1
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Wang B, Wang C, Li B, Yang J, Lin P, Jin X, Niu Y, Zhang W, Zhang X, Huang Y. Isolation of camel single domain antibodies against Yersinia pestis V270 antigen based on a semi-synthetic single domain antibody library and development of a VHH-based lateral flow assay. Vet Med Sci 2024; 10:e1532. [PMID: 38952277 PMCID: PMC11217587 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.1532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antibodies have been proven effective as diagnostic agents for detecting zoonotic diseases. The variable domain of camel heavy chain antibody (VHH), as an antibody derivative, may be used as an alternative for traditional antibodies in existing immunodiagnostic reagents for detecting rapidly spreading infectious diseases. OBJECTIVES To expedite the isolation of specific antibodies for diagnostic purposes, we constructed a semi-synthetic camel single domain antibody library based on the phage display technique platform (PDT) and verified the validity of this study. METHODS The semi-synthetic single domain antibody sequences consist of two parts: one is the FR1-FR3 region amplified by RT-PCR from healthy camel peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs), and the other part is the CDR3-FR4 region synthesised as an oligonucleotide containing CDR3 randomised region. The two parts were fused by overlapping PCR, resulting in the rearranged variable domain of heavy-chain antibodies (VHHs). Y. pestis low-calcium response V protein (LcrV) is an optional biomarker to detect the Y. pestis infection. The semi-synthetic library herein was screened using recombinant (LcrV) as a target antigen. RESULTS After four cycles of panning the library, four VHH binders targeting 1-270 aa residues of LcrV were isolated. The four VHH genes with unique sequences were recloned into an expression vector and expressed as VHH-hFc chimeric antibodies. The purified antibodies were identified and used to develop a lateral flow immunoassay (LFA) test strip using latex microspheres (LM) for the rapid and visual detection of Y. pestis infection. CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate the great potential of the semi-synthetic library for use in isolation of antigen-specific nanobodies and the isolated specific VHHs can be used in antigen-capture immunoassays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wang
- Beijing Uncover Biotech Limited Liability CompanyBeijingChina
- Ordos Uncover Biotech Limited Liability CompanyDalad QiInner MongoliaChina
| | - Chunsheng Wang
- Department of VaccineOrdos Dalad Animal Disease Prevention and Control CenterDalad QiInner MongoliaChina
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Veterinary MedicineDaren Traditional Chinese Medicine HospitalDalad QiInner MongoliaChina
| | - Jin Yang
- Beijing Uncover Biotech Limited Liability CompanyBeijingChina
- Ordos Uncover Biotech Limited Liability CompanyDalad QiInner MongoliaChina
| | - Pengfei Lin
- Department of VaccineOrdos Dalad Animal Disease Prevention and Control CenterDalad QiInner MongoliaChina
| | - Xuefeng Jin
- Department of VaccineOrdos Dalad Animal Disease Prevention and Control CenterDalad QiInner MongoliaChina
| | - Yaojie Niu
- Department of Veterinary MedicineDaren Traditional Chinese Medicine HospitalDalad QiInner MongoliaChina
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of VaccineOrdos Dalad Animal Disease Prevention and Control CenterDalad QiInner MongoliaChina
| | - Xinshi Zhang
- Department of Veterinary MedicineDaren Traditional Chinese Medicine HospitalDalad QiInner MongoliaChina
| | - Ying Huang
- Beijing Uncover Biotech Limited Liability CompanyBeijingChina
- Ordos Uncover Biotech Limited Liability CompanyDalad QiInner MongoliaChina
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2
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Sasiene ZJ, LeBrun ES, Velappan N, Anderson AR, Patterson NH, Dufresne M, Farrow MA, Norris JL, Caprioli RM, Mach PM, McBride EM, Glaros TG. Multidimensional mass profiles increase confidence in bacterial identification when using low-resolution mass spectrometers. Analyst 2024; 149:3564-3574. [PMID: 38717518 DOI: 10.1039/d4an00325j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Field-forward analytical technologies, such as portable mass spectrometry (MS), enable essential capabilities for real-time monitoring and point-of-care diagnostic applications. Significant and recent investments improving the features of miniaturized mass spectrometers enable various new applications outside of small molecule detection. Most notably, the addition of tandem mass spectrometry scans (MS/MS) allows the instrument to isolate and fragment ions and increase the analytical specificity by measuring unique chemical signatures for ions of interest. Notwithstanding these technological advancements, low-cost, portable systems still struggle to confidently identify clinically significant organisms of interest, such as bacteria, viruses, and proteinaceous toxins, due to the limitations in resolving power. To overcome these limitations, we developed a novel multidimensional mass fingerprinting technique that uses tandem mass spectrometry to increase the chemical specificity for low-resolution mass spectral profiles. We demonstrated the method's capabilities for differentiating four different bacteria, including attentuated strains of Yersinia pestis. This approach allowed for the accurate (>92%) identification of each organism at the strain level using de-resolved matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) data to mimic the performance characteristics of miniaturized mass spectrometers. This work demonstrates that low-resolution mass spectrometers, equipped with tandem MS acquisition modes, can accurately identify clinically relevant bacteria. These findings support the future application of these technologies for field-forward and point-of-care applications where high-performance mass spectrometers would be cost-prohibitive or otherwise impractical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary J Sasiene
- Biochemistry and Biotechnology Group, Bioscience Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA.
