SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2.75 variant may be much more infective than preexisting variants
Objectives In our previous research, we have reported mathematical model with molecular simulation analysis to predict the infectivity of seven SARS-CoV-2 variants. In this report, we aimed to predict the relative risk of the recent new variants of SARS-CoV-2 based on our previous research. Methods We subjected Omicron BA.4/5 or BA.2.75 variant of SARS-CoV-2 to the analysis for the evolutionary distance of the spike protein gene (S gene) to appreciate the changes of the spike protein. We performed the molecular docking simulation analyses of the spike protein with human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) to understand the docking affinity in these variants. We then compared the evolutionary distance and the docking affinity of these variants with that of the seven variants which were analyzed in our previous research. Results The evolutionary distance of the S gene in BA.4/5 or BA.2.75 from the Wuhan variant were longer than the other variants. The highest docking affinity of the spike protein with ACE2 (ratio per Wuhan variant) was observed in BA.2.75. Conclusion It is important to note that BA.2.75 has both the highest docking affinity and the longest evolutionary distance of the S gene. These results suggest that the infection of BA.2.75 can be spread further than preexisting variants. ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest. * S gene : spike protein gene ACE2 : angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 RBD : receptor-binding domain
Unravelling the role of the mandatory use of face covering masks for the control of SARS-CoV-2 in schools: a quasi-experimental study nested in a population-based cohort in Catalonia (Spain)
Objective To assess the effectiveness of mandatory use of face covering masks (FCMs) in schools during the first term of the 2021–2022 academic year. Design A retrospective population-based study. Setting Schools in Catalonia (Spain). Population 599 314 children aged 3–11 years attending preschool (3–5 years, without FCM mandate) and primary education (6–11 years, with FCM mandate). Study period From 13 September to 22 December 2021 (before Omicron variant). Interventions A quasi-experimental comparison between children in the last grade of preschool (5 years old), as a control group, and children in year 1 of primary education (6 years old), as an interventional group. Main outcome measures Incidence of SARS-CoV-2, secondary attack rates (SARs) and effective reproductive number (R*). Results SARS-CoV-2 incidence was significantly lower in preschool than in primary education, and an increasing trend with age was observed. Six-year-old children showed higher incidence than 5 year olds (3.54% vs 3.1%; OR 1.15 (95% CI 1.08 to 1.22)) and slightly lower but not statistically significant SAR (4.36% vs 4.59%; incidence risk ratio 0.96 (95% CI 0.82 to 1.11)) and R* (0.9 vs 0.93; OR 0.96 (95% CI 0.87 to 1.09)). Results remained consistent using a regression discontinuity design and linear regression extrapolation approaches. Conclusions We found no significant differences in SARS-CoV-2 transmission due to FCM mandates in Catalonian schools. Instead, age was the most important factor in explaining the transmission risk for children attending school. Data are available upon reasonable request.
COVID-19 Increasing Stroke Risks in People of All Ages
The COVID-19 pandemic has been unpredictable as more is learned about the varied side effects of the virus. One surprising finding is the heightened risk of stroke and heart attack—and not just for older adults.
Twitter 3 good reasons to get your kids vaccinated against covid: ▶️ Risk of hospitalization reduced by 83% ▶️ Risk of MIS-C (multisystemic inflammatory syndrome) reduced by 90% ▶️ Immunity generated by vaccination (alone or after an infection) immunity generated by 1-2 infections
3 good reasons to get your kids vaccinated against covid:
▶️ Risk of hospitalization reduced by 83%
▶️ Risk of MIS-C (multisystemic inflammatory syndrome) reduced by 90%
▶️ Immunity generated by vaccination (alone or after an infection) immunity generated by 1-2 infections
1/ 🧵 Welcher Impfstoff wäre als update sinnvoll und was wird im Herbst erhältlich sein. Ich beschränke mich hier auf die Frage ob monovalenter (reiner Omikron-Impfstoff) oder bivalenter (Impfstoff, der zu 50% Omikron und zu 50% den sog. wild-type/WT) enthält, sinnvoller ist.— Jan Hartmann (@pelagicbird) July 26, 2022
Global patterns of antigen receptor repertoire disruption across adaptive immune compartments in COVID-19
Whereas pathogen-specific T and B cells are a primary focus of interest during infectious disease, we have used COVID-19 to ask whether their emergence comes at a cost of broader B cell and T cell repertoire disruption. We applied a genomic DNA-based approach to concurrently study the immunoglobulin-heavy (IGH) and T cell receptor (TCR) β and δ chain loci of 95 individuals. Our approach detected anticipated repertoire focusing for the IGH repertoire, including expansions of clusters of related sequences temporally aligned with SARS-CoV-2–specific seroconversion, and enrichment of some shared SARS-CoV-2–associated sequences. No significant age-related or disease severity–related deficiencies were noted for the IGH repertoire. By contrast, whereas focusing occurred at the TCRβ and TCRδ loci, including some TCRβ sequence–sharing, disruptive repertoire narrowing was almost entirely limited to many patients aged older than 50 y. By temporarily reducing T cell diversity and by risking expansions of nonbeneficial T cells, these traits may constitute an age-related risk factor for COVID-19, including a vulnerability to new variants for which T cells may provide key protection.
