Multiple introductions of monkeypox virus to Ireland during the international mpox outbreak, May 2022 to October 2023.

BackgroundMpox, caused by monkeypox virus (MPXV), was considered a rare zoonotic disease before May 2022, when a global epidemic of cases in non-endemic countries led to the declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Cases of mpox in Ireland, a country without previous mpox reports, could reflect extended local transmission or multiple epidemiological introductions.AimTo elucidate the origins and molecular characteristics of MPXV circulating in Ireland between May 2022 and October 2023.MethodsWhole genome sequencing of MPXV from 75% of all Irish mpox cases (182/242) was performed and compared to sequences retrieved from public databases (n = 3,362). Bayesian approaches were used to infer divergence time between sequences from different subclades and evaluate putative importation events from other countries.ResultsOf 242 detected mpox cases, 99% were males (median age: 35 years; range: 15-60). All 182 analysed genomes were assigned to Clade IIb and, presence of 12 distinguishable subclades suggests multiple introductions into Ireland. Estimation of time to divergence of subclades further supports the hypothesis for multiple importation events from numerous countries, indicative of extended and sustained international spread of mpox. Further analysis of sequences revealed that 92% of nucleotide mutations were from cytosine to thymine (or from guanine to adenine), leading to a high number of non-synonymous mutations across subclades; mutations associated with tecovirimat resistance were not observed.ConclusionWe provide insights into the international transmission dynamics supporting multiple introductions of MPXV into Ireland. Such information supported the implementation of evidence-informed public health control measures.

Adeno-Associated Virus 2 and Human Adenovirus F41 in Wastewater during Outbreak of Severe Acute Hepatitis in Children, Ireland.

During April-July 2022, outbreaks of severe acute hepatitis of unknown etiology (SAHUE) were reported in 35 countries. Five percent of cases required liver transplantation, and 22 patients died. Viral metagenomic studies of clinical samples from SAHUE cases showed a correlation with human adenovirus F type 41 (HAdV-F41) and adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV2). To explore the association between those DNA viruses and SAHUE in children in Ireland, we quantified HAdV-F41 and AAV2 in samples collected from a wastewater treatment plant serving 40% of Ireland's population. We noted a high correlation between HAdV-F41 and AAV2 circulation in the community and SAHUE clinical cases. Next-generation sequencing of the adenovirus hexon in wastewater demonstrated HAdV-F41 was the predominant HAdV type circulating. Our environmental analysis showed increased HAdV-F41 and AAV2 prevalence in the community during the SAHUE outbreak. Our findings highlight how wastewater sampling could aid in surveillance for respiratory adenovirus species.

HSP25 Vaccination Attenuates Atherogenesis via Upregulation of LDLR Expression, Lowering of PCSK9 Levels and Curbing of Inflammation.

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Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 arising from international flights arriving in Ireland in December 2020: a descriptive analysis using national surveillance data.

OBJECTIVES: There is limited evidence on the risk of in-flight transmission of SARS-CoV-2. This study estimated the extent of in-flight SARS-CoV-2 transmission on international flights arriving in Ireland during December 2020. STUDY DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional analysis. METHODS: National surveillance data identified all notified cases of COVID-19 who were infectious while travelling on international flights to Ireland during December 2020. Close contacts of cases were tested for SARS-CoV-2, and the results were collated to estimate the pooled secondary attack rate across all flights. Laboratory and epidemiological data were obtained from the Health Service Executive Covid Care Tracker, a national database of COVID-19 cases in Ireland. RESULTS: A total of 165 infectious cases of COVID-19 were identified on 134 incoming flights; 40.0% were symptomatic on board. There were 2099 flight close contacts identified, of whom 40.9% had results of a SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction test within 14 days of arrival. The pooled secondary attack rate for these contacts was 7.0% and was higher among those on flights of ≥5-hour duration (P = 0.008). More than half (59.1%) of close contacts had no SARS-CoV-2 test result recorded; the reasons included incorrect or absent contact details (26.5%) and no response when contacted (17.8%). CONCLUSIONS: In this national study investigating transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from international flights arriving into Ireland, the pooled secondary attack rate was 7.0%. International travel is likely to have contributed to the third wave of SARS-CoV-2 infections in Ireland in early 2021. Application of non-pharmaceutical interventions remains central to mitigating the risk of in-flight transmission.

