Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
D. Pamart, M. Otekpo, M. Asfar, G. Duval, J. Gautier, Cedric Annweiler
Summary: This cohort study aimed to investigate the association between hypercalcemia in early COVID-19 and 3-month mortality in frail elderly patients. The results showed that hypercalcemia was associated with a higher mortality rate in this population.
JOURNAL OF NUTRITION HEALTH & AGING
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Bas Oude B. Munnink, Marion Koopmans
Summary: Outbreak.info enables real-time monitoring and tracing of variants, as well as associated publications and resources, during the 'infodemic' of SARS-CoV-2.
Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
Jingyou Yu, Ai-ris Y. Collier, Marjorie Rowe, Fatima Mardas, John D. Ventura, Huahua Wan, Jessica Miller, Olivia Powers, Benjamin Chung, Mazuba Siamatu, Nicole P. Hachmann, Nehalee Surve, Felix Nampanya, Abishek Chandrashekar, Dan H. Barouch
Summary: Although immunity from two doses of BNT162b2 vaccine diminishes over time, a booster dose significantly enhances the neutralizing antibodies against both the BA.1 and BA.2 variants.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Virology
Emilia Caputo, Luigi Mandrich
Summary: A structural and phylogenetic analysis reveals that the latest omicron variants have approximately 30 mutations compared to the initial version discovered in China, whereas the delta variant, believed to be the ancestor of omicron, only has 7 mutations. The omicron variants were isolated between November 2021 and January 2022, with the centaurus variant being isolated in May 2022. The analysis also identifies the temporal and phylogenetic correlation among these variants, as well as the possible existence of intermediate variants during the evolution of omicron.
Article
Immunology
Pengfei Wang, Ryan G. Casner, Manoj S. Nair, Jian Yu, Yicheng Guo, Maple Wang, Jasper F-W Chan, Gabriele Cerutti, Sho Iketani, Lihong Liu, Zizhang Sheng, Zhiwei Chen, Kwok-Yung Yuen, Peter D. Kwong, Yaoxing Huang, Lawrence Shapiro, David D. Ho
Summary: The development of potent and broad-spectrum antiviral therapeutics and vaccines is crucial in dealing with highly pathogenic human coronaviruses and their evolving variants. Monoclonal antibody 2-36, isolated from COVID-19-convalescent patients, has been found to cross-neutralize SARS-CoV and other coronaviruses. The cryo-EM structure of 2-36 with SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV spike reveals a conserved epitope in the receptor-binding domain (RBD). This antibody can neutralize various SARS-CoV-2 variants, as well as bat and pangolin sarbecoviruses that use human ACE2 as a receptor.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jianying Liu, Yang Liu, Hongjie Xia, Jing Zou, Scott C. Weaver, Kena A. Swanson, Hui Cai, Mark Cutler, David Cooper, Alexander Muik, Kathrin U. Jansen, Ugur Sahin, Xuping Xie, Philip R. Dormitzer, Pei-Yong Shi
Summary: Serum samples from individuals vaccinated with the BNT162b2 vaccine can neutralize various SARS-CoV-2 variants, indicating mass immunization as a central strategy to end the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Ezgi Hacisuleyman, Caryn Hale, Yuhki Saito, Nathalie E. Blachere, Marissa Bergh, Erin G. Conlon, Dennis J. Schaefer-Babajew, Justin DaSilva, Frauke Muecksch, Christian Gaebler, Richard Lifton, Michel C. Nussenzweig, Theodora Hatziioannou, Paul D. Bieniasz, Robert B. Darnell
Summary: Despite evidence of vaccine efficacy, two fully vaccinated individuals developed mild symptoms of Covid-19 and were infected with variants of SARS-CoV-2. Sequencing of the virus isolates revealed novel mutations, highlighting the potential risk of illness post-vaccination and subsequent infection with variant virus. Efforts to prevent, diagnose, and characterize variants in vaccinated individuals are crucial.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Dan H. Barouch
Summary: This article reviews the protective effects of vaccination and prior infection on severe Covid-19, and proposes future research directions.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Alina Baum, Christos A. Kyratsous
Summary: Christos Kyratsous and Alina Baum from Regeneron Pharmaceuticals discuss the development of antibody therapeutics targeting the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Aline Miranda Scovino, Elizabeth Chen Dahab, Gustavo Fioravanti Vieira, Leonardo Freire-de-Lima, Celio Geraldo Freire-de-Lima, Alexandre Morrot
Summary: The variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, including Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron, have mutations in the spike protein that can affect the virus's characteristics, such as its ability to bind to host cells, transmissibility, and immune evasion. Ongoing genetic monitoring of the pandemic coronavirus is crucial to identify potential new variants that can bypass host defenses.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jason Z. Zhang, Hsien-Wei Yeh, Alexandra C. Walls, Basile I. M. Wicky, Kaitlin R. Sprouse, Laura A. VanBlargan, Rebecca Treger, Alfredo Quijano-Rubio, Minh N. Pham, John C. Kraft, Ian C. Haydon, Wei Yang, Michelle DeWitt, John E. Bowen, Cameron M. Chow, Lauren Carter, Rashmi Ravichandran, Mark H. Wener, Lance Stewart, David Veesler, Michael S. Diamond, Alexander L. Greninger, David M. Koelle, David Baker
Summary: We developed a protein biosensor that can rapidly and sensitively detect neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 variants in serum. The biosensor can accurately differentiate between different samples based on the affinity and abundance of antibody binding, which is superior to traditional competition-based assays.
