Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Wendi Huang, Ying Li, Juan Huang, Yong Luo, Nanqu Huang
Summary: Earwax removal can be challenging, but the use of endoscopic ear picks allows for both visualization and removal of wax, providing a solution to the limitations of traditional otoscopes.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Tatjana Vilibic-Cavlek, Ljubo Barbic, Anna Mrzljak, Dragan Brnic, Ana Klobucar, Maja Ilic, Natasa Janev-Holcer, Maja Bogdanic, Lorena Jemersic, Vladimir Stevanovic, Irena Tabain, Stjepan Krcmar, Marko Vucelja, Jelena Prpic, Marko Boljfetic, Pavle Jelicic, Josip Madic, Ivana Ferencak, Vladimir Savic
Summary: Several emerging and neglected viruses of zoonotic importance have been detected in Croatia in recent years, including arboviruses, rodent-borne viruses, and food-borne viruses. Some of these viruses have already caused clinical cases, while others remain relatively neglected.
Article
Immunology
Shaohua Hu, Hao Xu, Xiaohua Meng, Xiangxiang Bai, Junli Xu, Jinru Ji, Chaoqun Ying, Yunbo Chen, Ping Shen, Yunxiao Zhou, Beiwen Zheng, Yonghong Xiao
Summary: Elizabethkingia anophelis is an emerging pathogen that has been reported to cause life-threatening infections and outbreaks in humans. Studies have shown that strains in China and the USA share a common ancestor, indicating the potential for localized outbreaks and global spread. Genomic surveillance is important for understanding the dynamics of E. anophelis populations and preventing global outbreaks.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2022)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Catherine Tamalet, Christian Devaux, Gregory Dubourg, Philippe Colson
Summary: The natural history of HIV infection is well understood, with factors like viral load, sexual practices, and gender affecting the risk of infection. Some individuals who engage in frequent unprotected sexual intercourse with HIV-infected partners remain uninfected, despite possible genetic protective factors. However, the mechanisms behind these paradoxical situations are not fully understood.
ANNALS OF THE NEW YORK ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tim K. Tsang, Can Wang, Bingyi Yang, Simon Cauchemez, Benjamin J. Cowling
Summary: The severity of COVID-19 cases differs between index cases and secondary cases, with secondary cases less susceptible to ascertainment bias. By quantifying these differences, more accurate estimates of disease severity and missed cases can be obtained. Contact tracing of index cases provides more reliable data for estimating the severity of emerging infections.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
M. Khalid Ijaz, Syed A. Sattar, Raymond W. Nims, Stephanie A. Boone, Julie Mckinney, Charles P. Gerba
Summary: This article discusses the transmission modes of COVID-19, emphasizing the interdependencies between droplet, aerosol, and fomite spread. Depending on environmental conditions and activities, the virus can spread through droplets, aerosols, and resuspension from contaminated surfaces.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mary E. Petrone, Rebecca Earnest, Jose Lourenco, Moritz U. G. Kraemer, Robert Paulino-Ramirez, Nathan D. Grubaugh, Leandro Tapia
Summary: This study analyzed the temporal and spatial patterns of chikungunya, Zika, and dengue outbreaks reported in the Dominican Republic between 2012 and 2018. The research found that emerging disease outbreaks were robust to the climatological and spatio-temporal constraints defining seasonal dengue outbreak dynamics, indicating the need for constant surveillance to prevent future health crises.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jonathon D. Gass, Robert J. Dusek, Jeffrey S. Hall, Gunnar Thor Hallgrimsson, Halldor Palmar Halldorsson, Solvi Runar Vignisson, Sunna Bjork Ragnarsdottir, Jon Einar Jonsson, Scott Krauss, Sook-San Wong, Xiu-Feng Wan, Sadia Akter, Srinand Sreevatsan, Nidia S. Trovao, Felicia B. Nutter, Jonathan A. Runstadler, Nichola J. Hill
Summary: IAV circulates among migratory birds in the Arctic and subarctic regions, connecting Europe and North America. Gulls in Iceland play a significant role in the transmission of the virus. These findings contribute to surveillance strategies for seasonal and emerging viruses with potential public health concerns.
