Search Results (258)

A Streptococcus suis strain isolated from the blood of a patient in Zhejiang Province, China, was analysed using whole-genome sequencing and tested for antimicrobial resistance. The isolated strain was identified as S. suis serotype 2, and classified to ST25 on multilocus sequence typing (MLST). The minimum core genome group of the strain was identified as Group 4, and multilocus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA) assigned it as type 2, 4.4, 0, 9, 3, 2, 0, 0. An antimicrobial resistance analysis showed that the strain was resistant to clindamycin, tetracycline, azithromycin, and erythromycin but sensitive to 11 other antibiotics. In a genomic evolution analysis, this isolate clustered on the same branch as North American pig isolate, Chinese pig isolates from Tianjin, and Hubei pig isolates. Full article

The Diamond Sutra (Vajracchedikā-Prajñāpāramitā-Sūtra) translated by the Sui Dynasty monk Dharmagupta is the fourth Chinese rendition of the Diamond Sutra. Characterized by unprecedented linguistic opacity and syntactic complexity within the history of Buddhist textual transmission, this translation’s distinctive features have attracted significant scholarly attention. This study synthesizes existing academic perspectives and employs Sanskrit–Chinese textual criticism and comparative analysis of parallel translations to conduct a granular examination of Dharmagupta’s retranslation. Our findings reveal that this text fundamentally deviates from conventional sutras designed for religious dissemination or liturgical recitation. Its defining traits, including morphological calquing of Sanskrit structures, simplified pronominal systems, and etymologically prioritized equivalence, collectively reflect a pedagogical focus characteristic of language instructional texts. Dharmagupta’s approach epitomizes a translation-as-pedagogy paradigm, with the text’s deviations from conventional norms resulting from the interplay of religious development, historical context, and translator agency. We argue that the Diamond Sutra retranslation constitutes a radical experimental paradigm in translation history, warranting re-evaluation of its significance within the broader trajectory of Buddhist textual practice. Full article

Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is a major pathogen in pigs and an emerging zoonotic agent which causes serious infections in humans. It is also an immunosuppressive pathogen that exerts detrimental effects on the thymus, spleen, lymph nodes, and macrophages, impairing their ability to perform their normal physiological functions. S. suis induces thymic atrophy, splenomegaly, and lymphadenectasis and triggers apoptosis in T cells and B cells, as well as pyroptosis in macrophages within immune organs. Subsequently, T cell subsets in peripheral blood become abnormal, and the expression of cytokines becomes dysregulated, which leads to host immunosuppression, suggesting a new virulence mechanism of S. suis. Full article

Introduction: Urinary incontinence (UI) is associated with uncontrolled urine leakage and is treated as a serious disability that prevents the fulfillment of life roles and negatively affects quality of life. Many women do not have knowledge about the nature of UI and treatment options, and the embarrassing nature of the disease makes it difficult to seek specialist care. The aim of this study was to assess quality of life among women with UI and how it affects various areas of their daily functioning. Defining factors that modify the impact of UI on quality of life can provide prognostic information about functional limitations, which will facilitate the rapid implementation of preventive and therapeutic measures. Methods: This study included 158 women with UI. Patients were asked to complete a set of questionnaires, including the Questionnaire for Urinary Incontinence Diagnosis (QUID), Revised Urinary Incontinence Scale (RUIS), King’s Health Questionnaire (KHQ), Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS), Inventory for Measuring Coping with Stress (Mini-COPY), and Set of Scales for Self-Assessment of the relationship with a partner. Results: Based on the analyses, it was determined that women with MUI experienced a lower quality of life, greater limitations in daily activities, and greater physical limitations compared to women with UUI and SUI. There was a correlation between the severity of UI, the duration of the disease, the level of acceptance of the disease, the education level of the subjects, and quality of life in all areas of functioning. Conclusions: Numerous functional limitations and reduced quality of life have been observed among patients with UI. As part of UI management in clinical practice, it seems reasonable to include measures aimed at identifying patients who are likely to experience more severe consequences of UI so that they can receive targeted care. Full article

