Article
Immunology
Dustin W. Currie, Melisa M. Shah, Phillip P. Salvatore, Laura Ford, Melissa J. Whaley, Jennifer Meece, Lynn Ivacic, Natalie J. Thornburg, Azaibi Tamin, Jennifer L. Harcourt, Jennifer Folster, Magdalena Medrzycki, Shilpi Jain, Phili Wong, Kimberly Goffard, Douglas Gieryn, Juliana Kahrs, Kimberly Langolf, Tara Zochert, Christopher H. Hsu, Hannah L. Kirking, Jacqueline E. Tate
Summary: This study assessed the relationship between antigen and RT-PCR test positivity and successful virus isolation, and found that antigen test results were more predictive of virus recovery than RT-PCR results. However, some virus was still isolated from antigen-negative and RT-PCR-positive paired specimens, supporting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention antigen testing algorithm.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Fabrizio Balestrino, Jeremy Bouyer, Marc J. B. Vreysen, Eva Veronesi
Summary: Effective control strategies, such as the sterile insect technique, play a crucial role in preventing the spread of vector-borne diseases. However, current sex separation techniques for mosquito vectors are not completely effective, resulting in increased risk of disease transmission. This study examined the transmission of dengue and chikungunya viruses in two Aedes species exposed to irradiation, and found that irradiation did not impact transmission efficiency.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Jun-Ai Zhang, Jia-Jun Wang, Wen-Ting Zhang, Li Zhang, Bi-Ying Zheng, Gan-Bin Liu, Jing Liang, Yuan-Bin Lu, Xian-Jin Wu, Shu-Ying Yao, Guo-Ying Chen, Yun-Qi Xie, Jun-Yi Wu, Jia-Hua Shi, Jiang Pi, Si-Ping Li, Jun-Fa Xu
Summary: Dengue fever remains a global public health issue, and IL-37 plays a crucial regulatory role in infection and immunity. In this study, increased levels of IL-37b and IL-37b-producing monocytes were found in DF patients, suggesting an inhibitory effect on immune response. Additionally, significant correlations were observed between IL-37b-producing monocytes and IFN-alpha levels, platelet count, and lymphocytes percentage.
CURRENT MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Michelle Felicia Lee, Guan Zhong Voon, Hui Xuan Lim, Mun Lok Chua, Chit Laa Poh
Summary: Dengue is a mosquito-borne disease that poses significant public health concerns in tropical and subtropical countries. The dengue virus has evolved various strategies to manipulate the host's immune responses, and miRNAs and DENV non-structural proteins (NS) are promising targets for anti-dengue therapeutics.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Leonard Nainggolan, Beti Ernawati Dewi, Arif Hakiki, Antony Joseph Pranata, Tjahjani Mirawati Sudiro, Byron Martina, Eric van Gorp
Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between virus serotype, viral load kinetics, history of infection, and NS1 protein with plasma leakage in Dengue virus infection. The results showed that DENV-3 was the most common serotype associated with plasma leakage, and patients with plasma leakage had higher viral load and longer duration of viremia. The duration of circulating NS1 protein was positively correlated with higher peak viral load level.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Bastian N. Ruijter, Ron Wolterbeek, Mitchell Hew, Marjolein van Reeven, Danny van der Helm, Jeroen Dubbeld, Maarten E. Tushuizen, Herold Metselaar, Ann C. T. M. Vossen, Bart van Hoek
Summary: This study examined the effect of an EBV VL monitoring strategy on the incidence of PTLD after liver transplant in adults. The results suggest that monitoring EBV VL may reduce PTLD incidence, but larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
ANNALS OF INTERNAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Ya-Lin Lin, Mei-Yi Lu, Chi-Fen Chuang, Yali Kuo, Hong-En Lin, Fu-An Li, Jen-Ren Wang, Yi-Ping Hsueh, Fang Liao
Summary: The study found that TLR7 is not the absolute PRR for EV71 in the spinal cord, but plays a critical role in anti-viral humoral immunity. TLR7KO mice infected with EV71 showed delayed recovery from limb paralysis and significantly decreased levels of important antibodies for antiviral humoral immunity compared to WT mice.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Entomology
Lei Yang, Li-Ming Qiu, Qi Fang, David W. Stanley, Gong-Yin Ye
Summary: The immune interactions between Drosophila and its parasitoids involve cellular and humoral immunity. Drosophila utilizes multiple natural immune defense systems to counteract parasitoid infestation, while parasitic wasps introduce virulence factors to manipulate the host's immunity for successful parasitism.
