SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 in older adults: what we may expect regarding pathogenesis, immune responses, and outcomes

Analysis of COPD: Distinguishing Characteristics and Management of Smoking vs Never Smoking Patients

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a significant public health issue characterized by gradually worsening airflow limitation. It is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide, yet research on COPD patients who have never smoked is limited. This study aims to document the demographic, symptomatic, and therapeutic characteristics of COPD patients receiving outpatient pulmonary care in Hungary, focusing on smoking history, and evaluate their distribution according to the GOLD A/B/E classification.

Methods

The study recorded demographic data, symptom severity, occurrence of severe and moderate exacerbations, treatment, comorbidities, quality of life, and COVID-19 vaccination status among COPD patients from November 2021 to January 2023. A total of 6974 patients were categorized into current smokers, former smokers, and never smokers.

Results

Patients had an average age of 67.2±8.9 years, with 48.2% male and 51.8% female. Of participants, 86.1% had a smoking history, while 13.9% had never smoked. COPD patients who had never smoked showed significantly better quality of life (CAT: 15.2±7.6 vs 15.8±6.9; p=0.006), oxygen saturation (SpO2%: 96.7±2.3 vs 95.8±2.4; p<0.001), higher body mass index (BMI: 29.4±5.9 vs 27.1±6.3; p<0.001), and better lung function (FEV1ref%: 67.9±20.7 vs 58.9±18.1; p<0.001) compared to smokers. However, non-smoking COPD patients had a higher frequency of comorbidities (3.5±2.2 vs 2.9±2.1; p<0.05). These differences may arise from complex genetic and environmental interactions.

Conclusion

COPD patients who have never smoked exhibited better quality of life, nutritional status, and lung function compared to smokers, indicating the need for tailored treatment approaches. Further long-term studies are essential to validate these differences in quality of life and lung function between smoking and non-smoking COPD patients.

Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (Long COVID) in older adults

Long COVID, also known as PASC (post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2), is a complex infection-associated chronic condition affecting tens of millions of people worldwide. Many aspects of this condition are incompletely understood. Among them is how this condition may manifest itself in older adults and how it might impact the older population. Here, we briefly review the current understanding of PASC in the adult population and examine what is known on its features with aging. Finally, we outline the major gaps and areas for research most germane to older adults.

Identifying T-cell clubs by embracing the local harmony between TCR and gene expressions

T cell receptors (TCR) and gene expression provide two complementary and essential aspects in T cell understanding, yet their diversity presents challenges in integrative analysis. We introduce TCRclub, a novel method integrating single-cell RNA sequencing data and single-cell TCR sequencing data using local harmony to identify functionally similar T cell groups, termed 'clubs'. We applied TCRclub to 298,106 T cells across seven datasets encompassing various diseases. First, TCRclub outperforms the state-of-the-art methods in clustering T cells on a dataset with over 400 verified peptide-major histocompatibility complex categories. Second, TCRclub reveals a transition from activated to exhausted T cells in cholangiocarcinoma patients. Third, TCRclub discovered the pathways that could intervene in response to anti-PD-1 therapy for patients with basal cell carcinoma by analyzing the pre-treatment and post-treatment samples. Furthermore, TCRclub unveiled different T-cell responses and gene patterns at different severity levels in patients with COVID-19. Hence, TCRclub aids in developing more effective immunotherapeutic strategies for cancer and infectious diseases.

Immune Alterations with Aging: Mechanisms and Intervention Strategies

Aging is the result of a complex interplay of physical, environmental, and social factors, leading to an increased prevalence of chronic age-related diseases that burden health and social care systems. As the global population ages, it is crucial to understand the aged immune system, which undergoes declines in both innate and adaptive immunity. This immune decline exacerbates the aging process, creating a feedback loop that accelerates the onset of diseases, including infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, and cancer. Intervention strategies, including dietary adjustments, pharmacological treatments, and immunomodulatory therapies, represent promising approaches to counteract immunosenescence. These interventions aim to enhance immune function by improving the activity and interactions of aging-affected immune cells, or by modulating inflammatory responses through the suppression of excessive cytokine secretion and inflammatory pathway activation. Such strategies have the potential to restore immune homeostasis and mitigate age-related inflammation, thus reducing the risk of chronic diseases linked to aging. In summary, this review provides insights into the effects and underlying mechanisms of immunosenescence, as well as its potential interventions, with particular emphasis on the relationship between aging, immunity, and nutritional factors.

Novel biomarkers of mitochondrial dysfunction in Long COVID patients

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can lead to severe acute respiratory syndrome, and while most individuals recover within weeks, approximately 30-40% experience persistent symptoms collectively known as Long COVID, post-COVID-19 syndrome, or post-acute sequelae of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection (PASC). These enduring symptoms, including fatigue, respiratory difficulties, body pain, short-term memory loss, concentration issues, and sleep disturbances, can persist for months. According to recent studies, SARS-CoV-2 infection causes prolonged disruptions in mitochondrial function, significantly altering cellular energy metabolism. Our research employed transmission electron microscopy to reveal distinct mitochondrial structural abnormalities in Long COVID patients, notably including significant swelling, disrupted cristae, and an overall irregular morphology, which collectively indicates severe mitochondrial distress. We noted increased levels of superoxide dismutase 1 which signals oxidative stress and elevated autophagy-related 4B cysteine peptidase levels, indicating disruptions in mitophagy. Importantly, our analysis also identified reduced levels of circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA (ccf-mtDNA) in these patients, serving as a novel biomarker for the condition. These findings underscore the crucial role of persistent mitochondrial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of Long COVID. Further exploration of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying post-viral mitochondrial dysfunction is critical, particularly to understand the roles of autoimmune reactions and the reactivation of latent viruses in perpetuating these conditions. This comprehensive understanding could pave the way for targeted therapeutic interventions designed to alleviate the chronic impacts of Long COVID. By utilizing circulating ccf-mtDNA and other novel mitochondrial biomarkers, we can enhance our diagnostic capabilities and improve the management of this complex syndrome.

Prediction of the risk of mortality in older patients with coronavirus disease 2019 using blood markers and machine learning

Introduction

The mortality rate among older people infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is alarmingly high. This study aimed to explore the predictive value of a novel model for assessing the risk of death in this vulnerable cohort.

