scholarly journals Streptococcus pneumoniae Serotype 1 Burden in the African Meningitis Belt: Exploration of Functionality in Specific Antibodies

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 404-412 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Blumental ◽  
J. C. Moïsi ◽  
L. Roalfe ◽  
M. Zancolli ◽  
M. Johnson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Streptococcus Pneumoniae ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Meningitis Belt ◽  
Serotype 1 ◽  
Functional Immunity ◽  
Specific Igg ◽  
The Uk

ABSTRACTStreptococcus pneumoniaeserotype 1 (Sp1) constitutes an important cause of seasonal endemic meningitis in all age groups in the African meningitis belt. Despite a higher meningitis incidence, the Burkinabé population has an Sp1-specific antibody seroprevalence similar to that reported in the United Kingdom (UK). We aimed to establish whether the opsonophagocytic activity (OPA) of pneumococcal IgG naturally present in Burkina Faso differs from that seen in individuals in the UK and to compare the OPAs generated by natural and vaccine-induced immunity. Samples collected from pneumococcal vaccine-naive Burkinabé and UK subjects were matched for age (1 to 39 years) and anti-Sp1 IgG level, analyzed for OPA to 3S. pneumoniaeserotypes (1, 5, and 19A), and compared to postvaccine samples. Furthermore, the Burkinabé samples were assessed for IgG avidity and serotype-specific IgM concentrations. One hundred sixty-nine matched serum samples from both populations were selected. A greater proportion of Burkinabé subjects aged 1 to 19 years had functional Sp1 activity (OPA ≥ 8) compared to UK subjects (12% versus 2%,P< 0.001); however, the proportions were similar among adults (9%). The correlation between Sp1 IgG concentration and OPA was good (P< 0.001), but many individuals had nonfunctional IgG, which was not related to avidity. While the Sp1 IgM concentrations correlated with OPA, not all of the function in serum samples with low IgG could be attributed to IgM. Finally, vaccine-induced Sp1-specific IgG was more functional than equivalent amounts of naturally occurring IgG. In conclusion, despite a substantially higher pneumococcal meningitis incidence, no decreased functional immunity to Sp1 could be evidenced in the Burkinabé population compared to that in the population from the UK. Furthermore, the naturally induced antibodies were less functional than vaccine-induced antibodies.

scholarly journals Seroprevalence of Antibodies against Serogroup C Meningococci in England in the Postvaccination Era

2008 ◽  
Vol 15 (11) ◽  
pp. 1694-1698 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline L. Trotter ◽  
Ray Borrow ◽  
Jamie Findlow ◽  
Ann Holland ◽  
Sarah Frankland ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Similar Pattern ◽  
Geometric Mean ◽  
Herd Immunity ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Specific Igg ◽  
Catch Up ◽  
Antibody Levels ◽  
Mean Concentration

ABSTRACT The United Kingdom introduced meningococcal serogroup C conjugate (MCC) vaccines in 1999, resulting in substantial declines in serogroup C disease and carriage. Here, we measured the age-specific prevalence of serum bactericidal antibodies (SBA) to Neisseria meningitidis serogroup C and immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations to serogroups A, C, W-135, and Y in 2,673 serum samples collected in England between 2000 and 2004. We compared the seroprevalence of SBA titers of ≥8 in the postvaccination era with results from an earlier prevaccination study conducted using the same methods. We found that the percentages of individuals with protective SBA titers were higher in 2000 to 2004 in all of the age groups targeted for MCC vaccination. In the postvaccine era, the prevalence of protective titers was high (75%) in children who had recently been offered routine immunization, but this fell to 36% more than 18 months after scheduled immunization. In the cohorts targeted in the catch-up campaign, the percentage achieving SBA titers of ≥8 was higher in children offered the vaccine at ages 5 to 17 years than in children offered the vaccine at ages 1 to 4 years. The geometric mean concentration (GMC) IgG for serogroup C followed a similar pattern, corresponding to the age at and time since scheduled MCC vaccination. Serogroup-specific IgG GMCs for W-135 and Y were low and showed little variation by age. Serogroup A IgG GMCs were higher, possibly reflecting exposure to cross-reacting antigens. Although the incidence of serogroup C disease remains low due to persisting herd effects, population antibody levels to serogroup C meningococci should be monitored so that potentially susceptible age groups can be identified should herd immunity wane.