Article
Virology
Xinran Cao, Jie Liu, Jianguo Pang, Hideki Kondo, Shengqi Chi, Jianfeng Zhang, Liying Sun, Ida Bagus Andika
Summary: Investigating the cross-infection of plant viruses in plant-associated fungi, this study found that various vegetable plants collected from fields in Shandong, China, were infected by multiple plant viruses. High-throughput sequencing revealed the presence of known RNA viruses and novel virus candidates in these plants, with at least 50% of the isolated fungal strains carrying plant viruses.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chunsheng Hou, Hao Liang, Chenxiao Chen, Hongxia Zhao, Pengfei Zhao, Shuai Deng, Beibei Li, Dahe Yang, Sa Yang, Lena Wilfert
Summary: Domesticated honeybees and wild bees are essential for human and environmental health, but infectious diseases, such as Varroa destructor mite as a viral vector, pose a significant threat to these pollinators. Lake Sinai Viruses (LSV) have been found in honeybee colonies, but the global epidemiology and transmission patterns of LSV remain unclear. This study investigates the diversity and association of LSV with different honeybee species and suggests a potential role of migratory beekeeping in pathogen spread.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Karima Al-Akioui Sanz, Carlos Echecopar Parente, Cristina Ferreras, Marta Menendez Ribes, Alfonso Navarro, Carmen Mestre, Laura Clares, Jose Luis Vicario, Antonio Balas, Raquel De Paz, Eduardo Lopez Granados, Elena Sanchez Zapardiel, Carlos Jimenez, Maria Lopez-Oliva, Esther Ramos, Francisco Hernandez-Oliveros, Antonio Perez-Martinez
Summary: Immunocompromised patients are susceptible to high-risk opportunistic infections and malignant diseases. Transfer of pathogen-specific memory T-cells has shown effectiveness in treating infections, but regulatory issues, high cost, and absence of public cell banks limit its use. CD45RA(-) cells containing memory T-cells offer a cheaper and safer alternative. Preliminary data from six patients showed that infusions of CD45RA(-) cells led to pathogen clearance, symptom resolution, and increased lymphocyte count.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Shaohua Hu, Yingying Chen, Hao Xu, Jing Chen, Shaojun Hu, Xiaohua Meng, Shujun Ni, Yonghong Xiao, Beiwen Zheng
Summary: This study comprehensively analyzes the global distribution, evolutionary history, and transmission networks of E. meningoseptica. The emerging bacteria are found in Asia, Europe, and North America, and show genetic diversity. The most likely source of E. meningoseptica is the United States, and the pathogen can spread within hospitals and across borders. The observation of minor variations in resistance genotypes and virulence genes support the inherent resistance and pathogenicity of E. meningoseptica. Minocycline and doxycycline demonstrate potent antimicrobial activity against this pathogen.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Ria R. Ghai, Ann Carpenter, Amanda Y. Liew, Krystalyn B. Martin, Meghan K. Herring, Susan Gerber, Aron J. Hall, Jonathan M. Sleeman, Sophie VonDobschuetz, Casey Barton Behravesh
Summary: The outbreak of coronavirus disease has once again demonstrated the role of coronaviruses in causing human diseases. Research on other coronaviruses can guide response and control strategies for current and future coronavirus threats.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Bin Li, Huanyu Wang, Guodong Liang
Summary: The Getah virus is a zoonotic virus transmitted by mosquitoes, and its distribution has expanded from the South Pacific region to northern latitudes in the 21st century. This virus has evolved genetically and can infect various species of mosquitoes and animals. The number of disease outbreaks caused by Getah virus in animals has been increasing, and its burden and economic impact on livestock production remain underestimated. This review provides valuable information for public health workers involved in Getah virus research and zoonotic disease prevention and control.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Shan Wen Stacy Khaw, Le Tri Vu, Didik Yulianto, Joanne Meers, Joerg Henning
Summary: There are differences in duck transportation methods and management practices between Indonesia and Vietnam, which could potentially impact the transmission of avian pathogens such as HPAI virus. Unsafe management practices in Indonesia include multipurpose usage of transport vehicles and disposal of birds in the environment, while in Vietnam, issues are related to mixing of birds during transport, processing of dead carcasses, and cleaning and storage of transport vehicles.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Virology
Maria Alice Freitas Queiroz, Felipe Teixeira Lopes, Bruno Jose Sarmento Botelho, Maria Karoliny da Silva Torres, Ednelza da Graca Silva Amoras, Carlos A. da Costa, Maisa Silva Sousa, Ricardo Ishak, Antonio Carlos Rosario Vallinoto
Summary: Genetic variations in components of the immune response are associated with HTLV-1 infection. NGF-198C/T and NGF Ala35Val polymorphisms are not associated with the infection, while p75(NTR) Ser205Leu polymorphism is associated with reduced susceptibility to HTLV-1 infection and may influence the development of symptoms and infection control.
