Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Melanie Gooldy, Christelle M. Roux, Steven P. LaRosa, Nicole Spaulding, Charles J. Fisher
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus has lasted for over two years. The spike protein mutations have affected the infectiousness, virulence, and vaccine efficacy. The ongoing development of therapies is necessary, especially for severe cases. The plant lectin Galanthus nivalis can bind to the virus regardless of spike protein mutations. Experimental results showed that Galanthus nivalis had a viral capture efficiency ranging from 53% to 89% for various variants. Extrapolation indicated that Aethlon Hemopurifier (R) could effectively bind to viral loads in adult patients with severe COVID-19 infection.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Peng He, Huanhuan Jia, Hui Xue, Yuechen Zeng, Lili Tian, Xiaoli Hu, Shufen Chang, Yanli Jiang, Jianing Yu
Summary: This study reports the modification of GNA gene and its insertion into Arabidopsis thaliana to test its efficacy as an insect-resistance gene in cotton. The results show that the modified ASGNA gene exhibits high insecticidal activity against cotton aphids and Plutella xylostella, making it a promising candidate for improving insect resistance in cotton and other dicotyledonous plants.
Article
Agronomy
Nur Afiqah Sukiran, Prashant Pyati, Caitlin E. Willis, Adrian P. Brown, Jennifer J. Readshaw, Elaine C. Fitches
Summary: This study investigates the efficacy of fusion of GS-omega/kappa-HxTx-Hv1h peptide with snowdrop lectin (GNA) against aphid pests. The results show that the fusion protein has higher oral and contact toxicity towards pea aphid and peach potato aphid, leading to significant reductions in aphid survival.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Fangyi Shu, Kritsada Pruksaphon, Joshua D. Nosanchuk, Patcharin Thammasit, Sirida Youngchim
Summary: This study developed a sandwich ELISA technique for the detection of T. marneffei infection in human urine, and demonstrated its high sensitivity and specificity. The technique could facilitate early diagnosis and monitoring of treatment response in patients with talaromycosis.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Dennis E. Amundson, Usman S. Shah, Rosalia de Necochea-Campion, Michael Jacobs, Steven P. LaRosa, Charles J. Fisher
Summary: Viremia is associated with severe complications and poor outcomes in COVID-19 infections, while exosomes are believed to be involved in the pathogenesis. Hemopurifier may help improve patients' conditions by removing viruses and exosomes, with positive results seen in two critically ill patients.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jake S. S. De-Thier, Prashant Pyati, Jack Bell, Jennifer J. J. Readshaw, Adrian P. P. Brown, Elaine C. C. Fitches
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the potential of the pea albumin protein PA1b as a bioinsecticide. The researchers successfully produced a recombinant full-length pea albumin protein (PAF) and a fusion protein (PAF/GNA) in yeast. PAF/GNA showed enhanced insecticidal activity compared to PAF, both orally and upon contact. These findings highlight the potential of plant protein-based bioinsecticides for future commercial development.
MICROBIAL CELL FACTORIES
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Po-Yao Hsu, Yu-Ju Wei, Po-Cheng Liang, Jia-Jung Lee, Sheng-Wen Niu, Jiun-Chi Huang, Cheng-Ting Hsu, Tyng-Yuan Jang, Ching- Huang, Yi-Hung Lin, Ming-Yen Hsieh, Meng-Hsuan Hsieh, Szu-Chia Chen, Chia-Yen Dai, Zu-Yau Lin, Shinn-Cherng Chen, Jee-Fu Huang, Jer-Ming Chang, Ming-Lun Yeh, Chung-Feng Huang, Yi-Wen Chiu, Shang-Jyh Hwang, Wan-Long Chuang, Ming-Lung Yu
Summary: Hemodialysis patients are at increased risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. This study found that hemodialysis patients with HCV exhibited a higher burden of comorbidities, especially in ischemic heart diseases, respiratory disorders, and mental/behavioral disorders, compared to patients with HBV and those without viral hepatitis.
JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Virology
Birthe Reinecke, Nicola Frericks, Chris Lauber, Katja Dinkelborg, Alina Matthaei, Florian W. R. Vondran, Patrick Behrendt, Sibylle Haid, Richard J. P. Brown, Thomas Pietschmann
Summary: The liver is an immunoprivileged organ with enhanced resistance to immune responses. This study shows that CD302 contributes to liver cell-intrinsic defense against HCV and might mediate broader antiviral defenses against additional hepatotropic viruses.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biology
Stanca M. Ciupe, Naveen K. Vaidya, Jonathan E. Forde
Summary: Experimental studies have shown a non-monotonic relationship between the inoculum dose of hepatitis B virus and infection outcome, with different doses leading to different CD8 T-cell dynamics and infection outcomes. The mathematical model developed in this study explains and predicts how the inoculum dose affects the timing and quality of CD8 T-cell response, providing insights for the design of immune cell-based interventions.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mathias Simplicien, Pierre Perio, Jan Sudor, Annick Barre, Herve Benoist, Els J. M. Van Damme, Pierre Rouge
Summary: This article explores the interaction between plant lectins and the spike proteins and receptors of coronaviruses, as well as the potential of using plant lectins as a treatment for COVID-19.
GLYCOCONJUGATE JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Stephanie Maya, Leeor Hershkovich, E. Fabian Cardozo-Ojeda, Elham Shirvani-Dastgerdi, Jay Srinivas, Louis Shekhtman, Susan L. Uprichard, Andrew R. Berneshawi, Thomas R. Cafiero, Harel Dahari, Alexander Ploss
Summary: Chronic infection with hepatitis B and delta viruses (HDV) leads to more severe manifestations and disease progression. This study characterizes the early kinetics of HDV infection in mouse models and provides insights into HDV-host dynamics through mathematical modeling.
Review
Microbiology
Fabrizio Fabrizi, Roberta Cerutti, Piergiorgio Messa
Summary: Infection control practices in hemodialysis units are crucial in preventing the spread of HCV, and while isolating HCV-infected patients is not recommended, strict adherence to infection control measures and regular screening are emphasized. Antiviral treatment should not replace barrier precautions and routine procedures in hemodialysis units.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Chen-Hua Liu, Jia-Horng Kao
Summary: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a significant health problem in hemodialysis patients, and noninvasive indices are being evaluated to diagnose the stage of hepatic fibrosis in HCV-infected patients undergoing hemodialysis.
Article
Virology
Giuliano Grandi, Luis Fernandez Lopez, Marcelo Nascimento Burattini
Summary: The study analyzed the temporal trends of Hepatitis A in Brazil and found that while the incidence decreased overall, there was an increase in cases among males in the South and Southeast regions after 2016.
Review
Urology & Nephrology
Arun Rajasekaran, Ricardo A. Franco, Edgar T. Overton, Brendan M. McGuire, Graham C. Towns, Jayme E. Locke, Deirdre L. Sawinski, Emmy K. Bell
Summary: The transmission of HCV infection continues to be a challenge in HD facilities globally, with preventative strategies and a safer system needed to eliminate the virus from the population.
KIDNEY INTERNATIONAL REPORTS
(2021)