Tracing the footprints of MPXV in Asia: phylogenetic insights and lineage dynamics.

OBJECTIVES: The 2022 global outbreak of monkeypox virus (MPXV), previously confined to Central and West Africa, necessitates an enhanced understanding of its spread. Comprehensive genomic surveillance to understand the virus's evolution and spread is needed, particularly in Asia. METHODS: Genomic data from 169 MPXV genome sequences in Asia were analysed. Through advanced genomic sequencing of clinical samples, we analysed the distribution and mutations of MPXV lineages in Asia. RESULTS: Phylogenetic analysis revealed a distinct clustering of C.1 strains rise in Northeast Asia in 2023, while genomic examination identified specific consensus mutations like R84K, R665C and L16F in C.1 strains. The mutations, coupled with an increased rate of apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing catalytic polypeptide-like 3 motif G-to-A mutations in C.1 (OR 24.87±8.81), indicate a potential adaptation mechanism. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings underscore the need for ongoing surveillance and provide vital insights into MPXV's evolving dynamics, aiding in public health strategy formulation against this emerging infectious threat.

Influence of Genetic Variants of the N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor on Emotion and Social Behavior in Adolescents.

Considerable evidence has suggested that the epigenetic regulation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptors plays a crucial role in neuropsychiatric disorders. Previous exploratory studies have been primarily based on evidence from patients and have rarely sampled the general population. This exploratory study examined the relationship of single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variations in the genes encoding the NMDA receptor (i.e., GRIN1, GRIN2A, GRIN2B, GRIN2C, and GRIN2D) with emotion and social behavior in adolescents. For this study, 832 tenth-grade Taiwanese volunteers were recruited, and their scores from the Beck Youth Inventories were used to evaluate their emotional and social impairments. Based on these scores, GRIN1 (rs4880213) was significantly associated with depression and disruptive behavior. In addition, GRIN2B (rs7301328) was significantly associated with disruptive behavior. Because emotional and social impairment greatly influence learning ability, the findings of this study provide important information for clinical treatment and the development of promising prevention and treatment strategies, especially in the area of psychological adjustment.

Characterization of CRISPR-Cas Systems in Shewanella algae and Shewanella haliotis: Insights into the Adaptation and Survival of Marine Pathogens.

CRISPR-Cas systems are adaptive immune mechanisms present in most prokaryotes that play an important role in the adaptation of bacteria and archaea to new environments. Shewanella algae is a marine zoonotic pathogen with worldwide distribution, which accounts for the majority of clinical cases of Shewanella infections. However, the characterization of Shewanella algae CRISPR-Cas systems has not been well investigated yet. Through whole genome sequence analysis, we characterized the CRISPR-Cas systems in S. algae. Our results indicate that CRISPR-Cas systems are prevalent in S. algae, with the majority of strains containing the Type I-F system. This study provides new insights into the diversity and function of CRISPR-Cas systems in S. algae and highlights their potential role in the adaptation and survival of these marine pathogens.

Motivating Individuals to Take Responsible Ocean Action: The Mediatory Effects of Attitude toward the Ocean.

When considering how to improve public literacy and behavior related to specific themes, top priority is usually given to strategies that enhance relevant knowledge. Fostering attitude comes later. Understanding the mechanisms of behavior may help us develop better policy and educational strategies. However, how knowledge and attitude impact behavior is still under investigation. The aim of this study is to explore the relationships among ocean knowledge, attitude toward the ocean, and the intention to behave responsibly in the marine setting. Specifically, we investigated a potential mediation mechanism by recruiting a total of 266 participants, whose ocean knowledge, attitudes toward the ocean, and intention to behave responsibly were evaluated using questionnaires. The results indicate that a person's attitude toward the ocean may indeed be a mediating factor between ocean knowledge and their intention to show positive marine behavior. In order to engage people in responsible ocean behavior, other forms of assistance from marine policy and education are recommended. Additionally, it would be of interest for future studies to investigate the effects of attitude and attitude-related knowledge in the development of ocean actions.

Kolb's experiential learning theory and marine debris education: Effects of different stages on learning.