Methods

We enrolled 199 older patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) from Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine (Hubin) between 16 December 2022 and 17 January 2023. Additionally, 90 patients from two other centers (Qiantang and Xixi) formed an external independent testing cohort. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify the risk factors for mortality. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis was used to select variables associated with COVID-19 mortality. Nine machine-learning algorithms were used to predict mortality risk in older patients, and their performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curves, area under the curve (AUC), calibration curve analysis, and decision curve analysis.

Results

Neutrophil-monocyte ratio, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, C- reactive protein, interleukin 6, and D-dimer were considered to be relevant factors associated with the death risk of COVID-19-related death by LASSO regression. The Gaussian naive Bayes model was the best-performing model. In the validation cohort, the model had an AUC of 0.901, whereas in the testing cohort, the model had an AUC of 0.952. The calibration curve showed a good correlation between the actual and predicted probabilities, and the decision curve indicated a strong clinical benefit. Furthermore, the model had an AUC of 0.873 in an external independent testing cohort.

Discussion

In this study, a predictive machine-learning model was developed with an online prediction tool designed to assist clinicians in evaluating mortality risk factors and devising targeted and effective treatments for older patients with COVID-19, potentially reducing the mortality rates.

Radiological changes in the thymus in patients who have had COVID-19 and in vaccinated persons who have not had COVID-19: a CT study

BACKGROUND

There are very few and limited studies on the role of the thymus in COVID-19 infection. It is known that thymus morphology changes in individuals vaccinated against COVID-19 although they do not have active infection.

OBJECTIVE

Our study aims to evaluate these differences in detail.

METHODS

This research was conducted in a total of 141 people, 75 women and 66 men. The research consisted of three groups: unvaccinated persons who have had the disease (n = 49), vaccinated persons who have not had the disease (n = 37), and unvaccinated persons who have not had the disease (control group, n = 55). In the study, the thymus volume, structure, and fat content were investigated and the differences between groups were evaluated.

RESULTS

Thymus volume was greatest (0.43 ± 0.11) in the vaccinated group that had not had the disease and smallest (0.15 ± 0.07) in the unvaccinated group that had had the disease, and a significant difference was found between the groups. Thymus steatosis was seen mostly in the unvaccinated group that had had the disease (72%; p = 0.04). The diffuse nodular pattern was only present in the diseased group.

CONCLUSION

This research is the first study in the literature to date on the effect of COVID-19 and vaccines on the thymus. In addition to the acute consequences of the virus, the possibility of negative symptoms after COVID-19 should also be kept in mind, especially in unvaccinated people. Further studies are needed to confirm the results reported herein.

Antibody levels versus vaccination status in the outcome of older adults with COVID-19

BACKGROUNDDespite the currently prevailing, milder Omicron variant of COVID-19, older adults remain at elevated risk of hospital admission, critical illness, and death. Loss of efficacy of the immune system, including reduced strength, quality, and durability of antibody responses, may render generalized recommendations on booster vaccinations inadequate. There is a lack of data on the efficacy of antibody levels in older adults and on the utility of vaccination status versus antibody levels as a correlate of protection. It is further unclear whether antibody levels may be used to guide the timing of booster vaccinations in older adults.METHODSWe conducted a prospective multicenter cohort study comprising hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike antibodies were measured on hospital admission. The primary endpoint was in-hospital mortality. Patients were stratified by age, antibody levels, and vaccination status. Multiple logistic regression and Cox regression analyses were conducted.RESULTSIn total, 785 older patients (≥60 years of age [a]) and 367 controls (<60a) were included. After adjusting for confounders, risk of mortality, ICU admission, endotracheal intubation, and oxygen administration was 4.9, 2.6, 6.5, and 2.3 times higher, respectively, if antibody levels were < 1,200 BAU/mL (aOR, 4.92 [95%CI, 2.59-9.34], P < 0.0001; aOR, 2.64 [95%CI, 1.52-4.62], P = 0.0006; aOR, 6.50 [95%CI, 1.48-28.47], P = 0.013; aOR, 2.34 [95%CI, 1.60-3.343], P < 0.0001). Older adults infected with the Omicron variant were approximately 6 times more likely to die if antibody levels were < 1,200 BAU/mL (aOR, 6.3 [95% CI, 2.43-16.40], P = 0.0002).CONCLUSIONAntibody levels were a stronger predictor of in-hospital mortality than vaccination status. Monitoring antibody levels may constitute a better and more direct approach for safeguarding older adults from adverse COVID-19 outcomes.

Creating respiratory pathogen-free environments in healthcare and nursing-care settings: a comprehensive review

Hospital- and nursing-care-acquired infections are a growing problem worldwide, especially during epidemics, posing a significant threat to older adults in geriatric settings. Intense research during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the prominent role of aerosol transmission of pathogens. Aerosol particles can easily adsorb different airborne pathogens, carrying them for a long time. Understanding the dynamics of airborne pathogen transmission is essential for controlling the spread of many well-known pathogens, like the influenza virus, and emerging ones like SARS-CoV-2. Particles smaller than 50 to 100 µm remain airborne and significantly contribute to pathogen transmission. This review explores the journey of pathogen-carrying particles from formation in the airways, through airborne travel, to deposition in the lungs. The physicochemical properties of emitted particles depend on health status and emission modes, such as breathing, speaking, singing, coughing, sneezing, playing wind instruments, and medical interventions. After emission, sedimentation and evaporation primarily determine particle fate. Lung deposition of inhaled aerosol particles can be studied through in vivo, in vitro, or in silico methods. We discuss several numerical lung models, such as the Human Respiratory Tract Model, the LUng Dose Evaluation Program software (LUDEP), the Stochastic Lung Model, and the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) techniques, and real-time or post-evaluation methods for detecting and characterizing these particles. Various air purification methods, particularly filtration, are reviewed for their effectiveness in healthcare settings. In the discussion, we analyze how this knowledge can help create environments with reduced PM2.5 and pathogen levels, enhancing safety in healthcare and nursing-care settings. This is particularly crucial for protecting older adults, who are more vulnerable to infections due to weaker immune systems and the higher prevalence of chronic conditions. By implementing effective airborne pathogen control measures, we can significantly improve health outcomes in geriatric settings.