Molecular Epidemiology and Evolutionary Trajectory of Emerging Echovirus 30, Europe.

In 2018, an upsurge in echovirus 30 (E30) infections was reported in Europe. We conducted a large-scale epidemiologic and evolutionary study of 1,329 E30 strains collected in 22 countries in Europe during 2016-2018. Most E30 cases affected persons 0-4 years of age (29%) and 25-34 years of age (27%). Sequences were divided into 6 genetic clades (G1-G6). Most (53%) sequences belonged to G1, followed by G6 (23%), G2 (17%), G4 (4%), G3 (0.3%), and G5 (0.2%). Each clade encompassed unique individual recombinant forms; G1 and G4 displayed >2 unique recombinant forms. Rapid turnover of new clades and recombinant forms occurred over time. Clades G1 and G6 dominated in 2018, suggesting the E30 upsurge was caused by emergence of 2 distinct clades circulating in Europe. Investigation into the mechanisms behind the rapid turnover of E30 is crucial for clarifying the epidemiology and evolution of these enterovirus infections.

Re-emergence of enterovirus D68 in Europe after easing the COVID-19 lockdown, September 2021.

We report a rapid increase in enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) infections, with 139 cases reported from eight European countries between 31 July and 14 October 2021. This upsurge is in line with the seasonality of EV-D68 and was presumably stimulated by the widespread reopening after COVID-19 lockdown. Most cases were identified in September, but more are to be expected in the coming months. Reinforcement of clinical awareness, diagnostic capacities and surveillance of EV-D68 is urgently needed in Europe.

Neutrophil-derived alpha defensins control inflammation by inhibiting macrophage mRNA translation.

Neutrophils are the first and most numerous cells to arrive at the site of an inflammatory insult and are among the first to die. We previously reported that alpha defensins, released from apoptotic human neutrophils, augmented the antimicrobial capacity of macrophages while also inhibiting the biosynthesis of proinflammatory cytokines. In vivo, alpha defensin administration protected mice from inflammation, induced by thioglychollate-induced peritonitis or following infection withSalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium. We have now dissected the antiinflammatory mechanism of action of the most abundant neutrophil alpha defensin, Human Neutrophil Peptide 1 (HNP1). Herein we show that HNP1 enters macrophages and inhibits protein translation without inducing the unfolded-protein response or affecting mRNA stability. In a cell-free in vitro translation system, HNP1 powerfully inhibited both cap-dependent and cap-independent mRNA translation while maintaining mRNA polysomal association. This is, to our knowledge, the first demonstration of a peptide released from one cell type (neutrophils) directly regulating mRNA translation in another (macrophages). By preventing protein translation, HNP1 functions as a "molecular brake" on macrophage-driven inflammation, ensuring both pathogen clearance and the resolution of inflammation with minimal bystander tissue damage.

Improving preparedness to respond to cross-border hepatitis A outbreaks in the European Union/European Economic Area: towards comparable sequencing of hepatitis A virus.

