Corona in general

The Omicron spike is relatively poorly cleaved and impaired in mediating cell-cell fusion and syncytia formation, contrary to predictions. // 28.12.2021

A study conducted at the University of Helsinki and the Helsinki University Hospital suggests that the APOE4 allele may also increase cerebral microhemorrhages related to COVID-19 and associate with mental fatigue related to long COVID. // 27.12.2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2) infects the kidneys and contributes to tissue scarring, as shown by researchers from the RWTH Uniklinik Aachen, Germany, and Radboudumc, The Netherlands. The developed scar tissue in the infected kidneys may suggest a possible impact on kidney outcomes in the long term. // 27.12.2021

Infection-fighting B cells retain better memory of the coronavirus spike protein in University Hospital patients who recover from less-severe cases of COVID-19 than in those recovering from severe COVID-19, a new study suggests. // 24.12.2021

Researchers find that vaccine-mediated protection against SARS-CoV-2 is significantly reduced against the Omicron variant. // 23.12.2021

Researchers discuss the incidence and effect of coinfections with SARS-CoV-2 and human rhinovirus. // 23.12.2021

The virus that causes COVID-19 has adopted some stealth moves to stay alive and kicking, and one secret to its success is hiding from the immune system by spreading through cell-to-cell transmission, a new study has found. // 23.12.2021

Apolipoprotein E ε4 allele (APOE4) has been shown to associate with increased susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 mortality in some previous genetic studies, but information on the role of APOE4 on the underlying pathology and parallel clinical manifestations is scarce. Here we studied the genetic association between APOE and COVID-19 in Finnish biobank, autopsy and prospective clinical cohort datasets. In line with previous work, our data on 2611 cases showed that APOE4 carriership associates with severe COVID-19 in intensive care patients compared with non-infected population controls after matching for age, sex and cardiovascular disease status. Histopathological examination of brain autopsy material of 21 COVID-19 cases provided evidence that perivascular microhaemorrhages are more prevalent in APOE4 carriers. Finally, our analysis of post-COVID fatigue in a prospective clinical cohort of 156 subjects revealed that APOE4 carriership independently associates with higher mental fatigue compared to non-carriers at six months after initial illness. In conclusion, the present data on Finns suggests that APOE4 is a risk factor for severe COVID-19 and post-COVID mental fatigue and provides the first indication that some of this effect could be mediated via increased cerebrovascular damage. // 23.12.2021

A recent preprint examines the proportion of Omicron infection and the risk of severe disease with this variant of SARS-CoV-2. // 23.12.2021

In a recent study posted to the bioRxiv* pre-print server, an international team of researchers reported the occurrence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) breakthrough infections (BTIs) among health care workers (HCWs) participating in a phase III vaccine trial in Sisonke, South Africa. // 22.12.2021

In a recent prospective observational study posted to the medRxiv* preprint server, researchers determined Omicron variant-associated T cell responses before and after a third dose of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccination against coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in anti-CD20-treated multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. // 22.12.2021

In a recent study posted to the medRxiv* preprint server, researchers investigated the distribution of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Delta and Omicron variants among coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) positive individuals who were either naive, fully vaccinated, or had a previous infection to further investigate possible escape from vaccine- or infection-induced immunity by Omicron compared to Delta. // 22.12.2021

A new study proposed that inflammation combined with aggregates of amyloidogenic peptides of SARS-CoV-2 S proteins might induce systemic amyloidosis. // 21.12.2021

Systematic reviews and meta-analysis were conducted to identify the impact of SARS-CoV-2 in cancer patients based on tumor type, age, and treatment, and any novel risk factors for COVID-19 in cancer // 21.12.2021

A new study demonstrates significantly altered structure and cellularity of Peyer’s patches in deceased COVID-19 patients. // 21.12.2021

In this interview, we speak to Professor Scott H. Faro about his latest research that looked into COVID-19 and its complications within the central nervous system. // 21.12.2021

Researchers demonstrate that the exposure of platelets to the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein promotes their activation and adhesion. // 21.12.2021

Researchers determine the long-term adverse mental health symptoms associated with COVID-19 by estimating acute infection severity. // 21.12.2021

Researchers investigate the risk of SARS-CoV-2 exposure to people in workplaces across different occupations over time. // 21.12.2021

Researchers study influenza and SARS-CoV-2 infection models to identify lung memory B cells during viral infection. // 20.12.2021

COVID-19 OMICRON - The Omicron variant largely evades immunity from past infection or two vaccine doses according to the latest Imperial modelling. // 17.12.2021

Äänen voimakkuus ja korkeus lisäävät ilmaan pääsevien partikkelien määrää. // 13.9.2021

Researchers discuss the likely impact on current convalescent therapies and immunity of vaccinated individuals against the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant. // 20.12.2021

The arrival of the Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant has brought into question the effectiveness of current COVID-19 treatments in preventing infection and death. New research published in the preprint bioRxiv* server suggests the efficacy of most monoclonal antibody treatments are ineffective against Omicron. //20.12.2021

Researchers discuss the sensitivity of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant towards various monoclonal antibodies. // 20.12.2021

Researchers from the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich have created a new system to protect areas from the virus, using a light-emitting diode (LED)-based ultraviolet C (UV-C) light curtain. Specific wavelengths of UV-C are known to inactivate viruses and bacteria, and this tool could help keep areas sterile. // 21.12.2021

A new study indicates that as a result of SARS-CoV-2 infection comprehensive changes in protein processing and regulation occur. // 20.12.2021

A new study helps to explain the rapid spread of the Delta variant and provides the impetus to increase control measures including vaccine boosters and social distancing requirements. // 20.12.2021

A recent review published in the International Journal of Indoor Environment and Health presents the science behind the person-to-person transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in an indoor environment. // 14.12.2021

Case reports of relatively young COVID-19 patients who developed Parkinson's disease within weeks of contracting the virus have led scientists to wonder if there could be a link between the two conditions. // 14.12.2021