Review
Immunology
Barbara N. Porto
Summary: The virome refers to the viral component of the microbiome, including all viruses that inhabit the human body. Despite previous limitations in accurately characterizing viruses, recent advancements in methods such as deep sequencing and metagenomics have allowed for a better understanding of the diverse viral species present in the human body.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zifang Shang, Shuguang Tan, Dongli Ma
Summary: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a significant viral pathogen causing respiratory tract infections in infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals globally. Over the past decade, there has been substantial progress in understanding the structure, function, and interactions of RSV components, as well as the host immune responses to infection. Researchers and pharmaceutical companies have shown widespread interest in searching for effective interventions for RSV infection, leading to the screening of promising monoclonal antibodies, inhibitors, and vaccine candidates.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Bridget O'Brien, Lawrence Goodridge, Jennifer Ronholm, Neda Nasheri
Summary: Despite theoretical possibilities, there is currently no empirical evidence to confirm that human respiratory viruses can be transmitted through food.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Maged Hassan, Shefaly Patel, Ahmed S. Sadaka, Eihab O. Bedawi, John P. Corcoran, Jose M. Porcel
Summary: Pleural infection in adults is a serious and life-threatening condition with increasing incidence especially in older adults. Anaerobic bacteria play a major role in the infection, requiring prolonged hospitalization. Surgical intervention or intrapleural fibrinolytic therapy are recommended for patients who fail standard medical therapy, but early intervention requires further evidence.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GENERAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Lize De Vlieger, Roosmarijn E. Vandenbroucke, Lien Van Hoecke
Summary: The article explores the impact of viral infection theory on Alzheimer's disease, with a focus on HSV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 viruses. By studying the potential involvement of extracellular vesicles in this process, it contributes to a more rational approach to potential treatment strategies for AD patients.
DRUG DISCOVERY TODAY
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Anabelle Wong, Laura Andrea Barrero Guevara, Elizabeth Goult, Michael Briga, Sarah C. Kramer, Aleksandra Kovacevic, Lulla Opatowski, Matthieu Domenech de Celles
Summary: Despite the availability of effective vaccines, the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 suggests that cocirculation with other pathogens and resulting multiepidemics may become increasingly frequent. However, the potential interactions of SARS-CoV-2 with other pathogens remain poorly defined.
Review
Oncology
Valentina Svicher, Romina Salpini, Stefano D'Anna, Lorenzo Piermatteo, Marco Iannetta, Vincenzo Malagnino, Loredana Sarmati
Summary: HBV is a highly prevalent hepatitis virus worldwide, and it has been clearly reported to be associated with chronic infection and liver cancer. This article reviews the most recent evidence from epidemiological and in vitro studies on the correlation between HBV infection and the development of lymphatic or hematologic malignancies. In terms of hematological malignancies, the strongest epidemiological correlations are observed with the emergence of lymphomas, particularly non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, while the associations with NHL T subtypes and leukemia remain questionable. HBV DNA has been found in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, suggesting its potential role in carcinogenesis. In vitro studies have also shown that HBV can infect lymphomonocytes and bone marrow stem cells, potentially acting as reservoirs for viral replication. Further research is needed to understand the pathogenic mechanisms and implications of the association between chronic HBV infection and hematological malignancies, which could have important implications for antiviral drugs and vaccines.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Juliana C. Taube, Eva C. Rest, James Lloyd-Smith, Shweta Bansal
Summary: This study aimed to assess the global susceptibility to orthopoxviruses and the smallpox vaccination status. The researchers found significant geographical variation in smallpox vaccination coverage globally, ranging from 7% to 60%. They also identified that susceptibility to orthopoxviruses was age-specific and related to vaccination age and coverage. Rating: 7 out of 10.
LANCET INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Kristin Doering, Julia Langeder, Susanne Duwe, Ammar Tahir, Ulrike Grienke, Judith M. Rollinger, Michaela Schmidtke
Summary: This study evaluated the anti-influenza virus profile of a hydro-ethanolic R. rosea extract (SHR-5 (R)). The results demonstrated broad-spectrum anti-viral activity and a lack of resistance development. This suggests the potential role of SHR-5 (R) as an adaptogen against influenza virus infection.
