Search Results (5,938)

Background: Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and varicella vaccines are often co-administered to optimize coverage, yet safety concerns regarding febrile convulsions persist. In South Korea, MMR and varicella vaccines are administered as separate injections during a single visit (MMR + V). This study evaluated the real-world safety of concurrent MMR + V vaccination, focusing on the domestically implemented MAV/06 and Oka-derived strains. Methods: We conducted a multicenter self-controlled case series (SCCS) study of children aged 12–23 months who received MMR + V and hepatitis A vaccine (HAV) between 2015 and 2024. Using electronic health records, we identified predefined adverse events (AEs), including fever and healthcare visits. Adjusted relative risks (aRRs) were estimated using conditional Poisson regression. Results: Among 3035 children (52.3% male; median age, 12 months), 71.7% received the MAV/06 varicella strain. A distinct peak in AEs occurred 7–13 days after MMR + V administration, with fever showing the greatest increase (aRR, 4.27; 95% CI, 2.76–6.60). The risks of total sick visits (aRR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.70–2.71) and acute care visits (aRR, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.46–3.10) were similarly confined to this interval and returned to baseline thereafter. Febrile convulsions were uncommon (aRR, 5.37; 95% CI, 1.20–24.01). No excess risks were observed during the HAV or overlap periods, and no synergistic effects of intensive multi-vaccine administration were detected. Conclusions: Concurrent administration of MMR and varicella vaccines in Korean infants—predominantly using the MAV/06 strain—was associated only with expected, transient increases in fever during days 7–13 postvaccination. No serious or sustained safety signals were identified, supporting the continued use of Korea’s separate-injection MMR + V strategy. Full article

Cancer incidence among adolescents is increasing, yet cancer risk reduction education remains largely absent from school-based curricula. This pilot study assessed whether a small-scale early, developmentally appropriate intervention could improve cancer literacy to support long-term risk reduction. This pilot study used a convergent parallel mixed-methods pre–post design to evaluate two separate, 45 min, school-based cancer education interventions delivered to 24 middle-school students in Pennsylvania. The intervention delivered developmentally appropriate content on cancer biology, modifiable risk factors, genetics, HPV vaccination, and self-advocacy using a low-resource, low-investment model easy for schools to implement. Pre- and post-intervention surveys assessed student knowledge, awareness, and health-related perceptions. Survey data were analyzed both descriptively using frequencies and percentages and thematically. Post-intervention results demonstrated substantial improvements across all domains. Correct definition of cancer increased from 16% to 100%. Awareness of modifiable risk factors increased to 96%, sunscreen knowledge to 90%, genetic testing awareness to 83%, and HPV vaccine understanding from 21% to 57%. Students also reported increased confidence in recognizing symptoms and engaging in health-seeking behaviors. Findings suggest that small-scale, school-based cancer education interventions are feasible and effective in improving adolescent cancer literacy. These results support the need for larger, controlled studies to evaluate long-term knowledge retention and behavioral outcomes. Full article

