Article
Virology
Jing-Wei Zhang, Han Wang, Jing Liu, Le Ma, Rong-Hong Hua, Zhi-Gao Bu
Summary: The study developed an efficient high-throughput screening assay for ZIKV inhibitors and validated several compounds with therapeutic potential for inhibiting ZIKV infection.
Article
Immunology
Dominik Noerz, Hui Ting Tang, Petra Emmerich, Katja Giersch, Nicole Fischer, Stephan Schmiedel, Marylyn M. Addo, Martin Aepfelbacher, Susanne Pfefferle, Marc Luetgehetmann
Summary: In this study, the authors developed an improved PCR test for the detection of monkeypox virus, which can be performed on widely used PCR systems. This test is crucial for timely limiting the spread of monkeypox.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yanke Shan, Bin Wang, Huachuan Huang, Keding Yan, Wenzhi Li, Shouyu Wang, Fei Liu
Summary: In this study, a high-throughput multimodal immunoassay platform is proposed for rapid on-site diagnostics of COVID-19. The platform utilizes fluorescent, colorimetric, and chemiluminescent immunoassays, and can simultaneously detect multiple samples, providing high sensitivity and fast detection.
ANALYTICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Rongbin Nie, Huiyu He, Yiping Chen
Summary: We developed an affordable and portable homogeneous fiber optic chemiluminescent immunosensor (hoFOCI) for rapid and on-site detection of chloramphenicol (CAP) in food stuffs. The hoFOCI integrated the immunoassay and detection platform, allowing biorecognition and signal conversion without washing steps. The hoFOCI showed a good linear response to CAP with a detection limit of 2.95 pg/mL, and demonstrated high accuracy and reproducibility in assaying CAP in real honey samples.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Md. Anish Alam, Mohd. Rahil Hasan, Nigar Anzar, Shariq Suleman, Jagriti Narang
Summary: Zika virus, a mosquito-borne flavivirus, has been a global public health emergency since its rapid spread in the Americas, causing mild-influenza symptoms, neurological issues, microcephaly in infants, and Guillain-Barre syndrome in adults. Despite the lack of a known cure, the development of quick and easy diagnostic tools is crucial for successful management of the disease. Scientists are exploring biosensors as a potential advanced system for accurate and efficient detection of Zika virus.
PROCESS BIOCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Zhiran Qin, Yangyang Chen, Jianhai Yu, Xiaoen He, Xuling Liu, Li Zhu, Qinghua Wu, Chengsong Wan, Bao Zhang, Wei Zhao
Summary: This study successfully constructed a transcription template of ZIKV ZKC2 strain using infectious clones, and recovered rZKC2 strain through transfection. Two important mutation sites were identified, with significant impacts on rZKC2 recovery. Additionally, by studying an early-introduced ZIKV strain in China, a potential site for antiviral drug development was discovered.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Qian Zhang, Weiran Wang, Zhansen Yang, Xin Wang, Wentao Xu, Kunlun Huang, Yunbo Luo, Xiaoyun He, Nan Cheng
Summary: A portable 3D-printed biosensing device was developed for rapid detection of genetically modified maize MON810, utilizing a rapid method for genomic DNA extraction and event-specific RPA amplification and LFS detection, with a qualitative detection limit of 0.1 wt%. The device proved to be sensitive and reliable with potential applications in rapid screening of risk factors for food safety.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Hamide Ehtesabi, Amir Asadollahi, Zahra Hallaji, Mahsa Goudarzi, Ali Rezaei
Summary: The study synthesized new fluorescent carbon dots using a hydrothermal method and pH-responsive properties. Additionally, a smartphone-based portable device was designed to analyze pH real-time, showing high potential for practical monitoring.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Gunipe Prasanth Kumar, Arup Kumar Das
