Trim27-deficient mice are susceptible to streptozotocin-induced diabetes

Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) plays an important role in cell proliferation and apoptosis, and defects in TNF-α-induced apoptosis are associated with various diseases. TRIM27 is a tripartite motif (TRIM) protein containing RING finger, B-box, and coiled-coil domains. We recently reported that TRIM27 positively regulates TNF-α-induced apoptosis through deubiquitination of receptor-interacting protein 1 (RIP1). Multiple studies have suggested a link between TNF-α pathway and various diseases, such as diabetes and colitis. Here, we report that Trim27-deficient mice were susceptible to streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes, a mouse model of diabetes. Infiltration of T cells and cleaved caspase-3 signals were enhanced, and β-cell mass was decreased in Trim27-deficient islets compared to wild-type islets. On the other hand, Trim27-mutation did not affect the dextran sodium sulphate (DSS)-induced colitis. These data support the idea that the TRIM27 mutation is responsible for the development of certain types of diseases

Plasmonic Fluor-enhanced antigen arrays for high-throughput, serological studies of SARS-CoV-2

Serological testing for acute infection or prior exposure is critical for patient management and coordination of public health decisions during outbreaks. Current methods have several limitations, including variable performance, relatively low analytical and clinical sensitivity, and poor detection due to antigenic drift. Serological methods for SARS-CoV-2 detection for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic suffer from several of these limitations and serves as a reminder of the critical need for new technologies. Here, we describe the use of ultrabright fluorescent reagents, Plasmonic Fluors, coupled with antigen arrays that address a subset of these limitations. We demonstrate its application using patient samples in SARS-CoV-2 serological assays. In our multiplexed assay, SARS-CoV-2 antigens were spotted into 48-plex arrays within a single well of a 96-well plate and used to evaluate remnant laboratory samples of SARS-CoV-2 positive patients. Signal-readout was performed with Auragent Bioscience\u27s Empower microplate reader, and microarray analysis software. Sample volumes of 1 μL were used. High sensitivity of the Plasmonic Fluors combined with the array format enabled us to profile patient serological response to eight distinct SARS-CoV-2 antigens and evaluate responses to IgG, IgM, and IgA. Sensitivities for SARS-CoV-2 antigens during the symptomatic state ranged between 72.5 and 95.0%, specificity between 62.5 and 100%, and the resulting area under the curve values between 0.76 and 0.97. Together, these results highlight the increased sensitivity for low sample volumes and multiplex capability. These characteristics make Plasmonic Fluor-enhanced antigen arrays an attractive technology for serological studies for the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond

Nutritional status and dietary diversity of pregnant and nonpregnant reproductive‐age Rohingya women

Abstract There are no data on the nutritional status and dietary diversity of the pregnant and nonpregnant reproductive‐age Rohingya women who have recently shifted to the Bhasan Char Relocation Camp located on an island in the Bay of Bengal. A cross‐sectional survey was conducted in November–December, 2021 to assess the nutritional status and evaluate the dietary diversity of two vulnerable groups of the forcibly displaced Rohingya population: nonpregnant reproductive‐age women and pregnant mothers. Multivariable logistic regression was applied to identify the factors associated with nutritional impairments. Overall, 7.6% of the nonpregnant reproductive‐age women were underweight (Body Mass Index [BMI] < 18.5 kg/m2), and nearly one‐third of them had a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2. However, 26.7% of the pregnant mothers were undernourished (BMI < 20.0 kg/m2) and almost one‐fourth of them were either overweight or obese (BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m2). The prevalence of thinness (Mid Upper Arm Circumference [MUAC] < 23 cm) was 34.5% among pregnant mothers, and 10.1% of them were severely thin (MUAC < 21 cm). The mean (±SD) of the Women's Dietary Diversity Score (WDDS) was 3.3 (±1.1) for nonpregnant reproductive‐age women and 3.7 (±1.3) for pregnant mothers enrolled in this study. Overall, 63.8% of the nonpregnant women of childbearing age and 46% of the pregnant mothers had a low WDDS (WDDS < 4). The WDDS was found to be protective against thinness among nonpregnant reproductive‐age women (AOR = 0.61; 95% CI = 0.37, 0.93; p‐value = .03) and low BMI in pregnant mothers (AOR = 0.71; 95% CI = 0.55, 0.91; p‐value = .01). The results of this survey will assist in early recognition of the nutritional demands, and act as a guide to planning nutrition‐based programs among Rohingya reproductive‐age women relocated to the Bhasan Char Island