Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Kirk Chan-Tack, Patrick Harrington, Timothy Bensman, Su-Young Choi, Eric Donaldson, Julian O'Rear, David McMillan, Laine Myers, Mark Seaton, Hanan Ghantous, Yu Cao, Thamban Valappil, Debra Birnkrant, Kimberly Struble
Summary: This article summarizes the regulatory pathway for FDA approval of brincidofovir as the second antiviral approved via the MCMi to combat smallpox, highlighting the unique regulatory approach based on the FDA Animal Rule and the collaborative efforts of academic investigators, the pharmaceutical industry and government agencies in the development process.
ANTIVIRAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Danielle R. Garcia, Felipe R. Souza, Ana P. Guimaraes, Martin Valis, Zbysek Pavelek, Kamil Kuca, Teodorico C. Ramalho, Tanos C. C. Franca
Summary: This study identified 5 potential selective inhibitors of VarTMPK through docking and molecular dynamic simulations, with free energy calculations confirming their binding to the active sites. These compounds have the potential to serve as template molecules for smallpox treatment.
Article
Microbiology
Diego Forni, Rachele Cagliani, Uberto Pozzoli, Manuela Sironi
Summary: The ongoing monkeypox outbreak is caused by viral lineages related to but distinct from Nigerian MPXV viruses. APOBEC-mediated editing might be responsible for the high number of mutations observed in hMPXV1 genomes. Mutation analysis revealed a prevalence of C-to-T and G-to-A mutations, consistent with the preferences of human APOBEC3 enzymes. The impact of APOBEC3 enzymes on the evolution of different orthopoxviruses was also demonstrated.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yogesh B. Narkhede, Avneesh K. Gautam, Rohaine V. Hsu, Wilson Rodriguez, Nehemiah T. Zewde, Reed E. S. Harrison, Pablo R. Arantes, Zied Gaieb, Ronald D. Gorham, Chris Kieslich, Dimitrios Morikis, Arvind Sahu, Giulia Palermo
Summary: Researchers investigated the selectivity mechanism of poxviruses, finding that bovine C3b is more prone to selectively bind VCP, while human C3b shows lower selectivity towards SPICE. However, human C3b exhibits a highly preserved electrostatic core, suggesting it may be less selective in binding different ligands.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Virology
Ofir Israeli, Yehoudit Guedj-Dana, Ohad Shifman, Shirley Lazar, Inbar Cohen-Gihon, Sharon Amit, Ronen Ben-Ami, Nir Paran, Ofir Schuster, Shay Weiss, Anat Zvi, Adi Beth-Din
Summary: The study aimed to provide a rapid genetic-based diagnostic tool for accurate identification of monkeypox virus (MPXV) and related pathogens. The researchers developed a method called rapid amplicon nanopore sequencing (RANS) to quickly identify different pathogens. Using this method, they successfully diagnosed MPXV and other vesicle-forming viruses.
Article
Biology
Montserrat Vila, Alison M. Dunn, Franz Essl, Elena Gomez-Diaz, Philip E. Hulme, Jonathan M. Jeschke, Martin A. Nunez, Richard S. Ostfeld, Anibal Pauchard, Anthony Ricciardi, Belinda Gallardo
Summary: Invasion biology focuses on the impact of species introduced through human activities on ecosystems and human health, and draws parallels between invasive species and human disease spread. By understanding the interaction between invasive species and infectious diseases, we can improve prediction, prevention, and management strategies for both. Cross-disciplinary collaboration between invasion biology and epidemiology is essential for effective surveillance and control of invasive species and disease outbreaks.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
John-Sebastian Eden, Chisha Sikazwe, Ruopeng Xie, Yi-Mo Deng, Sheena G. Sullivan, Alice Michie, Avram Levy, Elena Cutmore, Christopher C. Blyth, Philip N. Britton, Nigel Crawford, Xiaomin Dong, Dominic E. Dwyer, Kimberly M. Edwards, Bethany A. Horsburgh, David Foley, Karina Kennedy, Cara Minney-Smith, David Speers, Rachel L. Tulloch, Edward C. Holmes, Vijaykrishna Dhanasekaran, David W. Smith, Jen Kok, Ian G. Barr
Summary: Non-pharmaceutical interventions and travel restrictions for COVID-19 have impacted the circulation of respiratory viruses, including RSV. This study reports the resurgence of RSV in Australia following the lifting of some restrictions, and describes a reduction in genetic diversity in circulating RSV clades.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Reyhaneh Rasizadeh, Ali Shamekh, Parisa Shiri Aghbash, Hossein Bannazadeh Baghi
Summary: Variola virus, the cause of smallpox, was eliminated in the 1980s with no new cases reported. Monkeypox, a zoonotic disease similar to smallpox, has become a major health concern worldwide. Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is a neurotropic virus causing chickenpox and shingles, both highly infectious diseases. Monkeypox, smallpox, and chickenpox share similar symptoms such as fever and rash, but can be distinguished by their distinct characteristics.