Background and Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the relevance of urethral pressure profile (UPP) measurements in the diagnosis of urodynamic stress incontinence (USI) in women with stress and mixed urinary incontinence (SUI and MUI). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional chart review was used. All patients who had urodynamic studies (UDSs) in the urogynecology unit of an academic hospital over the last 6 months and complained of SUI or MUI were analyzed. Clinical examination included prolapse grading with the POP-Q system. The presenting symptoms, initial diagnosis before UDS, and results from flow studies—cystometrography (CMG), which included a 1-3-5 cough test at 300–350 mL bladder filling, and urethral pressure profilometry (UPP)—were recorded. p < 0.05 was considered significant in all statistical comparison tests; receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were also used to determine the best predictor of SUI diagnosis. Results: In total, 57 women were included in this study, with a mean age of 60.7 (±9.3). Upon UDS, 28 women (49.1%) demonstrated USI (Group 1), while 29 women (50.9%) did not demonstrate USI (Group 2). No differences between the two groups were noted during free uroflowmetry and the filling phase of CMG. However, the women in Group 2 had a significantly lower MUCP, FUL, and post-void residual after pressure flow compared to the women in Group 1 (p = 0.038, 0.003, and 0.04, respectively, upon Student’s t test for independent parameters). The ROC analysis indicated that when using MUCP and FUL for the diagnosis of USI, the AUCs are 0.663 (0.525–0.782) and 0.756 (0.623–0.861), respectively. Conclusions: By exhibiting correlations between low MUCP/FUL and USI, UPP appears to be a valid test for USI. The value of UPP in diagnosing USI in those with SUI and MUI appears to be clinically important. Further studies are needed in non-SUI patients, in addition to SUI subgroups and various incontinence treatment groups. Full article

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common condition that can significantly impair a woman’s quality of life. While initial management includes conservative treatments, surgical options are recommended in refractory cases. Suburethral slings are currently one of the most widely recommended surgical treatments due to their high long-term efficacy. However, complications such as postoperative urinary retention can occur and may lead to chronic voiding dysfunction when not promptly diagnosed and managed. Background/Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term voiding function in women undergoing delayed sling removal or incision for neglected chronic voiding dysfunction. Methods: This retrospective study examined women with chronic voiding dysfunction occurring at least one year after suburethral sling placement for SUI. Preoperative evaluation included comprehensive history, physical examination, urethral ultrasound, uroflowmetry, and urodynamic studies. Surgical interventions consisted of partial or complete sling removal or sling incision (unilateral or bilateral). Postoperative follow-up was conducted at one month and then at 12 months, including clinical examination, ultrasound, and symptom assessment. Results: Sixteen patients were included in the study, all of whom presented with urodynamic confirmation of voiding dysfunction. Following surgical intervention, a significant improvement was observed in voiding symptoms and overall symptoms (p < 0.01). Notably, only one patient experienced persistent voiding difficulties, although complete symptom remission was achieved following sacral neuromodulation. Conclusions: Sling removal or incision has proven to be an effective approach in resolving the majority of cases of neglected chronic voiding dysfunction. These findings suggest that, when appropriately performed, surgical intervention can substantially alleviate symptoms and improve patient well-being, providing an effective therapeutic option for what is often a debilitating condition. Full article

Mycoplasma suis infects pig red blood cells and is linked to anemia, weakened immunity, and production losses. Infected animals may remain subclinical carriers, contributing to pathogen dissemination. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of M. suis in commercial pig farms in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. A total of 416 blood samples from 55 farms were analyzed using conventional PCR targeting the hemotropic Mycoplasmas (16S rRNA) and a species-specific PCR for M. suis (23S rRNA). Among the samples, 131 (31.49%) tested positive for hemoplasmas and 58 (13.94%) for M. suis with a significantly higher frequency in sows (p < 0.01). The Metropolitan microregion showed the highest prevalence (23.53%). The discrepancy between the prevalence for the genus and the species suggests the possible presence of other hemotropic Mycoplasma species and highlights the limitations of 16S rRNA-based assays. These findings emphasize the need for more specific molecular targets and continuous monitoring strategies to control infection in pig farming. Full article