Differences in SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence at the end of the pre-vaccination period between age groups: A cross-sectional analysis of the multi-ethnic population-based HELIUS study

BACKGROUND

During the first waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence (seroprevalence) was lower in older compared to younger adults. We studied age group differences in SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence, across ethnic groups, and assessed the explanatory value of factors that increase the exposure to the virus, and factors related to susceptibility, given the level of exposure.

METHODS

We analysed cross-sectional data from 2,064 participants from the multi-ethnic HELIUS study (Amsterdam, The Netherlands). SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence at the second wave of infections was compared between age groups (<40, 40-54, and ≥55 years), within ethnic groups, using Poisson regression with robust standard errors. To determine whether age group differences were explained by differences in exposure and in susceptibility, we sequentially adjusted for exposure (job setting, occupation level, health literacy, household size, household member with suspected infection), education level, and susceptibility (vitamin D intake, BMI, systolic blood pressure, haemoglobin level, number of comorbidities).

RESULTS

SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence did not statistically differ across age groups (p>0.05), but age patterns varied across ethnic groups. Age group differences in SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence were most pronounced in the Dutch majority group, with the highest prevalence ratio in the youngest group (2.55, 95%CI 0.93-6.97) and the lowest in the oldest group (0.53, 95%CI 0.16-1.74), compared to the middle-aged group. In ethnic minority groups, age group differences were smaller. In all groups, patterns did not substantially change after adjustments for exposure and susceptibility variables.

CONCLUSION

We found no evidence of age group differences in SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence, particularly for ethnic minority groups, even when accounting for exposure and susceptibility. While early prevention strategies particularly aimed at protecting older adults against SARS-CoV-2 infections, seroprevalence was similar across age groups in ethnic minority groups. Thus, older adults in ethnic minority groups may pose a target group for additional prevention strategies for future infectious disease outbreaks.

Retrospective analysis of risk factors associated with mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients

Background

Older age and comorbidities are associated with adverse outcomes in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); however, comprehensive identification of mortality risk factors can further guide disease management. We aimed to analyze predictors of in-hospital mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 400 COVID-19 patients admitted between March and December 2020. Demographics, vital signs, medical history, presenting symptoms, laboratory findings, treatments, and outcomes were extracted from the patient's electronic medical records. Patients were stratified into survivor (n = 300) and nonsurvivor (n = 100) groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to analyze associations between variables and mortality.

Results

Nonsurvivors were older (mean age 65 vs 45 years) and had more hypertension (60% vs 33%), diabetes (40% vs 20%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (20% vs 5%), and chronic kidney disease (15% vs 3%). Shorter symptom onset to admission (7 vs 4 days), lower oxygen saturation (92% vs 96%), lymphopenia, and elevated inflammatory and coagulation markers were also associated with mortality (all P < 0.001). Mechanical ventilation (60% vs 3%) and therapeutic anticoagulation were more common in nonsurvivors (all P < 0.001). Age over 75 years (adjusted odds ratio 5.2), chronic medical conditions, elevated D-dimer, and mechanical ventilation had the strongest independent associations with mortality (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Older age, comorbidities such as chronic pulmonary and renal disease, disease severity parameters such as dysregulated inflammatory and coagulation markers, and the need for aggressive interventions predict increased mortality risk in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

Clinical characteristics and predictors of complications and mortality in hospitalized octogenarian patients with COVID-19: an ambispective study

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to describe the clinical presentation of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients aged 80 or above and to identify predictors for death and complications throughout the epidemic waves of the disease.

METHODS

This was an observational, multicenter, ambispective study conducted between March 2020 and August 2021 using data collected in five centers from southern metropolitan area of Barcelona (COVID-MetroSud cohort). Patients were grouped based on the pandemic waves of inclusion in the registry. We conducted a descriptive analysis, followed by bivariate and multivariate analyses (binary logistic regression) to identify predictors of risk for death or complications.

RESULTS

A total of 1192 patients (mean [SD] age 85.7 [4.22] years and 46.8% female) were included. The most frequently reported symptoms in all waves were fever (63.1%), cough (56.5%), dyspnea (48.2%), and asthenia (27.5%). Laboratory and radiological findings consistently showed abnormal bilateral chest X-ray results (72.5% of patients) and elevated inflammatory markers such as lactate dehydrogenase (mean [SD] 335 [188] U/L), C-reactive protein (CRP) (mean [SD] 110 [88.4] U/L), and ferritin (mean [SD] 842 [1561] U/L). Acute respiratory distress syndrome (43.7%), renal failure (19.2%), and delirium (17.5%) were the most frequent complications. The overall mortality rate was 41.4% and declined across the epidemic waves. Age, diabetes mellitus, heart failure, dyspnea, and higher baseline levels of creatinine were identified as risk factors for complications, while a higher Barthel index and presence of cough were found to be protective. Age, dyspnea, abnormal bilateral chest X-ray, CRP, and sodium were identified as risk factors for death.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates the clinical presentation of COVID-19 (fever, cough, dyspnea, and asthenia) and the different risk factors for mortality and complications in octogenarian hospitalized patients throughout the pandemic. These findings could be highly valuable for managing future virus pandemics.

Optimizing cardiopulmonary rehabilitation duration for long COVID patients: an exercise physiology monitoring approach

The presence of prolonged symptoms after COVID infection worsens the workability and quality of life. 200 adults with long COVID syndrome were enrolled after medical, physical, and mental screening, and were divided into two groups based on their performance. The intervention group (n = 100) received supervised rehabilitation at Department of Pulmonology, Semmelweis University with the registration number 160/2021 between 01/APR/2021-31/DEC/2022, while an age-matched control group (n = 100) received a single check-up. To evaluate the long-term effects of the rehabilitation, the intervention group was involved in a 2- and 3-month follow-up, carrying out cardiopulmonary exercise test. Our study contributes understanding long COVID rehabilitation, emphasizing the potential benefits of structured cardiopulmonary rehabilitation in enhancing patient outcomes and well-being. Significant difference was found between intervention group and control group at baseline visit in pulmonary parameters, as forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume, forced expiratory volume, transfer factor for carbon monoxide, transfer coefficient for carbon monoxide, and oxygen saturation (all p < 0.05). Our follow-up study proved that a 2-week long, patient-centered pulmonary rehabilitation program has a positive long-term effect on people with symptomatic long COVID syndrome. Our data showed significant improvement between two and three months in maximal oxygen consumption (p < 0.05). Multidisciplinary, individualized approach may be a key element of a successful cardiopulmonary rehabilitation in long COVID conditions, which improves workload, quality of life, respiratory function, and status of patients with long COVID syndrome.

