Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sophie Desgraupes, Lucie Etienne, Nathalie J. Arhel
Summary: This review discusses the various functions and subcellular localizations of RANBP2 in cellular processes, as well as its association with disease development and viral infections. It also describes the evolutionary process of the RANBP2 gene family and the unknown nature of its functions.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Christos T. Chasapis, Athanasia K. Georgiopoulou, Spyros P. Perlepes, Geir Bjorklund, Massimiliano Peana
Summary: The study reveals interactions between SARS-CoV-2 and human metalloproteins, with a significant link to orf8 protein and an important role of Zn2+ in the interplay. It also identifies a potential molecular connection between human Zn-binding proteome and increased risk of severe illness from SARS-CoV-2 infection.
JOURNAL OF INORGANIC BIOCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Theodore W. Heyming, Diane Nugent, Aprille Tongol, Chloe Knudsen-Robbins, Janet Hoang, John Schomberg, Kellie Bacon, Bryan Lara, Terence Sanger
Summary: The majority of pediatric healthcare workers who received two doses of the vaccine tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies using a rapid test, with further confirmation from CI-ELISA testing. This suggests that the rapid test may be a reliable method for assessing antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Aslam Khan, Caroline Ichura, Hannah Wang, Izabela Rezende, Malaya K. Sahoo, ChunHong Huang, Daniel Solis, Mamdouh Sibai, Fumiko Yamamoto, Sindiso Nyathi, Bethel Bayrau, Benjamin A. Pinsky, A. Desiree LaBeaud
Summary: This study aimed to characterize the clinical severity and host factors associated with disease by different SARS-CoV-2 variants and evaluate if there are differences in disease severity caused by circulating variants. The results indicated that the delta variant was associated with severe/critical disease compared to other studied variants. The model also revealed that underlying respiratory disease and diabetes were risk factors for progression to severe disease.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ryuta Uraki, Maki Kiso, Shun Iida, Masaki Imai, Emi Takashita, Makoto Kuroda, Peter J. Halfmann, Samantha Loeber, Tadashi Maemura, Seiya Yamayoshi, Seiichiro Fujisaki, Zhongde Wang, Mutsumi Ito, Michiko Ujie, Kiyoko Iwatsuki-Horimoto, Yuri Furusawa, Ryan Wright, Zhenlu Chong, Seiya Ozono, Atsuhiro Yasuhara, Hiroshi Ueki, Yuko Sakai-Tagawa, Rong Li, Yanan Liu, Deanna Larson, Michiko Koga, Takeya Tsutsumi, Eisuke Adachi, Makoto Saito, Shinya Yamamoto, Masao Hagihara, Keiko Mitamura, Tetsuro Sato, Masayuki Hojo, Shin-ichiro Hattori, Kenji Maeda, Riccardo Valdez, Moe Okuda, Jurika Murakami, Calvin Duong, Sucheta Godbole, Daniel C. Douek, Ken Maeda, Shinji Watanabe, Aubree Gordon, Norio Ohmagari, Hiroshi Yotsuyanagi, Michael S. Diamond, Hideki Hasegawa, Hiroaki Mitsuya, Tadaki Suzuki, Yoshihiro Kawaoka
Summary: The replicative ability and pathogenicity of Omicron BA.2 variant is similar to that of BA.1 in rodents, but it shows less pathogenicity compared to early SARS-CoV-2 strains. There is a marked reduction in the neutralizing activity of plasma from individuals who had recovered from COVID-19 and vaccine recipients against BA.2 variant.
Article
Mycology
Nata Pratama Hardjo Lugito, Cucunawangsih Cucunawangsih
Summary: Conditions such as hyperglycemia, diabetes mellitus, acidosis, dysregulated iron homeostasis, and endothelial injury related to severe COVID-19 can benefit Mucorales infection.
