Global Pandemic Research Articles

Enhancement of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA Vaccine Efficacy through the Application of TMSB10 UTR for Superior Antigen Presentation and Immune Activation.

The development of effective vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 remains a critical challenge amidst the ongoing global pandemic. This study introduces a novel approach to enhancing mRNA vaccine efficacy by leveraging the untranslated region (UTR) of TMSB10, a gene identified for its significant mRNA abundance in antigen-presenting cells. Utilizing the GEO database, we identified TMSB10 among nine genes, with the highest mRNA abundance in dendritic cell subtypes. Subsequent experiments revealed that TMSB10's UTR significantly enhances the expression of a reporter gene in both antigen-presenting and 293T cells, surpassing other candidates and a previously optimized natural UTR. A comparative analysis demonstrated that TMSB10 UTR not only facilitated a higher reporter gene expression in vitro but also showed marked superiority in vivo, leading to enhanced specific humoral and cellular immune responses against the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant RBD antigen. Specifically, vaccines incorporating TMSB10 UTR induced significantly higher levels of specific IgG antibodies and promoted a robust T-cell immune response, characterized by the increased secretion of IFN-γ and IL-4 and the proliferation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. These findings underscore the potential of TMSB10 UTR as a strategic component in mRNA vaccine design, offering a promising avenue to bolster vaccine-induced immunity against SARS-CoV-2 and, potentially, other pathogens.

Precision Medicine for COVID-19 Based on the Inflammatory Response

Background The threat due to the global pandemic of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) demands a search for effective treatments to combat the severity of the infections and their associated morbidity and mortality in vulnerable populations. One of the medications with putative antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects is fluvoxamine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor and σ-1 receptor agonist. A few studies have reported doses of 100–300 mg/day to be effective. Aim This retrospective study evaluates the outcomes of an individually tailored dosing strategy for fluvoxamine, based on measurements of inflammatory status, in treating COVID-19-positive individuals in India. Methods This study included patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection visiting the outpatient department of a super speciality hospital in India from February to July 2021. Fluvoxamine was initiated at 50 mg or 100 mg twice daily based on their individual C-reactive protein (CRP) and D-dimer status. By day five, patients with rising or static levels of CRP and D-dimer were up-titrated. Results In a population of 104 individuals infected with COVID-19, 10 required up-titration of dose, and 94 patients did not need up-titration. Overall, there was very low mortality (N = 1) and hospitalization rate (8.7%). Those individuals who required an up-titration on day five had significantly elevated CRP and D-dimer levels compared to those who were maintained at the initial dose of 50 mg twice daily. In such patients, up-titration of the dose on day 5 appeared to offer better treatment benefits and outcomes. In our study population, there was only one mortality during the course of COVID-19. Conclusions Given the individual variability in the host immune response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, tailoring the dose of a drug such as fluvoxamine based on the inflammatory status of the individual may be beneficial. Individually tailored dosing could combat disease progression while reducing side effects.

The relationship between interoceptive emotional awareness, neuroticism, and depression, anxiety, and stress.

COVID-19 has caused challenges to daily living globally, with profound implications for negative mood. A variety of state and trait-based factors can influence how a person may respond and adapt to challenges such as a global pandemic. Personality is an area impacting how a person responds to both internal and external situations (trait) and Emotional Awareness (EA) is a facet of interoception (an awareness of the mind-body connection) that determines the way an individual interprets their physiological state of the body, and the associated emotions (state-trait). Both areas have been well researched in isolation, however the body of literature exploring the relationships between both is much smaller. It would therefore be beneficial to explore the interrelationships of both state and trait factors on wellbeing to enable a more comprehensive understanding. It was hypothesised that EA would moderate the relationship between Neuroticism and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress. Participants residing in Australia during periods of imposed lockdown were included within the study (n = 838; Ages = 18-60 years) and completed an online questionnaire battery including a variety of state and trait questionnaires. A moderation analysis was conducted to explore whether Emotional Awareness changed the relationship between neuroticism and depression, anxiety, and stress utilising an alpha of < .05. EA moderated the relationship between Neuroticism and Anxiety (p = .001, 95% CI .03-.17)), and Stress (p = .02 95% CI.01-.13), but not Depression (p = .23, 95% CI .03-.13). As Neuroticism increased, negative mood increased for all levels of EA, however those high in Neuroticism and EA displayed the highest Anxiety and Stress. Interventions to increase EA, such as mindfulness, may have adverse effects for individuals high in Neuroticism, emphasising the importance of tailored interventions and supporting the assumption that high levels of Neuroticism represent increased vulnerability during a pandemic.

