Search Results (1,303)

Background/Objectives: Cervical cancer remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality among women worldwide, marked by stark geographic and socioeconomic disparities. Preventable via HPV vaccination and screening, progress toward elimination varies widely across and within countries. This narrative review synthesizes the epidemiology, including incidence, mortality, survival, and stage distribution, as well as risk factors and the coverage/equity of HPV screening and vaccination programs. Methods: Comprehensive searches were performed in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar (no date restrictions; English only). Included were original epidemiological studies, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and international reports on burden, risk factors, or prevention indicators. Data were qualitatively synthesized into three themes: epidemiological patterns, risk factors, and screening/prevention programs. Results: Persistent high-risk HPV infection causes nearly all cervical cancers, predominantly HPV16/18, with regional variation in other types. Strong co-factors include HIV immunosuppression, early sexual debut, multiple partners, high parity, long-term oral contraceptive use, and smoking. Inequalities in incidence, late diagnosis, and survival are driven by socioeconomic disadvantages, low education, rural residence, and poor health system access. Screening ranges from cytology/VIA to primary HPV testing, but coverage is low and inequitable in high-burden settings. HPV vaccination has expanded yet faces major gaps in low- and middle-income countries. Conclusions: Cervical cancer burden concentrates in low-resource and marginalized populations. Global elimination demands accelerated, equitable scale-up of HPV vaccination and screening, alongside health system strengthening and barrier reduction. Full article

Background: Most cancers caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) are preventable through vaccination, yet uptake among U.S. college students remains below national targets. This study examined HPV vaccination rates and factors associated with vaccine uptake among students aged 18–26 years at a large, diverse public university in New York State following the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: In March 2022, an online survey was distributed to 19,351 students aged 18–26 years; responses were received from 708 students (~4%) and included in the analysis. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors of HPV vaccination. Results: Overall, 59% of students reported receiving at least one HPV vaccine dose, while 17.7% were unsure of their vaccination status. Among students whose healthcare provider recommended the HPV vaccine, 76.4% were vaccinated compared to 16.7% without one (p < 0.001). Healthcare provider recommendation was the strongest predictor of vaccination (OR 17.9; 95% CI: 8.45–37.91). Additional factors significantly associated with uptake included agreement that the HPV vaccine is safe (OR 2.56; 95% CI: 1.54–4.27), importance of a sexual partner being vaccinated (OR 2.65; 95% CI: 1.90–3.69), and valuing family opinion (OR 1.67; 95% CI: 1.23–2.26). Students most preferred receiving HPV information from healthcare providers (73.4%), followed by Internet searches (51.8%) and social media (35.1%). Conclusions: HPV vaccination uptake among college students remains below national targets. Strengthening provider recommendations, addressing safety concerns, and implementing multimodal education strategies during preventive visits for young adults are essential to improve coverage and reduce HPV-related cancer risk. Full article

Objective: Dynamic allocation of emergency medical resources is a critical task in the prevention and control of respiratory infectious diseases (RIDs). This study aims to address the challenge of a “run on the healthcare system” by proposing an effective resource allocation strategy to curb the spread of RIDs. Methods: Considering the infection severity of RIDs, the capacity of emergency medical resources (hospitalization rate), and vaccination status, we construct an S_VIⁿR dynamic model of RIDs that considers vaccine failure. Under the constraint of emergency medical resources and with the goal of minimizing the basic reproduction number, we propose a dynamic allocation strategy for distributing emergency medical resources among different types of infected individuals. Results: Simulation results demonstrate that improving the hospitalization efficiency of emergency medical resources significantly contributes to the effective control of RIDs. The model shows that targeted dynamic allocation helps reduce disease transmission. Conclusions: Validation using real-world data confirms that the model is effective and practical. It offers theoretical guidance for dynamically allocating emergency medical resources and supports informed decision-making in response to major emerging RIDs. Full article

