A surrogate ELISA to select high titer human convalescent plasma for treating immunocompromised patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern.

Background: The emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants poses a new challenge for the treatment of immunocompromised patients against COVID-19. In this context, high titer COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma (CCP) is one of the few available therapeutics for these patients. We have revisited the selection of CCP samples and its efficacy against Omicron XBB.

Adapting a Longitudinal Structured Program to Enhance Research Skills in Undergraduate Medical Students: A Key Advancement in Competency-Based Medical Education.

Background: Abundant literature signifies the imperative role of evidence-based research in the health sector which underpins the importance of training medical graduates in research skills early in their medical journey. Low awareness, less knowledge, and minimal practical involvement of undergraduates (UGs) in research have been identified all over India. The lack of structured delivery of research curriculum in the UG period has been the basis of uptaking this project with the aim of developing research competency in medical UGs.

Evaluation of a newer (1, 3)-β-D-glucan chemiluminescent immunoassay for invasive candidiasis: A study from a tertiary care center.

Background And Purpose: Invasive candidiasis (IC) in the hospitalized population is one of the leading causes of invasive fungal infections (IFIs). Microbiological diagnosis of IC suffers due to poor sensitivity of blood culture and relative inaccessibility to more sensitive modalities. (1, 3)-β-D-glucan (BDG) is a cell wall polysaccharide found in a range of fungi.

Genomic profiling and molecular dynamics analysis of toxin-antitoxin homologs targeting DNA gyrase in : insights from computational investigations.

In the realm of hospital-acquired and chronic infections, stands out, demonstrating significant associations with increased morbidity, mortality, and antibiotic resistance. Antibiotic-resistant strains are believed to contribute to thousands of deaths each year. Chronic and latent infections are associated with the bacterial toxin-antitoxin (TA) system, although the mechanisms involved are poorly understood.

Portable UV-C device to treat high flow of infectious aerosols generated during clinical respiratory care.

Respiratory interventions including noninvasive ventilation, continuous positive airway pressure and high-flow nasal oxygen generated infectious aerosols may increase risk of airborne disease (SARS-CoV-2, influenza virus) transmission to healthcare workers. We developed and tested a prototype portable UV-C device to sterilize high flows of viral-contaminated air from a simulated patient source at airflow rates of up to 100 l/m. Our device consisted of a central quartz tube surrounded 6 high-output UV-C lamps, within a larger cylinder allowing recirculation past the UV-C lamps a second time before exiting the device.