SARS-CoV-2 Virus Research Articles

Airborne SARS-CoV2 virus exposure, interpersonal distance, face mask and perceived risk of infection

Participants judged the risk of an infection during a face to face conversation at different interpersonal distances from a SARS-CoV-2 infected person who wore a face mask or not, and in the same questionnaire answered questions about Corona related issues. Keeping a distance to an infected person serves as a protective measure against an infection. When an infected person moves closer, risk of infection increases. Participants were aware of this fact, but underestimated the rate at which the risk of infection increases when getting closer to an infected person, e.g., from 1.5 to 0.5 m (perceived risk increase = 3.33 times higher, objective = 9.00 times higher). This is alarming because it means that people can take risks of infection that they are not aware of or want to take, when they approach another possibly virus infected person. Correspondingly, when an infected person moves away the speed of risk decrease was underestimated, meaning that people are not aware of how much safer they will be if they move away from an infected person. The perceived risk reducing effects of a face mask were approximately correct. Judgments of infection risk at different interpersonal distances (with or without a mask) were unrelated to how often a person used a mask, avoided others or canceled meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic. Greater worry in general and in particular over COVID-19, correlated positively with more protective behavior during the pandemic, but not with judgments of infection risk at different interpersonal distances. Participants with higher scores on a cognitive numeracy test judged mask efficiency more correctly, and women were more worried and risk avoiding than men. The results have implications for understanding behavior in a pandemic, and are relevant for risk communications about the steep increase in risk when approaching a person who may be infected with an airborne virus.

The role and importance of vitamin D in patients with Corona virus disesase (COVID-19)

Severe acute respiratory syndrome novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has rapidly progressed from an outbreak to a global pandemic, with new variants emerging rapidly. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection, can lead to multiorgan damage. Due to the highly contagious and fatal nature of the virus, the priority of medical research has been to find effective treatments. Amid this search, the role of vitamin D in modulating various aspects of the innate and adaptive immune system has been debated.The aim of the work: research on the role of vitamin D in the treatment and prevention of COVID-19. Although there are some conflicting results, the consensus is that vitamin D has a number of immunomodulatory effects that may be beneficial in the context of COVID-19 and that low vitamin D levels may result in dysfunction of key antimicrobial effects, potentially contributing to a poor prognosis. The aim of the paper is to investigate the impact and importance of vitamin D in patients with the corona virus.Work methods: During this retrospective study, data were taken from the Registry of those tested for the presence of the SARS-CoV2 virus, Specialist Center "Health House" in Bijeljina. The research included 30 patients positive for the presence of the SARS-CoV2 virus and 30 patients negative for the presence of the SARS-CoV2 virus. The following parameters were observed in the research: age, gender and vitamin D values, data on the body temperature of the patients and the duration of the disease, as well as the obtained results of the inflammatory parameters (Leukocytes and C- reactive protein CRP). The dana of all patients are anonymous. All patients were tested using the molecular method of polymerase chain reaction known as RT-PCR (Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction). Separate samples were tested with Arhitectt Vitamin D reagent by the chemiluminescence method (CMIA), manufactured by Abott Arhitectt and 1000sr. Reference values of Vitamin D are from 75 to 150 nmol/L.Results: The concentration of vitamin D was lower in the group of patients with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) compared to individuals with the absence of the coronavirus disease. There is a tendency towards a negative correlation between the concentration of vitamin D and the duration of the disease in the group of patients with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), as like as the concentration of vitamin D and body temperature in the group of patients with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). There is also a tendency towards a negative relationship between the concentration of vitamin D and parameters of inflammation (CRP, Le) in the group of patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Basic therapeutic approaches to the management of hematology/oncology patients with new coronavirus infection (COVID-19)

