Investigating the cause of a 2021 winter wave of COVID-19 in a border region in eastern Germany: a mixed-methods study, August to November 2021.

It is so far unclear how the COVID-19 winter waves started and what should be done to prevent possible future waves. In this study, we deciphered the dynamic course of a winter wave in 2021 in Saxony, a state in Eastern Germany neighbouring the Czech Republic and Poland. The study was carried out through the integration of multiple virus genomic epidemiology approaches to track transmission chains, identify emerging variants and investigate dynamic changes in transmission clusters.

One gene to rule them all - clinical perspectives of a potent suppressor of cytokine signaling - SOCS1.

The discovery of Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 1 (SOCS1) in 1997 marked a significant milestone in understanding the regulation of Janus kinase/Signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling pathways. Subsequent research deciphered its cellular functions, and recent insights into SOCS1 deficiencies in humans underscored its critical role in immune regulation. In humans, SOCS-haploinsufficiency (SOCS1-HI) presents a diverse clinical spectrum, encompassing autoimmune diseases, infection susceptibility, and cancer.

Airway commensal bacteria in cystic fibrosis inhibit the growth of P. aeruginosa via a released metabolite.

In cystic fibrosis (CF), Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection plays a critical role in disease progression. Although multiple studies suggest that airway commensals might be able to interfere with pathogenic bacteria, the role of the distinct commensals in the polymicrobial lung infections is largely unknown. In this study, we aimed to identify airway commensal bacteria that may inhibit the growth of P.

Evaluating the sensitivity of droplet digital PCR for the quantification of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater.

Wastewater surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 has been demonstrated to be a valuable tool in monitoring community-level virus circulation and assessing new outbreaks. It may become a useful tool in the early detection and response to future pandemics, enabling public health authorities to implement timely interventions and mitigate the spread of infectious diseases with the fecal excretion of their agents. It also offers a chance for cost-effective surveillance.