Article
Immunology
Jessy J. Duran Ramirez, Tala Ballouz, Huyen Nguyen, Katharina Kusejko, Sandra E. Chaudron, Michael Huber, Hans H. Hirsch, Matthieu Perreau, Alban Ramette, Sabine Yerly, Matthias Cavassini, Marcel Stockle, Hansjakob Furrer, Pietro Vernazza, Enos Bernasconi, Huldrych F. Gunthard, Roger D. Kouyos
Summary: The study reveals a significant increase in non-B subtypes of HIV-1 among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Switzerland, with CRF01_AE being the most prevalent subtype. The majority of molecular transmission clusters (MTCs) among MSM were found to be comprised of Europeans.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Mariya V. Sivay, Alexei V. Totmenin, Daria P. Zyryanova, Irina P. Osipova, Tatyana M. Nalimova, Mariya P. Gashnikova, Vladimir V. Ivlev, Ivan O. Meshkov, Umut Z. Chokmorova, Elmira Narmatova, Ulukbek Motorov, Zhyldyz Akmatova, Nazgul Asybalieva, Aybek A. Bekbolotov, Ulan K. Kadyrbekov, Rinat A. Maksutov, Natalya M. Gashnikova
Summary: Kyrgyzstan has a high rate of HIV-1 spread, with heterosexual transmission being the most common route of infection. The major HIV-1 variants identified in the study were CRF02_AG, CRF63_02A, and sub-subtype A6, showing rapid evolutionary dynamics in the Kyrgyz population since the mid-1990s. The study highlights the importance of molecular-epidemiological analysis for HIV-1 surveillance and treatment implementation to reduce new infections.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Joan Bacque, Elena Delgado, Horacio Gil, Sofia Ibarra, Sonia Benito, Isabel Garcia-Arata, Maria Moreno-Lorenzo, Ester Saez de Adana, Carmen Gomez-Gonzalez, Monica Sanchez, Vanessa Montero, Michael M. Thomson
Summary: A new circulating recombinant form of HIV-1, CRF75_BF1, derived from subtypes B and F1, has been identified through genome analysis. This CRF exhibits a complex mosaic structure and is associated with low CD4+ T-cell lymphocyte counts in patients.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Kang Li, Meiliang Liu, Huanhuan Chen, Jianjun Li, Yanling Liang, Yi Feng, Hui Xing, Yiming Shao
Summary: The study indicates that HIV-1 CRF08_BC remains a significant epidemic in southern China, with over one third of infected individuals clustered in transmission networks. It helps identify active CRF08_BC spreaders in local communities and greatly facilitates targeted interventions for AIDS prevention.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Joan Bacque, Elena Delgado, Sonia Benito, Maria Moreno-Lorenzo, Vanessa Montero, Horacio Gil, Monica Sanchez, Maria Carmen Nieto-Toboso, Josefa Munoz, Miren Z. Zubero-Sulibarria, Estibaliz Ugalde, Elena Garcia-Bodas, Javier E. Canada, Jorge del Romero, Carmen Rodriguez, Iciar Rodriguez-Avial, Luis Elorduy-Otazua, Jose J. Portu, Juan Garcia-Costa, Antonio Ocampo, Jorge J. Cabrera, Michael M. Thomson
Summary: A new HIV-1 circulating recombinant form (CRF), named CRF66_BF, originating in South America and initially identified in Spain, has been reported. This CRF is the first non-Brazilian South American HIV-1 CRF_BF unrelated to CRF12_BF. The study suggests that CRF66_BF may be one of the major HIV-1 genetic forms circulating in Paraguay.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Virology
Javier E. Canada, Elena Delgado, Horacio Gil, Monica Sanchez, Sonia Benito, Elena Garcia-Bodas, Carmen Gomez-Gonzalez, Andres Canut-Blasco, Joseba Portu-Zapirain, Ester Saez de Adana, Mireia De la Pena, Sofia Ibarra, Gustavo Cilla, Jose Antonio Iribarren, Ana Martinez-Sapina, Michael M. Thomson
Summary: The exceptional genetic variability of HIV-1 group M has led to the identification of multiple subtypes and recombinant forms, with a new HIV-1 CRF_BC discovered in Northern Spain, closely related to Brazilian subtype C strains. This CRF, designated CRF108_BC, is predominantly of subtype C with short subtype B fragments and is estimated to have originated around 2000 in the Basque Country.
