New perspective for pathomechanism and clinical applications of animal toxins: Programmed cell death.

Various animal toxins pose a significant threat to human safety, necessitating urgent attention to their treatment and research. The clinical potential of programmed cell death (PCD) is widely regarded as a target for envenomation, given its crucial role in regulating physiological and pathophysiological processes. Current research on animal toxins examines their specific components in pathomechanisms and injuries, as well as their clinical applications.

Multiplex Dual-Target Reverse Transcription PCR for Subtyping Avian Influenza A(H5) Virus.

An increased risk for human infection with avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses is of concern. We developed an internally controlled, dual-target reverse transcription PCR for influenza A(H5) subtyping. This test could be used to detect influenza A(H5) in clinical samples.

Spatial and temporal variation in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) subtype RNA in wastewater and relation to clinical specimens.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes a large burden of respiratory illness globally. It has two subtypes, RSV A and RSV B, but little is known regarding the predominance of these subtypes during different seasons and their impact on morbidity and mortality. Using molecular methods, we quantified RSV A and RSV B RNA in wastewater solids across multiple seasons and metropolitan areas to gain insight into the predominance of RSV subtypes.

Dual therapy with phospholipase and metalloproteinase inhibitors from Sinonatrix annularis alleviated acute kidney and liver injury caused by multiple snake venoms.

Snakebite envenomation often induces acute kidney injury (AKI) and acute liver injury (ALI), leading to augmented injuries and poor rehabilitation. Phospholipase A (PLA) and metalloproteinase (SVMP) present in venom are responsible for the envenomation-associated events. In this study, mice envenomed with Deinagkistrodon acutus, Naja atra, or Agkistrodon halys pallas venom exhibited typical AKI and ALI symptoms, including significantly increased plasma levels of myoglobin, free hemoglobin, uric acid, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase and upregulated expression of kidney NGAL and KIM-1.

Multi-heterostructured MXene/NiS/CoS with S-Vacancies to Promote Polysulfide Conversion in Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

The severe shuttle effect of polysulfides (LiPSs) and the slow liquid-solid phase conversion are the main obstacles hindering the practical application of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries. Separator modification with a high-activity catalyst can boost LiPSs conversion and suppress their shuttle effect. In this work, multi-heterostructured MXene/NiS/CoS with rich S-vacancies was constructed facilely with a hydrothermal and high-temperature annealing strategy for separator modification.

NPAS2, transcriptionally activated by ARRB1, promotes the malignant behaviours of lung adenocarcinoma cells and regulates the reprogramming of glucose metabolism.

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is a serious threat to public health and is accompanied by increased morbidity and mortality worldwide. Neuronal PAS domain protein2 (NPAS2) has been confirmed as an oncogene in LUAD; however, little is known about its molecular mechanism. Here, the expression level of NPAS2 was detected in LUAD cell lines and 16HBE cells.

Varespladib mitigates acute liver injury via suppression of excessive mitophagy on Naja atra envenomed mice by inhibiting PLA.

Snakebite envenomation often leads to severe visceral injuries, including acute liver injury (ALI). However, the toxicity mechanism remains unclear. Moreover, varespladib can directly inhibit phospholipase A (PLA) in snake venom, but its protective effect on snakebite-induced ALI and the mechanism have not been clarified.

Determination of the cycle threshold value of the Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2/Flu/RSV test that corresponds to the presence of infectious SARS-CoV-2 in anterior nasal swabs.

Despite having high analytical sensitivities and specificities, qualitative SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) cannot distinguish infectious from non-infectious virus in clinical samples. In this study, we determined the highest cycle threshold (Ct) value of the SARS-CoV-2 targets in the Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2/Flu/RSV (Xpert 4plex) test that corresponded to the presence of detectable infectious SARS-CoV-2 in anterior nasal swab samples. A total of 111 individuals with nasopharyngeal swab specimens that were initially tested by the Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 test were enrolled.

Development of an integrated and project-based laboratory course in upper-level biochemistry and molecular biology.

