Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Magdalena Ruskova, Maria Buckova, Adam Achs, Andrea Puskarova, Jer-Horng Wu, Tomas Kuchta, Zdeno Subr, Domenico Pangallo
Summary: This study selected an effective sample preparation procedure and combined it with a newly developed improved RT-PCR to detect viruses in wastewater samples. A model viral system was constructed using gene editing technology to evaluate the effectiveness of four viral RNA concentration/extraction methods. The research found that for wastewater samples with low viral loads, the OSN-qRT-PCR detection method performed the best and had the highest sensitivity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYGIENE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Olga A. Nikolaitchik, Shuohui Liu, Jonathan P. Kitzrow, Yang Liu, Jonathan M. O. Rawson, Saurabh Shakya, Zetao Cheng, Vinay K. Pathak, Wei-Shau Hu, Karin Musier-Forsyth
Summary: HIV-1 differentiates between similar 1G and 3G RNAs based on their distinct structural ensembles, with 1G RNA exposing elements that promote dimerization and Gag binding for preferential packaging into viral particles.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jiwei Ding, Shujie Wang, Qipeng Liu, Yuqing Duan, Tingting Cheng, Zhongjie Ye, Zhanding Cui, Ao Zhang, Qiuyu Liu, Zixiong Zhang, Ning Zhang, Qian Liu, Ni An, Jianyuan Zhao, Dongrong Yi, Quanjie Li, Jing Wang, Yongxin Zhang, Ling Ma, Saisai Guo, Jinhui Wang, Chen Liang, Jinming Zhou, Shan Cen, Xiaoyu Li
Summary: This study showed that IFN-inducible Schlafen5 (SLFN5) inhibits LINE-1 retrotransposition by interrupting LINE-1 ribonucleoprotein particle formation, diminishing nuclear entry of LINE-1 RNA, and impairing RNP formation. The ability of SLFN5 to bind to LINE-1 RNA and the involvement of its helicase domain in the inhibitory activity suggest a mechanism in which SLFN5 binds to LINE-1 RNA and dissociates ORF1p, leading to impaired RNP formation.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mathilde Briday, Francois Halle, Lauriane Lecoq, Sylvie Radix, Juliette Martin, Roland Montserret, Marie Dujardin, Marie-Laure Fogeron, Michael Nassal, Beat H. Meier, Thierry Lomberget, Anja Bockmann
Summary: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a significant human pathogen and its capsid-forming core protein (Cp) plays a key role in envelopment. Recent studies have found that Triton X-100, a detergent used in Cp purification, strongly binds to the hydrophobic pocket of Cp. The aromatic moiety is crucial for binding, while the aliphatic chain affects binding affinity. Moreover, the hydrophilic tail shows high tolerance to changes in length and type.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Catherine T. Chia, Andrew T. Bender, Lorraine Lillis, Benjamin P. Sullivan, Coleman D. Martin, Wynn Burke, Charles Landis, David S. Boyle, Jonathan D. Posner
Summary: This study reports a rapid, highly accurate, and minimally instrumented assay for HCV RNA detection using RT-RPA. The assay can detect all HCV genotypes with a limit of detection of 25 copies per reaction for genotype 1. Clinical experiments showed that the RT-RPA assay has a sensitivity and specificity of 100%. The accuracy, short runtime, and low heating demands of RT-RPA make it potentially valuable for point-of-care HCV testing.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Wei Feng, Hanyong Peng, Jingyang Xu, Yanming Liu, Kanti Pabbaraju, Graham Tipples, Michael A. Joyce, Holly A. Saffran, D. Lorne Tyrrell, Shawn Babiuk, Hongquan Zhang, X. Chris Le
Summary: The study successfully integrated RT-RPA and CRISPR-Cas12a into a single tube for viral sequence detection, overcoming issues like slow initiation of RPA and non-specific amplification, significantly improving detection speed and accuracy.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Christine F. Markwalter, Billy Ngasala, Tonelia Mowatt, Christopher Basham, Zackary Park, Mwajabu Loya, Meredith Muller, Christopher Plowe, Myaing Nyunt, Jessica T. Lin
