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Lancet Infectious Diseases, 30.06.2022
Tilføjet 30.06.2022
Mashau RC, Meiring ST, Quan VC, et al. Outcomes of flucytosine-containing combination treatment for cryptococcal meningitis in a South African national access programme: a cross-sectional observational study. Lancet Infect Dis 2022; published online June 21. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1473-3099(22)00234-1. In this Article, a change has been made as follows. The statement in “Role of funding source” is incorrect and should be: The NICD conceived the study design, data collection, data analysis, data interpretation, and writing of the report.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedAna Lisa Valenciano, Maria G. Gomez-Lorenzo, Joel Vega-Rodríguez, John H. Adams, Alison Roth
Trends in Parasitology, 29.06.2022
Tilføjet 30.06.2022
The Plasmodium liver stage represents a vulnerable therapeutic target to prevent disease progression as the parasite resides in the liver before clinical representation caused by intraerythrocytic development. However, most antimalarial drugs target the blood stage of the parasite's life cycle, and the few drugs that target the liver stage are lethal to patients with a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. Furthermore, implementation of in vitro liver models to study and develop novel therapeutics against the liver stage of human Plasmodium species remains challenging.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedJoseph Agebase Awuni, Michael Ayamga, Gilbert Dagunga
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 29.06.2022
Tilføjet 29.06.2022
by Joseph Agebase Awuni, Michael Ayamga, Gilbert Dagunga
Purpose The study examined Covid-19 vaccinations intentions among literate Ghanaians and how it is been influenced by vaccine mistrust and the fear of the unforeseen side effects. Design/Methodology/Approach We used cross sectional data collected from 223 respondents by means of questionnaire disseminated through social media from 16th to 20th April, 2021. Likert-scale questions were asked regarding the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of literate Ghanaians towards COVID-19 vaccines. Kruskal-Wallis and sample t-test were performed to ascertain the differences in vaccination intentions between key socioeconomic variables. A pairwise correlation was performed to examine the relationship between vaccination intensions and fear of the unforeseen, mistrust of the vaccine and concerns of profiteering. Finally, a binary probit regression model was fitted to examine the predictive effect of key variables on respondent’s vaccination intentions. Findings The results revealed a relatively low level of knowledge about the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines. The sample t-test showed that males have a relatively positive attitude towards the COVID-19 vaccines than females at 5% level of significance. Mistrust of vaccine safety and efficacy have a significant negative influence on vaccination intensions at 1% significance level. Originality/Value This study provides the Ghanaian government and other stakeholders with useful information to aid in educational campaigns on the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine. More campaign efforts towards females could help increase uptake given their relatively poor attitudes towards the vaccine.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedNimer Elsaraya, Adi Gordon-Irshai, Dan Schwarzfuchs, Victor Novack, Nicola J. Mabjeesh, Endre Z. Neulander
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 29.06.2022
Tilføjet 29.06.2022
by Nimer Elsaraya, Adi Gordon-Irshai, Dan Schwarzfuchs, Victor Novack, Nicola J. Mabjeesh, Endre Z. Neulander
Purpose To evaluate whether the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) can predict the need for ureteral catheterization in patients with renal colic. Materials and methods We retrospectively studied 15,887 patients with renal colic between 2005 and 2019. Patients with prior antibiotics treatment (156), with hematological diseases (15), with negative computerized tomography scan (CTS) for stone disease (473) or with no available laboratory findings (1750) were excluded. A ureteral double J stent (DJS) was inserted in case of ongoing pain, fever, sepsis, single kidney and elevated blood creatinine levels concomitant with hydronephrosis. A cut-off value of 2.1 NLR was determined to stratify and to compare patients using multivariable logistic regression models. A locally weighted scatterplot smoothing (LOWESS) plot was also applied to show the relationship between NLR and predicted probability for DJS insertion. Results Thirteen-thousand and 493 patients with a mean age of 42.7 years (30% females and 70% males) were included in the study. Five-hundred and 57 patients (4.1%) underwent early DJS insertion: 5.3% vs. 1.5% of patients with high vs. low NLR, respectively, (p
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedGreg Dropkin
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 29.06.2022
Tilføjet 29.06.2022
by Greg Dropkin
Introduction Variable and low uptake of the COVID-19 booster is a recognised problem, associated with individual characteristics including age, gender, ethnicity, and deprivation. Are there other relevant predictors at area level? Methods Anonymous grouped data was downloaded from the UK Government Coronavirus Dashboard for Middle Super Output Areas (MSOA) in England, along with demographic, employment, and health data from public sources. Mixed models with a random intercept for Upper Tier Local Authority were analysed as quasibinomial Generalized Additive Models. The estimated random effects were then fitted with Bayesian linear mixed models using flu vaccination uptake, change in public health budgets, population proportion of vaccination sites at pharmacies, GP-led, vaccination centres, and hospital hubs, and Region. Results Models for the MSOA-level COVID-19 first and second vaccinations and the Third Injection (including the booster), fit well. Index of Multiple Deprivation, proportion Aged 15-24 and 25-44, and ethnicity groupings Other White, Indian-Pakistani-Bangladeshi, and African-Caribbean-Other Black-Other, are highly significant predictors of lower uptake. The estimated random effects vary widely amongst local authorities, with positive impact of flu vaccine uptake and change in public health budgets, and regional impacts which are positive for London and South East (first and second doses only), and negative for North West and North East. The impact of vaccination sites did not reach 90% credibility, in general. Conclusion COVID-19 vaccination rates at each stage are very well modelled if local authority random effects are included along with non-linear terms for demographic, employment and health data. Deprivation, younger age, and Other White, South Asian, and African-Caribbean-Other ethnicities are associated with lower uptake. The estimated local effects show strong regional variation and are positively associated with flu vaccination and increasing public health budgets. One simple way to improve COVID-19 vaccine uptake in England would be to increase local public health allocations.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedNkese Ime Okon, Aniedi-Abasi Akpan Markson, Ekeng Ita Okon, Effiom Eyo Ita, Edak Aniedi Uyoh, Ene-Obong Effiom Ene-Obong, Valentine Otang Ntui