Background/Objective: Infectious bursal disease (IBD) is an acute and highly contagious immunosuppressive disease in chickens caused by infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV). In recent years, a novel variant IBDV (nVarIBDV) has emerged and spread widely, inducing severe immunosuppression and posing a substantial threat to the poultry industry. More importantly, owing to antigenic variations, nVarIBDV can escape the immune protection of the existing vaccines. Therefore, it is imperative to develop a new vaccine that is antigenically matched to nVarIBDV. Methods: The major protective antigen gene VP2 of the representative nVarIBDV strain SHG19 was inserted into the eukaryotic expression plasmid pCAGGS to construct the recombinant plasmid pCASHGVP2. Subsequently, pCASHGVP2 was encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) to form pCASHGVP2-LNP nanoparticles. Finally, using the SPF chicken model, the immune efficacy of pCASHGVP2-LNP was preliminarily assessed by administering two vaccine doses (10 and 20 μg) and two immunization regimens (single or double immunization). Results: Efficient VP2 protein expression from pCASHGVP2 was confirmed by in vitro transfection experiments. The prepared pCASHGVP2-LNP nanoparticles exhibited an optimal particle size distribution and acceptable polydispersity index, indicating a homogeneous formulation. Furthermore, animal experiments showed that the candidate DNA vaccine elicited specific neutralizing antibodies after double immunization and protected immunized chickens from disease induced by nVarIBDV challenge. Conclusions: This study reports the first development of an LNP-encapsulated VP2 DNA vaccine (pCASHGVP2-LNP) against nVarIBDV, highlighting its potential application for the prevention of nVarIBDV. Full article

Background: On 1 January 2019, a 2-dose mumps-containing vaccine (MuCV) immunization strategy was adopted in Henan Province before the national Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI). This study examines the epidemiological characteristics of mumps cases during the implementation of various immunization strategies in Henan Province. Methods: We employed descriptive statistics and initially retrieved data on reported cases from 2004 to 2024. Mumps case data were sourced from the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention (CISDCP). Results: Between 2004 and 2024, a total of 301,342 cases of mumps disease were reported in Henan Province, and the average annual reported incidence was 15.11 cases per 100,000 people. The average yearly incidence decreased by 60.29% following the implementation of the 2-dose vaccination strategy compared with the one-dose strategy. The study identifies two annual incidence peaks from 2004 to 2024: a prominent peak from April to July and a smaller peak from December to January. From 2019 to 2024, in addition to a slight dip in February, the seasonality was less pronounced, with cases distributed sporadically throughout the year. The proportion of the population over 20 years old increased annually, from 8.17% in 2004–2008 to 15.55% in 2019–2024. There was an overall negative correlation between the estimated MuCV vaccination rate and the reported incidence of mumps (r = −0.685, p < 0.05). Conclusions: The introduction of 2-dose MuCV in the EPI significantly reduced the incidence rate and total number of cases. While continuing the 2-dose MuCV immunization strategy in the future, it is crucial to remain vigilant in preventing and controlling mumps among individuals over 20 years old. Full article

Background/Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately impacted rural areas across the United States, including rural North Carolina (NC). Consistent with national patterns, COVID-19 vaccination coverage as of December 2022 was higher for non-rural (72%) than rural (58%) NC counties. The role of trusted sources of vaccine information used by rural and non-rural residents is unknown. Methods: Using data from two surveys distributed by the COVID-19 Community Research Partnership from 8 June 2021 through 21 December 2021, we compared self-reported sources of trusted COVID-19 vaccine information by non-rural and rural counties and by county-level predominant political vote in the 2020 Presidential election. Results: While NC respondents were highly vaccinated (94%), fewer residents from rural counties self-reported COVID-19 vaccination than those from non-rural counties (91% versus 95%). The most common reported source of trusted vaccine information was federal health agencies. The proportion citing a federal health agency was higher for respondents from non-rural (80%) than rural (72%) counties and was higher for vaccinated (75%) than unvaccinated (42%) rural respondents. The next two most trusted sources of vaccine information were state/local health officials (48%) and health care providers (42%). Among trusted resources reported by 10–15% of respondents, those from rural counties were less likely to use hospital websites, employers, or news sources than those from non-rural counties. More respondents from counties with >60% vote for the 2020 Democratic Presidential candidate cited federal health agencies, state and local officials, and new sources than respondents from counties with >60% vote for the 2020 Republican Presidential candidate. Conclusions: By identifying the trusted sources of vaccine information for residents in non-rural and rural NC counties, future vaccine implementation efforts can tailor communication efforts to increase vaccine uptake and potentially reduce the rates of hospitalizations and death from vaccine-preventable diseases such as COVID-19 or other future pandemics. Full article