Marine debris is a vital issue in ocean governance. While education outreach can promote individual learning and develop pro-environmental behavior, research on marine debris education remains scarce. Kolb's experiential learning theory may provide a holistic model for marine debris education; therefore, this study developed an experiential-learning based marine debris (ELBMD) beach cleanup curriculum and analyzed the participants' performance during Kolb's four-stage cycle. The results revealed that (1) the ELBMD curriculum deepened the participants' understanding of marine debris, created a sense of responsibility, and increased their confidence in analytical skills and intention to act responsibly. (2) Reflection (Stage II) encouraged participants to think deeply about the human-environment relationship, which induced pro-environmental behavior and awareness of political engagement (Stage IV). (3) Peer discussion (Stage III) induced participants to refine their conception architecture, form values, and practice pro-environmental behavior (Stage IV). The results may aid the development of future marine debris education.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection: A Narrative Review.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most common respiratory viruses. It not only affects young children but also the elderly and immunocompromised patients. After the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 and the corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) era, a dramatic reduction in RSV activity was found, which coincided with the implementation of public health and social measures (PHSMs). However, the correlation is more complicated than we initially thought. After PHSMs were gradually lifted, a seasonality shift and a delayed RSV outbreak with greater number of infected patients were found in numerous countries, such as Israel, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, France, United States, and Japan. Several hypotheses and possible reasons explaining the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and RSV were mentioned. Since RSV vaccinations are still under investigation, administration of palivizumab should be considered in high-risk patients. In the post-COVID-19 era, greater attention should be paid to a further resurgence of RSV. In this narrative review, we conducted a thorough review of the current knowledge on the epidemiology of RSV during the COVID-19 era, the out-of-season outbreak of RSV, and the data on co-infection with RSV and SARS-CoV-2.

Blood Culture Negative Endocarditis: A Review of Laboratory Diagnostic Approaches.

Infective endocarditis is a potentially fatal condition, and identifying the pathogen is crucial to optimizing antibiotic treatment. While a blood culture takes time and may yield negative results, it remains the gold standard for diagnosis, blood culture-negative endocarditis, which accounts for up to 20% of infective endocarditis cases, poses a clinical challenge with increasing mortality. To better understand the etiology of blood culture-negative infective endocarditis, we reviewed non-culture-based strategies and compared the results. Serology tests work best in limited pathogens, such as Coxiella burnetii and Bartonella infections. Most of the pathogens identified by broad-range PCR tests are Streptococcus spp, Staphylococcus spp and Propionibacterium spp. adding specific real-time PCR assays to the systematic PCR testing of patients with blood culture-negative endocarditis will increase the efficiency of diagnosis. Recently, metagenomic next-generation sequencing has also shown promising results.

Insight into the Mechanisms of Carbapenem Resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae: A Study on IS26 Integrons, Beta-Lactamases, Porin Modifications, and Plasmidome Analysis.

The emergence of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae poses a significant threat to public health. In this study, we aimed to investigate the distribution and genetic diversity of plasmids carrying beta-lactamase resistance determinants in a collection of carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae blood isolates. Blood isolates of carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae bacteremia were collected and identified. Whole-genome sequencing, assembly and analysis were performed for the prediction of antimicrobial resistance determinants. Plasmidome analysis was also performed. Our plasmidome analysis revealed two major plasmid groups, IncFII/IncR and IncC, as key players in the dissemination of carbapenem resistance among carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae. Notably, plasmids within the same group exhibited conservation of encapsulated genes, suggesting that these plasmid groups may serve as conservative carriers of carbapenem-resistant determinants. Additionally, we investigated the evolution and expansion of IS26 integrons in carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae isolates using long-read sequencing. Our findings revealed the evolution and expansion of IS26 structure, which may have contributed to the development of carbapenem resistance in these strains. Our findings indicate that IncC group plasmids are associated with the endemic occurrence of carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to control its spread. Although our study focuses on the endemic presence of carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae, it is important to note that carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae is indeed a global problem, with cases reported in multiple regions worldwide. Further research is necessary to better understand the factors driving the worldwide dissemination of carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae and to develop effective strategies for its prevention and control.

Clinical metagenomics-assisted diagnosis of relapsed HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis.

To date, the identification of crypotococcal relapse remains clinically challenging as it often has similar manifestation with paradoxical immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome. This study reports on the use of metagenomics assisted next generation sequencing to aid in diagnosing recurrent cryptococcal meningitis in an person living with HIV experiencing recurring symptoms, despite negative culture results for Cryptococcus neoformans in the cerebrospinal fluid. Although fungal culture was negative, when reads from metagenomic and metatranscriptomic sequencing performed on the Day 308 cerebrospinal fluid sample were mapped onto the genome from the Day 4 isolate, 589 specific reads were identified. NCBI BLAST search also revealed Cryptococcus-specific 18S/25S/28S ribosomal RNA, indicating a relapse of the disease.

Talaromyces amestolkiae Infection in an AIDS Patient with Cryptococcal Meningitis.

Concurrent infections caused by multiple fungal pathogens in immunocompromised patients can pose diagnostic and treatment challenges. Here, we presented the first reported case in Taiwan of an AIDS patient who had concurrent infection with Cryptococcus neoformans meningitis and Talaromyces amestolkiae lymphadenopathy. The patient presented with an enlarged inguinal lymph node and was diagnosed with T. amestolkiae lymphadenitis. The species T. amestolkiae was identified using DNA sequencing, which had the capability of differentiating it from other Talaromyces species. The patient was discharged from the hospital following treatment with amphotericin B and subsequent administration of voriconazole. This case highlights the importance of maintaining a suspicion of co-infections and utilizing appropriate diagnostic tools, such as DNA sequencing, to identify possible pathogens. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal treatment for T. amestolkiae and other co-infecting fungal pathogens.