scholarly journals Complete Genome Sequence of Streptococcus pneumoniae Strain BVJ1JL, a Serotype 1 Carriage Isolate from Malawi

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (39) ◽  
Author(s):  
Modupeh Betts ◽  
Seth Jarvis ◽  
Aaron Jeffries ◽  
Andrea Gori ◽  
Chrispin Chaguza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Streptococcus Pneumoniae ◽  
Invasive Pneumococcal Disease ◽  
Genome Sequence ◽  
Complete Genome Sequence ◽  
Complete Genome ◽  
Pneumococcal Disease ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Meningitis Belt ◽  
Serotype 1 ◽  
Carriage Isolate

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a leading cause of pneumonia, meningitis, and bacteremia. Serotype 1 is rarely carried but is commonly associated with invasive pneumococcal disease, and in the African “meningitis belt,” it is prone to cause cyclical epidemics. We report the complete genome sequence of S. pneumoniae serotype 1 strain BVJ1JL, isolated in Malawi.

Debates over Irish unification will gain traction

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Northern Ireland ◽  
Status Quo ◽  
Political Agenda ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Northern Irish ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
The Status ◽  
Scottish Independence ◽  
The Uk

Significance The differing perspectives of unionists and nationalists on the creation of Northern Ireland as a political entity within the United Kingdom, together with Brexit and tensions over the Northern Ireland Protocol (NIP), have brought the contentious issue of Irish reunification onto the political agenda in Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic. Impacts Scottish independence would likely increase momentum for a referendum on Irish unity. Successful implementation of the NIP, giving firms access to EU and UK markets, may support arguments for maintaining the status quo. If the UK government abandons the NIP, the adverse trade impact on Northern Irish firms could increase support for unification.

scholarly journals Comparison of Immunogenicity and Protection of Two Pneumococcal Protein Vaccines Based on PsaA and PspA

2018 ◽  
Vol 86 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jinfei Yu ◽  
Bo Li ◽  
Xiaorui Chen ◽  
Jingcai Lu ◽  
Dandan Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Streptococcus Pneumoniae ◽  
Pneumococcal Disease ◽  
Bacterial Load ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Mucosal Vaccine ◽  
High Morbidity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Single Protein ◽  
Specific Igg ◽  
Children Under 5

ABSTRACTStreptococcus pneumoniaeis a major cause of invasive pneumococcal disease, septicemia, and meningitis that can result in high morbidity rates in children under 5 years old. The current polysaccharide-based vaccines can provide type-specific immunity, but a broad-spectrum vaccine would provide greater coverage. Therefore, developing pneumococcal-protein-based vaccines that can extend to more serum types is highly important. In this study, we vaccinated mice via the subcutaneous (s.c.) route with a systemic vaccine that is a mixture of fusion protein PsaA-PspA23 and a single protein, PspA4, with aluminum hydroxide as an adjuvant. As a comparison, mice were immunized intranasally with a mucosal vaccine that is a mixture of PspA2-PA-BLP (where PA is protein anchor and BLP is bacterium-like particle) and PspA4-PA-BLP, via the intranasal (i.n.) route. The two immunization processes were followed by challenge withStreptococcus pneumoniaebacteria from two different PspA families. Specific IgG titers in the serum and specific IgA titers in the mucosa were determined following immunizations. Bacterial loads and survival rates after challenge were compared. Both the systemic vaccine and the mucosal vaccine induced a significant increase of IgG against PspAs. Only the mucosal vaccine also induced specific IgA in the mucosa. The two vaccines provided protection, but each vaccine showed an advantage. The systemic vaccine induced higher levels of serum antibodies, whereas the mucosal vaccine limited the bacterial load in the lung and blood. Therefore, coimmunizations with the two types of vaccines may be implemented in the future.

