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Kubin PRM. Vaccine Impact Bonds: An Alternative Way of Allocating the Economic Risks of Mass Vaccination Programs. HEC Forum 2024:10.1007/s10730-024-09530-9. [PMID: 38789857 DOI: 10.1007/s10730-024-09530-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Vaccines can be an appropriate tool for combating pandemics. Accordingly, expectations were high when the first Covid-19 vaccines were administered. However, even though the vaccines have not met these high initial expectations, vaccine manufacturers and their investors were making large profits, while most of the associated economic risks have remained with the taxpaying public. Thus, this paper applies the concept of social impact bonds to mass vaccination programs by conceptualizing vaccine impact bonds (VIBs) as an alternative to the advance purchase agreements (APAs) for Covid-19 vaccines. Rather than rewarding vaccine manufacturers and their investors based on the quantity of doses distributed, VIBs intend to link the real-world vaccine impact to the financial returns of vaccine manufacturers and their investors. This paper indicates that VIBs can theoretically shift the economic risks of mass vaccination programs from the taxpaying public to private investors, thereby aligning commercial and public interests. However, it also identifies several major weaknesses such as the complexity of defining and evaluating the vaccine impact as well as the inherent trade-off between relieving taxpayers (through VIBs) and allowing innovation. As these substantial drawbacks outweigh the theoretical strengths of VIBs, this paper calls for further research in order to identify better alternatives to the Covid-19 vaccine contracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal René Marcel Kubin
- German University of Administrative Sciences Speyer, Freiherr-Vom-Stein-Straße 2, 67346, Speyer, Germany.
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Thorp JA, Thorp MM, Thorp EM, Scott-Emuakpor A, Thorp K. Global COVID-19 Pandemic Outcomes: A Cross-Country Comparison Study of Policy Strategies. Integr Med (Encinitas) 2024; 23:46-53. [PMID: 38911447 PMCID: PMC11193410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
This paper explores global COVID-19 treatment and containment strategies in 108 countries worldwide, specifically the correlation between COVID-19 deaths and the countries' vaccination rates. Comparison of data across states, provinces, territories, and countries relied upon a common method to evaluate data regarding the impact of COVID-19 policies in the last three years. Data from nine different databases were analyzed to determine if there were correlations between the percentage of countrywide COVID-19 deaths/population and countries' percent vaccinated. Secondary outcome measures include the effect of other variables on COVID-19 death rates per country population, including health expenditures and annual income per capita, COVID-19 tests per 1000 people, stringency index (a measure of each country's containment strategies), hydroxychloroquine/ivermectin scores (measure country use), hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and geographic locations. COVID-19 vaccination rates ranged from 0-99% in 108 countries. Bivariate analysis demonstrates the following independent variables to correlate with COVID-19 deaths/population (Spearman correlation coefficient, p value): countrywide COVID-19 vaccination rates (moderate relationship, r=0.39, P < .001); healthcare expenditures per capita per annum (US dollars) (moderate relationship, r=0.46, P < .001), net annual income per capita (moderate relationship, r=0.50, P < .001), COVID-19 tests per 1000 country population (moderate relationship, r=0.36, P < .003); stringency index per country (moderate relationship, r=0.28, P < .003); hydroxychloroquine index (negative relationship, r= 0.15, P = .125); and ivermectin index (negative relationship, r=0.23 P = .018). The authors found that the higher the percentage of a country's vaccination rate, stringent containment strategies, mass testing, etc., moderately correlated with higher COVID-19 death rates/population. Future studies are required to explore the findings of this study fully.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A. Thorp
- Chief of Maternal and Pre-Natal Health, The Wellness Company, Gulf Breeze, FL
| | | | | | - Ajovi Scott-Emuakpor
- Dept. of Pediatrics & Human Development, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing MI
| | - K.E. Thorp
- Department of Radiology, Sparrow Health System, Lansing, MI
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Kalanjati VP, Hasanatuludhhiyah N, d'Arqom A, Arsyi DH, Marchianti ACN, Muhammad A, Purwitasari D. Sentiment analysis of Indonesian tweets on COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccinations. F1000Res 2024; 12:1007. [PMID: 38605817 PMCID: PMC11007366 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.130610.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Sentiments and opinions regarding COVID-19 and the COVID-19 vaccination on Indonesian-language Twitter are scarcely reported in one comprehensive study, and thus were aimed at our study. We also analyzed fake news and facts, and Twitter engagement to understand people's perceptions and beliefs that determine public health literacy. Methods We collected 3,489,367 tweets data from January 2020 to August 2021. We analyzed factual and fake news using the string comparison method. The difflib library was used to measure similarity. The user's engagement was analyzed by averaging the engagement metrics of tweets, retweets, favorites, replies, and posts shared with sentiments and opinions regarding COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination. Result Positive sentiments on COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination dominated, however, the negative sentiments increased during the beginning of the implementation of restrictions on community activities (PPKM). The tweets were dominated by the importance of health protocols (washing hands, keeping distance, and wearing masks). Several types of vaccines were on top of the word count in the vaccine subtopic. Acceptance of the vaccination increased during the studied period, and the fake news was overweighed by the facts. The tweets were dynamic and showed that the engaged topics were changed from the nature of COVID-19 to the vaccination and virus mutation which peaked in the early and middle terms of 2021. The public sentiment and engagement were shifted from hesitancy to anxiety towards the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines, whilst changed again into wariness on an uprising of the delta variant. Conclusion Understanding public sentiment and opinion can help policymakers to plan the best strategy to cope with the pandemic. Positive sentiments and fact-based opinions on COVID-19, and COVID-19 vaccination had been shown predominantly. However, sufficient health literacy levels could yet be predicted and sought for further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viskasari Pintoko Kalanjati
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Nurina Hasanatuludhhiyah
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Annette d'Arqom
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Danial H. Arsyi
- Faculty of Medicine Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | | | - Azlin Muhammad
- Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Diana Purwitasari
- Department of Informatics, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Surabaya, Indonesia
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Lobaina Y, Chen R, Suzarte E, Ai P, Huerta V, Musacchio A, Silva R, Tan C, Martín A, Lazo L, Guillén-Nieto G, Yang K, Perera Y, Hermida L. The Nucleocapsid Protein of SARS-CoV-2, Combined with ODN-39M, Is a Potential Component for an Intranasal Bivalent Vaccine with Broader Functionality. Viruses 2024; 16:418. [PMID: 38543783 PMCID: PMC10976088 DOI: 10.3390/v16030418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite the rapid development of vaccines against COVID-19, they have important limitations, such as safety issues, the scope of their efficacy, and the induction of mucosal immunity. The present study proposes a potential component for a new generation of vaccines. The recombinant nucleocapsid (N) protein from the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant was combined with the ODN-39M, a synthetic 39 mer unmethylated cytosine-phosphate-guanine oligodeoxynucleotide (CpG ODN), used as an adjuvant. The evaluation of its immunogenicity in Balb/C mice revealed that only administration by intranasal route induced a systemic cross-reactive, cell-mediated immunity (CMI). In turn, this combination was able to induce anti-N IgA in the lungs, which, along with the specific IgG in sera and CMI in the spleen, was cross-reactive against the nucleocapsid protein of SARS-CoV-1. Furthermore, the nasal administration of the N + ODN-39M preparation, combined with RBD Delta protein, enhanced the local and systemic immune response against RBD, with a neutralizing capacity. Results make the N + ODN-39M preparation a suitable component for a future intranasal vaccine with broader functionality against Sarbecoviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yadira Lobaina
- Research Department, China-Cuba Biotechnology Joint Innovation Center (CCBJIC), Lengshuitan District, Yongzhou 425000, China; (Y.L.); (R.C.); (P.A.); (V.H.); (A.M.); (R.S.); (C.T.)
- R&D Department, Yongzhou Zhong Gu Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Yangjiaqiao Street, Lengshuitan District, Yongzhou 425000, China
| | - Rong Chen
- Research Department, China-Cuba Biotechnology Joint Innovation Center (CCBJIC), Lengshuitan District, Yongzhou 425000, China; (Y.L.); (R.C.); (P.A.); (V.H.); (A.M.); (R.S.); (C.T.)
- Yongzhou Development and Construction Investment Co., Ltd. (YDCI), Changfeng Industry Park, Yongzhou Economic and Technological Development Zone, No. 1 Liebao Road, Lengshuitan District, Yongzhou 425000, China
| | - Edith Suzarte
- CIGB: Research Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana 10600, Cuba; (E.S.); (A.M.); (L.L.); (G.G.-N.)
| | - Panchao Ai
- Research Department, China-Cuba Biotechnology Joint Innovation Center (CCBJIC), Lengshuitan District, Yongzhou 425000, China; (Y.L.); (R.C.); (P.A.); (V.H.); (A.M.); (R.S.); (C.T.)
- Yongzhou Development and Construction Investment Co., Ltd. (YDCI), Changfeng Industry Park, Yongzhou Economic and Technological Development Zone, No. 1 Liebao Road, Lengshuitan District, Yongzhou 425000, China
| | - Vivian Huerta
- Research Department, China-Cuba Biotechnology Joint Innovation Center (CCBJIC), Lengshuitan District, Yongzhou 425000, China; (Y.L.); (R.C.); (P.A.); (V.H.); (A.M.); (R.S.); (C.T.)
- CIGB: Research Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana 10600, Cuba; (E.S.); (A.M.); (L.L.); (G.G.-N.)
| | - Alexis Musacchio
- Research Department, China-Cuba Biotechnology Joint Innovation Center (CCBJIC), Lengshuitan District, Yongzhou 425000, China; (Y.L.); (R.C.); (P.A.); (V.H.); (A.M.); (R.S.); (C.T.)
- CIGB: Research Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana 10600, Cuba; (E.S.); (A.M.); (L.L.); (G.G.-N.)
| | - Ricardo Silva
- Research Department, China-Cuba Biotechnology Joint Innovation Center (CCBJIC), Lengshuitan District, Yongzhou 425000, China; (Y.L.); (R.C.); (P.A.); (V.H.); (A.M.); (R.S.); (C.T.)
- BCF: R&D Section, Representative Office BCF in China, Jingtai Tower, No. 24 Jianguomen Wai Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100022, China
| | - Changyuan Tan
- Research Department, China-Cuba Biotechnology Joint Innovation Center (CCBJIC), Lengshuitan District, Yongzhou 425000, China; (Y.L.); (R.C.); (P.A.); (V.H.); (A.M.); (R.S.); (C.T.)
