Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mathavan Muthaiyan, Leimarembi Devi Naorem, Vassavi Seenappa, Shilpa Sri Pushan, Amouda Venkatesan
Summary: Ebola virus is a deadly pathogen causing hemorrhagic fever, and a study was conducted to analyze the interactions between 270 human proteins and EBOV, creating protein-protein interaction networks to identify potential drug targets against Ebola. Gene enrichment and pathway analysis provided insight into the importance of EBOV-human interactions, with the inclusion of a human-based drug targeted therapy highlighted as significant in drug repurposing.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
H. Damon Matthews, Kirsten Zickfeld, Alexander Koch, Amy Luers
Summary: Nature-based climate solutions can contribute to climate mitigation, but the challenge lies in accounting for temporary carbon storage. This study proposes a tonne-year accounting method to quantify the time aspect of carbon storage and effectively track the climate benefit of temporary carbon storage.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Z. Faidon Brotzakis, Philip R. Lindstedt, Ross J. Taylor, Dillon J. Rinauro, Nicholas C. T. Gallagher, Goncalo J. L. Bernardes, Michele Vendruscolo
Summary: By studying the structure and dynamics of the tau-microtubule complex, we identified the ground state and excited states of the complex, as well as important positions for stability. This analysis revealed the destabilizing effects of phosphorylation and acetylation events on the complex, showcasing how determining ground and excited states can uncover functional and regulatory mechanisms of macromolecular complexes.
ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chuang Shi, Yuan Tian, Fu Zheng, Yong Hu
Summary: This study focuses on the investigation of signal distortion biases (SDBs) in receiver-related pseudorange measurements and proposes an approach to eliminate these biases. The characteristics of SDBs are analyzed based on a large dataset of multi-GNSS experiment stations. The calibration greatly improves the performance of phase bias estimation and increases the consistency of phase bias estimations among different networks. The results demonstrate the importance of considering SDBs for phase bias estimation.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Guohua Zhang, Jingrun Qin, Yue Zhang, Guodong Gong, Zi-Yu Xiong, Xiangyu Ma, Ziyu Lv, Ye Zhou, Su-Ting Han
Summary: The booming development of artificial intelligence (AI) requires faster physical processing units and more efficient algorithms. Reservoir computing (RC) has emerged as an alternative brain-inspired framework for fast learning and low training cost, and memristor-based physical RC systems have gained increasing popularity. This review summarizes the architectures, materials, and applications of memristor-implemented RC systems, explores the dynamic memory behaviors of memristors based on various material systems, and surveys recent advances in the application of memristor-based physical RC systems.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Supranta S. Boruah, Guilhem Lavaux, Michael J. Hudson
Summary: We propose a Bayesian velocity field reconstruction algorithm that uses only peculiar velocity data to reconstruct the mass density field. Our method takes into account the inhomogeneous Malmquist bias and is validated through simulations. We show that our method provides an unbiased reconstruction of the velocity field and is able to obtain a cosmological power spectrum consistent with theoretical expectations. Additionally, we compare our results with independent reconstructions and demonstrate the effectiveness of our method in the local Universe.
MONTHLY NOTICES OF THE ROYAL ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Justin Merondun, Elizabeth M. Kierepka, Aaron B. A. Shafer, Dennis L. Murray
Summary: The study found that the eastern wolf in south-central Canada faces competition threats from gray wolves and coyote-like canids, with limited advantageous niche space, requiring conservation measures to maintain the survival of the population. The research also suggests that competitive disadvantage can limit species' recovery efforts, hence necessitating management measures to promote ecological differentiation between groups.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Qiang Cheng, Hougang Yang, Junxiang Chen, Lijuan Zhao
Summary: This study revealed the genetic structure and evolutionary potential of Marssonina brunnea, an important fungal pathogen of poplar trees. The population displayed high-frequency recombination and functional variation, posing a potential threat to poplar plantations.
