Calvin R. Wei

Portrait of Calvin R. Wei, Medicinal Chemist and Researcher

Welcome! I’m Calvin R. Wei.

Specializing in Translational Bioinformatics & Global Public Health. Pioneering Computational Vaccine Design & Drug Discovery.

👇 Read my latest works: researchgate.net/profile/Calv...

#PublicHealth #Research #Bioinformatics #Epidemiology

Tetanus remains a killer in resource-limited settings. In our study in the DRC, we found a high vaccination rate (86.3%)—but the numbers hide a deeper problem.

doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000046605

#WeiPublications #GlobalHealth #Vaccines #MaternalHealth #MedSky #PublicHealth #DRCongo #Epidemiology

Plesiomonas shigelloides is an emerging pathogen linked to severe gastroenteritis and sepsis. We screened over 1,000 South African natural compounds to find a new way to stop it.

doi.org/10.1016/j.compbiomed.2025.110882

#WeiPublications #Plesiomonas #NaturalProducts #DrugDiscovery

Proteome mining of Yersinia Enterocolitica for drug targets and computational inhibitor identification with ADMET, anti-inflammation potential and formulation characteristics - BioData Mining Yersinia enterocolitica infection can manifest as self-limiting gastroenteritis and may lead to more severe conditions, such as mesenteric lymphadenitis, reactive arthritis, or rare systemic infection...

Yersinia enterocolitica a foodborne pathogen causes gastroenteritis. Antibiotic resistance rising, we need new weapons. We used Subtractive Proteomics to strip the bacteria down to its essential targets and screen for inhibitors.

doi.org/10.1186/s13040-025-00482-5

#WeiPublications #Bioinformatics

Bioinformatics analysis of Rickettsia typhi autoimmune associations and screening of Streptomyces-derived inhibitors - BioData Mining Background Rickettsia typhi is the causative agent of epidemic murine typhus and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. The infection can affect multiple vital organs, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, and ...

Rickettsia typhi causes Murine Typhus. We usually treat it and move on. Could it be triggering chronic autoimmune diseases? We performed the first bioinformatics analysis linking this bacterium to disorders like Lupus and RA.

doi.org/10.1186/s13040-025-00499-w

#WeiPublications #InfectiousDisease

Frontiers | Exploring murE protein inhibitors of Tropheryma whipplei through pharmacoinformatic approaches incorporating solubility-enhancing formulation insights Tropheryma whipplei the causative agent of Whipple disease, presents a diagnostic challenge due to its diverse symptomatology, including weight loss, abdomin...

Whipple's Disease is a diagnostic nightmare—causing weight loss, joint pain, and neurological issues. The bacteria (Tropheryma whipplei) is notoriously hard to treat and resists antibiotics.

doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2025.1630038

#WeiPublications #DrugDiscovery #Bioinformatics #InfectiousDiseases

Computational approach for drug discovery against Gardnerella vaginalis in quest for safer and effective treatments for bacterial vaginosis - Scientific Reports Scientific Reports - Computational approach for drug discovery against Gardnerella vaginalis in quest for safer and effective treatments for bacterial vaginosis

BV is the most common vaginal infection worldwide, yet treatment failure and recurrence are high. We used advanced computational models to identify new, targeted inhibitors against Gardnerella vaginalis.

doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-68443-2

#WeiPublications #DrugDiscovery #Bioinformatics

Saving the Honeybees with Supercomputers. 🐝💻

American Foulbrood (AFB) is a plague for beekeepers, destroying hives worldwide. Antibiotics are failing, and they contaminate the honey.

doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17292

#WeiPublications #SaveTheBees #Bioinformatics #Agriculture #ComputationalBiology

Cumulative Hepatoprotective, Antihyperlipidemic and Antioxidant Effects of Methanolic Seeds Extract of Citrullus lanatus, Cucumis melo, Cucumis sativus, and Cucurbita maxima With GC–MS Profile Assessment of hepatoprotective, antihyperlipidemic, and antioxidant effects of the combination of Citrullus lanatus, Cucumis melo, Cucumis sativus, and Cucurbita maxima.

We usually toss the seeds from watermelon, melon, cucumber, and pumpkin. We shouldn't. We discovered that these four common fruits can reverse fatty liver disease and slash cholesterol levels.

doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.70358

#WeiPublications #FoodAsMedicine #ZeroWaste #Nutrition #FunctionalFoods

Rational designing of ZIF-67-derived Co3O4 nanocomposite with hierarchical porous structure and extensive peroxidase mimetic activities for highly sensitive colorimetric detection of nitrite in drinki... A simple, fast, and cost-effective colorimetric nitrite (NO2−) sensor based on ZIF-67-derived Co3O4 nanocomposite (ZCo-2 NC) structure has been developed. The prepared colorimetric sensor (ZCo-2 NC) w...