Similarities yet Divergence in South Asian Macroeconomic Performance

&#x0D; Stylized business cycle facts for South Asia are both similar and different from other regions. They show the dominance of supply shocks, often amplified by macroeconomic policies and procyclical current accounts. Interest and exchange rate volatility rose initially on liberalization, but fell as markets deepened. A gradual approach to openness and market development, with flexible exchange rates, that avoided complete liberalization, worked well initially. But a combination of excessive government/foreign borrowing and inadequate reserves made it difficult for smaller countries to withstand the multiple external shocks that began with the global pandemic. Domestic ability to smooth shocks and global safety nets are both essential. India benefitted from growing diversity, evolution to countercyclical macroeconomic policy better suited to structure and a good coordination of monetary and fiscal policies, with balance between demand stimulus and continuing supply-side reforms. Reserves and capital flow management policies helped insulate from global shocks. Intervention damped excess exchange rate volatility, reducing risk premiums.&#x0D;

Exploring the Linguistic Landscape of a Global Pandemic: Covid-19 Neologisms

Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic has given rise to a great number of neologisms that summarize the unique experiences and challenges of the global health crisis. This article investigates the creation methods, communicative purposes, and social reflections of these new constructions. Theoretical Framework: The connection between language, culture, and the COVID-19 pandemic is examined using an analytical approach based on a thorough literature review. The theoretical analysis in this descriptive qualitative study is based on structural semantics. Methodology: 35 neologisms widely used in the media, social networks, and conversational communication in Albanian during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic were collected and analyzed according to their word formation properties and semantic content. Findings: Our analysis shows that the urgency and universality of efforts to combat the pandemic have accelerated the rapid manifestation of new lexical units. These neologisms arise predominantly as full or partial direct borrowings, with English serving as the primary source language. Emergence processes include translation loans, borrowings, semantic loans, derivations, and mixed methods, reflecting the adaptability of the language in response to new challenges. Research Practical and Social Implication: These neologisms often appear as internationalisms, reflecting their widespread adoption across linguistic and cultural boundaries. By elucidating the mechanisms of the formation and spread of neologisms, we gain valuable insights into the evolution of language in response to global crises. Originality/Value: With this analysis, we aim to inform future research efforts and promote a nuanced understanding of the pandemic’s diverse effects on communication and society.

Study anti-viral drugs for their efficiency against multiple SARS CoV-2 drug targets within molecular docking, molecular quantum similarity, and chemical reactivity indices frameworks

The study focused on drug discovery for COVID-19, emphasizing the challenges posed by the pandemic and the importance of understanding the virus’s biology. The research utilized molecular docking and quantum similarity analyses to explore potential ligands for SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. Docking Results Docking outcomes for various ligands, including Oseltamivir, Prochloraz, Valacyclovir, Baricitinib, Molnupiravir, Penciclovir, Famciclovir, Lamivudine, and Nitazoxanide, were presented. Interactions between ligands and specific residues in the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase were analyzed. Reactivity Descriptors Global parameters, such as electronic chemical potential, chemical hardness, global softness, and global electrophilicity, were computed for the ligands. For the local reactivity descriptors, the Fukui Functions were used. Fukui functions, representing electrophilic and nucleophilic sites, were calculated for selected ligands (Valacyclovir and Penciclovir). Nucleophilic character assignments for specific molecular regions were discussed, providing insights into potential charge-donating interactions. Results and Discussion Challenges in COVID-19 drug discovery, such as virus mutability, rapid evolution, and resource limitations, were summarized. Progress in vaccine development and the need for ongoing research to address variants and breakthrough cases were emphasized. Overlap Operator Analysis Higher MQSM between Lamivudine and Molnupiravir (0.5742) indicates structural and electronic similarity. Lowest MQSM between Oseltamivir and Prochloraz (0.2233) implies structural dissimilarity. Coulomb Operator Analysis Higher MQSM between Lamivudine and Molnupiravir (0.9178) suggests both structural and electronic similarity. Lowest MQSM between Baricitinib and Famciclovir (0.6001) indicates greater structural diversity. Measurements above 0.5 in Table 3 suggest electronic similarity, emphasizing the electronic aspects in molecular analysis. In this sense, it study employed a multi-faceted approach combining molecular docking, quantum similarity analyses, and chemical reactivity assessments to explore potential drug candidates for COVID-19. The findings provide valuable insights into ligand interactions, reactivity patterns, and the challenges associated with drug discovery in the context of the global pandemic.

