Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sumatha Channapatna Suresh, Rajeev Hanumanthaiha, Chethana Ramakrishna, Ramishetty Sandeep, Padmini Saligrama Narasimhasetty, Vedavathy Ramakrihna, K. P. Balraj, Bharath Raju
Summary: Currently, there is no method to predict the course of dengue illness, but serum ferritin levels on day 1 and day 4 of admission can predict the severity of the disease. Serum ferritin is an inexpensive and easily accessible biomarker that can assist in monitoring and prognosticating dengue-positive patients.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Feng Zhao, Rui An, Liqian Wang, Jikang Shan, Xianjun Wang
Summary: The study identified a complex relationship between gut microbiota and various metabolites, such as glycerophospholipids and imidazopyrimidines, which may serve as potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for lung cancer.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Shaofeng Huo, Liang Sun, Geng Zong, Xia Shen, He Zheng, Qianlu Jin, Huaixing Li, Huiyong Yin, Xu Lin
Summary: This study aimed to characterize plasma metabolomic profiles during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in Chinese individuals with different glycemic statuses. The results showed distinct metabolite responses in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D), with certain metabolites significantly higher at 2 hours post-OGTT. Differences in metabolite levels were also observed between T2D, prediabetes, and normal glucose subjects, suggesting potential implications for glucose homeostasis.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Wei Yao Ng, Rafidah Atan, Nor'azim Mohd Yunos, Adam Harrish bin Md Kamal, Mohd Hariz Roslan, Kai Yuan Quah, Kai Xuan Teh, Masliza Zaid, Mahazir Kassim, Jeevitha Mariapun, Chin Fang Ngim, Amreeta Dhanoa, Tsin Wen Yeo
Summary: Hypertension was found to be significantly associated with the development of severe dengue in adult patients. Laboratory parameter abnormalities were also found to be associated with severe dengue.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Cynthia Bernal, Sara A. Ping, Alejandra Rojas, Oliver Caballero, Victoria Stittleburg, Yvalena de Guillen, Patricia Langjahr, Benjamin A. Pinsky, Marta J. Von-Horoch, Patricia Luraschi, Sandra M. Cabral, Maria Cecilia Sanchez, Aurelia M. Torres, Fatima Cardozo, Jesse J. M. Waggoner
Summary: This study analyzed the associations between disease severity and demographic factors, clinical laboratory data, lipopolysaccharide binding protein, and chymase in the Paraguayan population. The study found that patient age, male gender, presence of comorbid illnesses, low platelet count, low lymphocyte percentage, and elevated chymase level were associated with severe disease.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Saikat Mukherjee, Bibhuti Saha, Anusri Tripathi
Summary: The study identifies VEGF, Ang2, ApoA1, AST, and ALT as potential biomarkers for predicting the severity of dengue fever at an early stage.
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Ruyu Tan, Santao Ou, Ting Kang, Weihua Wu, Lin Xiong, Tingting Zhu, Liling Zhang
Summary: The aim of this study was to detect alterations in the metabolome during development of vascular calcification (VC) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and to identify the critical metabolic pathways and metabolites involved in its pathogenesis. The results showed that there were 14 significantly changed metabolites in the CKD VC group, with three metabolic pathways playing critical roles: steroid hormone biosynthesis, valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis, and pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis. The study findings suggest changes in the expression of steroid sulfatase and estrogen sulfotransferase, and down-regulation of the in situ synthesis of estrogens in the VC group. These identified pathways, metabolites, and enzymes are worth further investigation as potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of VC in CKD.
FRONTIERS IN CARDIOVASCULAR MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Wiwat Chancharoenthana, Supitcha Kamolratanakul, Wassawon Ariyanon, Vipa Thanachartwet, Weerapong Phumratanaprapin, Polrat Wilairatana, Asada Leelahavanichkul
Summary: This study reveals a potential association between gut barrier defect and dengue infection, suggesting that pathogenic molecules from the gut may contribute to the severity of the disease. The findings show that there is increased translocation of bacteria, endotoxins, and serum glucans from the gut to the blood circulation in dengue patients. Additionally, impaired microbial control and increased levels of pathogenic bacteria and inflammatory molecules are observed, indicating a possible link between gut barrier dysfunction and disease severity in dengue.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Letter
Immunology
Nicole Huang, Yi Jung Shen, Yiing Jenq Chou, Theodore F. Tsai, Chia En Lien
Summary: Dengue, a mosquitoborne flavivirus infection, is increasingly affecting older adults who are more likely to have chronic diseases, increasing their risk for severe outcomes of dengue infection.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Josephine Diony Nanda, Chiau-Jing Jung, Rahmat Dani Satria, Ming-Kai Jhan, Ting-Jing Shen, Po-Chun Tseng, Yung-Ting Wang, Tzong-Shiann Ho, Chiou-Feng Lin
Summary: This study developed a multiplex panel of cytokine/chemokine assays to monitor dengue cytokine release syndrome (CRS). The results showed significant alterations in cytokine levels between patients with mild dengue fever and severe dengue diseases, with IL-8 and IL-18 levels markedly increased in severe cases. Additionally, IL-18 was found to be elevated in severe dengue with comorbidities compared to severe dengue without comorbidities and mild dengue, which has not been previously reported.
JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Dorota Kwapisz, Joanna Boguslawska
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has posed a significant challenge to the health system, and intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) have shown potential in reducing inflammation and preventing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in severe cases. Previous studies have evaluated the safety and efficacy of IVIG treatment in severe and critical COVID-19 patients, suggesting that early administration of high-dose IVIG may be an effective therapeutic option. However, there is still uncertainty regarding its impact on mortality reduction, and the risk of complications should be considered. Given the limited therapeutic options, the use of IVIG is worth considering.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Liang Sun, Zhiming Li, Caiyou Hu, Jiahong Ding, Qi Zhou, Guofang Pang, Zhu Wu, Ruiyue Yang, Shenghui Li, Jian Li, Jianping Cai, Yuzhe Sun, Rui Li, Hefu Zhen, Shuqin Sun, Jianmin Zhang, Mingyan Fang, Zhihua Chen, Yuan Lv, Qizhi Cao, Yanan Sun, Ranhui Gong, Zezhi Huang, Yong Duan, Hengshuo Liu, Jun Dong, Junchun Li, Jie Ruan, Haorong Lu, Benjin He, Ninghu Li, Tao Li, Wenbin Xue, Yan Li, Juan Shen, Fan Yang, Cheng Zhao, Qinghua Liang, Mingrong Zhang, Chen Chen, Huan Gong, Yong Hou, Jian Wang, Ying Zhang, Huanming Yang, Shida Zhu, Liang Xiao, Zhen Jin, Haiyun Guo, Peng Zhao, Susanne Brix, Xun Xu, Huijue Jia, Karsten Kristiansen, Ze Yang, Chao Nie
Summary: This study analyzed the gut microbiota and serum metabolome of individuals from a Chinese longevity cohort, as well as two other aging cohorts, and discovered age-dependent differences in both microbiota and serum metabolome. They also found potential causal relationships between specific gut microbes and serum metabolite markers related to impaired renal function and aging. The findings provide valuable insights into the effects of microbiota-metabolite interplay on renal function and healthy aging.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Keenan Elliott, Paola A. Caicedo, Norbert H. Haunerland, Carl Lowenberger
Summary: The primary vector for dengue viruses is the mosquito Aedes aegypti, but cases have significantly increased due to insecticide resistance and habitat expansion. In this study, lipidomics was used to analyze the lipid profiles of dengue-resistant and susceptible Ae. aegypti populations, and identified changes in the lipidome associated with viral entry, replication, and exit from midgut cells. This research provides insights for developing stable, dengue-resistant strains of Ae. aegypti.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Chansuda Bongsebandhu-phubhakdi, Vichit Supornsilchai, Suphab Aroonparkmongkol, Umaporn Limothai, Sasipha Tachaboon, Janejira Dinhuzen, Watchadaporn Chaisuriyong, Supachoke Trongkamolchai, Mananya Wanpaisitkul, Chatchai Chulapornsiri, Anongrat Tiawilai, Thawat Tiawilai, Terapong Tantawichien, Usa Thisyakorn, Nattachai Srisawat
Summary: This prospective study aimed to investigate the pattern of cortisol response after dengue infection and evaluate the possibility of using serum cortisol as a biomarker to predict the severity of dengue infection. The study found that serum cortisol levels were highest on the day of admission and day 3, and a serum cortisol level above 18.2 mcg/dL could predict severe dengue infection. Combining serum cortisol with persistent vomiting and day of fever increased the accuracy of predicting dengue severity.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marianna Caterino, Michele Costanzo, Roberta Fedele, Armando Cevenini, Monica Gelzo, Alessandro Di Minno, Immacolata Andolfo, Mario Capasso, Roberta Russo, Anna Annunziata, Cecilia Calabrese, Giuseppe Fiorentino, Maurizio D'Abbraccio, Chiara Dell'Isola, Francesco Maria Fusco, Roberto Parrella, Gabriella Fabbrocini, Ivan Gentile, Giuseppe Castaldo, Margherita Ruoppolo
Summary: The study conducted a mass spectrometry-based targeted metabolomic analysis on 52 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, revealing distinct changes in serum metabolites levels, particularly increased levels of lactic acid in all forms of the disease. Pathway analysis indicated dysregulation in energy production and amino acid metabolism. Overall, the variations in the serum metabolome of COVID-19 patients suggest a systemic perturbation induced by SARS-CoV-2, potentially affecting liver metabolism of carbon and nitrogen.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Letter