In December 2019, cases of severe respiratory infection were reported in Wuhan, China. The disease was caused by a new, previously undescribed coronavirus, structurally similar to the then known SARS-CoV virus. The World Health Organization has named the new virus SARS-CoV-2 and the disease it causes COVID-19. The problem of COVID-19 is exacerbated by the rapid spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the development of life-threatening complications, the main of which is pneumonia. Due to the severity of the condition, from 5 to 10 % of patients are treated in intensive care units.SARS-CoV-2 initially attacks the respiratory system and causes symptoms such as fever, vomiting, headache, dizziness, general weakness, and diarrhea. Then these symptoms intensify in different directions, and the disease can often lead to death.Initially, only a few methods of symptomatic treatment were available and clinical trials of drugs that had previously shown their effectiveness against infection with the MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV viruses began. Temporary recommendations have appeared suggesting the use of some drugs both in monotherapy and in combination.In patients with hematologic malignancies, the immune response to the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is significantly reduced, which explains the high mortality rate (up to 38 %) of these patients hospitalized for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Recently, antiviral drugs and monoclonal antibodies have become available for pre- or post-exposure prophylaxis, as well as for early treatment of COVID-19. These treatments should be offered to patients at high risk of severe COVID-19 and to those who have not responded to vaccination. However, as changes in the genetic structure of the virus accumulate, some treatments may lose their clinical effectiveness against new variants.The combination of hematological malignancies and new coronavirus infection causes a more severe course of COVID-19 compared to the population and high mortality. Factors for an unfavorable prognosis for new coronavirus infection in patients with hematological malignancies include age over 60 years, a high comorbidity index, diagnoses such as acute leukemia, especially acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome, disease status (relapse, progression, as well as newly diagnosed acute leukemia), severe COVID-19, agranulocytosis (myelotoxic or tumor).

Adapting COVID-19 research infrastructure to capture influenza and respiratory syncytial virus alongside SARS-CoV-2 in UK healthcare workers winter 2022/23 and beyond: protocol for a pragmatic sub-study

Introduction During the COVID-19 pandemic, extensive research was conducted on SARS-CoV-2; however, important questions about other respiratory pathogens remain unanswered. A severe influenza season in 2022–2023 with simultaneous circulation of SARS-CoV2 and respiratory syncytial virus is anticipated. This sub-study aims to determine the incidence and impact of these respiratory viruses on healthcare workers, the symptoms they experienced, the effectiveness of both COVID-19 and influenza vaccination and the burden of these infections on the National Health Service (NHS) workforce. Methods and analysis This is a longitudinal prospective cohort sub-study, utilising the population and infrastructure of the SARS-CoV-2 Immunity & Reinfection Evaluation (SIREN) study, which focuses on hospital staff in the UK. Participants undergo fortnightly nucleic acid amplification testing on a multiplex assay including SARS-CoV-2, influenza A and B and RSV, regardless of symptoms. Questionnaires are completed every two weeks, capturing symptoms, sick days, exposures, and vaccination records. Serum samples are collected monthly or quarterly from participants associated with a SIREN site. This sub-study commenced on 28/11/22 to align with the predicted influenza season and participants’ influenza vaccine status. The SIREN Participant Involvement Panel shaped the aims and methods for the study, highlighting its acceptability. UK devolved administrations were supported to develop local protocols. Analysis plans include incidence of asymptomatic and symptomatic infection, comparisons of vaccination coverage, assessment of sick day burden, and effectiveness of seasonal influenza against infection and time off work. Data are also integrated into UKHSA nosocomial modelling. Ethics and dissemination The protocol was approved by the Berkshire Research Ethics Committee (IRAS ID 284460, REC Reference 20SC0230) on 14/11/2022. Participants were informed in advance. As the frequency and method of sampling remained the same, implied consent processes were approved by the committee. Participants returning to the study give informed consent. Regular reports to advisory groups and peer-reviewed publications are planned to disseminate findings and inform decision making. Clinical trial registration number: ISRCTN11041050; registration date: 12 January 2021. Sub study included in protocol version: v8.0, and amended in v9.0

Knowledge, attitudes, and adherence of the Cape Verdean population to the COVID-19 vaccine