Article
Immunology
Qin Fan, Jiafeng Zhang, Mingyu Luo, Yi Feng, Rui Ge, Yong Yan, Ping Zhong, Xiaobei Ding, Yan Xia, Zhihong Guo, Xiaohong Pan, Chengliang Chai
Summary: This study conducted a detailed molecular epidemiological analysis of HIV-1 epidemic strains in different sexual risk behavior groups, highlighting the rapid transmission and importance of CRF07_BC among men who have sex with men (MSM).
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Mikiko Mori, Hirotaka Ode, Mai Kubota, Yoshihiro Nakata, Takaaki Kasahara, Urara Shigemi, Reiko Okazaki, Masakazu Matsuda, Kazuhiro Matsuoka, Atsuko Sugimoto, Atsuko Hachiya, Mayumi Imahashi, Yoshiyuki Yokomaku, Yasumasa Iwatani
Summary: In this study, a new nanopore sequencing-based platform was developed to accurately identify the genetic information of different subtypes of recombinant forms (RFs) and dual-infection HIV-1 variants. The platform was successfully applied in clinical sample analysis and demonstrated its potential in HIV-1 epidemiological surveillance and drug resistance genotyping.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Javier E. Canada-Garcia, Elena Delgado, Horacio Gil, Sonia Benito, Monica Sanchez, Antonio Ocampo, Jorge Julio Cabrera, Celia Miralles, Elena Garcia-Bodas, Ana Marino, Patricia Ordonez, Maria Jose Gude, Carmen Ezpeleta, Michael M. Thomson
Summary: This study identified an expanding HIV-1 BF1 recombinant cluster in Spain, mainly transmitted via heterosexual contact, with a gene structure coincident with two viruses from Brazil. The genetic structures of BF1 viruses from Brazil were highly similar, but not identical, to those of Spanish viruses, suggesting two closely related Circulating Recombinant Forms (CRFs).
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Maite Azcorra, Zachary Gaertner, Connor Davidson, Qianzi He, Hailey Kim, Shivathmihai Nagappan, Cooper K. K. Hayes, Charu Ramakrishnan, Lief Fenno, Yoon Seok Kim, Karl Deisseroth, Richard Longnecker, Rajeshwar Awatramani, Daniel A. A. Dombeck
Summary: The study establishes a connection between functional and genetic subtypes of dopamine neurons and demonstrates that molecular expression patterns provide a common framework to understand dopaminergic functions.
NATURE NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Virology
Joris Hemelaar, Shanghavie Loganathan, Ramyiadarsini Elangovan, Jason Yun, Leslie Dickson-Tetteh, Shona Kirtley
Summary: The research revealed that there is extremely wide variation in the complexity of country level HIV diversity worldwide. Central African countries have the most diverse HIV epidemics, while Western Europe and North America have the greatest number of distinct HIV-1 subtypes and recombinants. The highest proportion of HIV-1 infections due to recombinants was found in Southeast Asia, China, and West and Central Africa.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Andres Aguilar-Granados, Barbara Hernandez-Macias, Guillermo Santiago-Martinez, Roberto Ruiz-Medrano, Luis Kameyama-Kawabe, Jesus Hinojosa-Moya, Maria Del Carmen Montes-Horcasitas, Beatriz Xoconostle-Cazares
Summary: X.fastidiosa is a phytopathogenic bacterium affecting various crops in Mexico, with genetically diverse populations found among grapevine samples. Subspecies identification and genotyping revealed differences between northern and central Mexican populations of X.fastidiosa.
Article
Virology
Ivailo Alexiev, Ellsworth M. Campbell, Sergey Knyazev, Yi Pan, Lyubomira Grigorova, Reneta Dimitrova, Aleksandra Partsuneva, Anna Gancheva, Asya Kostadinova, Carole Seguin-Devaux, Ivaylo Elenkov, Nina Yancheva, William M. Switzer
Summary: Research suggests that HIV-1 subtype CRF01_AE in Bulgaria likely originated from multiple Asian countries, with Vietnam identified as a possible source of the outbreak cluster between 1988 and 1990. Since 1988, CRF01_AE has been introduced into Bulgaria multiple times, rapidly spreading among persons who inject drugs locally and bridging to other risk groups and countries. The continued spread of CRF01_AE in Bulgaria, as evidenced by recent large clusters, highlights the importance of public health prevention efforts in communities of persons who inject drugs.
