Simultaneous detection of lung fusions using a multiplex RT-PCR next generation sequencing-based approach:A multi-institutional research study

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2′-O-methylation stabilizes Piwi-associated small RNAs and ensures DNA elimination in Tetrahymena

Small RNAs ∼20–30 nucleotides (nt) in length regulate gene expression at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. In the plant Arabidopsis, all small RNAs are 3′-terminal 2′-O-methylated by HEN1, whereas only a subset of small RNAs carry this modification in metazoans. This methylation is known to stabilize small RNAs, but its biological significance remains unclear. In the ciliated protozoan Tetrahymena thermophila, two classes of small RNAs have been identified: RNAs ∼28–29 nt long (scnRNAs) that are expressed only during sexual reproduction, and constitutively expressed ∼23–24 nt siRNAs. In this study, we demonstrate that scnRNAs, but not siRNAs, are 2′-O-methylated at their 3′ ends. The Tetrahymena HEN1 homolog Hen1p is responsible for scnRNA 2′-O-methylation. Loss of Hen1p causes a gradual reduction in the level and length of scnRNAs, defects in programmed DNA elimination, and inefficient production of sexual progeny. Therefore, Hen1p-mediated 2′-O-methylation stabilizes scnRNA and ensures DNA elimination in Tetrahymena. This study clearly shows that 3′-terminal 2′-O-methylation on a selected class of small RNAs regulates the function of a specific RNAi pathway

SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Alpha and Delta Variant Breakthrough Infections Are Rare and Mild but Can Happen Relatively Early after Vaccination

(1) Background: Some COVID-19 vaccine recipients show breakthrough infection. It remains unknown, which factors contribute to risks and severe outcomes. Our aim was to identify risk factors for SCoV2 breakthrough infections in fully vaccinated individuals. (2) Methods: We conducted a retrospective case-control study from 28 December 2020 to 25 October 2021. Data of all patients with breakthrough infection was compared to data of all vaccine recipients in the Canton of Basel-City, Switzerland. Further, breakthrough infections by Alpha- and Delta-variants were compared. (3) Results: Only 0.39% (488/126,586) of all vaccine recipients suffered from a breakthrough infection during the observational period, whereof most cases were asymptomatic or mild (97.2%). Breakthrough infections after full vaccination occurred in the median after 78 days (IQR 47-123.5). Factors with lower odds for breakthrough infection were age (OR 0.987) and previous COVID-19 infection prior to vaccination (OR 0.296). Factors with higher odds for breakthrough infection included vaccination with Pfizer/BioNTech instead of Moderna (OR 1.459), chronic disease (OR 2.109), and healthcare workers (OR 1.404). (4) Conclusions: Breakthrough infections are rare and mild but can occur early after vaccination. This implies that booster vaccination might be initiated earlier, especially for risk groups. Due to new variants emerging repeatedly, continuous monitoring of breakthrough infections is crucial