Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eirini Vamva, Alex Griffiths, Conrad A. Vink, Andrew M. L. Lever, Julia C. Kenyon
Summary: Modifications to the 5' leader and gag RNA sequences may enhance the packaging process of lentiviral vectors by facilitating vector RNA dimerization. In-gel SHAPE revealed a direct interaction between the U5 region of the HIV-1 leader and downstream gag sequences, providing insights for the design of optimized HIV-1 based vectors.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Farida Ismail AlHosani, Anderson Eduardo Stanciole, Bashir Aden, Andrey Timoshkin, Omar Najim, Walid Abbas Zaher, Fatima AlSayedsaleh AlDhaheri, Shereena Al Mazrouie, Tahir Aziz Rizvi, Farah Mustafa
Summary: This community-based observational study found that the BBIBP-CorV inactivated vaccine is effective in preventing severe COVID-19 outcomes such as hospital admissions and death. Fully vaccinated individuals showed higher protection compared to partially vaccinated individuals.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Mahmoud Al Ahmad, Lillian J. A. Olule, Mohammed Meetani, Farrukh Amin Sheikh, Rahima Al Blooshi, Neena G. Panicker, Farah Mustafa, Tahir A. Rizvi
Summary: This work presents an opto-electrical method to differentiate between SARS-CoV-2 negative and positive nasal swab samples by measuring the interactions between the viral nucleocapsid protein and anti-N antibody. The study found that if the extracted feature value is greater than 1, SARS-CoV-2 can be detected in patient nasal swab samples within two minutes; otherwise, the sample is considered negative.
IEEE JOURNAL OF SELECTED TOPICS IN SIGNAL PROCESSING
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Agnes Sonnevend, Walid Q. Alali, Sara A. Mahmoud, Akela Ghazawi, Greeshma Bharathan, Szilvia Melegh, Tahir A. Rizvi, Tibor Pal
Summary: Data on the prevalence of MCR-producing Enterobacterales of animal origin are scarce from the Arabian Peninsula. We investigated these strains from poultry fecal specimens in the United Arab Emirates and found mcr-1.1 positive strains in 36 out of 40 samples. Whole genome sequencing revealed the resistance and virulence genes, MLST and cgMLST of 39 selected isolates. Transferability and incompatibility types of the MCR-plasmids were also determined. The diversity of mcr-1 positive strains indicates the need for coordinated surveillance including animals, retail meat and clinical cases.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Agnes Sonnevend, Najiba Abdulrazzaq, Akela Ghazawi, Jens Thomsen, Greeshma Bharathan, Lilla Makszin, Tahir A. Rizvi, Tibor Pal
Summary: This study assessed the prevalence, distribution, and main clonal types of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) in the United Arab Emirates. The results showed that nearly half of the CRE infections in the country were caused by a limited number of clones. Specific Klebsiella pneumoniae clones were identified as major contributors to CRE. The study also revealed an association between the most resistant clone (CC14) and Emirati patients, highlighting the need for further investigation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Waleed Ahmed, Ali H. Al-Marzouqi, Muhammad Hamza Nazir, Tahir A. Rizvi, Essam Zaneldin, Mushtaq Khan
Summary: Due to COVID-19 pandemic, novel strategies to combat pathogens are on the rise worldwide. This research investigates an antimicrobial polymeric PLA-based composite material enhanced with different microparticles. Results showed that the sample prepared with 90% copper and 10% PLA exhibited the best antibacterial activity, making it a sustainable solution for various applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Tibor Pal, Aqdas B. Butt, Akela Ghazawi, Jens Thomsen, Tahir A. Rizvi, Agnes Sonnevend
Summary: Recent studies have found that highly resistant clones of Klebsiella pneumoniae, including ST14, ST231, and CC147, dominate the current endemic of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. These clones were already present in the early years of the CRE outbreak and have had a significant impact on antibiotic resistance patterns.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
S. H. Chong, L. A. Burn, T. K. M. Cheng, I. S. Warr, J. C. Kenyon
Summary: Multiple vaccine platforms against COVID-19 have been developed, but their effectiveness against emerging variants, moderate disease, and asymptomatic infection remains uncertain. Ongoing discussions include the duration of protection, booster frequency, and target strains. Further research is needed to address these gaps and inform vaccination strategies.