Summary: A scaled-up device for rapid water treatment is developed based on the technologies of inertia-based microfluidic filtration, selective ion-exchange, antimicrobial activated carbon, and ultraviolet disinfection. The device is tested using different water samples and optimized for better filtration performance. Parallelization and multiplexing techniques are used to improve filtrate throughput. The prototype device can treat nearly 400 L of raw water in six days of continuous operation and shows complete sterilization.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Kelly Bohning, Stephanie Sonnberg, Hui-Ling Chen, Melissa Zahralban-Steele, Timothy Powell, Greg Hather, Hetal K. Patel, Hansi J. Dean
Summary: The development of a high-throughput plate-based Zika virus reporter virus particle assay allows for quantitative measurement of virus neutralizing antibody titers in serum samples and shows high levels of precision and reproducibility. The assay uses infective, non-replicating particles encoding Zika virus surface proteins and capsid, and a reporter gene, and demonstrate close correlation with results from a plaque reduction neutralization test.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Juxin Yin, Jizhi Tong, Jiale Li, Guangye Shao, Bo Xie, Jianjian Zhuang, Gang Bi, Ying Mu
Summary: We designed a portable and high-throughput nucleic acid detection device for rapid diagnosis. This device is small and lightweight, capable of running 16 samples simultaneously and providing stable and accurate temperature control. The results showed good linearity and coefficient of variation, and the device can detect as low as 10 copies of nucleic acid. Therefore, this portable device has advantages in high-throughput nucleic acid detection in the field, especially under resource-limited conditions.
ANALYTICAL BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biophysics
Marcello Mascini, Emre Dikici, Julio A. Perez-Erviti, Sapna K. Deo, Dario Compagnone, Sylvia Daunert
Summary: A new class of selective and high affinity antibody mimetics called clamp peptides (CPs) were proposed as sensing elements for a reliable detection sensor platform, incorporating three short peptides structurally and mechanically mimicking a clamp. The CPs consist of two short peptides functioning as arms recognizing different epitopes in the target protein, connected by a third short peptide acting as a hinge. Through rational design and computational methods, a CP was designed to selectively bind to the envelope protein of the Zika virus, showing superior performance over mono-arm peptides in detection assays with detection limits under 10(4) copies/mL in both colorimetric and electrochemical formats.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Igor Jose dos Santos Nascimento, Paulo Fernando da Silva Santos-Junior, Thiago Mendonca de Aquino, Joao Xavier de Araujo-Junior, Edeildo Ferreira da Silva-Junior
Summary: This review focuses on RdRp inhibitors from natural, synthetic, and repurposing sources. It discusses the structure-activity relationship, proposed mechanisms of action, computational studies, and other related topics.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Biophysics
Anh Thi Viet Nguyen, Bao Tuan Duong, Hyun Park, Seon-Ju Yeo
Summary: A novel peptide pair-based flow immunochromatographic test strip was developed to detect Zika virus (ZIKV) with a limit of detection of 2 x 10^4 TCID50/mL, and the test could distinguish ZIKV from Dengue virus (DENV) with high stability and performance in human sera and urine. This study demonstrates the potential of using in silico modeling to develop rapid diagnostic tests for detecting ZIKV.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2022)
Article
Biophysics
Hau Van Nguyen, Tae Seok Seo
Summary: The novel centrifugal disc is capable of purifying nucleic acid in a high-throughput manner, processing 30 forensic samples in a single run. It automatically distributes washing solution and elution buffer, featuring a superhydrophobic zigzag-shaped structure for efficient division. The entire process is operated by a portable workstation, enabling quick completion of genetic sex-typing.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yang Liu, Jianying Liu, Kenneth S. Plante, Jessica A. Plante, Xuping Xie, Xianwen Zhang, Zhiqiang Ku, Zhiqiang An, Dionna Scharton, Craig Schindewolf, Steven G. Widen, Vineet D. Menachery, Pei-Yong Shi, Scott C. Weaver