Article
Virology
Manabu Igarashi, Takatsugu Hirokawa, Yoshihiro Takadate, Ayato Takada
Summary: This study utilized molecular modeling and molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the structures of NPC1 complexed with GPcls of Ebola virus, Sudan virus, and Marburg virus. Similar binding structures were observed in the complexes of EBOV and SUDV, while differences were found in the RAVV complex. These structural variances may impact the size and shape of the receptor-binding pocket of GPcl, providing valuable insights for understanding host preference differences among filoviruses and contributing to structure-based drug design.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shaohua Fan, Jeffrey P. Spence, Yuanqing Feng, Matthew E. B. Hansen, Jonathan Terhorst, Marcia H. Beltrame, Alessia Ranciaro, Jibril Hirbo, William Beggs, Neil Thomas, Thomas Nyambo, Sununguko Wata Mpoloka, Gaonyadiwe George Mokone, Alfred Njamnshi, Charles Folkunang, Dawit Wolde Meskel, Gurja Belay, Yun S. Song, Sarah A. Tishkoff
Summary: By conducting whole-genome sequencing of indigenous African populations, we identified numerous unreported variants and observed evidence of ancient population structure and introgression events from highly diverged ''ghost'' populations. We also found signatures of local adaptation for traits related to skin color, immune response, height, and metabolic processes.
Article
Microbiology
Aleksandra Krawczyk, Lisa Rottjers, Manoj Fonville, Katshuisa Takumi, Willem Takken, Karoline Faust, Hein Sprong
Summary: The microbiome of Ixodes ricinus ticks varies greatly and is influenced by geographical factors. Vertically transmitted symbionts show different infection rates at different sites, while geographically close sites exhibit similar proportions of these symbionts. This is in contrast to horizontally transmitted pathogens.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Li Liu, Zhen Wang, Yingjuan Su, Ting Wang
Summary: Our study reveals genetic variation in P. chienii populations and identifies signatures of divergent selection associated with environmental variables.
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Francesco Petiziol, Andre Eckardt
Summary: In this paper, we demonstrate how the combination of Floquet engineering and reservoir engineering enables the controlled preparation of target states in superconducting circuits. By working in the extended Floquet space and treating system-cavity coupling and driving-induced excitation processes perturbatively, we successfully achieve reservoir engineering of targeted Floquet states and accurately describe them using an effective time-independent master equation.
PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Arne Traulsen, Michael Sieber
Summary: Microbial populations exhibit a high degree of diversity within populations, which is closely linked to the structure of the population. Endogenous factors, such as genetic and demographic aspects, are driven by ecology and evolutionary dynamics, while exogenous factors are influenced by spatial and temporal properties of the environment. An interesting scenario occurs when the exogenous structure also experiences feedback from the microbial population.
CURRENT OPINION IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Rongchen Li, Ziyao Li, Pingsheng Leng, Zenghui Hu, Jing Wu, Dequan Dou
Summary: Transcriptomic and volatile component analyses revealed that the floral fragrance of tree peony is primarily composed of terpenes, alcohols, and esters, with gene expression differences in the terpenoid backbone biosynthesis pathway and monoterpene metabolic pathway contributing to fragrance variations. This research offers valuable genetic resources for enhancing tree peony fragrance and lays a foundation for further understanding the mechanisms underlying tree peony fragrance.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Iwona E. Glowacka, Katarzyna Gawron, Dorota G. Piotrowska, Mirthe Graus, Graciela Andrei, Dominique Schols, Robert Snoeck, Anita Camps, Emiel Vanhulle, Kurt Vermeire
Summary: In this study, a series of 48 hybrids were synthesised and evaluated for antiviral activity. The hybrids contained a diethoxyphosphoryl group connected to the triazole moiety via ethylene or propylene linker, and substituted benzyl or benzoyl function in the quinazoline-2,4-dione moiety. The hybrids showed potent antiviral activities against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), with some weak activity against varicella zoster virus and human cytomegalovirus.
ANTIVIRAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Virology
Andreas C. Chrysostomou, Bram Vrancken, Christos Haralambous, Maria Alexandrou, Antonia Aristokleous, Christina Christodoulou, Ioanna Gregoriou, Marios Ioannides, Olga Kalakouta, Christos Karagiannis, George Koumbaris, Charalambos Loizides, Michail Mendris, Panagiotis Papastergiou, Philippos C. Patsalis, Despo Pieridou, Jan Richter, Markus Schmitt, Christos Shammas, Dora C. Stylianou, Giorgos Themistokleous, Philippe COMESSAR Network, Philippe G. Lemey, Leondios Kostrikis
Summary: The study analyzed the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Cyprus from November 2020 to October 2021, identifying 61 different lineages and sublineages. Most of the lineages were associated with surges of new infections, including the second, third, and fourth waves. The study highlights the importance of investigating the spatiotemporal evolution of the epidemic and the impact of protective measures to safeguard public health.
Article
Microbiology
Dirk Jochmans, Cheng Liu, Kim Donckers, Antitsa Stoycheva, Sandro Boland, Sarah K. Stevens, Chloe De Vita, Bert Vanmechelen, Piet Maes, Bettina Trueb, Nadine Ebert, Volker Thiel, Steven De Jonghe, Laura Vangeel, Dorothee Bardiot, Andreas Jekle, Lawrence M. Blatt, Leonid Beigelman, Julian A. Symons, Pierre Raboisson, Patrick Chaltin, Arnaud Marchand, Johan Neyts, Jerome Deval, Koen Vandyck
Summary: Paxlovid is the first oral antiviral approved for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Research has identified mutations in the 3CLpro protease that may lead to resistance against Paxlovid. These findings are important for guiding the use of novel antiviral drugs.
Article
Immunology
Yannick Munyeku-Bazitama, Patient Okitale-Talunda, Patrick Mpingabo-Ilunga, Marc K. Yambayamba, Paul M. Tshiminyi, Aime Umba-Phuati, Jacques Kimfuta, Ferdinand A. Phukuta, Goethe Makindu, Raymond Mufwaya-Nsene, Ryoko Asari, Saeda Makimoto, Lionel K. Baketana, Steve Ahuka-Mundeke, Mitsuo Isono, Justus Nsio-Mbeta, Sheila Makiala-Mandanda, Jean-Jacques Muyembe-Tamfum
Summary: A study conducted in Matadi, DRC, revealed a much higher seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 compared to reported cases, indicating significant underestimation of the true burden of COVID-19 in the region. The findings from this population-based survey are crucial for guiding local COVID-19 response, particularly in terms of vaccination strategies.
OPEN FORUM INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Emiel Vanhulle, Jordi Doijen, Joren Stroobants, Becky Provinciael, Sam Noppen, Dominique Schols, Annelies Stevaert, Kurt Vermeire
Summary: Despite vaccination efforts, the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 is still circulating, indicating the need for broad-spectrum antivirals to combat COVID-19 and future coronavirus outbreaks. This study explores the use of cellular electrical impedance (CEI) to monitor cell-cell fusion mediated by the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The CEI assay successfully validated the fusion inhibitors EK1 and UDA, and demonstrated the potential of CEI in quantifying fusion efficiency and evaluating mutant spike proteins.
ANTIVIRAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Virology
Arianna Ceruti, Ndongo Dia, Adeleye Solomon Bakarey, Judah Ssekitoleko, Soa Fy Andriamandimby, Padra Malwengo-Kasongo, Rasheeda H. A. Ahmed, Rea Maja Kobialka, Jean Michel Heraud, Moussa Moise Diagne, Marie Henriette Dior Dione, Idrissa Dieng, Martin Faye, Ousmane Faye, Jean Theophile Rafisandratantsoa, Jean-Pierre Ravalohery, Claudio Raharinandrasana, Tsiry H. Randriambolamanantsoa, Norosoa Razanajatovo, Iony Razanatovo, Joelinotahina H. Rabarison, Phillipe Dussart, Louis Kyei-Tuffuor, Abigail Agbanyo, Olubusuyi Moses Adewumi, Adeola Fowotade, Muideen Kolawole Raifu, Patient Okitale-Talunda, Gracia Kashitu-Mujinga, Christelle Mbelu-Kabongo, Steve Ahuka-Mundeke, Anguy Makaka-Mutondo, Enas M. Abdalla, Sanaa M. Idris, Wisal A. Elmagzoub, Rahma H. Ali, Eman O. M. Nour, Rasha S. M. Ebraheem, Huda H. H. Ahmed, Hamadelniel E. Abdalla, Musab Elnegoumi, Izdihar Mukhtar, Muatsim A. M. Adam, Nuha Y. I. Mohamed, Shahinaz A. Bedri, Hamdan Mustafa Hamdan, Magid Kisekka, Monica Mpumwiire, Sharley Melissa Aloyo, Joanita Nabwire Wandera, Andrew Agaba, Rogers Kamulegeya, Hosea Kiprotich, David Patrick Kateete, Paul Kadetz, Uwe Truyen, Kamal H. Eltom, Anavaj Sakuntabhai, Julius Boniface Okuni, Sheila Makiala-Mandanda, Vincent Lacoste, George Olusegun Ademowo, Michael Frimpong, Amadou Alpha Sall, Manfred Weidmann, Ahmed Abd El Wahed
Summary: In this study, a novel isothermal amplification method was validated for rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 in seven sub-Saharan African countries. The RdRP-based amplification method showed the best assay accuracy. The study highlighted the challenges of implementing rapid molecular assays in field conditions, emphasizing the importance of standardized operation procedures, continuous training for staff, and enhanced quality control measures for successful deployment.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
John Otokoye Otshudiema, Gervais Leon Tengomo Folefack, Justus M. M. Nsio, Cathy H. H. Kakema, Luigino Minikulu, Aime Bafuana, Joel B. B. Kosianza, Antoine K. K. Mfumu, Edith Nkwembe, Yannick Munyeku-Bazitama, Sheila Makiala-Mandanda, Noe Guinko, Gisele Mbuyi, Jean-Marie K. Tshilumbu, Guy N. N. Saidi, Moreau-Serge Umba-di-Masiala, Amos K. K. Ebondo, Jean-Jacques Mutonj, Serge Kalombo, Jad Kabeya, Taty K. K. Mawanda, Faustin N. N. Bile, Gaby K. K. Kasereka, Placide Mbala-Kingebeni, Steve Ahuka-Mundeke, Humphrey Cyprian Karamagi, Karl Njuwa Fai, Amedee Prosper Djiguimde
Summary: A community-based COVID-19 active case-finding strategy using antigen-detecting rapid diagnostic test was implemented in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The strategy aimed to improve community diagnosis and rapid response to COVID-19. The testing capacity increased over time and contributed to the detection of COVID-19 cases, especially among symptomatic individuals and close contacts. The antigen-detecting rapid diagnostic test, despite its limited sensitivity, has helped in early detection, isolation, and treatment of COVID-19 cases.
