Acquisition of the L452R Mutation in the ACE2-Binding Interface of Spike Protein Triggers Recent Massive Expansion of SARS-CoV-2 Variants.

We report that there is a recent global expansion of numerous independent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants with mutation L452R in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein. The massive emergence of L452R variants was first linked to lineage B.1.

Acquisition of the L452R mutation in the ACE2-binding interface of Spike protein triggers recent massive expansion of SARS-Cov-2 variants.

The recent rise in mutational variants of SARS-CoV-2, especially with changes in the Spike protein, is of significant concern due to the potential ability for these mutations to increase viral infectivity, virulence and/or ability to escape protective antibodies. Here, we investigated genetic variations in a 414-583 amino acid region of the Spike protein, partially encompassing the ACE2 receptor-binding domain (RBD), across a subset of 570 nasopharyngeal samples isolated between April 2020 and February 2021, from Washington, California, Arizona, Colorado, Minnesota and Illinois. We found that samples isolated since November have an increased number of amino acid mutations in the region, with L452R being the dominant mutation.

Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Contamination on Food Plant Surfaces as Determined by Environmental Monitoring.

Abstract: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has presented new challenges to food manufacturers. During the early phase of the pandemic, several large outbreaks of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) occurred in food manufacturing plants resulting in deaths and economic loss, with approximately 15% of personnel diagnosed as asymptomatic for COVID-19. Spread by asymptomatic and presymptomatic individuals has been implicated in large outbreaks of COVID-19.

Genome-resolved insights into a novel symbiont of the Wheat Stem Sawfly (.

Arthropods often have obligate relationships with symbiotic microbes, and recent investigations have demonstrated that such host-microbe relationships could be exploited to suppress natural populations of vector carrying mosquitos. Strategies that target the interplay between agricultural pests and their symbionts could decrease the burden caused by agricultural pests; however, the lack of comprehensive genomic insights into naturally occurring microbial symbionts presents a significant bottleneck. Here we employed amplicon surveys, genome-resolved metagenomics, and scanning electron microscopy to investigate symbionts of the wheat stem sawfly (), a major pest that causes an estimated $350 million dollars or more in wheat yield losses in the northwestern United States annually.

Do nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs impair tissue healing?

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) commonly are used by providers and patients to treat acute injuries. However, evidence suggests that they may interfere with healing in musculoskeletal injuries. The associated cardiac, renal, and gastrointestinal complications associated with NSAIDs are well known.

Retrospective drug utilization review: incidence of clinically relevant potential drug-drug interactions in a large ambulatory population.

Objective: To determine the incidence of clinically relevant potential drug-drug interactions (DDIs) in a large population of ambulatory patients utilizing a computerized, retrospective drug utilization review (DUR) program followed by clinical pharmacist audit.

Methods: The drug claims database included approximately 2.9 million patients with more than 30 million prescriptions dispensed in the 12-month period from September 2001 through August 2002.