- Yongzhou Development and Construction Investment Co., Ltd. (YDCI), Changfeng Industry Park, Yongzhou Economic and Technological Development Zone, No. 1 Liebao Road, Lengshuitan District, Yongzhou 425000, China
| | - Alejandro Martín
- CIGB: Research Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana 10600, Cuba; (E.S.); (A.M.); (L.L.); (G.G.-N.)
| | - Laura Lazo
- CIGB: Research Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana 10600, Cuba; (E.S.); (A.M.); (L.L.); (G.G.-N.)
| | - Gerardo Guillén-Nieto
- CIGB: Research Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana 10600, Cuba; (E.S.); (A.M.); (L.L.); (G.G.-N.)
| | - Ke Yang
- Research Department, China-Cuba Biotechnology Joint Innovation Center (CCBJIC), Lengshuitan District, Yongzhou 425000, China; (Y.L.); (R.C.); (P.A.); (V.H.); (A.M.); (R.S.); (C.T.)
- Yongzhou Development and Construction Investment Co., Ltd. (YDCI), Changfeng Industry Park, Yongzhou Economic and Technological Development Zone, No. 1 Liebao Road, Lengshuitan District, Yongzhou 425000, China
| | - Yasser Perera
- Research Department, China-Cuba Biotechnology Joint Innovation Center (CCBJIC), Lengshuitan District, Yongzhou 425000, China; (Y.L.); (R.C.); (P.A.); (V.H.); (A.M.); (R.S.); (C.T.)
- R&D Department, Yongzhou Zhong Gu Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Yangjiaqiao Street, Lengshuitan District, Yongzhou 425000, China
- CIGB: Research Department, Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana 10600, Cuba; (E.S.); (A.M.); (L.L.); (G.G.-N.)
| | - Lisset Hermida
- Research Department, China-Cuba Biotechnology Joint Innovation Center (CCBJIC), Lengshuitan District, Yongzhou 425000, China; (Y.L.); (R.C.); (P.A.); (V.H.); (A.M.); (R.S.); (C.T.)
- Yongzhou Development and Construction Investment Co., Ltd. (YDCI), Changfeng Industry Park, Yongzhou Economic and Technological Development Zone, No. 1 Liebao Road, Lengshuitan District, Yongzhou 425000, China
- BCF: R&D Section, Representative Office BCF in China, Jingtai Tower, No. 24 Jianguomen Wai Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100022, China
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Gatov E, Sennik S, Goldfarb A, Gans J, Stein J, Agrawal A, Rosella L. Examining the Relationship Between Workplace Industry and COVID-19 Infection: A Cross-sectional Study of Canada's Largest Rapid Antigen Screening Program. J Occup Environ Med 2024; 66:e68-e76. [PMID: 38151981 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000003028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To control virus spread while keeping the economy open, this study aimed to identify individuals at increased risk of COVID-19 transmission in the workplace using rapid antigen screening data. METHODS Among adult participants in a large Canadian rapid antigen screening program (January 2021-March 2022), we examined screening, personal, and workplace characteristics and conducted logistic regressions, adjusted for COVID-19 wave, screening frequency and location, role, age group, and geography. RESULTS Among 145,814 participants across 2707 worksites, 6209 screened positive at least once. Workers in natural resources (odds ratio [OR] = 2.1 [1.73-2.55]), utilities (OR = 1.67 [1.38-2.03]), construction (OR = 1.35 [1.06-1.71]), and transportation/warehousing (OR = 1.32 [1.12-1.56]) had increased odds of screening positive; workers in education/health (OR = 0.62 [0.52-0.73]), leisure/hospitality (OR = 0.71 [0.56-0.90]), and finance (OR = 0.84 [0.71-0.99]) had lesser odds of screening positive, compared with professional/business services. CONCLUSIONS Certain industries involving in-person work in close quarters are associated with elevated COVID-19 transmission. Continued reliance on rapid screening in these sectors is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgenia Gatov
- From the Creative Destruction Lab, Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada (E.G., S.S., A.G., J.G., A.A.); Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada (E.G.); Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada (A.G., J.G., A.A.); Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada (J.S.); and Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada (L.R.)
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Espino AM, Armina-Rodriguez A, Alvarez L, Ocasio-Malavé C, Ramos-Nieves R, Rodriguez Martinó EI, López-Marte P, Torres EA, Sariol CA. The Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG1 and IgG3 Antibody Isotypes with Limited Neutralizing Capacity against Omicron Elicited in a Latin Population a Switch toward IgG4 after Multiple Doses with the mRNA Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine. Viruses 2024; 16:187. [PMID: 38399963 PMCID: PMC10893502 DOI: 10.3390/v16020187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyze the profiles of IgG subclasses in COVID-19 convalescent Puerto Rican subjects and compare these profiles with those of non-infected immunocompetent or immunocompromised subjects that received two or more doses of an mRNA vaccine. The most notable findings from this study are as follows: (1) Convalescent subjects that were not hospitalized developed high and long-lasting antibody responses. (2) Both IgG1 and IgG3 subclasses were more prevalent in the SARS-CoV-2-infected population, whereas IgG1 was more prevalent after vaccination. (3) Individuals that were infected and then later received two doses of an mRNA vaccine exhibited a more robust neutralizing capacity against Omicron than those that were never infected and received two doses of an mRNA vaccine. (4) A class switch toward the "anti-inflammatory" antibody isotype IgG4 was induced a few weeks after the third dose, which peaked abruptly and remained at high levels for a long period. Moreover, the high levels of IgG4 were concurrent with high neutralizing percentages against various VOCs including Omicron. (5) Subjects with IBD also produced IgG4 antibodies after the third dose, although these antibody levels had a limited effect on the neutralizing capacity. Knowing that the mRNA vaccines do not prevent infections, the Omicron subvariants have been shown to be less pathogenic, and IgG4 levels have been associated with immunotolerance and numerous negative effects, the recommendations for the successive administration of booster vaccinations to people should be revised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana M. Espino
- Department of Microbiology and Medical Zoology, University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR 00936, USA; (A.A.-R.); (L.A.); (C.O.-M.); (R.R.-N.)
| | - Albersy Armina-Rodriguez
- Department of Microbiology and Medical Zoology, University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR 00936, USA; (A.A.-R.); (L.A.); (C.O.-M.); (R.R.-N.)
| | - Laura Alvarez
- Department of Microbiology and Medical Zoology, University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR 00936, USA; (A.A.-R.); (L.A.); (C.O.-M.); (R.R.-N.)
| | - Carlimar Ocasio-Malavé
- Department of Microbiology and Medical Zoology, University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR 00936, USA; (A.A.-R.); (L.A.); (C.O.-M.); (R.R.-N.)
| | - Riseilly Ramos-Nieves
- Department of Microbiology and Medical Zoology, University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR 00936, USA; (A.A.-R.); (L.A.); (C.O.-M.); (R.R.-N.)
| | - Esteban I. Rodriguez Martinó
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR 00925, USA; (E.I.R.M.); (P.L.-M.); (E.A.T.)
- Department of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR 00936, USA
| | - Paola López-Marte
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR 00925, USA; (E.I.R.M.); (P.L.-M.); (E.A.T.)
- Department of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR 00936, USA
| | - Esther A. Torres
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR 00925, USA; (E.I.R.M.); (P.L.-M.); (E.A.T.)
- Department of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR 00936, USA
| | - Carlos A. Sariol
- Department of Microbiology and Medical Zoology, University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR 00936, USA; (A.A.-R.); (L.A.); (C.O.-M.); (R.R.-N.)
- Department of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR 00936, USA
- Unit of Comparative Medicine, University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR 00936, USA
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Quinn GA, Connolly M, Fenton NE, Hatfill SJ, Hynds P, ÓhAiseadha C, Sikora K, Soon W, Connolly R. Influence of Seasonality and Public-Health Interventions on the COVID-19 Pandemic in Northern Europe. J Clin Med 2024; 13:334. [PMID: 38256468 PMCID: PMC10816378 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13020334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most government efforts to control the COVID-19 pandemic revolved around non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) and vaccination. However, many respiratory diseases show distinctive seasonal trends. In this manuscript, we examined the contribution of these three factors to the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Pearson correlation coefficients and time-lagged analysis were used to examine the relationship between NPIs, vaccinations and seasonality (using the average incidence of endemic human beta-coronaviruses in Sweden over a 10-year period as a proxy) and the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic as tracked by deaths; cases; hospitalisations; intensive care unit occupancy and testing positivity rates in six Northern European countries (population 99.12 million) using a population-based, observational, ecological study method. FINDINGS The waves of the pandemic correlated well with the seasonality of human beta-coronaviruses (HCoV-OC43 and HCoV-HKU1). In contrast, we could not find clear or consistent evidence that the stringency of NPIs or vaccination reduced the progression of the pandemic. However, these results are correlations and not causations. IMPLICATIONS We hypothesise that the apparent influence of NPIs and vaccines might instead be an effect of coronavirus seasonality. We suggest that policymakers consider these results when assessing policy options for future pandemics. LIMITATIONS The study is limited to six temperate Northern European countries with spatial and temporal variations in metrics used to track the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic. Caution should be exercised when extrapolating these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerry A. Quinn
- Centre for Molecular Biosciences, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, UK
| | | | - Norman E. Fenton
- School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
| | | | - Paul Hynds
- Spatiotemporal Environmental Epidemiology Research (STEER) Group, Environmental Sustainability & Health Institute, Technological University Dublin, D07 H6K8 Dublin, Ireland
- Irish Centre for Research in Applied Geoscience, University College Dublin, D04 F438 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Coilín ÓhAiseadha
- Spatiotemporal Environmental Epidemiology Research (STEER) Group, Environmental Sustainability & Health Institute, Technological University Dublin, D07 H6K8 Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Public Health, Health Service Executive, Dr Steevens’ Hospital, D08 W2A8 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Karol Sikora
- Department of Medicine, University of Buckingham Medical School, Buckingham MK18 1EG, UK
| | - Willie Soon
- Institute of Earth Physics and Space Science (ELKH EPSS), H-9400 Sopron, Hungary
- Center for Environmental Research and Earth Sciences (CERES), Salem, MA 01970, USA
| | - Ronan Connolly
- Independent Researcher, D08 Dublin, Ireland
- Center for Environmental Research and Earth Sciences (CERES), Salem, MA 01970, USA
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Akhtar M, Islam MR, Khaton F, Soltana UH, Jafrin SA, Rahman SIA, Tauheed I, Ahmed T, Khan II, Akter A, Khan ZH, Islam MT, Khanam F, Biswas PK, Ahmmed F, Ahmed S, Rashid MM, Hossain MZ, Alam AN, Alamgir ASM, Rahman M, Ryan ET, Harris JB, LaRocque RC, Flora MS, Chowdhury F, Khan AI, Banu S, Shirin T, Bhuiyan TR, Qadri F. Appearance of tolerance-induction and non-inflammatory SARS-CoV-2 spike-specific IgG4 antibodies after COVID-19 booster vaccinations. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1309997. [PMID: 38173725 PMCID: PMC10763240 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1309997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Understanding the characteristics of the humoral immune responses following COVID-19 vaccinations is crucial for refining vaccination strategies and predicting immune responses to emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants. Methods A longitudinal analysis of SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor binding domain (RBD) specific IgG antibody responses, encompassing IgG subclasses IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4 was performed. Participants received four mRNA vaccine doses (group 1; n=10) or two ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 and two mRNA booster doses (group 2; n=19) in Bangladesh over two years. Results Findings demonstrate robust IgG responses after primary Covishield or mRNA doses; declining to baseline within six months. First mRNA booster restored and surpassed primary IgG responses but waned after six months. Surprisingly, a second mRNA booster did not increase IgG levels further. Comprehensive IgG subclass analysis showed primary Covishield/mRNA vaccination generated predominantly IgG1 responses with limited IgG2/IgG3, Remarkably, IgG4 responses exhibited a distinct pattern. IgG4 remained undetectable initially but increased extensively six months after the second mRNA dose, eventually replacing IgG1 after the 3rd/4th mRNA doses. Conversely, initial Covishield recipients lack IgG4, surged post-second mRNA booster. Notably, mRNA-vaccinated individuals displayed earlier, robust IgG4 levels post first mRNA booster versus Covishield counterparts. IgG1 to IgG4 ratios decreased with increasing doses, most pronounced with four mRNA doses. This study highlights IgG response kinetics, influenced by vaccine type and doses, impacting immunological tolerance and IgG4 induction, shaping future vaccination strategies. Conclusions This study highlights the dynamics of IgG responses dependent on vaccine type and number of doses, leading to immunological tolerance and IgG4 induction, and shaping future vaccination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjahan Akhtar
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Rashedul Islam
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Fatema Khaton
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Umma Hany Soltana
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Syeda Anoushka Jafrin
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sadia Isfat Ara Rahman
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Imam Tauheed
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Tasnuva Ahmed
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Ishtiakul Islam Khan
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Afroza Akter
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Zahid Hasan Khan