Background: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress incontinence (SUI) are very common medical conditions, affecting women’s quality of life worldwide. Current surgical and conservative therapies often yield variable outcomes and carry risks of complications or recurrence. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as a promising regenerative approach in various medical disciplines. Its application in urogynecology remains relatively new and emerging. The objective of this study was to review and consolidate existing evidence regarding the application of PRP injections for treating POP and/or SUI. Methods: This scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). The search strategy included MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, and Scopus databases, covering articles published up to February 2025, with no restrictions on publication date. Results: We included in our review a total of 13 manuscripts and 320 patients at the end of the screening process. A total of ten SUI studies, comprising 273 patients, and three POP studies, involving 47 patients, satisfied all the review criteria. Both clinical entities reported high subjective improvement following PRP treatment. Moreover, PRP appeared to have no significant adverse effects. Conclusions: Our scoping review suggests that PRP may have potential benefits in the treatment of POP and SUI. Nevertheless, the current evidence on its application in this area remains limited. Therefore, well-designed, large-scale randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with extended follow-up periods are urgently needed, in the era of personalized medicine. Full article

Background and Objectives: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs) are prevalent among patients with uterine myoma (UM); however, these health issues have not been systematically evaluated. To address this research gap, this systematic review and meta-analysis synthesizes existing findings on the prevalence estimates and odds ratios for LUTSs in patients with UM. Materials and Methods: A systematic literature search using PubMed and Embase was conducted for articles published between 1 January 2000 and 24 September 2023. The search and review processes followed the PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines. This study was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023474156). Data on the prevalence and odds ratios of LUTSs—including storage symptoms (frequency, urgency, nocturia), voiding symptoms, and urinary incontinence (UI) subtypes such as stress incontinence (SUI), urgency urinary incontinence (UUI), and mixed urinary incontinence (MUI)—were extracted. Pooled prevalence estimates and odds ratios were calculated using random-effects meta-analysis. Subgroup analyses and univariate meta-regression were conducted to examine associations with age, BMI, parity, WHO region, and risk of bias. The impact of UM size was assessed using standardized mean differences. Results: Of the 572 articles screened, 20 met the inclusion criteria. The overall pooled prevalence of LUTSs in UM patients was 49% (95% CI, 26–72%), with substantial heterogeneity across studies (I² = 99.8%). The pooled prevalence for urinary frequency, urgency, nocturia, voiding dysfunction, and overall UI, SUI, UUI, and MUI ranged from 15% to 54%. SUI and UUI were significantly associated with UM (OR = 2.0, 95% CI: 1.2–3.3; OR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.1–2.0, respectively). Hysterectomy was not associated with an improvement in overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms (OR = 1.9, 95% CI: 0.6–5.7). A larger UM size was not linked to worsening LUTS. Fourteen studies (70%) had some concerns about the risk of bias, while six studies (30%) had a low risk of bias. Egger’s test showed no significant publication bias (p = 0.19). Conclusions: Approximately half of patients with UM experience LUTSs or UI. The findings emphasize the need to consider urinary symptoms in UM management. Further research is warranted to reduce heterogeneity and explore treatment-specific outcomes. Full article