Adenoviral vectors are widely used for gene therapy and vaccine development. To circumvent pre-existing immunity against commonly used human adenovirus type 5, vectors based on rare human serotype or animal adenoviruses have attracted increasing interest. Previously, we constructed vectors based on fowl adenovirus 4 (FAdV-4) and replaced the knob of FAdV-4 fiber2 with that of FAdV-1 fiber1 to generate FAdV4-CF1K vectors with enhanced transduction efficiency in human cells. In this study, we aimed to modify the packaging system to efficiently produce FAdV-4 vectors carrying transgenes toxic to viral replication. Chicken LMH cells failed to form colonies at low seeding densities. We collected used medium from LMH cell cultures and used it as a supplement to adapt LMH cells, generating the colony-competent subclone LMH-C3532. A lentiviral vector encoding a codon-optimized tetracycline repressor (tetR) was transduced into LMH-C3532 to establish a tetR-integrated cell line, LMH-tetR24. An adenoviral plasmid, pKFAV4-CF1K-CtG, was constructed in which a tetracycline operator (tetO)-bearing CMV promoter controlled GFP expression. The SwaI-flanked GFP in this plasmid was replaced with the HA gene from an H5N1 influenza virus to generate pKFAV4-CF1K-CtHA. Linearized adenoviral plasmids were transfected into LMH-tetR24 cells, and recombinant FAdV4-CF1K-CtG and FAdV4-CF1K-CtHA viruses were successfully rescued, amplified, and purified. When infected with FAdV4-CF1K-CtG at various multiplicities of infection (MOI), the progeny virus yield from LMH-tetR24 cells was 4–10 times higher than that from LMH-C3532 cells. For FAdV4-CF1K-CtHA, the yield difference between the two cell lines was even more pronounced, reaching 3–4 orders of magnitude. Overexpression of HA in LMH-C3532 cells negatively affected FAdV4-CF1K-CtHA replication, resulting in smaller and fewer plaques. In conclusion, by separately integrating tetR into packaging cells and TetO into the adenoviral plasmid, we established a system that can be routinely used to package FAdV-4 vectors. Notably, this system facilitates the propagation of FAdV-4 vectors carrying toxic transgenes. Full article

Salmonella remains one of the most critical zoonotic pathogens in the poultry sector, linked to animal disease, foodborne illness, and the global crisis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Poultry acts as a major reservoir, enabling Salmonella transmission from hatchery to retail products through horizontal, vertical, and environmental routes. Despite the use of biosecurity, vaccination, antibiotics, and chemical decontamination, effective and sustainable control across the poultry value chain remains difficult, particularly in the face of rising multidrug-resistant strains and growing consumer concerns over chemical residues. Bacteriophages (phages), viruses that selectively infect and lyse bacteria, have emerged as a promising biological alternative for Salmonella control. Although many studies have reported the effectiveness of phages against bacterial species, including Salmonella, in the poultry industry, reports on their full potential to combat antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella across the entire poultry value chain remain limited. Therefore, this review synthesizes current evidence on the application of phages throughout the poultry value chain, including on-farm interventions, processing plant decontamination, and food packaging and storage. Findings from the reviewed articles indicate over a 90% reduction in Salmonella spp. in poultry farms and post-harvest meat, along with lower mortality in phage-treated groups compared to untreated groups; however, these outcomes depend on several factors (e.g., phage strains, concentrations, application methods, and environmental conditions). Laboratory, pilot, and field studies consistently demonstrate that phage preparations, especially when formulated as cocktails or combined with complementary interventions, can achieve substantial reductions in Salmonella, including antibiotic-resistant serovars, in live birds, eggs, poultry environments, and meat products. Unlike antibiotics and chemical sanitizers, phages act with high specificity, preserving beneficial microbiota and maintaining the sensory and nutritional quality of poultry products. Their safety has been supported by toxicological and genomic assessments, and several phage-based products have obtained regulatory approval, including Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status for food applications in the United States. By integrating efficacy, safety, regulatory, and practical deployment data, this review highlights bacteriophages as a scientifically validated and One Health–aligned tool capable of reducing Salmonella transmission from farm to fork across the poultry value chain, thereby laying the foundation for their future adoption in the poultry industry. Phage-based interventions offer a sustainable pathway to enhance food safety, limit antimicrobial resistance (AMR) dissemination, and strengthen consumer confidence in poultry products. However, the major limitation is the emergence of phage-resistant bacterial strains, as well as the potential involvement of some phages in the transfer of resistance and virulence genes, which could raise public concern. Nevertheless, the use of phage cocktails and whole-genome sequencing, involving tools such as ResFinder and virulence finder, can facilitate the selection of safe phages for application. Full article

