Articles tagged with Covid 19
Researchers from Osaka University found that influenza-associated brain disorders may be caused by the virus entering the brain and producing proteins. Antivirals blocking protein production are unlikely to be effective, but those targeting transcription and translation may offer hope for treatment.
Researchers found that T cells and memory B cells provide durable protection against symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection, with levels attainable after two doses of mRNA vaccination. The study suggests a two-dose vaccination regimen for children against COVID-19.
Researchers found that metformin decreases the amount of COVID-19 virus in the body and lowers the chances of viral rebound. The study showed a significant reduction in long COVID cases and hospitalizations among adults treated with metformin.
Researchers found a shared triple network of long noncoding RNAs, microRNAs, and messenger RNAs that exacerbates Parkinson's disease symptoms in the context of COVID-19 infection. The study identified key genes and lncRNAs as potential biomarkers for PD diagnosis and progression.
Research suggests that high levels of religious intolerance are associated with a greater likelihood of rejecting scientific findings. Studies have shown that countries and counties with lower levels of religious diversity tend to have lower vaccination uptake and lower scores on standardized tests, such as the PISA.
Researchers found an 84% increase in NYC transit complaints following the COVID-19 pandemic declaration, with no return to pre-pandemic levels despite the Subway Safety Plan. The plan's increased police presence led to stronger enforcement of transit policies, but its effect was unclear and may have had unintended consequences.
Researchers found that increased CO2 concentrations prolong the life of SARS-CoV-2 variants in airborne particles, increasing transmission risk. Fresh air with lower CO2 levels can inactivate viruses faster, making opening windows an effective mitigation strategy.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital reveals racial disparities in COVID-19 testing delays among healthcare personnel. Non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic HCP of other races experienced significantly delayed testing, with higher likelihoods among those without graduate degrees.
A recent US study found that hospital-acquired antimicrobial-resistant infections increased by 32% during the COVID-19 pandemic and still exceed pre-pandemic levels. The study highlights the urgent need for solutions to address difficult-to-treat gram-negative infections, which are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics.
A global genomic surveillance system using latest technologies and a 'One Health' approach can detect novel pathogens like avian influenza and antimicrobial resistance, catching epidemics before they start. This can inform vaccination campaigns, targeted treatments, and public health responses to prevent epidemics.
A German study of over 1,300 hospitalised adults with moderate COVID-19 found that antibiotic treatment was associated with a five times greater likelihood of clinical deterioration. The researchers highlight the need for improved antibiotic stewardship interventions and rational use of antibiotics during viral pandemics.
Researchers at University of Kansas discover a new compound that inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication in cell models by targeting the 'Mac-1' protein. This finding offers hope for developing new treatments and preventing future pandemics.
Effective public health communication is crucial for controlling the spread of disease, maintaining public trust, and encouraging compliance with health measures during epidemics. The African continent's diverse linguistic and cultural landscape requires tailored communication strategies to address social and economic factors.
A Brazilian study found that a major bivalent COVID-19 vaccine induces neutralizing antibodies against the original coronavirus strain and subvariants of omicron. The vaccine's effectiveness was confirmed, but its importance in controlling disease was limited by its focus on the original strain.
Associate Professor Siouxsie Wiles collaborated with cartoonist Toby Morris to create digestible graphics about COVID-19, reducing transmission chains and promoting public measures. However, she faced abusive messages and personal attacks, highlighting the need for adequate support from employers.
A study analyzing 187 published studies on infectious disease outbreaks found that the COVID-19 pandemic led to a growing acceptance among doctors to withhold care due to safety concerns. Labor rights and workers' protections were cited as key reasons, differing from previous outbreaks like HIV.
A study by Osaka University researchers found that mask-wearing behavior depends on the interplay of contextual changes and social norms. The results showed no significant relationship between system justification motivation and individual mask-wearing rates before or after the relaxation of governmental recommendations in March 2023.
A study reveals that external disruptions lead to a decline in women holding boardroom seats, even with strong leadership and existing diversity initiatives. Companies must develop long-term strategies to withstand crises and promote gender equality.
Researchers identified 35-63 proteins affecting severe COVID-19, hospitalization, SARS-COV2 infection, and 4-32 proteins for healthspan and lifespan. Novel proteins involved in inflammation, immunity, apoptosis and metabolism were also found.
