Search Results (322)

Despite the widespread accessibility of vaccines and antivirals, seasonal influenza virus epidemics continue to pose a threat to public health. In this study, we constructed a recombinant replication-deficient simian adenovirus type 25 vector carrying the full-length hemagglutinin (HA) of the H1N1 influenza virus, named rSAd25-H1. Both systemic and mucosal humoral immune responses, as well as the protective efficacy, were assessed in mice immunized via the intramuscular (IM) or intranasal (IN) route. A single-dose IM or IN administration of rSAd25-H1 elicited a robust systemic IgG antibody response, including hemagglutination inhibition antibodies. As expected, only IN immunization was able to induce IgA production in serum and respiratory mucosa. Notably, a single dose of rSAd25-H1 at the highest dose (10¹⁰ viral particles) conferred complete protection against lethal homologous H1N1 challenge in mice despite the route of administration. These findings demonstrate the potential of simian adenovirus type 25-based vectors as a promising candidate for intranasal vaccine development targeting respiratory pathogens. Full article

Background/objectives: This was a post hoc analysis of safety data across the bivalent respiratory syncytial virus prefusion F (RSVpreF) vaccine clinical trial development program. Methods: Data from eight clinical trials in 46,913 immunocompetent adults who received RSVpreF or placebo were analyzed. Local reactions and systemic events were assessed among non-pregnant ≥18-year-olds (n = 9517); adverse events (AEs) among pregnant and non-pregnant 18–59-year-olds (n = 9238); and vaccine-related AEs among non-pregnant ≥18-year-olds (n = 39,314). Post-marketing data in non-pregnant adults were considered. Results: Local reactions and systemic events were reported more frequently in RSVpreF versus placebo recipients; injection site pain was the most common local reaction (RSVpreF, 18.9%; placebo, 7.4%), and fatigue (23.5%; 18.4%) and headache (19.5%; 15.0%) were the most common systemic events. Percentages of AEs within 1 month after vaccination were similar across groups (RSVpreF, 12.8%; placebo, 13.1%); severe AEs were reported in ≤1.5% of participants. Differences in percentages of individuals reporting vaccine-related AEs between the RSVpreF and placebo groups were <0.2% for all related AEs. Serious AEs throughout the study were reported in ≤14.0% (RSVpreF, 12.6%; placebo, 14.0%). No atrial fibrillation, Guillain-Barré syndrome, or acute polyneuropathy cases were reported. The AE data from post-marketing data sources were consistent with the safety profile from the clinical trial program, with no new safety concerns. Conclusions: Integrated data demonstrated that RSVpreF was well tolerated with a favorable safety profile in non-pregnant and pregnant adults. Ongoing surveillance through real-world use and clinical trial experience continue to support the safety profile of RSVpreF. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03529773/NCT04071158/NCT04785612/NCT05035212/NCT05096208/NCT05842967/NCT04032093/NCT04424316. Full article

Background: Bimekizumab, secukinumab, and ixekizumab are IL-17-targeting biologics approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. While secukinumab and ixekizumab selectively inhibit IL-17A, bimekizumab targets both IL-17A and IL-17F, potentially providing greater anti-inflammatory efficacy. This study aimed to compare the real-world effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of these agents in a Polish dermatology center between 2019 and 2024. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 98 patients meeting at least one of the following criteria: PASI ≥ 10, BSA ≥ 10, DLQI ≥ 10, or involvement of special areas with inadequate response or contraindications to ≥2 systemic therapies. Patients with prior exposure only to IL-17 inhibitors were excluded. PASI, BSA, and DLQI scores were recorded at baseline, week 4, and week 12. Due to differences in dosing schedules, outcomes were aligned using standardized timepoints and exponential modeling of continuous response trajectories. Mixed-effects ANOVA was used to assess the influence of baseline factors (age, BMI, PsA status) on treatment outcomes. Adverse events were documented at each monthly follow-up visit. Results: Bimekizumab showed the greatest effect size for PASI reduction (Hedges’ g = 3.662), followed by secukinumab (2.813) and ixekizumab (1.986). Exponential modeling revealed a steeper response trajectory with bimekizumab (intercept = 0.289), suggesting a more rapid PASI improvement. The efficacy of bimekizumab was particularly notable in patients who were previously treated with IL-23 inhibitors. All three agents demonstrated favorable safety profiles, with no serious adverse events or discontinuations. The most frequent adverse events were mild and included upper respiratory tract infections and oral candidiasis. Conclusions: This real-world analysis confirmed that IL-17 inhibitors effectively improved PASI, BSA, and DLQI scores in moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Bimekizumab demonstrated the most rapid early improvements and a higher modeled likelihood of complete clearance, without significant differences at week 12. All agents were well tolerated, underscoring the need for further individualized, large-scale studies. Full article