Review
Cell Biology
Fan Zhang, Yuanliang Yan, Yuan Cai, Qiuju Liang, Yuanhong Liu, Bi Peng, Zhijie Xu, Wei Liu
Summary: Ferroptosis is a newly discovered cell death mechanism associated with iron accumulation and excessive lipid peroxidation. Understanding its molecular mechanisms and implications in musculoskeletal disorders can lead to the development of promising therapeutic strategies. Ferroptosis agonists have been shown to enhance the sensitivity of osteosarcoma cells to conventional therapies.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jae-Hyun Park, Masashi Iwamoto, Ji-Hye Yun, Tomomi Uchikubo-Kamo, Donghwan Son, Zeyu Jin, Hisashi Yoshida, Mio Ohki, Naito Ishimoto, Kenji Mizutani, Mizuki Oshima, Masamichi Muramatsu, Takaji Wakita, Mikako Shirouzu, Kehong Liu, Tomoko Uemura, Norimichi Nomura, So Iwata, Koichi Watashi, Jeremy R. H. Tame, Tomohiro Nishizawa, Weontae Lee, Sam-Yong Park
Summary: Around 250 million people worldwide are infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV), and 15 million of them may also carry hepatitis D virus (HDV), which increases the risk of severe liver disease. The structure of the HBV receptor NTCP has not been solved, but using cryo-electron microscopy, the structure of NTCP bound to an antibody has been determined. Comparison with other related proteins reveals a common mechanism of bile acid transport, and the NTCP structure presents a new pocket for potential drug design.
Review
Microbiology
Lu Zhang, Nan Wu, Yingdang Ren, Xifeng Wang
Summary: Viruses in the genus Fijivirus have caused significant damage to crops such as rice, maize, and sugarcane in various countries. Understanding the mechanisms of virus transmission by insect vectors is crucial for managing the spread of virus epidemics. Research needs to focus on the complex interactions among the virus, insect vector, insect microbes, and plants in order to better understand the fijivirus-plant disease system.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jasmin S. Kutter, Dennis de Meulder, Theo M. Bestebroer, Pascal Lexmond, Ard Mulders, Mathilde Richard, Ron A. M. Fouchier, Sander Herfst
Summary: The study shows that SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted through the air over more than a meter distance in ferrets, indicating that ferrets may be a sensitive model to study interventions aimed at preventing virus transmission.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Iole Macchia, Valentina La Sorsa, Francesca Urbani, Sonia Moretti, Caterina Antonucci, Claudia Afferni, Giovanna Schiavoni
Summary: Eosinophils are important in allergic asthma and parasitic infections, but they also participate in the immune response against respiratory viruses. In the context of COVID-19, eosinophils can serve as potential biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and severity prediction. This review provides an overview of the role of eosinophils in various respiratory viral infections and discusses their utility as prognostic/predictive immune biomarkers in emerging respiratory viral diseases, particularly COVID-19.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Shengman Yu, Xiaoyan Li, Zhuoyuan Xin, Liyuan Sun, Jingwei Shi
Summary: In this review, the proteomic studies of SARS-CoV-2 infection are summarized, providing insights into viral particles and host entry factors from a protein perspective, as well as analyzing protein pathological changes following host infection.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jeremy F. Weinberger, Chanu Rhee, Michael Klompas
Summary: Management of critically ill COVID-19 patients has changed significantly during the pandemic. A study investigated rates and causes of ventilator-associated events in COVID-19 patients in 4 Massachusetts hospitals during the late versus early stages of the pandemic. The study found that rates per episode decreased, rates per ventilator day were stable, and most cases were caused by acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
INFECTION CONTROL AND HOSPITAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Michael Klompas, Caroline McKenna, Aileen Ochoa, Wenjing Ji, Tom Chen, Jessica Young, Chanu Rhee
Summary: Pneumonia is a common indication for antibiotics in hospitalized patients but is often overdiagnosed. This study found that normal oxygenation levels may be an indicator for early discontinuation of antibiotics. Treatment with antibiotics for 1-2 days or 5-8 days resulted in similar outcomes for patients.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Chanu Rhee, Meghan A. Baker, Michael Klompas
Summary: This study assessed COVID-19 infection control policies at leading US medical centers during the initial wave of the SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant. The results showed substantial variations in infection control practices among the hospitals, indicating a need for clearer public health guidance and more transparency in hospital policies to establish consistent national standards.
INFECTION CONTROL AND HOSPITAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Roshni Mathew, Jorge L. Salinas, Heather E. Hsu, Robert Jin, Chanu Rhee, Grace M. Lee
Summary: Among 287 US hospitals reporting data between 2015 and 2018, pediatric surgical site infection rates varied between different types of surgeries. Colon surgeries had the highest infection rate, while appendix and ventricular-shunt surgeries showed a decrease in infection rates with greater surgical volumes.
