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International Journal of Molecular... May 2024is a causative agent of antibiotic-associated diarrhea as well as pseudomembranous colitis. So far, all known bacteriophages infecting these bacteria are temperate,...
is a causative agent of antibiotic-associated diarrhea as well as pseudomembranous colitis. So far, all known bacteriophages infecting these bacteria are temperate, which means that instead of prompt lysis of host cells, they can integrate into the host genome or replicate episomally. While phages are capable of spontaneous induction and entering the lytic pathway, very little is known about the regulation of their maintenance in the state of lysogeny. In this study, we investigated the properties of a putative major repressor of the recently characterized phiCDKH01 bacteriophage. A candidate protein belongs to the XRE family and controls the transcription of genes encoding putative phage antirepressors, known to be involved in the regulation of lytic development. Hence, the putative major phage repressor is likely to be responsible for maintenance of the lysogeny.
Topics: Lysogeny; Clostridioides difficile; Bacteriophages; Viral Proteins; Gene Expression Regulation, Viral; Humans; Repressor Proteins; Genome, Viral
PubMed: 38891850
DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115662 -
Vaccine Jun 2024The first dengue "endgame" summit was held in Syracuse, NY over August 9 and 10, 2023. Organized and hosted by the Institute for Global Health and Translational Sciences...
The first dengue "endgame" summit was held in Syracuse, NY over August 9 and 10, 2023. Organized and hosted by the Institute for Global Health and Translational Sciences at SUNY Upstate Medical University, the gathering brought together researchers, clinicians, drug and vaccine developers, government officials, and other key stakeholders in the dengue field for a highly collaborative and discussion-oriented event. The objective of the gathering was to discuss the current state of dengue around the world, what dengue "control" might look like, and what a potential roadmap might look like to achieve functional dengue control. Over the course of 7 sessions, speakers with a diverse array of expertise highlighted both current and historic challenges associated with dengue control, the state of dengue countermeasure development and deployment, as well as fundamental virologic, immunologic, and medical barriers to achieving dengue control. While sustained eradication of dengue was considered challenging, attendees were optimistic that significant reduction in the burden of dengue can be achieved by integration of vector control with effective application of therapeutics and vaccines.
PubMed: 38890105
DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.06.038 -
International Journal For Equity in... Jun 2024Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant global health burden, particularly among people who inject drugs. Rapid point-of-care HCV testing has emerged as a...
Using an intersectionality lens to explore barriers and enablers to hepatitis C point-of-care testing: a qualitative study among people who inject drugs and service providers.
BACKGROUND
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant global health burden, particularly among people who inject drugs. Rapid point-of-care HCV testing has emerged as a promising approach to improve HCV detection and linkage to care in harm reduction organizations such as needle and syringe programs. The objective of this study was to use an intersectionality lens to explore the barriers and enablers to point-of-care HCV testing in a needle and syringe program.
METHODS
A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with clients (people who inject drugs) and service providers in a large community organization focused on the prevention of sexually transmitted and blood borne infections and harm reduction in Montreal, Canada. An intersectionality lens was used alongside the Theoretical Domains Framework to guide the formulation of research questions as well as data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
RESULTS
We interviewed 27 participants (15 clients, 12 providers). For clients, four themes emerged: (1) understanding and perceptions of HCV testing, (2) the role of an accessible and inclusive environment, (3) the interplay of emotions and motivations in decision-making, and (4) the impact of intersectional stigma related to HCV, behaviors, and identities. For providers, five themes emerged: (1) knowledge, skills, and confidence for HCV testing, (2) professional roles and their intersection with identity and lived experience, (3) resources and integration of services, (4) social and emotional factors, and (5) behavioral regulation and incentives for HCV testing. Intersectional stigma amplified access, emotional and informational barriers to HCV care for clients. In contrast, identity and lived experience acted as powerful enablers for providers in the provision of HCV care.
CONCLUSION
The application of an intersectionality lens provides a nuanced understanding of multilevel barriers and enablers to point-of-care HCV testing. Findings underscore the need for tailored strategies that address stigma, improve provider roles and communication, and foster an inclusive environment for equitable HCV care. Using an intersectionality lens in implementation research can offer valuable insights, guiding the design of equity-focused implementation strategies.
Topics: Humans; Hepatitis C; Qualitative Research; Female; Male; Substance Abuse, Intravenous; Point-of-Care Testing; Adult; Middle Aged; Needle-Exchange Programs; Health Services Accessibility; Canada; Health Personnel; Interviews as Topic; Harm Reduction; Social Stigma
PubMed: 38886803
DOI: 10.1186/s12939-024-02209-0 -
ACS Omega Jun 2024Straightforward, sensitive, and specific human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) assays are urgently needed. The creation of a point-of-care (POC) device for decentralized...
