Researchers at the University of Missouri have identified a crucial protein, known as the occludin protein, inside the human body that plays a critical role in the transmission of the COVID-19 virus from cell to cell after infection. The finding provides new insight into how the virus spreads throughout cells and presents an opportunity for the development of new antiviral drugs. According to lead author Wenjun Ma, this scientific research is of great importance in understanding the underlying mechanisms of disease progression inside the body’s cells, which can help identify and develop proper countermeasures to control the spread of the disease. Ma and his team discovered that when the occludin protein in a cell is damaged by the coronavirus, the virus replicates and spreads quickly to neighboring cells throughout the body, making the infection worse and the symptoms more severe. This newly discovered knowledge could assist developers of antiviral drugs in examining how these drugs can strengthen the occludin protein against infection. The team plans to extend their research to other viral infections in an effort to better understand how viruses interact at the cellular level with the hosts they infect. The study, which was published in PNAS, was funded by the University of Missouri start-up fund, the National Institutes of Health, the Centers of Excellence in Influenza Research and Response, the Kansas University Medical Center, and the Peachtree Collaborative Orthomolecular Medicine, Education, and Research Foundation.
All Journal News
Mid-Calf Nerve Block: Safe and Effective Anesthetic Option for Foot and Ankle Surgery – Pilot Study at HSS Shows Faster Recovery of Motor Function of Ankle Joint compared to Popliteal Block.
A recent pilot study conducted at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) reveals that a mid-calf nerve block is a safer and better alternative to popliteal blocks for foot and ankle surgeries. The study found that the use of an ultrasound-guided mid-calf block could speed up recovery and enable earlier rehabilitation protocols. The mid-calf block provides prolonged analgesia for any foot or ankle surgery while preserving motor function of the ankle joint, according to senior author of the study, Enrique A. Goytizolo, MD. The findings were presented at the 2023 Spring American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine (ASRA) Annual Meeting. HSS is ranked as the world’s leading academic medical center that focuses on musculoskeletal health.
Metabolic surgery is more effective than medication and lifestyle changes for treating advanced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, according to a joint paper by King’s College and the Catholic University of Rome published in The Lancet. It is the first to compare three active treatments of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and investigate the effectiveness of metabolic surgery in a randomised clinical trial. Currently, NAFLD/NASH affects 12% of adults in the UK and is estimated to affect 27 million people in the US by 2030.
Metabolic liver disease is a condition that affects the liver’s ability to process nutrients and other substances. While it can be treated with medications and lifestyle changes, surgery is often the most effective option. In this article, we will explore the role of surgery in the treatment of metabolic liver disease, the types of surgeries available, and the potential risks and benefits.
A new study revealed that metabolic (bariatric) surgery is a more effective treatment option for advanced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease than medications and lifestyle interventions. This is the first research to compare three active treatments of non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) and analyze the effectiveness of metabolic surgery (weight loss surgery) in a randomized clinical trial. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is the primary cause of chronic liver disease, affecting over half of people with type 2 diabetes and three-quarters of those with obesity worldwide. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the progressive form of the disease, characterized by liver cell injury and inflammation, inducing liver fibrosis (tissue scarring). If left untreated, it can result in liver failure and liver cancer, and is a leading cause of liver transplant in Western countries. NAFLD/NASH increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality in patients with obesity or type 2 diabetes. The study was a multi-center randomized trial conducted in Italy, comparing the effectiveness of bariatric and metabolic surgery vs lifestyle modifications and best current medical care in 288 patients. Researchers say the ability of surgery to control and improve fibrosis associated with NASH is of utmost clinical importance as fibrosis is the principal predictor of liver complications, poor cardiovascular outcomes, and death in NASH patients. Compared to conventional medical treatment, surgery also resulted in better overall health benefits. While both surgical procedures appeared to equally improve NASH, the gastric bypass group was more successful than sleeve gastrectomy in improving type 2 diabetes and reducing other cardiovascular risk factors linked to NAFLD/NASH. The study provides a compelling case for prioritizing metabolic surgery in a patient population with NASH, where the presence of NASH predicts a substantial risk of complications and mortality in patients with severe obesity and type 2 diabetes.