Article
Microbiology
Chao Shang, Zirui Liu, Yilong Zhu, Jing Lu, Chenchen Ge, Cuiling Zhang, Nan Li, Ningyi Jin, Yiquan Li, Mingyao Tian, Xiao Li
Summary: Mitochondria are closely involved in SARS-CoV-2 replication, and mitochondrial homeostasis is disrupted by the virus. The virus can inhibit autophagy as an anti-autophagy strategy, while mitochondria initiate mitophagy for quality control and virus clearance.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Claudia R. Morris, Patrick Sullivan, Grace Mantus, Travis Sanchez, Maria Zlotorzynska, Bradley Hanberry, Srikant Iyer, Stacy Heilman, Andres Camacho-Gonzalez, Janet Figueroa, Shaminy Manoranjithan, Deborah Leake, Reshika Mendis, Rebecca Cleeton, Christie Chen, Rachel Krieger, Patricia Bush, Tiffany Hughes, Wendalyn K. Little, Mehul S. Suthar, Jens Wrammert, Miriam B. Vos
Summary: This study found low prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among pediatric healthcare workers (pHCWs), but the prevalence increased rapidly over time. Working in the emergency department (ED) and exposure to COVID-19-positive contacts were associated with antibody seropositivity. The prevalence of antibodies in ED workers was higher than in non-ED workers.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Antimo Cutone, Luigi Rosa, Maria Carmela Bonaccorsi di Patti, Federico Iacovelli, Maria Pia Conte, Giusi Ianiro, Alice Romeo, Elena Campione, Luca Bianchi, Piera Valenti, Mattia Falconi, Giovanni Musci
Summary: Research has found that bovine and human lactoferrins have antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 and can restore iron and inflammatory balance by binding to the viral glycoprotein Spike. This discovery suggests the potential use of lactoferrin as an adjunct therapy for COVID-19.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ridhima Kaul, Pradipta Paul, Sanjay Kumar, Dietrich Buesselberg, Vivek Dhar Dwivedi, Ali Chaari
Summary: This review summarizes the activities and structure-activity relationships of flavonoids in combating SARS-CoV-2 from in vitro studies to clinical research. The study found that flavonoids such as quercetin and myricetin derivatives, baicalein, baicalin, EGCG, and tannic acid show promising activities against SARS-CoV-2.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Han-Sol Park, Janna R. Shapiro, Ioannis Sitaras, Bezawit A. Woldemeskel, Caroline C. Garliss, Amanda Dziedzic, Jaiprasath Sachithanandham, Anne E. Jedlicka, Christopher A. Caputo, Kimberly E. Rousseau, Manjusha Thakar, San Suwanmanee, Pricila Hauk, Lateef Aliyu, Natalia Majewska, Sushmita Koley, Bela Patel, Patrick Broderick, Giselle Mosnaim, Sonya L. Heath, Emily S. Spivak, Aarthi Shenoy, Evan M. Bloch, Thomas J. Gniadek, Shmuel Shoham, Arturo Casadevall, Daniel Hanley, Andrea L. Cox, Oliver Laeyendecker, Michael J. Betenbaugh, Steven M. Cramer, Heba H. Mostafa, Andrew Pekosz, Joel N. Blankson, Sabra L. Klein, Aaron A. R. Tobian, David Sullivan, Kelly A. Gebo
Summary: Benchmarks for protective immunity from infection or severe disease after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination are still being defined. In this study, the researchers compared different immune responses and viral variants in different groups, including vaccinated individuals and symptomatic patients. The findings showed that neutralizing antibody levels declined over time and were lower against the Alpha variant. Partially and fully vaccinated patients had lower neutralizing antibody levels against the parent virus compared to healthy controls. The study also found that neutralization activity against the Alpha variant was lower in the partially and fully vaccinated infected patients. Parent virus neutralization was identified as a predictive factor for breakthrough infections with the Alpha variant.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chiara Mando, Valeria M. Savasi, Gaia M. Anelli, Silvia Corti, Anais Serati, Fabrizia Lisso, Chiara Tasca, Chiara Novielli, Irene Cetin
Summary: This study found that in pregnant women with COVID-19, placental mitochondrial features and oxidative balance were affected, potentially leading to cell homeostasis dysregulation and increasing the risk of long-term effects.
Letter
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ahmed Donia, Habib Bokhari
Summary: Viruses can trigger increased apoptosis in host cells, which plays a complex role in antiviral immunity and may contribute to viral clearance or tissue damage in diseases. The induction of apoptosis is a key feature of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and there is a direct correlation between apoptosis rate and COVID-19 severity. Targeting virus-induced apoptosis could be a promising strategy in treating SARS-CoV-2 infections.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Federica Di Spirito, Mario Caggiano, Maria Pia Di Palo, Maria Contaldo, Francesco D'Ambrosio, Stefano Martina, Alessandra Amato
Summary: This study aimed to assess the prevalence, characteristics, and epidemiology of oral lesions following pediatric SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 vaccine administration, revealing limited information.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Virology
Filippos Filippatos, Elizabeth-Barbara Tatsi, Charilaos Dellis, Vasiliki Efthymiou, Alexandra Margeli, Ioannis Papassotiriou, Vasiliki Syriopoulou, Athanasios Michos
Summary: Limited data on SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity in children during the COVID-19 pandemic were investigated in this prospective study. The seropositivity rates in children were correlated with the number of newly diagnosed cases in the community, with higher rates observed in hospitalized and non-Greek children. School-age children had lower seropositivity rates, emphasizing the need for SARS-CoV-2 immunization.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2022)
Review
Behavioral Sciences
Giuditta Pellino, Raffaella Faggioli, Laura Madrassi, Raffaele Falsaperla, Agnese Suppiej
Summary: This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the risk of recurrence after a first unprovoked seizure in neurotypical children without a history of neurological pathology. Factors such as focal seizure, epileptiform abnormalities on EEG, and family history of epilepsy were found to be significantly associated with an increased risk of recurrence.