Distinguishing features of Long COVID identified through immune profiling
SARS-CoV-2 infection can result in the development of a constellation of persistent sequelae following acute disease called post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) or Long COVID[1][1]–[3][2]. Individuals diagnosed with Long COVID frequently report unremitting fatigue, post-exertional malaise, and a variety of cognitive and autonomic dysfunctions[1][1]–[3][2]; however, the basic biological mechanisms responsible for these debilitating symptoms are unclear. Here, 215 individuals were included in an exploratory, cross-sectional study to perform multi-dimensional immune phenotyping in conjunction with machine learning methods to identify key immunological features distinguishing Long COVID. Marked differences were noted in specific circulating myeloid and lymphocyte populations relative to matched control groups, as well as evidence of elevated humoral responses directed against SARS-CoV-2 among participants with Long COVID. Further, unexpected increases were observed in antibody responses directed against non-SARS-CoV-2 viral pathogens, particularly Epstein-Barr virus. Analysis of circulating immune mediators and various hormones also revealed pronounced differences, with levels of cortisol being uniformly lower among participants with Long COVID relative to matched control groups. Integration of immune phenotyping data into unbiased machine learning models identified significant distinguishing features critical in accurate classification of Long COVID, with decreased levels of cortisol being the most significant individual predictor. These findings will help guide additional studies into the pathobiology of Long COVID and may aid in the future development of objective biomarkers for Long COVID. ### Competing Interest Statement In the past three years, H.K. received expenses and/or personal fees from UnitedHealth, Element Science, Aetna, Reality Labs, Tesseract/4Catalyst, F-Prime, the Siegfried and Jensen Law Firm, Arnold and Porter Law Firm, and Martin/Baughman Law Firm. He is a co-founder of Refactor Health and HugoHealth, and is associated with contracts, through Yale New Haven Hospital, from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and through Yale University from Johnson & Johnson. A. I. consults for 4BIO Capital, BlueWillow Biologics, Healthspan Technologies, Revelar Biotherapeutics, RIGImmune, and Xanadu Bio. A.M.R. is an inventor of a patent describing the REAP technology. A.M.R. is the founder of Seranova Bio and holds equity in Seranova Bio. ### Funding Statement This work was supported by grants from National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (R01AI157488 to A.I.), FDA Office of Womens Health Research Centers of Excellence in Regulatory Science and Innovation (CERSI) (to A.I.), Fast Grant from Emergent Ventures at the Mercatus Center (to A.I.), RTW Foundation (to D.P.), the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Collaborative COVID-19 Initiative (to R.M. and A.I.), and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (to A.I. and R.M.). ### Author Declarations I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained. Yes The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below: This study was approved by the Mount Sinai Program for the Protection of Human Subjects (IRB #20-01758) and Yale Institutional Review Board (IRB #2000029451 for MY-LC; IRB #2000028924 for enrollment of pre-vaccinated Healthy Controls). Informed consent was obtained from all enrolled participants. I confirm that all necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived, and that any patient/participant/sample identifiers included were not known to anyone (e.g., hospital staff, patients or participants themselves) outside the research group so cannot be used to identify individuals. Yes I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance). Yes I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines and uploaded the relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material as supplementary files, if applicable. Yes All data produced in the present study are available upon reasonable request to the authors. [1]: #ref-1 [2]: #ref-3
Very excited to share our latest research on immunological features of #LongCovid. Our 2+ year collaboration with @PutrinoLab with many other fantastic colleagues and patients - Mount Sinai Yale Long COVID (MY-LC) study by @sneakyvirus1 et al. 🧵(1/) https://t.co/8cGj51HyGn— Prof. Akiko Iwasaki (@VirusesImmunity) August 10, 2022
The BA.5 bivalent booster is rolling out just after Labor Day in the US, as we learned this evening https://t.co/CiY2snwrws Here are some thoughts on the potential merits and disadvantages for this plan pic.twitter.com/bE1aITMFIA— Eric Topol (@EricTopol) August 24, 2022
Comparing the COVID-19 Vaccines: How Are They Different?
