Search Results (547)

Background: Vaccination effectively reduces the risk of infection, including COVID-19 yet older adults often receive insufficient attention despite their increased vulnerability. The study aimed to correlate serological results with underlying conditions, vaccination status, and COVID-19 history. Methods: This non-interventional, multicenter study aimed to assess vaccination coverage and SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels among residents of eight long-term care facilities (LTCFs) in Southern Poland. Data collection took place between January and June 2022, with 429 participants recruited based on their ability to provide informed consent and their residency in LTCFs. Sociodemographic data, medical history, and COVID-19-related information—including infection history and vaccination status—were collected through surveys. Blood samples were obtained for serological testing using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) to detect anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Statistical analysis, including Spearman’s correlation, revealed significant associations between antibody levels and vaccination status, as well as between RT-PCR-confirmed COVID-19 infections and higher antibody titers. Results: Among the seven different qualitative serological, only the Anti-SARS-CoV-2 NCP (IgG) and Anti-SARS-CoV-2 (IgA) tests showed a positive correlation with the Anti-SARS-CoV-2 QuantiVac (IgG) test, which was used as a comparator. A weak correlation was noted with the age of the residents. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that vaccination positively influences antibody responses, underscoring the importance of immunization among LTCF residents. Additionally, certain comorbidities—such as degenerative joint disease and diabetes—showed weak correlations with higher antibody levels. This study provides valuable insights into the humoral immune response to COVID-19 in vulnerable populations residing in LTCFs. Full article

Background: Chronic cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection may favor the development of immunosenescence and inflammation that impair vaccine responses, including COVID-19. In addition, the polymorphism of the interferon-lambda gene (IFNλ) affects COVID-19 immune responses in older adults. Objective: We aimed to investigate the impact of IFNλ polymorphism (IL28B gene-rs12979860) on the immune/inflammatory response to vaccination with CoronaVac for COVID-19 in older adults who were CMV-seropositive. Methods: Blood samples from 42 CMV-seropositive older adults (73.7 ± 4.5 years) were collected before and 30 days after immunization with a second dose of the CoronaVac vaccine to evaluate the immune/inflammatory response. Results: At genotyping, 20 subjects were homozygous for the C/C alleles (Allele-1 group), 5 were homozygous for the T/T Alleles (Allele-2 group), and 17 were heterozygous (C/T, Alleles-1/2 group). The Allele-1 group showed higher IgG levels for COVID-19 (p = 0.0269) and intermediate monocyte percentage (p = 0.017), in contrast to a lower non-classical monocyte percentage (p = 0.0141) post-vaccination than pre-vaccination. Also, this group showed that IgG levels for CMV were positively associated with a systemic pro-inflammatory state and senescent T cells (CD4+ and CD8+). The Allele-2 group presented higher IFN-β levels at pre- (p = 0.0248) and post-vaccination (p = 0.0206) than the values in the Allele-1 and Alleles-1/2 groups, respectively. In addition, the Allele-2 and Alleles-1/2 groups showed that IgG levels for COVID-19 were positively associated with a balanced systemic inflammatory state. Conclusion: CMV-seropositivity in older adults who had Allele-1 could lead to an unbalanced systemic inflammatory state, which may impair their antibody response to COVID-19 vaccination compared to other volunteer groups. Full article

