Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Elina Vaisanen, Miao Jiang, Larissa Laine, Matti Waris, Ilkka Julkunen, Pamela Osterlund
Summary: SARS-CoV-2 genomic RNA is infectious and should be studied and handled in higher containment level laboratories. The nature of RNA infectiousness and appropriate biosafety measures have been discussed.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Martin Bartas, Adriana Volna, Christopher A. Beaudoin, Ebbe Toftgaard Poulsen, Jiri Cerven, Vaclav Brazda, Vladimir Spunda, Tom L. Blundell, Petr Pecinka
Summary: This study investigates the potential existence of still undescribed SARS-CoV-2 proteins using sequence and structure-based bioinformatics methodologies. The findings suggest that there may be negative-sense ORFs in the SARS-CoV-2 genome that could play an important role in the viral lifecycle and COVID-19 pathogenesis.
BRIEFINGS IN BIOINFORMATICS
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Akanksha Rajput, Archit Kumar, Kirti Megha, Anamika Thakur, Manoj Kumar
Summary: Viruses are responsible for various epidemics and pandemics, with drug repurposing emerging as a potential solution for developing antivirals cost-effectively. The 'DrugRepV' database provides information on repurposed drugs tested for antiviral activity, aiding researchers in exploring and utilizing this data effectively. It is linked to external repositories for added information and usefulness to the research community.
BRIEFINGS IN BIOINFORMATICS
(2021)
Article
Virology
Patricia Bustos, Carolina Tambley, Alejandra Acevedo, Winston Andrade, Gabriel Leal, Deyanira Vidal, Francisco Roldan, Rodrigo Fasce, Eugenio Ramirez
Summary: This study investigated 458 patients with SARS-CoV-2, finding a correlation between fever and high viral load, an earlier peak viral load in children, and a longer duration of viral presence in patients over 60 years old.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Catarina Marques-Pereira, Manuel N. Pires, Raquel P. Gouveia, Nadia N. Pereira, Ana B. Caniceiro, Nicia Rosario-Ferreira, Irina S. Moreira
Summary: This study examined the structural characteristics of the Membrane (M) protein of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome CoronaVirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and predicted its dimeric structure and membrane orientation using computational methods. The study also identified a number of mutation sites in the M protein that appeared in variants of the virus, which could have implications for the development of new therapeutics.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Avelino Nunez-Delgado, Warish Ahmed, Jesus L. Romande, Kuldeep Dhama, Jose L. Domingo
Summary: This article introduces a virtual special issue on the origin of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, aiming to shed light on the matter through high-quality scientific research papers. The special issue received 50 submissions, and the most outstanding papers were accepted for publication after careful peer-review. The editors believe that these papers provide valuable contributions to the scientific community and society.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biology
Andreas Hober, Khue Hua Tran-Minh, Dominic Foley, Thomas McDonald, Johannes Pc Vissers, Rebecca Pattison, Samantha Ferries, Sigurd Hermansson, Ingvar Betner, Mathias Uhlen, Morteza Razavi, Richard Yip, Matthew E. Pope, Terry W. Pearson, Leigh N. Andersson, Amy Bartlett, Lisa Calton, Jessica J. Alm, Lars Engstrand, Fredrik Edfors
Summary: A scalable analytical approach using LC-MS technology has been developed to accurately detect SARS-CoV-2 viral proteins, showing strong correlation with RT-PCR results. This method has rapid turnaround times and high sensitivity and specificity, making it suitable for future pandemic monitoring and control.
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Dewi A. N. Aisyah, Chyntia A. A. Mayadewi, Gayatri Igusti, Logan Manikam, Wiku Adisasmito, Zisis Kozlakidis
Summary: This paper evaluates the readiness of Indonesian laboratories in the early months of the pandemic and the success of cross-sectoral collaboration. Despite the expansion of the laboratory network, challenges persist due to the constantly surging testing demands.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Tamanna K. Singh, David A. Zidar, Keith McCrae, Kristin B. Highland, Kristin Englund, Scott J. Cameron, Mina K. Chung
Summary: COVID-19 has become the first modern-day pandemic of historic proportion, affecting over 600 million individuals worldwide and causing more than 6.5 million deaths. Postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection, which impacts up to one-third of survivors and often manifests as cardiovascular symptoms, appears to be a pandemic of its own. This review will discuss the suspected pathophysiology of postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2, its impact on the cardiovascular system, and potential treatment strategies.