Background: Administering several separate childhood vaccines can reduce adherence to immunization schedules due to missed appointments and the burden of repeated injections. A hexavalent formulation targeting diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenzae type B, and poliovirus offers a practical approach to improve compliance and streamline immunization. Methods: Toxicity testing was performed in Wistar rats and New Zealand White rabbits (60 rats and 30 rabbits). Animals were distributed into three groups: hexavalent vaccine + low-dose sIPV, hexavalent vaccine + high-dose sIPV, and control. Each animal received a 0.5 mL intramuscular injection at weeks 0, 4, 8, and 12. Clinical observations were conducted throughout the study. Serum samples were collected one day before each injection and at the endpoint, while liver tissue was collected at the endpoint. ALT and AST concentrations were analyzed using an automated analyzer, and hepatic morphology was evaluated microscopically. Results: No abnormal clinical signs related to vaccination were observed. ALT concentrations showed no significant differences (p > 0.05). AST differences (p < 0.05) were detected between the high-dose group and the control on day 27 in female rabbits and on day 83 in female rats; however, all values remained within normal physiological limits. Histopathological examination revealed no irreversible hepatic lesions, including hydropic degeneration, portal inflammation, focal necrosis, or connective tissue proliferation, and no significant differences were noted (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Repeated administration of the hexavalent vaccine candidate at low and high doses produced no toxicological effects in animal models, supporting its safety for further clinical development. Full article

Mosquito-borne diseases, including dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika, continue to pose a substantial global public health challenge. This is largely attributable to the absence of effective vaccines and the expanding distribution of vectors such as Aedes albopictus (Ae. albopictus). Repellents, therefore, remain a critical component of prevention strategies for disease prevention. However, existing formulations have notable limitations. Synthetic repellents such as DEET provide broad-spectrum efficacy but may raise safety concerns, especially at high concentrations. In contrast, botanical repellents, such as citronella and camphor oils, offer more favorable safety profiles but are restricted by short protection durations due to their high volatility. To overcome these drawbacks, this research developed a composite mosquito repellent through the strategic combination of DEET (5–15%), citronella oil (10–20%), and camphor oil (5–15%). This formulation leverages interactions across multiple olfactory pathways to simultaneously enhance efficacy and reduce the DEET concentration. Orthogonal experimental optimization identified an optimized formulation, Mix-3 (consisting of 15% DEET, 15% citronella oil, and 10% camphor oil in 75% ethanol), which achieved a mean complete protection time of 9.45 h. Mix-3 provided longer protection than 7% DEET (mean difference = 5.50 h, p < 0.001), 4.5% IR3535 (2.83 h, p < 0.001), 10% citronella oil (3.58 h, p < 0.001), and 15% DEET (6.50 h, p < 0.001). Catnip oil did not contribute significantly to repellency (p = 0.895). This study demonstrates that the rational combination of synthetic and botanical repellents effectively overcomes the limitations of single-agent formulations, providing a long-lasting and scalable approach for vector control. Full article

The world is divided into seven regional pools based on the serotype distribution and geographical spread of the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus. The Republic of Korea (ROK) belongs to Pool 1, where serotypes O, A, and Asia1 are endemic. Recently, the risk of incursions by the O/CATHAY topotype has increased in Pool 1, raising concerns about its potential introduction into the ROK. To assess the protective effectiveness of three commercial FMD vaccine strains—O1/Manisa + O/3039, O/Primorsky, and O1/Campos—currently used in the ROK against this topotype, an animal challenge experiment was conducted. Three treatment groups (n = 4 in each) of pigs received a single 2 mL injection of one of the vaccines at 8–10 weeks of age, and the other group (n = 2) served as the control. All pigs were challenged with the O/HKN/5/2019 virus (O/CATHAY topotype) at 21 days post-vaccination. All vaccines conferred protective effects, with O1/Campos demonstrating the highest efficacy by inducing fewest clinical signs and significantly reducing virus shedding in the treated groups compared with those in the control group. These findings suggest O1/Campos may serve as an emergency measure; nevertheless, the development of a vaccine specifically targeting the O/CATHAY topotype is warranted. Full article

