Rapid Phenotypic Antibiotic Susceptibility Profiling of Clinical and Blood Cultures.

Bloodstream infections (BSI) are defined by the presence of viable bacteria or fungi, accompanied by systemic signs of infection. Choosing empirical therapy based solely on patient risk factors and prior antibiotic susceptibility test (AST) may lead to either ineffective treatment or unnecessarily broad-spectrum antibiotic exposure. In general, Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute guideline-approved ASTs have a turnaround time of 48-72 h from sample to answer, a period that may result in a critical delay in the appropriate selection of therapy.

Mapping AI-ethics' dilemmas in forensic case work: To trust AI or not?

In this paper I discuss the challenges and ethical considerations surrounding the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in forensic science, particularly in criminal cases, and I emphasize the need for a comprehensive definition of AI systems within the context of forensic science and the importance of accountability and adherence to legal procedures. Human involvement and oversight are deemed crucial in forensic science to ensure accountability, transparency, and the ability to articulate and interpret nuances that AI systems may currently lack.

A reversible mutation in a genomic hotspot saves bacterial swarms from extinction.

Microbial adaptation to changing environmental conditions is frequently mediated by hypermutable sequences. Here we demonstrate that such a hypermutable hotspot within a gene encoding a flagellar unit of generated spontaneous non-swarming mutants with increased stress resistance. These mutants, which survived conditions that eliminated wild-type cultures, could be carried by their swarming siblings when the colony spread, consequently increasing their numbers at the spreading edge.

Thermophilic Filamentous Fungus C1-Cell-Cloned SARS-CoV-2-Spike-RBD-Subunit-Vaccine Adjuvanted with Aldydrogel85 Protects K18-hACE2 Mice against Lethal Virus Challenge.

SARS-CoV-2 is evolving with increased transmission, host range, pathogenicity, and virulence. The original and mutant viruses escape host innate (Interferon) immunity and adaptive (Antibody) immunity, emphasizing unmet needs for high-yield, commercial-scale manufacturing to produce inexpensive vaccines/boosters for global/equitable distribution. We developed DYAI-100A85, a SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor binding domain (RBD) subunit antigen vaccine expressed in genetically modified thermophilic filamentous fungus, C1, and secreted at high levels into fermentation medium.

Preliminary investigation of the ability of fingerprint examiners in detection of sib-sib relationships based upon finger and palm prints similarities.

Variations in biometric parameters such as fingerprints between populations, genders and even twins are wide-ranging issues routinely examined by the forensic community. In this study we tested whether fingerprint examiners can detect if finger and palm prints originate from siblings. In total, 410 finger records and 300 palm records of siblings and non-siblings were examined by seven certified forensic fingerprint examiners with different levels of qualifications and experience.

Evaluation of a downstream process for the recovery and concentration of a Cell-Culture-Derived rVSV-Spike COVID-19 vaccine candidate.

rVSV-Spike (rVSV-S) is a recombinant viral vaccine candidate under development to control the COVID-19 pandemic and is currently in phase II clinical trials. rVSV-S induces neutralizing antibodies and protects against SARS-CoV-2 infection in animal models. Bringing rVSV-S to clinical trials required the development of a scalable downstream process for the production of rVSV-S that can meet regulatory guidelines.

The benefit of AFIS searches of lateral palm and non-distal phalanges prints in criminal investigation.

The ongoing upgrade of AFIS worldwide resulted in new achievements in the domain of fingerprint identification. Two cases are presented which depict the importance of collecting and employing a broader search in AFIS to include lateral palm prints and non-distal phalanges prints.

An efficient and eco-friendly workflow for dual fingermark processing and STR profiling.

Since its discovery in 1997, DNA retrieved from touched or handled items (touch DNA) has been increasingly used in criminal casework. Depending on the nature of the substrate examined, numerous techniques are being used for fingermark (FM) collection and development, however, it has been shown that FM processing may impede or even prevent the dual analysis of FMs and DNA. In search for a possible solution, we have recently established a novel workflow for a non-destructive collection and eco-friendly visualization of latent FMs using white BVDA gel-lifters and black Wetwop® solution.

Clean and clear (out): A neat method for the recovery of latent fingermarks from crime-scenes.

Crime-scenes are the heart of any investigation in terms of recovery of key forensic evidence - fingermarks and DNA. Yet, quite often, the operational work of the forensic units, in which different chemicals and reagents for fingermarks development are applied, can also be highly destructive to the property and the environment. Hence, for both ecological and intelligence purposes, an operational method that minimizes that damage would be ideal.

Touch DNA: The effect of the deposition pressure on the quality of latent fingermarks and STR profiles.

Latent fingermarks (FMs) present unique, and sometimes the only, evidence found at a crime scene. Several factors affect their quality, including deposition pressure (DP). Its effect on FM size and quality, and on STR amplification success rate, is an emerging area of interest in forensic science.

Use of AFIS for linking scenes of crime.

Forensic intelligence can provide critical information in criminal investigations - the linkage of crime scenes. The Automatic Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) is an example of a technological improvement that has advanced the entire forensic identification field to strive for new goals and achievements. In one example using AFIS, a series of burglaries into private apartments enabled a fingerprint examiner to search latent prints from different burglary scenes against an unsolved latent print database.

Development of latent fingermarks from rocks and stones.

Since the beginning of recorded history, stones have been used in the commission of crimes due to their widespread availability. Stones can be used as a lethal weapon that sometimes might be the only evidence in a serious case. The common perception, even in professional fingermark circles, is that stones do not yield identifiable latent fingermarks.