EU signals flexibility over Northern Ireland protocol

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Northern Ireland ◽  
European Commission ◽  
Legal Action ◽  
Content Type ◽  
High Profile ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Notable Change ◽  
The Uk

Significance However, there has been a notable change in the EU’s tone. In July, the European Commission unexpectedly paused legal action against the United Kingdom for an alleged breach of the NIP, and when London announced on September 6 that it was suspending key elements indefinitely, the EU’s response was muted. Impacts France is so deeply aggrieved over AUKUS that any further UK breaches of the Withdrawal Agreement could prompt a bad-tempered response. The possibility of an early assembly election in Northern Ireland would complicate EU-UK attempts to resolve the NIP issue. The exclusion of high profile, pro-EU politicians in the UK cabinet reshuffle shows how important the Brexit agenda remains for London.

Online job quality quizzes: are they of value?

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Age Groups ◽  
Job Quality ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Social Media Platforms ◽  
Random Probability ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
The Uk

Purpose The purpose of this study is to compare two methods of data collection on job quality – an online quiz and a random probability survey. Design/methodology/approach Data are from a nationally representative sample of workers in Britain aged 20–65 years. Participants in the survey are randomly selected whereas those completing the quiz are recruited using uncontrolled convenience sampling promoted through trade union websites, newsletters and advertising on social media platforms. The survey and quiz contain the same questions and data from both methods are collected within 14 months of each other. Findings The results show that the sample recruited for participation in the online quiz is skewed towards those working in the public sector, people in higher education and towards younger age groups and women whereas the random probability survey is more representative of the adult working population in the UK. Significant differences in the results obtained by the two collection methods are found which suggests that social desirability bias is having an effect on participant responses. Practical implications Therefore policy makers should consider the advantages and disadvantages when selecting methods to collect data for tracking changes in job quality. Originality/value This paper has an original approach by examining the procedures in different methods of gathering data on job quality and the effects of this on the data collected.

A history of university income in the United Kingdom and Australia, 1922–2017

2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 229-248
Author(s):  
Tamson Pietsch
Keyword(s):  
Time Series ◽  
Time Series Data ◽  
Series Data ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
History Of University ◽  
History Of ◽  
Strategic Influence ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Comparable Time

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to create comparable time series data on university income in Australia and the UK that might be used as a resource for those seeking to understand the changing funding profile of universities in the two countries and for those seeking to investigate how such data were produced and utilised.Design/methodology/approachA statistical analysis of university income from all sources in the UK and Australia.FindingsThe article produces a new time series for Australia and a comparable time series for the UK. It suggests some of the ways these data related to broader patterns of economic change, sketches the possibility of strategic influence, and outlines some of their limitations.Originality/valueThis is the first study to systematically create a time series on Australian university income across the twentieth century and present it alongside a comparable dataset for the UK.

scholarly journals COVID-19-Associated Invasive Aspergillosis: Data from the UK National Mycology Reference Laboratory

2020 ◽  
Vol 59 (1) ◽  
pp. e02136-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew M. Borman ◽  
Michael D. Palmer ◽  
Mark Fraser ◽  
Zoe Patterson ◽  
Ciara Mann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Critically Ill ◽  
Incidence Rates ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Reference Laboratory ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Pulmonary Aspergillosis ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Specific Pcr ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Respiratory Specimens

ABSTRACTCOVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) was recently reported as a potential infective complication affecting critically ill patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome following severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, with incidence rates varying from 8 to 33% depending on the study. However, definitive diagnosis of CAPA is challenging. Standardized diagnostic algorithms and definitions are lacking, clinicians are reticent to perform aerosol-generating bronchoalveolar lavages for galactomannan testing and microscopic and cultural examination, and questions surround the diagnostic sensitivity of different serum biomarkers. Between 11 March and 14 July 2020, the UK National Mycology Reference Laboratory received 1,267 serum and respiratory samples from 719 critically ill UK patients with COVID-19 and suspected pulmonary aspergillosis. The laboratory also received 46 isolates of Aspergillus fumigatus from COVID-19 patients (including three that exhibited environmental triazole resistance). Diagnostic tests performed included 1,000 (1-3)-β-d-glucan and 516 galactomannan tests on serum samples. The results of this extensive testing are presented here. For a subset of 61 patients, respiratory specimens (bronchoalveolar lavage specimens, tracheal aspirates, and sputum samples) in addition to serum samples were submitted and subjected to galactomannan testing, Aspergillus-specific PCR, and microscopy and culture. The incidence of probable/proven and possible CAPA in this subset of patients was approximately 5% and 15%, respectively. Overall, our results highlight the challenges in biomarker-driven diagnosis of CAPA, especially when only limited clinical samples are available for testing, and the importance of a multimodal diagnostic approach involving regular and repeat testing of both serum and respiratory samples.

Preliminary analysis on food intolerances of 88,436 healthy people to 14 kinds of foods

2019 ◽  
Vol 121 (5) ◽  
pp. 1010-1019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yansong Zheng ◽  
Liping Zhang ◽  
Qiang Zeng ◽  
Chaojin Han
Keyword(s):  
Age Groups ◽  
Healthy People ◽  
Healthy Foods ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The People ◽  
Younger Age ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Positive Rate ◽  
Specific Igg ◽  
Specific Igg Antibodies

PurposeFunctional disorders caused by food intolerance (FI) are prevalent, thus it is important to analyze the FI of healthy people to common foods so as to guide the people for eating the healthy foods. The paper aims to discuss this issue.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 88,436 healthy persons including 60,902 males and 27,534 females at the age ranging from 20 to 70 years old were subjected a normal physical examination. In total, 14 kinds of food-specific IgG antibodies were detected by enzyme-linked immunesorbent assay.FindingsThe total positive rate of 14 FIs was as high as 64.16 percent. Five kinds of foods (egg, crab, cod, shrimp and milk) accounted for 84.51 percent of the total positive rate. In more than one kind of FIs, egg took the largest proportion than the others and the proportion was 58.54 percent. The second was crab with a positive rate of 56.19 percent. The antibody positive rate of any food in one kind of FIs was significantly lower than that in more than one kind of FIs (χ2=629.35,p<0.001). Also, younger age subjects displayed the higher positive rate than the older age groups. In addition, there was no significant difference on FI between male and female subjects.Originality/valueThe results would not only prompt us to pay more attention to FI in daily life, but provide theoretical foundation for the early prevention, diagnosis and treatment of related clinical diseases as well as guiding people healthy meals.

scholarly journals Exploring the barriers to upscaling the production capacity of the edible insect sector in the United Kingdom

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying Yang ◽  
Christopher Cooke
Keyword(s):  
New Product Development ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Production Capacity ◽  
Research Database ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Edible Insect ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThis study aims to explore the barriers to upscaling the production capacity of the edible insect sector in the UK and to identify the impact of current regulation on the sector's development.Design/methodology/approachA significant proportion of edible insect-producing companies within the UK were identified through an online market research database and contacted via email to invite them to participate in this study. Phone interviews were conducted with ten companies. Thematic analysis was adopted for data analysis.FindingsThere were five themes identified as barriers to the upscaling of the production for the edible insect sector in the UK: insect feeding materials, production capacity, expertise and knowledge, new product development and regulatory uncertainty.Research limitations/implicationsThis research was based on a qualitative study. Further quantitative research is needed to test the extent of the impact of these five themes on upscaling production capacity. In addition to production capacity, marketing and consumers' acceptance, culture and behaviour can also be considered in future studies.Originality/valueThis study makes a significant contribution to the literature by providing insight on the barriers to upscaling production capacity in the edible insect sector.

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