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 29.06.2022
Tilføjet 29.06.2022
by Nkese Ime Okon, Aniedi-Abasi Akpan Markson, Ekeng Ita Okon, Effiom Eyo Ita, Edak Aniedi Uyoh, Ene-Obong Effiom Ene-Obong, Valentine Otang Ntui
Yam anthracnose is one of the most serious fungal diseases affecting white and water yam production. Screening of available landraces for new sources of durable resistance to the pathogen is a continuous process. In the present study, the pathogens causing anthracnose in Dioscorea alata and Dioscorea rotundata farms in Cross River State yam belt region were characterized. Diseased yam leaves with anthracnose symptoms collected from the farms were used in the isolation, purification and, identification of C. alatae strains using morphological, cultural, and molecular methods. Leaf chlorosis, leaf edge necrosis, blights, dark brown to black leaf spots, shot holes, necrotic vein banding and vein browning were the predominantly observed symptoms. Seven isolates of C. alatae, Ca5, Ca14, Ca16, Ca22, Ca24, Ca32 and Ca34, and one isolate of Lasidioplodia theobromae, Lt1 were found to be associated with yam infection in Cross River State, with Lt1 as the most prevalent, occurring in all the locations. These isolates were classified into four forms which included the slow-growing grey (SGG), the fast-growing grey (FGG), the fast-growing salmon (FGS), and the fast-growing olive (FGO). Sequence analysis of the ITS region revealed
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedCatherine M. Worsley, Rob B. Veale, Elizabeth S. Mayne
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 29.06.2022
Tilføjet 29.06.2022
by Catherine M. Worsley, Rob B. Veale, Elizabeth S. Mayne
Cell death is important in physiology, and can happen as a result of structural damage, or as a sequence of programmed cellular processes known as apoptosis. Pathogenic alterations in apoptosis occur in a number of diseases, including cancer, viral infections, autoimmune diseases, immunodeficiencies, and degenerative conditions. Developing accurate and reproducible laboratory methods for inducing and detecting apoptosis is vital for research into these conditions. A number of methods are employed to detect cell death, including DNA fragmentation, the TUNEL assay, and electron microscopy although each has its limitations. Flow cytometry allows for the distinction between live, early apoptotic, late apoptotic and necrotic cells. In this protocol we successfully induce apoptosis using chemical treatment and treatment with low pH in solid tumour cell lines, and have optimized detection using the Annexin V/PI apoptosis assay.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedMohammad A. A. Al-Najjar, Ruaa R. Al-alwany, Firas M. Al-Rshoud, Rana K. Abu-Farha, Mohammed Zawiah
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 29.06.2022
Tilføjet 29.06.2022
by Mohammad A. A. Al-Najjar, Ruaa R. Al-alwany, Firas M. Al-Rshoud, Rana K. Abu-Farha, Mohammed Zawiah
Purpose COVID-19 infection is normally followed by several post-COVID effects. This study aimed to investigate to evaluate menstrual changes in females following COVID-19 infection, and to evaluate female perception about the effect of COVID-19 on their menstrual cycles. Methods During this cross-sectional survey-based study, a convenience sample of 483 women from Jordan and from Iraq, who had infected with COVID-19 were invited to fill-out the study questionnaire. Results The study was conducted on the females, with a median age 31 years old. Results showed that 47.2% of them (n = 228) suffered from a change in the number of days between two consecutive periods, as well as from a change in the amount of blood loss. Also, more than 50% of them believed that COVID-19 infection may cause changes in the amount of blood loss during the cycle (n = 375, 56.9%), and changes in the number of days between the two consecutive periods (n = 362, 54.2%).Regression analysis showed that participants with higher educational level (bachelor or higher) (Beta = -0.114, P = 0.011), and those living in Iraq (Beta = -0.166, p<0.001) believed that COVID-19 has lower tendency to cause menstrual changes. In addition, non-married females (Beta = 0.109, P = 0.017), and those who are current smokers (Beta = 0.091, P = 0.048) believed that COVID-19 has higher tendency to cause menstrual changes. Conclusion his study revealed that COVID-19 infection could affect the menstrual cycle for the females. Further prospective studies should be done to confirm these findings and evaluate how long these menstrual irregularities lasted.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedDiamantis Toutountzidis, Tim M. Gale, Karen Irvine, Shivani Sharma, Keith R. Laws
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 29.06.2022
Tilføjet 29.06.2022
by Diamantis Toutountzidis, Tim M. Gale, Karen Irvine, Shivani Sharma, Keith R. Laws
The association of early life adversities and psychosis symptoms is well documented in clinical populations; however, whether this relationship also extends into subclinical psychosis remains unclear. In particular, are early life adversities associated with increased levels of schizotypal personality traits in non-clinical samples? We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of associations between early life adversities and psychometrically defined schizotypal traits in non-clinical samples. The review followed PRISMA guidelines. The search using PubMed, Web of Science and EBSCO databases identified 1,609 articles in total. Twenty-five studies (N = 15,253 participants) met eligibility criteria for the review. An assessment of study quality showed that fewer than half of all studies were rated as methodologically robust. Meta-analyses showed that all forms of childhood abuse (emotional, physical and sexual) and neglect (emotional and physical) were significantly associated with psychometric schizotypy. The association of schizotypy traits with childhood emotional abuse (r = .33: 95%CI .30 to .37) was significantly larger than for all other form of abuse or neglect. Meta-regression analyses showed that the physical abuse-schizotypy relationship was stronger in samples with more women participants; and the sexual abuse-schizotypy relationship was stronger in younger samples. The current review identifies a dose-response relationship between all forms of abuse/neglect and schizotypy scores in non-clinical samples; however, a stronger association emerged for emotional abuse. More research is required to address the relationship of trauma types and specific symptom types. Future research should also address the under-representation of men.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedMarie Spreckley, Judith de Lange, Jacob C. Seidell, Jutka Halberstadt
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 29.06.2022
Tilføjet 29.06.2022
by Marie Spreckley, Judith de Lange, Jacob C. Seidell, Jutka Halberstadt