Article
Immunology
Max W. S. Madureira, Maria Alice F. Queiroz, Sandra S. Lima, Leonn M. S. Pereira, Carlos A. da Costa, Maisa S. de Sousa, Rosimar N. M. Feitosa, Jacqueline C. Monteiro, Ricardo Ishak, Antonio C. R. Vallinoto, Andrea Nazare M. Rangel da Silva
Summary: This study evaluated the association between the polymorphism rs2232365 in the promoter region of the FOXP3 gene and HTLV-1-associated myelopathy (HAM). The results showed that individuals with the GG genotype of rs2232365 had higher proviral loads and CD4(+) T lymphocyte concentrations.
Article
Virology
Isabella Nogueira Abreu, Carlos Neandro Cordeiro Lima, Eliene Rodrigues Putira Sacuena, Felipe Teixeira Lopes, Maria Karoliny da Silva Torres, Bernardo Cintra dos Santos, Vanessa de Oliveira Freitas, Leonardo Gabriel Campelo Pinto de Figueiredo, Keise Adrielle Santos Pereira, Aline Cecy Rocha de Lima, Wandrey Roberto dos Santos Brito, Bruno Jose Sarmento Botelho, Janete Silvana Souza Goncalves, Sandra Souza Lima, Izaura Maria Vieira Cayres Vallinoto, Joao Farias Guerreiro, Ricardo Ishak, Antonio Carlos Rosario Vallinoto
Summary: The study investigated the seroprevalence of HTLV-1/2 infection in Indigenous peoples of the Brazilian Amazon. A total of 3350 individuals from 15 communities were tested using serological, molecular, and confirmatory tests. The seroprevalence of HTLV-1/2 infection was 8.3%, with a higher prevalence in women than in men. The endemic infection in these groups may be attributed to different epidemiological factors such as sexual transmission, breastfeeding, and high pregnancy rates in the villages.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Iury de Paula Souza, Ednelza da Silva Graca Amoras, Francisca Dayse Martins de Sousa, Paulo Victor Negrao Raiol de Sousa, Sandra Souza Lima, Izaura Maria Vieira Cayres-Vallinoto, Ricardo Ishak, Antonio Carlos Rosario Vallinoto, Maria Alice Freitas Queiroz
Summary: Apoptosis of macrophages infected by Mycobacterium tuberculosis via Fas-FasL is an important immune mechanism against infection. This study investigated the association between tuberculosis and FAS -670A/G and FASL -124A/G polymorphisms, as well as the levels of sFas and sFasL, and gene expression of FASL and cytokines. The results showed no association between the polymorphisms and tuberculosis. However, the tuberculosis group had higher levels of sFas and lower levels of sFasL. The study also found positive correlations between sFas and sFasL levels, sFasL and FASL expression, and between sFas and FASL expression.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Scheila do Socorro Vasconcelos Avila da Costa, Jacqueline Cortinhas Monteiro, Ana Paula do Vale Viegas, Keyla Santos Guedes de Sa, Silvia Regina da Cruz, Sandra Souza Lima, Izaura Maria Vieira Cayres Vallinoto, Igor Brasil Costa, Antonio Carlos Rosario Vallinoto
Summary: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of polyomaviruses (PyV) in the population with chronic kidney disease (CKD). It was found that the prevalence of PyV infection was 30.2% in the CKD group and 46.59% in the control group. Among the CKD group, JC virus infection rate was 77.8% and BK virus infection rate was 22.2%. Male patients had a higher infection rate, and the most common pathology was systemic arterial hypertension.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Francisca Dayse Martins de Sousa, Iury de Paula Souza, Ednelza da Silva Graca Amoras, Sandra Souza Lima, Izaura Maria Vieira Cayres-Vallinoto, Ricardo Ishak, Antonio Carlos Rosario Vallinoto, Maria Alice Freitas Queiroz
Summary: This study investigated the association of TNFA-308G/A and IL10-819C/T polymorphisms and TNFA and IL10 gene expression levels with pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis. The study found that TNFA-308G/A polymorphisms were associated with extrapulmonary tuberculosis, but not with pulmonary tuberculosis. The expression levels of TNFA were lower in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, and there was a positive correlation between TNFA and IL10 expression levels in these patients. This suggests that reduced TNFA expression levels may promote the formation of an anti-inflammatory microenvironment, contributing to the persistence of the bacillus in the host and the establishment of pulmonary tuberculosis.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Erica Ribeiro Gomes Lima, Maria Alice Freitas Queiroz, Sandra Souza Lima, Luiz Fernando Almeida Machado, Izaura Maria Vieira Cayres-Vallinoto, Antonio Carlos Rosario Vallinoto, Fernanda Andreza de Pinho Lott Figueiredo, Joao Farias Guerreiro, Marluisa de Oliveira Guimaraes Ishak, Ricardo Ishak