Association of polymorphisms in BDNF, MTHFR, and genes involved in the dopaminergic pathway with memory in a healthy Chinese population.

The contribution of genetic factors to the memory is widely acknowledged. Research suggests that these factors include genes involved in the dopaminergic pathway, as well as the genes for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR). The activity of the products of these genes is affected by single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the genes. This study investigates the association between memory and SNPs in genes involved in the dopaminergic pathway, as well as in the BDNF and MTHFR genes, in a sample of healthy individuals. The sample includes 134 Taiwanese undergraduate volunteers of similar cognitive ability. The Chinese versions of the Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS-III) and Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-III) were employed. Our findings indicate that the BDNF Met66Val polymorphism and dopamine receptor D3 (DRD3) Ser9Gly polymorphism are associated significantly with long-term auditory memory. Further analysis detects no significant associations in the other polymorphisms and indices. Future replicated studies with larger sample sizes, and studies that consider different ethnic groups, are encouraged.

COVID-19 Associated Bacteremia with Chryseobacterium indologenes Co-Harboring bla IND-2, bla CIA and bla CcrA.

We report a COVID-19 case with carbapenem resistant Chryseobacterium indologenes bacteremia. Whole genome sequencing identified the presence of bla IND-2, bla CIA and bla CcrA. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Chryseobacterium indologenes complicating COVID-19 and the detection of bla CcrA in C. indologenes. The presence of bla CcrA in Chryseobacterium was overlooked previously may related to substantial sequence divergence with the original allele in Bacteroides fragilis. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a challenge to global health in the age of COVID-19 pandemic. Further study and surveillance of underlying mechanisms is needed.

Antibiotic resistance in Enterobacter hormaechei.

Enterobacter hormaechei, a member of the Enterobacter cloacae complex, has emerged as an important pathogen in healthcare-associated infections. Advancements in phylogenetic analyses and whole-genome sequencing techniques have led to the identification of E. hormaechei in numerous locations worldwide. The emergence of antibiotic-resistant E. hormaechei isolates, including those that produce extended-spectrum ß-lactamases (ESBLs), AmpC ß-lactamases and carbapenemases, has been reported worldwide. In this article, we review the different resistance genes of antibiotic-resistant E. hormaechei.

Review of an intelligent indoor environment monitoring and management system for COVID-19 risk mitigation.

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak has turned the world upside down bringing about a massive impact on society due to enforced measures such as the curtailment of personal travel and limitations on economic activities. The global pandemic resulted in numerous people spending their time at home, working, and learning from home hence exposing them to air contaminants of outdoor and indoor origins. COVID-19 is caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which spreads by airborne transmission. The viruses found indoors are linked to the building's ventilation system quality. The ventilation flow in an indoor environment controls the movement and advection of any aerosols, pollutants, and Carbon Dioxide (CO2) created by indoor sources/occupants; the quantity of CO2 can be measured by sensors. Indoor CO2 monitoring is a technique used to track a person's COVID-19 risk, but high or low CO2 levels do not necessarily mean that the COVID-19 virus is present in the air. CO2 monitors, in short, can help inform an individual whether they are breathing in clean air. In terms of COVID-19 risk mitigation strategies, intelligent indoor monitoring systems use various sensors that are available in the marketplace. This work presents a review of scientific articles that influence intelligent monitoring development and indoor environmental quality management system. The paper underlines that the non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) sensor and ESP8266 microcontroller support the development of low-cost indoor air monitoring at learning facilities.

Bacteriophages and phage-delivered CRISPR-Cas system as antibacterial therapy.

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections in humans are increasing worldwide. The global spread of antimicrobial resistance poses a considerable threat to human health. Phage therapy is a promising approach to combat MDR bacteria. An increasing number of reports have been published on phage therapy and the successful application of antibacterials derived using this method. Additionally, the CRISPR-Cas system has been used to develop antimicrobials with bactericidal effects in vivo. The CRISPR-Cas system can be delivered into target bacteria in various ways, with phage-based vectors being reported as an effective method. In this review, we briefly summarise the results of randomised control trials on bacteriophage therapy. Moreover, we integrated mechanisms of the CRISPR-Cas system antimicrobials in a schematic diagram and consolidated the research on phage-delivered CRISPR-Cas system antimicrobials.

Association of CaMK2A and MeCP2 signaling pathways with cognitive ability in adolescents.