The use of implants in the trachea is increasing in respiratory diseases as an alternative to address pathological problems with airway obstruction. This article presents the design and development of a three-way cannula and its evaluation in a testbed capable of emulating the human breathing cycle. The new tracheal cannula allows airflow through a third duct (vertical one) towards the vocal folds, enabling phonation. The testbed assesses Total Lung Capacity (TLC) and endotracheal pressure by considering the cannula inside a replica of a trachea. The flow is generated by a mechanism composed of electronic elements, and the implementation of instruments for measuring pressure and lung capacity enables the visual and continuous collection of data. The three-way cannula offers improvements in airway capacity, with an average of up to 1.766 L of airflow and a pressure of 17.083 mbar. The airflow at the upper branch allows for improvement, enabling the patient to phonate even with the implant in place, while preserving patency due to the biocompatibility and elasticity of platinum silicone. Full article

Background/Objectives: Obstructive sleep apnea is a prevalent, yet often underdiagnosed, condition characterized by recurrent upper airway obstruction during sleep, leading to significant perioperative risks in surgical patients. This systematic review aims to evaluate the incidence and impact of objectively diagnosed obstructive sleep apnea on postoperative outcomes across various surgical specialties—including bariatric, orthopedic, cardiac, and otorhinolaryngologic surgeries—and to assess the effectiveness of preoperative screening and perioperative management strategies. Methods: A comprehensive literature search of PubMed was conducted for studies published between January 2013 and December 2024, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Included studies involved adult surgical patients with OSA confirmed by polysomnography or respiratory polygraphy. Studies were assessed for methodological quality using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine Levels of Evidence framework. Results: The findings consistently indicated that obstructive sleep apnea significantly increases the risk of postoperative complications, such as respiratory depression, atrial fibrillation, acute kidney injury, delirium, and prolonged hospital stay. Continuous positive airway pressure therapy demonstrated a protective effect in bariatric and cardiac surgeries, though its effectiveness in orthopedic and otorhinolaryngologic contexts was inconsistent, largely due to adherence variability and limited implementation. Preoperative screening tools such as the STOP-BANG questionnaire were widely used, but their utility depended on integration with confirmatory diagnostics. Conclusions: Obstructive sleep apnea represents a significant, modifiable risk factor in surgical populations. Preoperative identification and risk-adapted perioperative management, including CPAP therapy and multimodal analgesia, may substantially reduce postoperative morbidity. However, further randomized trials and cost-effectiveness studies are needed to optimize care pathways and ensure consistent implementation across surgical disciplines. Full article

Background/Objectives: Infants admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) face challenges in achieving successful oral feedings. During oral feedings, these infants commonly present with suck–swallow–breathe incoordination, with approximately 30% developing dysphagia, leading to feeding aversion, prolonged hospitalization, and increased parental stress. Cold liquid feeding has demonstrated benefits in improving feeding safety in adults with dysphagia; however, its application in neonates is relatively limited. This study aimed to examine global neonatal feeding practices, with a specific emphasis on cold milk feeding as an intervention for dysphagia. Methods: A cross-sectional global electronic survey was distributed via professional society listservs and closed online professional group forums targeting neonatal providers and feeding therapists from June 2023 to June 2024. The survey assessed institutional feeding protocols, oral feeding practices, and the use of cold milk for infants with dysphagia. Responses were analyzed descriptively. Results: A total of 210 complete responses were received from level IV (51%), level III (42%), and level II (5%) NICUs. While 30% of the respondents were aware of cold milk feeding as a dysphagia intervention, only 15% of the total respondents reported using it in practice. Among the 32 institutions implementing cold milk practices, only one had an established protocol. Additionally, 72% reported having a feeding protocol in place, often incorporating cue-based tools. Most respondents (87.5%) did not allow oral feeding during nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP), whereas 78% permitted it during high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) support. Conclusions: Although the awareness of cold milk feeding in neonates is increasing, its implementation remains limited and lacks standardization. Significant variability exists in oral feeding practices, particularly regarding feeding during respiratory support. This underscores the need for further research and evidence-based guidelines to ensure safe and consistent care for preterm infants. Full article