Diagnostic performance, stability, and acceptability of self-collected saliva without additives for SARS-CoV-2 molecular diagnosis.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), leading to a global pandemic. The molecular diagnosis of this virus is mostly performed by collecting upper respiratory samples, which has many disadvantages, including patient discomfort and the need for trained healthcare professionals. Although saliva has emerged as a more comfortable sample, the use of additives to preserve viral RNA is expensive and, in some cases, difficult for self-collection. This study evaluated the diagnostic performance by RT-PCR and stability of self-collected saliva using wide-mouth specimen collection cups without stabilization and/or inactivation buffers for SARS-CoV-2 detection, compared to nasopharyngeal samples and saliva collected with additives. Additionally, the study assessed the acceptability of this sample collection method among participants and healthcare personnel. The study included 1281 volunteers with a 24.6% positive infection rate. Saliva demonstrated comparable diagnostic performance to nasopharyngeal samples, with a sensitivity of 87.6% and specificity of 99.6%, for a total percent agreement of 96.4%. The study also showed that viral RNA in saliva remained stable for at least 72h at different temperatures. Notably, saliva samples without additives exhibited a lower RdRp Ct compared to samples with additives, suggesting that the absence of stabilization and/or inactivation buffers does not significantly affect its performance. The study highlighted the acceptability of saliva among patients and healthcare personnel due to its noninvasive nature and ease of collection. This research supports the implementation of self-collected saliva as a comfortable and user-friendly alternative sample for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis.

Enacting teacher emotion, agency, and professional identity: A netnography of a novice Chinese language teacher’s crisis teaching

This netnography explores how teacher agency, emotion regulation, and professional identity were enacted by a novice Chinese language teacher in response to emergency remote teaching (ERT) in Australia amid the global pandemic. Ecologically sound, netnography creates uncoerced spaces to allow participants to have their voices heard, thus enabling researchers to discover nuanced patterns linked to the social-emotional state and wellbeing of the community members, regarding fears, tensions, and resilience triggered by ERT. Multiple data sources were triangulated from the teacher’s reflection journal, digital teaching artifacts, debriefing sessions, interviews, and online questionnaire responses. Thematic analysis reveals teacher identity was re-envisioned through crisis teaching pedagogy and the regulation of negative emotions to facilitate agency, which reciprocally bolstered teacher identity. The findings also indicate teacher identity development is challenged and shaped by negotiating a new role in remote teaching, thus impacting pre-ERT identity. Hence, the emotion regulation trajectory of ERT can stimulate and encourage technology-enhanced professional learning as teacher agency and resilience reinforce a new identity reimagined as a capable online teacher. By situating novice teacher agency, emotion regulation, and emerging identity in crisis teaching, this netnographic research conceptualises how ERT presents not only challenges for novice teachers’ identity development and emotion, but also the sustainability and empowerment of online teaching and professional growth of impacted teachers of Asian languages.

Analysis of the 50 Most Impactful Publications Pertaining to COVID-19 and Orthopaedic Surgery: What Have we Learned?

Purpose There has been abundant research published regarding the impact of COVID-19 on orthopaedic surgical patients which have varying degrees of impact on clinical practice. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the most influential articles relating to COVID-19 and patients undergoing orthopaedic surgical procedures. Though the global pandemic is over, it is beneficial to understand how the resilience of the healthcare system adapted to guide policy development and improve patient care amidst a worldwide time of crisis. Methods The Clarivate Web of Science Core Collection was searched for ‘COVID-19 AND orthopaedic surgery’ and returned 388 articles. The most influential peer-reviewed publications were determined by citation number. Expert opinion and review articles were excluded. Article title, journal name, type of study, country of publication, and clinically relevant findings of each study were collected. Results The top-50 most influential manuscripts concluded these articles were collectively cited 1875 times. The total citations ranged from 13 to 111 citations per article with a mean of 38 (95% confidence interval [31, 44]). England (14), the United States (11), and Italy (10) had the top number of publications. The top affiliations were IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi (5) and the University of London (4). The most popular journals were Bone &amp; Joint Open (10) and International Orthopaedics (10). Though the articles were largely heterogeneous, they described the necessity of orthopaedic surgeons during the pandemic as well as safety precautions to prevent COVID-19 transmission in orthopaedic patients. Conclusion This comprehensive analysis identified the 50 most influential peer-reviewed clinical publications regarding COVID-19 and orthopaedic surgery, which is a concise resource that can be used to inform patient decision-making regarding orthopaedic care and COVID-19. The top-50 articles highlighted the importance of resource utilization, increased use of telemedicine, enhanced infection control measures, patient-centered care, and the well-being of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Observations on status and trends of agricultural extension and inequality in Uganda