Summary: Ultrasensitive PCR has shown a higher burden of asymptomatic malaria infections compared to RDTs or standard PCR in low-transmission endemic areas, with potential implications for the infectious reservoir. A study in Tanzania found good correlation between DNA-based qPCR and RNA-based usPCR in detecting Plasmodium falciparum parasite densities, indicating an incremental increase in low-density infections. The extent to which these low-density infections contribute to the infectious reservoir in different malaria transmission settings remains unclear.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Yongxuan Yao, Hao Sun, Yingshan Chen, Lingqian Tian, Dan Huang, Canyu Liu, Yuan Zhou, Yun Wang, Zhe Wen, Bo Yang, Xinwen Chen, Rongjuan Pei
Summary: SARS-CoV-2, a betacoronavirus, poses a serious global threat to human health. The study revealed that RBM24 interacts with the RNA genome of SARS-CoV-2 and inhibits its replication by binding to the GUGUG element in the 5'-UTR. This interaction prevents ribosome assembly and impairs viral polyproteins translation. RBM24 also targets similar sequences in the 5'-UTR of other RNA viruses, suggesting its potential as a host restriction factor.
ANTIVIRAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
SungJun Park, Cheonghoon Lee, Kyuseon Cho, Hye Young Ko, Sung Jae Jang, GwangPyo Ko
Summary: The study suggests that employing inhibitor-removal treatment can improve the accuracy and sensitivity of RT-qPCR detection methods for noroviruses in water and produce.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tomas Kouba, Dominik Vogel, Sigurdur R. Thorkelsson, Emmanuelle R. J. Quemin, Harry M. Williams, Morlin Milewski, Carola Busch, Stephan Guenther, Kay Gruenewald, Maria Rosenthal, Stephen Cusack
Summary: This study reported the cryoEM structures of the Lassa virus L protein in various active states, shedding light on the mechanism of virus replication. The researchers identified distinct RNA binding pockets in the L protein and observed conformational changes in different states.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Virology
Alejandra L. L. D'Antuono, Giovanna L. L. Gallo, Claudia Sepulveda, Jonas Fernandez, Julia Brignone, Graciela Gamboa, Laura Riera, Maria del Carmen Saavedra, Nora Lopez
Summary: We provide evidence demonstrating the specific involvement of the TCRV S 5' noncoding sequence adjacent to the viral promoter in replication. Our findings provide insight into the mechanism through which this 5' viral RNA noncoding region assists the L polymerase for efficient viral S RNA synthesis.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Bryanna Lexus Freitas, Lynn Leach, Vishnu Chaturvedi, Sudha Chaturvedi
Summary: A new detection method has been developed to rapidly detect live multidrug-resistant yeast Candida auris in healthcare environments. This method is highly sensitive and specific, and it correlates with the results from traditional culture methods.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Chunyan Niu, Lianhua Dong, Yunhua Gao, Yongzhuo Zhang, Xia Wang, Jing Wang
Summary: Nucleic acid detection and quantification is crucial in various fields, with different methods like digital PCR for DNA and reverse transcription for RNA. This study developed an HPLC method combined with enzymatic digestion for accurate RNA quantification, showing disparities in RT efficiency and the need for optimization. The HPLC method proved to be useful in quantifying RNA molecules and evaluating RT efficiency.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Chunyan Niu, Xia Wang, Yunhua Gao, Xiaoting Qiao, Jie Xie, Yongzhuo Zhang, Di Wang, Lianhua Dong
Summary: This study established a new method to quantify SARS-CoV-2 RNA without the need for reverse transcription. Compared to traditional methods, this approach offers higher reliability and accuracy.