Background: We previously reported an interim safety and immunogenicity analysis of a Phase 3 trial in the Philippines of the EuCorVac-19 (ECV-19) COVID-19 vaccine with the COVISHIELD^TM (CS) comparator (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT05572879). Here, we present full-year humoral immunogenicity analysis. Methods: Healthy adults over 18 years of age received two injections of ECV-19 or CS vaccines, with 4 weeks between prime and boost. Analysis was carried out in individuals with immunogenicity measurements available at all 4 timepoints (weeks 0, 6, 30, and 56; n = 535 for ECV-19 and n = 260 for CS). Results: 2 weeks after boosting (week 6), ECV-19 elicited higher median anti-RBD IgG (1512 vs. 340 BAU/mL, p < 0.001) and neutralizing antibodies (1280 vs. 453 median microneutralization (MN) titer, p < 0.001) compared to CS. Anti-RBD IgG remained higher for ECV-19 compared to CS through week 30 (412 vs. 238 BAU/mL, p < 0.001) and 56 (425 vs. 260 BAU/mL, p < 0.001). MN titers remained higher for ECV-19 compared to CS through week 30 (640 vs. 453, p < 0.001) and 56 (453 vs. 320, p < 0.001). Correlation between anti-RBD IgG and neutralization titers persisted throughout the study. Women generally exhibited greater antibody responses than men. In the first six months following immunization, the ECV-19 group had a median antibody half-life of 80 days for anti-RBD IgG and 112 days for MN titer. In the subsequent six months, antibody half-life increased to 237 days for anti-RBD IgG and 168 days for MN titer. Conclusions: Following initial prime-boost vaccination, ECV-19 maintained higher anti-RBD IgG and neutralizing antibody titers relative to the CS comparator over a full-year period. Full article

Background: Myocarditis and pericarditis are recognised risks following COVID-19 vaccination, including the mRNA-1273 vaccine. Most cases occur shortly following the second dose of this vaccine, and incidence is highest among young males. However, little is known about risk factors beyond age and sex and about the longer-term clinical course. This study aims to identify possible risk factors for myocarditis and pericarditis following mRNA-1273 vaccination, to characterise the clinical course of myocarditis and pericarditis, both associated with mRNA-1273 vaccination and not associated with vaccination, and to identify risk factors for severe outcomes (i.e., cardiac or thromboembolic complications, severe hospital outcomes, all-cause hospital readmission, and death). Methods: This study is being conducted within the Vaccine Monitoring Collaboration for Europe (VAC4EU) association using routinely collected healthcare data from five data sources from four European countries (Denmark, Norway, Spain, and the United Kingdom). The study is being performed using a common data model, and all analyses are performed separately in each data source in a federated manner following a common protocol. A case–cohort analysis set is identified within each data source for identifying potential risk factors for myocarditis and pericarditis following mRNA-1273 vaccination using logistic regression analysis. The clinical course of myocarditis and pericarditis is being assessed using a cohort study design and describes all cases (i.e., cases associated with mRNA-1273 and unexposed cases). Cox regression analysis is applied to assess the associations between risk factors and several follow-up outcomes. Conclusions: This protocol describes the study methodology of an international collaborative initiative with the aim of assessing the risk factors and clinical course of myocarditis and pericarditis following mRNA-1273 vaccination using a federated network of five European data sources. Full article

Gender recognition from pedestrian imagery is acknowledged by many as a quasi-solved problem, yet most existing approaches evaluate performance in a within-domain setting, i.e., when the test and training data, though disjoint, closely resemble each other. This work provides the first exhaustive cross-domain assessment of six architectures considered to represent the state of the art: ALM, VAC, Rethinking, LML, YinYang-Net, and MAMBA, across three widely known benchmarks: PA-100K, PETA, and RAP. All train/test combinations between datasets were evaluated, yielding 54 comparable experiments. The results revealed a performance split: median in-domain F1 approached 90% in most models, while the average drop under domain shift was up to 16.4 percentage points, with the most recent approaches degrading the most. The adaptive-masking ALM achieved an F1 above 80% in most transfer scenarios, particularly those involving high-resolution or pose-stable domains, highlighting the importance of strong inductive biases over architectural novelty alone. Further, to characterize robustness quantitatively, we introduced the Unified Robustness Metric (URM), which integrates the average cross-domain degradation performance into a single score. A qualitative saliency analysis also corroborated the numerical findings by exposing over-confidence and contextual bias in misclassifications. Overall, this study suggests that challenges in gender recognition are much more evident in cross-domain settings than under the commonly reported within-domain context. Finally, we formalize an open evaluation protocol that can serve as a baseline for future works of this kind. Full article