A cohort study found statistical signals for myocarditis and pericarditis after BNT162b2 vaccination in children aged 12-17 years, consistent with previous reports. Seizures after mRNA-1273 vaccinations in younger age groups require a robust epidemiologic investigation to confirm findings.
Contemporary US heart failure mortality rates have surpassed those in 1999 due to reversals from 2012 to 2021. The COVID-19 pandemic may have accelerated these increases, partly due to healthcare access limitations.
Researchers at NJIT are developing a hydrogel therapy that prevents viruses like SARS-CoV-2 from attaching to and entering cells. The peptides in the gel form a 'molecular mask' that muffles the virus's action, providing a potential first line of defense against biological threats.
A large-scale study of 3.9 million children found that COVID-19 vaccination significantly reduced the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection and hospitalization among kids in California. The study suggests that vaccination is an effective strategy to prevent severe COVID-19 cases in pediatric populations.
A new study published in eLife recommends taking Paxlovid three to five days after COVID-19 symptoms start to reduce viral loads and transmission. This optimal timing can help curb the spread of SARS-CoV-2 without population-wide restrictions.
Researchers found that objective taste dysfunction disappeared one year after COVID-19 exposure, while nearly a third of individuals experienced lasting smell loss. Infection with Alpha variants was associated with the greatest degree of smell loss, highlighting a potential link between variant types and symptom severity.
A study of 50,000 US children found modest decreases in developmental screening scores, sparking cautious optimism and concern for long-term implications. Continued surveillance is crucial to understand the population-level effects of the pandemic on child development.
A comparative analysis of 194 national COVID-19 treatment guidelines found significant variations worldwide, with under-resourced countries diverging from gold standard recommendations. Most guidelines recommend ineffective treatments and lack assessments of therapeutic strength.
A new study finds that antibiotic prescriptions have rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, with 1 in 4 prescriptions going to patients who don't need them. This trend threatens to fuel antimicrobial resistance, which kills 48,000 Americans annually.
A study by Johns Hopkins Children's Center found that the COVID-19 pandemic caused modest delays in developmental milestones for infants and young children. The researchers analyzed data from over 50,000 children aged 0-5 years and found small decreases in communication, problem-solving, and personal-social skills.
A study by Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute reveals that people living with HIV who contract COVID-19 face a significant increase in cardiovascular disease risk. The researchers identified several factors associated with this increased risk, including age, previous cardiovascular disease, and chronic conditions.
Researchers highlight the risk of novel SARS-CoV-2 variants emerging due to prolonged viral replication in immunocompromised individuals. Close genomic surveillance and early diagnostic tests are crucial to mitigate potential public health threats.
A study by the University of Zurich found that CEOs who expressed empathy during COVID-19 pandemic conference calls had better stock prices. The researchers analyzed data from 510 CEO calls and discovered a 2.49 percentage point increase in cumulative returns for companies with human care statements.
A York University-led study found that COVID-19 booster shots provide significantly longer-lasting immunity than the primary vaccine series. The researchers used health data from over 150 individuals to model the immune response and controlled for factors like age, sex, and comorbidities.
A study published in the Canadian Journal of Diabetes found that approximately 1 in 5 older Canadian adults with diabetes developed functional limitations for the first time during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those with lower incomes faced a significantly higher risk of developing functional limitations compared to their peers.
Pediatric opioid overdoses show a decreasing trend between 2008 and 2019, with a notable increase during the COVID-19 pandemic. High-risk populations include young children and adolescents, particularly males and those in urban teaching hospitals.
Global disease burden rates dropped by 14.2% between 2010 and 2019, but the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted this trend, causing a 4.1% increase in disease burden in 2020 and a 7.2% increase in 2021.
Researchers developed a technology to detect infectious disease viruses in real-time using a single nano-spectroscopic sensor. The system uses molecular fingerprinting and can detect specific substances with tailored detection, enabling rapid and precise analysis.
Opioid-related deaths doubled between 2019 and 2021 across Canada, with over 1 in 4 deaths among young adults aged 20–39 years attributable to opioids. The concentration of harm in younger populations was consistent across provinces and territories.
Researchers at UC Riverside demonstrate a new vaccine strategy targeting a common viral genome part, eliminating the need for annual booster shots. The vaccine uses small RNA molecules to boost the immune system, making it safe for babies and those with weakened immunity.