Human herpesvirus reactivation and its potential role in the pathogenesis of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 has precipitated a global pandemic with substantial long-term health implications, including the condition known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), commonly referred to as Long COVID. PASC is marked by persistent symptoms such as fatigue, neurological issues, and autonomic dysfunction that persist for months beyond the acute phase of COVID-19. This review examines the potential role of herpesvirus reactivation, specifically Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV), in the pathogenesis of PASC. Elevated antibody titers and specific T cell responses suggest recent herpesvirus reactivation in some PASC patients, although viremia is not consistently detected. SARS-CoV-2 exhibits endothelial trophism, directly affecting the vascular endothelium and contributing to microvascular pathologies. These pathologies are significant in PASC, where microvascular dysfunction may underlie various chronic symptoms. Similarly, herpesviruses like CMV also exhibit endothelial trophism, which may exacerbate endothelial damage when reactivated. Evidence suggests that EBV and CMV reactivation could indirectly contribute to the immune dysregulation, immunosenescence, and autoimmune responses observed in PASC. Additionally, EBV may play a role in the genesis of neurological symptoms through creating mitochondrial dysfunction, though direct confirmation remains elusive. The reviewed evidence suggests that while herpesviruses may not play a direct role in the pathogenesis of PASC, their potential indirect effects, especially in the context of endothelial involvement, warrant further investigation.

[Symptoms and options in rehabilitation of post-COVID-19 syndrome (long-COVID)]

Manapság a járványok korát éljük. Egyre több és egyre súlyosabb járvány jelenik meg. A 2019. évi koronavírus-betegség (COVID–19) rendkívül fertőző betegség, amelyet a súlyos akut légúti szindrómát okozó új koronavírus (SARS-CoV-2) idéz elő. A vírus feltételezhetően denevérről terjedt át az emberre. A Rhinolophus sinicus egyik vírusa 80%-os, míg a Rhinolophus affinis vírustörzse 96%-os hasonlóságot mutatott a SARS-CoV-2-vel. A COVID–19-fertőzés emberről emberre történő átvitele a betegek elkülönítéséhez vezetett. A betegség a globalizált utazások következtében világszerte elterjedt, az Egészségügyi Világszervezet (WHO) világjárványnak nyilvánította, ma pedig jelentős közegészségügyi problémaként tartják számon. A fertőzés okozta akut tünetek mellett a pácienseknek és a társadalomnak szembesülnie kell a vírusfertőzés hosszú távú egészségkárosító szövődményeivel is, mely állapotot poszt-COVID–19-szindrómának (angolul: long-COVID) neveznek. A posztakut-COVID–19-szindrómán belül két szakaszt különítenek el: az akut fertőzést követő 4–12 hét közötti szubakut-COVID–19-szindrómát és a 12 héten túl is fennmaradó tünetekkel jellemzett poszt-COVID–19-szindrómát. A betegséget a tünetek sokféle skálája jellemzi, amelyek több szervrendszerre is kiterjednek. A panaszok kezelése elsősorban a tünetek kezeléséből, valamint multidiszciplináris rehabilitációból áll. A COVID–19 elleni védőoltás a világjárvány mérséklésének egyik legfontosabb eszköze. Az elmúlt évek kiterjedt kutatásai igazolják a COVID–19-vakcinák hatékonyságát. Nemzetközi tanulmányok kimutatták, hogy a vakcina protektív tényezőnek bizonyult a hosszan tartó COVID-tünetekkel szemben. Az összefoglaló tanulmányban irodalmi adatok alapján áttekintettem a COVID–19 tüneteit, epidemiológiáját, átvitelét, patogenezisét, továbbá a poszt-COVID–19-szindróma egyes szervrendszerekre gyakorolt hatásait, a rehabilitáció lehetőségeit és a vakcinák hatását a tünetek kialakulására. Orv Hetil. 2024; 165(33): 1266–1274.

Repurposing of Anti-Cancer Drugs Against Moderate and Severe COVID Infection: A Network-Based Systems Biological Approach

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 is an unparalleled health risk, needing fast antiviral medication development. One of the most effective strategies for developing therapies against novel and emerging viruses is drug repurposing. Recently, systems biology approaches toward the discovery of repurposing medications are gaining prominence.

AIM

This study aimed to implement a systems biology approach to identify crucial drug targets as well as potential drug candidates against COVID infection.

METHODS

Our approach utilizes differential gene expression in COVID conditions that enable the construction of a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Core clusters were extracted from this network, followed by molecular enrichment analysis. This process identified critical drug targets and potential drug candidates targeting various stages of COVID-19 infection.

RESULTS

The network was built using the top 200 differently expressed genes in mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19 infections. Top 3 clusters for each disease condition were identified, representing the core mechanism of the network. Molecular enrichment revealed the majority of the pathways in the mild state were associated with transcription regulation, protein folding, angiogenesis, and cytokine-signaling pathways. Whereas, the enriched pathways in moderate and severe disease states were predominately linked with the immune system and apoptotic processes, which include NF-kappaB signaling, cytokine signaling, TNF-mediated signaling, and oxidative stress-induced cell death. Further analysis identifies 28 potential drugs that can be repurposed to treat moderate and severe COVID-19, most of which are currently used in cancer treatment.

CONCLUSION

Interestingly, some of the proposed drugs have demonstrated inhibitory effects against SARS-CoV-2, as supported by literature evidence. Overall, the drug repurposing method described here will help develop potential antiviral medications to treat emerging COVID strains.

COVID-19 pandemic in Taiz Governorate, Yemen, between 2020 and 2023

BACKGROUND

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is highly contagious and causes a series of health problems, particularly in Yemen, which has a fragile healthcare system and cannot handle public health emergencies.

AIMS

This analysis aimed to determine the epidemiological status of COVID-19 in the Taiz governorate between April 2020 and December 2023.

METHODS

A retrospective study based on surveillance data from the Taiz governorate was used. The required data were gathered from the Ministry of Health and Population in Aden and analyzed using SPSS.