The glutamatergic signaling pathway is involved in molecular learning and human cognitive ability. Specific single variants (SNVs, formerly single-nucleotide polymorphisms) in the genes encoding N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunits have been associated with neuropsychiatric disorders by altering glutamate transmission. However, these variants associated with cognition and mental activity have rarely been explored in healthy adolescents. In this study, we screened for SNVs in the glutamatergic signaling pathway to identify genetic variants associated with cognitive ability. We found that SNVs in the subunits of ionotropic glutamate receptors, including GRIA1, GRIN1, GRIN2B, GRIN2C, GRIN3A, GRIN3B, and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IIα (CaMK2A) are associated with cognitive function. Plasma CaMK2A level was correlated positively with the cognitive ability of Taiwanese senior high school students. We demonstrated that elevating CaMK2A increased its autophosphorylation at T286 and increased the expression of its downstream targets, including GluA1 and phosphor- GluA1 in vivo. Additionally, methyl-CpG binding protein 2 (MeCP2), a downstream target of CaMK2A, was found to activate the expression of CaMK2A, suggesting that MeCP2 and CaMK2A can form a positive feedback loop. In summary, two members of the glutamatergic signaling pathway, CaMK2A and MeCP2, are implicated in the cognitive ability of adolescents; thus, altering the expression of CaMK2A may affect cognitive ability in youth.

Association of polymorphisms in genes involved in the dopaminergic pathway with blood pressure and uric acid levels in Chinese females.

Since the high degree of heritability of physiological traits was demonstrated by twin and adoption studies, contemporary researchers in the fields of clinical medicine, behavioral science, and genetics have acknowledged the crucial role of genetic factors in human physiology. The study described herein explores the association between physiological parameters and the dopaminergic system using molecular genetic techniques. A total of 558 Taiwanese female volunteers, ranging from 16 to 17 years, were recruited. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes involved in the dopaminergic pathway were selected for analysis. Systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure were associated significantly with the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met polymorphism and the dopamine ß-hydroxylase (DBH) C1021T polymorphism. Furthermore, plasma uric acid was associated significantly with the COMT Val158Met polymorphism. Our study suggests the possible involvement of genetic polymorphisms in COMT and DBH in the regulation of blood pressure and plasma uric acid.

2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Taiwan: Reports of two cases from Wuhan, China.

We reported two cases with community-acquired pneumonia caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) who returned from Wuhan, China in January, 2020. The reported cases highlight non-specific clinical presentations of 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as well as the importance of rapid laboratory-based diagnosis.

Association of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) polymorphism and academic achievement in a Chinese cohort.

Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) is a methylation enzyme that catalyzes the degradation pathway and inactivation of dopamine. It is accepted widely as being involved in the modulation of dopaminergic physiology and prefrontal cortex (PFC) function. The COMT Val158Met polymorphism is associated with variation in COMT activity. COMT 158Met allele may be advantageous for PFC-related cognitive abilities; however, it is also associated with increased anxiety, depression, and emotional vulnerability in response to stress or educational adversity. We hypothesized that the COMT polymorphism might be associated with academic performance. In this study, 779 Taiwanese tenth-grade volunteers were recruited. Scores from the Basic Competency Test (BCT), an annual national competitive entrance examination, were used to evaluate academic performance. The results indicated that students bearing homozygous for the Met allele tended to perform more poorly in all BCT subtests as compared to the other groups. In particular, the former performed significantly more poorly in the science and social science subtests. These findings provide evidence that affective factors might overwhelm cognitive abilities in high-stake tests like the BCT.

Multiple epigenetic biomarkers for evaluation of students' academic performance.

Several reports have shown that methyl CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), phospho-cAMP response element-binding protein (p-CREB) and microRNAs may be important in regulating academic performance because of their roles in neuropsychiatry and cognitive diseases. The first goal of this study was to explore the associations among MeCP2, BDNF, CREB and academic performance. This study also examined the pathway responsible for the effects of MeCP2, BDNF, p-CREB and microRNAs on academic performance. Scores from the basic competency test, an annual national competitive entrance examination, were used to evaluate academic performance. Subjects' plasma RNA was extracted and analyzed. This study determined that participants in the higher academic performance group had a significant difference in MECP2 mRNA expression compared with the lower academic performance group. We then used neuronal human derived neuroblastoma cell line (SH-SY5Y) cells with inducible MeCP2 expression from a second copy of the gene as a gain-of-function model and found that MeCP2 overexpression positively affected p-CREB and BDNF expression initially. After negative feedback, the p-CREB and BDNF levels subsequently decreased. In the neuronal phenotype examination, we found a significant reduction in total outgrowth and branches in MeCP2-induced cells compared with noninduced cells. This work describes pathways that may be responsible for the effects of MeCP2, BDNF, p-CREB and microRNAs on academic performance. These results may shed light on the development of promising clinical treatment strategies in the area of neuropsychological adjustment.