| | - Erick S LeBrun
- Biochemistry and Biotechnology Group, Bioscience Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA.
| | - Nileena Velappan
- Biochemistry and Biotechnology Group, Bioscience Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA.
| | - Austin R Anderson
- Biochemistry and Biotechnology Group, Bioscience Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA.
| | - Nathan H Patterson
- Mass Spectrometry Research Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
| | - Martin Dufresne
- Mass Spectrometry Research Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
| | - Melissa A Farrow
- Mass Spectrometry Research Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
| | - Jeremy L Norris
- Mass Spectrometry Research Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
| | - Richard M Caprioli
- Mass Spectrometry Research Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
| | - Phillip M Mach
- Biochemistry and Biotechnology Group, Bioscience Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA.
| | - Ethan M McBride
- Biochemistry and Biotechnology Group, Bioscience Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA.
| | - Trevor G Glaros
- Biochemistry and Biotechnology Group, Bioscience Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545, USA.
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3
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Vasseur L, Barbault F, Monari A. Interaction between Yersinia pestis Ail Outer Membrane Protein and the C-Terminal Domain of Human Vitronectin. J Phys Chem B 2024; 128:3929-3936. [PMID: 38619541 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.4c00965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of plague, is capable of evading the human immune system response by recruiting the plasma circulating vitronectin proteins, which act as a shield and avoid its lysis. Vitronectin recruitment is mediated by its interaction with the bacterial transmembrane protein Ail, protruding from the Y. pestis outer membrane. By using all-atom long-scale molecular dynamic simulations of Ail embedded in a realistic model of the bacterial membrane, we have shown that vitronectin forms a stable complex, mediated by interactions between the disordered moieties of the two proteins. The main amino acids driving the complexation have also been evidenced, thus favoring the possible rational design of specific peptides which, by inhibiting vitronectin recruitment, could act as original antibacterial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurine Vasseur
- Université Paris Cité and CNRS, ITODYS, F-75006 Paris, France
| | | | - Antonio Monari
- Université Paris Cité and CNRS, ITODYS, F-75006 Paris, France
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4
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Guo X, Xin Y, Tong Z, Cao S, Zhang Y, Wu G, Chen H, Wang T, Song Y, Zhang Q, Yang R, Du Z. A novel sORF gene mutant strain of Yersinia pestis vaccine EV76 offers enhanced safety and improved protection against plague. PLoS Pathog 2024; 20:e1012129. [PMID: 38547321 PMCID: PMC11020802 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1012129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/18/2024] Open
Abstract
We recently identified two virulence-associated small open reading frames (sORF) of Yersinia pestis, named yp1 and yp2, and null mutants of each individual genes were highly attenuated in virulence. Plague vaccine strain EV76 is known for strong reactogenicity, making it not suitable for use in humans. To improve the immune safety of EV76, three mutant strains of EV76, Δyp1, Δyp2, and Δyp1&yp2 were constructed and their virulence attenuation, immunogenicity, and protective efficacy in mice were evaluated. All mutant strains were attenuated by the subcutaneous (s.c.) route and exhibited more rapid clearance in tissues than the parental strain EV76. Under iron overload conditions, only the mice infected with EV76Δyp1 survived, accompanied by less draining lymph nodes damage than those infected by EV76. Analysis of cytokines secreted by splenocytes of immunized mice found that EV76Δyp2 induced higher secretion of multiple cytokines including TNF-α, IL-2, and IL-12p70 than EV76. On day 42, EV76Δyp2 or EV76Δyp1&yp2 immunized mice exhibited similar protective efficacy as EV76 when exposed to Y. pestis 201, both via s.c. or intranasal (i.n.) routes of administration. Moreover, when exposed to 200-400 LD50 Y. pestis strain 201Δcaf1 (non-encapsulated Y. pestis), EV76Δyp2 or EV76Δyp1&yp2 are able to afford about 50% protection to i.n. challenges, significantly better than the protection afforded by EV76. On 120 day, mice immunized with EV76Δyp2 or EV76Δyp1&yp2 cleared the i.n. challenge of Y. pestis 201-lux as quickly as those immunized with EV76, demonstrating 90-100% protection. Our results demonstrated that deletion of the yp2 gene is an effective strategy to attenuate virulence of Y. pestis EV76 while improving immunogenicity. Furthermore, EV76Δyp2 is a promising candidate for conferring protection against the pneumonic and bubonic forms of plague.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Youquan Xin