Age-related decline in immune system function is characterized by reduced numbers of naïve lymphocytes, the accumulation of senescent cells, impaired function of all immune cell types, and chronic low-grade inflammation (inflammaging). These alterations contribute to increased susceptibility to infections and malignancies, as well as to autoimmunity and other age-associated diseases. This article reviews current evidence on lifestyle interventions that may mitigate immune aging. Lifestyle-related strategies, including regular physical activity, nutritional interventions (e.g., different diets, caloric restriction, and other fasting-related approaches), stress reduction, and vaccination, are discussed as key modulators of immune function and systemic inflammation. Notably, vitamin D supplementation has been shown to reduce the incidence of autoimmune diseases by 22%. In comparison, caloric restriction has led to a decrease in CRP and TNF-α by 40% and 50%, respectively. Emerging complementary approaches, such as mind–body practices and controlled cold exposure, show promise, though current evidence remains limited and inconsistent. Therefore, integrated lifestyle strategies may slow aging-related immune decline and support healthy aging. However, longitudinal trials are required to define the optimal intervention parameters, population-specific thresholds, and the long-term durability of immune rejuvenation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cervical cancer is mainly driven by persistent infection with high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV), particularly HPV16 and HPV18. Despite advances in cytology, HPV-DNA testing and vaccination, challenges remain in the triage of HPV-positive individuals, prognostic stratification and prediction of treatment response. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), including microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs and circular RNAs, together with host genetic factors influencing ncRNA expression and emerging lncRNA-encoded peptides, are increasingly recognized as regulators of HPV-associated carcinogenesis. This review summarizes their biological and potential clinical relevance. Methods: A structured literature search was conducted in PubMed and Scopus. Eligible studies included experimental, clinical, observational, genomic and translational investigations on ncRNA dysregulation, circulating or exosomal ncRNAs, treatment-response signatures, host genetic variation and lncRNA-encoded peptides in HPV-associated cervical precancer and cancer. Results: HPV oncoproteins can reshape host ncRNA networks through transcriptional and epigenetic mechanisms. Several miRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs are involved in cell-cycle control, apoptosis, senescence, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, immune regulation, DNA repair and treatment resistance. Circulating, exosomal and urinary ncRNA signatures have shown diagnostic or prognostic potential in exploratory cohorts. Specific lncRNAs, including ENSG00000267838/lnc-LENG9-5 and lncRNA-EME1, have been associated with chemoradiotherapy response and radioresistance. The lncRNA-encoded peptide TUBORF represents a novel preclinical therapeutic candidate, while genetic variation may further modulate lncRNA function in HPV-related cervical cancer. Conclusions: ncRNAs are promising candidates for risk stratification, non-invasive diagnosis, treatment-response prediction and therapeutic development in HPV-associated cervical disease. However, evidence remains exploratory, requiring prospective multicentre validation and standardized workflows before clinical implementation. Full article

Background/Objectives: COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, can lead to widespread neurological and cognitive complications, even in the absence of significant structural brain abnormalities. Understanding the evolving health concerns in the context of viral infections is critical to service member readiness, fitness, and mission completion. The potential neuroprotective effects of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination remain underexplored. Methods: Using a cross-sectional, non-human primate model (female cynomolgus macaques), we employed magnetoencephalography (MEG) to assess resting-state brain activity following vaccination with escalating doses of a novel psoralen-inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (PsIV) or a combination of PsIV and a DNA vaccine (prime boost), and subsequent challenge with the Delta variant (SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.2). MEG scans were acquired 41 days after inoculation. Source series were constructed for 42 regions of interest for each subject, and band power was computed. Results: Band power demonstrated substantial preservation of neural activity across multiple brain regions in vaccinated subjects compared to unvaccinated controls following viral challenge. Significantly lower power was observed across the brain at all bandwidths in the unvaccinated group relative to the prime boost group. As PsIV concentration increased, spectral power increased, with the prime boost group having the greatest power. Conclusions: This approach not only underscores the role of vaccination in mitigating neuropathology but also highlights the capability of MEG to detect subtle yet significant changes in brain function that may be overlooked by other imaging modalities. These findings advance our understanding of vaccine-induced neuroprotection and establish MEG as a powerful tool for monitoring brain function in the context of viral infections. Full article