(1) Background: S. parasuis is a potential opportunistic zoonotic pathogen that can infect pigs, cattle, and humans, composed of former members of S. suis serotypes 20, 22, and 26. In recent years, unclassified serotypes and a serotype 11 S. parasuis have been discovered. (2) Methods: We characterized two S. parasuis strains (FZ1 and FZ2) isolated from brain samples of paralyzed pigs and examined evolutionary divergence among 22 available S. parasuis and 8 serotype 2 S. suis genomes through whole-genome sequencing and comparative genomic analysis. We compared virulence genes (VGs) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and analyzed mobile genetic elements (MGEs) in FZ1 and FZ2. (3) Results: Comparative genomics revealed that srtC, ctpV, and sugC may represent key virulence determinants in S. parasuis, although their pathogenic potential appears attenuated compared to serotype 2 S. suis. In addition, S. parasuis exhibited primary resistance to aminoglycosides, macrolides, tetracyclines, and oxazolidinones, while demonstrating heightened susceptibility to oxazolidinone-class antibiotics. Moreover, we found an important association between MGEs and antibiotic resistance in S. parasuis FZ1 and FZ2. (4) Conclusions: This study provides new insights into the genomic and evolutionary characteristics of S. parasuis and provides a new basis for the study of bacterial pathogenesis and drug resistance in the future. Full article

The Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church (UGCC) is an Eastern Catholic Church that lives according to the Ukrainian–Byzantine Christian theological, liturgical, canonical and spiritual tradition and is in full and visible communion with the successor of Peter. Unity with the Roman Apostolic See has become one of the most important foundations of the UGCC’s identity, enriching its church life and strengthening its ecumenical ministry. As a sui iuris Church in the “family” of Catholic communion, the UGCC actively develops its ecumenical commitments with the Orthodox Churches and Protestant ecclesial communities. In this article, we will briefly examine how the UGCC developed its communion with the Bishop of Rome and how communion with the Apostolic See was a blessing for this Church, but at the same time sometimes became a threat to its existence in times of persecution by totalitarian regimes. We will also present the current religious context in which the UGCC operates, analyze some of its most important ecumenical initiatives and examine its participation in the development of interfaith dialogue in Ukraine. We will consider the challenges that the Russian invasion has brought to the UGCC and other religions in Ukraine, and how the UGCC, by developing communion with Rome, manages to witness the Gospel of life in the difficult circumstances of war and death. Full article

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) results from complex anatomical and functional interactions, including urethral mobility, muscle activity, and pelvic floor support. Despite advancements in imaging and electrophysiology, a comprehensive model remains elusive. This study employed shear wave elastography (SWE), incorporating sound touch elastography (STE) and sound touch quantification (STQ) with acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) technology, to assess urethral elasticity and bladder neck descent (BND) in women with SUI and continent controls. Between October 2024 and January 2025, 30 women (15 with SUI, 15 controls) underwent transperineal and intravaginal ultrasonography at IRCCS San Gerardo. Statistical analysis, conducted using JMP 17, revealed significantly greater BND in the SUI group (21.8 ± 7.8 mm vs. 10.5 ± 5 mm) and increased urethral stiffness (Young’s modulus: middle urethra, 57.8 ± 15.6 kPa vs. 30.7 ± 6.4 kPa; p < 0.0001). Mean urethral pressure was the strongest predictor of SUI (p < 0.0001). Findings emphasize the role of urethral support and connective tissue integrity in continence. By demonstrating SWE’s diagnostic utility, this study provides a foundation for personalized, evidence-based approaches to SUI assessment and management. Full article

Experimental Objective: This study evaluated potential changes in cytokines in the saliva of pigs with meningitis and Streptococcus suis (S. suis) infection, using a multiplex assay. Methods: For this purpose, levels of 13 cytokines, namely GM-CSF, IFNγ, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-1ra, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IL-18, and TNF-α, were measured in porcine saliva from 29 male weaning piglets (6 to 9 weeks old) with meningitis and S. suis infection (S. suis group, n = 15) and healthy controls (healthy group, n = 14). Samples were measured using Luminex xMAP^® technology with a multiplex assay that was analytically evaluated in this study. Results: The measurement of these cytokines provided adequate values during the analytical validation conducted in this study, except for GM-CSF, TNF-α, IFNγ, and IL-8. Particularly for GM-CSF and TNF-α, many values, especially in healthy pigs, fell below the limit of quantification of the assay. In pigs with S. suis infection, 11 out of the 13 cytokines, namely GM-CSF, IFNγ, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-18, and TNF-α, showed statistically (p < 0.05) higher levels compared to the healthy controls. Conclusions: These findings underscore an association between S. suis infection and alterations in selected cytokine levels in the saliva of pigs afflicted with this disease, thus highlighting the potential role of these cytokines in the immune response to infection. Full article

