Jessica L. Fernandes, Camila O. Arent, Graziela Amboni, Laura A. Borba, Alex Paulo Z. Padilha, Maria Eduarda M. Botelho, Amanda L. Maciel, Tatiana Barichello, Rodrigo Morales, Silvia Jose B. Soares, Margarete D. Bagatini, Claudia Dallagnol, Marta Elisa Brighenti, Zuleide Maria Ignacio, Joao Quevedo, Luciane B. Ceretta, Gislaine Z. Reus
Summary: This study investigates the influence of COVID-19 infection on mental health and finds that individuals with COVID-19 show greater severity of depressive symptoms, higher levels of stress, and greater C-reactive protein (CRP) than those without COVID-19. There is a positive correlation between stress and severity of anxiety, depression, and insomnia in individuals with or without COVID-19. CRP levels are associated with the severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms, as well as stress levels, in individuals with COVID-19.
JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS
(2023)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Debora de A. Simoes Moreira, Luis Eduardo Gauer, Guilherme Teixeira, Amanda Carolina Fonseca da Silva, Stefanie Cavalcanti, Joao Quevedo
Summary: This study compared the efficacy and tolerability of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and ketamine for different depression outcomes. The results showed no significant difference between ketamine and ECT in reducing the severity of depressive symptoms and response to therapy. However, there was a significant decrease in the risk of muscle pain with ketamine compared to ECT during treatment.
JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Taise Possamai-Della, Jose Henrique Cararo, Jorge M. Aguiar-Geraldo, Jefte Peper-Nascimento, Alexandra I. Zugno, Gabriel R. Fries, Joao Quevedo, Samira S. Valvassori
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of prenatal stress on behavior, HPA-axis, and epigenetic parameters in stressed dams and their offspring. It found that prenatal stress led to abnormal emotional behavior in female offspring, accompanied by hyperactivity of the HPA-axis and epigenetic adaptations in the activity of HDAC and DNMT, as well as acetylation in H3K9 and H3K14. In addition, prenatal stressed female offspring showed increased levels of ACTH compared to their male counterpart.
MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Camila N. C. Lima, Emese H. C. Kovacs, Salahudeen Mirza, Alexandra Del Favero-Campbell, Alexandre Paim Diaz, Joao Quevedo, Benney M. R. Argue, Jenny Gringer Richards, Aislinn Williams, John A. Wemmie, Vincent A. Magnotta, Jess G. Fiedorowicz, Jair C. Soares, Marie E. Gaine, Gabriel R. Fries
Summary: Bipolar disorder (BD) is associated with premature mortality and aging, including accelerated epigenetic aging. Suicide attempts (SA) are significantly higher in BD and are linked to decreased lifespan, biological aging, and poorer clinical outcomes. This study investigated the relationship between GrimAge, an epigenetic clock, and SA in BD individuals.
NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Jaqueline S. Generoso, Cristiano Julio Faller, Allan Collodel, Carlos Henrique Rocha Catalao, Diogo Dominguini, Fabricia Petronilho, Tatiana Barichello, Vijayasree V. Giridharan
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the role of NLRP3 and its inhibitor MCC950 in neurochemical, immunological, and behavioral parameters in the early and late stages of experimental pneumococcal meningitis. The results showed that the rats in the meningitis group had increased levels of cytokines, NLRP3, and microglial activation markers at 24 hours, and the use of MCC950 significantly reduced those levels. Although free from infection, the animals in the meningitis group at ten days demonstrated elevated cytokine levels and behavioral deficits, which were rescued by a single dose of NLRP3 inhibitor.
MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rafaela C. Cordeiro, Camila N. C. Lima, Gabriel R. Fries, Giovana Zunta-Soares, Jair C. Soares, Joao Quevedo, Giselli Scaini
Summary: This study investigates the impact of mitochondrial dysfunction on bipolar disorder (BD). The study finds that BD patients have a lower mitochondrial health index (MHI) compared to non-psychiatry controls, with a negative correlation between MHI and cell-free mtDNA levels. The study further reveals that MHI is related to the expression of mitochondria quality control (MQC) proteins, and a longer illness duration, worse functional status, and higher depressive symptoms are associated with lower MHI and higher cell-free mtDNA levels.
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vijayasree V. Giridharan, Celso S. G. Catumbela, Carlos Henrique R. Catalao, Juneyoung Lee, Bhanu P. Ganesh, Fabricia Petronilho, Felipe Dal-Pizzol, Rodrigo Morales, Tatiana Barichello
Summary: In this study, it was found that peripheral infection may be a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease pathology, and infection can accelerate cognitive decline and AD pathology. By inducing a polymicrobial infection in APP/PS1 mice through cecal ligation and puncture surgery, the study showed that sepsis led to increased Aβ deposition and activation of microglia around Aβ plaques in the brain. Furthermore, sepsis affected gut microbiome composition and structure, as well as short-chain fatty acid levels.
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
News Item
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Samira S. Valvassori, Joao Quevedo, Giselli Scaini
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Review
Psychiatry
Brisa S. Fernandes, Mehmet Enes Inam, Nitesh Enduru, Joao Quevedo, Zhongming Zhao
Summary: The objective of this study was to determine whether tryptophan and kynurenine pathway metabolites are altered in Alzheimer's disease (AD) through a systematic review and meta-analysis. The results showed a shift towards the kynurenine pathway in both the brain and periphery, with increased production of kynurenic acid in the brain but decreased production in peripheral blood. There were also dissociations between central and peripheral levels, as well as between plasma and serum for some metabolites. Overall, changes in the kynurenine pathway are suggested to be a core component of AD, but more research is needed to confirm and consolidate these findings.
BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Leonardo Baldacara, Cesar Augusto Trinta Weber, Miriam Gorender, Roberta R. Grudtner, Sandra Peu, Ana Luiza Silva Teles, Ives Passos Cavalcante, Joao Quevedo, Antonio Geraldo da Silva
Summary: This article evaluates the effectiveness of crisis hotlines in preventing suicide through a systematic review. The findings indicate that crisis hotlines are effective when included in broader prevention programs and staffed by trained professionals. However, further research is needed to identify key components that enhance effectiveness.
BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Review
Psychiatry
Mehmet Enes Inam, Brisa S. Fernandes, Estela Salagre, Iria Grande, Eduard Vieta, Joao Quevedo, Zhongming Zhao
Summary: This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the KYN pathway metabolites in cerebrospinal fluid samples from patients with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. The results showed that KA levels were increased in schizophrenia, while the levels of TRP and KYN did not differ significantly. In bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder, there were no significant alterations in TRP and KA levels, although there may be a trend of increased KA levels and elevated QA levels in major depressive disorder. However, more studies are needed to confirm these findings.
BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY
(2023)