In conclusion, metabolic liver disease can be a devastating condition that can have a severe impact on a patient’s overall health and quality of life. While there are several treatment options available, surgery may be the best choice for some patients. Surgery can not only address the underlying cause of the disease, but it can also help prevent further damage and improve liver function. It is important to work closely with your healthcare provider to determine the best treatment plan for you, taking into account your individual health needs and goals. With the right treatment and support, it is possible to overcome metabolic liver disease and achieve a better quality of life.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine have found that protein built-up in astrocytes could trigger abnormal antiviral activity and memory loss in those with dementia. The study could lead to treatments that reduce immune activity in astrocytes to improve cognition. Drugs that target the immune pathways already exist and may be repurposed for dementia treatments. Previous research shows links between viral infections and cognitive dysfunction, which could be exacerbated by astrocyte immune activity. The team is now studying how TDP-43 changes the antiviral activities in astrocytes and whether it increases brain susceptibility to viral pathogens.
As we age, our cognitive abilities undergo slow but significant changes. It is not uncommon for some individuals to experience memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and other cognitive impairments. While some of these changes are considered a normal part of aging, researchers have discovered a link between cognitive decline and problems with astrocytes – a type of brain cell that plays a critical role in maintaining brain health. In this article, we will explore the science behind this link and what it could mean for our understanding of age-related cognitive decline.
Dementia patients may experience memory loss due to astrocyte dysfunction that could cause abnormal antiviral activity, according to a preclinical study by Weill Cornell Medicine investigators. Brain cells called neurons have traditionally been thought to be the primary cause of cognitive decline in dementia. However, a new study by Weill Cornell Medicine suggests that abnormal immune activity in non-neuronal brain cells, such as astrocytes, might be responsible for the cognitive deficits seen in dementia patients. The study examined tissue samples from deceased patients who suffered from either Alzheimer’s disease or frontotemporal dementia, discovering an accumulation of a protein called TDP-43 in astrocytes in the hippocampus. The hippocampus is a key brain region responsible for memory. The team conducted experiments in mouse models to better understand the effects of protein build-up. They found that TDP-43 accumulation in astrocytes caused progressive memory loss in mice.
Further research found that astrocytes in mouse brains with TDP-43 build-up produced chemokines, which activated the CXCR3 chemokine receptors found on immune cells. Elevated levels of CXCR3 receptor activity was found to make neurons hyperactive. Researchers discovered that blocking CXCR3 reduced neuronal firing in isolated neurons and eliminating CXCR3 in mice by genetic engineering alleviated cognitive deficits caused by TDP-43 accumulation in astrocytes. The team believes that impaired astrocytes can have a detrimental role in dementia.
Drugs that could target the identified immune pathways have potential implications for improving cognitive function in dementia patients. Clinical trials to test CXCR3 blockers are already underway to treat inflammation and arthritis. The Orr lab at Weill Cornell Medicine views astrocytes as critical players in understanding brain health and developing effective therapies. The team continues to research how TDP-43 may alter antiviral activities in astrocytes and whether these changes increase brain susceptibility to viral pathogens. Ultimately, the study demonstrates that for effective treatment, astrocytes should be considered along with neurons.
In summary, this recent research on cognitive decline and its link to astrocytes marks an exciting development in the field of neuroscience. With further investigation, we may gain a deeper understanding of how these cells impact brain health and potentially identify new avenues for interventions to combat cognitive decline. By shining a spotlight on astrocytes, scientists are inching closer to unlocking the mysteries of the brain and improving the lives of all those impacted by cognitive decline.
Researchers in Brazil grew microalgae to extract lipids and other metabolites for biofuel and cosmetic production. Stress increased lipid production by 49%.
Microalgae has emerged as a promising source of renewable energy in recent years. These microscopic photosynthetic organisms have the potential to produce clean and sustainable fuel that can reduce our dependency on fossil fuels. Researchers around the world are exploring various methods for cultivating microalgae and extracting their lipid content for biofuel production. This article delves into the science of microalgae cultivation for biofuel and highlights some of the recent breakthroughs in this field.
A group of researchers at the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP) in Brazil have made a breakthrough in the production of biofuels by growing microalgae in laboratory environments. The team focused on the metabolites, especially lipids, that could be used to produce biofuels. According to the report published in the journal Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery, under controlled conditions, researchers grew the microalgae and extracted various valuable compounds like protein, carbohydrates, and other useful elements like beta-carotene, a natural blue pigment which could be used in cosmetics. The study highlights the significance of Botryococcus terribilis cultivation, which has great economic and environmental importance yet has scarcely been addressed in the literature. The study was supported by FAPESP, the São Paulo Research Foundation.
The research analyzed the growth and productivity of the microalga Botryococcus terribilis in both open and closed systems. Closed systems, such as photobioreactors, can control conditions, while open systems like raceways have a controlled air input and nutrient circulation. Through the study, researchers were able to extract the first time hydrocarbons and quantified various metabolites. Microalgae are the source of approximately 50% of the world’s oxygen, and grow through photosynthesis by converting atmospheric carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight into energy, generating oxygen as a byproduct.
