Culture of mouse peritoneal macrophages with mouse serum induces lipid bodies that associate with the parasitophorous vacuole and decrease their microbicidal capacity against Toxoplasma gondii

Lipid bodies [lipid droplets (LBs)] are lipid-rich organelles involved in lipid metabolism, signalling and inflammation. Recent findings suggest a role for LBs in host response to infection; however, the potential functions of this organelle in Toxoplasma gondii infection and how it alters macrophage microbicidal capacity during infection are not well understood. Here, we investigated the role of host LBs in T. gondii infection in mouse peritoneal macrophages in vitro. Macrophages cultured with mouse serum (MS) had higher numbers of LBs than those cultured in foetal bovine serum and can function as a model to study the role of LBs during intracellular pathogen infection. LBs were found in association with the parasitophorous vacuole, suggesting that T. gondii may benefit from this lipid source. Moreover, increased numbers of macrophage LBs correlated with high prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production and decreased nitric oxide (NO) synthesis. Accordingly, LB-enriched macrophages cultured with MS were less efficient at controlling T. gondii growth. Treatment of macrophages cultured with MS with indomethacin, an inhibitor of PGE2 production, increased the microbicidal capacity against T. gondii. Collectively, these results suggest that culture with MS caused a decrease in microbicidal activity of macrophages against T. gondii by increasing PGE2 while lowering NO production

Survivor's costs of saying no: exploring the experience of accessing services for intimate partner violence

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a crucial public health concern with substantial detrimental effects, including poorer physical and mental health as well as increased difficulties accessing formal services. Most research to date has focused on frequencies, barriers, and facilitators of service use among IPV survivors. However, what remains poorly understood is the perspectives of IPV survivors on their experiences of accessing multiple services after leaving the abusive situations. To answer this, six one-on-one semi-structured interviews were conducted with survivors using expanded definition of “services,” which included social services, shelters, health care, police, legal assistance, and so forth. Data were analyzed using Constant Comparison. Four resulting themes were (a) Positive Aspects, (b) Negative Aspects, (c) Impact of Experiences With Services, and (d) Contextual Factors. Within each of these categories, several sub-categories emerged and are discussed within the context of the literature and recommendations are made for improving services for IPV survivors

Avaliação da qualidade de vida de pacientes com trauma craniencefálico

A percepção de qualidade de vida relacionada à saúde de um paciente com doença crônica, quando avaliada, pode refletir quanto os efeitos de uma doença ou tratamento exercem sobre a vida diária, o nível de satisfação e bem-estar. O objetivo aqui foi avaliar a qualidade de vida de indivíduos com trauma craniencefálico (TCE), por meio do instrumento WHOQOL-bref, e verificar possíveis associações com características sociodemográficas e clínicas dos pacientes. Participaram 120 pacientes com TCE que concluíram um programa de reabilitação na Associação de Assistência à Criança Deficiente. Os dados foram tratados estatisticamente. O escore médio em todos os domínios e o escore global foram superiores a 60 pontos (em escala de 0 a 100). Correlações moderadas foram encontradas entre qualidade de vida global e os níveis educacional (pThe assessment of a patient's perception of health-related quality of life (QOL) may reflect the effects of a disease or treatment on the patient's daily life satisfaction and well-being. The purpose of this study was to evaluate self-reported quality of life in traumatic brain injury patients, by using the WHOQOL-bref, and search for correlations between questionnaire scores and patients' social-demographic and clinic characteristics. Participants were 120 patients with brain damage who finished a rehabilitation program at AACD (Association for Assistance to Disabled Children). Data were statistically analysed. Mean scores at all WHOQOL-bref domains and mean global scores were above 60 points (0-to-100 scale). Moderate correlations were found between global QOL and educational level (p<0.05) and social adjustment (p<0.01). Patients who were able to walk, with higher income and educational level, and better socially adjusted (studying or working) reported a better quality of life

Successful management of a multi-species outbreak of carbapenem-resistant organisms in Fiji: a prospective genomics-enhanced investigation and response

BACKGROUND: Fiji is a Pacific Island nation grappling with the increasing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). While genomic technologies are increasingly utilised to understand the emergence and spread of AMR globally, its application to inform outbreak responses in low- and middle-income settings has not been reported. METHODS: Through an established capacity building program, suspected carbapenem-resistant organisms (CRO) identified at Colonial War Memorial Hospital in Fiji (Jan 2022-Oct 2023) underwent whole genome sequencing and analysis. Following a rapid increase in CROs, a joint outbreak investigation including detailed genomic epidemiology was undertaken. A multi-modal response was co-designed and implemented by hospital staff, and circulating strains monitored to assess impact. FINDINGS: Six large genomic clusters accounted for 73% (n = 223/304) of all sequenced CRO isolates. Four genomic clusters (Acinetobacter baumannii NDM-1, A. baumannii OXA-23/OXA-58, Escherichia coli NDM-7, Pseudomonas aeruginosa NDM-1) were investigated in detail, with affected wards differing between species. Following outbreak interventions, E. coli and P. aeruginosa clusters decreased rapidly, however A. baumannii transmission persisted. Repeated international importation of CROs into Fiji were suspected. INTERPRETATION: Carbapenem-resistant pathogens pose a major threat to the health system in Fiji. Genomics technologies are useful for understanding AMR and guiding successful response, in these settings. Strategies to ensure access to, and judicious use of the technology are justified. FUNDING: This work was funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Centre for Health Security, Medical Research Future Fund and National Health and Medical Research Council