Allergy
Karen Jui Lin Choo, Andrew Fu Wah Ho, Hao Gui, Pamela Jia Min Tay, Haur Yueh Lee, Mariko Siyue Koh, Arul Earnest, Pin Pin Pek, Nan Liu, Shu-Ling Chong, Junxiong Pang, Marcus Eng Hock Ong
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL ALLERGY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Shilpa Mukherjee, Sophia Archuleta, Junxiong Pang
Summary: Metastatic infection resulting from Klebsiella pneumoniae liver abscess (KPLA) has a high mortality and morbidity rate. This study found that length of hospital stay and intensive care unit admissions were significantly longer and greater, respectively, among patients with metastatic infection. Sepsis-induced hypotension, breathlessness, and abscess size were independently associated with septic metastatic infection.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Shimoni Shah, Sylvia Xiao Wei Gwee, Jamie Qiao Xin Ng, Nicholas Lau, Jiayun Koh, Junxiong Pang
Summary: The successful detection of SARS-COV-2 in wastewater suggests the potential of wastewater-based epidemiology for COVID-19 surveillance. A systematic review found that wastewater surveillance can serve as an early warning system for community transmission, with wastewater signals preceding confirmed cases by up to 63 days. Although wastewater surveillance cannot replace diagnostic testing, it can provide early signs of potential transmission for more proactive public health responses. Additional studies using standardized methods are needed to understand viral outbreak dynamics.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hao Gui, Sylvia Gwee, Jiayun Koh, Junxiong Pang
Summary: This study assessed the impact of weather factors, including pollutant standards index (PSI) and wind speed, on dengue incidence in Singapore. The findings demonstrated a non-linear association between climatic factors and dengue incidence. The study revealed that factors such as air quality, temperature, rainfall, and wind speed can affect the transmission risk of dengue in a tropical urbanized environment.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Junxiong Pang, Huei Nuo Tan, Tze Minn Mak, Sophie Octavia, Sebastian Maurer-Stroh, Fernanda L. Sirota, Mark Peng Chew Chan, Ian Yi Onn Leong, Valerie T. J. Koh, Peng Lim Ooi, Shawn Vasoo, Dale Fisher, Lin Cui, Heidi Rafman, Jeffery Cutter, Vernon J. Lee
Summary: This study aims to determine the potential sources of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the first nursing home facility in Singapore. The findings suggest that household transmission is a possible source of introduction into the nursing home. Among residents, a higher proportion of non-survivors were asymptomatic and had hypertension.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Pearleen Ee Yong Chua, Sylvia Xiao Wei Gwee, Min Xian Wang, Hao Gui, Junxiong Pang
Summary: Diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 during border screening can reduce the risk of transmission. Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT) have the highest accuracy, while point-of-care serology tests are suitable for detecting infection and immunity.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Nguyen Lam Vuong, Ka-Wai Cheung, Balamurugan Periaswamy, Tran Thuy Vi, Huynh Thi Le Duyen, Yan Shan Leong, Zayanah Noor Binte Hamis, Michaela Gregorova, Eng Eong Ooi, October Sessions, Laura Rivino, Sophie Yacoub
Summary: Patients with severe dengue exhibit higher levels of inflammatory biomarkers, impaired NK cell function, and genetic variations in genes related to NK cell cytolytic function. These hyperinflammatory features are associated with dengue severity.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Shimoni Shah, Hao Gui, Pearleen Ee Yong Chua, Jing-Yu (benjamin) Tan, Lorna Kwai-ping Suen, Sally Wai-chi Chan, Junxiong Pang
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant impacts on global health. The development of vaccines under expedited conditions has led to concerns about their safety and efficacy, resulting in vaccine hesitancy and delayed vaccine uptake. This study aims to understand the factors associated with high vaccine acceptance using the Health Belief Model and other independent risk factors. The results suggest that demographic factors have a weak association with vaccine acceptance, while perceptions and practices play a more important role.