Nitrite is a common but dangerous pollutant in drinking water. Detecting it usually requires expensive lab equipment. We designed a rational, based sensor that is fast, cheap, and ultra-sensitive. It makes safety visible.

doi.org/10.1007/s00604-024-06904-1

#WeiPublications #CleanWater #Nanotech

Protein-energy malnutrition is a global crisis. We asked: Can we supercharge common baked goods with legume power?

doi.org/10.1080/23311932.2024.2407652

#WeiPublications #FoodScience #Nutrition #PlantBased #MedSky #FoodTech #Legumes #SustainableFood #FOAMed

Formulation and characterization of herbal tea from hibiscus (hibiscus sabdariffa L.) and lemon verbena (aloysia citrodora) This study aimed to produce herbal tea using an infusion of Hibiscus with Lemon verbena. Dried Hibiscus calyces and lemon verbena leaves were combined in a percentage of: 90:5 (HL1), 90:10 (HL2), 8...

Hibiscus tea is packed with antioxidants but its sour taste isn't for everyone. We formulated a new herbal tea blend by incorporating Lemon Verbena to enhance sensory acceptance without sacrificing the health benefits.

doi.org/10.1080/19476337.2024.2351913

#WeiPublications #FoodScience #HerbalTea

Bioactive Potential and Health Benefits of Trigonella foenum‐graecum L.: A Comprehensive Review Trigonella foenum-graecum seeds contain mucilaginous fiber, which will tie bile acids and lower fat absorption and cholesterol. These bioactive constituents contribute to fenugreek's antioxidant, ant...

Fenugreek isn't just for curry. For centuries, it’s been used to treat everything from diabetes to inflammation.

doi.org/10.1002/fsn3.70887

#WeiPublications #Fenugreek #Nutraceuticals #Diabetes #FunctionalFood #MedSky #NutritionScience #HerbalMedicine #Research #FOAMed

We know Rosa damascena for its fragrance, but what about its pharmacology?

doi.org/10.2174/0115734013367622250711172441

#WeiPublications #HerbalMedicine #Diabetes #MetabolicSyndrome #Phytotherapy #IntegrativeMedicine #FOAMed

Pharmacists at the Forefront: Identifying and Addressing Prescription Errors in Outpatient Settings of Tertiary Care Hospitals in Pakistan Objective: The study sought to quantify the frequency and categorize the types of prescribing errors occurring in outpatient settings while evaluating the efficacy of pharmacist interventions in mitig...

Prescription errors are a leading cause of adverse drug events. But how often do they really happen? We analyzed over 2,500 outpatient prescriptions in tertiary care hospitals.

doi.org/10.2174/0102506882305733240812101403

#WeiPublications #PatientSafety #Pharmacy #GlobalHealth #Pharmacovigilance

Can we "upgrade" nature to treat Ulcerative Colitis?

Eucalyptol (from Eucalyptus oil) has anti-inflammatory properties, but it’s not potent enough on its own.

doi.org/10.36721/PJPS.2025.38.4.REG.13103.1

#WeiPublications #UlcerativeColitis #DrugDiscovery #Bioinformatics #MedSky #Pharma

Can non-surgeons safely fix the global surgery crisis? 🏥💸

5 billion people lack access to safe surgery. The "Surgeon-only" model is failing to keep up with demand.

doi.org/10.1002/hsr2.71198

#WeiPublications #GlobalSurgery #HealthEconomics #PublicHealth #MedSky #HealthPolicy #Econometrics #FOAMed

We usually think of Ethnobotany as something from remote villages. But in Karachi—Pakistan’s megacity of 15 million—traditional knowledge is alive and thriving.

doi.org/10.32859/era.28.40.1-26

#WeiPublications #Ethnobotany #Karachi #MedSky #Biodiversity #PlantScience #TraditionalMedicine

Retrograde Intramedullary Nailing (RIN) is a go-to for femur fractures. But does it hold up in a tertiary hospital in Burundi?

doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000042913

#WeiPublications #GlobalSurgery #Orthopedics #Trauma #MedSky #Africa #Traumatology #PublicHealth #FOAMed

Vaccine inequity: a threat to Africa’s recovery from COVID-19 - Tropical Medicine and Health Background Vaccine inequity is a reality facing the Sub-Saharan Africa region as vaccine nationalism from high-income countries (HICs) leads to limited access to the lifesaving vaccines needed to end ...