The global pandemic has accentuated inequalities, with vulnerable populations in developing countries fairing worst. In rural sub-Saharan Africa, restrictions on mobility to limit the spread of COVID-19 negatively impacted access to extension services and inputs by farmers. In response, countries deployed digital technologies to meet some of these challenges in the context of existing income, gender and spatial inequalities and historic declines in funding for public extension. Focusing on Uganda, which had one of the longest and strictest lockdowns, the paper used panel datasets of farmers from 2005 to 2019/2020 and found persistent socio-economic and gender inequalities in access to extension. Data from rapid rural surveys from 2020 to 2021 and a review of recent literature suggest these inequalities increased during the pandemic. The paper then builds on the structure and reforms of the current extension system to assess the potential of the digital services and their added value given the inequalities observed. The paper finds that the ability of government-led, inclusive, digital extension services is limited unless investments in extension are increased. In light of long-term declines in funding for extension, future research should focus on the effectiveness of policies to encourage private sector-led digital extension efforts to strengthen the pro-poor nature of agricultural growth.

Conducting Care-full Research: Collaborative Research amidst Corona, a Coup, and Other Crises

Abstract Feminists have long called attention to often profoundly uneven power relations in international relations research, assumptions regarding who is able to be a “knowledge producer,” and the risks of extractive research. In research “on” and with young people, these dilemmas are compounded by ageist suppositions about youth competencies. This paper reflects on efforts by the authors to design and undertake a youth-led, adult-supported research project on youth activism and peace processes in South Sudan, Afghanistan, and Myanmar through virtual interviews. It discusses how our approach to skills training, mentorship, and research design empowers youth researchers to engage in dialogue with youth peacebuilders to establish a more collaborative research agenda. Centering collaboration offers opportunities for more responsive engagement with communities traditionally marginalized within the research environment. The global pandemic has raised questions about research at a distance, the requirements of “participation,” and the ethics of reciprocity with research participants as knowledge producers. In each case, challenges raised difficult questions about the ethics of pursuing research in these complex contexts. We offer the idea of care-full research that centers a feminist, reflexive approach, is collaborative in multiple ways, and generates new possibilities for knowledge creation amidst multiple crises and beyond.

Leveraging Robotics in the Digital Transformation of Healthcare for Global Pandemic Response

Leveraging Robotics in the Digital Transformation of Healthcare for Global Pandemic Response

The Significance of Selected Myokines in Predicting the Length of Rehabilitation of Patients after COVID-19 Infection.

In the context of the global COVID-19 pandemic, understanding the intricate mechanisms of the body's response to infection and inflammation has become a priority for the medical and research communities. It has been proven that during COVID-19 infection, molecules are secreted-namely organokines, which may directly or indirectly play a role in the pathophysiology of COVID-19. The objective of this study was to scrutinize the potential correlation between the levels of selected myokines (myostatin, agrin, irisin, and myonectin) and the duration of rehabilitation in post-COVID-19 patients. Additionally, the study aimed to investigate whether there is a correlation between the levels of these myokines and the length of hospitalization during COVID-19 treatment. The study was conducted at the Rehabilitation Hospital in Szczecin (Poland). Patients in the study participated in a comprehensive rehabilitation program following COVID-19 treatment. In order to assess the effectiveness of rehabilitation, the following tests were performed: a 6 min walk test with an assessment of exercise tolerance (Borg scale), an assessment of dyspnea severity (mMRC scale), a spirometric assessment of respiratory function, a measurement of arm strength, and an assessment of fatigue using the Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS). Myokine levels were measured using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) according to the manufacturer's instructions. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistica 13.1 software. Lower concentrations of irisin and myonectin and higher concentrations of myostatin correlated with longer rehabilitation time. Baseline levels of specific myokines in post-COVID-19 patients could play a crucial role in anticipating the duration of rehabilitation. The duration of hospitalization for the infection may influence myokine levels in patients recovering from COVID-19.

High-Precision Viral Detection Using Electrochemical Kinetic Profiling of Aptamer-Antigen Recognition in Clinical Samples and Machine Learning.