Background/Objectives: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of respiratory infections across all age groups, with the greatest burden observed in young children and older adults. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted RSV circulation, resulting in an immunity gap and altered transmission dynamics. This study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of anti-RSV IgG antibodies in the Polish population during the 2023/2024 epidemic season. To our knowledge, this is the first study to characterize RSV seroprevalence at the population level in Poland. Methods: A total of 700 serum samples from individuals across different age groups were analyzed using a commercial assay to detect anti-RSV IgG antibodies. Seroprevalence and antibody levels, expressed as the index of positivity (IP), were examined by age and sex. Results: The overall seroprevalence of anti-RSV IgG antibodies was 91.4%. Antibody positivity increased markedly from 35.5% in infants aged 0–1 years to over 90% in children aged 4–5 years, reaching nearly universal levels in older age groups, including 99.1% in adults aged ≥60 years. Median IP values also rose with age, peaking in individuals aged ≥60 years. No significant differences in seroprevalence were observed between sexes, though older men showed slightly higher median IP values, potentially reflecting greater cumulative RSV exposure. Conclusions: This study provides key insights into the post-pandemic landscape of RSV immunity in Poland. The high seroprevalence across most age groups underscores widespread prior exposure, while the lower rates in infants highlight a continued vulnerability. These findings support the development and implementation of targeted immunization strategies, particularly for infants and older adults. Full article

PRRSV continues to evolve, complicating its epidemiological landscape in China. In this study, we isolated a novel PRRSV strain, GZ2022, from a swine farm in Guizhou Province. Subsequent analyses performed on this isolate included complete genome sequencing, phylogenetic analysis, recombination assessment, and characterization of its biological properties. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that GZ2022 clusters within Lineage 1 (NADC30-like) and features a 131-amino-acid deletion in NSP2, consistent with NADC30-derived strains. Recombination analysis identified NADC30 as the major parental strain (75% genomic contribution), with a minor recombinant region (25%) derived from the highly pathogenic HuN4 strain. In vitro growth kinetics revealed peak viral titers in Marc-145 cells at 72 h post infection (hpi). Pathogenicity was evaluated in 21-day-old piglets infected with GZ2022, the highly pathogenic PRRSV strain WUH3, or negative controls. Both infected groups exhibited typical PRRS clinical signs (fever, respiratory distress) and histopathological lesions (interstitial pneumonia, pulmonary consolidation). However, GZ2022-infected piglets exhibited attenuated virulence compared to WUH3, with reduced pulmonary hemorrhage and 0% mortality compared to 80% in the WUH3 group. Seroconversion (N-protein antibodies) was observed at 14 dpi (days post inoculation) in GZ2022-infected animals, persisting throughout the 28-day trial. Viral shedding dynamics aligned with moderate pathogenicity. These findings classify GZ2022 as a moderately virulent NADC30-like recombinant strain with partial HuN4-derived genomic regions. The emergence of such strains underscores the need for sustained surveillance of PRRSV genetic diversity and systematic evaluation of the biological properties of novel variants to refine control measures and inform vaccine development. Full article

Background: Polluted soils represent a major problem in many industrialized countries that urgently requires appropriate health risk assessment. The One Health concept that considers a close relationship between human and animal health and ecosystems relies, among other techniques, on continuous monitoring through the use of animal species as bioindicators. In this context, terrestrial gastropods, already recognized as relevant indicators due to their anatomo-physiology, provide a reliable model to study the pneumotoxic effects of pollutants. On the other hand, risk assessment is based on multi-biomarker studies. Therefore, omic approaches seem particularly useful since they can simultaneously detect numerous early biological changes. Methods: In this study, Helix aspersa maxima was exposed to naphthalene, a highly volatile aromatic hydrocarbon responsible for numerous respiratory disorders. Pulmonary membrane extracts and hemolymph samples were analyzed by ¹H-NMR spectroscopy after single or repeated exposures to naphthalene. Results: Numerous metabolic changes were observed, which could be related to membrane lesions, energy, anti-inflammatory, and tumorigenesis pathways. Conclusions: Our findings highlight the potential of combining animal indicator and omics techniques to predict respiratory health risks in cases of exposure to polluted soils. Full article