It wasn't just about getting the vials; it was about getting them into arms. We reviewed the systemic barriers from hoarding to hesitancy that threatened the continent's recovery from COVID-19.

doi.org/10.1186/s41182-023-00564-2

#WeiPublications #GlobalHealth #COVID19 #MedSky #AfricaCDC #FOAMed

Are we eating food or "Industrial Formulations"? 🍔🥤

Ultra-Processed Foods (UPFs) are taking over global diets. They are convenient, hyper-palatable, and dangerous.

doi.org/10.1080/23311932.2024.2438405

#WeiPublications #UPF #Nutrition #PublicHealth #MedSky #Obesity #Dietetics #FoodScience #FOAMed

Nanotechnology for the improvement of the quality, properties, and safety of food and agriculture: recent and future trends Nanotechnology is a critical emerging technology that enables contributions, innovation and long-term impact in food, medicine and agriculture. Nanomaterials can improve the quantitative and qualit...

Food waste and safety are global crises. Can invisible technology be the solution?

doi.org/10.1080/23311932.2024.2398857

#WeiPublications #FoodTech #Nanotechnology #Sustainability #MedSky #AgTech #FoodSafety #Research #FOAMed

Can a computer find the cure before the next pandemic? 💻🦠

SARS-CoV-2 moves fast, mutating into variants like Omicron that evade our best defenses. Traditional drug discovery is too slow to keep up.

doi.org/10.3390/ddc3010005

#WeiPublications #Bioinformatics #COVID19 #DrugDiscovery

An Overview of the Association of the Urinary Tract Microbiome with Various Diseases and Implications for Therapeutics The urinary tract (UT) was once considered sterile, but now it is known to host a diverse community of microorganisms, known as the urinary microbiome. The collective microbiota is made up of bacteria...

For decades, we were taught that urine is sterile. We were wrong. It turns out, a diverse community of bacteria, fungi, and viruses controls everything from kidney stones to cancer.

doi.org/10.2174/0113...

#WeiPublications #Urology #Microbiome #UTI #MedSky #Microbiology #FOAMed #ProstateHealth

For decades, we’ve treated HCM with beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers—drugs that manage symptoms but don’t touch the underlying mechanics.

doi.org/10.2174/0118715257283752240325082733

#WeiPublications #Cardiology #HCM #Mavacamten #MedSky #HeartFailure #Camzyos #Pharmacology #FOAMed

Atopic Dermatitis (AD) is more than just dry skin—it's a complex immune failure.

We reviewed Abrocitinib, the new selective JAK1 inhibitor that is changing the game for moderate-to-severe eczema.

doi.org/10.2174/0115743624291067240307051246

#WeiPublications #Dermatology #Eczema #JAKinhibitor

A review on the potential impact of probiotics and prebiotics in enhancing health benefits Humans are exceptional reservoirs of species diversity to form complex microbiota that play a crucial role in human health by modulating metabolic processes and combating various diseases in the ho...

We know "gut health" is trendy, but what does the science actually say?

We reviewed the impact of Probiotics and Prebiotics on everything from Diabetes to Mental Health.

doi.org/10.1080/23311932.2024.2409831

#WeiPublications #GutHealth #Microbiome #Nutrition #MedSky #FoodScience #FOAMed

A Narrative Overview of Retinoid X Receptor Inhibitors in Chronic Disease Management The Retinoid X Receptor (RXR) is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily and regulates gene transcription as well as diverse cellular processes like metabolism, inflammation, and cell differentia...

Retinoid X Receptors (RXRs) are the universal adapters of cell signaling. While agonists are well-known, what happens when we inhibit them?

doi.org/10.2174/0125...

#WeiPublications #Pharmacology #CancerResearch #DrugDiscovery #MedSky #Oncology #Biotech #FOAMed

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Diarrhea-Predominant) is debilitating, yet often lacks a clear physical cause.

We reviewed the evidence for the most popular dietary interventions—from Low-FODMAP to Gluten-Free. The right food can be the best medicine.

dx.doi.org/10.46889/JCM...

#WeiPublications #IBS

Carbapenems have long been our last line of defense, but resistance is rising. Is Cefiderocol (CFDC) the replacement we’ve been waiting for?

doi.org/10.52711/097...

#WeiPublications #AntibioticResistance #Microbiology #Pharmacology #MedSky #IDTwitter #DrugDevelopment #Superbugs #FOAMed