NATURE BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
Salim S. Abdool Karim, Tulio de Oliveira
Summary: The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants, including B.1.1.7 (VOC-202012/01), 501Y.V2 (B.1.351), and P.1 (B.1.1.28.1), has raised concerns about worsening Covid-19 and potential escape from vaccine-induced immunity.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2021)
Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
Brian W. McCrindle, Ashraf S. Harahsheh, Ryan Handoko, Geetha Raghuveer, Michael A. Portman, Michael Khoury, Jane W. Newburger, Simon Lee, Supriya S. Jain, Manaswitha Khare, Nagib Dahdah, Cedric Manlhiot
Summary: The severity of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) has decreased with each subsequent SARS-CoV-2 variant, but critical illness remains prevalent in hospitalized patients with MIS-C.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Rachana Pandit, Qiana L. Matthews
Summary: The continuous emergence of novel viruses and their diseases pose a threat to global public health, as seen with the recent outbreaks of highly pathogenic coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV in 2002, MERS-CoV in 2012, and the novel SARS-CoV-2 in 2019. The worldwide spread of SARS-CoV-2 has led to the development of multiple variants that have altered transmissibility, infectivity, or immune escaping ability, affecting a wide range of animals. This review discusses the recent SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, potential animal reservoirs, and natural infections in companion and farm animals, with a particular focus on SARS-CoV-2 variants. Extensive research and surveillance on viral epidemiology, transmission in animals, variants, and seroprevalence in diverse hosts are essential for the future eradication of COVID-19.
Article
Biology
Alfredo Parra-Lucares, Paula Segura, Veronica Rojas, Catalina Pumarino, Gustavo Saint-Pierre, Luis Toro
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant global impact, with a large number of people infected and deaths worldwide. The use of personal protective equipment and vaccination campaigns have helped reduce the rates of infection and death. However, the emergence of new variants, such as the Delta and Omicron variants, has led to an increase in infection rates and poses a risk to the effectiveness of international vaccination efforts. Various factors, including the molecular characteristics of the virus, geographic and environmental conditions, and social determinants of health, contribute to the development of these variants.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aditya Sharma, Manisha Saini, Suman Kundu, B. K. Thelma
Summary: The ARL15 gene is associated with various traits and diseases, and this study aimed to predict the three-dimensional structure of the ARL15 protein using computational methods. The predicted model provides insights into the biological role of ARL15 and potential therapeutic targets.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2022)
Letter
Psychiatry
Upasana Bhattacharyya, Triptish Bhatia, Smita N. Deshpande, B. K. Thelma
SCHIZOPHRENIA RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Gurvisha Sandhu, B. K. Thelma
Summary: Rheumatoid arthritis is a multifactorial autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation and joint destruction. Interfering with activated cell types may restore synovial homeostasis and provide new therapeutic options for RA.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Navneesh Yadav, Laxmi Kirola, Thenral S. Geetha, Kirti Mittal, Jayarama Kadandale, Yuval Yogev, Ohad S. Birk, Neerja Gupta, Prahlad Balakrishnan, Manisha Jana, Meena Gupta, Madhulika Kabra, Bittianda Kuttapa Thelma
Summary: This study identified a novel CENPJ mutation associated with primary microcephaly, expanding the clinical spectrum of CENPJ-related disorders. The functional analysis revealed the impact of this mutation on CENPJ function and the process of mitosis, providing new insights into splice site biology and potential implications for ASO-based therapies.
ANNALS OF HUMAN GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Garima Juyal, Anuj Pandey, Sara L. Garcia, Sapna Negi, Ramneek Gupta, Uma Kumar, Bheema Bhat, Ramesh C. Juyal, B. K. Thelma
Summary: This study performed a genome-wide association analysis of rheumatoid arthritis patients and healthy controls using a phenotypic stratification based on Ayurveda. The results identified prakriti-specific disease risk genes of high effect sizes, potential therapeutic candidates, and a correlation between genetic findings and clinical knowledge in Ayurveda. Adopting Ayurveda-based deep phenotyping may help explain undiscovered heritability in complex traits and advance personalized medicine.