Background: Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (Allo-HSCT) recipients are still at increased risk of severe COVID-19 infection. Vaccination is a critical strategy to protect this population. This real-world prospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the immune response and clinical outcomes of COVID-19 vaccines in Allo-HSCT recipients. Methods: Allo-HSCT recipients (median age: 48 years) who received either the BNT162b2 or CoronaVac vaccines were included. Antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein were quantitatively measured using the chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. Patient- and vaccine-related factors affecting antibody responses were analyzed. Adverse events, including graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and post-vaccine infections, were recorded. Results: Among 95 Allo-HSCT recipients, 86.3% achieved adequate antibody responses following COVID-19 vaccination. Patients receiving ≥3 vaccine doses showed significantly higher antibody titers compared to those with only 2 doses (OR: 0.11; 95% CI: 0.02–0.53; p = 0.006 **). The use of Ruxolitinib or Ibrutinib was associate with increased odds of low antibody response (OR: 38.39; 95% CI: 3.14–468.95; p = 0.004 **). Hypogammaglobulinemia (low serum IgG levels) was associated with a reduced antibody response (OR: 0.17; 95% CI: 0.03–0.96; p = 0.045 *), while no significant correlation was found between serum IgA levels and antibody responses (p = 0.672). Three cases of post-vaccine GVHD were observed, and no fatalities related to COVID-19 occurred during the study. Conclusions: COVID-19 vaccination is safe and effective in Allo-HSCT recipients, with stronger responses especially following ≥3 vaccine doses. Patients receiving GVHD treatment or with hypogammaglobulinemia exhibited impaired responses, emphasizing the need for tailored vaccination strategies and close monitoring in this population. Full article

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is one of the most prevalent chronic bacterial infections globally, significantly contributing to gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric malignancies. Its pathogenesis involves a complex array of virulence factors—including cagA, vacA, and urease—which facilitate mucosal colonization, immune evasion, and persistent inflammation. A major challenge in vaccine development is the bacterium’s ability to manipulate both innate and adaptive immune responses, resulting in limited natural clearance and long-term persistence. This review synthesizes H. pylori pathogenesis and host immune dynamics, highlighting their implications for vaccine design. By elucidating the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying host–pathogen interactions, we explore how these insights inform antigen selection, adjuvant optimization, and delivery strategies. By integrating basic science with translational objectives, this review aims to support the development of an effective H. pylori vaccine, addressing global health needs, particularly in regions with a high infection burden and limited access to treatment. Full article

Background/Objectives: COVID-19 has been associated with a wide range of immune responses, including the production of autoantibodies, particularly in severe cases. This study investigates the IgG autoantibody responses in patients with varying severities of COVID-19 infection and compares these responses with vaccinated individuals. Methods: We utilized proteomic profiling to analyze autoantibody reactivity against a broad spectrum of proteins expressed in lymphoid and myeloid cell subsets in serum samples from severe and moderate COVID-19 patients, as well as vaccinated individuals who received the inactivated CoronaVac (Sinovac) vaccine. Results: Our findings indicate a marked increase in the diversity and number of IgG autoantibodies targeting intracellular and membrane-associated proteins in severe COVID-19 cases, compared to those with moderate cases of the disease. The autoantibody response in severe cases was found to primarily target proteins involved in immune cell activation, signaling, and differentiation, suggesting potential pathways of immune dysregulation and autoimmunity. In contrast, vaccinated individuals did not exhibit similar autoantibody reactivity, pointing to a more controlled immune response post-vaccination. Notably, no significant autoimmune responses were detected in the vaccinated cohort, suggesting that the inactivated vaccine does not induce autoreactive IgG. These findings align with the established safety profile of COVID-19 vaccines, especially in comparison to the heightened immune dysregulation observed in severe COVID-19 patients. The absence of a significant autoantibody response in vaccinated individuals supports the notion that vaccines, while inducing robust immune activation, do not typically trigger autoimmunity in healthy individuals. Conclusions: Our study underscores the importance of distinguishing between the immune responses triggered by infection and vaccination and highlights the need for the continued monitoring of autoimmune responses in severe COVID-19 cases. Future research should focus on the long-term persistence and clinical relevance of these autoantibodies, particularly in individuals with pre-existing autoimmune conditions or genetic predispositions. Full article