IntroductionSequence-based typing of hepatitis A virus (HAV) is important for outbreak detection, investigation and surveillance. In 2013, sequencing was central to resolving a large European Union (EU)-wide outbreak related to frozen berries. However, as the sequenced HAV genome regions were only partly comparable between countries, results were not always conclusive.AimThe objective was to gather information on HAV surveillance and sequencing in EU/European Economic Area (EEA) countries to find ways to harmonise their procedures, for improvement of cross-border outbreak responses.MethodsIn 2014, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) conducted a survey on HAV surveillance practices in EU/EEA countries. The survey enquired whether a referral system for confirming primary diagnostics of hepatitis A existed as well as a central collection/storage of hepatitis A cases' samples for typing. Questions on HAV sequencing procedures were also asked. Based on the results, an expert consultation proposed harmonised procedures for cross-border outbreak response, in particular regarding sequencing. In 2016, a follow-up survey assessed uptake of suggested methods.ResultsOf 31 EU/EEA countries, 23 (2014) and 27 (2016) participated. Numbers of countries with central collection and storage of HAV positive samples and of those performing sequencing increased from 12 to 15 and 12 to 14 respectively in 2016, with all countries typing an overlapping fragment of 218 nt. However, variation existed in the sequenced genomic regions and their lengths.ConclusionsWhile HAV sequences in EU/EEA countries are comparable for surveillance, collaboration in sharing and comparing these can be further strengthened.

Hepatitis A outbreak disproportionately affecting men who have sex with men (MSM) in the European Union and European Economic Area, June 2016 to May 2017.

Between 1 June 2016 and 31 May 2017, 17 European Union (EU) and European Economic Area countries reported 4,096 cases associated with a multi-country hepatitis A (HA) outbreak. Molecular analysis identified three co-circulating hepatitis A virus (HAV) strains of genotype IA: VRD_521_2016, V16-25801 and RIVM-HAV16-090. We categorised cases as confirmed, probable or possible, according to the EU outbreak case definitions. Confirmed cases were infected with one of the three outbreak strains. We investigated case characteristics and strain-specific risk factors for transmission. A total of 1,400 (34%) cases were confirmed; VRD_521_2016 and RIVM-HAV16-090 accounted for 92% of these. Among confirmed cases with available epidemiological data, 92% (361/393) were unvaccinated, 43% (83/195) travelled to Spain during the incubation period and 84% (565/676) identified as men who have sex with men (MSM). Results depict an HA outbreak of multiple HAV strains, within a cross-European population, that was particularly driven by transmission between non-immune MSM engaging in high-risk sexual behaviour. The most effective preventive measure to curb this outbreak is HAV vaccination of MSM, supplemented by primary prevention campaigns that target the MSM population and promote protective sexual behaviour.

Seroepidemiological and phylogenetic characterization of neurotropic enteroviruses in Ireland, 2005-2014.

Enteroviruses (EVs) are associated with a broad spectrum of clinical presentation, including aseptic meningitis (AM), encephalitis, hand, foot and mouth disease, acute flaccid paralysis, and acute flaccid myelitis. Epidemics occur sporadically and are associated with increased cases of AM in children. The present study describes the seroepidemiological analysis of circulating EVs in Ireland from 2005 to 2014 and phylogenetic characterization of echovirus 30 (E-30), enterovirus A71 (EV-A71), and enterovirus D68 (EV-D68). EV VP1 genotyping was applied to viral isolates and clinical samples, including cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and those isolates that remained untypeable by neutralising anti-sera. An increase in AM cases from 2010 to 2014 was associated with an E-30 genogroup variant VII and sequences clustered phylogenetically with those detected in AM outbreaks in France and Italy. EV-D68 viral RNA was not detected in CSF samples and no neurological involvement was reported. Three EV-A71 positive CSF samples were identified in patients presenting with AM. A phylogenetic analysis of respiratory-associated EV-D68 and EV-A71 cases in circulation was performed to determine baseline epidemiological data. EV-D68 segregated with clades B and B(1) and EV-A71 clustered as subgenogroup C2. The EV VP1 genotyping method was more sensitive than neutralising anti-sera methods by virus culture and importantly demonstrated concordance between EV genotypes in faecal and CSF samples which should facilitate EV screening by less invasive sampling approaches in AM presentations.

Dominant Suppression of Inflammation via Targeted Mutation of the mRNA Destabilizing Protein Tristetraprolin.