ANALYTICAL AND BIOANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Duan S. Loy, Renata Spuri Gomes, Enakshy Dutta, Bruce W. Brodersen, John Dustin Loy
Summary: Tritrichomonas foetus (TF) is a reproductive pathogen of cattle, and the development of a direct detection method using reverse transcription real-time PCR (direct RT-qPCR) has overcome the challenges of sample collection, handling, transport, and testing. The study compared the performance of direct RT-qPCR with a commercially available real-time PCR (qPCR) assay and evaluated the stability of samples stored in PBS or TF transport media. The results showed that direct RT-qPCR was as good as or better than qPCR, and there was no significant difference between PBS and TF transport media. These findings provide flexibility in sample collection and transport, enhancing TF surveillance programs.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Mirjam Groger, Peter Akhideno, Christine J. Kleist, Femi O. Babatunde, Osahogie Edeawe, Julia Hinzmann, ThankGod Akhigbe, Joy Nwatuzor, Gloria Eifediyi, Jonas Mueller, Mette Hinrichs, Meike Pahlmann, Francisca Naana Sarpong, Christine Wagner, Anke Thielebein, Louis Aihonwalan, Till Koch, Maria Riedner, Ephraim Ogbaini-Emovon, Sylvanus Okogbenin, Stephan Guenther, Sebastian G. Wicha, Michael Ramharter, Lisa Oestereich, Sophie Duraffour, Cyril Erameh
Summary: This study examines the pharmacokinetics of ribavirin in the treatment of Lassa fever and finds consistent exposure across patients. While ribavirin shows low antiviral efficacy, it may have anti-inflammatory effects. Further research is needed to determine the role of ribavirin in the treatment of Lassa fever.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Daniel Hornuss, Theo Daehne, Veronika Goetz, Matthias Mueller, Susanne Usadel, Alexandra Lorz, Maja Mockenhaupt, Daniela Huzly, Sibylle Bierbaum, Jonas Fuchs, Lena Jaki, Valeria Falcone, Georg Kochs, Marcus Panning, Siegbert Rieg
Summary: Since April 2022, there has been an increase in monkeypox cases outside endemic areas, indicating an international outbreak. Our study provides insights into clinical manifestations, epidemiological and virological features affecting transmission, which have been scarce so far.
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2023)
Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
Erik Huzly, Daniel Steinmann, Stefanie Kramme, Marcus Panning, Daniela Huzly
DEUTSCHES ARZTEBLATT INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Respiratory System
Martin Wetzke, Katharina Schuetz, Matthias Volkmar Kopp, Juergen Seidenberg, Christian Vogelberg, Tobias Ankermann, Christine Happle, Gesche Voigt, Holger Koster, Thomas Illig, Christiane Lex, Antje Schuster, Ralph Maier, Marcus Panning, Grit Barten, Gernot Rohde, Tobias Welte, Gesine Hansen
Summary: A study conducted in Germany found that paediatric community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a leading cause of paediatric morbidity. Data on the aetiology and management of paediatric CAP, especially for outpatients, are scarce. The study revealed high detection rates of pathogens in both outpatient and hospitalised paediatric CAP cases, highlighting the need for a critical discussion on antibiotic therapy for outpatient CAP patients.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Peter Asaga Mac, Markos Tadele, Philomena E. Airiohuodion, Thilini Nisansala, Shaistha Zubair, Jude Aigohbahi, Chukwuma Anyaike, Raman Velayudha, Axel Kroeger, Marcus Panning
Summary: This study reveals a high seropositivity, burden, and hidden endemicity of dengue and Zika viruses in Nigeria, indicating their widespread circulation. However, little is known about the co-infections of these viruses.
ANNALS OF MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Linus Bornemann, Olaf Kaup, Johannes Kleideiter, Bertram Ruprecht, Annika Hoyer, Marcus Panning, Reinhard Bornemann, Michael Wehmeier
Summary: The study aimed to assess the impact of different variants of concern (VOCs) on the clinical performance of an antigen rapid diagnostic test (Ag-RDT). The results showed that the sensitivity of the Ag-RDT was dependent on viral load, gender, and age. The Omicron variant had lower sensitivity compared to the wild-type samples, with a higher limit of detection.