With the ongoing acceleration in urban development, the volume of construction and demolition waste continues to rise, while the availability of natural aggregates is steadily declining. Utilizing recycled aggregates in concrete has become a vital approach to fostering sustainability within the construction sector. This research develops a life cycle-based environmental impact evaluation model for recycled aggregate concrete, applying the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) framework. Through the eFootprint platform, a quantitative evaluation is carried out for C30-grade concrete containing varying levels of recycled aggregate replacement. Four replacement ratios of recycled coarse aggregate (30%, 50%, 70%, and 100%) were evaluated. The assessment includes six key environmental indicators: Global Warming Potential (GWP), Primary Energy Demand (PED), Abiotic Depletion Potential (ADP), Acidification Potential (AP), Eutrophication Potential (EP), and Respiratory Inorganics (RI). The findings reveal that higher substitution rates of recycled aggregate lead to noticeable reductions in RI, EP, and AP, indicating improved environmental performance. Conversely, slight increases are observed in GWP and PED, especially under long transport distances. Analysis of contributing factors and sensitivity indicates that cement manufacturing is the principal driver of these increases, contributing over 80% of the total GWP, PED, and ADP impacts, with aggregate transport as the next major contributor. This study offers methodological insights into the environmental evaluation of recycled aggregate concrete and supports the green design and development of low-carbon strategies in construction. Full article

Continuous monitoring of vital signs could improve patient care in veterinary hospitals by identifying changes earlier and reducing patient stress from repeated handling. This study aimed to assess the agreement between a wireless harness device and manual measurement of heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature in hospitalized dogs. Nineteen client-owned dogs wore the harness throughout hospitalization and paired manual and harness measurements were collected every 4–8 h. Linear regression and Bland–Altman analysis were used to assess agreement. The device demonstrated strong correlation with manual measurements for heart rate and respiratory rate; however, the limits of agreement (LoA) exceeded predefined clinical thresholds, indicating high variability in individual readings. Temperature measurements showed a mean difference of 1.34 °F (manual minus harness), indicating underestimation by the harness. The LoA for temperature also exceeded predefined clinical thresholds, particularly in dogs with long fur. Fur length significantly influenced respiratory rate and temperature measurements, but not heart rate. Chest conformation also impacted respiratory rate and temperature accuracy. Heart rate was the most consistent parameter across all body types. Overall, the device tracked trends in heart rate and respiratory rate, supporting its potential as a supplemental monitoring tool. However, measurements should be confirmed manually prior to clinical decision-making. Full article

Background and Aim: Pneumococcal pneumonia is a major cause of death globally, emphasizing the importance of vaccination, especially in low- and middle-income countries. In Iran, the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) is available exclusively through private healthcare systems, resulting in a lack of studies on the prevalence of Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae) serotypes among vaccinated children. This research aimed to explore and compare the prevalence of nasopharyngeal pneumococcal carriage, serotype distribution, and antibiotic resistance patterns in healthy PCV13-vaccinated and -unvaccinated children. Methods: From August 2023 to November 2024, a multi-center, cross-sectional observational study was conducted in Tehran, Iran. This study included 204 nasopharyngeal samples collected from children aged from 18 to 59 months, involving both cases of children vaccinated with PCV13 and unvaccinated populations. S. pneumoniae was identified through a combination of culture methods and biochemical tests, confirmed by real-time PCR. Serotyping was achieved using cpsB sequencing, and the minimum inhibitory concentration method was employed to assess antibiotic resistance. Results: This study revealed similar S. pneumoniae carriage rates between PCV13-vaccinated and -unvaccinated Iranian children (20.6% vs. 21.6%). Serotypes 23F and 19F were prevalent in unvaccinated children, while 15B/15C was more prevalent in PCV13-vaccinated children. The included S. pneumoniae serotypes in PCV13 were detected more in the unvaccinated group. PCV13-vaccinated children exhibited no penicillin-resistant pneumococcal isolates, although four isolates were non-susceptible in unvaccinated children. Both groups showed substantial resistance to erythromycin and SXT. Previous respiratory infections, daycare attendance, residence in Tehran, and a history of antibiotic consumption increased the risk of pneumococcal carriage. Conclusions: PCV13 vaccination influences pneumococcal serotype distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility, although there was no significant difference regarding carriage rates between vaccinated and unvaccinated groups. These findings highlight the critical importance of vaccination in reducing invasive serotypes and antimicrobial resistance in children under five years old, emphasizing the importance of national PCV vaccination programs alongside continuous serotype surveillance. Full article

Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a non-invasive imaging technique that measures brain hemodynamic activity by detecting changes in oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin concentrations using light in the near-infrared spectrum. This study aims to provide a comprehensive characterization of fNIRS signals acquired with a prototypal continuous-wave fNIRS device during a breath-holding task, to evaluate the impact of respiratory activity on scalp hemodynamics within the framework of Network Physiology. To this end, information-theoretic and spectral analysis methods were applied to characterize the dynamics of fNIRS signals. In the time domain, time-resolved information-theoretic measures, including entropy, conditional entropy and, information storage, were employed to assess the complexity and predictability of the fNIRS signals. These measures highlighted distinct informational dynamics across the breathing and apnea phases, with conditional entropy showing a significant modulation driven by respiratory activity. In the frequency domain, power spectral density was estimated using a parametric method, allowing the identification of distinct frequency bands related to vascular and respiratory components. The analysis revealed significant modulations in both the amplitude and frequency of oscillations during the task, particularly in the high-frequency band associated with respiratory activity. Our observations demonstrate that the proposed analysis provides novel insights into the characterization of fNIRS signals, enhancing the understanding of the impact of task-induced peripheral cardiovascular responses on NIRS hemodynamics. Full article

The evolution of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its impact on public health continue to demand attention as the virus continues to evolve, demonstrating a remarkable ability to adapt to diverse selective pressures including immune responses, therapeutic treatments, and prophylactic interventions. The SARS-CoV-2 variant landscape remains dynamic, with new subvariants continuously emerging, many harboring spike protein mutations linked to immune evasion. In this study, we characterized a panel of live SARS-CoV-2 strains, including those key subvariants implicated in recent waves of infection. Our findings revealed a significant variability in mutation patterns in the spike protein across the strains analyzed. Commercial antibodies and human convalescent plasma (HCoP) samples from unvaccinated donors were ineffective in neutralizing the most recent Omicron subvariants, particularly after the emergence of JN.1 subvariant. Using human airway epithelial cells derived from healthy bronchiolar tissue (hBAEC), we established both monoinfections and coinfections involving SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A virus H1N1 (IFAV_H1N1) and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Assessments were conducted to compare viral infectivity and the production and release of immune mediators in the apical and basolateral compartments. Notably, Omicron KP.3.1.1 subvariant induced a more pronounced cytopathic effect in hBAEC compared to its parental strain JN.1 and even surpassed the impact observed with the ancestral wild-type virus (WA1/2020, Washington strain). Furthermore, the coinfection of KP.3.1.1 subvariant with IFAV_H1N1 or RSV did not attenuate SARS-CoV-2 infectivity; instead, it significantly exacerbated the pathogenic synergy in the lung epithelium. Our study demonstrated that pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IFN-β, and IL-10 were upregulated in hBAEC following SARS-CoV-2 monoinfection with recent Omicron subvariants as well as during coinfection with IFAV_H1N1 and RSV. Taken together, our findings offer new insights into the immune evasion strategies and pathogenic potential of evolving SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants, as well as their interactions with other respiratory viruses, carrying important implications for therapeutic development and public health preparedness. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the profound and lasting impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on the nervous system. Beyond acute infection, SARS-CoV-2 acts as a potent immunomodulatory agent, disrupting immune homeostasis and contributing to persistent inflammation, autoimmunity, and neurodegeneration. Long COVID, or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), is characterized by a spectrum of neurological symptoms, including cognitive dysfunction, fatigue, neuropathy, and mood disturbances. These are linked to immune dysregulation involving cytokine imbalance, blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption, glial activation, and T-cell exhaustion. Key biomarkers such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and neurofilament light chain (NFL) correlate with disease severity and chronicity. This narrative review examines the immunopathological mechanisms underpinning the neurological sequelae of long COVID, focusing on neuroinflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and molecular mimicry. We also assess the role of viral variants in shaping neuroimmune outcomes and explore emerging diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, including biomarker-guided and immune-targeted interventions. By delineating how SARS-CoV-2 reshapes neuroimmune interactions, this review aims to support the development of precision-based diagnostics and targeted therapies for long COVID-related neurological dysfunction. Emerging approaches include immune-modulatory agents (e.g., anti-IL-6), neuroprotective drugs, and strategies for repurposing antiviral or anti-inflammatory compounds in neuro-COVID. Given the high prevalence of comorbidities, personalized therapies guided by biomarkers and patient-specific immune profiles may be essential. Advancements in vaccine technologies and targeted biologics may also hold promise for prevention and disease modification. Finally, continued interdisciplinary research is needed to clarify the complex virus–immune–brain axis in long COVID and inform effective clinical management. Full article