Article
Cell Biology
Matthew B. A. Harmon, Brendon P. Scicluna, Maryse A. Wiewel, Marcus J. Schultz, Janneke Horn, Olaf L. Cremer, Tom Poll, W. Joost Wiersinga, Nicole P. Juffermans
Summary: Using genomic profiling, it was found that hypothermia during sepsis is associated with a distinct gene expression profile, including the upregulation of tryptophan degradation and cold-inducible mRNA binding protein (CIRBP) expression. These findings provide a possible link to the modulation of body temperature and early immunosuppression in septic patients.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Yohhei Hamada, Irina Kontsevaya, Elena Surkova, Ting Ting Wang, Liu Wan-Hsin, Aleksandr Matveev, Liliya Eugenevna Ziganshina, Claudia M. Denkinger, Alexei Korobitsyn, Nazir Ismail, Ibrahim Abubakar, Molebogeng X. Rangaka
Summary: In a systematic review, tuberculosis-specific skin tests were found to have similar accuracy to interferon gamma release assays. The safety profile of tuberculosis-specific skin tests was also similar to that of tuberculin skin tests, with mostly mild injection site reactions.
OPEN FORUM INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Annette Onken, Christel Gill Haanshuus, Mohammed Khamis Miraji, Msafiri Marijani, Kibwana Omar Kibwana, Khamis Ali Abeid, Kristine Morch, Marianne Reimers, Nina Langeland, Fredrik Muller, Pal A. Jenum, Bjorn Blomberg
Summary: This study showed that malaria was a common cause of febrile illness among hospitalized patients in Zanzibar in 2015-2016, particularly affecting school-age children and young adults. Evidence of local malaria transmission in Zanzibar was found. Both rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) and microscopy had low sensitivity compared to polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and false negative results were associated with low levels of parasite.
Article
Microbiology
Emily J. Ciccone, Lydia Kabugho, Emmanuel Baguma, Rabbison Muhindo, Jonathan J. Juliano, Edgar Mulogo, Ross M. Boyce
Summary: This study demonstrated the feasibility of pathogen-specific testing and biomarker measurement in resource-limited settings, which could potentially improve clinical syndrome management and antibiotic stewardship.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Adeola Onasanya, Michel Bengtson, Temitope Agbana, Opeyemi Oladunni, Jo van Engelen, Oladimeji Oladepo, Jan Carel Diehl
Summary: Designing new and inclusive diagnostic tools for Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) requires involving all potential end-users to achieve rational disease control. Failing to do so can lead to low usage and adoption failure, resulting in persistent infection hot spots and ineffective disease control.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Ulhas Sopanrao Kadam, Yuhan Cho, Tae Yoon Park, Jong Chan Hong
Summary: CRISPR-Cas systems have been widely used in genome editing and transcriptional regulation. Recently, CRISPR-Cas effectors are adopted for biosensor construction due to its adjustable properties. This review provides an update and offers novel insights into developing CRISPR-Cas-based sensors using ssDNA aptamers with high efficiency and specificity for point-of-care setting diagnostics.
APPLIED BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Neurosciences
Thomas K. Karikari
Summary: The recent advancements in blood-based Alzheimer's disease biomarkers have great potential. However, the clinical validation studies and therapeutic trials have mainly focused on a specific population, neglecting other ethnic and socioeconomic groups. This article emphasizes the importance of including diverse populations to fully realize the benefits of blood tests for Alzheimer's disease and highlights key factors for successful implementation of diversity programs.
JOURNAL OF ALZHEIMERS DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Michael W. Weiner, Anna Aaronson, Joseph Eichenbaum, Winnie Kwang, Miriam T. Ashford, Shilpa Gummadi, Jessica Santhakumar, Monica R. Camacho, Derek Flenniken, Juliet Fockler, Diana Truran-Sacrey, Aaron Ulbricht, R. Scott Mackin, Rachel L. Nosheny
Summary: Remote and internet-based methods can facilitate Alzheimer's disease (AD) clinical trials and observational studies. The Brain Health Registry (BHR) is an online registry that includes longitudinal assessments and aims to engage commonly underincluded communities. With over 100,000 participants, BHR has made over 259,000 referrals resulting in 25,997 enrolled participants in 30 aging and AD studies. The major advantages of BHR are scalability and accessibility, but challenges include compliance, retention, cohort diversity, and generalizability.