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Taufiqul Islam
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Farhana Khanam
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Prasanta Kumar Biswas
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Faisal Ahmmed
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Shakeel Ahmed
- Bangladesh Institute of Tropical & Infectious Diseases, Chittagong, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Mamunur Rashid
- Bangladesh Institute of Tropical & Infectious Diseases, Chittagong, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Zakir Hossain
- Bangladesh Institute of Tropical & Infectious Diseases, Chittagong, Bangladesh
| | - Ahmed Nawsher Alam
- Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - A. S. M. Alamgir
- Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mahbubur Rahman
- Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Edward T. Ryan
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jason B. Harris
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Regina C. LaRocque
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Fahima Chowdhury
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Ashraful Islam Khan
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sayera Banu
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Tahmina Shirin
- Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Taufiqur Rahman Bhuiyan
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Firdausi Qadri
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Yin ZJ, Xiao H, McDonald S, Brusic V, Qiu TY. Dynamically adjustable SVEIR(MH) model of multiwave epidemics: Estimating the effects of public health measures against COVID-19. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e29301. [PMID: 38087460 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic was characterized by multiple subsequent, overlapping outbreaks, as well as extremely rapid changes in viral genomes. The information about local epidemics spread and the epidemic control measures was shared on a daily basis (number of cases and deaths) via centralized repositories. The vaccines were developed within the first year of the pandemic. New modes of monitoring and sharing of epidemic data were implemented using Internet resources. We modified the basic SEIR compartmental model to include public health measures, multiwave scenarios, and the variation of viral infectivity and transmissibility reflected by the basic reproduction number R0 of emerging viral variants. SVEIR(MH) model considers the capacity of the medical system, lockdowns, vaccination, and changes in viral reproduction rate on the epidemic spread. The developed model uses daily infection reports for assessing the epidemic dynamics, and daily changes of mobility data from mobile phone networks to assess the lockdown effectiveness. This model was deployed to six European regions Baden-Württemberg (Germany), Belgium, Czechia, Lombardy (Italy), Sweden, and Switzerland for the first 2 years of the pandemic. The correlation coefficients between observed and reported infection data showed good concordance for both years of the pandemic (ρ = 0.84-0.94 for the raw data and ρ = 0.91-0.98 for smoothed 7-day averages). The results show stability across the regions and the different epidemic waves. Optimal control of epidemic waves can be achieved by dynamically adjusting epidemic control measures in real-time. SVEIR(MH) model can simulate different scenarios and inform adjustments to the public health policies to achieve the target outcomes. Because this model is highly representative of actual epidemic situations, it can be used to assess both the public health and socioeconomic effects of the public health measures within the first 7 days of the outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuo-Jing Yin
- Institute of Clinical Science, Zhongshan Hospital; Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity; Intelligent Medicine Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Han Xiao
- Department of Computer Science, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
| | - Stuart McDonald
- Smart Medicine Laboratory, School of Economics, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, Ningbo, China
| | - Vladimir Brusic
- Smart Medicine Laboratory, School of Economics, University of Nottingham Ningbo China, Ningbo, China
| | - Tian-Yi Qiu
- Institute of Clinical Science, Zhongshan Hospital; Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity; Intelligent Medicine Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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10
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Chaufan C. Is Covid-19 "vaccine uptake" in postsecondary education a "problem"? A critical policy inquiry. Health (London) 2023:13634593231204169. [PMID: 37968946 DOI: 10.1177/13634593231204169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Since the launch of the Covid-19 global vaccination campaign, postsecondary institutions have strongly promoted vaccination, often through mandates, and the academic literature has identified "vaccine uptake" among postsecondary students as a problem deserving monitoring, research, and intervention. However, with the admission that vaccines do not stop viral spread, that older-age and co-morbidities are major determinants of poor outcomes, and that many vaccine side effects disproportionately affect the young, it cannot be assumed that a risk-benefit analysis favors vaccinating postsecondary students. Drawing from critical policy studies, I appraise the literature on Covid-19 vaccine uptake in postsecondary education. I find that this literature reflects the "scientific consensus," hardly acknowledging contradictory medical evidence, ignoring coercive elements underlying "vaccine acceptance," and neglecting ethical tensions built into the very design of vaccination policies. I discuss potential explanations for my findings, and their implications for academia's role in society in the COVID-19 era and beyond.
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11
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Chaufan C, Manwell L, Gabbay B, Heredia C, Daniels C. Appraising the decision-making process concerning COVID-19 policy in postsecondary education in Canada: A critical scoping review protocol. AIMS Public Health 2023; 10:918-933. [PMID: 38187898 PMCID: PMC10764973 DOI: 10.3934/publichealth.2023059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Responses to COVID-19 in Canadian postsecondary education have overhauled usual norms and practices, with policies of unclear rationale implemented under the pressure of a reported public health emergency. Objective To critically appraise the decision-making process informing COVID-19 policy in the postsecondary education sector. Methods Our scoping review will draw from macro and micro theories of public policy, specifically the critical tradition exemplified by Carol Bacchi's approach "What is the problem represented to be" and will be guided by Arksey and O'Malley's framework for scoping reviews and the team-based approach of Levan and colleagues. Data will include diverse and publicly available documents to capture multiple stakeholders' perspectives on the phenomenon of interest and will be retrieved from university newsletters and legal websites using combinations of search terms adapted to specific data types. Two reviewers will independently screen, chart, analyze and synthesize the data. Disagreements will be resolved through full team discussion. Discussion Despite the unprecedented nature of the mass medical mandates implemented in the postsecondary sector and their dramatic impact on millions of lives-students, faculty, staff and their families, friends and communities-the decision-making process leading to them has not been documented or appraised. By identifying, summarizing and appraising the evidence, our review should inform practices that can contribute to effective and equitable public health policies in postsecondary institutions moving forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Chaufan
- School of Health Policy and Management, York University, 4700 Keele St, Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada
| | | | | | - Camila Heredia
- School of Health Policy and Management, York University, Canada
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12
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Le Gleut R, Plank M, Pütz P, Radon K, Bakuli A, Rubio-Acero R, Paunovic I, Rieß F, Winter S, Reinkemeyer C, Schälte Y, Olbrich L, Hannes M, Kroidl I, Noreña I, Janke C, Wieser A, Hoelscher M, Fuchs C, Castelletti N. The representative COVID-19 cohort Munich (KoCo19): from the beginning of the pandemic to the Delta virus variant. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:466. [PMID: 37442952 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08435-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Population-based serological studies allow to estimate prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infections despite a substantial number of mild or asymptomatic disease courses. This became even more relevant for decision making after vaccination started. The KoCo19 cohort tracks the pandemic progress in the Munich general population for over two years, setting it apart in Europe. METHODS Recruitment occurred during the initial pandemic wave, including 5313 participants above 13 years from private households in Munich. Four follow-ups were held at crucial times of the pandemic, with response rates of at least 70%. Participants filled questionnaires on socio-demographics and potential risk factors of infection. From Follow-up 2, information on SARS-CoV-2 vaccination was added. SARS-CoV-2 antibody status was measured using the Roche Elecsys® Anti-SARS-CoV-2 anti-N assay (indicating previous infection) and the Roche Elecsys® Anti-SARS-CoV-2 anti-S assay (indicating previous infection and/or vaccination). This allowed us to distinguish between sources of acquired antibodies. RESULTS The SARS-CoV-2 estimated cumulative sero-prevalence increased from 1.6% (1.1-2.1%) in May 2020 to 14.5% (12.7-16.2%) in November 2021. Underreporting with respect to official numbers fluctuated with testing policies and capacities, becoming a factor of more than two during the second half of 2021. Simultaneously, the vaccination campaign against the SARS-CoV-2 virus increased the percentage of the Munich population having antibodies, with 86.8% (85.5-87.9%) having developed anti-S and/or anti-N in November 2021. Incidence rates for infections after (BTI) and without previous vaccination (INS) differed (ratio INS/BTI of 2.1, 0.7-3.6). However, the prevalence of infections was higher in the non-vaccinated population than in the vaccinated one. Considering the whole follow-up time, being born outside Germany, working in a high-risk job and living area per inhabitant were identified as risk factors for infection, while other socio-demographic and health-related variables were not. Although we obtained significant within-household clustering of SARS-CoV-2 cases, no further geospatial clustering was found. CONCLUSIONS Vaccination increased the coverage of the Munich population presenting SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, but breakthrough infections contribute to community spread. As underreporting stays relevant over time, infections can go undetected, so non-pharmaceutical measures are crucial, particularly for highly contagious strains like Omicron.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronan Le Gleut
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Munich, German Research Centre for Environmental Health, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
- Core Facility Statistical Consulting, Helmholtz Munich, German Research Centre for Environmental Health, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Michael Plank
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80802, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Pütz
- Robert Koch Institute, Nordufer 20, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katja Radon
- Institute and Outpatient Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336, Munich, Germany
- Centre for International Health (CIH), University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336, Munich, Germany
- Comprehensive Pneumology Centre (CPC) Munich, German Centre for Lung Research (DZL), 89337, Munich, Germany
| | - Abhishek Bakuli
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80802, Munich, Germany
| | - Raquel Rubio-Acero
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80802, Munich, Germany
| | - Ivana Paunovic
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80802, Munich, Germany
| | - Friedrich Rieß
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80802, Munich, Germany
| | - Simon Winter
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80802, Munich, Germany
| | - Christina Reinkemeyer
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80802, Munich, Germany
| | - Yannik Schälte
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Munich, German Research Centre for Environmental Health, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
- Centre for Mathematics, Technische Universität München, 85748, Garching, Germany
- Life and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn, 53115, Bonn, Germany
| | - Laura Olbrich
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80802, Munich, Germany
| | - Marlene Hannes
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80802, Munich, Germany
| | - Inge Kroidl
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80802, Munich, Germany
| | - Ivan Noreña
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80802, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Janke
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80802, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Wieser
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80802, Munich, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site, Munich, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Immunology, Infection and Pandemic Research, 80799, Munich, Germany
- Max Von Pettenkofer Institute, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Hoelscher
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80802, Munich, Germany
- Centre for International Health (CIH), University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336, Munich, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site, Munich, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Immunology, Infection and Pandemic Research, 80799, Munich, Germany
| | - Christiane Fuchs
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Munich, German Research Centre for Environmental Health, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
- Core Facility Statistical Consulting, Helmholtz Munich, German Research Centre for Environmental Health, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
- Centre for Mathematics, Technische Universität München, 85748, Garching, Germany
- Faculty of Business Administration and Economics, Bielefeld University, 33615, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Noemi Castelletti
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80802, Munich, Germany.
