Publications by authors named "H-C Becker"

Effective targeting of somatic cancer mutations to enhance the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy requires an individualized approach. Autogene cevumeran is a uridine messenger RNA lipoplex-based individualized neoantigen-specific immunotherapy designed from tumor-specific somatic mutation data obtained from tumor tissue of each individual patient to stimulate T cell responses against up to 20 neoantigens. This ongoing phase 1 study evaluated autogene cevumeran as monotherapy (n = 30) and in combination with atezolizumab (n = 183) in pretreated patients with advanced solid tumors.

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Theoretical and simulated analyses of selective homonuclear dipolar recoupling sequences serve as primary tools for understanding and determining the robustness of these sequences under various conditions. In this article, we investigate the recently proposed first-order dipolar recoupling sequence known as MODIST (Modest Offset Difference Internuclear Selective Transfer). We evaluate the MODIST transfer efficiency, assessing its dependence on rf-field strengths and the number of simulated spins, extending up to 10 spins.

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  • A study was conducted on B^{+} decays to explore resonant structures using data from the LHCb experiment at various energy levels, totaling an integrated luminosity of 9 fb^{-1}.
  • The researchers performed a simultaneous amplitude fit on two decay channels, determining the C parities of resonances in the D^{*±}D^{∓} mass spectra.
  • Four new charmonium or charmoniumlike states were discovered, including η_{c}(3945) and h_{c}(4000), and the presence of T_{c[over ¯]s[over ¯]0}^{*}(2870)^{0} and T_{c[over ¯]s
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  • Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a complex disease influenced by various genetic factors and molecular mechanisms that vary by cell type and ancestry.
  • In a large study involving over 2.5 million individuals, researchers identified 1,289 significant genetic associations linked to T2D, including 145 new loci not previously reported.
  • The study categorized T2D signals into eight distinct clusters based on their connections to cardiometabolic traits and showed that these genetic profiles are linked to vascular complications, emphasizing the role of obesity-related processes across different ancestry groups.
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Background And Objective: Patients with presumed nonlesional focal epilepsy-based on either MRI or histopathologic findings-have a lower success rate of epilepsy surgery compared with lesional patients. In this study, we aimed to characterize a large group of patients with focal epilepsy who underwent epilepsy surgery despite a normal MRI and had no lesion on histopathology. Determinants of their postoperative seizure outcomes were further studied.

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Precision oncology approaches for patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) continue to lag behind other solid cancers. Functional precision oncology-a strategy that is based on perturbing primary tumor cells from cancer patients-could provide a road forward to personalize treatment. We extend this paradigm to measuring proteome activity landscapes by acquiring quantitative phosphoproteomic data from patient-derived organoids (PDOs).

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Background: Individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) have an increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), but questions remain about the underlying pathology. Identifying which CAD loci are modified by T2D in the development of subclinical atherosclerosis (coronary artery calcification [CAC], carotid intima-media thickness, or carotid plaque) may improve our understanding of the mechanisms leading to the increased CAD in T2D.

Methods: We compared the common and rare variant associations of known CAD loci from the literature on CAC, carotid intima-media thickness, and carotid plaque in up to 29 670 participants, including up to 24 157 normoglycemic controls and 5513 T2D cases leveraging whole-genome sequencing data from the Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine program.

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Interleukin-2 (IL-2) engineered versions, with biased immunological functions, have emerged from yeast display and rational design. Here we reshaped the human IL-2 interface with the IL-2 receptor beta chain through the screening of phage-displayed libraries. Multiple beta super-binders were obtained, having increased receptor binding ability and improved developability profiles.

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Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a heterogeneous disease that develops through diverse pathophysiological processes. To characterise the genetic contribution to these processes across ancestry groups, we aggregate genome-wide association study (GWAS) data from 2,535,601 individuals (39.7% non-European ancestry), including 428,452 T2D cases.

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  • Tobacco and alcohol use contribute significantly to global mortality rates, with heritability playing a key role in these behaviors.
  • This study utilized genetic data from a diverse population of 3.4 million individuals, including 21% non-European ancestry, to identify genetic variants linked to tobacco and alcohol use.
  • Findings showed that while increased genetic diversity improved the identification of genomic loci, polygenic risk scores were less effective across different ancestries, underscoring the need for larger and more diverse genetic datasets for better predictive outcomes.
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Background And Objectives: One-third of Parkinson disease (PD) patients with PD-mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI) convert to dementia within a few years. Markers with a high prognostic value for dementia conversion are needed. Loss of everyday function primarily caused by cognitive dysfunction is the core criterion for the diagnosis of PD dementia, with an onset of more complex instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) dysfunction in the prodromal stage.

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Background: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder with heterogeneous aetiology and a complex genetic background. Effective therapies are therefore likely to act on convergent pathways such as dysregulated energy metabolism, linked to multiple neurodegenerative diseases including ALS.

Methods: Activity of the glycolysis enzyme phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1) was increased genetically or pharmacologically using terazosin in zebrafish, mouse and ESC-derived motor neuron models of ALS.

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Background: The availability of whole-genome sequencing data in large studies has enabled the assessment of coding and noncoding variants across the allele frequency spectrum for their associations with blood pressure.

Methods: We conducted a multiancestry whole-genome sequencing analysis of blood pressure among 51 456 Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine and Centers for Common Disease Genomics program participants (stage-1). Stage-2 analyses leveraged array data from UK Biobank (N=383 145), Million Veteran Program (N=318 891), and Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (N=10 643) participants, along with whole-exome sequencing data from UK Biobank (N=199 631) participants.

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  • - This study investigates the genetic basis of telomere length (TL) across a diverse group of 109,122 individuals from various ancestries, marking the first such analysis that includes non-European populations.
  • - Researchers identified 59 significant genetic variants linked to TL, with 20 novel associations; these findings suggest that the genetic factors influencing TL are consistent across different populations.
  • - The analysis further revealed connections between telomere length and increased cancer risk, highlighting the potential implications of telomere genetics in age-related diseases.
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Minimally invasive interventions for myomata treatment have gained acceptance due to the possibility of preserving fertility with reduced trauma induced by laparotomy as way of entrance. There are insufficient data regarding outcomes of high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in non-Asiatic women. Therefore, we revised the available evidence to present an expert opinion that could support physicians, patients and policy-makers for considering this approach in other populations.

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Background: Monocytes are thought to be involved in venous thrombosis but the role of individual monocyte subpopulations on thrombus formation, clot inflammation, and degradation is an important unresolved issue. We investigate the role of inflammatory Ly6C monocytes in deep vein thrombosis and their potential therapeutic impact.

Methods: Frequencies and compositions of blood monocytes were analyzed by flow cytometry in CCR2 (C-C chemokine receptor type 2) and wild-type mice of different ages and after treatment with the NR4A1 (nuclear receptor group 4 family A member 1, Nur77) agonist CnsB (cytosporone B).

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Phenotypic definition of helper ILC1 and NK cells is problematic due to overlapping markers. Recently we showed the identification of cytotoxic ILC3s characterized by expression of CD94. Here we analyse CD127+ ILCs and NK cells in intestinal lamina propria from healthy donors and Crohn's disease patients and identify two populations of CD127+CD94+ ILCs, designated population A and B, that can be distinguished on the expression of CD117, CD18 and cytotoxic molecules.

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Article Synopsis
  • The Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) programme aims to understand the genetic factors behind heart, lung, blood, and sleep disorders to enhance their diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
  • TOPMed uses whole-genome sequencing from diverse individuals, revealing over 400 million genetic variants, many of which are rare and offer insights into human evolution and disease mechanisms.
  • The programme provides tools like a variant browser and access to genomic data, improving the capability of genome-wide association studies to include rare variants that could have significant health implications.
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Extensive test batteries are often needed to obtain a comprehensive picture of a person's functional status. Many test batteries are not suitable for active and healthy adults due to ceiling effects, or require a lot of space, time, and training. The Community Balance and Mobility Scale (CBMS) is considered a gold standard for this population, but the test is complex, as well as time- and resource intensive.

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Background: Ischemia reperfusion injury (I/RI) is a common complication of cardiovascular diseases. Resolution of detrimental I/RI-generated prothrombotic and proinflammatory responses is essential to restore homeostasis. Platelets play a crucial part in the integration of thrombosis and inflammation.

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  • - The study investigates the genetic factors influencing plasma levels of Factor VIII (FVIII) and von Willebrand factor (VWF), which are linked to both clotting disorders and thrombosis risk, using data from over 46,000 individuals across various ethnic backgrounds.
  • - Researchers discovered 13 new genetic associations with FVIII and VWF levels, including 7 associated with FVIII and 11 with VWF, extending the knowledge beyond previously known variants. Functional tests supported most of these associations.
  • - The analysis suggests that higher plasma levels of FVIII may contribute to increased risk of venous thrombosis and coronary artery disease, while elevated VWF levels might heighten the risk of ischemic stroke, highlighting the potential for these proteins
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