In myeloid cells, the mRNA-destabilizing protein tristetraprolin (TTP) is induced and extensively phosphorylated in response to LPS. To investigate the role of two specific phosphorylations, at serines 52 and 178, we created a mouse strain in which those residues were replaced by nonphosphorylatable alanine residues. The mutant form of TTP was constitutively degraded by the proteasome and therefore expressed at low levels, yet it functioned as a potent mRNA destabilizing factor and inhibitor of the expression of many inflammatory mediators. Mice expressing only the mutant form of TTP were healthy and fertile, and their systemic inflammatory responses to LPS were strongly attenuated. Adaptive immune responses and protection against infection by Salmonella typhimurium were spared. A single allele encoding the mutant form of TTP was sufficient for enhanced mRNA degradation and underexpression of inflammatory mediators. Therefore, the equilibrium between unphosphorylated and phosphorylated TTP is a critical determinant of the inflammatory response, and manipulation of this equilibrium may be a means of treating inflammatory pathologies.

Dual-Specificity Phosphatase 1 and Tristetraprolin Cooperate To Regulate Macrophage Responses to Lipopolysaccharide.

Dual-specificity phosphatase (DUSP) 1 dephosphorylates and inactivates members of the MAPK superfamily, in particular, JNKs, p38α, and p38ß MAPKs. It functions as an essential negative regulator of innate immune responses, hence disruption of the Dusp1 gene renders mice extremely sensitive to a wide variety of experimental inflammatory challenges. The principal mechanisms behind the overexpression of inflammatory mediators by Dusp1(-/-) cells are not known. In this study, we use a genetic approach to identify an important mechanism of action of DUSP1, involving the modulation of the activity of the mRNA-destabilizing protein tristetraprolin. This mechanism is key to the control of essential early mediators of inflammation, TNF, CXCL1, and CXCL2, as well as the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. The same mechanism also contributes to the regulation of a large number of transcripts induced by treatment of macrophages with LPS. These findings demonstrate that modulation of the phosphorylation status of tristetraprolin is an important physiological mechanism by which innate immune responses can be controlled.

The control of inflammation via the phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of tristetraprolin: a tale of two phosphatases.

Twenty years ago, the first description of a tristetraprolin (TTP) knockout mouse highlighted the fundamental role of TTP in the restraint of inflammation. Since then, work from several groups has generated a detailed picture of the expression and function of TTP. It is a sequence-specific RNA-binding protein that orchestrates the deadenylation and degradation of several mRNAs encoding inflammatory mediators. It is very extensively post-translationally modified, with more than 30 phosphorylations that are supported by at least two independent lines of evidence. The phosphorylation of two particular residues, serines 52 and 178 of mouse TTP (serines 60 and 186 of the human orthologue), has profound effects on the expression, function and localisation of TTP. Here, we discuss the control of TTP biology via its phosphorylation and dephosphorylation, with a particular focus on recent advances and on questions that remain unanswered.

PARP-14 combines with tristetraprolin in the selective posttranscriptional control of macrophage tissue factor expression.

Tissue factor (TF) (CD142) is a 47 kDa transmembrane cell surface glycoprotein that triggers the extrinsic coagulation cascade and links thrombosis with inflammation. Although macrophage TF expression is known to be regulated at the RNA level, very little is known about the mechanisms involved. Poly(adenosine 5'-diphosphate [ADP]-ribose)-polymerase (PARP)-14 belongs to a family of intracellular proteins that generate ADP-ribose posttranslational adducts. Functional screening of PARP-14-deficient macrophages mice revealed that PARP-14 deficiency leads to increased TF expression and functional activity in macrophages after challenge with bacterial lipopolysaccharide. This was related to an increase in TF messenger RNA (mRNA) stability. Ribonucleoprotein complex immunoprecipitation and biotinylated RNA pull-down assays demonstrated that PARP-14 forms a complex with the mRNA-destabilizing protein tristetraprolin (TTP) and a conserved adenylate-uridylate-rich element in the TF mRNA 3' untranslated region. TF mRNA regulation by PARP-14 was selective, as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α mRNA, which is also regulated by TTP, was not altered in PARP-14 deficient macrophages. Consistent with the in vitro data, TF expression and TF activity, but not TNFα expression, were increased in Parp14(-/-) mice in vivo. Our study provides a novel mechanism for the posttranscriptional regulation of TF expression, indicating that this is selectively regulated by PARP-14.