Proteins are the most common targets for antibody discovery and vaccine development, but their sequence variability can limit the breadth of resulting antigens. Lipids represent an alternative class of antigens due to their structural conservation and roles in host–pathogen interactions. Here, we describe the development and optimization of an in vitro antibody selection workflow using lipid-containing nanodiscs as antigen presentation platforms to enable phage and yeast display selections under conditions adapted for these non-protein targets. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) nanodiscs were first used as a model system to evaluate selection strategies, including competitive and subtractive approaches to reduce non-specific binders, yielding peptide and single-chain variable fragment (scFv) binders that were affinity matured to improve binding signals. The same approach was subsequently used to select scFv antibodies that recognize lipid nanodiscs prepared from Yersinia pestis membrane lipid extracts. These antibodies show binding to lipid nanodiscs derived from Y. pestis, with evidence of selectivity relative to control nanodiscs. Overall, this work establishes a workflow for antibody selection against lipid-containing nanodisc antigens and highlights practical considerations associated with these targets. The approach may be useful for generating affinity reagents to membrane-associated lipids, although further characterization is required to define antigen specificity and functional activity. Full article

The genetic and antigenic diversity of H5Nx HPAI Gs/GD lineage continues to be a great challenge facing conventional inactivated vaccines. To overcome this challenge, a recombinant herpes virus of turkey (rHVT) vaccine expressing the viral protein 2 (VP2) of infectious bursal disease (IBD) and H5, rHVT+IBD+H5, was developed using computationally optimized broadly reactive antigen (COBRA) technology. In the current study, the protective efficacy of a commercially available vector trivalent vaccine rHVT+IBD+H5 using COBRA technology was assessed. A total of 120 commercial broilers were divided equally into six groups (G1B–G6B). The chickens in G1B–G3B were challenged with the most recent circulating HPAI-H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4.b Egyptian isolate (GenBank accession No. OQ933425) at 28 days old (DO), while the chickens in G4B and G5B were kept as vaccinated (as G1B and G2B, respectively) and non-challenged, and G6B was the non-vaccinated non-challenged group. In G1B, the chickens were vaccinated with Vaxxitek^® rHVT+IBD+H5 at 1 DO and boostered with a commercially available subunit Baculovirus bivalent inactivated H5+ND (Volvac^® B.E.S.T AI+ND) at 10 DO and had a 100% survival rate. The standalone vaccinated chicken G2B, using rHVT+IBD+H5 at 1 DO, had a highly significant survival rate (90%) vs. 0% (100% mortality) in the non-vaccinated challenged control, G3B. All the vaccinated groups had higher seroconversion at 45 DO especially using H5-coated antigen plates for the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. The viral shedding titers and time were evaluated using a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) in the collected oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs at 3, 5, 7, and 10 days post-challenge (DPC). In conclusion, vaccination with rHVT+IBD+H5 either as a standalone or when boostered with subunit Baculovirus bivalent inactivated ND+H5 resulted in 90 and 100% protection, respectively, without significant difference in the quantity and duration of viral shedding between both groups against HPAI-H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4.b experimental challenge in broilers. Full article

Introduction: Vaccination against COVID-19 has been crucial in controlling the pandemic. While side effects are typically mild, rare neurological complications have been reported. This is a case series of ten patients who reported of persistent fasciculations after COVID-19 vaccination. Methods: We describe the clinical presentation and diagnostic work-up of ten patients with new-onset fasciculations in temporal proximity to COVID-19 vaccination. Patients with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection or known alternative causes of fasciculations were excluded. Routine clinical data, including neurological examination, laboratory results, and electrophysiology (electromyography and nerve conduction studies), were analyzed. Results: Ten patients (5 male, 5 female; mean age 42.4 years) reported fasciculations beginning within 6 h to 13 days post-vaccination and persisting for 2–12 months at the time of presentation. Fasciculations were accompanied by additional symptoms such as paresthesia and fatigue. Laboratory results were mostly unremarkable; two patients had positive myositis antibodies without clinical correlates. Electrophysiology was unremarkable in six patients, while fasciculation potentials were detected in four patients. Nine were diagnosed with probable benign fasciculation syndrome (BFS), and one met diagnostic criteria for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Discussion: In this small, retrospective case series, most cases of post-vaccination fasciculations were benign and compatible with BFS. Whether BFS onset was causally linked to vaccination or due to a nocebo effect remains unclear. One patient was diagnosed with ALS, though a causal link remains speculative given the study’s limitations and rarity of similar reports. Larger, prospective studies are needed to validate these observations and explore underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. Full article