Article
Virology
Runling Zhang, Ping Tan, Lei Feng, Rui Li, Jing Yang, Rui Zhang, Jinming Li
Summary: Although these viruses are not predominantly prevalent in China, imported cases have been reported with the increase in population mobility, highlighting the necessity to monitor the detection capabilities of major domestic laboratories. An external quality assessment program revealed that most laboratories have reliable virus detection capabilities, but improvements are needed to prevent cross-contamination and better manage undetected false-negative samples.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nidhi Chaudhary, Shikha Srivastava, Sunny Gupta, Manoj B. Menon, Ashok Kumar Patel
Summary: This study reveals the role of HMGB1 in regulating the cellular autophagy process during DENV-2 infection. Inhibition of autophagy or silencing of HMGB1 reduces DENV-2 replication, while induction of HMGB1 enhances autophagy and promotes viral replication. The HMGB1 inhibitor glycyrrhizic acid also suppresses autophagy and DENV-2 replication. Overall, HMGB1 induces BECN1 dependent autophagy to facilitate DENV-2 replication.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
N. Veena Rani, Neera Kapoor, Anuja Krishnan
Summary: This study explores the importance of utilizing viral-like particles (VLPs) for diagnostics, drug delivery, and vaccine production, as well as their role as a model system for studying virus assembly and fusion processes. By replacing certain regions of the E protein of Dengue virus (DENV) with corresponding regions of the G protein of Vesicular Stomatitis virus (VSV), chimeric VLPs were generated that showed higher levels of VLP production compared to the wild type. These chimeric VLPs also demonstrated effective recognition by dengue-infected patient sera, suggesting their potential for vaccine production and serodiagnosis.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Zhimin Zhao, Yao Deng, Peihua Niu, Jingdong Song, Wen Wang, Yongping Du, Baoying Huang, Wenling Wang, Leiliang Zhang, Ping Zhao, Wenjie Tan
Summary: The study found that co-immunization with DNA and VLP induced the highest levels of antigen-specific IgG and neutralizing activity, while DNA vaccination alone induced the strongest cellular immunity. All vaccine groups were able to protect mice from lethal CHIKV challenge, but mice co-immunized with DNA and VLP exhibited the best protective effects, with the mildest histopathological changes and lowest scores.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Virology
Thanyaporn Dechtawewat, Sittiruk Roytrakul, Yodying Yingchutrakul, Sawanya Charoenlappanit, Bunpote Siridechadilok, Thawornchai Limjindaporn, Arunothai Mangkang, Tanapan Prommool, Chunya Puttikhunt, Pucharee Songprakhon, Kessiri Kongmanas, Nuttapong Kaewjew, Panisadee Avirutnan, Pa-thai Yenchitsomanus, Prida Malasit, Sansanee Noisakran
Summary: This study uncovered the phosphorylation modification of the dengue virus NS1 protein, with mutational analysis showing specific phosphorylation sites affecting DENV infectivity and the production of NS1 dimers post-infection.
Article
Microbiology
Jean-Paul Carrera, Dimelza Arauz, Alejandra Rojas, Fatima Cardozo, Victoria Stittleburg, Ingra Morales Claro, Josefrancisco Galue, Carlos Lezcano-Coba, Filipe Romero Rebello Moreira, Luis Felipe-Rivera, Maria Chen-German, Brechla Moreno, Zeuz Capitan-Barrios, Sandra Lopez-Verges, Juan Miguel Pascale, Ester C. Sabino, Anayansi Valderrama, Kathryn A. Hanley, Christl A. Donnelly, Nikos Vasilakis, Nuno R. Faria, Jesse J. Waggoner
Summary: Real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) assays were designed and clinically assessed for detecting Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV), Madariaga virus (MADV), and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus complex (VEEV). The assays successfully detected the presence of VEEV complex RNA in outbreak samples, suspected dengue cases, and mosquito pools, demonstrating the potential application of this method in encephalitic alphavirus surveillance programs.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jiamin Deng, Zongmei Wang, Zhipeng Zhou, Wentao Yu, Xun Li, Zhiyong Song, Heyou Han, Ling Zhao
Summary: Rabies is a deadly disease that poses a public health threat. Traditional syringe vaccines for rabies have limitations in terms of accessibility and administration. Therefore, the development of microneedles nanovaccines is a significant breakthrough for preventing rabies in developing countries.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Emergency Medicine
Jennifer A. Newberry, Marc Gautreau, Katherine Staats, Eli Carrillo, William Mulkerin, Samuel Yang, Michael A. Kohn, Loretta Matheson, Scott D. Boyd, Benjamin A. Pinsky, Andra L. Blomkalns, Matthew C. Strehlow, Peter A. D'Souza
Summary: The study investigated the seropositivity rate and acute infection rate of SARS-CoV-2 among firefighter first responders in Santa Clara County, California. The results showed a lower seroprevalence rate but a higher cumulative incidence compared to the surrounding community.