High-precision viral detection at point of need with clinical samples plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis of infectious diseases and the control of a global pandemic. However, the complexity of clinical samples that often contain very low viral concentrations makes it a huge challenge to develop simple diagnostic devices that do not require any sample processing and yet are capable of meeting performance metrics such as very high sensitivity and specificity. Herein we describe a new single-pot and single-step electrochemical method that uses real-time kinetic profiling of the interaction between a high-affinity aptamer and an antigen on a viral surface. This method generates many data points per sample, which when combined with machine learning, can deliver highly accurate test results in a short testing time. We demonstrate this concept using both SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza A viruses as model viruses with specifically engineered high-affinity aptamers. Utilizing this technique to diagnose COVID-19 with 37 real human saliva samples results in a sensitivity and specificity of both 100 % (27 true negatives and 10 true positives, with 0 false negative and 0 false positive), which showcases the superb diagnostic precision of this method.

High‐Precision Viral Detection Using Electrochemical Kinetic Profiling of Aptamer‐Antigen Recognition in Clinical Samples and Machine Learning

AbstractHigh‐precision viral detection at point of need with clinical samples plays a pivotal role in the diagnosis of infectious diseases and the control of a global pandemic. However, the complexity of clinical samples that often contain very low viral concentrations makes it a huge challenge to develop simple diagnostic devices that do not require any sample processing and yet are capable of meeting performance metrics such as very high sensitivity and specificity. Herein we describe a new single‐pot and single‐step electrochemical method that uses real‐time kinetic profiling of the interaction between a high‐affinity aptamer and an antigen on a viral surface. This method generates many data points per sample, which when combined with machine learning, can deliver highly accurate test results in a short testing time. We demonstrate this concept using both SARS‐CoV‐2 and Influenza A viruses as model viruses with specifically engineered high‐affinity aptamers. Utilizing this technique to diagnose COVID‐19 with 37 real human saliva samples results in a sensitivity and specificity of both 100 % (27 true negatives and 10 true positives, with 0 false negative and 0 false positive), which showcases the superb diagnostic precision of this method.

Exploring pathways to successful aging among older black lesbians and sexual minority women: A focus on life satisfaction and intersectional factors

Purpose Satisfaction with life is a core aspect of successful aging, which is influenced by a broad range of factors, including health, socioeconomic status, and social relationships. Black lesbians experience various social challenges, including racism, sexism, ageism, and heterosexualism, that may present as deterrents to aging successfully. To develop better policies and programs in support of successful aging among all adults, an understanding of the unique components associated with their intersecting identities must be explored. This study was carried out to gain a better understanding of how Black lesbians and other Black sexual minority women (BSMW) view successful aging within the context of life satisfaction. Methods Inferential statistics were used to determine relationships between satisfaction with life (SWLS-3) and selected independent variables. Backward stepwise regression was conducted to ascertain significant relationships of the study outcome variable. Results The respondents were 118 Black lesbians and other BSMW aged 50 and above. Independent t-tests showed that those living with a partner had a significantly higher SWLS-3. Backwards stepwise regression indicated the predictor variables for higher rates of SWLS-3 to be harmony in life, annual household income, and provider sensitivity/cultural competence to their patient being Black. Conclusion This study provides insight on factors increasing and diminishing satisfaction with life for aging Black lesbians and other BSMW. Future research should replicate this study with a more diverse and nationally representative sample, especially given the study limitations of having recruited a highly educated sample during a global pandemic.

The Role of Science Teachers in the Implementation of Quality School based Assessments in Selected Zambian Secondary Schools