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Immunology, Infection and Pandemic Research, 80799, Munich, Germany.
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Helmholtz Munich, German Research Centre for Environmental Health, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany.
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13
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Sanmarchi F, Bucci A, Nuzzolese AG, Carullo G, Toscano F, Nante N, Golinelli D. A step-by-step researcher's guide to the use of an AI-based transformer in epidemiology: an exploratory analysis of ChatGPT using the STROBE checklist for observational studies. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR GESUNDHEITSWISSENSCHAFTEN = JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH 2023:1-36. [PMID: 37361298 PMCID: PMC10215032 DOI: 10.1007/s10389-023-01936-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Objective This study aims at investigating how AI-based transformers can support researchers in designing and conducting an epidemiological study. To accomplish this, we used ChatGPT to reformulate the STROBE recommendations into a list of questions to be answered by the transformer itself. We then qualitatively evaluated the coherence and relevance of the transformer's outputs. Study design Descriptive study. Methods We first chose a study to be used as a basis for the simulation. We then used ChatGPT to transform each STROBE checklist's item into specific prompts. Each answer to the respective prompt was evaluated by independent researchers in terms of coherence and relevance. Results The mean scores assigned to each prompt were heterogeneous. On average, for the coherence domain, the overall mean score was 3.6 out of 5.0, and for relevance it was 3.3 out of 5.0. The lowest scores were assigned to items belonging to the Methods section of the checklist. Conclusions ChatGPT can be considered as a valuable support for researchers in conducting an epidemiological study, following internationally recognized guidelines and standards. It is crucial for the users to have knowledge on the subject and a critical mindset when evaluating the outputs. The potential benefits of AI in scientific research and publishing are undeniable, but it is crucial to address the risks, and the ethical and legal consequences associated with its use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Sanmarchi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna, Via San Giacomo 12, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Bucci
- Department of Economics and Law, University of Macerata, Macerata, Italy
| | | | - Gherardo Carullo
- Department of Italian and Supranational Public Law, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Nicola Nante
- Present Address: Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Davide Golinelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna, Via San Giacomo 12, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- Present Address: Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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14
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Uversky VN, Redwan EM, Makis W, Rubio-Casillas A. IgG4 Antibodies Induced by Repeated Vaccination May Generate Immune Tolerance to the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:vaccines11050991. [PMID: 37243095 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11050991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Less than a year after the global emergence of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, a novel vaccine platform based on mRNA technology was introduced to the market. Globally, around 13.38 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses of diverse platforms have been administered. To date, 72.3% of the total population has been injected at least once with a COVID-19 vaccine. As the immunity provided by these vaccines rapidly wanes, their ability to prevent hospitalization and severe disease in individuals with comorbidities has recently been questioned, and increasing evidence has shown that, as with many other vaccines, they do not produce sterilizing immunity, allowing people to suffer frequent re-infections. Additionally, recent investigations have found abnormally high levels of IgG4 in people who were administered two or more injections of the mRNA vaccines. HIV, Malaria, and Pertussis vaccines have also been reported to induce higher-than-normal IgG4 synthesis. Overall, there are three critical factors determining the class switch to IgG4 antibodies: excessive antigen concentration, repeated vaccination, and the type of vaccine used. It has been suggested that an increase in IgG4 levels could have a protecting role by preventing immune over-activation, similar to that occurring during successful allergen-specific immunotherapy by inhibiting IgE-induced effects. However, emerging evidence suggests that the reported increase in IgG4 levels detected after repeated vaccination with the mRNA vaccines may not be a protective mechanism; rather, it constitutes an immune tolerance mechanism to the spike protein that could promote unopposed SARS-CoV2 infection and replication by suppressing natural antiviral responses. Increased IgG4 synthesis due to repeated mRNA vaccination with high antigen concentrations may also cause autoimmune diseases, and promote cancer growth and autoimmune myocarditis in susceptible individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir N Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine and USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Elrashdy M Redwan
- Biological Science Department, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80203, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Therapeutic and Protective Proteins Laboratory, Protein Research Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City for Scientific Research and Technology Applications, New Borg EL-Arab, Alexandria 21934, Egypt
| | - William Makis
- Cross Cancer Institute, Alberta Health Services, 11560 University Avenue, Edmonton, AB T6G 1Z2, Canada
| | - Alberto Rubio-Casillas
- Autlan Regional Hospital, Health Secretariat, Autlan 48900, Jalisco, Mexico
- Biology Laboratory, Autlan Regional Preparatory School, University of Guadalajara, Autlan 48900, Jalisco, Mexico
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15
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Cao W, Du D, Xia Q. Unbalanced global vaccine product trade pattern: A network perspective. Soc Sci Med 2023; 325:115913. [PMID: 37075615 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2023.115913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Mass vaccination is the most cost-effective intervention in response to public health events. Thus, equitable access to vaccine products is essential to ensure global human health. Based on the global vaccine product trade data from 2000 to 2018 and employing social network analysis, this paper explores the unbalanced pattern of global vaccine product trade and assesses the sensitivity interdependence between countries. Overall, the analysis shows that global vaccine product trade links have long been highly concentrated within developed countries in Europe and America. Nevertheless, with the rise of global and regional hub countries, the global vaccine product trade network has begun to evolve from a unipolar structure with the U.S. as the sole core to a multipolar structure with the U.S. and Western European countries as the core. Meanwhile, emerging countries, represented by China and India, are increasingly participating in the global vaccine product trade network and are beginning to play an important role. The formation of this multipolar pattern has provided countries in the Global South with more options for cooperation in the vaccine product trade and reduces the sensitivity interdependence of network periphery countries on core countries, which consequently reduces the global supply risk of vaccine products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanpeng Cao
- Institute for Global Innovation & Development, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China; School of Urban and Regional Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China.
| | - Debin Du
- Institute for Global Innovation & Development, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China; School of Urban and Regional Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China.
| | - Qifan Xia
- Institute for Global Innovation & Development, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China; School of Urban and Regional Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China.
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16
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Kraaijeveld SR. The Ethical Significance of Post-Vaccination COVID-19 Transmission Dynamics. JOURNAL OF BIOETHICAL INQUIRY 2023; 20:21-29. [PMID: 36542290 PMCID: PMC9768787 DOI: 10.1007/s11673-022-10223-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The potential for vaccines to prevent the spread of infectious diseases is crucial for vaccination policy and ethics. In this paper, I discuss recent evidence that the current COVID-19 vaccines have only a modest and short-lived effect on reducing SARS-CoV-2 transmission and argue that this has at least four important ethical implications. First, getting vaccinated against COVID-19 should be seen primarily as a self-protective choice for individuals. Second, moral condemnation of unvaccinated people for causing direct harm to others is unjustified. Third, the case for a harm-based moral obligation to get vaccinated against COVID-19 is weak. Finally, and perhaps most significantly, coercive COVID-19 vaccination policies (e.g., measures that exclude unvaccinated people from society) cannot be directly justified by the harm principle.