JOURNAL OF AYURVEDA AND INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Navneesh Yadav, B. K. Thelma
Summary: Dysregulation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) in astrocytes is implicated in neurodegenerative disorders. The potential chaperone role of RIC3 in nAChRs is poorly understood. This study characterized RIC3 in astrocytes derived from a del human iPSC line and found complex RNA regulatory mechanism induced by exonic deletion, contrasting effects of RIC-3 on co-expressed nAChR subtypes, and the potential of RIC3 as a drug target against ER stress for neurodegenerative disorders.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Anirban Mukhopadhyay, Smita N. Deshpande, Triptish Bhatia, B. K. Thelma
Summary: Despite a wealth of genome-wide association data, the genetic causes of schizophrenia remain poorly understood. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), which likely have regulatory roles, are emerging as key players in neuro-psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia. This study prioritized important lncRNAs based on their association strength, frequency, regulatory potential, and relevance to schizophrenia. By testing specific SNPs associated with schizophrenia and its endophenotypes, the researchers identified significant associations between certain SNPs and the disease, providing evidence for the involvement of lncRNAs in schizophrenia and their interactions with protein-coding genes.
EUROPEAN ARCHIVES OF PSYCHIATRY AND CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Martin E. Baumdick, Annika Niehrs, Frauke Degenhardt, Maria Schwerk, Ole Hinrichs, Ana Jordan-Paiz, Benedetta Padoan, Lucy H. M. Wegner, Sebastian Schloer, Britta F. Zecher, Jakob Malsy, Vinita R. Joshi, Christin Illig, Jennifer Schroeder-Schwarz, Kimberly J. Moeller, Maureen P. Martin, Yuko Yuki, Mikki Ozawa, Juergen Sauter, Alexander H. Schmidt, Daniel Perez, Anastasios D. Giannou, Mary Carrington, Randall S. Davis, Udo Schumacher, Guido Sauter, Samuel Huber, Victor G. Puelles, Nathaniel Melling, Andre Franke, Marcus Altfeld, Madeleine J. Bunders
Summary: The study identified HLA-DP401 as a risk haplotype and HLA-DP301 as a protective haplotype for UC in European populations. Higher expression of HLA-DP was observed on IECs of individuals with UC compared to controls. Interaction between HLA-DP401 and NKp44 resulted in increased damage to intestinal epithelial cells, while blocking this interaction reduced NK cell-mediated destruction in UC.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gurvisha Sandhu, Praveen Agrawal, Surojit Bose, B. K. Thelma
Summary: Standard force field-based simulations are a powerful tool for structure-based evaluations of lead molecules. By combining protein fragmentation and continuum solvation methods, quantum mechanics-based electronic structure calculations of macromolecules in realistic environments can be achieved, allowing for accurate description of electrostatics in protein-inhibitor systems and effective drug design.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Toyanji Joseph Punchaichira, Prachi Kukshal, Triptish Bhatia, Smita Neelkanth Deshpande, B. K. Thelma
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the association of functional splice variants in dopamine and calcium signaling pathways with schizophrenia. The results showed that these markers were not associated with schizophrenia, but were associated with tardive dyskinesia and cognitive abilities.
MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Upasana Bhattacharyya, Preeti Deswal, Sunil Kumar Polipalli, Diksha Sharma, Manpreet Kaur, Seema Kapoor, B. K. Thelma, Serb-Nbs Initiative Grp
Summary: This study conducted a prospective screening for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency in newborns in India and found that Mediterranean mutation is the most common type. The findings can help predict the severity of the disease and guide appropriate management.
JOURNAL OF GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Nidhi Sharma, Pratibha Banerjee, Ajit Sood, Vandana Midha, B. K. Thelma, Sabyasachi Senapati
Summary: Clinical and public health research has identified shared genetic loci and expression QTL effects between patients with celiac disease (CD) and neuropsychiatric diseases. The MHC locus, along with other non-HLA genes, may play a dominant role in the shared pathogenesis of CD and neuropsychiatric diseases. Functional validation of these shared candidate genes is needed to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying their co-occurrence.
JOURNAL OF GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Biology
Navneesh Yadav, B. K. Thelma
Summary: This study demonstrates the utility of CRISPR/Cas9 gene-editing technology for precise variant introduction in human iPSCs. By designing sgRNAs targeting specific exonic regions and utilizing the MMEJ repair mechanism, effective indel generation was achieved in stem cells, allowing for accurate functional characterization.
JOURNAL OF BIOSCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Philip E. Stuart, Lam C. Tsoi, Rajan P. Nair, Manju Ghosh, Madhulika Kabra, Pakeeza A. Shaiq, Ghazala K. Raja, Raheel Qamar, B. K. Thelma, Matthew T. Patrick, Anita Parihar, Sonam Singh, Sujay Khandpur, Uma Kumar, Michael Wittig, Frauke Degenhardt, Trilokraj Tejasvi, John J. Voorhees, Stephan Weidinger, Andre Franke, Goncalo R. Abecasis, Vinod K. Sharma, James T. Elder
Summary: This study reveals the shared genetic basis of psoriasis in South Asians and Europeans, and demonstrates the value of transethnic meta-analysis for discovering and fine mapping susceptibility loci.
HUMAN GENETICS AND GENOMICS ADVANCES
(2022)