BackgroundThe spread of the COVID-19 pandemic at the end of 2019, with its well-known consequences in terms of morbidity and mortality, has triggered an intense mobilization of the scientific community in the search for knowledge about the SARS-Cov2 virus and the development of a vaccine. ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the knowledge, perceptions, attitudes, and intentions of the resident Cape Verdean population regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. MethodsThis was a descriptive, cross-sectional, and analytical study involving 1704 resident Cape Verdeans, whose ages ranged from 16 to 60 years old and the majority of participants were male (52.6%). The data was collected using the Google form platform between March 9 and 15, 2021. ResultsThe data indicated that the majority of participants (95.8%) knew of at least one approved vaccine against COVID-19, and this knowledge (74.9%) was obtained from television, radio, and newspapers. The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine was the best known (54.1%) among the study subjects and the majority of respondents (69.7%) had enough information to consciously decide whether or not to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The majority (68.0%) of participants were in favor of the COVID-19 vaccine being administered to all interested people. About 59% of participants considered the COVID-19 vaccine to be safe and 49.6% of participants intended to get vaccinated when the time came. The greatest vaccine hesitancy was related to fear of side effects (21.4%), followed by the fact that it was developed too quickly (12.8%). Health professionals were seen as the priority group (81.5%) to be vaccinated. ConclusionsThe results show that the Cape Verdean population had a good level of knowledge about the COVID-19 vaccine. Despite initial hesitation, the vast majority of participants were willing to get vaccinated. These data suggest that awareness-raising, education, and information campaigns about the COVID-19 vaccine should be strengthened to reduce hesitation and increase confidence and adherence to the COVID-19 vaccine among Cape Verdean residents.

Carbohydrate PL-M binds galectin-3 to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 viral entry into cells

Galectin-3 (Gal-3) binds to glycans on the spike protein S1 domain of the SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) virus, thereby facilitating viral entry into cells. Because little is known about how to antagonize Gal-3 to block viral activity, we developed a pectin-derived polysaccharide of a(1-6)-D-mannopyranose (termed “ProLectin M” or PL-M) and studied its effect on Vero cells being infected with SARS-CoV-2 virus. Using this novel glycovirology approach, we demonstrated a significant reduction in viral load with no demonstrable cytotoxicity. We also evaluated the efficacy of PL-M in a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical study in 34 patients with mild to moderately severe COVID-19. Overall, treatment with PL-M significantly (p = 0.001) increased RT-PCR cycle counts for N and ORF genes on days 3 (Ct values 32.09 ± 2.39 and 30.69 ± 3.38, respectively) and 7 (Ct values 34.91 ± 0.39 and 34.85 ± 0.61, respectively) compared to placebo. From day 3 post-treatment, all subjects were RT-PCR negative for both genes in the PL-M treatment group, whereas placebo subjects remained positive. On the molecular level, our NMR studies show that PL-M binds relatively strongly to Gal-3, supporting the idea of an antagonist effect on the lectin. Gal-3 also binds strongly to sugar binding sites on the SARS-CoV2 virus spike protein S1 domain as evidenced by competitive lactose binding. In this regard, PL-M competes with the spike protein for binding to Gal-3 and thereby compromises viral entry into susceptible target cells, thus helping to explain our positive clinical effect from PL-M on the course of viral infection. This report provides a brief review of what is already known about PL-M and its effects on SARS-CoV2 virus, as well as new results on an expanded clinical trial with PL-M and NMR studies on the molecular mechanism of action of PL-M, Gal-3, and the SARS-CoV2 viral spike protein S1 from the Omicron variant.

Promene u hemostatskom sistemu kod kritično obolelih od kovida 19

Introduction/research objective: COVID-19 coagulopathy is a disorder of the hemostatic system that occurs in critically ill patients infected with the SARS-CoV 2 virus and it increases the risk of mortality. The goal of the research is to evaluate changes in hemostatic parameters and determine their prognostic significance in patients with a severe form of the COVID-19 disease. Methods: The study was designed as a retrospective cohort study, which included 146 patients treated from June to September 2020 in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Clinical Hospital Center "Bežanijska Kosa" in Belgrade, diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia. Inclusion criteria were as follows: the age over 18 years, proven current SARSCoV2 infection, and admission to ICU. Results: 82 patients (56.2%) died during the treatment, while 64 (43.8%) were discharged. Significantly higher D-dimer values on admission to the ICU were recorded in subjects who died during treatment 888 (1226.5) ng/ml compared to persons who were discharged from treatment 666 (1207.3) ng/ml (p = 0.03). Differences were not demonstrated for INR, aPTT and fibrinogen. D-dimer values on admission to the ICU greater than or equal to 760ng/ml are a statistically significant predictor of death during hospitalization (p = 0.04). Conclusion: COVID coagulopathy is a complication that increases the mortality of people infected with the SARS-CoV2 virus. The main feature is a state of hypercoagulability, which is detected by elevated D-dimer values. D-dimer greater than or equal to 760 ng/ml on admission to the ICU may have prognostic significance for survival during hospitalization.

Pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis

A literature review reflects data on the mechanisms of pulmonary fibrosis after a novel coronavirus infection associated with the SARS-COV2 virus. Factors contributing to post-COVID lung remodeling are considered. According to the literature, in the mechanism of pulmonary fibrosis, during the course of the disease and during the recovery period, both direct viral damage and death of alveolocytes and endothelium, the development of a systemic inflammatory reaction due to inadequate secretion of cytokines, especially type 2, which are activators of the proliferation of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, are important. The influence of angiogenesis disorders and vascular dysfunction on pneumofibrosis was noted. Attention is also paid to the relationship between the development of pulmonary fibrosis and abnormal activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. In combination with the action of many factors, especially germinal ones, an imbalance between profibrogenic and antifibrogenic action develops and fibrosis occurs.

Virusi i nepoverenje društva u 21. veku - šta nas prevencija HIV infekcije može naučiti o nepoverenju u vakcine protiv kovida 19?

This article problematises similarities in social responses to two different types of prevention - antiretrovirals in the form of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) against HIV transmission, and the emerging COVID-19 vaccines against the SARS-COV2 virus. For the purpose of this article, I have revisited the work of Mary Douglas, British social anthropologist (1921-2007) on risk and social responses to risk. In the late 1980s, Mary Douglas described patterns and modalities of social response to risk in emerging epidemics. The same pattern of social dynamics and response could be followed in relation to two pandemics of the 21st century - first, an HIV pandemic that started in the early 80s and in which prevention breakthrough occurred in 2012 with the introduction of pre-exposure prophylaxis - PrEP; and second, the COVID-19 pandemic that started in early 2020 with newly developed vaccines in 2021 as public health response to it.

Polarization- and CGR-based binary representations as identifiers of the nucleotide sequences in bioinformatics

Purpose of this work is the comparative analysis of two approaches to the synthesis of two-dimensional binary identifiers of nucleotide sequences obtained using DNA sequencing of biological objects. Methods. One of the approaches is based on modeling the polarization-dependent diffraction of a coherent readout beam on a two-dimensional phase-modulating structure (phase screen) associated with the symbolic sequence obtained as a result of DNA sequencing. Another approach uses a two-dimensional representation of the symbolic sequence using a chaos game representation (CGR). To obtain a finite-element CGR mapping, it is fragmented into a given number of cells, ensuring acceptable sensitivity of the synthesized binary identifier to structural changes in the displayed sequence. Results. The comparative analysis was carried out using fragments of symbol sequences corresponding to various strains (Wuhan, Delta, Omicron) of the SarSCoV2 virus. In the course of the analysis, the correlation coefficients between the binary identifiers corresponding to various strains were obtained and compared with each other. Conclusion. It has been established that binary identifiers synthesized using the polarization encoding technique are characterized by significantly higher sensitivity to structural changes in the analyzed sequences and smaller sizes compared to CGR binary identifiers.