Straightforward, sensitive, and specific human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) assays are urgently needed. The creation of a point-of-care (POC) device for decentralized diagnostics has the potential to significantly reduce the time to treatment, especially for infectious diseases. Notably, however, many POC solutions proposed to date fall short of meeting the ASSURED guidelines, which are crucial for effective deployment in the field. Herein, we developed a DNA biosensor platform for the specific and quantitative detection of HIV. The platform contains a rolling circle amplification (RCA)-based DNA biosensor and a portable fluorescence detector, in which HIV-encoded integrase (IN) enzyme activity is used as a biomarker to achieve HIV-specific detection. The cleavage and integration reaction of IN on the sensor surface and RCA are combined in this detection platform to perform detection signal cascade amplification, ultimately achieving a detection limit of 0.125 CFU/μL of HIV particles. Moreover, the DNA sensor system exhibited high sensitivity and accuracy for detecting HIV in clinical samples, suggesting that it has potential for application in clinical settings to detect retroviruses other than HIV. In addition, quantitative detection based on this biosensing platform was significantly correlated with the CD4+ lymphocytes count, which can provide guidance for antiretroviral therapy and which affects long-term death risk assessment in HIV patients. Therefore, this DNA biosensing platform based on IN activity is expected to be useful for rapid HIV testing, diagnosis, and treatment monitoring, enabling the development of new POC diagnostic tests and will thus be highly valuable for developing HIV prevention strategies and effective treatments.
PubMed: 38882085
DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c02229 -
Oral Oncology Aug 2024
Topics: Humans; Oropharyngeal Neoplasms; Genomic Instability; Papillomavirus Infections; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Male; Middle Aged; Female; Virus Integration; Papillomaviridae
PubMed: 38880007
DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2024.106895 -
STAR Protocols Jun 2024To exclude the influence of motion on in vivo calcium imaging, animals usually need to be fixed. However, the whole-body restraint can cause stress in animals,...
To exclude the influence of motion on in vivo calcium imaging, animals usually need to be fixed. However, the whole-body restraint can cause stress in animals, affecting experimental results. In addition, some brain regions are prone to bleeding during surgery, which lowers the success rate of calcium imaging. Here, we present a protocol for calcium imaging using heparin-treated fiber in head-fixed mice. We describe steps for stereotaxic surgery, including virus injection and optic fiber implantation, fiber photometry, and data analysis. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Du et al..
Topics: Animals; Mice; Photometry; Brain; Optical Fibers; Calcium; Stereotaxic Techniques; Fiber Optic Technology
PubMed: 38875116
DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2024.103131 -
Euro Surveillance : Bulletin Europeen... Jun 2024We report an epidemic of parvovirus B19 infections in Denmark during the first quarter of 2024, with a peak incidence 3.5 times higher than during the most recent...
We report an epidemic of parvovirus B19 infections in Denmark during the first quarter of 2024, with a peak incidence 3.5 times higher than during the most recent epidemic in 2017. In total, 20.1% (130/648) of laboratory-confirmed cases were pregnant. Severe adverse outcomes were observed among 12.3% (16/130) of pregnant people and included foetal anaemia, foetal hydrops and miscarriage. Parvovirus B19 infection is not systematically monitored, but a national laboratory-based surveillance system is currently being established in Denmark.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Denmark; Parvovirus B19, Human; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Adult; Incidence; Parvoviridae Infections; Epidemics; Hydrops Fetalis; Severity of Illness Index; Young Adult; Erythema Infectiosum; Adolescent; Abortion, Spontaneous; Population Surveillance
PubMed: 38873795
DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2024.29.24.2400299 -
Parasites & Vectors Jun 2024Macroinvertebrate predators such as backswimmers (Heteroptera: Notonectidae), dragonflies (Odonata: Aeshnidae), and predatory diving beetles (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae)... (Review)
Review
Macroinvertebrate predators such as backswimmers (Heteroptera: Notonectidae), dragonflies (Odonata: Aeshnidae), and predatory diving beetles (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae) naturally inhabit aquatic ecosystems. Some aquatic ecosystems inhabited by these macroinvertebrate predator taxa equally form malaria vector larval habitats. The presence of these predators in malaria vector larval habitats can negatively impact on development, adult body size, fecundity, and longevity of the malaria vectors, which form important determinants of their fitness and future vectorial capacity. These potential negative impacts caused by aquatic macroinvertebrate predators on malaria vectors warrant their consideration as biocontrol agents in an integrated program to combat malaria. However, the use of these macroinvertebrate predators in malaria biocontrol is currently constrained by technical bottlenecks linked to their generalist predatory tendencies and often long life cycles, demanding complex rearing systems. We reviewed the literature on the use of aquatic macroinvertebrate predators for biocontrol of malaria vectors from the An. gambiae s.l. complex. The available information from laboratory and semi-field studies has shown that aquatic macroinvertebrates have the potential to consume large numbers of mosquito larvae and could thus offer an additional approaches in integrated malaria vector management strategies. The growing number of semi-field structures available in East and West Africa provides an opportunity to conduct ecological experimental studies to reconsider the potential of using aquatic macroinvertebrate predators as a biocontrol tool. To achieve a more sustainable approach to controlling malaria vector populations, additional, non-chemical interventions could provide a more sustainable approach, in comparison with the failing chemical control tools, and should be urgently considered for integration with the current mosquito vector control campaigns.