Introduction The long-term effects of interventions aiming to achieve substantial, sustainable weight loss maintenance have been disappointing. Most people regain their lost weight over time but some seem to be able to maintain their weight loss. We are following the experiences of patients over time prospectively. This study forms the baseline to provide insights into patient experiences prior to entering a primary care-led weight management intervention and their expectations going forward. Materials and methods We recruited 21 adult male and female patients of varying ethnicity with a BMI between 27.7kg/m2 and 48.4kg/m2 from a cohort of patients entering a primary care-led weight management intervention. Patients were offered video and audio interview options during the COVID-19 lockdown. In total, twenty chose the audio option, while one chose the video option. The interview format was semi-structured with room for individual exploration. Discussion We found that participants experienced feeling unable to control their weight and encountered a multitude of internal and external barriers to weight management. Some had supportive environments, while others experienced discouraging external influences. Though personal characteristics varied, motivations, goals and expected benefits were similar across this cohort. Most participants had previously experienced transient successful weight-loss attempts with varying approaches. COVID-19 was experienced as an opportunity or barrier for change. Conclusion This study illustrates the importance of gaining comprehensive insights into the diverse experiences patients encounter when trying to achieve weight loss. Personalized support taking into account individual experiences and circumstances may enhance long-term treatment outcomes. Future research into the complexities of weight management based on individual accounts can aid in the creation of improved treatment protocols.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedQian Zhao, Xiaoshan Zhou, Raoul Kuiper, Sophie Curbo, Anna Karlsson
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 29.06.2022
Tilføjet 29.06.2022
by Qian Zhao, Xiaoshan Zhou, Raoul Kuiper, Sophie Curbo, Anna Karlsson
Thymidine kinase 2 (TK2) deficiency in humans leads to a myopathic form of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) deficiency. Here we present a skeletal and cardiac muscle specific TK2 knockout mouse (mTk2 KO). The mice showed dilated hearts and markedly reduced adipose tissue during week 12 to 16. A severe decrease of mtDNA was found only in skeletal muscle and heart tissue in mTk2 KO mice. Expression analysis of key metabolic genes of 16 weeks knockout mice showed significant changes of genes involved in lipid metabolism, with different patterns in heart and skeletal muscle. Our study further suggests that lipoprotein lipase (LPL) from liver supports the metabolism when heart and skeletal muscle were impaired due to mitochondrial dysfunction. The angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which is involved in glucose homeostasis, was also affected by mtDNA deficiency in our study. Interestingly, both the gene and protein expression of ACE2 were increased in cardiac tissue of mTk2 KO mice. Since ACE2 is a receptor for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, its regulation in relation to mitochondrial function may have important clinical implications.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedMohammed Seid, Tsegaye Yohanes, Yitagesu Goshu, Kiyar Jemal, Munira Siraj
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 29.06.2022
Tilføjet 29.06.2022
by Mohammed Seid, Tsegaye Yohanes, Yitagesu Goshu, Kiyar Jemal, Munira Siraj
Background Intestinal parasitic infection (IPIs) is one of the major health problems in Sub -Saharan Africa where water, sanitation and hygiene practices are inadequate. Taking into account the national level implementation of intensive hand hygiene against COVID-19 pandemic and general protective effect this study assessed its effect on intestinal parasite. Objective This study aim to investigate the effect of compliance to hand hygiene practice on the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infection (IPIs) and intensity of Soil transmitted helminthes (STH) among patients attending tertiary care hospital in southern Ethiopia. Methods Observational study was conducted from June to September 2021. Data on socio demographic, hand hygiene practice and intestinal parasite (prevalence and intensity of helminthic infection) was collected from randomly selected and consented patients. Compliance to hand hygiene practice was assessed using pre-tested questionnaire. Fresh stool sample from each participant was examined by direct wet mount, concentration and Ziehl-Neelson (ZN) staining technique to detect intestinal parasite. Intensity of STH measurements was done through direct egg-count per gram using Kato Katz methods. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 25. Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was used to measure association and p-value
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedEysha Saad, Saima Sadiq, Ramish Jamil, Furqan Rustam, Arif Mehmood, Gyu Sang Choi, Imran Ashraf
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 29.06.2022
Tilføjet 29.06.2022
by Eysha Saad, Saima Sadiq, Ramish Jamil, Furqan Rustam, Arif Mehmood, Gyu Sang Choi, Imran Ashraf
COVID-19 vaccination raised serious concerns among the public and people are mind stuck by various rumors regarding the resulting illness, adverse reactions, and death. Such rumors are dangerous to the campaign against the COVID-19 and should be dealt with accordingly and timely. One prospective solution is to use machine learning-based models to predict the death risk for vaccinated people and clarify people’s perceptions regarding death risk. This study focuses on the prediction of the death risks associated with vaccinated people followed by a second dose for two reasons; first to build consensus among people to get the vaccines; second, to reduce the fear regarding vaccines. Given that, this study utilizes the COVID-19 VAERS dataset that records adverse events after COVID-19 vaccination as ‘recovered’, ‘not recovered’, and ‘survived’. To obtain better prediction results, a novel voting classifier extreme regression-voting classifier (ER-VC) is introduced. ER-VC ensembles extra tree classifier and logistic regression using soft voting criterion. To avoid model overfitting and get better results, two data balancing techniques synthetic minority oversampling (SMOTE) and adaptive synthetic sampling (ADASYN) have been applied. Moreover, three feature extraction techniques term frequency-inverse document frequency (TF-IDF), bag of words (BoW), and global vectors (GloVe) have been used for comparison. Both machine learning and deep learning models are deployed for experiments. Results obtained from extensive experiments reveal that the proposed model in combination with TF-TDF has shown robust results with a 0.85 accuracy when trained on the SMOTE-balanced dataset. In line with this, validation of the proposed voting classifier on binary classification shows state-of-the-art results with a 0.98 accuracy. Results show that machine learning models can predict the death risk with high accuracy and can assist the authors in taking timely measures.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedHakjun Hyun, Joon Young Song, Jin Gu Yoon, Hye Seong, Ji Yun Noh, Hee Jin Cheong, Woo Joo Kim