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Kim S, Oh J, Tak S. Association between face covering policies and the incidence of coronavirus disease 2019 in European countries. Osong Public Health Res Perspect 2023; 14:31-39. [PMID: 36944343 DOI: 10.24171/j.phrp.2022.0287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study was conducted to determine the impact of the strengthening or relaxation of face covering mandates on the subsequent national case incidence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Europe as the full vaccination rate was increasing. METHODS European countries in which case incidence increased for 3 consecutive weeks were monitored and analyzed using COVID-19 incidence data shared by the World Health Organization (WHO). The epidemic trend of COVID-19 in Europe was compared with that of countries elsewhere in the world based on WHO weekly epidemiological reports from June 20 to October 30, 2021. In addition, this study provided insight into the impact of government mask mandates on COVID-19 incidence in Europe by measuring the index scores of those facial covering policies before and after mandate relaxation or strengthening. The effects of the vaccination rate and the speed of vaccination on COVID-19 incidence were also analyzed. RESULTS The incidence of COVID-19 after the relaxation of face covering mandates was significantly higher than before relaxation. However, no significant difference was observed in vaccination rate between countries with increased and decreased incidence. Instead, rapid vaccination delayed the resurgence in incidence. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that face covering policies in conjunction with rapid vaccination efforts are essential to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sookhyun Kim
- Division of Risk Assessment, Bureau of Public Health Emergency Preparedness, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Jiyoung Oh
- Division of Risk Assessment, Bureau of Public Health Emergency Preparedness, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Sangwoo Tak
- Division of Risk Assessment, Bureau of Public Health Emergency Preparedness, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Cheongju, Korea
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18
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Greiner A, Owusu B. Effects of the vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 on infections and on hospitalizations in European countries. SN BUSINESS & ECONOMICS 2023; 3:67. [PMID: 36789112 PMCID: PMC9911336 DOI: 10.1007/s43546-023-00445-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Since December 2020 vaccines against the SARS-CoV-2 virus have been available. However, little is known regarding their effects on infections and on hospitalizations. To gain insight into this topic we empirically analyze the effects of the vaccinations against SARS-CoV-2 for European countries beginning 2021 to February 2022 with weekly data. We perform panel fixed effects estimations, GMM estimations and nonlinear penalized spline estimations. We find a statistically significant and positive relationship between the share of infections with the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the share of vaccinated people in nine estimations while one estimation output was insignificant. Regarding hospitalizations, six out of ten estimations yielded a statistically insignificant relationship, and three estimation results were weakly statistically significant with a negative coefficient and one indicated a statistically significant negative relation. Hence, there is empirical evidence for a positive relationship between infections and the share of vaccinated people whereas we find weak empirical evidence for a negative relation between vaccinations and hospitalizations. The implication of our analysis is that vaccinations alone cannot end the pandemic. Rather developing effective medicines should be seen as an additional measure. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43546-023-00445-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfred Greiner
- Department of Business Administration and Economics, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Benjamin Owusu
- Department of Business Administration and Economics, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
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19
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Najjar M, Albuaini S, Fadel M, Mohsen F. Covid-19 vaccination reported side effects and hesitancy among the Syrian population: a cross-sectional study. Ann Med 2023; 55:2241351. [PMID: 37544017 PMCID: PMC10405764 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2023.2241351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Studying post-vaccination side effects and identifying the reasons behind low vaccine uptake are pivotal for overcoming the pandemic. METHODS This cross-sectional study was distributed through social media platforms and face-to-face interviews. Data from vaccinated and unvaccinated participants were collected and analyzed using the chi-square test, multivariable logistic regression to detect factors associated with side effects and severe side effects. RESULTS Of the 3509 participants included, 1672(47.6%) were vaccinated. The most common reason for not taking the vaccine was concerns about the vaccine's side effects 815(44.4). The majority of symptoms were mild 788(47.1%), followed by moderate 374(22.3%), and severe 144(8.6%). The most common symptoms were tiredness 1028(61.5%), pain at the injection site 933(55.8%), and low-grade fever 684(40.9%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that <40 years (vs. ≥40; OR: 2.113, p-value = 0.008), females (vs. males; OR: 2.245, p-value< .001), did not receive influenza shot last year (vs. did receive Influenza shot last year OR: 1.697, p-value = 0.041), AstraZeneca (vs. other vaccine brands; OR: 2.799, p-value< .001), co-morbidities (vs. no co-morbidities; OR: 1.993, p-value = 0.008), and diabetes mellitus (vs. no diabetes mellitus; OR: 2.788, p-value = 0.007) were associated with severe post-vaccine side effects. Serious side effects reported were blood clots 5(0.3%), thrombocytopenia 2(0.1%), anaphylaxis 1(0.1%), seizures 1(0.1%), and cardiac infarction 1(0.1%). CONCLUSION Our study revealed that most side effects reported were mild in severity and self-limiting. Increasing the public's awareness of the nature of the vaccine's side effects would reduce the misinformation and improve the public's trust in vaccines. Larger studies to evaluate rare and serious adverse events and long-term side effects are needed, so people can have sufficient information and understanding before making an informed consent which is essential for vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Najjar
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Sara Albuaini
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Mohammad Fadel
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
| | - Fatema Mohsen
- Faculty of Medicine, Syrian Private University, Damascus, Syria
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20
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Gubae K, Agegnew Wondm S, Birhane W, Fetene A, Arega Moges T, Kiflu M. Vaccinated Healthcare Workers' Adherence to COVID-19 Prevention Measures and Associated Factors in Northwest Ethiopia: A Facility-Based Cross-Sectional Study. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2022; 15:2389-2398. [PMID: 36561728 PMCID: PMC9767022 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s388668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The initial response to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs). Long-term protection against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection does not appear to be possible by either infection or vaccination. Thus, traditional herd immunity seems impossible. In addition to increasing vaccination rates, NPIs may be needed. Methods A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among vaccinated healthcare workers. The study took place from July 15 to August 15, 2022. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. In a multivariable logistic regression model, a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Four hundred eleven healthcare workers were included in the study. Sixty percent of participants were fully vaccinated. After vaccination, 10.2% of respondents reported infection with SARS-CoV-2. The study showed that 49.4% of participants had a good knowledge of the efficacy and safety of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. In this study, 36% of individuals adhered well to the COVID-19 prevention strategies. Good knowledge of the efficacy and safety of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines (AOR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.03-2.78) increased the odds of implementing preventive measures. Healthcare workers who perceived a low and medium risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection after vaccination and who were knowledgeable about SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infections were less likely to follow preventive measures. Conclusion The knowledge of healthcare workers regarding the efficacy and safety of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 was comparable. However, a large proportion of healthcare workers poorly adhered to prevention practices. Therefore, to reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare professionals, prevention strategies must be continuously evaluated and awareness of the need for preventive measures must be raised even after vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kale Gubae
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia,Correspondence: Kale Gubae, Email
| | - Samuel Agegnew Wondm
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Worku Birhane
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Akalu Fetene
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
| | - Tilaye Arega Moges
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Mekdes Kiflu
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
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Impact of the COVID-19 Vaccination Program on case incidence, emergency department visits, and hospital admissions among children aged 5-17 Years during the Delta and Omicron Periods-United States, December 2020 to April 2022. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0276409. [PMID: 36490304 PMCID: PMC9733849 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the United States, national ecological studies suggest a positive impact of COVID-19 vaccination coverage on outcomes in adults. However, the national impact of the vaccination program on COVID-19 in children remains unknown. To determine the association of COVID-19 vaccination with U.S. case incidence, emergency department visits, and hospital admissions for pediatric populations during the Delta and Omicron periods. METHODS We conducted an ecological analysis among children aged 5-17 and compared incidence rate ratios (RRs) of COVID-19 cases, emergency department visits, and hospital admissions by pediatric vaccine coverage, with jurisdictions in the highest vaccine coverage quartile as the reference. RESULTS RRs comparing states with lowest pediatric vaccination coverage to the highest pediatric vaccination coverage were 2.00 and 0.64 for cases, 2.96 and 1.11 for emergency department visits, and 2.76 and 1.01 for hospital admissions among all children during the Delta and Omicron periods, respectively. During the 3-week peak period of the Omicron wave, only children aged 12-15 and 16-17 years in the states with the lowest versus highest coverage, had a significantly higher rate of emergency department visits (RR = 1.39 and RR = 1.34, respectively). CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 vaccines were associated with lower case incidence, emergency department visits and hospital admissions among children during the Delta period but the association was weaker during the Omicron period. Pediatric COVID-19 vaccination should be promoted as part of a program to decrease COVID-19 impact among children; however, vaccine effectiveness may be limited when available vaccines do not match circulating viral variants.
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22
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Mavridis C, Aidonidis G, Evangelou M, Kalogeridis A. Mandatory vaccinations, the segregation of citizens, and the promotion of inequality in the modern democracy of Greece and other democratic countries in the era of COVID-19. HISTORY AND PHILOSOPHY OF THE LIFE SCIENCES 2022; 44:72. [PMID: 36477872 PMCID: PMC9734873 DOI: 10.1007/s40656-022-00548-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Greek authorities enforced a vaccination mandate for healthcare workers (HCWs). At the same time, multiple concerns were raised about the epidemiological profile of Greece in addition to the ethical status of the harsh measures and their impact on employees, organizations, society, and public health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), considerations regarding the evidence of vaccine safety and effectiveness, necessity, and proportionality should be clearly evaluated by before imposing mandatory vaccination policies. We discuss the issues regarding the mechanics of the transmission and contraction of SARS-CoV-2, the toxicity of COVID-19 vaccines, and the impact of the suspension of HCWs who did not vaccinate versus the potential expected benefits in addition to whether the vaccine mandates were justified considering the overall epidemiological context.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Athanasios Kalogeridis
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Hippokration General Hospital, Thessaloníki, Greece
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23
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Kraaijeveld SR, Jamrozik E. Moralization and Mismoralization in Public Health. MEDICINE, HEALTH CARE, AND PHILOSOPHY 2022; 25:655-669. [PMID: 36045179 PMCID: PMC9432796 DOI: 10.1007/s11019-022-10103-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Moralization is a social-psychological process through which morally neutral issues take on moral significance. Often linked to health and disease, moralization may sometimes lead to good outcomes; yet moralization is often detrimental to individuals and to society as a whole. It is therefore important to be able to identify when moralization is inappropriate. In this paper, we offer a systematic normative approach to the evaluation of moralization. We introduce and develop the concept of 'mismoralization', which is when moralization is metaethically unjustified. In order to identify mismoralization, we argue that one must engage in metaethical analysis of moralization processes while paying close attention to the relevant facts. We briefly discuss one historical example (tuberculosis) and two contemporary cases related to COVID-19 (infection and vaccination status) that we contend to have been mismoralized in public health. We propose a remedy of de-moralization that begins by identifying mismoralization and that proceeds by neutralizing inapt moral content. De-moralization calls for epistemic and moral humility. It should lead us to pull away from our tendency to moralize-as individuals and as social groups-whenever and wherever moralization is unjustified.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Euzebiusz Jamrozik
- Oxford-Johns Hopkins Global Infectious Disease Ethics Collaborative, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, United States
- Ethox and Wellcome Centre for Ethics and Humanities, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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24
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Deruelle F. The pharmaceutical industry is dangerous to health. Further proof with COVID-19. Surg Neurol Int 2022; 13:475. [PMID: 36324959 PMCID: PMC9610448 DOI: 10.25259/sni_377_2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 period highlights a huge problem that has been developing for decades, the control of science by industry. In the 1950s, the tobacco industry set the example, which the pharmaceutical industry followed. Since then, the latter has been regularly condemned for illegal marketing, misrepresentation of experimental results, dissimulation of information about the dangers of drugs, and considered as criminal. Therefore, this study was conducted to show that knowledge is powerfully manipulated by harmful corporations, whose goals are: 1/financial; 2/to suppress our ability to make choices to acquire global control of public health. Methods: Pharmaceutical industry techniques for manipulating science and COVID-19 reporting were reviewed. Several sources of official documents were used: PubMed; National Institutes of Health resources; pharmaceutical companies; policy documents; national newspapers and news agencies; and books by prominent professionals (scientific and legal). A few studies have not been published in peer-reviewed journals; however, they have been conducted by reputable scientists in their respective fields. Results: Since the beginning of COVID-19, we can list the following methods of information manipulation which have been used: falsified clinical trials and inaccessible data; fake or conflict-of-interest studies; concealment of vaccines’ short-term side effects and total lack of knowledge of the long-term effects of COVID-19 vaccination; doubtful composition of vaccines; inadequate testing methods; governments and international organizations under conflicts of interest; bribed physicians; the denigration of renowned scientists; the banning of all alternative effective treatments; unscientific and liberticidal social methods; government use of behavior modification and social engineering techniques to impose confinements, masks, and vaccine acceptance; scientific censorship by the media. Conclusion: By supporting and selecting only the one side of science information while suppressing alternative viewpoints, and with obvious conflicts of interest revealed by this study, governments and the media constantly disinform the public. Consequently, the unscientifically validated vaccination laws, originating from industry-controlled medical science, led to the adoption of social measures for the supposed protection of the public but which became serious threats to the health and freedoms of the population.