Background: Seasonal influenza prevention in young adults is influenced by access, trust, and vaccine information exposure, but local evidence linking vaccination uptake with illness and economic burden is limited. Methods: We conducted a non-probability, cross-sectional electronic survey of adults aged 18–49 years who lived, worked, or studied in the San Francisco Bay Area during the 2025 to 2026 influenza season. Measures included vaccination uptake, influenza-like illness, recovery, functional and economic burden, vaccination sites, and vaccine information exposure. Multivariable logistic regression examined factors associated with vaccination uptake; Kaplan–Meier and Cox models examined time to recovery. Results: Of 554 responses, 463 were included. Vaccination uptake was 86.2% (n = 399; 95% confidence interval [CI], 82.7–89.2%), likely reflecting a health-engaged convenience sample. Influenza-like illness was reported by 38.4%; median recovery time was 5 days, median missed work or school was 2 days, and median direct out-of-pocket cost was US$20. Prior season vaccination (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.24; 95% CI, 1.15–4.34) and greater trust in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or public health agencies (aOR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.05–2.02) were associated with vaccination. Pharmacies were the second most common vaccination site and preferred future site. Conclusions: Influenza prevention for young adults may benefit from pharmacy-inclusive, multichannel access paired with trusted communication. Findings should be interpreted in light of non-probability recruitment and likely overrepresentation of health-engaged respondents. Full article

Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) poses a continuous threat to the poultry industry in Mainland China, yet a comprehensive nationwide assessment remains lacking. This systematic review and meta-analysis quantified the pooled prevalence of MS and evaluated key epidemiological characteristics and sources of heterogeneity. Peer-reviewed studies were retrieved from multiple databases, and random-effects models were utilized to estimate and compare pooled seroprevalence and molecular detection prevalence. The results revealed a heavy MS infection burden characterized by a distinct diagnostic disparity: a high serological prevalence co-existed with a moderate molecular detection prevalence, reflecting widespread past exposure, chronic carrying, or vaccination. Geographically, the Northwest region exhibited the highest seroprevalence (61.8%), though inter-regional differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.152). Among production types, breeder flocks maintained a relatively high pooled prevalence of 69.6% (95% CI: 40.5–92.0%), although differences among production types were not statistically significant. Subgroup analysis demonstrated a statistically significant difference among age groups; however, the available data did not support definitive conclusions regarding age-specific risk patterns. Breeder flocks exhibited a relatively higher pooled prevalence than layers and broilers, suggesting a potential epidemiological role that warrants further investigation. In conclusion, MS appears to be widely distributed in chickens in mainland China. Differences between the serological and molecular detection results highlight the complexity of interpreting MS prevalence estimates. Given the substantial heterogeneity among studies, the findings should be interpreted cautiously. Future studies incorporating standardized surveillance and detailed vaccination histories are needed to better understand MS epidemiology and support evidence-based control strategies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the leading cause of cervical cancer and is associated with several anogenital and oropharyngeal malignancies. Although licensed HPV vaccines are highly effective, access remains limited in many low- and middle-income countries due to cost, supply shortages, and implementation barriers. In this study, we evaluated the immunogenicity and safety of Gardisun, a newly developed quadrivalent prophylactic HPV vaccine, compared with Gardasil^®. Methods: This Phase III randomized, double-blind, active-controlled, parallel-group non-inferiority trial enrolled 450 healthy participants stratified by sex and randomized (1:1) to receive three 0.5 mL intramuscular doses of Gardisun or Gardasil^® on Days 0, 60, and 180. Participants were followed through to Day 210. The primary endpoint was the geometric mean titer (GMT) of antibodies against HPV types 6, 11, 16, and 18 one month after the administration of the third dose. Non-inferiority was defined as the lower bound of the 95% confidence interval (CI) for the GMT ratio exceeding 0.67. Safety was assessed through adverse event monitoring. Results: Of the 450 randomized participants, 422 completed the Month 7 visit and 429 received all three doses. Both vaccines induced antibody responses and seroconversion rates for all HPV types. The primary analysis met the non-inferiority criterion for HPV-6, while prespecified sensitivity analyses supported the existence of non-inferiority across all evaluated HPV types. Most adverse events were mild and transient, with no vaccine-related serious adverse events reported. Conclusions: Gardisun demonstrated robust immunogenicity and a safety profile comparable to that of Gardasil^®, supporting its potential as an accessible alternative quadrivalent HPV vaccine for broader vaccination programs in resource-limited settings. Full article