Article
Virology
Angela Maria Rocchigiani, Luca Ferretti, Alice Ledda, Antonello Di Nardo, Matteo Floris, Piero Bonelli, Federica Loi, Maria Laura Idda, Pier Paolo Angioi, Susanna Zinellu, Mariangela Stefania Fiori, Roberto Bechere, Paola Capitta, Annamaria Coccollone, Elisabetta Coradduzza, Maria Antonietta Dettori, Maria Caterina Fattaccio, Elena Gallisai, Caterina Maestrale, Daniela Manunta, Aureliana Pedditzi, Ivana Piredda, Bruna Palmas, Sara Salza, Anna Maria Sechi, Barbara Tanda, Maria Paola Madrau, Maria Luisa Sanna, Simonetta Cherchi, Nicoletta Ponti, Giovanna Masala, Roberto Sirica, Eloisa Evangelista, Annalisa Oggiano, Giantonella Puggioni, Ciriaco Ligios, Silvia Dei Giudici
Summary: Understanding the impact of geography and human mobility on the spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19 is crucial for controlling future epidemics. The second wave of the COVID-19 epidemic in Europe was facilitated by the movement of tourists around the Mediterranean coast in summer 2020. The Italian island of Sardinia, a popular tourist destination, is believed to be the origin of the second wave. Genetic analysis reveals that most virus strains circulating in northern Sardinia during both waves were part of a single clade, suggesting limited spread despite high virus inflow.
Article
Virology
Hang Hong, Chunlan Tang, Yuhui Liu, Haibo Jiang, Ting Fang, Guozhang Xu
Summary: This study revealed the distribution of HIV-1 genotypes and genetic transmission patterns among newly diagnosed individuals living with HIV/AIDS in Ningbo city. The prevalence of transmitted drug resistance (TDR) was moderate, with high-level non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor resistance observed for NVP and EFV. Older individuals were more easily detected in the transmission networks, and the CRF07_BC genotype was prone to form larger clusters with rapid growth.
Article
Immunology
Luka Jovanovic, Marina Siljic, Valentina Cirkovic, Dubravka Salemovic, Djordje Jevtovic, Ivailo Alexiev, Snjezana Zidovec-Lepej, Maja Oroz, Josip Begovac, Dimitrios Paraskevis, Lemonia Skoura, Dimitrios Chaztidimitriou, Evangelia G. Kostaki, Snezana Dragas, Brankica Dupanovic, Dan Otelea, Simona Paraschiv, Mario Poljak, Maja M. Lunar, Maja Stanojevic
Summary: This study analyzed the phylogenetic relations of HIV-1 subtype B and investigated the role of cross-border clusters in the Balkans. It found that there were cross-border transmission clusters in the region, but their growth has stagnated since the early 2000s. The study also identified reciprocal spread patterns between Serbia, Slovenia, Montenegro, and Romania, indicating the changing travel and migration patterns associated with the European integration of Balkan countries.
Article
Acoustics
Vasilios Pergialiotis, Alexandros Psarris, Panagiotis Antsaklis, Marianna Theodora, Aggeliki Papapanagiotou, Alexandros Rodolakis, Georgios Daskalakis
Summary: The study aimed to compare the efficacy of cervical cerclage and cervical pessary in reducing preterm birth rates among women with a short (< 25 mm) or ultra-short (< 15 and < 10 mm) cervix during the second-trimester assessment. Retrospective analysis was conducted on hospital records of 294 singleton pregnancies diagnosed with cervical insufficiency. The results showed similar preterm birth rates < 37 weeks in both groups, but a higher prevalence of NICU admission and need for CPAP in the cerclage group.