RESULTS

Out of 5826 suspected of COVID-19 cases, 1933 (33.18%) cases were positive for COVID-19 infection. The high rates of COVID-19 cases were reported at 35.40% in males, 37.80% in people aged 35-44 years, 47.20% in 2020, 72.73% in Dhubab district, and 27.78% in March 2021. The overall incidence rate of cases was reported at 6.2 per 10,000 people in Taiz governorate (8.85 in males and 3.80 in females). In addition, the high incidence rate of COVID-19 was observed among age groups ≥ 65 years, in 2021, and in Al-Mukha districts. In total, the rate of fatality cases was 14.12%, the higher rate of fatality cases was 15.46% among males and 32.23% among individuals aged ≥ 65 years, and 26.97% in 2020.

CONCLUSION

In this finding, the incidence rate of COVID-19 is high. It is necessary to increase the public's awareness of the transmission and prevention methods of COVID-19, as well as implement appropriate strategies to protect populations from infectious diseases.

Aging and Inflammation

Aging can be conceptualized as the progressive disequilibrium between stochastic damage accumulation and resilience mechanisms that continuously repair that damage, which eventually cause the development of chronic disease, frailty, and death. The immune system is at the forefront of these resilience mechanisms. Indeed, aging is associated with persistent activation of the immune system, witnessed by a high circulating level of inflammatory markers and activation of immune cells in the circulation and in tissue, a condition called "inflammaging." Like aging, inflammaging is associated with increased risk of many age-related pathologies and disabilities, as well as frailty and death. Herein we discuss recent advances in the understanding of the mechanisms leading to inflammaging and the intrinsic dysregulation of the immune function that occurs with aging. We focus on the underlying mechanisms of chronic inflammation, in particular the role of NF-κB and recent studies targeting proinflammatory mediators. We further explore the dysregulation of the immune response with age and immunosenescence as an important mechanistic immune response to acute stressors. We examine the role of the gastrointestinal microbiome, age-related dysbiosis, and the integrated stress response in modulating the inflammatory "response" to damage accumulation and stress. We conclude by focusing on the seminal question of whether reducing inflammation is useful and the results of related clinical trials. In summary, we propose that inflammation may be viewed both as a clinical biomarker of the failure of resilience mechanisms and as a causal factor in the rising burden of disease and disabilities with aging. The fact that inflammation can be reduced through nonpharmacological interventions such as diet and exercise suggests that a life course approach based on education may be a successful strategy to increase the health span with few adverse consequences.

Perturbations of the T-cell receptor repertoire in response to SARS-CoV-2 in immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals

BACKGROUND

Functional T-cell responses are essential for virus clearance and long-term protection after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, whereas certain clinical factors, such as older age and immunocompromise, are associated with worse outcome.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to study the breadth and magnitude of T-cell responses in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and in individuals with inborn errors of immunity (IEIs) who had received COVID-19 mRNA vaccine.

METHODS

Using high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics tools to characterize the T-cell receptor β repertoire signatures in 540 individuals after SARS-CoV-2 infection, 31 IEI recipients of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine, and healthy controls, we quantified HLA class I- and class II-restricted SARS-CoV-2-specific responses and also identified several HLA allele-clonotype motif associations in patients with COVID-19, including a subcohort of anti-type 1 interferon (IFN-1)-positive patients.

RESULTS

Our analysis revealed that elderly patients with COVID-19 with critical disease manifested lower SARS-CoV-2 T-cell clonotype diversity as well as T-cell responses with reduced magnitude, whereas the SARS-CoV-2-specific clonotypes targeted a broad range of HLA class I- and class II-restricted epitopes across the viral proteome. The presence of anti-IFN-I antibodies was associated with certain HLA alleles. Finally, COVID-19 mRNA immunization induced an increase in the breadth of SARS-CoV-2-specific clonotypes in patients with IEIs, including those who had failed to seroconvert.

CONCLUSIONS

Elderly individuals have impaired capacity to develop broad and sustained T-cell responses after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Genetic factors may play a role in the production of anti-IFN-1 antibodies. COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are effective in inducing T-cell responses in patients with IEIs.

Epidemiological characteristics and antibody kinetics of elderly population with booster vaccination following both Omicron BA.5 and XBB waves in China

After the termination of zero-COVID-19 policy, the populace in China has experienced both Omicron BA.5 and XBB waves. Considering the poor antibody responses and severe outcomes observed among the elderly following infection, we conducted a longitudinal investigation to examine the epidemiological characteristics and antibody kinetics among 107 boosted elderly participants following the Omicron BA.5 and XBB waves. We observed that 96 participants (89.7%) were infected with Omicron BA.5, while 59 (55.1%) participants were infected with Omicron XBB. Notably, 52 participants (48.6%) experienced dual infections of both Omicron BA.5 and XBB. The proportion of symptomatic cases appeared to decrease following the XBB wave (18.6%) compared to that after the BA.5 wave (59.3%). Omicron BA.5 breakthrough infection induced lower neutralizing antibody titers against XBB.1.5, BA.2.86, and JN.1, while reinfection with Omicron XBB broadened the antibody responses against all measured Omicron subvariants and may alleviate the wild type-vaccination induced immune imprinting. Boosted vaccination type and comorbidities were the significant factors associated with antibody responses. Updated vaccines based on emerging severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 variants are needed to control the Coronavirus Disease 2019 pandemic in the elderly.

Changes in the innate immune response to SARS-CoV-2 with advancing age in humans

BACKGROUND

Advancing age is a major risk factor for respiratory viral infections. The infections are often prolonged and difficult to resolve resulting hospitalizations and mortality. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted this as elderly subjects have emerged as vulnerable populations that display increased susceptibility and severity to SARS-CoV-2. There is an urgent need to identify the probable mechanisms underlying this to protect against future outbreaks of such nature. Innate immunity is the first line of defense against viruses and its decline impacts downstream immune responses. This is because dendritic cells (DCs) and macrophages are key cellular elements of the innate immune system that can sense and respond to viruses by producing inflammatory mediators and priming CD4 and CD8 T-cell responses.

