Single cell and spatial analysis of immune-hot and immune-cold tumours identifies fibroblast subtypes associated with distinct immunological niches and positive immunotherapy response.

Cancer-associated Fibroblasts (CAFs) have emerged as critical regulators of anti-tumour immunity, with both beneficial and detrimental properties that remain poorly characterised. To investigate this, we performed single-cell and spatial transcriptomic analysis, comparing head & neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) subgroups, which although heterogenous, can be considered broadly immune-hot and immune-cold (human papillomavirus [HPV]+ve and HPV-ve tumours respectively). This identified six fibroblast subpopulations, including two with immunomodulatory gene expression profiles (IL-11 + inflammatory [i]CAF and CCL19 + fibroblastic reticular cell [FRC]-like).

Differentiation signals induce APOBEC3A expression via GRHL3 in squamous epithelia and squamous cell carcinoma.

Two APOBEC DNA cytosine deaminase enzymes, APOBEC3A and APOBEC3B, generate somatic mutations in cancer, thereby driving tumour development and drug resistance. Here, we used single-cell RNA sequencing to study APOBEC3A and APOBEC3B expression in healthy and malignant mucosal epithelia, validating key observations with immunohistochemistry, spatial transcriptomics and functional experiments. Whereas APOBEC3B is expressed in keratinocytes entering mitosis, we show that APOBEC3A expression is confined largely to terminally differentiating cells and requires grainyhead-like transcription factor 3 (GRHL3).

System infection prevention in hospital networks in the United States-an SHEA research network inquiry into operational characteristics and current challenges.

A 54-question survey about System Healthcare Infection Prevention Programs (SHIPPs) was sent out to SHEA Research Network participants in August 2023. Thirty-eight United States-based institutions responded (38/93, 41%), of which 23 have SHIPPs. We found heterogeneity in the structure, staffing, and resources for system infection prevention (IP) programs.

Effectiveness of heterologous and homologous COVID-19 vaccination among immunocompromised individuals: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: We assessed the effectiveness of heterologous vaccination strategy in immunocompromised individuals regarding COVID-19 outcomes, comparing it to homologous approaches.

Design: Systematic literature review/meta-analysis.

Methods: We searched PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, and Web of Science from January 1, 2020 to September 29, 2023.

Integration of an electronic hand hygiene auditing system with electronic health records using machine learning to predict hospital-acquired infection in a health care setting.

Background: Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) increase morbidity, mortality, and health care costs. Effective hand hygiene (HH) is crucial for prevention, but achieving high compliance remains challenge. This study explores using machine learning to integrate an electronic HH auditing system with electronic health records to predict HAIs.