ALZHEIMERS & DEMENTIA
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Twan Otten, Quirijn de Mast, Bouke Koeneman, Thomas Althaus, Yoel Lubell, Andre van der Ven
Summary: The meta-analysis included studies from Asia and Africa, showing varying CRP levels for specific tropical infections. For non-malarial undifferentiated fever (NMUF), CRP <10 mg/l had 52% sensitivity and 95% specificity for detecting viral infections, while CRP >40 mg/l had 74% sensitivity and 84% specificity for identifying bacterial infections. A two cut-off value CRP test could aid in distinguishing between viral and bacterial causes of NMUF in tropical regions.
TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2021)
Article
Otorhinolaryngology
Marzena Bielinska, Jurek Olszewski
Summary: This study aimed to assess the value of the VHIT test in diagnosing dizziness and balance disorders, comparing it with other diagnostic tests. The results showed that the VHIT test can evaluate labyrinth canal deficit, but cannot differentiate between different origins of mixed dizziness.
POLISH JOURNAL OF OTOLARYNGOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Jacqueline Steinlin-Schopfer, Maria Teresa Barbani, Richard Kamgang, Martina Zwahlen, Franziska Suter-Riniker, Ronald Dijkman
Summary: This study evaluated the performance of SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic tests in different settings, showing that Roche Ag-RDT is helpful in detecting SARS-CoV-2 exposure in large-scale populations, while recommending the use of rRT-PCR to support clinical decisions, especially when dealing with fragile patient groups.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL VIROLOGY PLUS
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Varanya Wasakul, Areeya Disratthakit, Mayfong Mayxay, Keobouphaphone Chindavongsa, Viengphone Sengsavath, Nguyen Thuy-Nhien, Richard D. Pearson, Sonexay Phalivong, Saiamphone Xayvanghang, Richard J. Maude, Sonia Goncalves, Nicholas P. Day, Paul N. Newton, Elizabeth A. Ashley, Dominic P. Kwiatkowski, Arjen M. Dondorp, Olivo Miotto
Summary: This study investigated a Plasmodium falciparum outbreak in Attapeu Province, Laos during the 2020-21 malaria season, and used genomic epidemiology methods to understand parasite population dynamics and its causes. The outbreak was driven by a selective sweep caused by rapid clonal expansion of a multidrug-resistant strain, resulting in a loss of genetic diversity. Genetic surveillance is important for characterizing outbreak features and supporting elimination efforts.
LANCET INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Katherine Plewes, Panarasri Khonputsa, Nicholas P. J. Day, Yoel Lubell
Summary: Compared with ice-based vaccine carriers, iceless vaccine carriers may bring cost savings and health gains.
TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Phanita Chankate, Thareerat Kalambaheti, Nathamon Kosoltanapiwat, Ampai Tanganuchitcharnchai, Stuart D. Blacksell, Narisara Chantratita, Pornsawan Leaungwutiwong
Summary: This study tested the efficacy of a recombinant protein derived from the 56-kDa type-specific antigen of O. tsutsugamushi in detecting and differentiating scrub typhus infection. Sensitivity of 95.7% was achieved when a combination of IgM and IgG ELISAs results was considered. The findings suggest the potential of the 56-kDa recombinant protein for further development and evaluation in scrub typhus serodiagnosis.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Nga Thi Thuy Do, Tien Viet Dung Vu, Rachel C. Greer, Sabine Dittrich, Maida Vandendorpe, Ngocthach Pham, Dieu Ngan Ta, Hung Thai Cao, Thanh Vinh Khuong, Thi Bich Thuy Le, Thanh Huyen Duong, Thanh Ha Nguyen, Ngoc Thien Huong Cai, Thi Quynh Trang Nguyen, Son Tung Trinh, H. Rogier van Doorn, Yoel Lubell, Sonia Lewycka
Summary: This study conducted a pragmatic randomized controlled trial in Viet Nam to evaluate the effectiveness of point-of-care CRP testing in reducing antibiotic prescriptions for non-severe acute respiratory infections in primary healthcare. The results showed that CRP testing significantly reduced antibiotic prescriptions without compromising patient recovery. However, the low uptake of CRP testing suggests the need to address implementation and compliance barriers before scaling up the intervention.