CURRENT MEDICAL RESEARCH AND OPINION
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Aline R. V. Souza, Annika Brinkmann, Jose Esparza, Andreas Nitsche, Clarissa R. Damaso, Rino Rappuoli
Summary: This study investigates the gene content and genomic structure of historical smallpox vaccines used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The findings reveal differences between these vaccines, contemporary vaccinia viruses, and horsepox viruses. The study suggests the coexistence of different horsepox-based vaccines and potentially unsampled progenitors of modern vaccinia virus. This research contributes to our understanding of the origins of contemporary vaccinia viruses and the evolution of smallpox vaccines.
Review
Tropical Medicine
Esteban Vanegas
Summary: Antonio Narino studied various books on smallpox to enhance his medical knowledge in the fight against the disease, and analyzed the process of variolization in the Kingdom of Nueva Granada. His actions reflected determination and efforts in combating smallpox.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhilong Yang, Mark Gray, Lake Winter
Summary: Poxviruses are still significant public health concerns and serious endemic diseases despite the eradication of smallpox. They have shaped modern medicine, provided insights into complex life processes, and are utilized in biotechniques and fighting other infectious diseases and cancers. Continued strong support for poxvirus research is crucial for expanding fundamental biological knowledge and battling diverse diseases.
CELL AND BIOSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ioannis Tsagkarliotis, Nikolaos P. Rachaniotis
Summary: This paper explores the concept of a holistic approach in preventing and responding to epidemics. A holistic approach considers not only medical interventions but also social, economic, psychological, and environmental factors. By integrating these factors, innovative practices and interdisciplinary techniques can be employed to enhance epidemic prevention and response strategies.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Matteo Ricco, Pietro Ferraro, Vincenzo Camisa, Elia Satta, Alessandro Zaniboni, Silvia Ranzieri, Antonio Baldassarre, Salvatore Zaffina, Federico Marchesi
Summary: This study investigated the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of Italian medical professionals regarding monkeypox (MPX). The results showed that there were significant knowledge gaps and a lack of risk perception among the participants. However, a majority of them were in favor of using variola vaccine to prevent MPX, and previous vaccination against seasonal influenza and willingness to receive variola vaccine were identified as the main factors influencing their attitude.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Virology
Reed F. Johnson, Lauren A. Keith, Timothy K. Cooper, Srikanth Yellayi, Nicole M. Josleyn, Krisztina B. Janosko, James D. Pettitt, David Thomasson, Katie R. Hagen, Robin Gross, John G. Bernbaum, Debbie Douglas, Jeffrey Solomon, Mark Martinez, Kurt Cooper, Marisa St. Claire, Danny R. Ragland, Peter B. Jahrling, Jens H. Kuhn, Andrew E. Arai
Summary: The experiment results showed the presence of acute late-stage myocarditis with lymphohistiocytic infiltrates in the cowpox virus model of hemorrhagic smallpox.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Nawal Adnan, Zargham ul Haq, Asmara Malik, Asim Mehmood, Uzma Ishaq, Maria Faraz, Jahanzeb Malik, Amin Mehmoodi
Summary: Human monkeypox is a virus similar to smallpox, and current diagnostic methods are time-consuming. The majority of cases occur in Central Africa, but there has been an increase in cases in Europe, the United States, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates. Viral transmission seems to have occurred during crowded events in Spain and Belgium.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Ashley Quigley, Haley Stone, Phi Yen Nguyen, Abrar Ahmad Chughtai, C. Raina MacIntyre
Summary: Aged-care facilities in Australia faced challenges in implementing infection control methods for respiratory outbreaks like COVID-19. Lack of research in this vulnerable setting led to a study estimating the burden of aged-care worker infections and outbreaks of COVID-19. The study revealed a higher risk of COVID-19 in aged-care facilities compared to the general population, emphasizing the need for additional prevention and control measures.