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 29.06.2022
Tilføjet 29.06.2022
by Hakjun Hyun, Joon Young Song, Jin Gu Yoon, Hye Seong, Ji Yun Noh, Hee Jin Cheong, Woo Joo Kim
Background Healthcare-associated pneumonia (HCAP) lies in the intersection of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP). Although HCAP is excluded from the revised HAP guideline, reassessment for HCAP is needed considering its heterogeneous characteristics. Methods The microbiological distribution, antibiotic resistance, and clinical outcomes in CAP, HCAP, and HAP were studied retrospectively. The susceptibility to standard CAP regimens (β-lactams plus macrolide or fluoroquinolone monotherapy) and rates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) infections were evaluated in the CAP group and HCAP subgroups. Results In total, 933 cases were included (CAP, n = 557; HCAP, n = 264; HAP, n = 112). In the CAP and HCAP cases, Streptococcus pneumoniae (7.4% vs. 5.7%) and P. aeruginosa (9.2% vs. 18.6%) were the most common gram-positive and gram-negative pathogens. Staphylococcus aureus (methicillin-resistant, 2.7%; methicillin-susceptible, 2.4%) and carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (20.5%) were the most common Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens in the HAP group, respectively. Higher susceptibility to levofloxacin was observed in CAP and HCAP isolates than that to β-lactam agents. However, levofloxacin non-susceptibility was significantly higher in long-term care facility (LTCF)-onset HCAP compared to community-onset HCAP (43.6% vs. 22.7%, P = 0.014). Conclusion HCAP showed higher rates of P. aeruginosa and MRSA infections than CAP. Empirical antipseudomonal therapy should be considered in the treatment of HCAP. Prior isolation of P. aeruginosa was the most important risk factor for P. aeruginosa infection.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedSaeko Kamoshida, Naoto Nihonmatsu, Gen Takagi, Koubun Wakashima
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 29.06.2022
Tilføjet 29.06.2022
by Saeko Kamoshida, Naoto Nihonmatsu, Gen Takagi, Koubun Wakashima
This study examined the relationship between variables about family members co-residing during the COVID-19 pandemic and anxiety about COVID-19, domestic violence from spouse, child abuse anxiety, internet addiction, and mental health as social problems related to the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 220 parents (70 male and 150 female, age; M = 41.6, SD = 34.4) were included in the analysis. Stepwise hierarchical multiple regression analysis was conducted with dependent variables of fear of COVID-19, spousal violence, anxiety regarding perpetrating child abuse, internet addiction, and mental health. The independent variables were basic variables related to family members such as family composition. The results demonstrated that parents with preschool children were anxious about the possibility that they might abuse their children (β = .203, p < .01). Subjects who smoked were associated with anxiety about being the victim of domestic violence by their spouse (β = .154, p < .05). Those whose income had decreased due to the COVID-19 pandemic, those who were employed, and those with few rooms in their house were more likely to be dependent on the Internet (in order, β = .189, p < .01; β = .196, p < .01; β = -.140, p < .05). Finally, mental health was impaired among those whose income was reduced by the COVID-19 pandemic (β = .134, p < .05) and among those who had conflicting opinions in their families regarding the pandemic (β = .206, p < .01). These results indicate that family variables are associated with family social problems. Additionally, we assume these have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. While further research is required to determine the causal relationships among the variables, the findings can be used as an indicator of support that should be provided to families.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedPaul Okimat, Dickens Akena, Denis Opio, Tobius Mutabazi, Emmanuel Sendaula, Fred C. Semitala, Joan N. Kalyango, Charles A. Karamagi
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 29.06.2022
Tilføjet 29.06.2022
by Paul Okimat, Dickens Akena, Denis Opio, Tobius Mutabazi, Emmanuel Sendaula, Fred C. Semitala, Joan N. Kalyango, Charles A. Karamagi
Background Depression is rarely screened for among People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLHIV) although it is 2 to 3 times more prevalent among PLHIV than in the general population. In instances where depression is screened for using screening tools, it usually follows noticing depression risk factors. This practice of selectively screening for depression could be leaving some cases of depression unattended to. On the other hand, subjecting every client to screening tools (non-selective screening) offers every patient an opportunity to be managed for depression. However, this could require additional resources as compared to selective screening. We present and discuss results on whether non-selective and selective screening strategies differ in depression case detection, and in addition, we also present perceptions of the stake holders on the two screening strategies. Methods The study was conducted in Princess Diana Memorial Health Centre IV HIV clinic using a randomized controlled trial with a qualitative component. To determine whether there was a difference in depression case detection, consecutively sampled participants were randomly allocated to either non-selective or selective screening strategy. Participants allocated to selective screening were screened for depression using the patient health questionnaire (s) (PHQs) if they were at “crisis points”. While those allocated to non-selective screening were screened regardless of whether the “crisis points” were noticed or not. The PHQ-2 and PHQ-9 were used in sequence. 326 PLHIV participated in the study. Outcomes of the MINI evaluation were analyzed for those with PHQ-9 scores of 10 or more to confirm major depressive disorder (MDD). Data was analyzed using the two sample Z-test for proportions with Stata 2013 software. To explore the perceptions of the stake holders, key informant interviews were performed with six stakeholders that experienced the study. Results Cases of depression (PHQ-9 score ≥ 5) were more likely to be detected by the non-selective screening strategy 30.2% (49/162) compared to the selective screening strategy 19.5% (32/164) (difference in proportions 0.107, 95% confidence interval 0.014–0.200, Cohen’s h = 0.25, P = 0.03). The stake holders thought it was important to screen for depression among PLHIV with preference to non-selective screening strategy. Conclusion Evidence from this data suggests that more cases of depression (PHQ-9 score ≥ 5) are likely to be detected with non-selective screening as opposed to selective screening. Trial registration PACTR201802003141213 (name: comparison of routine versus selective screening for depression strategies among PLHIV attending Princess Diana Memorial Health Centre iv Soroti).