CIRCULATION RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Yiming Shao, Yingqi Wu, Yi Feng, Wenxin Xu, Feng Xiong, Xinxin Zhang
Summary: The rapid identification and sharing of the SARS-CoV-2 genomic sequence by Chinese scientists has greatly contributed to the development of COVID-19 diagnostics, drugs, and vaccines. However, the challenges posed by virus variants and waning vaccine immunity are significant. Vaccination strategies need to be adapted to maintain population immunity, and further research is necessary to develop more effective vaccines and understand optimal vaccination strategies.
FRONTIERS OF MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Jennifer Cable, Mark R. Denison, Margaret Kielian, William T. Jackson, Ralf Bartenschlager, Tero Ahola, Suchetana Mukhopadhyay, Daved H. Fremont, Richard J. Kuhn, Ashleigh Shannon, Meredith N. Frazier, Kwok-Yung Yuen, Carolyn B. Coyne, Katja C. Wolthers, Guo-Li Ming, Camy S. Guenther, Jasmine Moshiri, Sonja M. Best, John W. Schoggins, Kellie Ann Jurado, Gregory D. Ebel, Alexandra Schafer, Lisa F. P. Ng, Marjolein Kikkert, Alessandro Sette, Eva Harris, Peter A. C. Wing, Julie Eggenberger, Siddharth R. Krishnamurthy, Marcus G. Mah, Rita M. Meganck, Donghoon Chung, Sebastian Maurer-Stroh, Raul Andino, Bette Korber, Stanley Perlman, Pei-Yong Shi, Montserrat Barcena, Sophie-Marie Aicher, Michelle N. Vu, Devin J. Kenney, Brett D. Lindenbach, Yukiko Nishida, Laurent Renia, Evan P. Williams
Summary: Positive-strand RNA viruses, such as Zika virus, SARS, and SARS-CoV-2, have caused major outbreaks and epidemics in recent years. The Keystone Symposium Positive-Strand RNA Viruses, held on June 18-22, 2022, brought together researchers in various fields to discuss the latest research in molecular and cell biology, virology, immunology, vaccinology, and antiviral drug development. This report provides concise summaries of the scientific discussions at the symposium.
ANNALS OF THE NEW YORK ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Rossana Scutari, Silvia Renica, Valeria Cento, Alice Nava, Jose Camilla Sammartino, Alessandro Ferrari, Arianna Pani, Marco Merli, Diana Fanti, Chiara Vismara, Francesco Scaglione, Massimo Puoti, Alessandra Bandera, Andrea Gori, Antonio Piralla, Fausto Baldanti, Carlo Federico Perno, Claudia Alteri
Summary: This study investigates the correlation between the quantification of SARS-CoV-2 subgenomic RNA (sgRNA) and viral infectiousness. The results suggest that sgRNA quantification can be a valid surrogate marker for identifying patients with active infection.
Article
Virology
Shixing Yang, Tongling Shan, Yuqing Xiao, Heteng Zhang, Xiaochun Wang, Quan Shen, Yan Wang, Yuxin Yao, Qi Liu, Hao Wang, Wen Zhang
Summary: Analysis of pangolin metagenomic data suggests that pangolins may be intermediate hosts for SARS-CoV-2, but further sampling and analysis from various countries are needed for confirmation.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bikash Malla, Ocean Thakali, Sadhana Shrestha, Takahiro Segawa, Masaaki Kitajima, Eiji Haramoto
Summary: This study applied high-throughput quantitative PCR (HT-qPCR) to detect SARS-CoV-2, its nucleotide substituted RNA, and other pathogenic viruses in wastewater. The results showed that using multiple assays increased the detection rate, and HT-qPCR may be the most time-efficient and cost-effective method for tracking COVID-19 and monitoring community health.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Review
Virology
Petra Simicic, Snjezana Zidovec-Lepej
Summary: RNA viruses have high genetic variability due to fast replication, large population size, low fidelity, and a lack of proofreading mechanisms. Viral recombination and reassortment contribute to greater genetic diversity. This rapid evolution can lead to difficulties in eradicating RNA viruses, changes in virulence, and cross-species transmissions like the SARS-CoV-2 pandemics.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Friederike Praus, Axel Kuenstner, Thorben Sauer, Michael Kohl, Katharina Kern, Steffen Deichmann, Akos Vegvari, Tobias Keck, Hauke Busch, Jens K. K. Habermann, Timo Gemoll
Summary: This study integrated genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic analyses to identify significant differences in expression during colorectal cancer progression. The results highlight the importance of tumor heterogeneity and individual differences for clinical studies, and may accelerate the implementation of precision oncology in the future.
JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Sara Svensson Akusjaervi, Ujjwal Neogi
Summary: In the absence of a prophylactic/therapeutic vaccine or cure, the most amazing achievement in the battle against HIV was the discovery of effective, well-tolerated combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). The primary research question remains whether PLWH on prolonged successful therapy has accelerated, premature, or accentuated biological aging. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of the immunometabolic profile in PLWH, potentially associated with biological aging, and a better understanding of the mechanisms and temporal dynamics of biological aging in PLWH. Recent Findings Biological aging, defined by the epigenetic alterations analyzed by the DNA methylation pattern, has been reported in PLWH with cART that points towards epigenetic age acceleration.
CURRENT HIV/AIDS REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Rafael Cena-Diez, Aswathy Narayanan, Shilpa Ray, Maarten van de Klundert, Jimmy E. Rodriguez, Johan Nilvebrant, Per-Ake Nygren, Akos Vegvari, Robert van Domselaar, Anders Sonnerborg
Summary: WC-am, a dipeptide, has been found to be increased in elite controllers, who can control HIV-1 infection. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-HIV-1 activity and mechanism of action of WC-am. The results showed that WC-am binds to the CD4 binding pocket of HIV-1 gp120, blocking its binding to host cell receptors, and inhibits HIV-1 replication by affecting reverse transcription.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Yu-Ching Su, Mahendar Kadari, Megan L. L. Straw, Martina Janouskova, Sandra Jonsson, Oskar Thofte, Farshid Jalalvand, Erika Matuschek, Linda Sandblad, Akos Vegvari, Roman A. A. Zubarev, Kristian Riesbeck
Summary: Non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) is a Gram-negative human pathogen that causes various airway diseases. The outer membrane protein P5 contributes to bacterial serum resistance and also plays a critical role in maintaining bacterial outer membrane integrity and protein composition.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Abdul Muktadir Shafi, Akos Vegvari, Roman A. Zubarev, Carlos Penha-Goncalves
Summary: This study reveals the important role of the STING-INFb-CXCL10 pathway in brain microvascular endothelial cells (BECs) in the development of cerebral malaria (CM). Activation of this pathway leads to immunoproteasome activation, enhanced antigen presentation, and impairment of endothelial barrier function. These findings provide insights into the pathogenesis of CM and its lethality.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Huqiao Luo, Vilma Urbonaviciute, Amir Ata Saei, Hezheng Lyu, Massimiliano Gaetani, Akos Vegvari, Yanpeng Li, Roman A. Zubarev, Rikard Holmdahl
Summary: Mutations in NCF1 gene that cause low production of ROS are strongly linked to systemic lupus erythematosus. The deficiency of ROS in plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) exacerbates lupus development by promoting pDC accumulation in multiple organs, elevating IFN-alpha levels, and activating IFN-stimulated genes. Mechanistic studies show that ROS deficiency enhances pDC generation and migration, which further augment type I IFN responses. Restoring NOX2-derived ROS specifically in pDCs protects against lupus by suppressing these pathways.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Milan Finn Wesseler, Nayere Taebnia, Sean Harrison, Sonia Youhanna, Lena C. Preiss, Aurino M. Kemas, Akos Vegvari, Jaroslav Mokry, Gareth J. Sullivan, Volker M. Lauschke, Niels B. Larsen
Summary: This study presents an accurate liver microphysiological system (MPS) created through engineering of 3D printed hydrogel chips with synthetic vasculature channels. The MPS allows the long-term culture of human liver cells and demonstrates improved molecular phenotypes compared to other 3D culture methods. The platform also successfully generates physiologically relevant oxygen gradients and shows zonation-specific toxicity patterns.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Flora Mikaeloff, Marco Gelpi, Alejandra Escos, Andreas D. Knudsen, Julie Hogh, Thomas Benfield, Joao Pedro de Magalhaes, Susanne D. Nielsen, Ujjwal Neogi
Summary: This study aimed to investigate biological aging in people with HIV (PWH) who underwent long-term successful antiretroviral therapy (ART). The results showed that 43% of PWH had an accelerated aging process, while 21% had a decelerated aging process. The factors associated with accelerated aging were older age, European ancestry, and higher use of tenofovir disoproxil/alafenamide fumarate.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Christian M. Beusch, Oscar E. Simonson, Johan O. Wedin, Pierre Sabatier, Ulrika Felldin, Sandeep Kadekar, Cecilia Osterholm, Akos Vegvari, Roman A. Zubarev, Karin Fromell, Bo Nilson, Stefan James, Elisabeth Stahle, Karl-Henrik Grinnemo, Sergey Rodin
Summary: By comparing the extracellular matrix proteins in valve tissues from patients with isolated aortic valve degeneration, the study identified differences in the molecular cues and aetiologies between patients with tricuspid and bicuspid aortic valves, suggesting the need for different treatments and providing insights into the molecular basis of the condition.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Alfredo Torres, M. Angelica Michea, Akos Vegvari, Marion Arce, Alicia Morales, Elias Lanyon, Marcela Alcota, Camila Fuentes, Rolando Vernal, Mauricio Budini, Roman A. Zubarev, Fermin E. Gonzalez
Summary: The study aimed to explore the qualitative and quantitative differences in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) proteome of periodontitis patients during disease progression. It was found that the GCF proteome of progressive periodontitis was associated with metabolic processes, immune response, and cellular stress, while the proteome of stable periodontitis was mainly related to wound repair, cell death regulation, and autophagy.