Mammarenaviruses (MaAv) cause persistent infection in their natural rodent hosts across the world and, via zoonotic events, can cause severe disease in humans. Thus, the MaAv Lassa virus (LASV) in Western Africa and the Junin virus (JUNV) in the Argentinean Pampas cause hemorrhagic fever diseases with significant case fatality rates in their endemic regions. In addition, the globally distributed MaAv lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) is an underrecognized human pathogen of clinical significance capable of causing devastating infections in neonates and immunocompromised individuals. Despite their impact on human health, there are currently no FDA-approved vaccines or specific antiviral treatments for MaAv infections. Existing anti-MaAv therapies are limited to the off-label use of ribavirin, whose efficacy remains controversial; hence, the development of novel therapeutics to combat human pathogenic MaAv is vital. We employed a high-throughput cell-based infection assay to screen the Pandemic Response Box, a collection of 400 diverse compounds with established antimicrobial activity, for MaAv inhibitors. We identified Ro-24-7429, an antagonist of the HIV-1 Tat protein and RUNX family transcription factor 1 inhibitor; WO 2006118607 A2, a dihydroorotate dehydrogenase inhibitor; and verdinexor, a novel selective inhibitor of nuclear export (SINE) targeting the XPO1/CRM1, as potent anti-MaAv compounds. Consistent with their distinct validated targets, verdinexor and WO 2006118607 A2 exhibited very strong synergistic antiviral activity when used in combination therapy. Our findings pave the way for the development of verdinexor as a potent host-directed antiviral against MaAv, which could be integrated into the development of combination therapy with direct- or host-acting antivirals to combat human pathogenic MaAv. Full article

Mumps virus (MuV) is a single-stranded, negative-sense RNA virus of the Family Paramyxoviridae. MuV is a highly contagious human pathogen that causes primarily mild symptoms, including hallmark swelling of the parotid glands. Severe cases can occur, leading to neurological complications, including deafness, meningitis, and encephalitis. The mumps vaccine, now included in combination with measles and rubella vaccines (MMR), was first made available in the 1960s. After its introduction, mumps incidence dropped dramatically to less than 500 cases annually in the US. However, even with long-standing vaccination programs, MuV continues to challenge the landscape of public health due to a resurgence of cases in the past several decades and a still present lack of approved antiviral drugs and treatments available for the disease. This review will explore the biology of MuV, focusing on how MuV replicates and interacts with the host immune system. Recent studies have also shed light on the role of protein phosphorylation in regulating viral RNA synthesis—particularly the dynamic interactions between the nucleoprotein (NP) and phosphoprotein (P)—offering new insights into how the virus controls its replication machinery both mechanistically and through utilizing host cell advantages. We also examine how the immune system responds to mumps infection and vaccination, and how those responses may vary across viral genotypes. Although the Jeryl Lynn vaccine strain has played a key role in controlling mumps for decades, outbreaks among vaccinated individuals have raised questions about the present vaccine’s efficacy against circulating and emerging genotypes and if novel strategies will be required to prevent future outbreaks. We review current epidemiological data, highlighting shifts in MuV transmission and genotype distribution, and discuss the need for updated or genotype-matched vaccines. By connecting molecular virology with real-world trends in disease spread and vaccine performance, this review aims to support ongoing efforts to strengthen mumps control strategies and inform the development of next-generation vaccines. Full article

Cancer immunotherapy increasingly relies on nucleic acid-based vaccines, yet achieving efficient and safe delivery remains a critical limitation. Polyplexes—electrostatic complexes of cationic polymers and nucleic acids—have emerged as versatile carriers offering greater chemical tunability and multivalent targeting capacity compared to lipid nanoparticles, with lower immunogenicity than viral vectors. This review summarizes key design principles governing polyplex performance, including polymer chemistry, architecture, and assembly route—emphasizing microfluidic fabrication for improved size control and reproducibility. Mechanistically, effective systems support stepwise delivery: tumor targeting, cellular uptake, endosomal escape (via proton-sponge, membrane fusion, or photochemical disruption), and compartment-specific cargo release. We discuss therapeutic applications spanning plasmid DNA, siRNA, miRNA, mRNA, and CRISPR-based editing, highlighting preclinical data across multiple tumor types and early clinical evidence of on-target knockdown in human cancers. Particular attention is given to physiological barriers and engineering strategies—including size-switching systems, charge-reversal polymers, and tumor-penetrating peptides—that improve intratumoral distribution. However, significant challenges persist, including cationic toxicity, protein corona formation, manufacturing variability, and limited clinical responses to date. Current evidence supports polyplexes as a modular platform complementary to lipid nanoparticles in selected oncology indications, though realizing this potential requires continued optimization alongside rigorous translational development. Full article