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Hendrik Luxenburger, David B. Reeg, Julia Lang-Meli, Matthias Reinscheid, Miriam Eisner, Dominik Bettinger, Valerie Oberhardt, Elahe Salimi Alizei, Katharina Wild, Anne Graeser, Vivien Karl, Sagar, Florian Emmerich, Florian Klein, Marcus Panning, Daniela Huzly, Bertram Bengsch, Tobias Boettler, Roland Elling, Robert Thimme, Maike Hofmann, Christoph Neumann-Haefelin
Summary: Liver transplant recipients have a reduced immune response to COVID-19 mRNA vaccination, especially after the third (and fourth) vaccine dose, and the interaction between humoral and cellular immunity is not well understood.
JOURNAL OF HEPATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Melanie Langhammer, Julia Schoepf, Timo Jaquet, Katharina Horn, Moritz Angel, Corinna Spohr, Daniel Christen, Franziska Maria Uhl, Tiago Maie, Henrike Jacobi, Thorsten B. Feyerabend, Julia Huber, Marcus Panning, Cassian Sitaru, Ivan Costa, Robert Zeiser, Konrad Aumann, Heiko Becker, Till Braunschweig, Steffen Koschmieder, Khalid Shoumariyeh, Michael Huber, Mirle Schemionek-Reinders, Tilman Brummer, Sebastian Halbach
Summary: The persistence of leukemic stem cells (LSCs) in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) presents a challenge in therapy. This study investigates the role of mast cells (MCs) in CML progression and suggests targeting MCs as an additional approach for CML treatment. The BCR::ABL1 fusion gene drives the expansion of bone marrow-derived MCs and enhances their responsiveness to degranulation triggers. In CML patients, splenomegaly is associated with increased BM MC counts and elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines, indicating the importance of MCs in disease progression.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Suzanne N. Penfold, Ayola Akim A. Adegnika, Danny F. Asogun, Olufemi Ayodeji, Benedict Azuogu, William A. Fischer, Robert Garry, Donald Samuel Grant, Christian Happi, Magassouba A. N'Faly, Adebola Olayinka, Robert Samuels, Jefferson Sibley, David Wohl, Manfred Accrombessi, Ifedayo Adetifa, Giuditta Annibaldis, Anton Camacho, Chioma Dan-Nwafor, Akpene Ruth Esperencia Deha, Jean DeMarco, Sophie Duraffour, Augustine Goba, Rebecca Grais, Stephan Guenther, Enagnon Junior Juvenal Prince Honvou, Chikwe Ihekweazu, Christine Jacobsen, Lansana Kanneh, Mambu Momoh, Aminata Ndiaye, Robert Nsaibirni, Sylvanus Okogbenin, Chinwe S. Ochu, Ephraim Ogbaini, Enagnon Parsifal Marie Alexandre Logbo, John Demby Sandi, John Schieffelin, Thomas Verstraeten, Nathalie Vielle, Anges Yadouleton, Emmanuel Koffi Yovo
Summary: Lassa fever, caused by Lassa fever virus (LASV), is endemic in West Africa and causes 5000 fatalities each year. The aim of the Enable Lassa research programme is to estimate the incidences of LASV infection and LF disease in five West African countries. The core protocol harmonises key study components to ensure data comparability for between-country analyses.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Nzelle Delphine Kayem, Sylvanus Okogbenin, Joseph Okoeguale, Joseph Eigbefoh, Joseph Ikheloa, Reuben Eifediyi, Xavier Enodiana, Olugbenga Emmanuel Olorogbogo, Isoken Aikpokpo, Yemisi Ighodalo, Thomas Olokor, George Odigie, Lyndsey Castle, Sophie Duraffour, Lisa Oestereich, Prabin Dahal, Proochista Ariana, Stephan Gunther, Peter Horby
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the efficiency of transplacental transfer of Lassa virus antibodies from mother to child. The study demonstrates that maternal antibody levels play a crucial role in determining the transfer efficiency and may be influenced by the timing of antibody development. The study suggests that vaccination before pregnancy, in women of childbearing age, may be more appropriate for protecting both pregnant women and their neonates.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Nzelle Delphine Kayem, Sylvanus Okogbenin, Joseph Okoeguale, Mojeed Momoh, Antonia Njoku, Reuben Eifediyi, Xavier Enodiana, Hilary Ngwu, Wilfred Irhiogbe, Yemisi Ighodalo, Thomas Olokor, George Odigie, Lyndsey Castle, Sophie Duraffour, Lisa Oestereich, Prabin Dahal, Proochista Ariana, Stephan Gunther, Peter Horby
Summary: This study evaluated the epidemiology of Lassa fever in pregnant women in South Nigeria and found that about 50% of pregnant women had Lassa virus antibodies, indicating a high risk of Lassa infection during pregnancy. It also suggested that 35.0% of infections could be prevented by avoiding rodent exposure and conditions that facilitate infestation. Public health measures such as improved sanitation and hygiene could be beneficial in reducing the risk of infection.