A Clinical Quality Improvement (CQI) Project to Improve Pain After Laparoscopic Ventral Hernia Repair.

Patients who undergo laparoscopic ventral hernia repair can have significant post-operative pain and discomfort from both somatic pain due to mesh fixation and visceral pain due to CO2 insufflation pressure. In an attempt to improve outcomes, a Clinical Quality Improvement (CQI) project was implemented by a multi-disciplinary hernia team. CQI tools were applied for consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic ventral hernia repair from June 2012 through September 2015 (39 months). Initiatives for improved patient outcomes during this period included the administration of a transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block and/or an intra-operative block with long-acting local anesthetic first, and then a low pressure pneumoperitoneum (LPP) system was implemented later in the project. One-hundred-twenty patients who underwent a laparoscopic ventral/incisional hernia repair were included in the analysis. Fifty-three patients had no block and had conventional insufflation at 15 mmHg (No Block-No LPP group). Outcomes for this group included a median time in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) of 126 minutes, a median length of stay of 4.0 days, a median use of opioid morphine equivalents (MEQ) in the PACU of 10.0, and a total use of opioid MEQ for the entire hospital stay of 100.0. Thirty-seven patients had blocks with a long-acting local anesthetic and conventional insufflation at 15 mmHg (Block only group). Outcomes for this group showed improvement for all outcomes, but none were statistically significant. Thirty patients had blocks with a long-acting local anesthetic and a low pressure pneumoperitoneum system with a standard pressure of 8 mmHg. Outcomes for this group included a median time in PACU of 83.6 minutes, a median length of stay of 1.5 days, a median amount of opioid use in the PACU of 5.0 MEQ, and a median use of opioid use for the entire hospital stay of 26.0 MEQ. All of these outcomes were statistically significant improvements compared with the No Block-No LPP and Block only groups. Implementation of a CQI program, including long-acting local anesthetic blocks and a low pressure pneumoperitoneum system as part of a multi-modal pain strategy for patients who underwent laparoscopic ventral hernia repair, was associated with decreased PACU time, decreased length of stay, and less opioid use in the PACU and for the entire hospital stay.

Cezanne regulates inflammatory responses to hypoxia in endothelial cells by targeting TRAF6 for deubiquitination.

RATIONALE: Hypoxia followed by reoxygenation promotes inflammation by activating nuclear factor κB transcription factors in endothelial cells (ECs). This process involves modification of the signaling intermediary tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 with polyubiquitin chains. Thus, cellular mechanisms that suppress tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 ubiquitination are potential therapeutic targets to reduce inflammation in hypoxic tissues. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we tested the hypothesis that endothelial activation in response to hypoxia-reoxygenation can be influenced by Cezanne, a deubiquitinating enzyme that cleaves ubiquitin from specific modified proteins. METHODS AND RESULTS: Studies of cultured ECs demonstrated that hypoxia (1% oxygen) induced Cezanne via p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase-dependent transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms. Hypoxia-reoxygenation had minimal effects on proinflammatory signaling in unmanipulated ECs but significantly enhanced Lys63 polyubiquitination of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6, activation of nuclear factor κB, and expression of inflammatory genes after silencing of Cezanne. Thus, although hypoxia primed cells for inflammatory activation, it simultaneously induced Cezanne, which impeded signaling to nuclear factor κB by suppressing tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 ubiquitination. Similarly, ischemia induced Cezanne in the murine kidney in vascular ECs, glomerular ECs, podocytes, and epithelial cells, and genetic deletion of Cezanne enhanced renal inflammation and injury in murine kidneys exposed to ischemia followed by reperfusion. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that inflammatory responses to ischemia are controlled by a balance between ubiquitination and deubiquitination, and that Cezanne is a key regulator of this process. Our observations have important implications for therapeutic targeting of inflammation and injury during ischemia-reperfusion.