An integrated and projected-based laboratory course was described, integrating interconnected knowledge points and biochemistry and molecular biology techniques on a research project-based system. The program, which served as an essential extension of theoretical courses to practice, was conducted with a sophomore of basic medical science who had completed the course in medical biochemistry and molecular biology. This course engaged students in learning "genetic manipulation" and "recombinant DNA technology" to understand the target gene's role in disease mechanics, thus altering evaluation and treatment for clinical disease.

Elevated CD169 expressing monocyte/macrophage promotes systemic inflammation and disease progression in cirrhosis.

Systemic inflammation is related to disease progression and prognosis in patients with advanced cirrhosis. However, the mechanisms underlying the initiation of inflammation are still not fully understood. The role of CD169 monocyte/macrophage in cirrhotic systemic inflammation was undetected.

Vanadium-doped graphitic carbon nitride for high performance lithium-sulfur batteries.

To promote polysulfide conversion in lithium sulfur batteries (LSB) and alleviate the shuttle effect, we designed and fabricated a novel catalyst of vanadium-doped graphite phase carbon nitride with nitrogen defects (V@gCN-ND) and high vanadium loading (3.46 at%) by defect engineering and two-step pyrolysis. Employing a V@gCN-ND modified separator, the LSB yielded capacities of 934 mA h g at 1C and 404 mA h g at 4C; the former was retained by 61% and 45% after 500 and 1000 cycles, respectively.

The anti-myotoxic effects and mechanisms of Sinonatrix annularis serum and a novel plasma metalloproteinase inhibitor towards Deinagkistrodon acutus envenomation.

Non-venomous snakes commonly evolve natural resistance to venom to escape predators. Sinonatrix annularis serum has been shown to inhibit Deinagkistrodon acutus venom-induced hemorrhage and upregulation of serum CK, CK-MB, LDH, AST and ALT levels. Using TMT-labeled proteomics analysis, 168 proteins were found to be altered significantly in the envenomed gastrocnemius muscle and categorized into pathways such as complement and coagulation cascades, leukocyte transendothelial migration, and JAK/STAT signaling.

Assessment of an automated Cytomegalovirus nucleic acid amplification test using clinical plasma, bronchoalveolar lavage, and tissue specimens.

Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) causes significant morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients, particularly transplant recipients. Quantitation of CMV DNA in peripheral blood is used to monitor prophylactic and pre-emptive approaches to prevent CMV disease, whereas CMV DNA testing of non-plasma specimens may aid in the diagnosis of end-organ disease.

Methods: The analytical performance of the FDA-approved Aptima CMV Quant Assay was evaluated using reference CMV (SeraCare) diluted in defibrinated human plasma, as well as negative bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and tissue.

Rapid emergence and transmission of virulence-associated mutations in the oral poliovirus vaccine following vaccination campaigns.

There is an increasing burden of circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses (cVDPVs) due to the continued use of oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV). However, the informativeness of routine OPV VP1 sequencing for the early identification of viruses carrying virulence-associated reversion mutations has not been directly evaluated in a controlled setting. We prospectively collected 15,331 stool samples to track OPV shedding from children receiving OPV and their contacts for ten weeks following an immunization campaign in Veracruz State, Mexico and sequenced VP1 genes from 358 samples.

Affected inflammation-related signaling pathways in snake envenomation: A recent insight.

Snake envenomation is well known to cause grievous pathological signs, including haemorrhagic discharge, necrosis, and respiratory distress. However, inflammatory reactions are also common envenoming manifestations that lead to successive damage, such as oedema, ulceration, lymphadenectasis, systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and even multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Interference with the inflammatory burst is hence important in the clinical treatment of snake envenomation.

Two cases of MPXV infection during pregnancy in heterosexual cisgender women without classic cutaneous lesions, Northern California, 2022.

As part of an epidemiologic survey, we screened remnant samples collected for STI testing for mpox virus. We identified two cases of presumed MPXV infection in pregnant, heterosexual cisgender women. Here, we describe their pregnancy and birth outcomes.

Evaluation of an automated system for the quantitation of human Herpesvirus-6 DNA from clinical specimens.