Summary: This study investigated the effects of CCR5 Delta 32 and SDF1-3 'A polymorphisms on viremia controllers. However, no significant differences were found between the groups. The expression of CCR5 and SDF1 genes was also not associated with AIDS progression. Interestingly, the 3'A allele variant was associated with a marked loss of CD4+ TLs and a higher plasma viral load.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Alice Freitas Queiroz, Tuane Carolina Ferreira Moura, Carlos David Araujo Bichara, Lorena Leticia Peixoto de Lima, Allysson Quintino Tenorio de Oliveira, Ranilda Gama de Souza, Samara Tatielle Monteiro Gomes, Ednelza da Silva Graca Amoras, Antonio Carlos Rosario Vallinoto
Summary: This study investigated the association between TREX1 531C/T gene polymorphism and antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in HIV-1 infection, as well as the duration of antiretroviral therapy (ART). The results showed that the TREX1 531C/T gene polymorphism was associated with elevated levels of TCD4(+) lymphocytes and IFN-a in individuals with HIV-1. Individuals on ART had a higher frequency of ANA, higher levels of T CD4(+) lymphocytes, a higher ratio of T CD4(+)/CD8(+) lymphocytes, and higher levels of IFN-a. This indicates the importance of identifying individuals at risk of developing autoimmune diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Virology
Fabiola Brasil Barbosa Rodrigues, Rosilene da Silva, Erika Ferreira dos Santos, Mioni Thieli Figueiredo Magalhaes de Brito, Andrea Luciana Soares da Silva, Mauro de Meira Leite, Flavia Povoa da Costa, Maria de Nazare do Socorro de Almeida Viana, Kevin Matheus Lima de Sarges, Marcos Henrique Damasceno Cantanhede, Adriana de Oliveira Lameira Verissimo, Mayara da Silva Carvalho, Daniele Freitas Henriques, Carla Pinheiro da Silva, Igor Brasil Costa, Juliana Abreu Lima Nunes, Iran Barros Costa, Giselle Maria Rachid Viana, Maria Alice Freitas Queiroz, Sandra Souza Lima, Jeferson da Costa Lopes, Maria Karoliny da Silva Torres, Izaura Maria Vieira Cayres Vallinoto, Carlos David Araujo Bichara, Antonio Carlos Rosario Vallinoto, Eduardo Jose Melo dos Santos
Summary: IL6 gene polymorphisms, especially the IL6 C allele, are associated with the severity of COVID-19.
Article
Virology
Rosilene da Silva, Kevin Matheus Lima de Sarges, Marcos Henrique Damasceno Cantanhede, Flavia Povoa da Costa, Erika Ferreira dos Santos, Fabiola Brasil Barbosa Rodrigues, Maria de Nazaredo Socorro de Almeida Viana, Mauro de Meira Leite, Andrea Luciana Soares da Silva, Mioni Thieli Magalhaes de Brito, Maria Karoliny da Silva Torres, Maria Alice Freitas Queiroz, Izaura Maria Vieira Cayres Vallinoto, Daniele Freitas Henriques, Carla Pinheiro dos Santos, Giselle Maria Rachid Viana, Juarez Antonio Simoes Quaresma, Luiz Fabio Magno Falcao, Antonio Carlos Rosario Vallinoto, Eduardo Jose Melo dos Santos
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the role of ten functional polymorphisms in long COVID and found that these polymorphisms were associated with genetic susceptibility to long COVID among LC patients.
Article
Virology
Sinei Ramos Soares, Maria Karoliny da Silva Torres, Sandra Souza Lima, Kevin Matheus Lima de Sarges, Erika Ferreira dos Santos, Mioni Thieli Figueiredo Magalhaes de Brito, Andrea Luciana Soares da Silva, Mauro de Meira Leite, Flavia Povoa da Costa, Marcos Henrique Damasceno Cantanhede, Rosilene da Silva, Adriana de Oliveira Lameira Verissimo, Izaura Maria Vieira Cayres Vallinoto, Rosimar Neris Martins Feitosa, Juarez Antonio Simoes Quaresma, Tania do Socorro Souza Chaves, Giselle Maria Rachid Viana, Luiz Fabio Magno Falcao, Eduardo Jose Melo dos Santos, Antonio Carlos Rosario Vallinoto, Andrea Nazare Monteiro Rangel da Silva
Summary: This study aimed to analyze the specificity of IgG antibody responses to different proteins of SARS-CoV-2 in different COVID-19 clinical profiles. The results showed that the majority of participants exhibited IgG responses to the S1 and N proteins, while only a small percentage displayed S2 subunit responses. Patients with severe disease had significantly higher antibody responses to N and S1, and individuals with long COVID-19 showed a greater IgG response profile.
Article
Immunology
Maria Alice Freitas Queiroz, Angelica Menezes Santiago, Wandrey Roberto dos Santos Brito, Keise Adrielle Santos Pereira, William Botelho de Brito, Maria Karoliny da Silva Torres, Jeferson da Costa Lopes, Erika Ferreira dos Santos, Flavia Povoa da Costa, Kevin Matheus Lima de Sarges, Marcos Henrique Damasceno Cantanhede, Mioni Thieli Figueiredo Magalhaes de Brito, Andrea Luciana Soares da Silva, Mauro de Meira Leite, Maria de Nazare do Socorro de Almeida Viana, Fabiola Brasil Barbosa Rodrigues, Rosilene da Silva, Giselle Maria Rachid Viana, Tania do Socorro Souza Chaves, Adriana de Oliveira Lameira Verissimo, Mayara da Silva Carvalho, Daniele Freitas Henriques, Carla Pinheiro dos Santos, Juliana Abreu Lima Nunes, Iran Barros Costa, Ednelza da Silva Graca Amoras, Sandra Souza Lima, Izaura Maria Vieira Cayres-Vallinoto, Igor Brasil-Costa, Juarez Antonio Simoes Quaresma, Luiz Fabio Magno Falcao, Eduardo Jose Melo dos Santos, Antonio Carlos Rosario Vallinoto
Summary: This study investigated the association of MBL2 gene polymorphisms with the plasma levels of MBL and inflammatory cytokines in COVID-19. The frequencies of the polymorphic MBL2 genotype (OO) and allele (O) were higher in patients with severe COVID-19. The polymorphic genotypes (AO and OO) were associated with lower MBL levels and higher IL-6 and TNF-alpha levels in severe COVID-19 patients.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Genetics & Heredity
Yusuf Tutar, Dilek Pirim, Aftab Ali Shah, Antonio C. R. Vallinoto
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Biology
Pablo Fabiano Moura das Neves, Juarez Antonio Simoes Quaresma, Maria Alice FreitasQueiroz, Camilla Costa Silva, Enzo Varela Maia, Joao Sergio de Sousa Oliveira, Carla Manuela Almeida das Neves, Suellen da Silva Mendonca, Aline Semblano Carreira Falcao, Giovana Salomao Melo, Isabella Boechat Faria Santos, Jorge Rodrigues de Sousa, Eduardo Jose Melo dos Santos, Pedro Fernando da Costa Vasconcelos, Antonio Carlos Rosario Vallinoto, Luiz Fabio Magno Falcao
Summary: This study assessed short-term heart rate variability, peripheral body temperature, and serum cytokine levels in patients with long COVID. The results showed significant differences in HRV variables between the control group and patients with long COVID symptoms lasting ≤120 days, and patients in the shorter duration group had higher temperatures. Cytokine analysis revealed elevated levels of IL-17 and IL-2, and decreased levels of IL-4. These findings suggest autonomic dysfunction and elevated body temperature in long COVID patients, possibly due to endothelial damage caused by persistent high levels of inflammatory mediators. Additionally, high levels of IL-17 and IL-2 and low levels of IL-4 may serve as markers for long-term COVID-19 cytokine profiles and potential targets for long COVID treatment and prevention strategies.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ednelza da Silva Graca Amoras, Thais Gouvea de Morais, Rafaella do Nascimento Ferreira, Samara Tatielle Monteiro Gomes, Francisca Dayse Martins de Sousa, Iury de Paula Souza, Ricardo Ishak, Antonio Carlos Rosario Vallinoto, Maria Alice Freitas Queiroz
Summary: This study investigated the association between genetic variations in cytokine genes, plasma cytokine levels, and the development of tuberculosis (TB) and latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). The findings suggest that certain genetic variations in cytokine genes are associated with an increased risk of TB, and TB patients have distinct cytokine profiles compared to other groups.