Summary: The B.1.1.7 variant (Alpha) of SARS-CoV-2 emerged in the UK in the summer of 2020, with 19 mutations including N501Y which is a major determinant of increased transmission. The N501Y substitution increased viral transmission by enhancing the spike protein's affinity for cellular receptors, making it an adaptive spike mutation of concern.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lars E. Clark, Sarah A. Clark, ChieYu Lin, Jianying Liu, Adrian Coscia, Katherine G. Nabel, Pan Yang, Dylan Neel, Hyo Lee, Vesna Brusic, Iryna Stryapunina, Kenneth S. Plante, Asim A. Ahmed, Flaminia Catteruccia, Tracy L. Young-Pearse, Isaac M. Chiu, Paula Montero Llopis, Scott C. Weaver, Jonathan Abraham
Summary: The study reveals the mechanism of alphavirus infection in different hosts, with VLDLR identified as the receptor for Semliki forest virus. It also shows that invertebrate receptor orthologues can serve as functional alphavirus receptors.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jing Zou, Hongjie Xia, Xuping Xie, Chaitanya Kurhade, Rafael R. G. Machado, Scott C. Weaver, Ping Ren, Pei-Yong Shi
Summary: The spread of the Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant highlights the importance of analyzing the cross-protection provided by previous non-Omicron infections. A new study shows that patients with prior non-Omicron infections do not develop strong neutralization against Omicron. This supports the vaccination of previously infected individuals to mitigate the impact of the ongoing Omicron surge.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Pathology
Marisa C. Nielsen, Rafael R. G. Machado, Brooke M. Mitchell, Allan J. McConnell, Nehad I. Saada, Scott C. Weaver, Ping Ren
Summary: This study evaluated the Novaplex SARS-CoV-2 Variants I, II, and IV assays from Seegene Technologies, which demonstrated good agreement with traditional spike gene Sanger sequencing results, providing an accurate, rapid, and less labor-intensive method for detecting SARS-CoV-2 and identifying known variants of interest and concern.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTICS
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Jacqueline Kyungah Lim, Valery Ridde, Selidji Todagbe Agnandji, Bertrand Lell, Seydou Yaro, Jae Seung Yang, Damien Hoinard, Scott C. Weaver, Jessica Vanhomwegen, Henrik Salje, In Kyu Yoon
Summary: Chikungunya virus serostudies and models were used to identify outbreaks and reconstruct past circulation in Burkina Faso and Gabon. The findings suggest sporadic outbreaks in these settings and underscore the importance of serostudies and models in supporting disease surveillance.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Virology
Jessica A. Plante, Rafael R. G. Machado, Brooke M. Mitchell, Divya P. Shinde, Jordyn Walker, Dionna Scharton, Allan McConnell, Nehad Saada, Jianying Liu, Bilal Khan, Rafael K. Campos, Bryan A. Johnson, Vineet D. Menachery, Corri B. Levine, Ping Ren, Susan L. F. McLellan, Kenneth S. Plante, Scott C. Weaver
Summary: The Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 can cause breakthrough infections in fully vaccinated individuals. Vaccination reduces the infectious viral load and increases the levels of anti-spike IgA in the nasal secretions of asymptomatic individuals infected with the Delta variant.
Correction
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yang Liu, Xianwen Zhang, Jianying Liu, Hongjie Xia, Jing Zou, Antonio E. Muruato, Sivakumar Periasamy, Chaitanya Kurhade, Jessica A. Plante, Nathen E. Bopp, Birte Kalveram, Alexander Bukreyev, Ping Ren, Tian Wang, Vineet D. Menachery, Kenneth S. Plante, Xuping Xie, Scott C. Weaver, Pei-Yong Shi
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Virology
Craig Schindewolf, Kumari Lokugamage, Michelle N. Vu, Bryan A. Johnson, Dionna Scharton, Jessica A. Plante, Birte Kalveram, Patricia A. Crocquet-Valdes, Stephanea Sotcheff, Elizabeth Jaworski, Rojelio E. Alvarado, Kari Debbink, Matthew D. Daugherty, Scott C. Weaver, Andrew L. Routh, David H. Walker, Kenneth S. Plante, Vineet D. Menachery