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedColombe Saillard, Jérôme Lambert, Morgane Tramier, Laurent Chow-Chine, Magali Bisbal, Luca Servan, Frederic Gonzalez, Jean-Manuel de Guibert, Marion Faucher, Antoine Sannini, Djamel Mokart
PLoS One Infectious Diseases, 29.06.2022
Tilføjet 29.06.2022
by Colombe Saillard, Jérôme Lambert, Morgane Tramier, Laurent Chow-Chine, Magali Bisbal, Luca Servan, Frederic Gonzalez, Jean-Manuel de Guibert, Marion Faucher, Antoine Sannini, Djamel Mokart
Background High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) is increasingly used in critically ill cancer patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF) to avoid mechanical ventilation (MV). The objective was to assess prognostic factors associated with mortality in ICU cancer patients requiring MV after HFNC failure, and to identify predictive factors of intubation. Methods We conducted a retrospective study from 2012–2016 in a cancer referral center. All consecutive onco-hematology adult patients admitted to the ICU treated with HFNC were included. HFNC failure was defined by intubation requirement. Results 202 patients were included, 104 successfully treated with HFNC and 98 requiring intubation. ICU and hospital mortality rates were 26.2% (n = 53) and 42.1% (n = 85) respectively, and 53.1% (n = 52) and 68.4% (n = 67) in patients requiring MV. Multivariate analysis identified 4 prognostic factors of hospital mortality after HFNC failure: complete/partial remission (OR = 0.2, 95%CI = 0.04–0.98, p<0.001) compared to patients with refractory/relapse disease (OR = 3.73, 95%CI = 1.08–12.86), intubation after day 3 (OR = 7.78, 95%CI = 1.44–41.96), number of pulmonary quadrants involved on chest X-ray (OR = 1.93, 95%CI = 1.14–3.26, p = 0.01) and SAPSII at ICU admission (OR = 1.06, 95%CI = 1–1.12, p = 0.019). Predictive factors of intubation were the absence of sepsis (sHR = 0.32, 95%CI = 0.12–0.74, p = 0.0087), Sp0260% at HFNC initiation (sHR = 3.12, 95%CI = 2.06–4.74, p<0.001) and SAPSII at ICU admission (sHR = 1.03, 95%CI = 1.02–1.05, p<0.01). Conclusion Duration of HFNC may be predictive of an excess mortality in ARF cancer patients. Early warning scores to predict HFNC failure are needed to identify patients who would benefit from early intubation.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedSaikat De, Soumyajit Ghosh, Supriya Suman Keshry, Chandan Mahish, Chinmayee Mohapatra, Ankeeta Guru, Prabhudutta Mamidi, Ankita Datey, Sweta Smita Pani, Dileep Vasudevan, Tushar Kant Beuria, Subhasis Chattopadhyay, Bharat Bhusan Subudhi, Soma Chattopadhyay aInstitute of Life Sciencesgrid.418782.0, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India bRegional Centre for Biotechnology, Faridabad, Haryana, India cSchool of Biotechnology, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India dNational Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India eHomi Bhabha National Institute, Training School Complex, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India fSchool of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Siksha O Anusandhan Deemed to be University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
Antimicrobial Agents And Chemotherapy, 29.06.2022
Tilføjet 29.06.2022
Malaria Journal, 29.06.2022
Tilføjet 29.06.2022
Abstract
Background
Rapid emergence of Plasmodium resistance to anti-malarial drug mainstays has driven a continual effort to discover novel drugs that target different biochemical pathway (s) during infection. Plasma membrane Calcium + 2 ATPase (PMCA4), a novel plasma membrane protein that regulates Calcium levels in various cells, namely red blood cell (RBC), endothelial cell and platelets, represents a new biochemical pathway that may interfere with susceptibility to malaria and/or severe malaria.
Methods
This study identified several pharmacological inhibitors of PMCA4, namely ATA and Resveratrol, and tested for their anti-malarial activities in vitro and in vivo using the Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 strain, the Plasmodium berghei ANKA strain, and Plasmodium yoelii 17XL strain as model.
Results
In vitro propagation of P. falciparum 3D7 strain in the presence of a wide concentration range of the inhibitors revealed that the parasite growth was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner, with IC50s at 634 and 0.231 µM, respectively.
Results
The results confirmed that both compounds exhibit moderate to potent anti-malarial activities with the strongest parasite growth inhibition shown by resveratrol at 0.231 µM. In vivo models using P. berghei ANKA for experimental cerebral malaria and P. yoelii 17XL for the effect on parasite growth, showed that the highest dose of ATA, 30 mg/kg BW, increased survival of the mice. Likewise, resveratrol inhibited the parasite growth following 4 days intraperitoneal injection at the dose of 100 mg/kg BW.
Conclusion
The findings indicate that the PMCA4 of the human host may be a potential target for novel anti-malarials, either as single drug or in combination with the currently available effective anti-malarials.
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Patel, H. M., Khandwala, S., Somani, P., Li, Q., Tovar, S., Montano, A.
BMJ Open, 29.06.2022
Tilføjet 29.06.2022
Objective
Obesity has been recognised as a risk factor for poor outcomes associated with COVID-19. Ethnic minorities with COVID-19 have been independently found to fare poorly. We aim to determine if ethnic minorities with severe obesity—defined as a body mass index (BMI) above 40 kg/m²—experience higher rates of hospitalisation, invasive ventilation and death.
Design and setting
Retrospective cohort study from 1 March 2020 to 28 February 2021 within an integrated healthcare organisation in Southern California.
Participants
We identified 373 831 patients by COVID-19 diagnosis code or positive laboratory test.
Methods
Multivariable Poisson regression with robust error variance estimated adjusted risks of hospitalisation, invasive ventilator use and death within 30 days. Risks were stratified by ethnicity and BMI.
Results
We identified multiple differences in risk of poor outcomes across BMI categories within individual ethnic groups. Hospitalisation risk with a BMI over 45 kg/m² was greater in Asian (RR 2.31, 95% CI 1.53 to 3.49; p<0.001), Hispanic (RR 3.22, 95% CI 2.99 to 3.48; p<0.001) and Pacific Islander (RR 3.79, 95% CI 2.49 to 5.75; p<0.001) patients compared with White (RR 2.04, 95% CI 1.79 to 2.33; p<0.001) and Black (RR 2.00, 95% CI 1.70 to 2.34; p<0.001) patients. A similar trend was observed with invasive ventilation risk. The risk of death was greater in Asian (RR 3.96, 95% CI 1.88 to 8.33; p<0.001), Hispanic (RR 3.03, 95% CI 2.53 to 3.61; p<0.001) and Pacific Islander (RR 4.60, 95% CI 1.42 to 14.92; p=0.011) patients compared with White (RR 1.47, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.91; p=0.005) and Black (RR 2.83, 95% CI 1.99 to 4.02; p<0.001) patients with a BMI over 45 kg/m².