- Key Laboratory for Plague Prevention and Control of Qinghai Province, Qinghai Institute for Endemic Disease Prevention and Control, Xining, China
| | - Zehui Tong
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University Hefei, China
| | - Shiyang Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Gengshan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Hongyan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Tong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Yajun Song
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Qingwen Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Plague Prevention and Control of Qinghai Province, Qinghai Institute for Endemic Disease Prevention and Control, Xining, China
| | - Ruifu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Zongmin Du
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University Hefei, China
- Key Laboratory for Plague Prevention and Control of Qinghai Province, Qinghai Institute for Endemic Disease Prevention and Control, Xining, China
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5
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Bennasar-Figueras A. The Natural and Clinical History of Plague: From the Ancient Pandemics to Modern Insights. Microorganisms 2024; 12:146. [PMID: 38257973 PMCID: PMC10818976 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12010146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The human pathogen Yersinia pestis is responsible for bubonic, septicemic, and pneumonic plague. A deeply comprehensive overview of its historical context, bacteriological characteristics, genomic analysis based on ancient DNA (aDNA) and modern strains, and its impact on historical and actual human populations, is explored. The results from multiple studies have been synthesized to investigate the origins of plague, its transmission, and effects on different populations. Additionally, molecular interactions of Y. pestis, from its evolutionary origins to its adaptation to flea-born transmission, and its impact on human and wild populations are considered. The characteristic combinations of aDNA patterns, which plays a decisive role in the reconstruction and analysis of ancient genomes, are reviewed. Bioinformatics is fundamental in identifying specific Y. pestis lineages, and automated pipelines are among the valuable tools in implementing such studies. Plague, which remains among human history's most lethal infectious diseases, but also other zoonotic diseases, requires the continuous investigation of plague topics. This can be achieved by improving molecular and genetic screening of animal populations, identifying ecological and social determinants of outbreaks, increasing interdisciplinary collaborations among scientists and public healthcare providers, and continued research into the characterization, diagnosis, and treatment of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoni Bennasar-Figueras
- Microbiologia—Departament de Biologia, Universitat de les Illes Balears (UIB), Campus UIB, Carretera de Valldemossa, Km 7.5, 07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain; ; Tel.: +34-971172778
- Facultat de Medicina, Hospital Universitari Son Espases (HUSE), Universitat de les Illes Balears (UIB), Carretera de Valldemossa, 79, 07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
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6
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Yang R, Atkinson S, Chen Z, Cui Y, Du Z, Han Y, Sebbane F, Slavin P, Song Y, Yan Y, Wu Y, Xu L, Zhang C, Zhang Y, Hinnebusch BJ, Stenseth NC, Motin VL. Yersinia pestis and Plague: some knowns and unknowns. ZOONOSES (BURLINGTON, MASS.) 2023; 3:5. [PMID: 37602146 PMCID: PMC10438918 DOI: 10.15212/zoonoses-2022-0040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Since its first identification in 1894 during the third pandemic in Hong Kong, there has been significant progress of understanding the lifestyle of Yersinia pestis, the pathogen that is responsible for plague. Although we now have some understanding of the pathogen's physiology, genetics, genomics, evolution, gene regulation, pathogenesis and immunity, there are many unknown aspects of the pathogen and its disease development. Here, we focus on some of the knowns and unknowns relating to Y. pestis and plague. We notably focus on some key Y. pestis physiological and virulence traits that are important for its mammal-flea-mammal life cycle but also its emergence from the enteropathogen Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. Some aspects of the genetic diversity of Y. pestis, the distribution and ecology of plague as well as the medical countermeasures to protect our population are also provided. Lastly, we present some biosafety and biosecurity information related to Y. pestis and plague.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruifu Yang
- Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Steve Atkinson
- School of Life Sciences, Centre for Biomolecular Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Ziqi Chen
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yujun Cui
- Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Zongmin Du
- Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Yanping Han
- Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Florent Sebbane
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, Inserm, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur Lille, U1019-UMR 9017-CIIL-Center for Infection and Immunity of Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Philip Slavin
- Division of History and Politics, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LJ, UK
| | - Yajun Song
- Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Yanfeng Yan
- Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Yarong Wu
- Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Lei Xu
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Chutian Zhang
- College of Natural Resources and Environment, Northwest A&F University, Yangling 712100, China
| | - Yun Zhang
- Vanke School of Public Health, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - B. Joseph Hinnebusch
- Laboratory of Bacteriology, Rocky Mountain Laboratories, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Hamilton, Montana, USA
| | - Nils Chr. Stenseth
- Centre for Ecological and Evolutionary Synthesis, Department of Biosciences, University of Oslo, N-0316 Oslo, Norway
| | - Vladimir L. Motin
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
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7
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Zhu M, Zhang D, Zhang L, Zhao L, Xu L, Wang B, Zhang X, Chen J, Bei Z, Wang H, Zhou D, Yang W, Song Y. Spray-Dried Inhalable Powder Formulations of Gentamicin Designed for Pneumonic Plague Therapy in a Mouse Model. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14122646. [PMID: 36559140 PMCID: PMC9782578 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14122646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection with Yersinia pestis (Y. pestis) may cause pneumonic plague, which is inevitably fatal without treatment. Gentamicin (GM), an aminoglycoside antibiotic, is a drug commonly used in the treatment of plague. However, it requires repeated intramuscular or intravenous administration. Pulmonary drug delivery is noninvasive, with the advantages of local targeting and reduced risk of systemic toxicity. In this study, GM powders were prepared using spray-drying technology. The powders displayed good physical and chemical properties and met the requirements for human pulmonary inhalation. The formulation of the powders was optimized using a 32 full factorial design. A formulation of 15% (w/w) of L-leucine was prepared, and the spray-drying process parameters using an inlet temperature of 120°C and a 15% pump rate were determined to produce the best powder. In addition, the optimized GM spray-dried powders were characterized in terms of morphology, crystallinity, powder fluidity, and aerodynamic particle size distribution analysis. In a mouse model of pneumonic plague, we compared the therapeutic effects among three administration routes, including subcutaneous injection, liquid atomization, and dry powder atomization. In conclusion, our data suggest that inhalation therapy with GM spray-dried powders is an effective treatment for pneumonic plague.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menghuan Zhu
- School of Public Health and Health Management, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Dongna Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Lili Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Liangliang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Likun Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Baogang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Xinyu Zhang
- School of Public Health and Health Management, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Jinwei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Zhuchun Bei
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Hong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Dongsheng Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Wenhui Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
- Correspondence: (W.Y.); (Y.S.)
| | - Yabin Song
- School of Public Health and Health Management, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China
- Correspondence: (W.Y.); (Y.S.)