ALDH1, CD133, CD34-positive cancer stem cells in lung adenocarcinoma in patients who had a new coronavirus infection and retained the persistence of viral proteins in the lung tissue

To study CSCs in lung adenocarcinomas after COVID19. Surgical material from lung adenocarcinoma from 12 patients who had a new coronavirus infection and from 12 patients who did not have COVID19 was examined. Analysis of clinical and anamnestic data, macroscopic and microscopic examination of tumor samples and adjacent intact tissue, immunohistochemical reactions using antibodies to virus proteins and CSC markers ALDH1, CD133 and CD34 were performed. Adenocarcinoma samples from patients in the main group showed a significant increase in the number of cells expressing the CSCs markers ALDH1, CD133 and CD34 compared to adenocarcinoma samples from control group patients without SARS-CoV2 infection. We found an increase in the number of CSCs in patients with adenocarcinoma metastasis in lymph nodes in both the main and control groups. CSCs of lung adenocarcinomas from SARS-CoV2 survivors contain virus proteins Nucleocapside and Spike protein. We found an increase in the number of CSCs with expression of ALDH1, CD133 and CD34 in lung adenocarcinoma in patients with new coronavirus infection. Increased number of ALDH1+, CD133+ CD34+ CSCs in tumor tissue enhance the metastatic potential of lung adenocarcinoma. The Nucleocapsid and Spike proteins of SARS-CoV2 virus are detectable in lung tissue from patients with new coronavirus infection, both in adenocarcinoma cells, CSCs, and in type II pneumocytes, macrophages, and endothelial cells, suggesting prolonged persistence of the virus proteins and probably the virus.

The lingering challenge: addressing vaccine hesitancy in a post-pandemic world.

Last time the world faced a deadly pandemic was the H1N1 Spanish flu in 1918, which affected almost one-third of the world's population (500 million people). Since then, almost 100 years later, we are now facing another pandemic of the SARS-CoV2 virus (COVID-19), which is still endemic to this day. As the technology evolved during those 100 years, an effective vaccine for COVID-19 was produced within only a year, a huge feat. But, unfortunately, due to its fast development, another force would arise limiting the impact of the vaccine: vaccine hesitancy and anti-vaxxers, which John Hopkins and the World Health Organization call the biggest current threat to global health. From politics to social media, it is clear that there has been a rapid spread of misinformation, resulting in hesitancy, especially from sociopolitically motivated people popularly referred to as anti-vaxxers. However, a second group of vaccine-hesitant people have also emerged, who are uneducated and remain undecided about vaccination mostly due to safety concerns. They come under the massive influence of anti-vaxxers and anti-vaccine propaganda through social media and politicians, which often make bold claims and huge headlines. To combat vaccine hesitancy, it is crucial that we debunk these conspiracy theories and misinformation that so many believe in, with factual, data-based information. Actively spreading correct information about the vaccines, such as disclosing the rigorous developmental processes and validation of safety data by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), assurance for the unlikeliness of getting a lethal side effect along with tremendous health benefits, will encourage people for safe vaccination against COVID-19 and other potential infectious diseases in the future. This article discusses the role of anti-vaxxers and vaccine-hesitant groups, electronic social media, and politics in vaccine hesitancy among people. It describes the strategies to combat the roadblocks in the vaccination programmes and health benefits, offered by recent advances in scientific and technological developments.

MRNA vaccines for COVID-19 are safe and clinically effective in patients with cardiac amyloidosis

IntroductionAmyloidosis is a rare disease in which malformed proteins are deposited in tissues occurring mostly commonly in older age. These deposits can lead to severe organ dysfunction e.g. in the myocardium with great impact on prognosis. The Covid-19 pandemic has caused excess mortality worldwide since 2020. Risk factors for a severe course include pre-existing cardiac diseases like heart failure and advanced age. Therefore, vaccination against Sars-CoV2 viruses is highly recommended for patients with cardiac amyloidosis. However, since there are no specific data on mRNA vaccines in patients with cardiac amyloidosis, some patients have concerns about cardiac adverse events following immunization (AEFI), such as myocarditis. PurposeThe purpose of the study is to assess the safety and efficacy of mRNA vaccines in patients with cardiac amyloidosis. MethodsPatients of the Amyloidosis Center Charité Berlin (ACCB) were assessed about the vaccination, its tolerability and clinical effectiveness. To date, we included 62 patients (54 men) with a median age of 82,5 years (range 37 to 92). 46 patients had wtATTR amyloidosis, ten patients had hATTR amyloidosis, and six patients had AL amyloidosis. The mean systolic left ventricular function was 51% (range 30 to 62) with a mean global strain of −11,5% (range −18,5 to −3,1). The mean NT-pro-BNP was 1145 ng/l (range 24 to 48297). Results59 patients were triple vaccinated and three patients so far are double vaccinated. Three of the patients were unvaccinated. 171 of the vaccine doses administered were mRNA vaccines and eight doses were a viral vector-vaccine. None of the patients reported severe side effects. Thirteen patients reported feeling of pressure and pain at the injection site after vaccination and four patients had fever of maximum two days, eight patients reported lower general condition of maximum five days. One patient reported malaise for 14 days after each vaccination, which resolved spontaneously. There was no clinical or laboratory evidence of suspected vaccine-induced myocarditis. Five patients reported of a COVID-19 breakthrough infection, all of which with a mild course of disease. None of the patients had symptoms of worsening heart failure in temporal relation to the vaccination.Most of the vaccinations (103) were performed at an official vaccination center, 59 were performed at a general practitioner. ConclusionIn patients with cardiac amyloidosis, mRNA vaccines for COVID-19 are safe with respect to severe cardiac adverse events and show effective protection against clinically relevant SARS-CoV2 infection.