Background: We performed a phase I experiment in a healthy teenage population in Sui County, Henan Province, China. The trial was randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled. Methods: Ninety-six adolescents were randomly assigned in three groups (high-dose, medium-dose, and low-dose) to receive a dose of the vaccine or the placebo. The patients were monitored for adverse events (AEs) for up to 30 days after each dose of the vaccine and for up to 6 months after all doses of serious AEs (SAEs). All observed AEs and SAEs were reported. Microneutralization assays were used to measure geometric mean titers (GMTs) and seroconversion rates for neutralizing antibodies. IgA and IgG antibodies specific to the rotavirus were detected. Results: The rates of total AEs in these groups were 8.33%, 37.50%, 12.50%, and 4.17%, respectively. The neutralizing antibody test revealed that the teenage groups with low, medium, and high doses of the vaccine had geometric mean titers of 424.32, 504.63, and 925.45, respectively, at 28 days following complete vaccination. The GMT of serum IgG at final immunization was 6501.86, 6501.82, and 10,173.3, in the low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose groups, respectively. The GMT of serum IgA at final immunization was 2733.64, 2233.29, and 3596.66 in the low-dose, medium-dose group, and high-dose groups, respectively. Conclusions: The majority of adverse events (AEs) were deemed Grade 1 or 2, suggesting that the vaccine’s safety profile is suitable for healthy adolescents. For the primary immunogenicity endpoints, a preliminary examination of the GMTs and the positive transfer rate of neutralizing antibodies in the different experimental groups revealed that, in adolescents aged 6–17, the high-dose group displayed significantly higher levels of neutralizing antibodies compared to the medium- and low-dose groups. Adolescents had few side effects from the new inactivated rotavirus vaccination, and it elicited an immune response. Full article

Streptococcus suis serotype 2 (SS2) is an important zoonotic pathogen that seriously harms the swine industry and human health. However, its pathogenic mechanisms are largely unknown, and the few virulence factors reported so far are insufficient to systematically explain its infectious and pathogenic mechanisms. In preliminary research, we identified a gene named G22 encoding a hypothetical secreted protein that may be closely associated with the high-level pathogenicity of S. suis. In this study, we constructed deletion and complementation strains of the G22 gene through homologous recombination and explored its roles in the pathogenicity and susceptibility of S. suis to environmental stresses through in vitro and in vivo experiments. The deletion of G22 clearly influenced the typical capsular structure of SS2 and impaired the bacterium’s growth in a medium containing hydrogen peroxide (showing a growth reduction of 32.98% ± 5.23% compared to the wild-type strain SC19, p < 0.001) or with a low pH (with a growth inhibition of 17.44% ± 1.9% relative to the wild-type strain SC19, p < 0.01). ΔG22 also showed reduced survival in whole blood and in RAW 264.7 macrophages (with a survival reduction of 16.44% ± 2.29% compared to the wild-type, p < 0.001). The deletion of G22 also sharply attenuated the virulence of SS2 in a mouse infection model (reducing the mortality rate by 50% ± 0.04%, p < 0.05). We also demonstrated that G22 is required for the adhesion and invasion of SS2 in host cells. An RNA sequencing analysis revealed that 50 genes were differentially expressed in the ΔG22 and wild-type strains: 23 upregulated and 37 downregulated. Many of the genes are involved in carbohydrate metabolism and the synthesis of virulence-associated factors. Several genes associated with the phosphotransferase system were significantly upregulated in strain ΔG22. In summary, G22 plays a role in the morphological development and pathogenesis of the highly virulent SS2 strain SC19. Full article