JOURNAL OF PERIODONTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Akos Vegvari, Xuepei Zhang, Roman A. Zubarev
Summary: This study successfully detected proteins from individual Escherichia coli bacteria for the first time, with validation of the findings through comparison with other samples and bulk proteomics data.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Yayah Emerencia Ngah, Ghazal Raoufi, Maral Amirkhani, Ashkan Esmaeili, Rasa Nikooifard, Shidrokh Ghaemi Mood, Ava Rahmanian, Minyahil Tadesse Boltena, Eresso Aga, Ujjwal Neogi, George Ikomey Mondinde, Ziad El-Khatib
Summary: This study aims to determine whether implementing an automated SMS reminder can improve child vaccination rates in a turbulent, semiurban/semirural setting in a low-income country. A total of 200 participants will be recruited and divided into an intervention group and a control group for observation and comparison. By collecting baseline information, clinical visit data, and vaccination records, and conducting statistical analysis, the study aims to propose a holistic approach to improving child vaccination and public health.
JMIR RESEARCH PROTOCOLS
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Robert D. Hawkins, Lennart Brodin, Elvar Theodorsson, Akos Vegvari, Eric R. Kandel, Tomas Hokfelt
Summary: Neuropeptides are widely used as neurotransmitters in both vertebrates and invertebrates, but the complexity of the vertebrate nervous system has hindered the understanding of their functions as transmitters. The marine mollusk Aplysia, with its simpler nervous system and large identified neurons, offers advantages for studying neuropeptides' roles in behavior. By observing immunoreactivity in individual neurons in adult Aplysia, we have discovered potential unknown peptides involved in behavior. Furthermore, our studies have revealed a high degree of colocalization of different neuropeptides in individual neurons, suggesting complex interactions and functions.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Shahriar Sharifi, Amir Ata Saei, Hassan Gharibi, Nouf N. Mahmoud, Shannon Harkins, Naruphorn Dararatana, Erika M. Lisabeth, Vahid Serpooshan, Akos Vegvari, Anna Moore, Morteza Mahmoudi
Summary: Albumin-based hydrogels, especially the non-immunogenic photocurable version described in the study, demonstrate excellent biocompatibility and anti-inflammatory properties, making them promising materials for biomedical applications. The modifications and cross-linking of methacrylated HSA were found to reduce macrophage adhesion and inflammatory pathways, with potential for use in passivation coatings and other biomedical applications. In vitro and Ex-Ovo assay results confirmed the biocompatibility and slight angiogenesis-modulating effects of the photocurable albumin hydrogels.
ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Virology
Sofia Appelberg, Lijo John, Norbert Pardi, Akos Vegvari, Sandor Bereczky, Gustaf Ahlen, Vanessa Monteil, Samir Abdurahman, Flora Mikaeloff, Mitchell Beattie, Ying Tam, Matti Sallberg, Ujjwal Neogi, Drew Weissman, Ali Mirazimi
Summary: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), caused by CCHFV, is a prioritized disease. In this study, vaccination with mRNA-LNP encoding CCHFV proteins protected mice against lethal infection and induced robust immune responses. The vaccine also affected liver injury.
JOURNAL OF VIROLOGY
(2022)