RESULTS

We investigated the changes in innate immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 as a function of age. Our results using human PBMCs from aged, middle-aged, and young subjects indicate that the activation of DCs and monocytes in response to SARS-CoV-2 is compromised with age. The impairment is most apparent in pDCs where both aged and middle-aged display reduced responses. The secretion of IL-29 that confers protection against respiratory viruses is also decreased in both aged and middle-aged subjects. In contrast, inflammatory mediators associated with severe COVID-19 including CXCL-8, TREM-1 are increased with age. This is also apparent in the gene expression data where pathways related host defense display an age dependent decrease with a concomitant increase in inflammatory pathways. Not only are the inflammatory pathways and mediators increased after stimulation with SARS-CoV-2 but also at homeostasis. In keeping with reduced DC activation, the induction of cytotoxic CD8 T cells is also impaired in aged subjects. However, the CD8 T cells from aged subjects display increased baseline activation in accordance with the enhanced baseline inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate a decline in protective anti-viral immune responses and increase in damaging inflammatory responses with age indicating that dysregulated innate immune responses play a significant role in the increased susceptibility of aged subjects to COVID-19. Furthermore, the dysregulation in immune responses develops early on as middle-aged demonstrate several of these changes.

Simple, Visual, Point-of-Care SARS-CoV-2 Detection Incorporating Recombinase Polymerase Amplification and Target DNA-Protein Crosslinking Enhanced Chemiluminescence

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, driven by persistent SARS-CoV-2 transmission, threatens human health worldwide, underscoring the urgent need for an efficient, low-cost, rapid SARS-CoV-2 detection method. Herein, we developed a point-of-care SARS-CoV-2 detection method incorporating recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) and DNA-protein crosslinking chemiluminescence (DPCL) (RPADPCL). RPADPCL involves the crosslinking of biotinylated double-stranded RPA DNA products with horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-labeled streptavidin (SA-HRP). Modified products are captured using SA-labeled magnetic beads, and then analyzed using a chemiluminescence detector and smartphone after the addition of a chemiluminescent substrate. Under optimal conditions, the RPADPCL limit of detection (LOD) was observed to be 6 copies (within the linear detection range of 1-300 copies) for a plasmid containing the SARS-CoV-2 N gene and 15 copies (within the linear range of 10-500 copies) for in vitro transcribed (IVT) SARS-CoV-2 RNA. The proposed method is convenient, specific, visually intuitive, easy to use, and does not require external excitation. The effective RPADPCL detection of SARS-CoV-2 in complex matrix systems was verified by testing simulated clinical samples containing 10% human saliva or a virus transfer medium (VTM) spiked with a plasmid containing a SARS-CoV-2 N gene sequence or SARS-CoV-2 IVT RNA. Consequently, this method has great potential for detecting targets in clinical samples.

Primary and secondary defects of the thymus

The thymus is the primary site of T-cell development, enabling generation, and selection of a diverse repertoire of T cells that recognize non-self, whilst remaining tolerant to self- antigens. Severe congenital disorders of thymic development (athymia) can be fatal if left untreated due to infections, and thymic tissue implantation is the only cure. While newborn screening for severe combined immune deficiency has allowed improved detection at birth of congenital athymia, thymic disorders acquired later in life are still underrecognized and assessing the quality of thymic function in such conditions remains a challenge. The thymus is sensitive to injury elicited from a variety of endogenous and exogenous factors, and its self-renewal capacity decreases with age. Secondary and age-related forms of thymic dysfunction may lead to an increased risk of infections, malignancy, and autoimmunity. Promising results have been obtained in preclinical models and clinical trials upon administration of soluble factors promoting thymic regeneration, but to date no therapy is approved for clinical use. In this review we provide a background on thymus development, function, and age-related involution. We discuss disease mechanisms, diagnostic, and therapeutic approaches for primary and secondary thymic defects.

Replication and Injury Associated With SARS-CoV-2 in Cultured Hepatocytes

Background

Liver dysfunction is one of the hallmarks of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The mechanism(s) of hepatic injury in SARS-CoV-2 infection remains controversial with some reporting viral replication and cellular injury and others suggesting lack of replication and injury due to non-cytopathogenic etiologies. To investigate this further, we evaluated SARS-CoV-2 replication in immortalized hepatic cell lines and primary hepatocytes, examined whether cell injury was associated with apoptotic pathways, and also determined the effect of the antiviral remdesivir on these processes.

Methods

Immortalized hepatocyte cell lines (HepG2 and Huh7.5), as well as primary human hepatocytes, were exposed to SARS-CoV-2 at a multiplicity of infection of 0.1 PFU/mL. Viral replication was evaluated by plaque assays, immunohistochemical staining for the viral spike protein, and caspase-3 expression evaluated with and without exposure to remdesivir.

Results

All hepatocyte cell lines and primary hepatocytes supported active replication of SARS-CoV-2. Significant cytopathic effect was observed by light microscopy, and caspase-3 staining supported activation of apoptotic pathways. Remdesivir abrogated infection in a dose-dependent fashion and was not independently associated with hepatocyte injury.

Conclusion

Hepatocytes appear to be highly permissive of SARS-CoV-2 replication which leads to rapid cell death associated with activation of apoptotic pathways. Viral replication and hepatocytes injury are abrogated with remdesivir. We conclude that active viral replication is most likely a key contributor to liver enzyme abnormalities observed in the setting of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Effective virus-specific T-cell therapy for high-risk SARS-CoV-2 infections in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients: initial case studies and literature review

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated mortality rates among immunocompromised patients, accentuating the need for novel, targeted therapies. Transplant recipients, with their inherent immune vulnerabilities, represent a subgroup at significantly heightened risk. Current conventional therapies often demonstrate limited effectiveness in these patients, calling for innovative treatment approaches. In immunocompromised transplant recipients, several viral infections have been successfully treated by adoptive transfer of virus-specific T-cells (VST). This paper details the successful application of SARS-CoV-2-specific memory T-cell therapy, produced by an interferon-γ cytokine capture system (CliniMACS® Prodigy device), in three stem cell transplant recipients diagnosed with COVID-19 (case 1: alpha variant, cases 2 and 3: delta variants). These patients exhibited persistent SARS-CoV-2 PCR positivity accompanied by bilateral pulmonary infiltrates and demonstrated only partial response to standard treatments. Remarkably, all three patients recovered and achieved viral clearance within 3 to 9 weeks post-VST treatment. Laboratory follow-up investigations identified an increase in SARS-CoV-2-specific T-cells in two of the cases. A robust anti-SARS-CoV-2 S (S1/S2) IgG serological response was also recorded, albeit with varying titers. The induction of memory T-cells within the CD4 + compartment was confirmed, and previously elevated interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-8 levels normalized post-VST therapy. The treatment was well tolerated with no observed adverse effects. While the need for specialized equipment and costs associated with VST therapy present potential challenges, the limited treatment options currently available for COVID-19 within the allogeneic stem cell transplant population, combined with the risk posed by emerging SARS-CoV-2 mutations, underscore the potential of VST therapy in future clinical practice. This therapeutic approach may be particularly beneficial for elderly patients with multiple comorbidities and weakened immune systems.