Profil Paramater Inflamasi Albumin Dan Prokalsitonin Pada Kasus Pasien Covid-19

Patients with COVID-19 have increased serum levels of Procalcitonin and decreased albumin, a key inflammatory marker associated with a high risk of organ injury and death. This study aims to determine the profile of inflammatory parameters albumin and procalcitonin in covid-19 patient cases. The type of research used is retrospective with a cross sectional approach. The research data were taken using a simple random sampling technique. Analysis for albumin with severity in COVID-19 positive patients in this study used an optimal limit or cut-off value of 3.5 g/dL. The optimal limit or cut off value for Procalcitonin in this study was 0.05 µg/L. The results of research from 30 patient data showed that there was a decrease in albumin levels in moderate and severe patients by 60% and an increase in procalcitonin levels > 0.05 µg/L by 96%. The conclusion of this study is that there was a decrease in albumin levels and an increase in procalcitonin levels in COVID-19 case patients, which indicates inflammation due to SARS-COV2 virus infection.

The effect of post-covid syndrome on the cytokine cascade in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

With the increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes, it is of interest to study the characteristics of the immunological status in this category of patients. According to modern data, in type 2 diabetes, a pro-inflammatory type of immune response is formed with an imbalance between T-helper 1 (Th1), T-helper 2 (Th2), T-helper 17 (Th17) types and T-regulatory cells (Treg). The COVID-19 pandemic makes a certain contribution to changes in the immune response in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, since in patients who have had coronavirus infection, significant changes in the composition of circulating immune cells are observed: the proportion of Th17 increases and the number of Tregs decreases. This study is devoted to identifying the features of the cytokine cascade in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, depending on the presence of a confirmed history of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The study included 75 patients with type 2 diabetes, in 36 of them the diagnosis was verified in the post-Covid period. The study was conducted at least 6 months after pneumonia caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection. All study participants signed informed consent. The study was approved by the Independent Local Ethics Committee at the State Autonomous Institution of Regional Clinical Hospital “City Clinical Hospital No. 1” of Chelyabinsk, protocol No. 8 dated 04/11/2022, on the basis of which these studies were conducted. Using the multiplex assessment method, the concentrations of 15 cytokines in the blood serum were assessed in patients: GM-CSF, IFNγ, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12 (p70), IL-13, IL-17A, MIP-1β, TNFα. The results obtained during the study showed not only a change in the number of cytokines, but also a change in the balance of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, cytokines that regulate forms of development of acquired immunity, in the group of patients with type 2 diabetes in the post-Covid period. In the post-Covid period, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, the concentrations of cytokines secreted by Th1, Th2, Th17 cells, and Tregs sharply decreased. It has been determined that patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus after SARS-CoV-2 infection develop a functionally inferior virus-specific T-cell response, characterized by reduced or suppressed secretion of the cytokines GM-CSF, IFNγ, IL-1β, IL-2, IL -4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12 (p70), IL-13, IL-17A, MIP-1β, TNFα. A weak T-cell response may increase the likelihood of developing pathological processes associated with an inadequate response to viral antigens (including repeated infections with the SARSCoV-2 virus, exacerbation of chronic infections).