The introduction of School based Assessments in Zambia were aimed at improving the teaching and learning as well as raise the bar of students performance in the country. However, the implementation of SBA in secondary schools faces unique challenges, particularly in the context of Zambia, exacerbated by the global COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigated the implementation of SBA in science subjects within selected Zambian schools, aiming to develop an evidence-based framework for sustaining the quality delivery of SBA in science education. Through a comprehensive investigation, this research examined the alignment of SBA practices with guidelines and identified gaps in implementation processes. Key objectives included assessing the evaluation of SBA policy since its rollout, examining administration processes, identifying challenges faced by stakeholders, and proposing interventions for improvement. Methodologically, the study employed tools such as questionnaires, interviews, and Focus Group Discussions to collect data. Qualitative data was analysed thematically while quantitative data was analysed using SPSS tool. Research findings revealed that teachers perceived SBA as a process of enhancing teaching and learning of science through the conduct of experiments which in turn improved teachers’ capacity and confidence in handling practical lessons. SBA provided teachers with an opportunity to closely monitor learners’ strengths and weaknesses as well as checking progress of learning. However, a considerable number of teachers held that SBA was an additional load onto their already burdened schedules but mandated to implement it as it was policy. Low staffing levels, time allocated to each science period, the number of tasks, inadequate laboratories and apparatus, resource constraints, high levels of enrolment resulting from positive response of Free Education Policy, many classes to teach by one teacher and lack of motivation, dominated the challenges faced by teachers in SBA implementation. The categorization of SBA revealed a duty-bound approach towards SBA (symbolic compliance), as SBA marks were mandatory for totalling learners’ final marks at the end of secondary school level. The study's recommendations aimed to enhance SBA implementation and foster positive educational outcomes. Furthermore, suggestions for future research include exploring the long-term impact of SBAs on academic performance, conducting comparative studies across different subjects, investigating technology integration, and exploring stakeholder perspectives. The research has contributed valuable insights to the discourse on educational assessment practices, providing a foundation for informed decision-making and strategic actions to improve science education in Zambian schools and beyond.

Monkeypox Detection using CSA Based K-Means Clustering with Swin Transformer Model

Despite the global COVID-19 pandemic, public health professionals are also concerned about a possible new monkeypox epidemic. Similar to vaccinia, cowpox, and variola, the orthopoxvirus that causes monkeypox has two strands that are double-stranded. Many people have propagated the current pandemic through sexual means, particularly those who identify as bisexual or gay. The speed with which monkeypox was detected is the most important element here. In order to catch monkeypox before it infects more people, machine learning could be a huge help in making a quick and accurate diagnosis. Finding a solution is the driving force behind this project, which aims to develop a model for detecting monkeypox using deep learning and image processing. For optimal cluster selection during photo segmentation, the Chameleon Swarm Algorithm (CSA) employs K-means clustering. Examining the accuracy with which the Swin Transformer model identified instances of monkeypox was the driving force for this study. The proposed techniques are evaluated on two datasets: Kaggle Monkeypox Skin Lesion Dataset (MSLD) besides the Monkeypox Skin Image Dataset (MSID). We assessed the outcomes of various deep learning models using sensitivity, specificity, and balanced accuracy. Positive results from the projected process raise the possibility of its widespread application in monkeypox detection. This ingenious and cheap method can be put to good use in economically deprived communities that may not have access to proper laboratory facilities.

A Narrative Review of Psychobiotics: Probiotics That Influence the Gut-Brain Axis.

Mental health disorders and dementia have become a serious public health concern, with a heightened frequency of diagnoses observed in the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Psychobiotics, a novel area of research at the intersection of microbiology and neuroscience, explore the potential of probiotics to influence the nervous system and mental health outcomes. This review explores the intricate mechanisms by which psychobiotics interact with the gut-brain axis, shedding light on their effects on mood, cognition, and the stress response. Through a comprehensive analysis of the current literature and recent advancements, we discuss the therapeutic potential of psychobiotics in various mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and neurodegenerative diseases like dementia. The findings from this research highlight the promising potential of psychobiotics as innovative interventions in mental health treatment. Further investigation into their mechanisms of action and clinical applications is warranted to fully realize their therapeutic benefits.

ER-export and ARFRP1/AP-1-dependent delivery of SARS-CoV-2 Envelope to lysosomes controls late stages of viral replication.

The β-coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Coronaviral Envelope (E) proteins are pentameric viroporins that play essential roles in assembly, release, and pathogenesis. We developed a nondisruptive tagging strategy for SARS-CoV-2 E and find that, at steady state, it localizes to the Golgi and to lysosomes. We identify sequences in E, conserved across Coronaviridae, responsible for endoplasmic reticulum-to-Golgi export, and relate this activity to interaction with COP-II via SEC24. Using proximity biotinylation, we identify an ADP ribosylation factor 1/adaptor protein-1 (ARFRP1/AP-1)-dependent pathway allowing Golgi-to-lysosome trafficking of E. We identify sequences in E that bind AP-1, are conserved across β-coronaviruses, and allow E to be trafficked from Golgi to lysosomes. We show that E acts to deacidify lysosomes and, by developing a trans-complementation assay for SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins, that lysosomal delivery of E and its viroporin activity is necessary for efficient viral replication and release.