Keeping up with COVID-19 vaccines can be a daunting task. To help people keep up, Yale Medicine mapped out a comparison of the five most prominent ones.
The Novavax vaccine against COVID-19: What you need to know
The Technical Advisory Group for Emergency Use Listing listed Nuvaxovid (NVX-CoV2373) vaccine against COVID-19 and Covovax (NVX-CoV2373) vaccine against COVID-19 for emergency use on 20 December 2021 and 17 December 2021 respectively.
The Novavax vaccine will be manufactured in two different facilities. In Europe, the vaccine will be manufactured under the trade name Nuvaxovid and has been approved by the European Medicines Agency, and in India, the vaccine will be manufactured by Serum Institute of India under the trade name Covovax and has been approved by the Drugs Controller General of India.
The WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) has issued interim policy recommendations for the use of the Novavax (NVX-CoV2373) vaccine. This article provides a summary of those interim recommendations.
For the purposes of this article, the vaccine will be referred to as Novavax (NVX-CoV2373).
I would definitely recommend taking the new #BA5 booster in 2-3 weeks. Definitely get the updated shot instead of the old Wuhan 1.0 shot if you can. UK and European approval unclear for BA5 booster. US will definitely be the first for BA5 shot.— Eric Feigl-Ding (@DrEricDing) August 24, 2022
Neurological and psychiatric risk trajectories after SARS-CoV-2 infection: an analysis of 2-year retrospective cohort studies including 1 284 437 patients
This analysis of 2-year retrospective cohort studies of individuals diagnosed with
COVID-19 showed that the increased incidence of mood and anxiety disorders was transient,
with no overall excess of these diagnoses compared with other respiratory infections.
In contrast, the increased risk of psychotic disorder, cognitive deficit, dementia,
and epilepsy or seizures persisted throughout. The differing trajectories suggest
a different pathogenesis for these outcomes. Children have a more benign overall profile
of psychiatric risk than do adults and older adults, but their sustained higher risk
of some diagnoses is of concern.
This analysis of 2-year retrospective cohort studies of individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 showed that the increased incidence of mood and anxiety disorders was transient, with no overall excess of these diagnoses compared with other respiratory infections. In contrast, the increased risk of psychotic disorder, cognitive deficit, dementia, and epilepsy or seizures persisted throughout. The differing trajectories suggest a different pathogenesis for these outcomes. Children have a more benign overall profile of psychiatric risk than do adults and older adults, but their sustained higher risk of some diagnoses is of concern. The fact that neurological and psychiatric outcomes were similar during the delta and omicron waves indicates that the burden on the health-care system might continue even with variants that are less severe in other respects. Our findings are relevant to understanding individual-level and population-level risks of neurological and psychiatric disorders after SARS-CoV-2 infection and can help inform our responses to them.
