Publications by authors named "J F Alcorn"

Cobalt, a metallic element found naturally in the earth's crust, is essential to survival. It is the active center of cobalamins such as vitamin B12 and is also a micronutrient for bacteria, algae, and fungi. The effects of cobalt (II) chloride (CoCl), the inorganic form of cobalt, are dependent on the dosage.

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Influenza infections are often complicated by secondary bacterial infections such as MRSA pneumonia, which increase morbidity and mortality. Viral infections lead to an inflammatory response that includes elevated levels of IL-6 and interferons. IL-6 activates the JAK/STAT signaling pathway, amplifying downstream inflammation.

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Influenza virus infects millions each year, contributing greatly to human morbidity and mortality. Upon viral infection, pathogen-associated molecular patterns activate pattern recognition receptors on host cells, triggering an immune response. The CD209 protein family, homologs of DC-SIGN (dendritic cell-specific intercellular adhesion molecule 3-grabbing nonintegrin), is thought to modulate immune responses to viruses.

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Antibody-mediated protection against pathogens is crucial to a healthy life. However, the recent SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has shown that pre-existing comorbid conditions including kidney disease account for compromised humoral immunity to infections. Individuals with kidney disease are not only susceptible to infections but also exhibit poor vaccine-induced antibody response.

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Background: Prolonged exposure to hyperoxia can lead to hyperoxic acute lung injury (HALI) in preterm neonates. Vitamin D (VitD) stimulates lung maturation and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. Our objective was to determine if VitD provides a dose-dependent protective effect against HALI by reducing inflammatory cytokine expression and improving alveolarization and lung function in neonatal mice.

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