INFLUENZA AND OTHER RESPIRATORY VIRUSES
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ashley Quigley, Phi Yen Nguyen, Haley Stone, David J. Heslop, Abrar Ahmad Chughtai, C. Raina MacIntyre
Summary: Most cities' Black Lives Matter protests did not increase the incidence of COVID-19 in 2020, with high levels of mask use observed among protesters. Only Miami, which had high protest intensity and the use of tear gas, showed an increase in COVID-19 cases after one incubation period post-protest. The absence of a major epidemic surge within two incubation periods of a protest indicates that the protests did not have a significant influence on epidemic activity, except in Miami.
JOURNAL OF RACIAL AND ETHNIC HEALTH DISPARITIES
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Valentina Costantino, Prateek Bahl, Con Doolan, Charitha de Silva, David Heslop, Xin Chen, Samsung Lim, Chandini Raina MacIntyre
Summary: This study aimed to determine the optimal mitigation strategies for an aerosolized attack with Bacillus anthracis. A plume dispersion model was used to simulate the effects of an anthrax attack in Sydney, Australia, considering weather conditions. The study found that vaccination as postexposure prophylaxis in conjunction with antibiotics is the most effective strategy to reduce deaths, especially when started early and with high adherence.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Zubair Akhtar, Mallory Trent, Aye Moa, Timothy C. Tan, Ole Froebert, C. Raina MacIntyre
Summary: COVID-19 is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, but its vaccination can prevent it. However, COVID-19 vaccination may also cause myocarditis or pericarditis. Non-specific symptoms of COVID-19 infection may originate from the heart. This review focuses on the cardiovascular complications of COVID-19 and the impact of COVID-19 vaccination.
EUROPEAN HEART JOURNAL SUPPLEMENTS
(2023)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Chandini Raina MacIntyre, Xin Chen, Mohana Kunasekaran, Ashley Quigley, Samsung Lim, Haley Stone, Hye-young Paik, Lina Yao, David Heslop, Wenzhao Wei, Ines Sarmiento, Deepti Gurdasani
Summary: The use of AI in epidemic surveillance through automated early warnings generated from vast open-source data with minimal human intervention has the potential to bring about revolutionary and sustainable changes. AI can overcome challenges faced by weak health systems by detecting epidemic signals earlier than traditional surveillance methods, triggering early investigation and response at the regional level. However, the uptake of AI-based epidemic intelligence systems by public health authorities is low compared to clinical counterparts, highlighting the need for widespread adoption of digital open-source surveillance and AI technology for effective prevention of serious epidemics.
JOURNAL OF INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rebecca Grant, Jilian A. Sacks, Priya Abraham, Supamit Chunsuttiwat, Cheryl Cohen, J. Peter Figueroa, Thomas Fleming, Paul Fine, David Goldblatt, Hideki Hasegawa, C. Raina MacIntrye, Ziad A. Memish, Elizabeth Miller, Sergio Nishioka, Amadou A. Sall, Samba Sow, Oyewale Tomori, Youchun Wang, Maria D. Van Kerkhove, Marie-Ange Wambo, Homa Attar Cohen, Samuel Mesfin, James R. Otieno, Lorenzo Subissi, Sylvie Briand, David E. Wentworth, Kanta Subbarao
Summary: Vaccines for different SARS-CoV-2 variants have been authorized, but continuous monitoring is necessary to decide when vaccine antigen composition should be revised, along with clinical studies to assess vaccine effectiveness.
Article
Immunology
Elizabeth Benedict Kpozehouen, Bravien Arrudsivah, Timothy C. Tan, C. Raina Macintyre
Summary: Background: Influenza vaccination has been shown to be effective in preventing myocardial infarction, but vaccination rates are low in both adults and healthcare workers. This study aimed to understand the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of healthcare workers in a cardiology ward regarding influenza vaccination. Results revealed a lack of awareness among healthcare workers regarding the associations between influenza, vaccination, and cardiovascular health. They did not routinely discuss the benefits of influenza vaccination or recommend it to patients, possibly due to a lack of awareness, not considering it part of their job, and workload issues. Improving healthcare workers' health literacy and awareness of the benefits of vaccination may lead to better healthcare outcomes for cardiac patients.