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25
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Wang P, Zheng X, Liu H. Simulation and forecasting models of COVID-19 taking into account spatio-temporal dynamic characteristics: A review. Front Public Health 2022; 10:1033432. [PMID: 36330112 PMCID: PMC9623320 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1033432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 epidemic has caused more than 6.4 million deaths to date and has become a hot topic of interest in different disciplines. According to bibliometric analysis, more than 340,000 articles have been published on the COVID-19 epidemic from the beginning of the epidemic until recently. Modeling infectious diseases can provide critical planning and analytical tools for outbreak control and public health research, especially from a spatio-temporal perspective. However, there has not been a comprehensive review of the developing process of spatio-temporal dynamic models. Therefore, the aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive review of these spatio-temporal dynamic models for dealing with COVID-19, focusing on the different model scales. We first summarized several data used in the spatio-temporal modeling of the COVID-19, and then, through literature review and summary, we found that the existing COVID-19 spatio-temporal models can be divided into two categories: macro-dynamic models and micro-dynamic models. Typical representatives of these two types of models are compartmental and metapopulation models, cellular automata (CA), and agent-based models (ABM). Our results show that the modeling results are not accurate enough due to the unavailability of the fine-grained dataset of COVID-19. Furthermore, although many models have been developed, many of them focus on short-term prediction of disease outbreaks and lack medium- and long-term predictions. Therefore, future research needs to integrate macroscopic and microscopic models to build adaptive spatio-temporal dynamic simulation models for the medium and long term (from months to years) and to make sound inferences and recommendations about epidemic development in the context of medical discoveries, which will be the next phase of new challenges and trends to be addressed. In addition, there is still a gap in research on collecting fine-grained spatial-temporal big data based on cloud platforms and crowdsourcing technologies to establishing world model to battle the epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peipei Wang
- School of Information Engineering, China University of Geosciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xinqi Zheng
- School of Information Engineering, China University of Geosciences, Beijing, China
- Technology Innovation Center for Territory Spatial Big-Data, MNR of China, Beijing, China
| | - Haiyan Liu
- School of Economic and Management, China University of Geosciences, Beijing, China
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Muttappallymyalil J, Chandrasekhar Nair S, Changerath R, Sreejith A, Manda S, Sreedharan J. Vaccination Rate and Incidence of COVID-19 and Case Fatality Rate (CFR): A Correlational Study Using Data From 2019 to 2021. Cureus 2022; 14:e28210. [PMID: 36158447 PMCID: PMC9484757 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.28210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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Walach H, Ofner M, Ruof V, Herbig M, Klement RJ. Why do people consent to receiving SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations? A representative survey in Germany. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e060555. [PMID: 35981767 PMCID: PMC9393854 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-060555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To answer the question: Why do people consent to being vaccinated with novel vaccines against SARS-CoV-2? DESIGN Representative survey. SETTING Online panel. PARTICIPANTS 1032 respondents of the general German population. METHOD A representative survey among German citizens in November/December 2021 that resulted in 1032 complete responses on vaccination status, sociodemographic parameters and opinions about the COVID-19 situation. RESULTS Almost 83% of the respondents were vaccinated. The major motivation was fear of medical consequences of an infection and the wish to lead a normal life again. The major motivation to be not vaccinated was the fear of side effects and scepticism about long-term effectiveness and safety. Sixteen per cent of vaccinated respondents reported some serious side effect, while more than 30% reported health improvements, mostly due to the relief of psychological stress and social reintegration. We also validated a 'Corona Orthodoxy Score-COS' consisting of seven items reflecting opinions on COVID-19. The scale is reliable (alpha=0.76) and unidimensional. The COS was a highly significant predictor of vaccination status and readiness to be vaccinated in a multivariable logistic regression model. Those who were vaccinated were more likely to live in smaller households (OR=0.82, p=0.024), had a higher income (OR=1.27, p<0.001), a higher COS score (OR 1.4, p<0.0001) and used less alternative media (OR=0.44, p=0.0024) and scientific publications (OR=0.42, p=0.011) as information sources. CONCLUSIONS The major motives for being vaccinated are fear of medical symptoms and the wish to lead a normal life. Those not wanting to be vaccinated cite a lack of knowledge regarding long-term safety and side effects as reasons. This can likely only be overcome by careful and active long-term efficacy and safety monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harald Walach
- Kazimieras Simonavicius University, Next Society Institute, Vilnius, Lithuania
- CHS Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Ofner
- Department Immunology and Pathophysiology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
- Medyco International, Dubai, UAE
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28
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Abuhammad S, Khabour OF, Alzoubi KH, Hamaideh S, Alzoubi BA, Telfah WS, El-zubi FK. The public's attitude to and acceptance of periodic doses of the COVID-19 vaccine: A survey from Jordan. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271625. [PMID: 35857813 PMCID: PMC9299352 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS This study surveyed people regarding their acceptance of periodic doses (i.e., annual boosters) of the COVID-19 vaccine. Moreover, factors that correlate with attitudes toward periodic COVID-19 vaccines were assessed and identified. METHOD The study employed a cross-sectional methodology. The study questionnaire was distributed using Google Forms. Data were collected during the last quarter of 2021, and 1,416 adults (18 years old and over) from Jordan responded. Acceptance of COVID-19 periodic vaccine doses was calculated as a percentage of the total number of study participants, and their attitudes were scored. A multiple regression model was used to determine the predictors of public attitudes toward the annual dose of COVID-19 vaccines. RESULTS The acceptance rate for receiving periodic doses of the COVID-19 vaccine was low (19.3%). Additionally, 26% of participants were unsure about receiving additional doses of the vaccine. However, 54.7% had a negative attitude toward getting periodic doses. The mean score for attitudes toward periodic doses was 47.9 (range: 29-66). Among the identified factors leading to decisions not to receive periodic doses were side effects (49.1%), waiting for further clinical studies (38.8%), and perceived no risk of contracting COVID-19 (17.7%). Regression analysis showed that income, educational attainment, and following the news about COVID-19 were predictors of participants' attitudes toward the periodic COVID-19 vaccine. CONCLUSION Acceptance of periodic doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in Jordan is low, and the public's attitude is generally negative. Health programs and educational interventions are needed to promote vaccine acceptance and positive attitudes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sawsan Abuhammad
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Omar F. Khabour
- Dept. of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Karem H. Alzoubi
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Shaher Hamaideh
- Department of Community and Mental Health Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Baker A. Alzoubi
- Dept. of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Waed S. Telfah
- Dept. of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Farah K. El-zubi
- Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
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29
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Mullin S, Wyk BV, Asher JL, Compton SR, Allore HG, Zeiss CJ. Modeling pandemic to endemic patterns of SARS-CoV-2 transmission using parameters estimated from animal model data. PNAS NEXUS 2022; 1:pgac096. [PMID: 35799833 PMCID: PMC9254158 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgac096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The contours of endemic coronaviral disease in humans and other animals are shaped by the tendency of coronaviruses to generate new variants superimposed upon nonsterilizing immunity. Consequently, patterns of coronaviral reinfection in animals can inform the emerging endemic state of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. We generated controlled reinfection data after high and low risk natural exposure or heterologous vaccination to sialodacryoadenitis virus (SDAV) in rats. Using deterministic compartmental models, we utilized in vivo estimates from these experiments to model the combined effects of variable transmission rates, variable duration of immunity, successive waves of variants, and vaccination on patterns of viral transmission. Using rat experiment-derived estimates, an endemic state achieved by natural infection alone occurred after a median of 724 days with approximately 41.3% of the population susceptible to reinfection. After accounting for translationally altered parameters between rat-derived data and human SARS-CoV-2 transmission, and after introducing vaccination, we arrived at a median time to endemic stability of 1437 (IQR = 749.25) days with a median 15.4% of the population remaining susceptible. We extended the models to introduce successive variants with increasing transmissibility and included the effect of varying duration of immunity. As seen with endemic coronaviral infections in other animals, transmission states are altered by introduction of new variants, even with vaccination. However, vaccination combined with natural immunity maintains a lower prevalence of infection than natural infection alone and provides greater resilience against the effects of transmissible variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Mullin
- Yale Center for Medical Informatics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Brent Vander Wyk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Jennifer L Asher
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Susan R Compton
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Heather G Allore
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Caroline J Zeiss
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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30
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Mullin S, Wyk BV, Asher JL, Compton SR, Allore HG, Zeiss CJ. Modeling pandemic to endemic patterns of SARS-CoV-2 transmission using parameters estimated from animal model data. PNAS NEXUS 2022; 1:pgac096. [PMID: 35799833 PMCID: PMC9254158 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgac096;] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The contours of endemic coronaviral disease in humans and other animals are shaped by the tendency of coronaviruses to generate new variants superimposed upon nonsterilizing immunity. Consequently, patterns of coronaviral reinfection in animals can inform the emerging endemic state of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. We generated controlled reinfection data after high and low risk natural exposure or heterologous vaccination to sialodacryoadenitis virus (SDAV) in rats. Using deterministic compartmental models, we utilized in vivo estimates from these experiments to model the combined effects of variable transmission rates, variable duration of immunity, successive waves of variants, and vaccination on patterns of viral transmission. Using rat experiment-derived estimates, an endemic state achieved by natural infection alone occurred after a median of 724 days with approximately 41.3% of the population susceptible to reinfection. After accounting for translationally altered parameters between rat-derived data and human SARS-CoV-2 transmission, and after introducing vaccination, we arrived at a median time to endemic stability of 1437 (IQR = 749.25) days with a median 15.4% of the population remaining susceptible. We extended the models to introduce successive variants with increasing transmissibility and included the effect of varying duration of immunity. As seen with endemic coronaviral infections in other animals, transmission states are altered by introduction of new variants, even with vaccination. However, vaccination combined with natural immunity maintains a lower prevalence of infection than natural infection alone and provides greater resilience against the effects of transmissible variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Mullin
- Yale Center for Medical Informatics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Brent Vander Wyk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Jennifer L Asher
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Susan R Compton
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Heather G Allore
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA,Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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Guérin P, Yahi N, Azzaz F, Chahinian H, Sabatier JM, Fantini J. Structural Dynamics of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein: A 2-Year Retrospective Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Variants (from Alpha to Omicron) Reveals an Early Divergence between Conserved and Variable Epitopes. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27123851. [PMID: 35744971 PMCID: PMC9230616 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27123851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
We analyzed the epitope evolution of the spike protein in 1,860,489 SARS-CoV-2 genomes. The structural dynamics of these epitopes was determined by molecular modeling approaches. The D614G mutation, selected in the first months of the pandemic, is still present in currently circulating SARS-CoV-2 strains. This mutation facilitates the conformational change leading to the demasking of the ACE2 binding domain. D614G also abrogated the binding of facilitating antibodies to a linear epitope common to SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2. The main neutralizing epitope of the N-terminal domain (NTD) of the spike protein showed extensive structural variability in SARS-CoV-2 variants, especially Delta and Omicron. This epitope is located on the flat surface of the NTD, a large electropositive area which binds to electronegatively charged lipid rafts of host cells. A facilitating epitope located on the lower part of the NTD appeared to be highly conserved among most SARS-CoV-2 variants, which may represent a risk of antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE). Overall, this retrospective analysis revealed an early divergence between conserved (facilitating) and variable (neutralizing) epitopes of the spike protein. These data aid in the designing of new antiviral strategies that could help to control COVID-19 infection by mimicking neutralizing antibodies or by blocking facilitating antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nouara Yahi
- INSERM UMR_S 1072, Aix-Marseille University, CEDEX, 13015 Marseille, France; (N.Y.); (F.A.); (H.C.)