The Semmelweis Study: a longitudinal occupational cohort study within the framework of the Semmelweis Caring University Model Program for supporting healthy aging

The Semmelweis Study is a prospective occupational cohort study that seeks to enroll all employees of Semmelweis University (Budapest, Hungary) aged 25 years and older, with a population of 8866 people, 70.5% of whom are women. The study builds on the successful experiences of the Whitehall II study and aims to investigate the complex relationships between lifestyle, environmental, and occupational risk factors, and the development and progression of chronic age-associated diseases. An important goal of the Semmelweis Study is to identify groups of people who are aging unsuccessfully and therefore have an increased risk of developing age-associated diseases. To achieve this, the study takes a multidisciplinary approach, collecting economic, social, psychological, cognitive, health, and biological data. The Semmelweis Study comprises a baseline data collection with open healthcare data linkage, followed by repeated data collection waves every 5 years. Data are collected through computer-assisted self-completed questionnaires, followed by a physical health examination, physiological measurements, and the assessment of biomarkers. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the Semmelweis Study, including its origin, context, objectives, design, relevance, and expected contributions.

Prevalence and factors associated with the death of older people hospitalized due to Covid-19 in the state of Paraná

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the prevalence and to analyze the factors associated with the death of older people hospitalized due to Covid-19 in the state of Paraná.

METHOD

Cross-sectional study conducted with secondary data from older people with a positive diagnosis of Covid-19 living in the State of Paraná, collected from March 1, 2020 to August 31, 2021. Prevalence ratios were obtained by adjusting the regression model.

RESULTS

A total of 16,153 deaths of older people hospitalized in the State of Paraná were analyzed. The adjusted model revealed an association between death and some factors such as: belonging to the age group of 75 to 84 years (PR = 1.28; CI95% = 1.24-1.32) and 85 years or over (PR = 1.52; CI95% = 1.45-1.59); male (PR = 1.17; CI95% = 1.13-1.21); obesity (PR = 1.23; CI95% = 1.16-1.29); other morbidities (PR = 1.25; CI95% = 1.20-1.30); and having used ventilatory support (PR = 2.60; CI95% = 2.33-2.86). Older people vaccinated against influenza had a probability of death reduced by 11% (PR = 0.89; CI95% = 0.86-0.93).

CONCLUSION

The association of age, sex, and diagnosis of previous comorbidities with unfavorable outcomes from Covid-19 was identified. Having received the flu vaccine provided protection to elderly people who contracted SARS-CoV-2.

B. Comparison of Different Vascular Biomarkers for Predicting In-Hospital Mortality in Severe SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Severe SARS-CoV-2 elicits a hyper-inflammatory response that results in intravascular inflammation with endothelial injury, which contributes to increased mortality in COVID-19. To predict the outcome of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection, we analyzed the baseline level of different biomarkers of vascular disorders in COVID-19 subjects upon intensive care unit (ICU) admission and prior to any vaccination. A total of 70 severe COVID-19 patients (37 survivors and 33 non-survivors) were included with 16 age- and sex-matched controls. Vascular dysfunction was monitored via soluble VCAM-1, E-selectin, ACE2 and Lp-PLA2, while abnormal platelet activation was evaluated by soluble P-selectin and CD40L in parallel. These results were correlated with routine laboratory parameters and disease outcomes. Among these parameters, VCAM-1 and ACE2 showed significantly higher serum levels in COVID-19 patients with early death vs. convalescent subjects. VCAM-1 was significantly correlated with the Horowitz index (r = 0.3115) and IL-6 (r = 0.4599), while ACE2 was related to E-selectin (r = 0.4143) and CD40L (r = 0.2948). Lp-PLA2 was altered in none of these COVID-19 subcohorts and showed no relationship with the other parameters. Finally, the pre-treatment level of VCAM-1 (≥1420 ng/mL) and ACE2 activity (≥45.2 μU/mL) predicted a larger risk for mortality (Log-Rank p = 0.0031 and p = 0.0117, respectively). Vascular dysfunction with endothelial cell activation is linked to lethal COVID-19, and highly elevated soluble VCAM-1 and ACE2 at admission to ICU may predict unfavorable outcomes.

Immunosenescence and Cytomegalovirus: Exploring Their Connection in the Context of Aging, Health, and Disease

Aging induces numerous physiological alterations, with immunosenescence emerging as a pivotal factor. This phenomenon has attracted both researchers and clinicians, prompting profound questions about its implications for health and disease. Among the contributing factors, one intriguing actor in this complex interplay is human cytomegalovirus (CMV), a member of the herpesvirus family. Latent CMV infection exerts a profound influence on the aging immune system, potentially contributing to age-related diseases. This review delves into the intricate relationship between immunosenescence and CMV, revealing how chronic viral infection impacts the aging immune landscape. We explore the mechanisms through which CMV can impact both the composition and functionality of immune cell populations and induce shifts in inflammatory profiles with aging. Moreover, we examine the potential role of CMV in pathologies such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, COVID-19, and Long COVID. This review underlines the importance of understanding the complex interplay between immunosenescence and CMV. It offers insights into the pathophysiology of aging and age-associated diseases, as well as COVID-19 outcomes among the elderly. By unraveling the connections between immunosenescence and CMV, we gain a deeper understanding of aging's remarkable journey and the profound role that viral infections play in transforming the human immune system.

Impact of fatalistic approaches in the health crisis: COVID-19 example

BACKGROUND

When faced with a health crisis, most people tend to seek solutions through modern or traditional medicine. However, there is a group of people who tend to take a fatalistic approach to health crises and tend not to do what is necessary. When such approaches are exhibited in disadvantaged groups, there may be a chain reaction resulting in much more important problems.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to determine whether the fatalistic approach is realized during a health crisis period in people 65 years and older, pregnant women, people with chronic diseases, and healthcare workers who are considered disadvantaged. Researchers also examined whether there were sociodemographic characteristics that made a difference in these attitudes among those who were determined to have a fatalistic approach.