We identified 1 487 712 patients with a recorded diagnosis of COVID-19 during the study period, of whom 1 284 437 (185 748 children, 856 588 adults, and 242 101 older adults; overall mean age 42·5 years [SD 21·9]; 741 806 [57·8%] were female and 542 192 [42·2%] were male) were adequately matched with an equal number of patients with another respiratory infection. The risk trajectories of outcomes after SARS-CoV-2 infection in the whole cohort differed substantially. While most outcomes had HRs significantly greater than 1 after 6 months (with the exception of encephalitis; Guillain-Barré syndrome; nerve, nerve root, and plexus disorder; and parkinsonism), their risk horizons and time to equal incidence varied greatly. Risks of the common psychiatric disorders returned to baseline after 1–2 months (mood disorders at 43 days, anxiety disorders at 58 days) and subsequently reached an equal overall incidence to the matched comparison group (mood disorders at 457 days, anxiety disorders at 417 days). By contrast, risks of cognitive deficit (known as brain fog), dementia, psychotic disorders, and epilepsy or seizures were still increased at the end of the 2-year follow-up period. Post-COVID-19 risk trajectories differed in children compared with adults: in the 6 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection, children were not at an increased risk of mood (HR 1·02 [95% CI 0·94–1·10) or anxiety (1·00 [0·94–1·06]) disorders, but did have an increased risk of cognitive deficit, insomnia, intracranial haemorrhage, ischaemic stroke, nerve, nerve root, and plexus disorders, psychotic disorders, and epilepsy or seizures (HRs ranging from 1·20 [1·09–1·33] to 2·16 [1·46–3·19]). Unlike adults, cognitive deficit in children had a finite risk horizon (75 days) and a finite time to equal incidence (491 days). A sizeable proportion of older adults who received a neurological or psychiatric diagnosis, in either cohort, subsequently died, especially those diagnosed with dementia or epilepsy or seizures. Risk profiles were similar just before versus just after the emergence of the alpha variant (n=47 675 in each cohort). Just after (vs just before) the emergence of the delta variant (n=44 835 in each cohort), increased risks of ischaemic stroke, epilepsy or seizures, cognitive deficit, insomnia, and anxiety disorders were observed, compounded by an increased death rate. With omicron (n=39 845 in each cohort), there was a lower death rate than just before emergence of the variant, but the risks of neurological and psychiatric outcomes remained similar.
Neutralizing antibodies correlate with protection from SARS-CoV-2 in humans during a fishery vessel outbreak with high attack rate
The development of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 would be greatly facilitated by the identification of immunological correlates of protection in humans. However, to date, studies on protective immunity have only been performed in animal models and correlates of protection have not been established in humans. Here, we describe an outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 on a fishing vessel associated with a high attack rate. Predeparture serological and viral RT-PCR testing along with repeat testing after return to shore was available for 120 of the 122 persons on board over a median follow-up of 32.5 days (range 18.8 to 50.5 days). A total of 104 individuals had an RT-PCR positive viral test with Ct
Hph 18706 lancet lessons healthy buildings high res 2
Understanding of the most probable transmission
routes and identifying the risk environments for disease spread should always be among the first critical steps in the response to future disease threats. This is one of the most vital public health lessons of the COVID-19 pandemic: with a well-informed understanding of the dominant mode(s) of transmission of an infectious disease, effective control strategies can quickly be specified, higher risk activities and environments can be defined, and public health leaders may then set the
course for a response that aims to efficiently and rapidly mitigate widespread transmission.
Laboratory, field, modeling, and case studies have
demonstrated that airborne transmission via inhalation of virus-laden aerosols is important, if not dominant, for COVID-19.1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 Aerosols are small respiratory particles that are suspended in the air and can be carried on air currents over long distances.9 They are released into the air during normal respiratory activities. Aerosols produced by infected individuals may contain pathogens and can be inhaled by others to cause new infection; when this occurs, it is known as airborne transmission. This can occur in both the near-field (within the vicinity of the infection source) and far-field (greater distance away from the infection source). To combat the risk of airborne transmission of COVID-19, control strategies that reduce the concentration of (and therefore, the likelihood of inhaling) potentially infectious respiratory aerosols must be implemented. Increased outdoor air ventilation to dilute aerosols and reduce their concentration and/or enhanced filtration efficiency to remove particles from recirculated air have been shown to be effective as part of an overall strategy to reduce risk. These strategies should be prioritized in occupied environments in which aerosols accumulate most rapidly: indoor spaces with low outdoor air ventilation and/or low levels of (or no) filtration.10,11,12,13 Despite significant progress across other elements of pandemic response – including vaccines and boosters, rapid tests, treatments, and expanded access to high efficiency masks – ventilation and filtration have remained insufficiently addressed, even more than two years into the pandemic. This has finally shifted following the March 2022 Biden-Harris Administration launch of the Clean Air in Buildings Challenge, a key component of the National COVID-19 Preparedness Plan. This initiative calls on all building owners and operators across the domains of school, work, and travel to adopt key strategies to improve indoor air quality in their buildings and reduce the spread of COVID-19.14 The Administration’s announcement quickly elevated the discussion around the importance of indoor air quality and advanced a new framework for recognizing and rewarding science-based efforts in buildings that promote health and safety and improve resilience to future pandemics. In light of the announcement of this new recognition system for buildings, experts from the Lancet COVID-19 Commission’s Task Force on Safe School, Safe Work, and Safe Travel have identified the following four key actions that represent the most effective, fundamental steps toward promoting healthier indoor environments and reducing the risk of airborne infectious disease transmission indoors.