INFECTION CONTROL AND HOSPITAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Emergency Medicine
Andy H. Lee, Dustin S. McEvoy, Timothy Stump, Ronelle Stevens, Hao Deng, David Rubins, Michael Filbin, Bryan D. Hayes, Chanu Rhee, Sayon Dutta
Summary: This study aimed to analyze the influence of clinical decision support on delays in the second dose of antibiotics in the emergency department (ED). The results showed that the use of clinical decision support tool was associated with a reduction in the length and frequency of antibiotic delays.
ANNALS OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sarah E. E. Stern, Matthew A. A. Christensen, McKenna R. R. Nevers, Jian Ying, Caroline McKenna, Shannon Munro, Chanu Rhee, Matthew H. H. Samore, Michael Klompas, Barbara E. E. Jones
Summary: Comparing electronic surveillance criteria with manual assessments and diagnoses, we found that automated surveillance of non-ventilator-associated hospital-acquired pneumonia (NV-HAP) using electronic health record data is feasible and correlated moderately with manual surveillance criteria. The use of electronic surveillance allows for increased consistency and efficiency in monitoring NV-HAP.
INFECTION CONTROL AND HOSPITAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Claire N. Shappell, Michael Klompas, Christina Chan, Tom Chen, Chanu Rhee
Summary: This study aims to examine the impact of commonly used case definitions for COVID-19 hospitalizations on case counts and outcomes. The retrospective analysis of adult patients hospitalized at 5 Massachusetts acute-care hospitals between March 1, 2020, and March 1, 2022, showed that different definitions resulted in variable case counts and outcomes. Better surveillance definitions are needed to accurately capture and differentiate COVID-19-associated hospitalizations.
INFECTION CONTROL AND HOSPITAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Brett M. Biebelberg, Shangyuan Ye, Rui Wang, Michael Klompas, Chanu Rhee
Summary: Hospital-acquired Aspergillus rates among COVID-19 patients were initially higher at a hospital with high negative-pressure room utilization compared to a similar hospital with low utilization. After the index hospital decreased negative-pressure utilization, rates at the 2 hospitals converged.
INFECTION CONTROL AND HOSPITAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
Claire N. N. Shappell, Michael Klompas, Chanu Rhee
JAMA-JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Mohammad Alrawashdeh, Chanu Rhee, Michael Klompas, Marc R. R. Larochelle, Russell E. E. Poland, Jeffrey S. S. Guy, Simeon D. D. Kimmel
Summary: This study investigated the association between early opioid withdrawal management strategies and patient-directed discharges (PDD). The use of medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) was associated with a decreased risk of PDD, while adjunctive treatment alone increased the risk, and treatment with opioid analgesics alone had a similar risk.
JOURNAL OF GENERAL INTERNAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
Michael Klompas, Meghan A. A. Baker, Chanu Rhee, Lindsey R. R. Baden
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2023)
Editorial Material
Emergency Medicine
Yosef Berlyand, Lauren Black, Andy Hung-Yi Lee, Emily L. Aaronson, Martin S. Copenhaver, Michael R. Filbin, Elizabeth A. Mort, Sayon Dutta, Chanu Rhee, Kathryn A. Hibbert, Douglas-Jarrett Cole Turno, Kara E. Durocher, Maria E. Aristizabal, Jonathan D. Sonis
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF EMERGENCY MEDICINE
(2023)
Editorial Material
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
David C. Classen, Chanu Rhee, Raymund B. Dantes, Andrea L. Benin
Summary: This paper outlines the future electronic reporting system for healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and discusses its impact on HAI reporting.
INFECTION CONTROL AND HOSPITAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Critical Care Medicine
Meghan Cook, Brian Schuler, Michael Schontz, Kevin McLaughlin, Kenneth Lupi, Jeremy DeGrado, Chanu Rhee
CRITICAL CARE MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Noelle M. Cocoros, Sheryl A. Kluberg, Sarah J. Willis, Susan Forrow, Bradford D. Gessner, Cameron T. Nutt, Alejandro Cane, Nathan Petrou, Meera Sury, Chanu Rhee, Luis Jodar, Aaron Mendelsohn, Emma R. Hoffman, Robert Jin, John Aucott, Sarah J. Pugh, James H. Stark
Summary: This study compared claims based algorithms with notifiable disease surveillance and found that the claims based algorithm provided higher and more accurate estimates of Lyme disease incidence. The algorithm was applied to an administrative claims database in Massachusetts, and the results showed that it could be used to identify Lyme disease cases and supplement traditional surveillance data.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)