Real-world effectiveness of the inactivated COVID-19 vaccines against variant of concerns: meta-analysis

BackgroundCOVID-19 has killed over 6 million people worldwide, making it the worst global health disaster since the 1918 influenza pandemic. Experts have worked to establish the source, track and analyse the disease, and produce treatment and preventative guidelines. Inactivated vaccines have little evidence of efficacy compared to mRNA and adenoviral vector vaccines; however, three doses of both mRNA and inactivated vaccines appear to provide significant and lasting protection against severe disease and mortality. This study examines inactivated vaccine effectiveness data by disease status, age, gender, primary immunisation, booster doses, and SARS-CoV2 virus types. MethodsWe conducted a quantitative epidemiological meta-analysis study to assess the vaccine effectiveness of inactivated COVID-19 vaccines. Data extraction was performed on the selected studies, and data analysis was conducted using a random-effects model to determine consolidated assessments of vaccine effectiveness. Subgroup analyses were conducted for gender, age, disease level, and vaccine status, and sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the robustness of the results. ResultsThe overall effect size of inactivated COVID-19 vaccinations was statistically significant (p-value<0.05), suggesting that complete vaccination should be the primary method of vaccination. Partial vaccination was associated with lower levels of vaccine effectiveness (70.18 95% CI 57.33–83.02) than complete vaccination (79.52 95% CI 67.88–91.71)) and booster vaccination (84.22 95% CI 74.34–94.10), suggesting that it is essential to finish the recommended vaccine series and receive booster doses.Fig.–3: Partially vaccinated individuals showed a vaccine effect size of 70.18 (95% CI 57.33–83.02), indicating that the vaccine was moderately effective in preventing COVID-19 among this group. Fully vaccinated individuals showed a vaccine effect size of 79.52 (95% CI 67.88–91.71), indicating a higher level of vaccine effectiveness. Finally, booster-vaccinated individuals showed a vaccine effect size of 84.22 (95% CI 74.34–94.10), indicating the highest level of vaccine effectiveness. ConclusionInactivated COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective in preventing COVID-19, and complete vaccination and booster vaccination are associated with higher levels of vaccine effectiveness compared to partial vaccination. These findings highlight the importance of completing the recommended vaccine series and receiving booster doses to provide greater protection against COVID-19.

Covid-19 Dan Dampaknya Pada Kinerja Keuangan Perusahaan Manufaktur Di Indonesia

At the end of 2019, the world was startled by the emergence of a new disease caused by the Sars CoV-2 virus, now known as Coronavirus Disease-19 (Covid-19). The manufacturing sector is one of the industries affected by the onset of Covid-19 in Indonesia. Covid-19 forced manufacturing companies to lay off employees and caused a decline in the Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index in 2020. This research aims to analyze the financial performance of manufacturing companies in Indonesia, specifically focusing on profitability ratios before and during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. This study is a quantitative research type using descriptive analysis. The hypothesis testing in this research utilizes non-parametric statistical analysis techniques, employing the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test approach with the statistical tool SPSS version 25.0. The results of the research indicate that Net Profit Margin (NPM), Return On Asset (ROA), and Return On Equity (ROE) before Covid-19 in 2019 were better compared to Net Profit Margin (NPM), Return On Asset (ROA), and Return On Equity (ROE) during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 for manufacturing companies in Indonesia.

Predicting the next pandemic: VACCELERATE ranking of the WorldHealth Organization's Blueprint forAction toPreventEpidemics