A new study found that nasal cells from children respond quickly to SARS-CoV-2 by increasing interferon, restricting viral replication. In contrast, nasal cells from elderly individuals produce more infectious virus particles and experience increased cell shedding and damage.
A large study of over 27,000 pediatric patients found that SARS-COV-2 infection does not increase the risk of asthma development. However, children with known risk factors for asthma were more likely to associate with new SARS-COV-2 diagnoses.
A study of 156 severe COVID-19 survivors found that nearly two-thirds experienced persistent impairments after one year, including physical, respiratory, psychiatric, and cognitive problems. The study highlights the life-altering impact of SARS-CoV-2 on these individuals, many of whom required long-term acute care hospitalization.
Researchers found that interstitial macrophages in the lungs are most susceptible to infection by SARS-CoV-2, leading to pneumonia and organ damage. Blocking this step could prove a major therapeutic advance, but the virus's unusual entry mechanism presents a new challenge.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for high-quality dementia care in nursing homes, where residents face social isolation and staff challenges. Experts emphasize person-centered care, resident involvement, and community connections to improve outcomes.
Midlife mortality rates for deaths of despair, including suicide, overdose, and liver disease, vary by race and ethnicity, with higher rates among Black and American Indian/Alaska Native populations. Early mortality from drug- and alcohol-related causes contributes to these disparities.
New research reveals more than half of older adults spend less time socializing in public spaces after the pandemic. The study found that participants cited fear of infection and uncomfortable social dynamics as key reasons for their retreat from civic life.
A study of health care personnel reveals delayed COVID-19 testing was more common among non-Hispanic Black HCP and those with other racial backgrounds compared to non-Hispanic white HCP with graduate degrees. The findings highlight sociodemographic disparities in the response to COVID-19.
A new study found that remote work could reduce carbon emissions from car travel by nearly 200 million tons annually, but also lead to a 27% drop in public transit fare revenue. This shift may impact urban mobility and require transit agencies to adapt their services.
A new study finds that remote work has changed urban transportation patterns in the U.S., with significant variation across regions. The research reveals that remote work has reduced vehicle miles driven by about 1% per 1% decrease in onsite workers, but had a more substantial impact on mass-transit ridership.
A new study by University of Exeter researchers found that COVID-19 school closures led to increased stress, guilt, and worry among working mothers. The study highlights the need for maternal wellbeing support and family-friendly work policies.
A new lab-on-a-chip system combines optofluidics and nanopores to rapidly test for SARS-CoV-2 and Zika viruses with high accuracy. The tool, developed by UC Santa Cruz researchers, can detect viruses at extremely low concentrations and outperform PCR tests in some cases.
A UK study of over 650 patients hospitalised with severe COVID-19 found distinct patterns of inflammation in the blood that could be targeted by immune therapies. The research suggests existing drugs modulating the immune system may help treat long COVID.
Researchers develop a new method using gold nanoparticle decorated polymers (GNDP) to improve detection of antigen-antibody reactions in infectious diseases. This approach results in higher optical density and improved sensitivity compared to traditional methods.
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated pre-existing supply chain issues, leading to increased drug shortages in the US. Clinically valuable drugs at greatest shortage risk need prioritization to protect future supplies.
A new study found that younger people from high-income areas accessed vaccines ahead of schedule, particularly in New York City. This led to lower coverage rates in low-income areas with high proportions of older residents, resulting in higher mortality rates over the year.
Researchers from Karolinska Institutet show that post-COVID does not mean strict exercise avoidance. Patients with post-COVID can benefit from supervised exercise, with improved fitness and muscle strength found in those who participated.
Researchers found RSV was less common but similar in severity to COVID-19 and influenza among unvaccinated patients. Among vaccinated patients, RSV disease was more severe than both COVID-19 and influenza for serious outcomes.
Patients with post-COVID condition exhibit lower aerobic capacity and muscle strength compared to control groups, indicating potential benefits of cautious exercise regimens. The study highlights the need for personalized exercise recommendations to mitigate further skeletal muscle deconditioning in PCC patients.
Researchers discovered that good airflow and filtration in schools can significantly reduce COVID-19 infections among children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The study found that classrooms with high-efficiency air filters had lower infection rates, highlighting the importance of improved ventilation systems.
Scientists tested flood-control waterways near unsheltered encampments in Las Vegas, finding SARS-CoV-2 RNA in over 25% of samples. The study suggests a similar level of transmission among the unsheltered community as in the general population.