BRITISH MEDICAL BULLETIN
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Akhil Chameettachal, Farah Mustafa, Tahir A. Rizvi
Summary: Members of the Retroviridae family are important pathogens in animals and humans. The replication of retroviruses involves multiple unique steps, such as reverse transcription, integration, and specific packaging of their genomic RNA. Although progress has been made in understanding the molecular mechanisms of these steps, many aspects remain unknown or controversial. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of our current understanding of retrovirus replication and RNA packaging, highlighting the interplay between viral and cellular factors and exploring areas for further research.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Vineeta N. Pillai, Lizna Mohamed Ali, Suresha G. Prabhu, Anjana Krishnan, Saeed Tariq, Farah Mustafa, Tahir A. Rizvi
Summary: This study successfully expressed soluble and full-length SIV Pr55Gag and purified it using affinity and gel filtration chromatography. The purified Pr55Gag could assemble into virus-like particles in vitro and efficiently package SIV genomic RNA. This research provides an important method for future studies on protein structure and RNA-protein interactions during SIV gRNA packaging.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Waleed Ahmed, Ali H. Al-Marzouqi, Muhammad Hamza Nazir, Tahir A. Rizvi, Essam Zaneldin, Mushtaq Khan, Muthanna Aziz
Summary: Novel strategies and materials have gained attention due to the current pandemic, high global market competition, and pathogen resistance. There is a need to develop cost-effective, eco-friendly, and biodegradable materials to combat bacteria. Fused filament fabrication (FFF), also known as fused deposition modeling (FDM), is the most effective method to develop these composites.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Balaji Venkataraman, Saeeda Almarzooqi, Vishnu Raj, Bhoomendra A. Bhongade, Rajesh B. Patil, Veedamali S. Subramanian, Samir Attoub, Tahir A. Rizvi, Thomas E. Adrian, Sandeep B. Subramanya
Summary: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is a debilitating condition with a multifactorial etiology. Current drug therapies for IBD have adverse effects with long-term use, thus the need for new drug candidates. 1,8-cineole, a monoterpene oxide, has potent anti-inflammatory effects through binding to PPAR?. Studies have shown that 1,8-cineole can decrease inflammation, induce antioxidant effects, and increase PPAR? expression. Due to its strong anti-inflammatory effects, 1,8-cineole may be valuable in treating IBD.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biochemical Research Methods
Julia C. Kenyon, Johnson Mak
Summary: Nano-DMS-MaP examines the structures of individual RNA isoforms, allowing for direct assessment of the structural diversity of different RNAs within cells.
Review
Virology
Waqar Ahmad, Bushra Gull, Jasmin Baby, Neena G. Panicker, Thanumol A. Khader, Shaima Akhlaq, Tahir A. Rizvi, Farah Mustafa
Summary: SARS-CoV-2 infection alters host miRNA expression, which could serve as potential biomarkers for COVID-19 prognosis and the development of anti-virals and therapeutics.
REVIEWS IN MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Virology
Waqar Ahmad, Neena G. Panicker, Shaima Akhlaq, Bushra Gull, Jasmin Baby, Thanumol A. Khader, Tahir A. Rizvi, Farah Mustafa
Summary: This study aimed to identify genes and pathways dysregulated by MMTV expression in mouse mammary epithelial cells. mRNAseq analysis revealed differentially expressed genes and pathway dysregulation upon MMTV expression. Bioinformatics analysis identified hub genes and dysregulated molecular pathways, including the down-regulation of the PI3-AKT-mTOR pathway. Comparison with other mouse models provided insights into the molecular mechanisms and potential of MMTV to cause cell transformation. These findings have important implications for the understanding of MMTV replication and its involvement in breast cancer.