| | - Fodil Azzaz
- INSERM UMR_S 1072, Aix-Marseille University, CEDEX, 13015 Marseille, France; (N.Y.); (F.A.); (H.C.)
| | - Henri Chahinian
- INSERM UMR_S 1072, Aix-Marseille University, CEDEX, 13015 Marseille, France; (N.Y.); (F.A.); (H.C.)
| | - Jean-Marc Sabatier
- Inst Neurophysiopathol, Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INP, CEDEX, 13005 Marseille, France;
| | - Jacques Fantini
- INSERM UMR_S 1072, Aix-Marseille University, CEDEX, 13015 Marseille, France; (N.Y.); (F.A.); (H.C.)
- Correspondence:
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32
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Ge Y, Zhang WB, Wu X, Ruktanonchai CW, Liu H, Wang J, Song Y, Liu M, Yan W, Yang J, Cleary E, Qader SH, Atuhaire F, Ruktanonchai NW, Tatem AJ, Lai S. Untangling the changing impact of non-pharmaceutical interventions and vaccination on European COVID-19 trajectories. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3106. [PMID: 35661759 PMCID: PMC9166696 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30897-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) and vaccination are two fundamental approaches for mitigating the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, the real-world impact of NPIs versus vaccination, or a combination of both, on COVID-19 remains uncertain. To address this, we built a Bayesian inference model to assess the changing effect of NPIs and vaccination on reducing COVID-19 transmission, based on a large-scale dataset including epidemiological parameters, virus variants, vaccines, and climate factors in Europe from August 2020 to October 2021. We found that (1) the combined effect of NPIs and vaccination resulted in a 53% (95% confidence interval: 42–62%) reduction in reproduction number by October 2021, whereas NPIs and vaccination reduced the transmission by 35% and 38%, respectively; (2) compared with vaccination, the change of NPI effect was less sensitive to emerging variants; (3) the relative effect of NPIs declined 12% from May 2021 due to a lower stringency and the introduction of vaccination strategies. Our results demonstrate that NPIs were complementary to vaccination in an effort to reduce COVID-19 transmission, and the relaxation of NPIs might depend on vaccination rates, control targets, and vaccine effectiveness concerning extant and emerging variants. Non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) and COVID-19 vaccination have been implemented concurrently, making their relative effects difficult to measure. Here, the authors show that effects of NPIs reduced as vaccine coverage increased, but that NPIs could still be important in the context of more transmissible variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Information System, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China. .,College of Resources and Environment, University of Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Wen-Bin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Information System, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,College of Resources and Environment, University of Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Lancaster Environment Center, Faculty of Science and Technology, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Xilin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Information System, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,College of Resources and Environment, University of Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | | | - Haiyan Liu
- Marine Data Center, South Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Zhuhai), Zhuhai, China
| | - Jianghao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Information System, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,College of Resources and Environment, University of Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yongze Song
- School of Design and the Built Environment, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Mengxiao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Resources and Environmental Information System, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,College of Resources and Environment, University of Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Yan
- Respiratory Medicine Department, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Yang
- School of Public Health, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Eimear Cleary
- WorldPop, School of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Sarchil H Qader
- WorldPop, School of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.,Natural Resources Department, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, University of Sulaimani; Sulaimani 334, Kurdistan Region, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq
| | - Fatumah Atuhaire
- WorldPop, School of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.,School of Mathematical Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | | | - Andrew J Tatem
- WorldPop, School of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
| | - Shengjie Lai
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Fudan University, Shanghai, China. .,WorldPop, School of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK. .,Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
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33
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Seneff S, Nigh G, Kyriakopoulos AM, McCullough PA. Innate immune suppression by SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccinations: The role of G-quadruplexes, exosomes, and MicroRNAs. Food Chem Toxicol 2022; 164:113008. [PMID: 35436552 PMCID: PMC9012513 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2022.113008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccines were brought to market in response to the public health crises of Covid-19. The utilization of mRNA vaccines in the context of infectious disease has no precedent. The many alterations in the vaccine mRNA hide the mRNA from cellular defenses and promote a longer biological half-life and high production of spike protein. However, the immune response to the vaccine is very different from that to a SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this paper, we present evidence that vaccination induces a profound impairment in type I interferon signaling, which has diverse adverse consequences to human health. Immune cells that have taken up the vaccine nanoparticles release into circulation large numbers of exosomes containing spike protein along with critical microRNAs that induce a signaling response in recipient cells at distant sites. We also identify potential profound disturbances in regulatory control of protein synthesis and cancer surveillance. These disturbances potentially have a causal link to neurodegenerative disease, myocarditis, immune thrombocytopenia, Bell's palsy, liver disease, impaired adaptive immunity, impaired DNA damage response and tumorigenesis. We show evidence from the VAERS database supporting our hypothesis. We believe a comprehensive risk/benefit assessment of the mRNA vaccines questions them as positive contributors to public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Seneff
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA, 02139.
| | - Greg Nigh
- Immersion Health, Portland, OR, 97214, USA.
| | - Anthony M Kyriakopoulos
- Research and Development, Nasco AD Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Research and Development, Sachtouri 11, 18536, Piraeus, Greece.
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Schildgen V, Lüsebrink J, Schildgen O. Symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough with delta variant after 3rd mRNA vaccine shot (booster). New Microbes New Infect 2022; 47:100987. [PMID: 35664836 PMCID: PMC9135481 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2022.100987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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Vaccination Is Reasonably Effective in Limiting the Spread of COVID-19 Infections, Hospitalizations and Deaths with COVID-19. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10050678. [PMID: 35632434 PMCID: PMC9143604 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10050678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper uses large cross-country data for 110 countries to examine the effectiveness of COVID vaccination coverage during the delta variant outbreak. Our results confirm that vaccines are reasonably effective in both limiting the spread of infections and containing more severe disease progression in symptomatic patients. First, the results show that full vaccination rate is consistently negatively correlated with the number of new COVID cases, whereby a 10 percent increase in vaccination rate is associated with a 1.3 to 1.7 percent decrease in new COVID cases. Second, the magnitude of vaccination is shown to contribute significantly to moderating severe disease progression. On average, a 10 percent increase in the rate of vaccination leads to a reduction of about 5 percent in the number of new hospitalizations, 12 percent decrease in the number of new intensive care patients and 2 percent reduction in the number of new deaths. Finally, by comparing the data for the same period between 2020 and 2021, we also check how well vaccination performs as a substitute for lockdowns or other stringent government protection measures. Results suggest that vaccination appears to be an effective substitute for more stringent government safety measures to contain the spread of COVID infections only at a sufficiently high vaccination coverage threshold (more than 70 percent). On the other hand, vaccination is shown to be quite effective in limiting the more severe course of the disease in symptomatic patients already at moderate vaccination coverage (between 40 and 70 percent). This suggests that vaccination can also help to reduce pressure on the health system and thus benefit the overall public health of society. On the other hand, the efficient rollout of vaccines could explain the favourable economic performance in the second half of 2021 despite the severe outbreak of the delta variant.