Conclusions
Ethnic minorities with severe obesity, particularly Asian, Hispanic and Pacific Islander patients, had a statistically significant higher risk of hospitalisation, invasive ventilator use and death due to COVID-19. Potential explanations include differences in adipose tissue deposition, overall inflammation and ACE-2 receptor expression.
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Epaulard Olivier, Abgrall Sophie, Lefebvre Maeva, Faucher Jean-François, Michon Jocelyn, Frentiu Emilia, Blanchi Sophie, Janssen Cécile, Charbonnier Gabrielle, Fresse Audrey, Laurent Simon, Sandjakian Lena, Casez Pierre, Mahamat Aba, Beraud Guillaume
Clinical Microbiology and Infection, 29.06.2022
Tilføjet 29.06.2022
The diffusion of the SARS-CoV-2 delta (B.1.617.2) variant and the waning of immune response after primary Covid-19 vaccination favoured the breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infections in vaccinated subjects. To assess the impact of vaccination, we determined the severity of infection in hospitalised patients according to vaccine status.
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedImmunity, 26.10.2022
Tilføjet 29.06.2022
Publication date: Available online 28 June 2022Source: ImmunityAuthor(s): Claude Gregoire, Lionel Spinelli, Sergio Villazala-Merino, Laurine Gil, María Pía Holgado, Myriam Moussa, Chuang Dong, Ana Zarubica, Mathieu Fallet, Jean-Marc Navarro, Bernard Malissen, Pierre Milpied, Mauro Gaya
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedBMC Infectious Diseases, 29.06.2022
Tilføjet 29.06.2022
Abstract
Background
In Japan, Mycobacterium avium complex lung disease (MAC-LD) is the most common in nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease. Patients often experience adverse events, resulting in the discontinuation of treatment, which causes treatment failure. The JADER (Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report) database is a database of adverse events that allows us to collect real-world data on adverse events. We can collect large-scale data cost-effectively and detect signals of potential adverse events such as reporting odds ratio (ROR) by using spontaneous reporting systems. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the adverse events of clarithromycin (CAM), ethambutol (EB), and rifampicin (RFP) using the JADER database.
Methods
We included cases of MAC-LD between April 2004 and June 2017. We investigated sex, age, and medications that may have caused the adverse events, outcomes, and time of onset. We calculated the safety signal index as the ROR. Time-to-event analysis was performed using the Weibull distribution.
Results
The total number of adverse events of CAM, EB, and RFP was 2780, with 806 patients. In the overall adverse events, hematologic and lymphatic disorders were the most common adverse events, with 17.3%, followed by eye disorders (16.6%), and hepatobiliary disorders (14.0%). The outcomes were as follows: recovery, 40.0%; remission, 27.1%; non-recovery, 11.2%; and death, 7.1%. Regarding the most common onset time of CAM, EB, and RFP was within 120 days at 40%, 181–300 days at 43.6%, and within 120 days at 88.5%. For CAM, the RORs of infections and infestations, hepatobiliary system disorders, and immune system disorders were 4.13 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.3–7.44), 2.61 (95% CI, 1.39–4.91), and 2.38 (95% CI, 1.04–5.44). For EB, the ROR of eye disorders was 215.79 (95% CI, 132.62–351.12). For RFP, the RORs of renal and urinary tract disorders and investigations were 7.03 (95% CI, 3.35–14.77) and 6.99 (95% CI, 3.22–15.18). The β value of EB was 2.07 (95% CI, 1.48–2.76), which was classified as a wear-out failure type.
Conclusions
For MAC-LD, the adverse event which has the highest ROR is infections and infestations in CAM, eye disorders in EB, renal and urinary tract disorders in RFP. Adverse events of EB occur after 180 days, whereas the adverse events of CAM and RFP occur early in the course of treatment.
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BMC Infectious Diseases, 29.06.2022
Tilføjet 29.06.2022
Abstract
Background
Antimicrobial resistance is a major threat to global health and the world economy. The economic burden of carbapenem-resistant infections has not previously been evaluated. We aimed to compare the potential economic burden and clinical outcomes between carbapenem-resistant infections and carbapenem-susceptible infections in Japan.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective cohort study using electronic medical records. Patients aged 15 years or older and with the diagnosis of pneumonia, urinary tract infection, biliary infection, and sepsis were included. Multivariable regression models with random effects were used to estimate the impact of carbapenem resistance on cost, length of hospital stay, and in-hospital mortality.
Results
Among the 9,517 patients, 86 (0.9%) had carbapenem-resistant (CR) infections. Compared to carbapenem-susceptible (CS) infections, the patients with the CR infections were significantly more likely to receive mechanical ventilation (37.2 vs. 21.2%, P-value = 0.003), antibiotics (88.4 vs. 63.0%, P-value < 0.001), and especially carbapenem (31.4 vs. 8.3%, P-value < 0.001), before the bacterial culture test positive. Significantly higher median costs were found for the CR infections than the CS infections in the categories of medications (3477 US dollars vs. 1609 US dollars), laboratory tests (2498 US dollars, vs. 1845 US dollars), and hospital stay (14,307 US dollars vs. 10,560 US dollars). In the multivariable regression analysis, the length of stay was 42.1% longer and the cost was 50.4% higher in the CR infections than in the CS infections. The risk of in-hospital mortality did not differ between the two groups (odds ratio 1.24, 95% CI 0.72–2.11), due to the small sample size. The result was robust with a similar trend in the analysis using the inverse probability treatment weighting method.
Conclusions
Compared to carbapenem-susceptible infections, carbapenem-resistant infections were associated with a higher cost and a longer length of stay. Detailed cost analysis showed significant differences in the categories of medication, laboratory tests, and hospital stay. To our knowledge, this study is the first to assess the potential economic burden of carbapenem-resistant infections using a large hospital-based database.
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Infection, 28.06.2022
Tilføjet 29.06.2022
Abstract
Background
Cancer treatments suppress immune function and are associated with increased risk of infections, but the overall burden of serious infectious diseases in treated patients has not been clearly elucidated.