Salmonella Heidelberg (SH) is a major serotype of foodborne Salmonella associated with turkeys. Understanding the effect of antibiotic alternatives (AAs) on the cecal microbiome of turkeys challenged with Salmonella could inform the development of microbiome-based strategies on farms. This study examined the effects of multiple AAs, such as probiotics, Lactobacillus and Propionibacterium, and a Salmonella Typhimurium vaccine, on the turkey cecal microbiome exposed to multidrug-resistant (MDR) SH. Microbial DNA was extracted from the cecal contents of 12-week-old commercial turkeys grown in five treatments for shotgun metagenomic sequencing and analysis: NC—Negative Control; PC—Salmonella Control; LAB—Lactobacillus treatment; PF—P. freudenreichii treatment; and VAC—vaccine treatment. Except for the NC, turkeys were challenged with MDR SH (10⁸ CFU/turkey) on the 11th week. Differential abundance tests at the species level found that all AA treatments resulted in an increased abundance of multiple lactic acid-producing bacteria in the cecum compared to PC. In addition, multiple metabolic pathways were differentially abundant in AA treatments compared to PC. This study highlights the importance of AA strategies producing an increased abundance of lactic acid bacteria and critical metabolic pathways, indicating the potential of AAs to improve the gut health of turkeys during the Salmonella challenge. Full article

Background: Helicobacter pylori (HP) and Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) coinfection lead to chronic inflammation and contribute to the development of gastric cancer. However, studies examining the association between HP virulence factors and EBV infection in gastric cancer are limited. This study investigated the polymorphisms of HP virulence factors associated with EBV infection and their effects on clinical outcomes in EBV-associated gastric cancer (EBVaGC). Methods: A total of 96 HP isolates from 54 patients with gastric cancer were divided and analyzed based on EBV coinfection status. Polymerase chain reaction amplifications of virulence factors were conducted using DNA extracts from HP isolates cultured from gastric mucosal specimens. Results: EBV infection was significantly associated with gastric carcinoma with lymphoid stroma morphology and a proximal location in the stomach. Most HP strains from patients with gastric cancer were positive for cagA (100.0%), vacA (100.0%), and iceA1 (87.5%). Among HP isolates with EBV coinfection, the prevalence of iceA2 (21.7% vs. 0.0%, p < 0.001) and ureA (21.7% vs. 4.0%, p = 0.009) was significantly more frequent, and that of iceA1 (78.3% vs. 96.0%, p = 0.009) and vacA s1a (4.3% vs. 22.0%, p = 0.012) was less frequent than those of EBV– colonies. Multivariate analysis indicated that ureA (odds ratio, 6.148; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.221 to 30.958; p = 0.028) was associated with EBVaGC. No significant difference in clinical outcomes was observed based on the presence of ureA expression in EBVaGC. Conclusions: In gastric cancer, regardless of EBV infection, most HP strains were highly virulent, testing positive for cagA, vacA, and iceA1. Although ureA was significantly associated with EBV infection, it did not influence the clinical outcomes of EBVaGC. Full article