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8
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Lee JH, Duster M, Roberts T, Devinsky O. United States Dietary Trends Since 1800: Lack of Association Between Saturated Fatty Acid Consumption and Non-communicable Diseases. Front Nutr 2022; 8:748847. [PMID: 35118102 PMCID: PMC8805510 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2021.748847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
We reviewed data on the American diet from 1800 to 2019. Methods: We examined food availability and estimated consumption data from 1800 to 2019 using historical sources from the federal government and additional public data sources. Results: Processed and ultra-processed foods increased from <5 to >60% of foods. Large increases occurred for sugar, white and whole wheat flour, rice, poultry, eggs, vegetable oils, dairy products, and fresh vegetables. Saturated fats from animal sources declined while polyunsaturated fats from vegetable oils rose. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) rose over the twentieth century in parallel with increased consumption of processed foods, including sugar, refined flour and rice, and vegetable oils. Saturated fats from animal sources were inversely correlated with the prevalence of NCDs. Conclusions: As observed from the food availability data, processed and ultra-processed foods dramatically increased over the past two centuries, especially sugar, white flour, white rice, vegetable oils, and ready-to-eat meals. These changes paralleled the rising incidence of NCDs, while animal fat consumption was inversely correlated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce H. Lee
- Department of Neurology, New York University, Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Miranda Duster
- Department of Neurology, New York University, Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Timothy Roberts
- New York University, Health Sciences Library, New York, NY, United States
| | - Orrin Devinsky
- Department of Neurology, New York University, Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
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9
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Rosario-Acevedo R, Biryukov SS, Bozue JA, Cote CK. Plague Prevention and Therapy: Perspectives on Current and Future Strategies. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9101421. [PMID: 34680537 PMCID: PMC8533540 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9101421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Plague, caused by the bacterial pathogen Yersinia pestis, is a vector-borne disease that has caused millions of human deaths over several centuries. Presently, human plague infections continue throughout the world. Transmission from one host to another relies mainly on infected flea bites, which can cause enlarged lymph nodes called buboes, followed by septicemic dissemination of the pathogen. Additionally, droplet inhalation after close contact with infected mammals can result in primary pneumonic plague. Here, we review research advances in the areas of vaccines and therapeutics for plague in context of Y. pestis virulence factors and disease pathogenesis. Plague continues to be both a public health threat and a biodefense concern and we highlight research that is important for infection mitigation and disease treatment.
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10
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Nelson CA, Meaney-Delman D, Fleck-Derderian S, Cooley KM, Yu PA, Mead PS. Antimicrobial Treatment and Prophylaxis of Plague: Recommendations for Naturally Acquired Infections and Bioterrorism Response. MMWR Recomm Rep 2021; 70:1-27. [PMID: 34264565 PMCID: PMC8312557 DOI: 10.15585/mmwr.rr7003a1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This report provides CDC recommendations to U.S. health care providers regarding
treatment, pre-exposure prophylaxis, and postexposure prophylaxis of plague.
Yersinia pestis, the bacterium that causes plague, leads to
naturally occurring disease in the United States and other regions worldwide and
is recognized as a potential bioterrorism weapon. A bioweapon attack with
Y. pestis could potentially infect thousands, requiring
rapid and informed decision making by clinicians and public health agencies. The
U.S. government stockpiles a variety of medical countermeasures to mitigate the
effects of a bioterrorism attack (e.g., antimicrobials, antitoxins, and
vaccines) for which the 21st Century Cures Act mandates the development of
evidence-based guidelines on appropriate use. Guidelines for treatment and
postexposure prophylaxis of plague were published in 2000 by a nongovernmental
work group; since then, new human clinical data, animal study data, and U.S.
Food and Drug Administration approvals of additional countermeasures have become
available. To develop a comprehensive set of updated guidelines, CDC conducted a
series of systematic literature reviews on human treatment of plague and other
relevant topics to collect a broad evidence base for the recommendations in this
report. Evidence from CDC reviews and additional sources were presented to
subject matter experts during a series of forums. CDC considered individual
expert input while developing these guidelines, which provide recommended best
practices for treatment and prophylaxis of human plague for both naturally
occurring disease and following a bioterrorism attack. The guidelines do not
include information on diagnostic testing, triage decisions, or logistics
involved in dispensing medical countermeasures. Clinicians and public health
officials can use these guidelines to prepare their organizations, hospitals,
and communities to respond to a plague mass-casualty event and as a guide for
treating patients affected by plague.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Patricia A Yu
- National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases,CDC
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11
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O’Brien C, Varty K, Ignaszak A. The electrochemical detection of bioterrorism agents: a review of the detection, diagnostics, and implementation of sensors in biosafety programs for Class A bioweapons. MICROSYSTEMS & NANOENGINEERING 2021; 7:16. [PMID: 33585038 PMCID: PMC7872827 DOI: 10.1038/s41378-021-00242-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