Methods
All patients treated for solid malignant tumours with radiotherapy (RT) and/or standard first-line chemotherapy (C) at the Department of Oncology at Rigshospitalet between 01/1/2010 and 31/12/2016 were included. Patients were followed from treatment initiation until the first of new cancer treatment, 1 year after treatment initiation, end of follow-up or death. Incidence rates (IR) of positive blood culture (PBC) per 1000 person-years follow-up (PYFU) were calculated.
Findings
12,433 individuals were included, 3582 (29%), 6349 (51%), and 2502 (20%) treated with RT, C, or both RT & C, respectively, contributing 8182 PYFU. 429 (3%) individuals experienced 502 unique episodes of PBC, incidence rate (95% CI) 52.43 (47.7, 57.6) per 1000 PYFU. The 30-day mortality rate after PBC was 24% independent of treatment modality. Adjusted incidence rate ratios in the first 3 months (95% CI) after PBC significantly varied by treatment: 2.89 (1.83, 4.55) and 2.52 (1.53, 4.14) for C and RT & C compared to RT. Escherichia coli (n = 127, 25%) was the top microorganism identified.
Interpretation
PBCs are not common, but when they occur, mortality is high.
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Lulu Han, Yi Zheng, Jian Deng, Mei‐Ling Nan, Yang Xiao, Meng‐Wei Zhuang, Jing Zhang, Wei Wang, Chengjiang Gao, Pei‐Hui Wang
Journal of Medical Virology, 29.06.2022
Tilføjet 29.06.2022
Christian Alfredo Cruz, Paul Mark Medina
Journal of Medical Virology, 29.06.2022
Tilføjet 29.06.2022
De Paschale Massimo, Pavia Claudia, Teresa Cerulli, Debora Cagnin, Maria Teresa Manco, Luisa Belvisi, Alessia Paganin, Pogliani Laura, Ceriani Elena, Porta Alessandro, Parola Luciana, Mirri Paola, Osnaghi Bianca, Vismara Laura, Clerici Pierangelo
Journal of Medical Virology, 29.06.2022
Tilføjet 29.06.2022
Wallace, S., Hall, V., Charlett, A., Kirwan, P. D., Cole, M., Gillson, N., Atti, A., Timeyin, J., Foulkes, S., Taylor-Kerr, A., Andrews, N., Shrotri, M., Rokadiya, S., Oguti, B., Vusirikala, A., Islam, J., Zambon, M., Brooks, T. J. G., Ramsay, M., Brown, C. S., Chand, M., Hopkins, S.
BMJ Open, 29.06.2022
Tilføjet 29.06.2022
Introduction
Understanding the effectiveness and durability of protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection conferred by previous infection and COVID-19 is essential to inform ongoing management of the pandemic. This study aims to determine whether prior SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19 vaccination in healthcare workers protects against future infection.
Methods and analysis
This is a prospective cohort study design in staff members working in hospitals in the UK. At enrolment, participants are allocated into cohorts, positive or naïve, dependent on their prior SARS-CoV-2 infection status, as measured by standardised SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing on all baseline serum samples and previous SARS-CoV-2 test results. Participants undergo monthly antibody testing and fortnightly viral RNA testing during follow-up and based on these results may move between cohorts. Any results from testing undertaken for other reasons (eg, symptoms, contact tracing) or prior to study entry will also be captured. Individuals complete enrolment and fortnightly questionnaires on exposures, symptoms and vaccination. Follow-up is 12 months from study entry, with an option to extend follow-up to 24 months.
The primary outcome of interest is infection with SARS-CoV-2 after previous SARS-CoV-2 infection or COVID-19 vaccination during the study period. Secondary outcomes include incidence and prevalence (both RNA and antibody) of SARS-CoV-2, viral genomics, viral culture, symptom history and antibody/neutralising antibody titres.
Ethics and dissemination
The study was approved by the Berkshire Research Ethics Committee, Health Research Authority (IRAS ID 284460, REC reference 20/SC/0230) on 22 May 2020; the vaccine amendment was approved on 12 January 2021. Participants gave informed consent before taking part in the study.
Regular reports to national and international expert advisory groups and peer-reviewed publications ensure timely dissemination of findings to inform decision making.
Trial registration number
ISRCTN11041050.
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Alhaddad, F., Abdulkareem, A., Alsharrah, D., Alkandari, A., Bin-Hasan, S., Al-Ahmad, M., Al Hashemi, H., Alghounaim, M.
BMJ Open, 29.06.2022
Tilføjet 29.06.2022
Objective
Subsequent protection from SARS-CoV-2 infection in paediatrics is not well reported in the literature. We aimed to describe the clinical characteristics and dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 PCR repositivity in children.
Design
This is a population-level retrospective cohort study.
Setting
Patients were identified through multiple national-level electronic COVID-19 databases that cover all primary, secondary and tertiary centres in Kuwait.
Participants
The study included children 12 years and younger between 28 February 2020 and 6 March 2021. SARS-CoV-2 reinfection was defined as having two or more positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR tests done on a respiratory sample, at least 45 days apart. Clinical data were obtained from the Pediatric COVID-19 Registry in Kuwait.
Primary and secondary outcome measures
The primary measure is to estimate SARS-CoV-2 PCR repositivity rate. The secondary objective was to establish average duration between first and subsequent SARS-CoV-2 infection. Descriptive statistics were used to present clinical data for each infection episode. Also, incidence-sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate 60-day and 90-day PCR repositivity intervals.
Results
Thirty paediatric patients with COVID-19 had SARS-CoV-2 reinfection at an incidence of 1.02 (95% CI 0.71 to 1.45) infection per 100 000 person-days and a median time to reinfection of 83 (IQR 62–128.75) days. The incidence of reinfection decreased to 0.78 (95% CI 0.52 to 1.17) and 0.47 (95% CI 0.28 to 0.79) per person-day when the minimum interval between PCR repositivity was increased to 60 and 90 days, respectively. The mean age of reinfected subjects was 8.5 (IQR 3.7–10.3) years and the majority (70%) were girls. Most children (55.2%) had asymptomatic reinfection. Fever was the most common presentation in symptomatic patients. One immunocompromised experienced two reinfection episodes.