PREHOSPITAL EMERGENCY CARE
(2022)
Article
Medical Laboratory Technology
Hannah Wang, Catherine A. Hogan, Michelle Verghese, Daniel Solis, Mamdouh Sibai, ChunHong Huang, Katharina Roltgen, Bryan A. Stevens, Fumiko Yamamoto, Malaya K. Sahoo, James Zehnder, Scott D. Boyd, Benjamin A. Pinsky
Summary: This study found that the concentration of nucleocapsid antigen in plasma is associated with the severity of COVID-19, particularly with ICU admission. Antigenemia showed comparable diagnostic performance to upper respiratory NAAT, aiding in triaging patients for optimized intensive care utilization.
CLINICAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Andrew F. Brouwer, Angel Balmaseda, Lionel Gresh, Mayuri Patel, Sergio Ojeda, Amy J. Schiller, Roger Lopez, Richard J. Webby, Martha I. Nelson, Guillermina Kuan, Aubree Gordon
Summary: An individual's antibody titers to influenza A strains are influenced by infection history, cross-reactivity, immune waning, and other factors. Understanding changes in antibody responses over time is important for developing effective vaccination strategies. This study analyzed longitudinal sera samples from children in Nicaragua and found that antibody titers depend on calendar year and birth cohort but not on age. The study also revealed distinct cohort patterns for different virus strains. These findings shed light on the dynamics of antibody titer levels.
Article
Microbiology
Priscilla S-W Yeung, Hannah Wang, Mamdouh Sibai, Daniel Solis, Fumiko Yamamoto, Naomi Iwai, Becky Jiang, Nathan Hammond, Bernadette Truong, Selamawit Bihon, Suzette Santos, Marilyn Mar, Claire Mai, Kenji O. Mfuh, Jacob A. Miller, ChunHong Huang, Malaya K. Sahoo, James L. Zehnder, Benjamin A. Pinsky
Summary: This study developed and validated an RT-qPCR-based detection method that can accurately distinguish different SARS-CoV-2 variants. The method showed high accuracy in identifying various variants and can be used in clinical laboratories for epidemiological surveillance and clinical decision-making.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Letter
Virology
Mamdouh Sibai, Hannah Wang, Priscilla S-W Yeung, Malaya K. Sahoo, Daniel Solis, Kenji O. Mfuh, ChunHong Huang, Fumiko Yamamoto, Benjamin A. Pinsky
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL VIROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Juliana Almeida Leite, Andrea Vicari, Enrique Perez, Marilda Siqueira, Paola Resende, Fernando Couto Motta, Lucas Freitas, Jorge Fernandez, Barbara Parra, Andres Castillo, Rodrigo Fasce, Alexander Augusto Martinez Caballero, Lionel Gresh, Sylvain Aldighieri, Jean-Marc Gabastou, Leticia Franco, Jairo Mendez-Rico
Summary: The timely release of SARS-CoV-2 genomic sequences is crucial for the response to the pandemic. The Pan American Health Organization has collaborated with countries to establish a network aimed at strengthening the timely generation of SARS-CoV-2 genomic data in Latin America and the Caribbean. Genomic surveillance provides important data for guiding public health decisions and enhancing laboratory response capacity.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Yiran E. Liu, Sirle Saul, Aditya Manohar Rao, Makeda Lucretia Robinson, Olga Lucia Agudelo Rojas, Ana Maria Sanz, Michelle Verghese, Daniel Solis, Mamdouh Sibai, Chun Hong Huang, Malaya Kumar Sahoo, Rosa Margarita Gelvez, Nathalia Bueno, Maria Isabel Estupinan Cardenas, Luis Angel Villar Centeno, Elsa Marina Rojas Garrido, Fernando Rosso, Michele Donato, Benjamin A. Pinsky, Shirit Einav, Purvesh Khatri
Summary: The study integrated multiple datasets and developed an XGBoost model based on 8 genes, which accurately predicted the progression of severe dengue. The model performed well in predicting during the early febrile stage.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Geidy E. Serrano, Jessica E. Walker, Cecilia Tremblay, Ignazio S. Piras, Matthew J. Huentelman, Christine M. Belden, Danielle Goldfarb, David Shprecher, Alireza Atri, Charles H. Adler, Holly A. Shill, Erika Driver-Dunckley, Shyamal H. Mehta, Richard Caselli, Bryan K. Woodruff, Chadwick F. Haarer, Thomas Ruhlen, Maria Torres, Steve Nguyen, Dasan Schmitt, Steven Z. Rapscak, Christian Bime, Joseph L. Peters, Ellie Alevritis, Richard A. Arce, Michael J. Glass, Daisy Vargas, Lucia Sue, Anthony J. Intorcia, Courtney M. Nelson, Javon Oliver, Aryck Russell, Katsuko E. Suszczewicz, Claryssa Borja, Madison P. Cline, Spencer J. Hemmingsen, Sanaria Qiji, Holly M. Hobgood, Joseph P. Mizgerd, Malaya K. Sahoo, Haiyu Zhang, Daniel Solis, Thomas J. Montine, Gerald J. Berry, Eric M. Reiman, Katharina Roltgen, Scott D. Boyd, Benjamin A. Pinsky, James L. Zehnder, Pierre Talbot, Marc Desforges, Michael DeTure, Dennis W. Dickson, Thomas G. Beach
Summary: Brains of 42 COVID-19 decedents and 107 non-COVID-19 controls were studied. SARS-CoV-2 viral sequences were detected in the brains of COVID-19 subjects, suggesting the possible entry of the virus through the olfactory bulb. Gene expression changes related to immune response, neuronal constituents, and olfactory/taste receptor genes were observed in the brains of COVID-19 patients.