Topics: Animals; Anopheles; Mosquito Control; Malaria; Pest Control, Biological; Predatory Behavior; Mosquito Vectors; Ecosystem; Larva; Heteroptera; Odonata; Coleoptera; Biological Control Agents; Invertebrates
PubMed: 38867296
DOI: 10.1186/s13071-024-06332-3 -
Virus Genes Jun 2024In order to study the integration of reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) in pigeonpox virus (PPV), we collected suspected pigeonpox disease material, amplified the 4b core...
In order to study the integration of reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) in pigeonpox virus (PPV), we collected suspected pigeonpox disease material, amplified the 4b core protein gene of PPV, the gp90 gene of REV, and the integrated sequence fragments from the end of the ORF201 segment of PPV to the beginning of the LTR of REV, and sequenced these genes. The results showed that a 4b core protein fragment of 332 bp was amplified and identified as pigeonpox virus, which was named SX/TY/LTR 01/2023. Sequence analysis showed that the pigeonpox virus isolate belonged to genotype A2, which was the closest to the domestic CVL strain, with a identity of 99.4%. A band of 1191 bp was amplified from the gp90 gene of REV, named SX/TY/PPV-REV01/2023, and sequence analysis indicated that REV belonged to genotype III. The sequence analysis showed that REV belonged to genotype III, and belonged to the same large branch as the domestic isolates JSRD0701 and LNR0801, with 99.3% identity. The integrated sequence fragment was amplified to a band of 637 bp, which determined that the REV sequence was integrated in the PPV rather than a mixed infection of the two viruses. This indicates that REV was integrated in this isolation of PPV, suggesting that pigeon farms need to prevent reticuloendotheliosis at the same time when preventing pigeonpox.
PubMed: 38866926
DOI: 10.1007/s11262-024-02084-5 -
Journal of Medical Internet Research Jun 2024Telemedicine has the potential to remove geographic and temporal obstacles to health care access. Whether and how telemedicine can increase health care access for...
BACKGROUND
Telemedicine has the potential to remove geographic and temporal obstacles to health care access. Whether and how telemedicine can increase health care access for underserved populations remains an open question. To address this issue, we integrated facilitated telemedicine encounters for the management of hepatitis C virus (HCV), a highly prevalent condition among people with opioid use disorder (OUD), into opioid treatment programs (OTPs). In New York State, OTPs are methadone-dispensing centers that provide patient-centered, evidence-based treatment for OUD. We investigated the integration and impact of facilitated telemedicine into OTP workflows in these settings.
OBJECTIVE
This study aims to understand OTP staff experiences with integrating facilitated telemedicine for HCV treatment into OTPs, including best practices and lessons learned.
METHODS
We conducted semistructured interviews with 45 OTP staff members (13 clinical, 12 administrative, 6 physicians, and 14 support staff members) at least one year after the implementation of facilitated telemedicine for HCV management. We used hermeneutic phenomenological analysis to understand OTP staff experiences.
RESULTS
We identified 4 overarching themes illustrating the successful integration of facilitated telemedicine for HCV care into OTPs. First, integration requires an understanding of the challenges, goals, and values of the OTP. As OTP staff learned about new, highly effective HCV therapies, they valued an HCV cure as a "win" for their patients and were excited about the potential to eliminate a highly prevalent infectious disease. Second, the integration of facilitated telemedicine into OTPs fosters social support and reinforces relationships between patients and OTP staff. OTP staff appreciated the ability to have "eyes on" patients during telemedicine encounters to assess body language, a necessary component of OUD management. Third, participants described high levels of interprofessional collaboration as a care team that included the blurring of lines between disciplines working toward a common goal of improving patient care. Study case managers were integrated into OTP workflows and established communication channels to improve patient outcomes. Fourth, administrators endorsed the sustained and future expansion of facilitated telemedicine to address comorbidities.
CONCLUSIONS
OTP staff were highly enthusiastic about facilitated telemedicine for an underserved population. They described high levels of collaboration and integration comparable to relevant integrative frameworks. When situated within OTPs, facilitated telemedicine is a high-value application of telemedicine that provides support for underserved populations necessary for high-quality health care. These experiences support sustaining and scaling facilitated telemedicine in comparable settings and evaluating its ability to address other comorbidities.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02933970; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02933970.
Topics: Humans; Telemedicine; Hepatitis C; Qualitative Research; Female; Male; Opioid-Related Disorders; Adult; New York; Opiate Substitution Treatment; Middle Aged
PubMed: 38865703
DOI: 10.2196/53049