LANCET INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
George M. Varghese, Divya Dayanand, Karthik Gunasekaran, Debasree Kundu, Mukta Wyawahare, Navneet Sharma, Dhruva Chaudhry, Sanjay K. Mahajan, Kavitha Saravu, Blessed W. Aruldhas, Binu S. Mathew, Roshini G. Nair, Nalini Newbigging, Aswathy Mathew, Kundavaram P. P. Abhilash, Manisha Biswal, Ann H. Prasad, Anand Zachariah, Ramya Iyadurai, Samuel G. Hansdak, Sowmya Sathyendra, Thambu D. Sudarsanam, John A. J. Prakash, Abi Manesh, Alladi Mohan, Joel Tarning, Stuart D. Blacksell, Pimnara Peerawaranun, Naomi Waithira, Mavuto Mukaka, Phaik Yeong Cheah, John V. Peter, Ooriapadickal C. Abraham, Nicholas P. J. Day
Summary: This multicenter, double-blind, randomized, controlled trial compared the efficacy of intravenous doxycycline, azithromycin, or a combination of both for the treatment of severe scrub typhus. The results showed that combination therapy was more effective in reducing the occurrence of the primary outcome compared to monotherapy.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Ka Yi Hui, Nina Matsumoto, Jarunee Siengsanan-Lamont, James R. Young, Syseng Khounsy, Bounloum Douangneun, Watthana Thepagna, Phouvong Phommachanh, Stuart D. Blacksell, Michael P. Ward
Summary: This study describes the spatiotemporal spread of the 2019 ASF epidemic in domestic pigs in Laos, identifies various risk factors, and recommends measures to reduce ASF spread.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Nantasit Luangasanatip, Chris Painter, Wirichada Pan-ngum, Sompob Saralamba, Tanaphum Wichaita, Lisa White, Ricardo Aguas, Hannah Clapham, Yi Wang, Wanrudee Isaranuwatchai, Yot Teerawattananon
Summary: Thailand faced the challenge of deciding which groups to prioritize for COVID-19 vaccinations with limited doses. Mathematical modeling analysis was conducted to compare the impact of vaccinating high severity group (over 65) or high transmission group (20-39). The analysis showed that vaccinating the high severity group would reduce deaths, while vaccinating the high transmission group with a highly protective vaccine could delay the epidemic peak and reduce cases and deaths in both groups.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Jarunee M. Siengsanan-Lamont, Lida Kong, Theng M. Heng, Sokun Khoeun, Sothyra M. Tum, Paul Selleck, Laurence M. Gleeson, Stuart Blacksell
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence of zoonotic diseases in Cambodian goats and found that the overall seroprevalence of Brucella, Coxiella burnetii, Foot and mouth disease virus non-structural protein (FMDV NSP), and Peste des Petits Ruminants virus (PPRV) were 0.4%, 7.2%, 53.3%, and 0.9% respectively. The seroprevalence of C. burnetii was relatively high in certain areas. Further investigation of these diseases' epidemiology and their impacts on human and animal health is recommended.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Pakanat Decharatanachart, Wirichada Pan-ngum, Thoetchai Peeraphatdit, Natthaporn Tanpowpong, Pisit Tangkijvanich, Sombat Treeprasertsuk, Rungsun Rerknimitr, Roongruedee Chaiteerakij
Summary: Ultrasonography has low sensitivity for detecting early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in cirrhotic patients. Non-contrast abbreviated magnetic resonance imaging (aMRI) was found to be cost-effective and may be useful for HCC surveillance in cirrhotic patients, especially in those with high HCC risks.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Sompob Saralamba, Julie A. Simpson, Noppon Choosri, Lisa White, Wirichada Pan-Ngum, Arjen M. Dondorp, Nicholas J. White
Summary: A new pharmacodynamic model of antimalarial drugs is proposed, which includes reversible parasite injury and temporary drug refractoriness, to explain the failure of frequent dosing to improve therapeutic efficacy in malaria. The model predicts and supports observed therapeutic responses.
JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL CHEMOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Biology
Chawarat Rotejanaprasert, Pavadee Chuaicharoen, Joaquin M. Prada, Thanawadee Thantithaveewat, Poom Adisakwattana, Wirichada Pan-ngum
Summary: Using appropriate diagnostic tools is crucial for controlling and eliminating soil-transmitted helminth infections. The Kato-Katz and multiplex qPCR diagnostics were evaluated for five helminth species in Thailand. The results showed that multiplex qPCR is more sensitive than Kato-Katz in moderate to high prevalence settings, especially for Opisthorchis viverrini. However, both diagnostics had low sensitivity in low prevalence settings. The specificity of both diagnostics was high across all settings. Combination of multiple diagnostic tests can improve performance but at a higher cost. Development of new methods for helminth surveillance is important for pre-elimination phase.
PHILOSOPHICAL TRANSACTIONS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Nina Matsumoto, Jarunee Siengsanan-Lamont, Tariq Halasa, James R. Young, Michael P. Ward, Bounlom Douangngeun, Watthana Theppangna, Syseng Khounsy, Jenny-Ann L. M. L. Toribio, Russell D. Bush, Stuart D. Blacksell
Summary: This study investigated the management of pigs in villages affected by African swine fever (ASF) in northern Laos in 2019 and compared it with a similar outbreak in southern Laos. The findings revealed various risk factors for ASF and suggested the need for strengthened disease control and biosecurity measures.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Nam Vinh Nguyen, Nga Thi Thuy Do, Dung Tien Viet Vu, Rachel C. Greer, Sabine Dittrich, Maida Vandendorpe, Thach Ngoc Pham, Ngan Thi Dieu Ta, Thai Quang Pham, Vinh Thanh Khuong, Thuy Thi Bich Le, Lai Tuan Anh, Thai Hung Cao, Tung Son Trinh, Ha Thanh Nguyen, Long Nhat Ngo, Thom Thi Vu, H. Rogier van Doorn, Yoel Lubell, Sonia O. Lewycka
Summary: This study investigates the prescribing patterns of antibiotics for acute respiratory infections (ARIs) in rural primary care settings in northern Vietnam, and identifies patient-specific factors associated with the choice of antibiotics based on the World Health Organization's Access-Watch-Reserve (WHO AWaRe) class. Among the observed outpatient visits for ARIs, 97.0% resulted in an antibiotic prescription, with 92.5% being access-antibiotics, 5.6% watch-antibiotics, and 1.8% not-recommended antibiotics. Children and patients with chronic respiratory illness were more likely to be prescribed watch-group antibiotics.
LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH-WESTERN PACIFIC
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Panita Looareesuwan, Kristen Aiemjoy, Sakarn Charoensakulchai, Janjira Thaipadungpanit, Jantana Wongsantichon, Ampai Tanganuchitcharnchai, Artharee Rungrojn, Stuart D. Blacksell, Wasin Matsee
Summary: This article presents a unique case of scrub typhus in a child traveller, discussing the clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, laboratory findings, and antibody dynamics.
JOURNAL OF TRAVEL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Nilandone Senvanpan, Vilayouth Phimolsarnnousith, Sayaphet Rattanavong, Mayfong Mayxay, Daniel Reinharz, Amanda E. Fine, Paul F. Horwood, Philippe Dussart, Stuart D. Blacksell, Mathieu Pruvot, Paul N. Newton, Matthew T. Robinson
Summary: Wild animal trade for human consumption is a global issue involving complex interactions between various factors. This study conducted a sero-survey of market vendors in Laos to determine their exposure to bacterial pathogens. The results showed that the risk of exposure to zoonotic pathogens may be associated with the types of food sold for human consumption. Further investigation is warranted.