Publications by authors named "V N Thiel"

Setting up a global SARS-CoV-2 surveillance system requires an understanding of how virus isolation and propagation practices, use of animal or human sera, and different neutralisation assay platforms influence assessment of SARS-CoV-2 antigenicity. In this study, with the contribution of 15 independent laboratories across all WHO regions, we carried out a controlled analysis of neutralisation assay platforms using the first WHO International Standard for antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (source: NIBSC). Live virus isolates (source: WHO BioHub or individual labs) or spike plasmids (individual labs) for pseudovirus production were used to perform neutralisation assays using the same serum panels.

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Wesselsbron virus (WSLV) is a zoonotic, mosquito-borne orthoflavivirus endemic to sub-Saharan Africa, causing abortions and stillbirths in small ruminants. The life cycle of WSLV involves Aedes mosquitoes and various wildlife and domestic animals. Seminal studies in the 1950s have shown the zoonotic potential of WSLV, notably in accidental infections of laboratory workers exposed to infected material.

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Article Synopsis
  • Chromosomal instability contributes significantly to the diversity within tumors, making it a key factor in tumor growth, particularly in complex karyotype acute myeloid leukemia (CK-AML).
  • The study revealed various structural variants, including unique patterns of clonal evolution in CK-AML, with a noteworthy 75% of cases exhibiting multiple subclones that continue to evolve.
  • By using patient-derived models, researchers identified potential therapies targeting leukemic stem cells, highlighting the importance of genetic changes and cell adaptability in disease progression.
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Introduction: Quantifying antibodies against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and neutralising antibodies may help to understand protection at the individual and population levels. Determination of neutralising antibodies using classical virus neutralisation tests (VNT) is considered the gold standard, but they are costly and time-intensive. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-based surrogate VNTs (sVNT) or anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike protein receptor binding domain immunoglobulins (anti-S-RBD Ig) may be suitable alternatives to VNTs.

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Article Synopsis
  • - Approved vaccines are good for preventing severe COVID-19, but new variants and transmission need a stronger immune response, leading to the creation of modified live-attenuated vaccines (LAVs) that recode the SARS-CoV-2 genome.
  • - The new vaccines, called OTS-206 and OTS-228, are designed to be safe and effective, with OTS-228 showing no side effects or transmission in animal studies, and can be given intranasally.
  • - A single dose of OTS-228 not only provides strong immunity against the original SARS-CoV-2 strain but also offers broad protection against variants like Omicron, making this approach potentially valuable for other emerging viruses as well. *
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