Review
Immunology
Eng Eong Ooi, Arti Dhar, Richard Petruschke, Camille Locht, Philippe Buchy, Jenny Guek Hong Low
Summary: COVID-19 vaccines are effective and important in controlling the ongoing pandemic, but concerns about vaccine side effects may affect vaccine uptake. The impact of analgesics/antipyretics on vaccine immunogenicity and reactogenicity is uncertain, with limited data available. However, current evidence from clinical trials and recommendations from public health bodies suggest that short-term use of non-prescription doses of analgesics/antipyretics is unlikely to affect vaccine-induced immunity.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Joseph Yuen Juin Cheng, Shaun Seh Ern Loong, Clare Elisabeth Si Min Ho, Kai Jing Ng, Miki Min Qi Ng, Ryan Choon Hoe Chee, Tiffany Xuan Ling Chin, Francis Jia Yi Fong, Song Ling Germain Goh, Kumaresh Natarajan S. O. Venkatesh, Zi Ying Sim, Zach Yung Shen Chan, Shayne Pek, Xin Wei Liew, Yan Qing Cherie Ong, Benjamin Wu, Luke Yu Xuan Yeo, Tony De Rong Ng, Celeste Zi Hui Ng, Wei Wen Soon, Bryan Yichong Shi, Ruth Si Man Wong, Sean Tan, Ivan Leong, Celeste Li-Lynn Chan, Jia Wen Tan, Junxiong Pang
Summary: This study examines the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Singaporean individuals towards COVID-19 vaccination and identifies factors that influence vaccination rates. The findings indicate that higher levels of knowledge, perceived efficacy, perceived safety, and willingness to uptake are associated with greater likelihood of vaccination. Additionally, the study shows a significant increase in proper handwashing techniques among individuals who have been vaccinated.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Kitti Wing Ki Chan, Amanda Makha Bifani, Satoru Watanabe, Milly M. Choy, Eng Eong Ooi, Subhash G. Vasudevan
Summary: This study identifies specific variants of the Zika virus in the mouse brain that are associated with neuropathogenicity, suggesting these variants may serve as predictors of severe epidemics.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Nattachai Srisawat, Duane J. Gubler, Tikki Pangestu, Usa Thisyakorn, Zulkifli Ismail, Daniel Goh, Maria Rosario Capeding, Lulu Bravo, Sutee Yoksan, Terapong Tantawichien, Sri Rezeki Hadinegoro, Kamran Rafiq, Valentina Sanchez Picot, Eng Eong Ooi
Summary: The 5th Asia Dengue Summit was held in Singapore from 13 to 15 June 2022. It brought together dengue experts, Ministry of Health representatives, and international organizations to discuss the growing threat of dengue and strategies for its control. With over 270 speakers and delegates from 14 countries, the summit highlighted the importance of multisectoral collaboration in combating dengue.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Review
Cell Biology
Eng Eong Ooi, Shirin Kalimuddin
Summary: The current quest for an effective dengue vaccine has resulted in two approved vaccines and another that has completed phase 3 clinical trials. However, shortcomings exist in each of these vaccines, suggesting that our knowledge on dengue immunity was incomplete when developing them. The findings from vaccine trials indicate that neutralizing antibodies alone may not be sufficient to provide protection against symptomatic infection, highlighting the importance of cellular immunity. These findings have implications for both the development of future dengue vaccines and the optimal application of existing vaccines for public health benefit.
SCIENCE TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nway Nway Aung, Junxiong Pang, Matthew Chin Heng Chua, Hui Xing Tan
Summary: This study developed a deep-learning model that uses data from the past 30 days to forecast the daily number of new COVID-19 cases 14 days later in the early stages of the pandemic. The research found that countries with more accurate forecasts had higher daily case numbers and experienced more waves of infections. The model performed well even with fewer variables.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Jingling Zhu, Wee Kee Tan, Xia Song, Zhongxing Zhang, Zhengyang Gao, Yuting Wen, Choon Nam Ong, Sanjay Swarup, Jun Li
Summary: Okara-poly(acrylic acid) (Ok-PAA) superabsorbent hydrogels were synthesized and characterized by grafting and cross-linking PAA on fresh okara. The hydrogels significantly improved the water holding and retention capacities of sand and mixed soil, and promoted the growth of vegetables.
ACS FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)