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Study uncovers mechanism behind virus-induced heart inflammation, suggests potential therapeutic target

Researchers have identified two NLRP sensors, NLRP1 and CARD8, as key players in Coxsackievirus B3-induced heart inflammation. Targeting CARD8 may prevent CVB3 infections from progressing to heart failure. The study provides new insights into the inflammatory response triggered by this common viral cause of viral myocarditis.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2022

SMART and NTU Singapore develop a quick test kit to determine a person’s immunity against COVID-19 and its variants

A team of scientists from SMART and NTU Singapore has developed a quick test kit that can determine a person's immunity against COVID-19 and its variants based on antibodies detected in a blood sample. The test kit, which requires just 10 minutes to show results, can be easily adapted for new variants of concern and other diseases.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 21, 2022

Repeated infections associated with increased risk of some neurodegenerative diseases

A new study published in PLOS Medicine found that people with hospital-treated infections in early- and mid-life had a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). The research analyzed data on over 291,000 cases and matched controls to identify the association between infections and neurodegenerativ...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateSep 15, 2022

Lessons learned in COVID-19: SHEA offers guidance for antibiotic use in a pandemic

The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America highlights the need to strengthen antibiotic stewardship programs to address overuse of antibiotics in early stages of viral epidemics. The guidance provides strategies for hospitals and healthcare personnel to improve antibiotic prescribing and diagnostic testing.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 14, 2022

The September issue of SLAS Discovery highlights a label-free SERS method in detecting SARS-CoV-2 and more

Researchers developed a label-free SERS method to detect the cysteine residues of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein subunit, allowing consistent detection in human blood plasma, mucus, and saliva samples. This technique holds potential for diagnosing SARS-CoV-2 and other viral infections in remote areas.

SourceSLAS (Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening)·JournalSLAS DISCOVERY·TypeNews article·DateSep 12, 2022

Researchers identify key factor in exosome-mediated viral transmission from insects to plants

Exosomes have been identified as possible vehicles for virus transmission, and a recent study found that the saliva protein exportin 6 plays a crucial role in this process. The researchers isolated exosomes from the saliva of insect vectors and showed that they can transport plant virions into rice plants.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 5, 2022

How hepatitis E tricks the immune system

Researchers discovered a mutated form of the hepatitis E virus that produces non-infectious particles but can bind antibodies, potentially giving the virus an advantage. The study found that one mutation affects the capsid protein and leads to smaller, non-infectious particles that are correctly recognized by the immune system.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2022

Road signs for immune defense cells

A recent international study has shed light on the inner workings of the adaptive immune response, revealing how killer T cells recognize viral invaders using molecular road signs. The study highlights the crucial role of chaperones in ensuring the stability and longevity of these road signs, allowing for more effective detection and d...

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 2022

Study finds genetic method for identifying hundreds of disease agents ‘promising’

A new study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers reveals a promising genetic method for identifying hundreds of disease agents using next-generation sequencing. The Respiratory Pathogen Infectious Diseases/Antimicrobial Resistance Panel (RPIP) system shows near-comparability to traditional diagnostics in identifying pathogens.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Microbiology·DateAug 9, 2022

Face shields don’t give high level COVID protection, study shows

A recent study from University of East Anglia compared 13 face shield styles in laboratory settings and surveyed over 600 people in Nigeria and Brazil about their views on face shields as PPE. The results showed that all face shields provided some protection, but none gave high levels against external droplets.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalAmerican Journal of Infection Control·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 27, 2022

Cellular protein identified as possible drug target to combat Lassa hemorrhagic fever

Researchers have identified 42 host cell proteins that contribute to the replication and spread of Lassa virus, a disease with high morbidity and mortality in Western Africa. One potential drug target, GSPT1, was found to be involved in viral-host interactions and showed antiviral activity against Lassa without cytotoxicity.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 20, 2022

The retron switch

Scientists identified that retrons encode toxin proteins kept inactive by a small DNA fragment, unleashing them upon viral attacks. The EMBL team discovered how retrons form antitoxins and found natural switches to trigger growth inhibition complexes.

New $4M NIH grant awarded to researchers at Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University to fund groundbreaking research on disparities in hepatitis B and liver disease in Asian-Americans

The new grant aims to address structural racism and discrimination affecting Asian-Americans with chronic hepatitis B virus infection and liver cancer. Researchers will examine factors such as socio-historical hardship, segregation, and mistrust of the health system to improve quality of care.

Sources of transmission of monkeypox in Madrid and in Berlin: from private encounters to larger gatherings

A study in Madrid found that private encounters and parties contributed to the outbreak, while a German study showed a shift from travel-associated to local transmission with Berlin as the epicenter. Both studies highlight the importance of targeted information for populations at risk, especially MSM.

SourceEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)·JournalEurosurveillance·TypeCase study·DateJul 11, 2022

“Unlocking” sarcopenic obesity: A review in portal hypertension & cirrhosis provides clarity on key aspects of disease impact and treatment

Researchers from Tianjin Medical University General Hospital review sarcopenic obesity's impact on liver disease, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and cirrhosis. The study aims to clarify the pathogenesis of sarcopenic obesity and identify potential therapeutic avenues.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalPortal Hypertension & Cirrhosis·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 6, 2022

Eyes a haven for Ebola and other viruses

Researchers found that retinal cells are more susceptible to Ebola virus infection than iris cells, which could lead to uveitis diagnosis and treatment. This discovery highlights the importance of monitoring retinal cells during acute viral infections to identify patients at high risk.

SourceFlinders University·JournalFrontiers in Virology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 19, 2022

Rethinking the rabies vaccine

Scientists have discovered a new, high-resolution view of the rabies virus glycoprotein, which could lead to more effective vaccines. The study's findings suggest that a better-shaped vaccine could provide lifelong protection against the deadly disease.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 17, 2022

Chinese Medical Journal Review shines a light on the overlooked virus, hepatitis D

Researchers discuss Hepatitis D's life cycle and interactions with its host, exploring strategies for further research to combat this overlooked virus. HDV coinfects people with hepatitis B, rapidly progressing to liver cirrhosis and cancer if left untreated, with a review published in the Chinese Medical Journal.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 16, 2022

Nanoparticle sensor can distinguish between viral and bacterial pneumonia

Researchers developed a nanoparticle sensor that can accurately distinguish between viral and bacterial pneumonia within two hours using a simple urine test. The sensor uses the host's immune response to infection, detecting specific protease patterns that serve as signatures of bacterial or viral infection.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 13, 2022

Higher dengue rates found near Colombian public transit

A new Cornell University-led study found that low-income residents near new public transit stations in Medellin, Colombia experienced higher dengue fever rates. The researchers discovered that the proximity to these stations and socioeconomic status are significant factors in determining dengue incidence rates.

SourceCornell University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 31, 2022