Publications by authors named "L K McMullan"

Article Synopsis
  • Development of broad-spectrum antiviral therapies, like 4'-fluorouridine (4'-FlU), is crucial for effectively responding to outbreaks and pandemics caused by emerging viruses, particularly those that cause hemorrhagic fevers, which have seen increasing morbidity and mortality rates.
  • 4'-FlU has shown antiviral activity against several hemorrhagic fever viruses in cell cultures and has demonstrated high efficacy in guinea pig models infected with lethal arenaviruses, maintaining its effectiveness at low doses.
  • When administered late in infection, 4'-FlU not only resolved clinical symptoms quickly but also showcased its potential as a therapeutic option with a broader application against various viral pathogens.
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Article Synopsis
  • There are currently no vaccines or treatments approved for Lassa virus (LASV) infections.
  • Researchers conducted a screening of nearly 60,000 compounds to find anti-LASV activity under high biosafety conditions.
  • The most promising compound found was Mac128, which effectively inhibited LASV replication and significantly reduced viral levels by targeting the polymerase enzyme.
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Article Synopsis
  • SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, was identified in 2019 and has led to a significant global health crisis.
  • The study evaluated the effectiveness of various serological tests for detecting SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies, including in-house ELISA and commercial assays, using samples from confirmed COVID-19 patients and a control group.
  • All tests showed high sensitivity (95.4-96.6%) and diagnostic accuracy, but the researchers emphasized the need for independent evaluations to enhance the interpretation of serological test results.
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Although dementia research has been dominated by Alzheimer's disease (AD), most dementia in older people is now recognised to be due to mixed pathologies, usually combining vascular and AD brain pathology. Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI), which encompasses vascular dementia (VaD) is the second most common type of dementia. Models of VCI have been delayed by limited understanding of the underlying aetiology and pathogenesis.

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With the advancement of biomedical research into antimicrobial treatments for various diseases, the source and delivery of antibiotics have attracted attention. In periodontal diseases, antibiotics are integral in positive treatment outcomes; however, the use of antibiotics is with caution as the potential for the emergence of resistant strains is of concern. Over the years, conventional routes of drug administration have been proven to be effective for the treatment of PD, yet the problem of antibiotic resistance to conventional therapies continues to remain a setback in future treatments.

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