PLOS NEGLECTED TROPICAL DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Peter Asaga Mac, Axel Kroeger, Theo Daehne, Chukwuma Anyaike, Raman Velayudhan, Marcus Panning
Summary: The co-circulation of ZIKV, FLAVI, and malaria has been found in Nigeria, with a high antibody seropositivity rate, especially in the southern region. This study represents the largest comparative cross-sectional descriptive sero-epidemiological investigation of ZIKV-FLAVI and malaria co-circulation in Nigeria.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Frances Winkler, Anna Hipp, Carlos Ramirez, Bianca Martin, Matteo Villa, Emilia Neuwirt, Oliver Gorka, Jeroen Aerssens, Susanne E. Johansson, Nisha Rana, Sian Llewellyn-Lacey, David A. Price, Marcus Panning, Olaf Gross, Erika L. Pearce, Carl M. Hermann, Kathrin Schumann, Luciana Hannibal, Christoph Neumann-Haefelin, Tobias Boettler, Percy Knolle, Maike Hofmann, Dirk Wohlleber, Robert Thimme, Bertram Bengsch
Summary: Exhausted T cells with limited function are common in chronic HBV and HCV infection, but the relationship between metabolism and exhaustion states, the impact of antiviral therapy, and the role of metabolic checkpoints in dysfunction are not fully understood.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Benjamin Schleenvoigt, Juliane Ankert, Grit Barten-Neiner, Florian Voit, Norbert Suttorp, Christoph Boesecke, Christian Hoffmann, Daiana Stolz, Mathias Pletz, Gernot Rohde, Martin Witzenrath, Marcus Panning, Andreas Essig, Jan Rupp, Olaf Degen, Christoph Stephan, M. Dreher
Summary: The objective of this study was to identify the pathogen spectrum of community acquired pneumonia in people living with HIV (PLWH), and to compare it with a matched HIV negative group in order to reassess therapeutic strategies for PLWH. The study used various methods to identify pathogens, and found that pneumococci were the most common pathogen among both PLWH and controls. The mortality rate was higher for PLWH compared to controls.
Article
Immunology
Stephanie Longet, Cristina Leggio, Joseph Akoi Bore, Stephanie Key, Tom Tipton, Yper Hall, Fara Raymond Koundouno, Hilary Bower, Tapan Bhattacharyya, N'Faly Magassouba, Stephan Guenther, Ana-Maria Henao-Restrapo, Jeremy S. Rossman, Mandy Kader Konde, Kimberly Fornace, Miles W. Carroll
Summary: The exposure to Lassa fever virus (LASV) showed heterogeneity in different ecological regions of Guinea, with seropositivity rates of 11.9% in coastal areas and 59.6% in forested areas. There were significant associations between LASV exposure risk and landscape fragmentation in coastal and forested regions. This study highlights the potential link between environmental change and LASV emergence, emphasizing the urgent need for research on land management practices that reduce disease risks.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