JOURNAL OF NEUROPATHOLOGY AND EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jacob A. Miller, Malaya K. Sahoo, Fumiko Yamamoto, ChunHong Huang, Hannah Wang, James L. Zehnder, Quynh-Thu Le, Benjamin A. Pinsky
Summary: By detecting EBV BALF2 gene polymorphisms in plasma, screening for EBV-associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma can be improved by reducing false positives and repeated testing. There is a significant association between BALF2 haplotypes and NPC, which can be leveraged to develop screening programs that improve screening accuracy.
Article
Virology
Malaya K. Sahoo, ChunHong Huang, Mamdouh Sibai, Daniel Solis, Benjamin A. Pinsky
Summary: Calibration to the WHO standard improves inter-assay agreement and provides more reliable estimation of viral burden.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL VIROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Virology
Philip L. Tzou, Kaiming Tao, Malaya K. Sahoo, Sergei L. Kosakovsky Pond, Benjamin A. Pinsky, Robert W. Shafer
Summary: Sierra SARS-CoV-2 is a program designed to analyze viral genomic data, helping laboratories assess sequence quality, select mutation detection thresholds, and report on the potential clinical significance of mutations in the targets of antiviral therapy.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL VIROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Makeda L. Robinson, David R. Glass, Veronica Duran, Olga Lucia Agudelo Rojas, Ana Maria Sanz, Monika Consuegra, Malaya Kumar Sahoo, Felix J. Hartmann, Marc Bosse, Rosa Margarita Gelvez, Nathalia Bueno, Benjamin A. Pinsky, Jose G. Montoya, Holden Maecker, Maria Isabel Estupinan Cardenas, Luis Angel Villar Centeno, Elsa Marina Rojas Garrido, Fernando Rosso, Sean C. Bendall, Shirit Einav
Summary: Approximately 5 million dengue virus-infected patients progress to severe dengue (SD) infection annually. This study reveals uncoordinated immune responses in SD patients and provides insights into SD pathogenesis in humans with potential implications for prediction and treatment.
Article
Microbiology
Jordan Mah, Chun Hong Huang, Malaya K. Sahoo, Benjamin A. Pinsky
Summary: Human adenoviruses (HAdVs) cause severe disease in immunocompromised patients. Quantitation of HAdV DNA in peripheral blood is used to assess the risk of disseminated disease and to monitor response to therapy. The semiautomated AltoStar adenovirus quantitative PCR provides accurate quantitation of HAdV DNA and is well suited for virological testing following transplantation.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Winnie Zambrana, David Catoe, Mhara M. Coffman, Sooyeol Kim, Archana Anand, Daniel Solis, Malaya K. Sahoo, Benjamin A. Pinsky, Ami S. Bhatt, Alexandria B. Boehm, Marlene K. Wolfe
Summary: Monitoring wastewater for SARS-CoV-2 RNA can help identify small spatial areas with COVID-19 infections outside the scope of wastewater treatment plants. This study demonstrates that wastewater monitoring can aid the public health response at the subsewershed level.
Letter
Immunology
Cristina Costales, Malaya K. Sahoo, ChunHong Huang, Carolina V. Guimaraes, Donald Born, Lauren Kushner, Hayley A. Gans, Thuy A. Doan, Benjamin A. Pinsky
Summary: This article reports a fatal case of vaccine-associated measles encephalitis in an immunocompromised child in California, USA. The infection was confirmed by whole-genome RNA sequencing of measles virus from brain tissue. Biased matrix-gene hypermutation consistent with persistent measles virus central nervous system infection was observed.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