ULTRASCHALL IN DER MEDIZIN
(2023)
Correction
Environmental Sciences
Aikaterini Galani, Athina Markou, Lampros Dimitrakopoulos, Aikaterini Kontou, Marios Kostakis, Vasileios Kapes, Marios A. Diamantopoulos, Panagiotis G. Adamopoulos, Margaritis Avgeris, Evi Lianidou, Andreas Scorilas, Dimitrios Paraskevis, Sotirios Tsiodras, Meletios-Athanasios Dimopoulos, Nikolaos Thomaidis
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Aikaterini Galani, Athina Markou, Lampros Dimitrakopoulos, Aikaterini Kontou, Marios Kostakis, Vasileios Kapes, Marios A. Diamantopoulos, Panagiotis G. Adamopoulos, Margaritis Avgeris, Evi Lianidou, Andreas Scorilas, Dimitrios Paraskevis, Sotirios Tsiodras, Meletios-Athanasios Dimopoulos, Nikolaos Thomaidis
Summary: Wastewater analysis is an attractive alternative for quantifying and profiling the variants of SARS-CoV-2. RT-qPCR assays can monitor infection dynamics, while NGS provides evidence for the presence of existing or emerging variants. The study reports the infection dynamics in Attica since June 1st, 2021, and monitors omicron and delta variants using novel Nested-Seq and RT-PCR methods.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Virology
Evangelia Georgia Kostaki, Elias Mossialos, Ioulia Tseti, Petros P. Sfikakis, Dimitrios Paraskevis
Summary: The circulation of highly transmissible SARS-CoV-2 omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants resulted in a recent pandemic wave that started in April-May of 2022. A statistical phylogeographic study revealed that South Africa was the major source of these subvariants, with Belgium, Portugal, and Israel playing significant roles in their transmission. Western and Northern European countries, as well as popular tourist destinations in Southern and Central/Western Europe, exhibited high rates of cross-border transmission. This study provides valuable insights into the early dispersal patterns of these omicron subvariants during a period of relaxed public health measures in Europe.
Article
Virology
Harry Ridgway, Charalampos Ntallis, Christos T. T. Chasapis, Konstantinos Kelaidonis, Minos-Timotheos Matsoukas, Panagiotis Plotas, Vasso Apostolopoulos, Graham Moore, Sotirios Tsiodras, Dimitrios Paraskevis, Thomas Mavromoustakos, John M. M. Matsoukas
Summary: This study reported the variant distribution of SARS-CoV-2 across EU/EEA countries and investigated the driving forces behind mutations that trigger infections. Computational approaches were used to examine the stabilizing effects of key mutations on the RBD-ACE2 complex in Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, Epsilon, Kappa, Lambda, and Omicron variants. Critical mutations found in the delta variant and two omicron variants were identified, which may contribute to increased transmissibility and morbidity.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Amanda Kornel, Matteo Nadile, Maria Ilektra Retsidou, Minas Sakellakis, Katerina Gioti, Apostolos Beloukas, Newman Siu Kwan Sze, Panagiota Klentrou, Evangelia Tsiani
Summary: Prostate cancer is a major global health issue, with a high number of cases and deaths. Plant-derived compounds, such as ursolic acid found in cranberries, have shown promise in inhibiting the growth of prostate and other urogenital cancers. Further research and clinical studies are needed to fully understand the potential of ursolic acid in cancer prevention and treatment.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nikolaos I. Vlachogiannis, Panagiotis A. Ntouros, Maria Pappa, Evrydiki Kravvariti, Evangelia Georgia Kostaki, Georgios E. Fragoulis, Christina Papanikolaou, Dimitra Mavroeidi, Vasiliki-Kalliopi Bournia, Stylianos Panopoulos, Katerina Laskari, Aikaterini Arida, Vassilis G. Gorgoulis, Maria G. Tektonidou, Dimitrios Paraskevis, Petros P. Sfikakis, Vassilis L. Souliotis
Summary: Aging is characterized by the progressive deregulation of homeostatic mechanisms causing the accumulation of macromolecular damage, affecting organ function and leading to chronic diseases. In this study, the relationship between chronological age and DNA damage response (DDR) signals in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy individuals was investigated. The results showed that DNA damage levels in PBMCs were only marginally correlated with age until 50 years, but a linear relationship was observed after 50 years. Furthermore, individuals older than 50 years exhibited higher levels of endogenous double-strand breaks (DSBs), oxidative stress, apurinic/apyrimidinic sites, and decreased DSBs repair capacity compared to those younger than 50 years. Prospective studies are needed to confirm DNA damage accumulation as a biomarker of aging and determine the relevant age threshold.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Virology
Dimitra Krystallaki, Christina-Anna Kavakioti, Maria Gkova, Soultana Sypsa, Kyriaki Tryfinopoulou, Aikaterini Gavrili, Aikaterini Dimitriou, Spyridon Sapounas, Dimitrios Paraskevis, Kassiani Mellou
Summary: The burden of COVID-19 infection in LTCFs varied among facilities in Greece, with high hospitalization and case fatality rates. Active support from public health authorities is still important in reducing the burden in LTCFs.