EPILEPSY & BEHAVIOR
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Erica Tavazzi, Sebastian Daberdaku, Alessandro Zandona, Rosario Vasta, Beatrice Nefussy, Christian Lunetta, Gabriele Mora, Jessica Mandrioli, Enrico Grisan, Claudia Tarlarini, Andrea Calvo, Cristina Moglia, Vivian Drory, Marc Gotkine, Adriano Chio, Barbara Di Camillo
Summary: This study employs AI to model and simulate the progression of ALS in terms of variable interactions, functional impairments, and survival. By analyzing patient data, the researchers identified important relationships that influence disease progression and developed a tool to assess the impact of different markers on the disease course.
JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Daria Bortolotti, Valentina Gentili, Alessandra Bortoluzzi, Marcello Govoni, Giovanna Schiuma, Silvia Beltrami, Sabrina Rizzo, Eleonora Baldi, Elisabetta Caselli, Maura Pugliatti, Massimiliano Castellazzi, Mercedes Fernandez, Enrico Fainardi, Roberta Rizzo
Summary: In patients with multiple sclerosis, there is an increased susceptibility to human herpesvirus infections, particularly EBV and HHV-6. These viral infections may induce immune activation and trigger autoimmune responses, leading to tissue damage and the development of multiple sclerosis lesions.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giulia Gianferrari, Ilaria Martinelli, Elisabetta Zucchi, Cecilia Simonini, Nicola Fini, Marco Vinceti, Salvatore Ferro, Annalisa Gessani, Elena Canali, Franco Valzania, Elisabetta Sette, Maura Pugliatti, Valeria Tugnoli, Lucia Zinno, Salvatore Stano, Mario Santangelo, Silvia De Pasqua, Emilio Terlizzi, Donata Guidetti, Doriana Medici, Fabrizio Salvi, Rocco Liguori, Veria Vacchiano, Marco Longoni, Patrizia De Massis, Rita Rinaldi, Annamaria Borghi, Amedeo Amedei, Jessica Mandrioli, Mario Casmiro, Pietro Querzani, Marco CurrO Dossi, Alberto Patuelli, Simonetta Morresi
Summary: This study examined demographic, clinical feature, and genotype-phenotype correlations of ALS cases in the Emilia Romagna Region over the past decade, revealing interesting relationships between phenotype and genotype in the ALS population.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Massimiliano Castellazzi, Caterina Ferri, Alice Piola, Samantha Permunian, Gaia Buscemi, Michele Laudisi, Eleonora Baldi, Maura Pugliatti
Summary: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease associated with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). In this study, we investigated the effects of dimethyl fumarate (DMF), a first-line treatment for MS, on the quantity and quality of EBV-specific IgG in MS patients.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Sara Tagliani, Cristina Malaventura, Chiara Ceccato, Francesco Parmeggiani, Agnese Suppiej
Summary: The study aimed to describe the phenotype of Leber hereditary optic neuropathy in pediatric females. It is a rare disease in this population and there is a lack of research data. The average onset age in females was 11 years, with only 3 cases occurring at 3 years of age. The most common presentation was acute onset with mild visual impairment, often accompanied by optic disc edema. The outcome is generally poor, with only 50% of patients experiencing partial recovery, despite some receiving Idebenone therapy.
JOURNAL OF CHILD NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Nicola Merli, Marina Padroni, Cristiano Azzini, Andrea Bernardoni, Carla Marcialis, Valeria Tugnoli, Vincenzo Inchingolo, Maura Pugliatti
Summary: This article presents a case of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS), which is characterized by severe headache, possible acute neurological symptoms, segmental constriction of cerebral arteries, and spontaneous resolution within 3 months. The article highlights the role of transcranial color-coded Doppler (TCCD) imaging in the early detection and monitoring of cerebrovascular diseases.
NEUROLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Giovanni Autore, Luca Bernardi, Filippo Ghidini, Claudio La Scola, Alberto Berardi, Giacomo Biasucci, Federico Marchetti, Andrea Pasini, Maria Elena Capra, Claudia Castellini, Vera Cioni, Sante Cantatore, Andrea Cella, Francesca Cusenza, Alessandro De Fanti, Elisa Della Casa Muttini, Margherita Di Costanzo, Alessandra Dozza, Claudia Gatti, Cristina Malaventura, Luca Pierantoni, Giovanni Parente, Gabriella Pelusi, Serafina Perrone, Laura Serra, Francesco Torcetta, Enrico Valletta, Gianluca Vergine, Francesco Antodaro, Andrea Bergomi, Jennifer Chiarlolanza, Laura Leoni, Franco Mazzini, Roberto Sacchetti, Agnese Suppiej, Lorenzo Iughetti, Andrea Pession, Mario Lima, Susanna Esposito
Summary: Low-dose continuous antibiotic prophylaxis (CAP) is commonly used to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in children, but its efficacy is controversial. This systematic review found that CAP has a limited role in preventing UTI recurrences and complications in children, while also posing a risk of emerging antimicrobial resistances.
Article
Radiology, Nuclear Medicine & Medical Imaging
Pietro Antenucci, Domenico Carlucci, Maura Pugliatti, Marta Lucchetta
Summary: We report a rare case of traumatic lesion of the tibial fibers of the sciatic nerve with spared peroneal fibers. A 33-year-old stabbing victim presented with gait impairment and weakened left foot plantar flexion, internal rotation, and supination. Clinical signs and neurophysiological investigations indicated a traumatic injury of the left tibial nerve. Ultrasound examination revealed a lesion in a different site than expected. The patient underwent tailored surgical reconstruction.
JOURNAL OF ULTRASONOGRAPHY
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Maria Elena Bacchin, Giovanna Vitaliti, Cristina Malaventura, Silvia Meggiolaro, Vincenzo Zanardo, Elisa Ballardini, Elisa Cainelli, Agnese Suppiej
Summary: This study aimed to examine the psychopathological outcomes of late preterm infants without major neurodevelopmental problems. The results showed a significantly higher prevalence of psychopathology and stressful life events in the preterm group compared to the at-term group. This suggests that preterm infants may be at risk for mental health issues in adulthood.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRIC NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Akash Kapali, Anne Kjersti Daltveit, Kjell-Morten Myhr, Kjetil Bjornevik, Elisa Baldin, Maura Pugliatti, Trond Riise, Marianna Cortese
Summary: Previous studies have shown inconsistent results regarding the association between birth by caesarean section (CS) and the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) in the offspring. This population-based cohort study found a modestly higher risk of MS in individuals born by CS, but confounding factors may underlie these associations.
JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY NEUROSURGERY AND PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Karlijn Bouman, Jeroen L. M. van Doorn, Jan T. Groothuis, Peter J. Wijkstra, Baziel G. M. van Engelen, Corrie E. Erasmus, Jonne Doorduin, Nicol C. Voermans
Summary: The majority of LAMA2-MD and all SELENON-RM patients had respiratory impairment. SELENON-RM patients showed lower respiratory function which was progressive, more prevalent mechanical ventilation, and more severe diaphragm atrophy and dysfunction than LAMA2-MD patients. Spirometry (FVC%, dVC) and respiratory muscle strength tests (SNIP) are useful in clinical care and as outcome measure in clinical trials.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRIC NEUROLOGY
(2024)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Oliviero Bruni, Maria Breda, Emanuela Malorgio, Paolo Brambilla, Flavia Ceschin, Andrea Di Pilla, Maurizio Elia, Raffaele Ferri
Summary: This study aimed to describe the use of melatonin by Italian pediatricians in healthy children with chronic insomnia. The results showed that a high percentage of pediatricians prescribed melatonin, especially in children aged 1-2 years. The most common dosage was 1 mg/day and it was usually recommended to be taken 30 minutes before bedtime. Melatonin was often combined with sleep hygiene and was found to be effective in reducing difficulties falling asleep.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRIC NEUROLOGY
(2024)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Lucie Sedlackova, Katalin Sterbova, Marketa Vlckova, Pavel Seeman, Jana Zarubova, Petr Marusic, Pavel Krsek, Hana Krijtova, Alena Musilova, Petra Lassuthova
Summary: In this study, whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed to identify causal variants for developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) in patients whose genetic diagnosis was not determined by gene panel testing. The results showed that WES can successfully identify disease-causing variants, even after inconclusive gene panel testing. Detailed clinical evaluations and phenotype-genotype correlation studies were conducted to better understand the rare subtypes of DEEs.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRIC NEUROLOGY
(2024)