IntroductionThe World Health Organization (WHO)'s Research and Development (R&D) Blueprint for Action to Prevent Epidemics, a plan of action, highlighted several infectious diseases as crucial targets for prevention. These infections were selected based on a thorough assessment of factors such as transmissibility, infectivity, severity, and evolutionary potential. In line with this blueprint, the VACCELERATE Site Network approached infectious disease experts to rank the diseases listed in the WHO R&D Blueprint according to their perceived risk of triggering a pandemic. VACCELERATE is an EU-funded collaborative European network of clinical trial sites, established to respond to emerging pandemics and enhance vaccine development capabilities. MethodsBetween February and June 2023, a survey was conducted using an online form to collect data from members of the VACCELERATE Site Network and infectious disease experts worldwide. Participants were asked to rank various pathogens based on their perceived risk of causing a pandemic, including those listed in the WHO R&D Blueprint and additional pathogens. ResultsA total of 187 responses were obtained from infectious disease experts representing 57 countries, with Germany, Spain, and Italy providing the highest number of replies. Influenza viruses received the highest rankings among the pathogens, with 79 % of participants including them in their top rankings. Disease X, SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, and Ebola virus were also ranked highly. Hantavirus, Lassa virus, Nipah virus, and henipavirus were among the bottom-ranked pathogens in terms of pandemic potential. ConclusionInfluenza, SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, and Ebola virus were found to be the most concerning pathogens with pandemic potential, characterised by transmissibility through respiratory droplets and a reported history of epidemic or pandemic outbreaks.

Knowledge about methods of disinfection of dental impression among dentists from Ecuador post SARS-COV-2 pandemic

PurposeThe aim of this study is to evaluate the understanding of the management of methods and practices of disinfection of dental impressions applied by general dentists and specialists in oral rehabilitation, post SARS-COV-2 pandemic. IntroductionThe oral cavity has a favorable environment for the growth and multiplication of bacteria and viruses, serving as the gateway to viruses such as SARS CoV-2 virus. Given that patients may be hosts of this infectious disease, stricter biosecurity measures in dental offices and a better understanding of the disinfection processes of dental impressions should be considered in addition to avoiding cross-infections, which are very common in our work environment. Materials and methodsDescriptive, analytical, survey with the topic "Methods and practices of disinfection of dental impressions" that was composed of 14 questions based in OHPD (Oral Health Preventive Dentistry), n = 452 respondents who met the following inclusion criteria: general practice dentists from Ecuador who actively take dental impressions, specialists in oral rehabilitation with 5 years of experience, surveys with information of complete items, n = 270 professionals; n = 192 general dentists, dental hygienist and n = 78 oral rehabilitation specialists. Resultsn = 270 professionals evaluated, with a mean of p = 0.0. At 426 responses with a p value of <0.05, 30.4 % of responses indicated ignorance in the management of dental impressions, with a standard deviation of 2.744, with significant differences between professions (p = 0.035) and higher average knowledge of sample management within specialist dentists, (Chi p = 0.410 p > 0.05) ConclusionThe understanding of the management of dental impressions among general dentists and specialists in oral rehabilitation is limited.

The Role of Dietary Proteins During Infection with Covid-19 and the Effect of Infection on the Balance of Oral Microbiota in Different Regions of Iraq

This study was conducted in the laboratories of the Department of Life Sciences - College of Sciences - Tikrit University and laboratories of the Department of Food Sciences - College of Agriculture - University of Anbar and public health laboratories - Anbar for the period from December 2021 to February 2022 AD. The study included 150 people from three Iraqi governorates (Baghdad, Anbar, and Erbil). (30 infected people and 20 healthy people from each governorate, with ages ranging from 18-80 years, randomly, men and women. The results of the blood biochemical parameters values when infected with the SARS-COV2 virus showed a significant decrease at the probability level (p<0.05) in the concentration of albumin in the group of patients who were in quarantine and using artificial respiration, compared with the group of patients outside the quarantine and the healthy group from the mentioned governorates. The concentrations are 26.3, 30.4, and 34.7 (g/l). It also caused a significant decrease in the total protein and albumin concentration in all patients compared to the healthy subjects. In contrast, globulin concentration decreased slightly to be close to its value in the healthy group. Cultural, phenotypic, biochemical, and confirmatory tests through the Vitec2 compact diagnostic system showed that oral bacterial isolates purified from patients in the three provinces were Gram-positive Staphylococcus and Enterococcus versus four Gram-negative genera: Sphingomonas, Rhizobium, Aeromonas, and Ochrobactrum, compared with isolates purified from healthy subjects, which belongs to four genera of Gram-positive Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, Kocuria, and Leuconostoc, and one genus of Gram-negative Pseudomonas.