Summary: Understanding the role of NSP16 in SARS-CoV-2 infection and pathogenesis, this study demonstrates the attenuation of a NSP16 mutant both in vitro and in vivo, as well as its sensitivity to IFN-I. Silencing IFIT1 or IFIT3 partially restores the mutant's fitness. Furthermore, targeting NSP16 with a MTase inhibitor enhances the virus' sensitivity to IFN-I. Overall, these findings highlight the importance of NSP16 in immune evasion and suggest a potential target for antiviral development.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2023)
Review
Virology
Rachel A. Reyna, Scott C. Weaver
Summary: Eastern (EEEV), Venezuelan (VEEV), and western equine encephalitis viruses (WEEV) are mosquito-borne alphaviruses that cause febrile illness and severe encephalitic disease. The lack of vaccines and therapeutics highlights the need for advanced animal models and detailed mechanistic understanding of the neurological sequelae induced by these viruses. This review summarizes the clinical neurologic findings, available animal models, and the importance of developing therapeutics and vaccines.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Matthew M. Dacso, Dennis A. Bente, Scott C. Weaver, Gary P. Kobinger, Peter C. Melby, Susan L. F. McLellan, Philip H. Keiser, Sarah A. Hamer, Gabriel L. Hamer, Gerald W. Parker Jr, David I. Douphrate, Anabel Rodriguez, Michael L. Goodman, X. Ara, Gregory C. Gray
Summary: Texas is a state with a large geographic size, large populations of humans and animals, and extreme weather fluctuations. In the past 15 years, Texas has frequently experienced disasters causing significant morbidity and economic losses. An interdisciplinary network of professionals from various academic institutions has emerged to collaborate on protecting Texas and the USA, focusing on biopreparedness, pathogen understanding, therapeutics and vaccines development, and surveillance approaches. These partnerships strengthen our ability to prevent future catastrophes and protect human and animal health.
Article
Virology
Se Hun Gu, Marcos Minarro, Carlos Feliu, Jean-Pierre Hugot, Naomi L. Forrester, Scott C. Weaver, Richard Yanagihara
Summary: Recent detection of NVAV and BRGV in European moles in Belgium and Germany prompted a search for related hantaviruses in the Iberian mole. Analysis of lung tissue from 106 Iberian moles in Spain revealed genetically distinct hantaviruses, including a new hantavirus species designated as ASTV. Next generation sequencing of infected moles confirmed the presence of ASTV. These findings challenge the previous assumption that each hantavirus species is limited to a single host species.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Alioune Gaye, Cheikh Fall, Oumar Faye, Myrielle Dupont-Rouzeyrol, El Hadji Ndiaye, Diawo Diallo, Paolo Marinho de Andrade Zanotto, Ibrahima Dia, Scott C. Weaver, Mawlouth Diallo
Summary: This study assessed the susceptibility of A. aegypti and C. quinquefasciatus to ZIKV strains from Senegal, Brazil, and New Caledonia, and found that the Senegalese strain had a significantly higher infection rate compared to the Brazilian and New Caledonian strains. No infection was recorded for C. quinquefasciatus.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Editorial Material
Cell Biology
Rafael K. Campos, Shannan L. Rossi, Robert B. Tesh, Scott C. Weaver
Summary: Emerging zoonotic mosquito-borne viruses pose increasing health threats and require global preparedness to effectively mitigate the impacts in terms of health, society, and economy.
SCIENCE TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Virology
Douglas Barker, Xiaobing Han, Eryu Wang, Ashley Dagley, Deborah M. Anderson, Aruni Jha, Scott C. Weaver, Justin Julander, Cory Nykiforuk, Shantha Kodihalli
Summary: The despeciated equine polyclonal antibody (CHIKV-EIG) treatment shows promising efficacy in preventing and improving CHIKV infection in mice, with significant reduction in mortality, viremia, and clinical symptoms. It also proves effective in reducing virus-induced arthritis in a dose-dependent manner.
Article
Immunology
Rachel A. Reyna, Jordyn Walker, Brooke Mitchell, Divya P. Shinde, Jessica A. Plante, Scott C. Weaver, Kenneth S. Plante
Summary: Anosmia, a common consequence of SARS-CoV-2 infection, is correlated with disease severity. Different variants of the virus can cause significant loss of smell, and vaccination does not prevent anosmia but can protect against severe disease.