Conclusion
SARS-CoV-2 reinfection is uncommon in children. Previous confirmed COVID-19 in children seems to result in a milder reinfection.
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Mugo, P. M., Mumbi, A., Munene, D., Nzinga, J., Molyneux, S., Barasa, E., PSK COVID-19 Response Taskforce, Jaguga, Odhiambo, Ominde-Ogaja, Maina, Mungoma, Butt, Matendechero, Kahiga, Sedah, Opanga
BMJ Open, 29.06.2022
Tilføjet 29.06.2022
Objectives
To assess experiences of and response to the COVID-19 pandemic at community pharmacies in Kenya.
Design, setting and participants
This was a mixed-methods study conducted from November 2020 to April 2021, targeting service providers in three counties (Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu), selected purposively to represent the main urban centres; pharmacies were selected randomly from a list of licensed pharmacies.
Results
Of 195 sampled pharmacies, 108 (55%) completed a questionnaire and 103 (53%) received a simulated client call; 18 service providers were interviewed. The initial weeks of the pandemic were characterised by fear and panic among service providers and a surge in client flow. Subsequently, 65 (60%) of 108 pharmacies experienced a dip in demand to below prepandemic levels and 34 (31%) reported challenges with unavailability, high price and poor quality of products. Almost all pharmacies were actively providing preventive materials and therapies; educating clients on prevention measures; counselling anxious clients; and handling and referring suspect cases. Fifty-nine pharmacies (55% (95% CI 45% to 65%)) reported receiving a client asking for COVID-19 testing and a similar proportion stated they would support pharmacy-based testing if implemented. For treatment of simulated clients, most pharmacies (71%, 73 of 103) recommended alternative therapies and nutritional supplements such as vitamin C; the rest recommended conventional therapies such as antibiotics. While 52 (48%) of 108 pharmacies had at least one staff member trained on COVID-19, a general feeling of disconnection from the national programme prevailed.
Conclusions
Private pharmacies in Kenya were actively contributing to the COVID-19 response, but more deliberate engagement, support and linkages are required. Notably, there is an urgent need to develop guidelines for pharmacy-based COVID-19 testing, a service that is clearly needed and which could greatly increase test coverage. Pharmacy-based COVID-19 programmes should be accompanied with implementation research to inform current and future pandemic responses.
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Naushad, V. A., Purayil, N. K., Chandra, P., Saeed, A. A. M., Radhakrishnan, P., Varikkodan, I., Mathew, J. V., Sirajudeen, J., Hammamy, R. A., Badi, A. M., Suliman, A. M., Badawi, M. N., Arya, S., AlMotawa, M., Al-Baker, A., Alatom, R., Kartha, A.
BMJ Open, 29.06.2022
Tilføjet 29.06.2022
Objective
To compare the patient profile and outcomes in Qatar during the first and second waves of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Setting
A retrospective observational study was conducted comparing the demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients with COVID-19 infection admitted to a secondary care hospital, during the first and second waves of the pandemic.
Participants
1039 patients from the first wave and 991 from the second wave who had pneumonia on chest X-ray and had a confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection by a real-time PCR test of a nasopharyngeal swab were included. Patients with a normal chest X-ray and those who had a negative PCR test despite a positive COVID-19 antigen test were excluded.
Outcome
Length of stay, need for mechanical ventilation, final disposition and mortality were the key outcomes studied
Results
Influenza like symptoms (18.5% in the first wave vs 36.1% in the second wave, p 0.001), cough (79.2% vs 87%, p<0.001) and dyspnoea (27.5% vs 38% p<0.001) were more common in the second wave. Second wave patients had significantly higher respiratory rate, lower peripheral oxygen saturation, needed more supplemental oxygen and had higher incidence of pulmonary embolism. More patients received hydroxychloroquine and antibiotics during the first wave and more received steroids, antivirals and interleukin-1 antagonist during the second wave. The second wave had a shorter length of stay (14.58±7.75 vs 12.61±6.16, p<0.001) and more patients were discharged home (22% vs 10%, p<0.001).
Conclusions
Patients who presented during the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic appeared to be more ill clinically and based on their laboratory parameters. They required shorter hospitalisation and were more likely to be discharged home. This could represent greater expertise in handling such patients that was acquired during the first wave as well as use of more appropriate and combination therapies during the second wave.
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Santiago Oviedo Rouco, Pamela E Rodriguez, Esteban A Miglietta, Pablo Rall, María M Gonzalez Lopez Ledesma, Augusto Varese, Carla A Pascuale, Diego S Ojeda, Bianca Mazzitelli, Lautaro Sanchez, Ana Ceballos, Eduardo Perez, Jorge Geffner, Yanina Miragaya, Andrés H Rossi, Andrea V Gamarnik
Lancet Infectious Diseases, 29.06.2022
Tilføjet 29.06.2022
Whole-virion inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are one of the most widely used vaccines worldwide. However, compared with the mRNA-based and adenovirus-based platforms,1 little information is available about the immune response that is induced by inactivated virus vaccines2 and the convenience of applying heterologous boosters to reach an improved response against variants of concern, including omicron (B.1.1.529). Particularly scarce are data for older people (ie, age >60 years).
Læs mere Tjek på PubMedPrerna Arora, Amy Kempf, Inga Nehlmeier, Sebastian R Schulz, Anne Cossmann, Metodi V Stankov, Hans-Martin Jäck, Georg M N Behrens, Stefan Pöhlmann, Markus Hoffmann
Lancet Infectious Diseases, 29.06.2022
Tilføjet 29.06.2022
The SARS-CoV-2 omicron (B.1.1.529) variant is highly resistant against antibody-mediated neutralisation due to many mutations in the spike (S) protein.1 Several omicron subvariants have been detected, with BA.2.12.1 (first detected in the USA) and BA.4 and BA.5 (first detected in South Africa) currently outcompeting the previously circulating BA.1 and BA.2 subvariants in several countries. The S proteins of BA.4 and BA.5, which are identical on the protein level, and BA.2.12.1 harbour unique mutations (appendix pp 1–2), but it is largely unknown whether they differ from BA.1 and BA.2 regarding neutralisation sensitivity.
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