Article
Virology
Birger Tielemans, Lander De Herdt, Emilie Pollenus, Emiel Vanhulle, Laura Seldeslachts, Fopke Marain, Flore Belmans, Kaveh Ahookhosh, Jeroen Vanoirbeek, Kurt Vermeire, Philippe E. van den Steen, Greetje Vande Velde
Summary: Individuals with Down syndrome have a higher risk of severe respiratory tract infections, but there is a lack of relevant animal models. This study successfully developed the first mouse model of RSV infection in a DS-specific context and showed its potential in studying immune-specific responses to RSV in individuals with DS.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
L. Gysens, B. Vanmechelen, P. Maes, A. Martens, M. Haspeslagh
Summary: Infection with bovine papillomavirus (BPV) types 1 and 2 results in equine sarcoid, the most common skin tumor in horses, which differs from BPV-1/-2 induced cutaneous papillomas in cattle. Horse-specific BPV-1/-2 variants have been suggested as a possible explanation for this difference. Through genome sequencing, it was found that there were horse-specific mutations in subpopulations of equine derived BPV-1/-2, but no horse-adapted genetic variants were detected. Cross-species transmission from cattle to horses seems to be an ongoing process.
VETERINARY JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Nikola Sklenovska, Mandy Bloemen, Valentijn Vergote, Anne-Sophie Logist, Bert Vanmechelen, Lies Laenen, Emmanuel Andre, Jean-Jacques Muyembe-Tamfum, Elke Wollants, Marc Van Ranst, Piet Maes, Tony Wawina-Bokalanga
Summary: Monkeypox is a viral zoonosis with circulation in animals and humans in some African countries. Despite the long-known identification of monkeypox virus (MPXV) as a human pathogen, the availability of accurate diagnostic assays and comparative performance studies remains limited. In this study, we developed a real-time PCR test and evaluated its performance against a commercial detection assay. Our results demonstrate the validity and accuracy of the developed test for confirming MPXV infection.
Article
Cell Biology
Lize Cuypers, Els Keyaerts, Samuel Leandro Hong, Sarah Gorissen, Soraya Maria Menezes, Marick Starick, Jan Van Elslande, Matthias Weemaes, Tony Wawina-Bokalanga, Joan Marti-Carreras, Bert Vanmechelen, Bram Van Holm, Mandy Bloemen, Jean-Michel Dogne, Francois Dufrasne, Keith Durkin, Jean Ruelle, Ricardo De Mendonca, Elke Wollants, Pieter Vermeersch, Caroline Boulouffe, Achille Djiena, Caroline Broucke, Boudewijn Catry, Katrien Lagrou, Marc Van Ranst, Johan Neyts, Guy Baele, Piet Maes, Emmanuel Andre, Simon Dellicour, Johan Van Weyenbergh
Meeting Abstract
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
J. Kaes, E. Vanhulle, L. Seldeslachts, C. Hooft, H. Beeckmans, X. Jin, P. Kerckhof, J. Van Slambrouck, D. Van Raemelonck, G. Vande Velde, L. Naesens, D. Schols, L. J. Ceulemans, R. Vos, K. Vertneire, B. M. Vanaudenaerde
JOURNAL OF HEART AND LUNG TRANSPLANTATION
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Yannick Munyeku-Bazitama, Gervais T. Folefack, Marc K. Yambayamba, Paul M. Tshiminyi, Benito M. Kazenza, John O. Otshudiema, Noe Tondri Guinko, Moreau D. Umba, Anastasie Mulumba, Lionel K. Baketana, Patrick K. Mukadi, Chris Smith, Jean-Jacques Muyembe-Tamfum, Steve Ahuka-Mundeke, Sheila Makiala-Mandanda
Summary: Serologic surveys are important for estimating COVID-19 burden in a population. A study in Kinshasa, DRC, found a high number of undiagnosed infections compared to confirmed cases. A population-based study using ELISA kits showed a 76.5% seroprevalence, 4 times higher than the first wave, with seropositivity associated with age, income, and education. This survey can inform COVID-19 response and vaccination strategies.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Virology
Marie Horemans, Jessica Van Bets, Tibe Joly Maes, Piet Maes, Bert Vanmechelen
Summary: Zoonotic spillover events are expected to occur more frequently in the future. This study used molecular methods to screen bat, rodent, and shrew samples from Belgium for orthoparamyxoviruses. The researchers discovered six putative new viral species and observed significant differences in gene composition and organization between viruses of the same and different genera.