Background: Durable mechanical circulatory support (DMCS) infections remain a serious challenge. Ventricular assist device (VAD)-specific driveline infections (DLIs) are the most common type; however, no consensus exists on their surgical management. We aimed to define the incidence, risk factors, and microbiology of DLIs and discuss the surgical treatment modalities. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 90 patients who underwent a left or biventricular ventricular assist device (LVAD or BiVAD) implantation with either a HeartMate 2 (Abbott), HeartWare HVAD (Medtronic), or HeartMate 3 (Abbott) in a single center between 1 March 2011 and 30 May 2023. Results: DLIs were detected in 20 (21.5%) patients during the follow-up. The mean duration of VAD support was 561.1 ± 833.2 days (1–4124 days), while it was 1277.9 ± 621.6 days in the DLI group. An extended duration of VAD support was associated with higher incidence rates of late-onset DLIs (p < 0.05). A younger age and lower plasma albumin levels were independent predictive factors for the risk of a DLI, with a hazard ratio of 9.77 (95%CI: 1.3–74.5) and 10.55 (95%CI: 1.40–79.35), respectively. The removal of the biofilm with velour and DL relocation through the rectus muscle combined with vacuum-assisted strategies (VAC) were performed in nine patients. One patient developed a recurrent infection, and another patient with a deep DLI subsequently received a heart transplant. No patient underwent a device exchange for an intractable DLI. Conclusions: Our results suggest that DLIs are common infectious complications after VAD implantation, which endanger patient autonomy, and impair their quality of life and overall survival. A DL relocation through the rectus muscles and VAC strategies have a role in controlling DLIs. Full article

Background: Age-related vascular stiffening increases cardiovascular risk by altering ventricular–arterial coupling (VAC). Physical activity, a modifiable factor, may improve cardiovascular health. This pilot study evaluated the relationship between physical activity evaluation and VAC, measured by the carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity to global longitudinal strain (cfPWV/GLS) ratio, in a Romanian primary care cohort. Methods: The prospective cohort analysis was performed on 81 adults (49 females, mean age 50.27 ± 12.93 years). Physical activity was quantified through anamnesis using metabolic equivalents (METs) according with Compendium of Physical Activities, and patients were stratified into four groups: G1 (METs < 1.5, n = 39), G2 (METs = 1.5–2.9, n = 2), G3 (METs = 3–5.9, n = 23), and G4 (METs ≥ 6, n = 17). Demographic and echocardiographic data were recorded to explore associations between physical activity and VAC. Results: The cfPWV/GLS ratio differed significantly across groups (p = 0.012), with the lowest values present in the moderate-intensity group (G3). VAC ≥ 0.391 can predict sedentary lifestyles (AUC = 0.730; CI: 0.617–0.833, p > 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that age, arterial age, and hypertension independently predict VAC. Conclusions: Higher physical activity is inversely associated with VAC (cfPWV/GLS ratio) and can predict sedentary lifestyles. Encouraging moderate-to-vigorous exercise in primary care may improve cardiovascular function and aid prevention. Full article

Background: Sexual violence against adolescents and young people (AYP) remains a public health concern. This study explores patterns of sexual violence and help-seeking behaviour as well as their associated risk/protective factors with guidance of a technical package (INSPIRE) designed to reduce sexual violence in low-resource settings. Methods: The 2019 Violence Against Children Survey (VACS) dataset comprises 788 males and 1344 females. After describing the prevalence and patterns of sexual violence and help-seeking behaviour (informal disclosure, knowledge of where to seek formal help, seeking formal help, and receipt of formal help) among 13- to 24-year-old AYP, logistic regression models were then fitted to predict past-year sexual violence and informal disclosure among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). Results: More young women than young men informally disclosed sexual violence experience (46% versus 23%). Gender inequitable attitudes [AOR 3.07 (1.10–8.56); p = 0.03], experiencing emotional violence at home [AOR 2.11 (1.17–3.81); p = 0.01] and cyberbullying [AOR 5.90 (2.83–12.29); p = 0.00] were identified as risk factors for sexual violence among AGYW. Life skills training [AOR 0.22 (0.07–0.73); p = 0.01] and positive parental monitoring [AOR 0.31 (0.10–0.99); p = 0.05] were found to be protective against sexual violence among AGYW. Positive parental monitoring [AOR 3.85 (1.56–9.46); p = 0.00] was associated with an increased likelihood of informal disclosure among AGYW. Conclusions: As Kenya intensifies efforts towards sexual violence prevention, this study underscores the need to develop and strengthen policies and programs on life skills training, cultural norms, and positive parenting, as well as improve awareness and access to post-violence response and support services. Full article