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36
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Blasche G, Ekmekcioglu C, Schernhammer E. Vaccination Rates Are Associated With COVID-19 Incidence in Austria. DEUTSCHES ARZTEBLATT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 119:214-215. [PMID: 35707835 PMCID: PMC9277127 DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.m2022.0132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Gerhard Blasche
- Department of Environmental Health, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Cem Ekmekcioglu
- Department of Environmental Health, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Eva Schernhammer
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, USA
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37
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Au J. Higher vaccination rates predict reduction in SARS-CoV-2 transmission across the United States. Infection 2022; 50:1255-1266. [PMID: 35314944 PMCID: PMC8938221 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-022-01802-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Purpose The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) began proliferating widely throughout the world in late 2019/early 2020, creating a global pandemic and health crisis. Although vaccines became available to the public approximately 1 year after the onset of the pandemic, there still remains much hesitancy surrounding vaccination. One key concern comes from reports of breakthrough infections among the vaccinated that show comparable levels of peak viral load as the unvaccinated, calling into question the ability of vaccines to prevent transmission. Therefore young, healthy individuals who are at low risk of serious complications themselves have little incentive to receive a vaccine that they are not convinced will protect others around them. To address this important concern, this study aimed to evaluate the extent to which vaccination rates are associated with reduced SARS-CoV-2 transmission among the unvaccinated population. Methods An observational study was conducted in the United States of America throughout the months of June through September, 2021. Vaccination rate and incidence of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were obtained for each state, along with a number of important control variables. Panel data regression was used to predict incidence among the unvaccinated based on each state’s vaccination rate. Results States with a higher proportion of fully vaccinated individuals reported fewer new cases among the remaining unvaccinated population. Conclusion These data add to accumulating evidence that COVID-19 vaccinations can indeed slow the spread of SARS-CoV-2, and are an important tool in society’s arsenal to put this pandemic behind us. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s15010-022-01802-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacky Au
- School of Education, University of California, Irvine, 3200 Education Building, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
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38
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Aikawa NE, Kupa LDVK, Medeiros-Ribeiro AC, Saad CGS, Yuki EFN, Pasoto SG, Rojo PT, Pereira RMR, Shinjo SK, Sampaio-Barros PD, Andrade DCO, Halpern ASR, Fuller R, Souza FHC, Guedes LKN, Assad APL, Moraes JCBD, Lopes MRU, Martins VADO, Betancourt L, Ribeiro CT, Sales LP, Bertoglio IM, Bonoldi VLN, Mello RLP, Balbi GGM, Sartori AMC, Antonangelo L, Silva CA, Bonfa E. Increment of immunogenicity after third dose of a homologous inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine in a large population of patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Ann Rheum Dis 2022; 81:1036-1043. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-222096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
ObjectiveTo determine the immunogenicity of the third dose of CoronaVac vaccine in a large population of patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARD) and the factors associated with impaired response.MethodsAdult patients with ARD and age-balanced/sex-balanced controls (control group, CG) previously vaccinated with two doses of CoronaVac received the third dose at D210 (6 months after the second dose). The presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 S1/S2 IgG and neutralising antibodies (NAb) was evaluated previously to vaccination (D210) and 30 days later (D240). Patients with controlled disease suspended mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) for 7 days or methotrexate (MTX) for 2 weekly doses after vaccination.ResultsARD (n=597) and CG (n=199) had comparable age (p=0.943). Anti-S1/S2 IgG seropositivity rates significantly increased from D210 (60%) to D240 (93%) (p<0.0001) in patients with ARD. NAb positivity also increased: 38% (D210) vs 81.4% (D240) (p<0.0001). The same pattern was observed for CG, with significantly higher frequencies for both parameters at D240 (p<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analyses in the ARD group revealed that older age (OR=0.98, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.0, p=0.024), vasculitis diagnosis (OR=0.24, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.53, p<0.001), prednisone ≥5 mg/day (OR=0.46, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.77, p=0.003), MMF (OR=0.30, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.61, p<0.001) and biologics (OR=0.27, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.46, p<0.001) were associated with reduced anti-S1/S2 IgG positivity. Similar analyses demonstrated that prednisone ≥5 mg/day (OR=0.63, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.90, p=0.011), abatacept (OR=0.39, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.74, p=0.004), belimumab (OR=0.29, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.67, p=0.004) and rituximab (OR=0.11, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.30, p<0.001) were negatively associated with NAb positivity. Further evaluation of COVID-19 seronegative ARD at D210 demonstrated prominent increases in positivity rates at D240 for anti-S1/S2 IgG (80.5%) and NAb (59.1%) (p<0.0001).ConclusionsWe provide novel data on a robust response to the third dose of CoronaVac in patients with ARD, even in those with prevaccination COVID-19 seronegative status. Drugs implicated in reducing immunogenicity after the regular two-dose regimen were associated with non-responsiveness after the third dose, except for MTX.Trial registration numberNCT04754698.
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Denys GA, Burningham K, Dyba J, Allen RC, Stephens JT. Myeloperoxidase-mediated solution demonstrates rapid virucidal properties against the delta variant of SARS-CoV-2. J Hosp Infect 2022; 123:189-190. [PMID: 35218796 PMCID: PMC8864890 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2022.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- G A Denys
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.
| | - K Burningham
- Bioscience Laboratories, LLC, Bozeman, Montana, USA
| | - J Dyba
- Bioscience Laboratories, LLC, Bozeman, Montana, USA
| | - R C Allen
- Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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40
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Yet Kwong Horman J, Petrash N, Kraschnewski J, Patel P. Ascending Aortic Thrombus After SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Cureus 2022; 14:e22496. [PMID: 35371695 PMCID: PMC8944936 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.22496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
A 46-year-old male with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection one month ago presented to the hospital due to acute onset left flank pain. He was found to have an acute left renal embolic infarction from a large 15mm ascending aortic thrombus, which may have formed due to a transient hypercoagulable state from his recent SARS-CoV-2 infection along with tobacco use. He was medically managed with anticoagulation for six months. Subsequent imaging after three months of therapeutic anticoagulation showed complete resolution of the ascending aortic thrombus.
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Umlauf J, Heller AR. [Proportion of vaccinated people in the population and COVID-19 cases-Limitations and misleading conclusions]. Anaesthesist 2022; 71:318-320. [PMID: 35179610 PMCID: PMC8855745 DOI: 10.1007/s00101-022-01099-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Julian Umlauf
- Klinik für Anästhesiologie und Intensivmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Augsburg, Stenglinstr. 2, 86156, Augsburg, Deutschland.
| | - Axel Rüdiger Heller
- Klinik für Anästhesiologie und Intensivmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Augsburg, Stenglinstr. 2, 86156, Augsburg, Deutschland
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Re: Subramanian and Kumar. Vaccination rates and COVID-19 cases. Eur J Epidemiol 2021; 36:1241-1242. [PMID: 34951672 PMCID: PMC8703205 DOI: 10.1007/s10654-021-00816-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
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Coleman T, Sarian A, Grad S. Re: Subramanian and Kumar. Vaccination rates and COVID-19 cases. Eur J Epidemiol 2021; 36:1245-1246. [PMID: 34951675 PMCID: PMC8703207 DOI: 10.1007/s10654-021-00821-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Todd Coleman
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Alik Sarian
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephanie Grad
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
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Björk J, Modig K, Kahn F, Ahlbom A. Revival of ecological studies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eur J Epidemiol 2021; 36:1225-1229. [PMID: 34951671 PMCID: PMC8703212 DOI: 10.1007/s10654-021-00830-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Björk
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Clinical Studies Sweden, Forum South, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Karin Modig
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Unit of Epidemiology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Kahn
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Section for Infection Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Anders Ahlbom
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Unit of Epidemiology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. .,Center for Work and Environmental Medicine, Stockholm Region, Stockholm, Sweden.
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46
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Re: Subramanian and Kumar. Vaccination rates and COVID-19 cases. Eur J Epidemiol 2021; 36:1243-1244. [PMID: 34951674 PMCID: PMC8703206 DOI: 10.1007/s10654-021-00817-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
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Gaweł A, Mańdziuk M, Żmudziński M, Gosek M, Krawczyk-Suszek M, Pisarski M, Adamski A, Cyganik W. Effects of Pope Francis' Religious Authority and Media Coverage on Twitter User's Attitudes toward COVID-19 Vaccination. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:1487. [PMID: 34960233 PMCID: PMC8707322 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9121487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper is interdisciplinary and combines the research perspective of medical studies with that of media and social communication studies and theological studies. The main goal of this article is to determine [from arguments on all sides of the issue] whether, and to what extent, statements issued by a religious authority can be used as an argument in the COVID-19 vaccination campaign. The authors also want to find answers to the questions of how the pope's comments affect public opinion when they concern the sphere of secular and everyday life, including issues related to health care. The main method used in this study is desktop research and the analysis of the Roman Catholic Church's teaching on vaccination and on the types and significance of the pope's statements on various topics. The auxiliary methods are sentiment analysis and network analysis made in the open source software Gephi. The authors are strongly interested in the communication and media aspect of the analyzed situation. Pope Francis' voice on the COVID-19 vaccination has certainly been noticed and registered worldwide, but the effectiveness of his message and direct impact on Catholics' decisions to accept or refuse the COVID-19 vaccination is quite questionable and would require further precise research. Comparing this to the regularities known from political marketing, one would think that the pope's statement would not convince the firm opponents of vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arkadiusz Gaweł
- College of Applied Informatics, University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszow, 2 Sucharskiego Str., 35-225 Rzeszow, Poland;
| | - Marzena Mańdziuk
- Medical College, University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszow, 2 Sucharskiego Str., 35-225 Rzeszow, Poland; (M.M.); (M.K.-S.); (W.C.)
| | - Marek Żmudziński
- Faculty of Theology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, ul. Oczapowskiego 2, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland;
| | - Małgorzata Gosek
- Institute for Education Analysis, College of Media and Social Communication, University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszow, 2 Sucharskiego Str., 35-225 Rzeszow, Poland;
| | - Marlena Krawczyk-Suszek
- Medical College, University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszow, 2 Sucharskiego Str., 35-225 Rzeszow, Poland; (M.M.); (M.K.-S.); (W.C.)
| | - Mariusz Pisarski
- College of Media and Social Communication, University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszow, ul. Sucharskiego 2, 35-225 Rzeszow, Poland;
| | - Andrzej Adamski
- College of Media and Social Communication, University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszow, ul. Sucharskiego 2, 35-225 Rzeszow, Poland;
| | - Weronika Cyganik
- Medical College, University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszow, 2 Sucharskiego Str., 35-225 Rzeszow, Poland; (M.M.); (M.K.-S.); (W.C.)
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Blaylock RL. Covid-19 pandemic: What is the truth? Surg Neurol Int 2021; 12:591. [PMID: 34992908 PMCID: PMC8720447 DOI: 10.25259/sni_1008_2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The ongoing “pandemic” involving the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus (SARS-CoV-2) has several characteristics that make it unique in the history of pandemics. This entails not only the draconian measures that some countries and individual states within the United States and initiated and made policy, most of which are without precedent or scientific support, but also the completely unscientific way the infection has been handled. For the 1st time in medical history, major experts in virology, epidemiology, infectious diseases, and vaccinology have not only been ignored, but are also demonized, marginalized and in some instances, become the victim of legal measures that can only be characterized as totalitarian. Discussions involving various scientific opinions have been eliminated, top scientists have been frightened into silence by threats to their careers, physicians have lost their licenses, and the concept of early treatment has been virtually eliminated. Hundreds of thousands of people have died needlessly as a result of, in my opinion and the opinion of others, poorly designed treatment protocols, mostly stemming from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, which have been rigidly enforced among all hospitals. The economic, psychological, and institutional damage caused by these unscientific policies is virtually unmeasurable. Whole generations of young people will suffer irreparable damage, both physical and psychological, possibly forever. The truth must be told.
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Subramanian SV, Kumar A. The Authors' Reply: Need for a multi-pronged population-level strategy to manage SARS-CoV-2 infection. Eur J Epidemiol 2021; 36:1247-1251. [PMID: 34951673 PMCID: PMC8703208 DOI: 10.1007/s10654-021-00827-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S V Subramanian
- Harvard Center for Population and Development Studies, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Center for Geographic Analysis, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Social and Behavioral Science, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Akhil Kumar
- Center for Geographic Analysis, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
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Kampf G. The epidemiological relevance of the COVID-19-vaccinated population is increasing. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. EUROPE 2021; 11:100272. [PMID: 34841383 PMCID: PMC8604656 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2021.100272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Günter Kampf
- University Medicine Greifswald, Institute for Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Greifswald, Germany
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