Article
Immunology
Elizabeth B. Kpozehouen, Robert Menzies, Holly Seale, Julia Brotherton, C. Raina Macintyre
Summary: In 2016, Australia launched the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR), a national immunisation system covering all age groups. Recommendations from a national workshop have been integrated into the current version of AIR, improving the accuracy and validity of data. However, access to AIR data for research purposes remains limited.
Article
Microbiology
Ainsley R. Chapman, Jillian M. Wright, Nicole A. Kaiser, Peter M. Jones, Erin M. Driver, Rolf U. Halden, Arvind Varsani, Matthew Scotch, Temitope O. C. Faleye
Summary: This paper describes the genome of MAZ-Nov-2020, a microvirus identified from municipal wastewater in Maricopa County, Arizona, USA, in November 2020. The genome is 4,696 nucleotides long, with a GC content of 56% and a coverage of 3,641x. It encodes major capsid protein, endolysin, replication initiator protein, and two hypothetical proteins, one of which is predicted to be a membrane-associated multiheme cytochrome c.
MICROBIOLOGY RESOURCE ANNOUNCEMENTS
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Saif Khairat, Sue S. Feldman, Arif Rana, Mohammad Faysel, Saptarshi Purkayastha, Matthew Scotch, Christina Eldredge
Summary: This article presents the foundational domains and corresponding competencies developed by AMIA's Academic Forum Baccalaureate Education Committee (BEC) for undergraduate health informatics education.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN MEDICAL INFORMATICS ASSOCIATION
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
D. Hutchinson, M. Kunasekaran, A. Quigley, A. Moa, C. R. MacIntyre
Summary: The objective of this study was to use the EPIWATCH AI system to scan open-source data and detect early warnings of infectious disease outbreaks. By analyzing a multicountry outbreak of Mpox in non-endemic countries confirmed by the World Health Organization in May 2022, the study aimed to identify signals of fever and rash-like illness and determine if they represented potential Mpox outbreaks. The EPIWATCH AI system was used to detect global signals for syndromes of rash and fever from 1 month prior to the initial case confirmation in the United Kingdom to 2 months following.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Temitope O. C. Faleye, Erin M. Driver, Devin A. Bowes, Abriana Smith, Nicole A. Kaiser, Jillian M. Wright, Ainsley R. Chapman, Rolf U. Halden, Arvind Varsani, Matthew Scotch
Summary: In this study, CPV genomes were sequenced from dog feces collected in poop bags, and a variant of CPV-2c with amino acid substitutions in NS1 and NS2 was identified in Arizona, USA in June 2022. This genome is the only CPV genome described in the USA from the 2022 season, despite reports of CPV outbreaks and fatalities in dogs. Further studies and experimental research are needed to enhance our understanding of the evolutionary process of CPV.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Aye Moa, Mohana Kunasekaran, Zubair Akhtar, Valentina Costantino, C. Raina Macintyre
Summary: We estimated the effectiveness of influenza vaccines in preventing laboratory-confirmed influenza among older adults in aged care. Fourteen studies were included for final review and showed considerable variation in reported vaccine effectiveness. Observational studies demonstrated VE ranging from 7.2% to 89.8%, while randomized clinical trials showed a 17% reduction in infection rates with the adjuvanted trivalent vaccine. Limitations included the small number of included studies, variations in seasons and diagnostic testing methods, and limited research on enhanced influenza vaccines in aged care settings.
HUMAN VACCINES & IMMUNOTHERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Nursing
Danielle Hutchinson, Mohana Kunasekaran, Haley Stone, Xin Chen, Ashley Quigley, Aye Moa, C. Raina Macintyre
Summary: The use of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as respirators, plays a significant role in reducing the risk of healthcare workers (HCWs) acquiring SARS-CoV-2 infections. However, differences in PPE guidelines across different clinical settings may leave HCWs vulnerable to infection. During periods of high community transmission, it is crucial to provide respirators to protect hospital staff.
NURSING RESEARCH AND PRACTICE
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Mark Raphael, Angela Kelly-Hanku, David Heslop, Danielle Hutchinson, Mohana Kunasekaran, Ashley Quigley, Raina Macintyred
Summary: Compliance with face mask mandates in Papua New Guinea was found to be very low, especially in outdoor settings. Individuals without face coverings and not following physical distancing guidelines are at a higher risk for COVID-19 transmission, particularly in medium- and large-sized gatherings. A new strategy is needed to enforce public health mandates and should be clearly promoted to the public.
WESTERN PACIFIC SURVEILLANCE AND RESPONSE
(2023)