Kann man sich gegen #COVID19 zu oft impfen lassen?Wissenschaftler aus Freiburg haben dazu in eine Studie veröffentlicht. "Wir sehen nach der vierten #Corona-Impfung kein Verschwinden der Immunantwort und auch kein erhöhtes Risiko für Nebenwirkungen",…#ImpfenSchuetzt pic.twitter.com/p90TCueEbm— Ralf Wittenbrink (@RWittenbrink) August 16, 2022
SARS-CoV-2 and the central nervous system: Emerging insights into hemorrhage-associated neurological consequences and therapeutic considerations - PubMed
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continues to impact our lives by causing widespread illness and death and poses a threat due to the possibility of emerging strains. SARS-CoV-2 targets angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE …
Covid 19 may accelerate brain aging increase neurological risk
In COVID-19 patients and survivors, brain imaging studies have identified microbleed lesions in deep brain regions associated with cognitive and memory functions. Microbleeds are frequently found in people with chronic stress, depressive disorders, diabetes, and age-associated comorbidities. In the review, the authors report that COVID-19-induced microhemorrhagic lesions may exacerbate DNA damage in affected brain cells, resulting in neuronal senescence and activation of cell death mechanisms, ultimately impacting brain microstructure-vasculature.
Although up to 30% of patients report lingering “brain fog” after COVID-19, more severe long-term effects can include predispositions for Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, and related neurodegenerative diseases, as well as cardiovascular disorders from internal bleeding and blood clotting-induced lesions in the part of the brain that regulates the respiratory system.
Additionally, cellular aging is believed to be accelerated. As numerous cellular stresses inhibit virus-infected cells from undergoing their normal biological functions, the cells enter into “hibernation mode” or die completely, according to the research team.
“[C]areful medical and clinical follow-ups should be performed to diagnose early symptoms of neuropathological, neuropsychiatric, and/or cardiovascular dysfunctions to prevent patients from developing irreversible motor/cognitive impairments and cardiovascular disorders,” the authors advised.
Gout and the risk of COVID-19 diagnosis and death in the UK Biobank: a population-based study
There is a paucity of data on outcomes for people with gout and COVID-19. We aimed to assess whether gout is a risk factor for diagnosis of COVID-19 and COVID-19-related death, and to test for sex- and drug-specific differences in risk.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created many challenges for people with gout. At present, there is a lack of guidance on the management of gout during the pandemic and paucity of research assessing outcomes of COVID-19 infection in people with gout.
Corona: Antivirale Therapie kann Virus-Mutationen fördern
Virale Ausweichstrategie: Virologen haben neue Erkenntnisse dazu, wann und warum das Coronavirus mutiert und neue Varianten bildet. Demnach fördert die
Nature - Some studies suggest that the risk of cardiovascular problems, such as a heart attack or stroke, remains high even many months after a SARS-CoV-2 infection clears up. Researchers are...
Non-SARS Coronaviruses in Individuals with Psychiatric Disorders
Background: The pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has highlighted the importance of coronaviruses in human health. Several seasonal, non-SARS Coronaviruses are endemic in most areas of the world. In a previous study, we...
The schizophrenia group had significantly increased levels of antibodies to the seasonal Coronaviruses OC43 and NL63. This group also had increased odds of having elevated antibody levels to OC43. The major depression group showed a significantly lower level of antibodies to Coronavirus 229E. There were no significant differences between any of the psychiatric groups and the comparison group in the levels of antibodies to seasonal Coronaviruses 229E or HKU1.
Emergence of immune escape at dominant SARS-CoV-2 killer T cell epitope
Analysis of the CD8+ T cell response to various SARS-CoV-2 lineages identifies a mutation in the viral spike protein that enables the virus to escape T cell responses.
Travel-associated SARS-CoV-2 transmission documented with whole genome sequencing following a long-haul international flight
AbstractBackground. Multiple instances of flight-associated severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission during long-haul flights h
Npa2 and Npa3 SARS-CoV-2 protein have the ability to hijack and degrade p53.
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Gene expression of p53 is downregulated in blood of COVID-19 patients.
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Downregulation of p53 persists at least 24 weeks after infection in long COVID-19 patients.
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Long-term reduction of p53 could have impact on carcinogenesis.