During the past year, disease has shown us the iron grip it can hold over a population of people. Health systems can be overwhelmed, economies can be brought into recession, and many people can be harmed or killed. When weaponized, diseases can be manipulated to create a detriment to health while becoming an economic burden on any society. It is consequently prudent that easy detection of bioweapons is available to governments for protecting their people. Electrochemical sensing displays many distinct advantages, such as its low limit of detection, low cost to run, rapid generation of results, and in many instances portability. We therefore present a wide array of electrochemical sensing platforms currently being fabricated, a brief summary of Class A bioweapons, and the potential future of bioweapon detection and biosafety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor O’Brien
- Department of Chemistry, University of New Brunswick, 30 Dineen Drive, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3 Canada
| | - Kathleen Varty
- Department of Chemistry, University of New Brunswick, 30 Dineen Drive, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3 Canada
| | - Anna Ignaszak
- Department of Chemistry, University of New Brunswick, 30 Dineen Drive, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3 Canada
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History of the Plague: An Ancient Pandemic for the Age of COVID-19. Am J Med 2021; 134:176-181. [PMID: 32979306 PMCID: PMC7513766 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2020.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
During the fourteenth century, the bubonic plague or Black Death killed more than one third of Europe or 25 million people. Those afflicted died quickly and horribly from an unseen menace, spiking high fevers with suppurative buboes (swellings). Its causative agent is Yersinia pestis, creating recurrent plague cycles from the Bronze Age into modern-day California and Mongolia. Plague remains endemic in Madagascar, Congo, and Peru. This history of medicine review highlights plague events across the centuries. Transmission is by fleas carried on rats, although new theories include via human body lice and infected grain. We discuss symptomatology and treatment options. Pneumonic plague can be weaponized for bioterrorism, highlighting the importance of understanding its clinical syndromes. Carriers of recessive familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) mutations have natural immunity against Y. pestis. During the Black Death, Jews were blamed for the bubonic plague, perhaps because Jews carried FMF mutations and died at lower plague rates than Christians. Blaming minorities for epidemics echoes across history into our current coronavirus pandemic and provides insightful lessons for managing and improving its outcomes.
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Abstract
The emergence and spread of infectious diseases with pandemic potential occurred regularly throughout history. Major pandemics and epidemics such as plague, cholera, flu, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) have already afflicted humanity. The world is now facing the new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Many infectious diseases leading to pandemics are caused by zoonotic pathogens that were transmitted to humans due to increased contacts with animals through breeding, hunting and global trade activities. The understanding of the mechanisms of transmission of pathogens to humans allowed the establishment of methods to prevent and control infections. During centuries, implementation of public health measures such as isolation, quarantine and border control helped to contain the spread of infectious diseases and maintain the structure of the society. In the absence of pharmaceutical interventions, these containment methods have still been used nowadays to control COVID-19 pandemic. Global surveillance programs of water-borne pathogens, vector-borne diseases and zoonotic spillovers at the animal-human interface are of prime importance to rapidly detect the emergence of infectious threats. Novel technologies for rapid diagnostic testing, contact tracing, drug repurposing, biomarkers of disease severity as well as new platforms for the development and production of vaccines are needed for an effective response in case of pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyne Piret
- CHU de Québec - Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Guy Boivin
- CHU de Québec - Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada
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Municipal waste management in the era of COVID-19: Perceptions, practices, and potentials for research in developing countries. RESEARCH IN GLOBALIZATION 2020; 2. [PMCID: PMC7681036 DOI: 10.1016/j.resglo.2020.100033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The novel COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted all facets of society globally. Often overlooked is the potential contamination of the waste disposed by individuals diagnosed with the virus. The proliferation of contaminated waste is expected to increase as cases increase. The pandemic has caused a surge in waste material stemming from the widespread use of disposable personal protective equipment at the household level. In the developing countries where waste management measures are relatively inadequate, the vulnerability of COVID-19 contraction from contaminated waste is high. This study intended to unravel the susceptibility of communities in the developing countries of Guyana and Nigeria to the potential spread of the virus through waste. The study explored the possibility of cross-contamination between residents and landfill scavengers, the community perception on the effectiveness of their solid waste practices, the notable changes in waste collection and waste disposal patterns, and also, the potential knowledge / policy gaps that exist. An online survey was administered within all the districts of the two countries and the qualitative assessment was conducted demonstrating the proportional trends in the responses of the participants. Findings showed that the communities were relatively perceptive about the issue of waste disposal and the potential contamination of COVID-19. The communities readily recognized the inefficiencies of the waste management systems and the need for policy intervention. Tackling the issue of COVID-19 and waste management in the developing countries of Guyana and Nigeria requires policies that are holistic and participatory involving stakeholder at all levels.
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