UNMC for the record

Paper by Dr. Byraraddy's lab explores variants of SARS-CoV-2 viruses

The lab of Siddappa Byrareddy, PhD, has had another journal publication on SARS-CoV-2 virus variants.

The new study, "Evolutionary analysis of the Delta and Delta Plus variants of the SARS-CoV-2 viruses," was published electronically earlier this month and will appear in the November issue of the Journal of Autoimmunity.

The study aimed to delineate the differences in the mutational profile of Delta and Delta Plus variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Findings included:

• Delta Plus, which emerged from the Delta variant, has a distinct mutational profile.
• There are a more significant number of high-prevalence mutations in Delta Plus than Delta.
• These mutations alter the local structure of the virus to evade antibody testing.

Dr. Byrareddy said, "Delta Plus has a significantly greater number of differences in mutational profile in the genome than in Delta. Our data will be useful for designing effective antivirals and vaccines in the future against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants."

Dr. Byrareddy's lab also recently published a paper looking at COVID-19 variant spread.

Retirement reception for Dr. Tape canceled

A retirement reception for Thomas Tape, MD, originally scheduled for Aug. 24, has been canceled as a result of the new campus COVID-19 safety protocols. Dr. Tape will retire in September. 

Dr. El-Kersh named to Pulmonary Hypertension Association committee

Karim El-Kersh, MD, UNMC associate professor in the UNMC Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine Division, was selected to serve for two years on the Pulmonary Hypertension Care Center Review Committee of the Pulmonary Hypertension Association. The committee is tasked with reviewing applications and conducting site visits for pulmonary hypertension centers applying for initial accreditation and reaccreditation. The association is the leading source of news and updates for people living with pulmonary hypertension, caregivers and the professionals who treat patients.

Clarkson Parking garage closure extended

The Clarkson Doctors North parking garage, originally scheduled to reopen on Aug. 20, will now open Oct. 1. The delay is due to extensive damage that was uncovered in the garage structure; the contractor needs additional time to repair the structure and install new post-tension tendons to guarantee the safety of the people who use the garage.

Blood drives set for campus

The Nebraska Community Blood Bank, which serves Nebraska Medicine, is holding on-campus blood drives on Aug. 31 and Sept. 2. The Aug. 31 event is from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. in a bloodmobile outside the Durham Research Center. The Sept. 2 event is from 8 a.m.-noon in the Center for Healthy Living gym.

The Nebraska Community Blood Bank has an electronic scheduling system. Donors can schedule an appointment for the drive here. (Enter sponsor code MSC for Sept. 2 and NMRT for Aug. 31, or call 1-402-486-9414.) Appointments are requested, but walk-in donors will be accepted if scheduling allows. For assistance, contact Peter Pellerito at 402-559-5253 or via email.