Microalgaes are unicellular and reproduce by mitosis, each cell divides into identical daughter cells. To take advantage of the biocompounds in their cells, they need to be killed. However, these organisms grow fast and are usually abundant, which suggests the use of a highly sustainable resource. As Botryococcus terribilis oils comprise long-chain hydrocarbons and larger quantities of saturated and mono-unsaturated fatty acids, they are suitable for biofuel synthesis.
According to Luisa Fernanda Ríos, chemical engineering researcher and co-author of the article, the team stressed the organism by eliminating nutrients required for growth. This caused the organism to accumulate lipids as a survival strategy. The proportions of proteins and carbohydrates decreased while the compound of interest/study increased, and the right balance must be achieved.
The research represents a major step towards the University’s sustainability aims, and UNICAMP hopes that their findings will be utilized in the cultivation and application of microalgae through biorefinery techniques. Microalgae remains an untapped source of biofuels, cosmetics, and food additives due to a scarcity of information on cultivation, stress, and composition.
In conclusion, it is clear that microalgae hold immense potential as a source of biofuels. The cultivation of these tiny organisms by researchers and scientists around the world represents a significant step towards achieving sustainable energy systems. While there are still some challenges facing the large-scale production of biofuels from microalgae, ongoing research and technological advancements offer hope for a greener and more sustainable future. As we continue to explore the potential of these versatile, renewable resources, it is certain that microalgae will play a critical role in powering the world’s energy needs in the years to come.
Scientists in Quebec have successfully isolated infectious particles of the SARS-CoV-2 virus from air samples collected from hospital rooms of COVID-19 patients, providing insight into the previously underexplored field of airborne transmission of the virus. The research involved a unique cell culture method and the preservation of virus infectivity during collection and storage. The findings can be used to improve personal and collective protection measures and evaluate the effectiveness of protection measures against airborne transmission of viruses in closed environments.
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc across the world, with new variants of the virus emerging and vaccines being developed to combat them. However, a recent study has revealed a particularly concerning discovery – SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19, has been detected as infectious in hospital air. This finding poses a significant risk to both patients and healthcare workers, and highlights the need for increased measures for infection control in healthcare settings. In this article, we will delve into the details of this discovery and explore the implications it may have on our fight against the pandemic.
Quebec scientists have successfully isolated infectious particles of the SARS-CoV-2 virus from air samples taken from hospital rooms of COVID-19 patients, according to a new study. Published in Clinical Microbiology and Infection, the study is a significant contribution to a field of scientific research that has been little explored throughout the pandemic: airborne transmission of the virus. The research was conducted by Nathalie Grandvaux’s team at the CHUM Research Centre (CRCHUM), in collaboration with the teams of Caroline Duchaine (Université Laval) and Yves Longtin (McGill University).
The results of the study show that it is possible to isolate and cultivate infectious viruses from air samples even if the samples were collected over a year ago and frozen and stored. Thirty samples were collected from ten different rooms of COVID-19 patients and stored frozen in a biobank for 14 months. Using aerosol samples from one patient’s room, the scientists were able to identify the presence of replicating virus particles.
The findings of the study provide valuable insight to public health authorities, including the World Health Organization, who were slow to recognise airborne transmission of the virus. Airborne studies are challenging to conduct because of the need to preserve virus infectivity during collection, utilise the correct cell culture techniques, and have access to a Level 3 containment laboratory such as the one at CRCHUM.
The unique method developed by the team of scientists should increase awareness of airborne infectious viruses and the importance of targeting airborne transmission in personal and collective protection measures, including by improving indoor air quality. The collection and culture method can also be applied to closed environments other than hospitals, such as schools, to test air quality and evaluate the effectiveness of protection measures against airborne transmission of viruses.
The findings of the study can be used to prepare for the next pandemic, whether it be SARS-CoV-2 or another respiratory virus. Scientists believe that the data will also help us better understand the importance of airborne transmission of the virus and implement adapted preventive strategies, which would be beneficial in the event of the virus evolving and other similar viruses emerging. The study was funded by the Fonds de Recherche du Québec-Santé and the Fondation du CHUM.
The discovery of SARS-CoV-2 in hospital air is a cause for concern, but it should not be a cause for panic. Hospitals are taking extra precautions to ensure the safety of their patients and staff, and the medical community is constantly learning more about this new virus.
As individuals, we can also take steps to protect ourselves and others. Wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and washing our hands regularly are all important ways to help stop the spread of the virus.
The fight against COVID-19 is far from over, but with continued vigilance and cooperation, we can slow its spread and protect our communities. Stay safe, stay informed, and take care of yourselves and each other.