During the genomic characterisation of Enterococcus faecium strains (n = 39) collected in a haematology ward, we identified an isolate (OI25), which contained vanA-type vancomycin resistance genes but was phenotypically susceptible to vancomycin. OI25 could revert to resistance when cultured in the presence of vancomycin and was thus considered to be vancomycin-variable. Long-read sequencing was used to identify structural variations within the vancomycin resistance region of OI25 and to uncover its resistance reversion mechanism.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe Asian Needle Ant, (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), has spread throughout a substantial portion of the southeastern United States where it has primarily been restricted to low elevations. We focused on the . invasion in Great Smoky Mountains National Park (GSMNP).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMyeloid malignancies are heterogenous disorders characterized by distinct molecular drivers but share convergence of oncogenic signaling pathways and propagation by ripe pro-inflammatory niches. Here, we establish a comprehensive transcriptional atlas across the spectrum of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) and secondary acute myeloid leukemia (sAML) through RNA-sequencing of 158 primary samples encompassing CD34+ hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells and CD14+ monocytes. Supported by mass cytometry (CyTOF) profiling, we reveal aberrant networks of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling and NFκB-mediated hyper-inflammation.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF: Canada's long-term care (LTC) sector is struggling with a significant staffing crisis related to shortages, high-turnover rate, and challenging working conditions. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated these issues and emphasized the need for improved mental health support for LTC staff. Understanding and addressing the wellbeing of staff is important for ensuring quality of care and promoting a positive work environment for a healthy workforce.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPatients with cancer expect prolonged life (overall survival, OS) or better life (quality of life, QOL) from cancer treatments. However, majority of new cancer drugs are now being approved not based on improved OS or QOL, but based on surrogate endpoints such as tumor shrinkage or delayed tumor progression. These surrogate endpoints, including their validity as a proxy for overall survival, differ based on disease settings and lines of treatment but in general, most surrogate measures have weak correlation with outcomes that matter to patients.
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