Article
Microbiology
Dimitrios Basoulis, Nikos Pantazis, Dimitrios Paraskevis, Panos Iliopoulos, Martha Papadopoulou, Karolina Akinosoglou, Angelos Hatzakis, George L. Daikos, Mina Psichogiou
Summary: This study evaluated the effect of pre-cART HIV DNA levels on immune reconstitution and post-cART CD4 count trends. The findings suggest that high HIV RNA and DNA levels are predictors of CD4 cell increase, especially during the first trimester of cART.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Antonios Koutras, Paraskevas Perros, Ioannis Prokopakis, Thomas Ntounis, Zacharias Fasoulakis, Savia Pittokopitou, Athina A. Samara, Asimina Valsamaki, Athanasios Douligeris, Anastasia Mortaki, Ioakeim Sapantzoglou, Alexandros Katrachouras, Athanasios Pagkalos, Panagiotis Symeonidis, Vasileios-Chrysovalantis Palios, Alexandros Psarris, Marianna Theodora, Panos Antsaklis, George Makrydimas, Athanasios Chionis, Georgios Daskalakis, Emmanuel N. Kontomanolis
Summary: Ovarian cancer is a common malignancy among women and a leading cause of cancer death. Early diagnosis is crucial, but a majority of cases are diagnosed at advanced stages. Sonographic evaluation plays a vital role in screening, along with the need for skilled operators and quality assurance protocols. Combining ultrasound with biomarkers and CT scans can improve sensitivity and accuracy. Future improvements should focus on identifying unique features of early-stage tumors.
Review
Pediatrics
George Daskalakis, Alexandros Psarris, Antonios Koutras, Zacharias Fasoulakis, Ioannis Prokopakis, Antonia Varthaliti, Christina Karasmani, Thomas Ntounis, Ekaterini Domali, Marianna Theodora, Panos Antsaklis, Kalliopi I. Pappa, Angeliki Papapanagiotou
Summary: Preterm birth, a major public health concern worldwide, is the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. This review analyzes the association between infections and premature birth. Intrauterine infection/inflammation is commonly associated with spontaneous preterm birth. Inflammation-induced overproduction of prostaglandins can lead to uterine contractions and contribute to preterm delivery. Various pathogens, including Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, Gardnerella vaginalis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma hominis, Actinomyces, Candida spp., and Streptococcus spp., have been implicated in premature delivery, chorioamnionitis, and neonatal sepsis. Further research is needed to develop effective preventive methods and reduce neonatal morbidity.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ioannis Zygouras, Danai Leventakou, Abraham Pouliakis, Styliana Panagiotou, Dimitris Tsakogiannis, Georgios Konstantopoulos, Eirini Logotheti, Menelaos Samaras, Zaharoula Kyriakopoulou, Apostolos Beloukas, Ioannis S. Pateras, Alexandros Delides, Amanda Psyrri, Ioannis G. Panayiotides, Minas Yiangou, Christine Kottaridi
Summary: This study investigates the epigenetic landscape and DNA physical status of HPV16 in Greek HNSCC patients. The findings reveal significant methylation in the HPV16 L1 gene and UTR, with methylation at specific sites showing associations with tumor histological grade.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Federica Mantovani, Konstantina Kitsou, Dimitrios Paraskevis, Pagona Lagiou, Gkikas Magiorkinis
Summary: In this study, differential expression of multiple HERV families was observed in HIV-infected individuals, with decreased expression of HERV-H in treatment-naive patients and increased expression in PBMCs under antiretroviral therapy. The impact of HIV infection on HERV expression appears to be more pronounced in PBMCs and T cell-derived cultures compared to cells of monocytic origin.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)