Background: Quantitation of human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) DNA in clinical specimens is important for the diagnosis and management of HHV-6-associated infection and reactivation in immunocompromised patients, particularly transplant recipients.

Methods: The analytical performance of the Altona RealStar ASR HHV-6 qPCR on the semi-automated AltoStar AM16 system was assessed using HHV-6 reference material in plasma and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). Qualitative and quantitative agreement was determined using 123 clinical EDTA plasma specimens tested using a laboratory-developed HHV-6 qPCR.

Hepatitis E virus seropositivity in an ethnically diverse community blood donor population.

Background And Objectives: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an underrecognized and emerging infectious disease that may threaten the safety of donor blood supply in many parts of the world. We sought to elucidate whether our local community blood supply is at increased susceptibility for transmission of transfusion-associated HEV infections.

Materials And Methods: We screened 10,002 randomly selected donations over an 8-month period between 2017 and 2018 at the Stanford Blood Center for markers of HEV infection using commercial IgM/IgG serological tests and reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays (RT-qPCR).

Mott-Schottky MXene@WS Heterostructure: Structural and Thermodynamic Insights and Application in Ultra Stable Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

Due to the "shuttle effect" and low conversion kinetics of polysulfides, the cycle stability of lithium sulfur (Li-S) battery is unsatisfactory, which hinders its practical application. The Mott-Schottky heterostructures for Li-S batteries not only provide more catalytic/adsorption active sites, but also facilitate electrons transport by a built-in electric field, which are both beneficial for polysulfides conversion and long-term cycle stability. Here, MXene@WS heterostructure was constructed by in-situ hydrothermal growth for separator modification.

Prevalence of Mpox (Monkeypox) in patients undergoing STI screening in northern California, April-September 2022.

Background: Despite the sharp increase in mpox (formerly monkeypox) incidence and the wide geographic spread of mpox during the 2022 outbreak, the community prevalence of infection remains poorly characterized. This study is a retrospective epidemiologic survey to estimate mpox prevalence.

Methods: Samples obtained for sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing from April to September 2022 in the public hospital and clinic system of San Mateo County, California were screened for mpox virus (MPXV) using polymerase chain reaction.

Comparison of nucleocapsid antigen with strand-specific reverse-transcription PCR for monitoring SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Background: Tests that sensitively detect the presence of actively replicating SARS-CoV-2 may improve patient care by allowing the safe and timely discontinuation of isolation. Correlates of active replication include nucleocapsid antigen and virus minus-strand RNA.

Methods: Qualitative agreement of the DiaSorin LIAISON SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antigen chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA) with minus-strand RNA was determined using 402 upper respiratory specimens from 323 patients previously tested using a laboratory-developed SARS-CoV-2 strand-specific RT-qPCR.

Comparison of Real-Time PCR and Digital PCR for Detection of Plasma Epstein-Barr Virus DNA in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma.

Plasma Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA is an established biomarker for endemic nasopharyngeal carcinoma. However, existing real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays are limited by poor interlaboratory reproducibility. This is a barrier to biomarker integration into staging systems and management.

Targeted plasma metabolomics combined with machine learning for the diagnosis of severe acute respiratory syndrome virus type 2.

Introduction: The routine clinical diagnosis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is largely restricted to real-time reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), and tests that detect SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid antigen. Given the diagnostic delay and suboptimal sensitivity associated with these respective methods, alternative diagnostic strategies are needed for acute infection.

Methods: We studied the use of a clinically validated liquid chromatography triple quadrupole method (LC/MS-MS) for detection of amino acids from plasma specimens.

Evaluation of a multiplexed oligonucleotide ligation assay for SARS-CoV-2 variant identification.

Background: SARS-CoV-2 variant surveillance informs vaccine composition and decisions to de-authorize antibody therapies. Though detailed genetic characterization requires whole-genome sequencing, targeted mutation analysis may complement pandemic surveillance efforts.

Methods: This study investigated the qualitative performance of a multiplex oligonucleotide ligation assay targeting 19 spike mutations using 192 whole genome sequenced upper respiratory samples representing SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern.