Publications by authors named "Harriet Hill"

Article Synopsis
  • The study investigates the presence of salivary antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare workers, both after infection and vaccination, revealing that while serum antibodies are common, salivary antibodies are less prevalent and often non-neutralising.
  • Serum samples showed a high prevalence of IgG antibodies after vaccination, but only a fraction also showed salivary antibodies, indicating a disconnect between systemic and mucosal immune responses.
  • The findings emphasize the necessity for mucosal vaccines to improve oral and nasopharyngeal immunity, as salivary antibodies alone cannot reliably reflect overall antibody response from serum measurements.
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In the present work, we developed an effective antimicrobial surface film based on sustainable microfibrillated cellulose. The resulting porous cellulose thin film is barely noticeable to human eyes due to its submicrometer thickness, of which the surface coverage, porosity, and microstructure can be modulated by the formulations and the coating process. Using goniometers and a quartz crystal microbalance, we observed a threefold reduction in water contact angles and accelerated water evaporation kinetics on the cellulose film (more than 50% faster than that on a flat glass surface).

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Multiple myeloma (MM) and anti-MM therapy cause profound immunosuppression, leaving patients vulnerable to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and other infections. We investigated anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies longitudinally in ultra-high-risk patients with MM receiving risk-adapted, intensive anti-CD38 combined therapy in the Myeloma UK (MUK) nine trial. Despite continuous intensive therapy, seroconversion was achieved in all patients, but required a greater number of vaccinations compared to healthy individuals, highlighting the importance of booster vaccinations in this population.

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Hand hygiene is considered to be the key factor in controlling and preventing infection, either in hospital care settings or in the community. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are commonly used due to their rapid action and broad spectrum of microbicidal activity, offering protection against bacteria and viruses. However, their frequent administration during COVID-19 pandemic was associated with serious hazards, such as skin toxicity, including irritation, skin dermatitis, skin dryness or cracking, along with peeling redness or itching, with the higher possibility of getting infections.

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Background: The systemic inflammatory response post-SARS-CoV-2 infection increases pro-inflammatory cytokine production, multi-organ damage, and mortality rates. Mast cells (MC) modulate thrombo-inflammatory disease progression (, deep vein thrombosis) and the inflammatory response post-infection.

Objective: To enhance our understanding of the contribution of MC and their proteases in SARS-CoV-2 infection and the pathogenesis of the disease, which might help to identify novel therapeutic targets.

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Background: Patients with primary and secondary antibody deficiency are vulnerable to COVID-19 and demonstrate diminished responses following two-dose SARS-CoV-2 vaccine schedules. Third primary vaccinations have been deployed to enhance their humoral and cellular immunity.

Objectives: To determine the immunogenicity of the third primary SARS-CoV-2 immunisation in a heterogeneous cohort of patients with antibody deficiency.

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Aims: Thrombotic complications and vasculopathy have been extensively associated with severe COVID-19 infection; however, the mechanisms inducing endotheliitis and the disruption of endothelial integrity in the microcirculation are poorly understood. We hypothesized that within the vessel wall, pericytes preferentially take up viral particles and mediate the subsequent loss of vascular integrity.

Methods And Results: Immunofluorescence of post-mortem patient sections was used to assess pathophysiological aspects of COVID-19 infection.

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Background: Vaccination prevents severe morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 in the general population. The immunogenicity and efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in patients with antibody deficiency is poorly understood.

Objectives: COVID-19 in patients with antibody deficiency (COV-AD) is a multi-site UK study that aims to determine the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination in patients with primary or secondary antibody deficiency, a population that suffers from severe and recurrent infection and does not respond well to vaccination.

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Article Synopsis
  • - The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the urgent need for effective measures to control airborne pathogens and increased demand for technologies that ensure clean air.
  • - This study focuses on novel biocide-treated filters, which demonstrate rapid antimicrobial activity, effectively killing pathogens like Candida albicans, E. coli, and MRSA in under 15 minutes, and eliminating SARS-CoV-2 viral particles in less than 30 seconds.
  • - Field trials on the UK rail network showed that these filters are durable, preserve their filtration performance, and significantly reduce microbial contamination in air conditioning systems.
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The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has caused a significant number of fatalities and worldwide disruption. To identify drugs to repurpose to treat SARS-CoV-2 infections, we established a screen to measure the dimerization of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the primary receptor for the virus. This screen identified fenofibric acid, the active metabolite of fenofibrate.

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The untranslated regions (UTRs) of viral genomes contain a variety of conserved yet dynamic structures crucial for viral replication, providing drug targets for the development of broad spectrum anti-virals. We combine in vitro RNA analysis with molecular dynamics simulations to build the first 3D models of the structure and dynamics of key regions of the 5' UTR of the SARS-CoV-2 genome. Furthermore, we determine the binding of metallo-supramolecular helicates (cylinders) to this RNA structure.

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The untranslated regions (UTRs) of viral genomes contain a variety of conserved yet dynamic structures crucial for viral replication, providing drug targets for the development of broad spectrum anti-virals. We combine in vitro RNA analysis with molecular dynamics simulations to build the first 3D models of the structure and dynamics of key regions of the 5' UTR of the SARS-CoV-2 genome. Furthermore, we determine the binding of metallo-supramolecular helicates (cylinders) to this RNA structure.

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