Modelling solar photovoltaic systems on dairy farms for cost savings and GHG emission reduction.

Rising on-farm electricity demand, coupled with surges in electricity prices, has increased costs associated with milk production. Additionally, the use of grid electricity with a high carbon footprint depreciates the environmental performance of dairy farming. We assessed the potential of photovoltaic (PV) systems installed on dairy parlours under different policy incentives to reduce electricity costs and the carbon footprint of dairy farms in Ireland. The HOMER Pro software was employed to model electricity consumption, generation and economic performance of four 15-year PV project scenarios for 11 Irish farms. Scenarios considering the targeted agricultural modernisation scheme II (TAMS) and the microgeneration support scheme are assessed. The results show that PV systems are a feasible option to power dairy farms when current energy prices and inflation rates are applied. Small systems eligible for TAMS grants presented an average discounted payback period of 5 years, making them a better option for farmers than larger projects, which had an average payback period of 8.5 years. The deployment of PV systems reduced the GHG intensity of electricity consumed at the farms by up to 29 %.

High-accuracy measurement, advanced theory and analysis of the evolution of satellite transitions in manganese Kα using XR-HERFD.

Here, the novel technique of extended-range high-energy-resolution fluorescence detection (XR-HERFD) has successfully observed the n = 2 satellite in manganese to a high accuracy. The significance of the satellite signature presented is many hundreds of standard errors and well beyond typical discovery levels of three to six standard errors. This satellite is a sensitive indicator for all manganese-containing materials in condensed matter. The uncertainty in the measurements has been defined, which clearly observes multiple peaks and structure indicative of complex physical quantum-mechanical processes. Theoretical calculations of energy eigenvalues, shake-off probability and Auger rates are also presented, which explain the origin of the satellite from physical n = 2 shake-off processes. The evolution in the intensity of this satellite is measured relative to the full Kα spectrum of manganese to investigate satellite structure, and therefore many-body processes, as a function of incident energy. Results demonstrate that the many-body reduction factor S02 should not be modelled with a constant value as is currently done. This work makes a significant contribution to the challenge of understanding many-body processes and interpreting HERFD or resonant inelastic X-ray scattering spectra in a quantitative manner.

Evidence of enhanced systemic inflammation in stable kidney transplant recipients with low Framingham risk scores.

BACKGROUND: While the Framingham risk score (FRS) predicts cardiovascular risk in the general population, it underestimates cardiovascular events in renal transplant recipients (RTR). Inflammation is common in RTR, and it is also a hallmark of vascular injury contributing to cardiovascular events. OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between inflammatory chemokines (CCL family) and FRS in a stable RTR. METHODS: The modified FRS (2009) was used to calculate the 10-yr probability of CVE in 150 RTR. A cross-sectional study measured plasma levels of 14 CCLs by Luminex technique in 53% (79/150) of the cohort and 28 controls. RESULTS: 43.3% of RTR was classified as low, 16% moderate, and 40.7% high FRS. FRS correlated with eGFR and all CCLs with R of <0.2(p = n.s). Compared with controls, CCL 1,4,8,15, and 27 were equally increased in both the high and low FRS groups (p < 0.04 and 0.03, respectively). The percentage of patients with low FRS and CCL 8,15, and 27 values above the 95% cutoff control levels was 46.1%, 76.9%, and 53.8%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Over one half of stable RTR, including those with low FRS, have increased inflammatory chemokine levels. Inflammation is not accounted for in the FRS, and this may explain the poor performance of FRS in transplant patients.