Background: Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of child mortality in Nepal despite the introduction of the 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV10). Vaccine effectiveness is threatened by the emergence of non-vaccine serotypes (NVTs) and the multiple serotypes carriage which often fail to be detected by traditional methods. We aimed to study changes in serotype distribution before and after PCV10 immunization among infants, including serotype dominance in Nepalese infants in the post-vaccine era. Methods: We enrolled infants in a longitudinal cohort study (2020–2022) conducted in Bhaktapur, Nepal. Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected before PCV10 dose 1 (6 weeks) and at 9 and 12 months post-immunization. We used a sensitive nanofluidic qPCR platform to detect multiple serotypes and establish their hierarchy by quantifying the bacterial load of each strain. Inverse Probability Weighting (IPW) adjusted risk factor analysis was used to account for loss to follow-up. Results: PCV10 successfully reduced vaccine-type (VT) carriage, declining sharply from 32.8% at 6 weeks to 4.8% at 12 months. VTs were pushed from being the dominant strain to occupying subdominant roles in co-colonization. Conversely, NVTs rapidly filled the vacated niche, showing a significant increase in their dominant status (p < 0.001). The most common replacing NVTs that rose to dominance were 35B, 19A, 6C/6D, and 15B/15C. Significant risk factors for carriage included older infancy (aOR 3.4, 95%CI: 2.6–4.5 at 9 months), a household kitchen in the living area (aOR 1.4, 95%CI: 1.0–1.9), and winter (aOR 1.7, 95%CI: 1.5–2.7) and pre-monsoon seasons (aOR 2.0, 95%CI: 1.5–2.8). Conclusions: While PCV10 reduced overall VT circulation, the persistence of VTs in subdominant niches creates a continuous reservoir for potential re-emergence and antibiotic resistance. This clear hierarchical shift in dominance towards NVTs underscores the urgent need for a public health strategy that includes the adoption of a higher-valent PCV to provide broader protection, and interventions targeting environmental risk factors are essential to sustain long-term reductions in pneumococcal colonization. Full article

Background/Objectives: Human papillomavirus (HPV) represents a major public health challenge due to its high prevalence and the complications arising from infection. The aim of the study was to investigate the reasons for adherence to the HPV vaccination campaign offered by the University of Milan to its students. Methods: A questionnaire, distributed via QR code, was utilized to investigate the motivations behind participation in the vaccination campaign, as well as the characteristics of the population participating in the vaccination campaign carried out at the University of Milan. Concurrently, a comprehensive analysis of the characteristics of students was also carried out at the vaccination sites where it was conducted, categorizing them into university hospitals and university campuses. Results: A comparison of vaccination sites revealed a significant disparity between hospitals and universities with regard to gender, age, and faculty. A higher average age (25 versus 24 years) and a higher prevalence of females (53.9% versus 51.1%) were observed in hospitals. The findings of the regression model demonstrate that demographic factors exert an influence on only two reasons for participation, with male gender proving a predictive factor for the response option entitled “It is a responsibility towards one’s partner(s)”. Furthermore, enrolment in a course of study has been found to correlate positively with the response option entitled “I have been convinced by advertising campaigns/friends/acquaintances”. Conclusions: A vaccination campaign implemented within educational institutions is a fundamental strategy for enhancing vaccination uptake rates among young population. Conversely, the utilization of health promotion interventions, such as pre-vaccination promotional campaigns, does not seem to be a pivotal factor in enhancing uptake. Full article

Group A rotaviruses (RVAs) remain the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in young children in low- and middle-income countries. In Brazil, the oral attenuated RVA vaccine (Rotarix^®), monovalent genotype G1P[8], is distributed by the national immunization program and has drastically reduced morbidity and mortality associated with RVA etiology. In this study, Rotarix^® G1P[8] was detected using specific qRT-PCR from the fecal shedding of children living in the Amazon region, and 18.3% (29/158) were positive and 75.8% (22/29) presented with AGE. The VP4 (VP8*) gene of these sheddings, submitted to Sanger nucleotide sequencing, showed an occurrence of mutations, including the silent mutation at 144C > G (one child) and the following missense mutations— 499T > C (F167L) (two children), 644G > C (C215S) (one child), and 787G > A (E263K) (one child). These mutations had no impact on the protein model structure in silico deduced from the VP4 (VP8*) mutants. The in silico protein model deduced from the VP4 (VP8*) nucleotide sequences, bound to type 1H sugar antigens (H1) and its precursor Lac-para-N-biose (LNB), had a stronger binding to the G1P[8] genotype, when compared to G3P[8]. Rotarix^® shedding was higher in HBGA secretors than in non-secretors (79.3%; 23/29). A total of 11.4% (18/158) of children with Rotarix^® G1P[8] shedding were unvaccinated, indicating the occurrence of indirect protection. Stability evidence of Rotarix^® VP4 (VP8*) spike protein from samples collected in vivo is presented. Full article