Background: This study aims to investigate the association between pyroptosis and the outer membrane virulence factor of H. pylori in patients with gastritis and ulcers. Methods: DNA, RNA, and protein were extracted from a single tissue sample taken from the antrum region of the stomach of volunteer patients. The expression of bacterial outer membrane virulence genes was analyzed at the gene level, and the expression levels of key pyroptosis markers were compared between H. pylori-infected and uninfected gastritis and ulcer patient groups. Results: H. pylori infection induced significant alterations in the expression levels of pyroptosis markers, including ASC, NLRP3, caspase-1, GSDMD, IL-18, and IL-1β, indicating a strong association with gastritis and ulcer pathology. Statistically significant correlations were observed between elevated levels of these markers and the activation of caspase-1 across different patient cohorts, supporting effective detection of pyroptosis. Both pro and active forms of caspase-1, GSDMD, IL-18, and IL-1β were assessed, revealing pyroptotic activity in specific patient samples. The vacA m2 allele showed a distinct ASC response in gastritis versus ulcer patients and was associated with increased GSDMD expression in ulcerative cases. Along with the babB gene, this allele appears to play a critical role in the interaction between H. pylori virulence and host pyroptotic responses. A statistically significant negative association was identified between the presence of the H. pylori alpA gene and Gasdermin D expression (odds ratio = 0, p < 0.01), suggesting that Gasdermin D was absent in all alpA-positive samples. Conclusion: This study provides novel insights into the interrelation between the virulence factors of H. pylori and pyroptosis in gastritis and ulcer diseases. Our findings demonstrate that H. pylori infection significantly alters the expression levels of pyroptosis markers, including ASC, NLRP3, caspase-1, GSDMD, IL-18, and IL-1β, in gastric tissues. Notably, the vacA m2 allele was associated with a differential response in ASC expression among patients with gastritis and ulcers, correlating with increased GSDMD levels in ulcerative conditions. The presence of the H. pylori alpA gene is markedly associated with the lack of Gasdermin D activation, indicating a possible suppressive function or immune evasion tactic. These results underscore the critical role of H. pylori virulence determinants in modulating pyroptosis and suggest that understanding this relationship may pave the way for developing targeted therapeutic strategies to mitigate H. pylori-associated pathologies. Full article

Negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) using vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) is a well known tissue defect bridging method that applies a vacuum pump to sterile, open-cell foam dressings via suction tubes. Although it has mostly been described for soft tissue use, there are also a few studies concerning its use on hard tissue. However, as oral and maxillofacial surgery has to deal with both soft and hard tissue, which lie next to each other in these regions, there is a particular need to assess the influence of negative pressure on bone. Therefore, the effects of different negative pressure levels (530 mbar and 725 mbar) and atmospheric pressure (1013 mbar) on bone tissue cultures and osteoblast cell cultures were investigated over periods of 1, 3, and 6 weeks. During the culture period, osteoblast growth and the tissue regeneration of bone defects were studied in vitro using tissue cultures that were histologically supplemented by cytological investigations and quantitative RNA expression studies. In the bone defect model, there was a faster defect reduction using NPWT; the effect was especially strong for 530 mbar. Compared to the control group, up to 30% more newly generated bone tissue was detected. This effect on the mineralization capacity was assessed by the mRNA expression of osteogenic marker genes, as well as the receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG), two multifaceted cytokines that regulate bone metabolism. The influence of negative pressure consequently resulted in a decreased RANKL/OPG ratio in osteoblasts. Associated with the upregulation of marker genes to up to 400%, including Col1, BMP4, OCN, and RUNX2, the decrease in the RANKL/OPG ratio to 41% indicates the stimulation of osteogenesis. Since VAC has been shown to be a safe and effective method to close wounds in general, these data suggest that patients suffering from compound bone and soft tissue defects in the maxillofacial area may benefit from an adapted therapy approach accelerating both soft and hard tissue regeneration. Full article