Background/Objectives: Childhood vaccine refusal may negatively affect immunization programs in Türkiye, where regional clusters of hesitancy have emerged despite high national coverage. This study aimed to identify sociodemographic, behavioral, and vaccine confidence-related factors independently associated with childhood vaccine refusal in Konya, Türkiye. Methods: An unmatched case–control study was conducted between July and October 2025 in family health centers across Konya. Cases were parents who had refused at least one routine childhood vaccine (n = 406); controls were parents whose children had completed all routine vaccinations (n = 412). Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a 47-item structured questionnaire and the Turkish version of the Vaccine Hesitancy Scale (VHS). Independent associations were assessed using multivariable logistic regression, with multicollinearity evaluated by variance inflation factors. Results: Maternal employment (aOR = 0.371, 95% CI: 0.218–0.633), parental COVID-19 vaccination (aOR = 0.131, 95% CI: 0.086–0.200), mother’s complete childhood immunization (aOR = 0.418, 95% CI: 0.262–0.667), tetanus vaccination during pregnancy (aOR = 0.259, 95% CI: 0.159–0.421), and neonatal vitamin K administration (aOR = 0.256, 95% CI: 0.132–0.497) were independently associated with lower refusal odds. Higher number of children (aOR = 1.281) and perceived vaccine-related adverse events in the social environment (aOR = 16.982, 95% CI: 9.914–29.089) increased refusal odds. VHS scores were significantly lower in the refusal group (22.2 ± 6.4 vs. 39.8 ± 6.5; p < 0.001), indicating greater hesitancy. Notably, 21.9% of refusing parents reported being advised by a healthcare professional not to vaccinate. Conclusions: Childhood vaccine refusal in Konya was associated with sociodemographic, behavioral, preventive health-related, and vaccine confidence-related factors. The findings suggest relatively reduced engagement with selected preventive health practices, greater reliance on non-professional information sources, and lower vaccine confidence among refusing parents. Interventions should focus on strengthening healthcare-professional communication, trust-building, transparent risk communication, and evidence-based social media strategies. Full article

Despite the years that have passed since the pandemic, data regarding the effects of mild SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination during pregnancy remain limited. The current study investigated the expression of molecules that may be involved in the placental immune response using real-time PCR and Western blot analysis in a well-characterized cohort of 118 placentas collected between the 37th and 40th week of gestation. Secreted mediators were assessed in the supernatant of placental cell cultures, and histological examinations of the placental tissue were performed. Significant differences in the expression levels of S100B, IL6, and CCL5 were observed in control versus vaccinated and previously infected women, as determined by PCR. Acute SARS-CoV-2 infection decreased the expression of p38 MAPK and Bcl-2 compared to control patients. The secretion of G-CSF, IFN-α2, IL-2, and CXCL8 (IL-8) increased in women who were infected during pregnancy and/or vaccinated. However, histological analysis revealed only minor differences between the groups. In conclusion, SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination during pregnancy induced a measurable placental immune response that remained below the threshold of histologically detectable tissue injury. Full article