METHODS

The research was conducted with a quantitative method. The sample calculation was performed and it was decided to reach 196 people. A self-report scale was used for fatalism.

RESULTS

It was determined that the participants had a moderate level of fatalism. It was seen that there was a difference between the groups in terms of fatalistic behavior. It was observed that women, divorced people, people without alcohol and smoking habits, people who live alone, and people who think their health is poor tend to behave more fatalistic.

CONCLUSION

The tendency to show fatalistic behavior was found to be higher in the group of 65 years and older. Sociodemographic characteristics are associated with fatalistic behavior.

Mental health impact on patients with COVID-19 in the community under a long period of full lockdown in Vietnam

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate the impact on the mental health of patients with COVID-19 in a centralized isolation facility in the community who experienced a long period of full lockdown during the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Vietnam.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cross-sectional study among 125 patients with COVID-19 in a centralized isolation facility in the community of Ho Chi Minh City from September to November 2021. We collected data on depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms, as indicated by scores on the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21, as well as sociodemographic characteristics.

RESULTS

The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among patients with COVID-19 was 14.4%, 20.8%, and 20.0%, respectively. Depression scores were significantly and positively correlated with body mass index whereas stress scores were significantly and positively correlated with age.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicated an increased prevalence of depression, anxiety, and stress among patients with COVID-19 who were in a centralized isolation facility during the fourth COVID-19 wave in Vietnam. Overweight and older age were identified as risk factors for adverse mental health in patients with COVID-19. Psychological intervention programs should be implemented in isolation facilities for individuals with COVID-19 infection.

Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Testing: Role and Indications

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, over 769 million confirmed COVID-19 cases, including close to 7 million COVID-19-related deaths, have been reported. Although mortality rates have dropped notably compared to the first months of the pandemic, spikes in reported cases and mortality rates continue to be registered. Both recent spikes in case numbers and the continued emergence of new variants suggest that vulnerable patient groups, including older adults, immunocompromised patients, and patients with severe comorbidities, are going to continue to be affected by COVID-19. In order to curb the pandemic, relieve the pressure on primary care facilities, and reduce mortality rates, global vaccination programs have been established by the WHO, with over 13.5 billion vaccine doses having been administered globally. In most immunocompetent individuals, vaccination against COVID-19 results in the production of anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike antibodies. However, certain patient subsets have inadequate or reduced immune responses, and immune responses are known to decrease with age. General recommendations on the timing of booster vaccinations may therefore be insufficient to protect vulnerable patients. This review aims to evaluate the clinical role of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, focusing on measurement indications, prognostic value, and potential as a correlate of protection to guide future booster vaccination strategies.

The multifaceted benefits of walking for healthy aging: from Blue Zones to molecular mechanisms

Physical activity, including walking, has numerous health benefits in older adults, supported by a plethora of observational and interventional studies. Walking decreases the risk or severity of various health outcomes such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cognitive impairment and dementia, while also improving mental well-being, sleep, and longevity. Dose-response relationships for walking duration and intensity are established for adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Walking's favorable effects on cardiovascular risk factors are attributed to its impact on circulatory, cardiopulmonary, and immune function. Meeting current physical activity guidelines by walking briskly for 30 min per day for 5 days can reduce the risk of several age-associated diseases. Additionally, low-intensity physical exercise, including walking, exerts anti-aging effects and helps prevent age-related diseases, making it a powerful tool for promoting healthy aging. This is exemplified by the lifestyles of individuals in Blue Zones, regions of the world with the highest concentration of centenarians. Walking and other low-intensity physical activities contribute significantly to the longevity of individuals in these regions, with walking being an integral part of their daily lives. Thus, incorporating walking into daily routines and encouraging walking-based physical activity interventions can be an effective strategy for promoting healthy aging and improving health outcomes in all populations. The goal of this review is to provide an overview of the vast and consistent evidence supporting the health benefits of physical activity, with a specific focus on walking, and to discuss the impact of walking on various health outcomes, including the prevention of age-related diseases. Furthermore, this review will delve into the evidence on the impact of walking and low-intensity physical activity on specific molecular and cellular mechanisms of aging, providing insights into the underlying biological mechanisms through which walking exerts its beneficial anti-aging effects.

Psychological resilience and competence: key promoters of successful aging and flourishing in late life

Many individuals, both in the public and within the field of psychology, often perceive aging as a burden that negatively impacts intellectual and mental health. Our present study aims to challenge this notion by identifying the crucial components of positive mental health in later life. These components not only promote positive mental health but also actively contribute to it, even under difficult circumstances. To accomplish this, we first offer a concise review of well-being and mental health models that highlight the psychological aspects of flourishing in late life. We then introduce a psychological competence-based model for positive mental health, which aligns with the concept of positive aging. Subsequently, we present a measurement tool suitable for practical applications. Finally, we provide a comprehensive overview of positive aging, drawing on methodological guidelines and existing research findings concerning sustainable positive mental health in later life. We examine the evidence indicating that psychological resilience (the capacity to adapt and recover from adversity or stress) and competence (skills and abilities to effectively cope with challenges across various life domains) significantly contribute to slowing down biological aging processes. Furthermore, we discuss insights into the relationship between psychological factors and aging derived from research on Blue Zones (regions characterized by a higher proportion of individuals experiencing longer, healthier lives).

Heterologous DNA-prime/protein-boost immunization with a monomeric SARS-CoV-2 spike antigen redundantizes the trimeric receptor-binding domain structure to induce neutralizing antibodies in old mice

A multitude of alterations in the old immune system impair its functional integrity. Closely related, older individuals show, for example, a reduced responsiveness to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines. However, systematic strategies to specifically improve the efficacy of vaccines in the old are missing or limited to simple approaches like increasing the antigen concentration or injection frequencies. We here asked whether the intrinsic, trimeric structure of the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) antigen and/or a DNA- or protein-based antigen delivery platform affects priming of functional antibody responses particularly in old mice. The used S-antigens were primarily defined by the presence/absence of the membrane-anchoring TM domain and the closely interlinked formation/non-formation of a trimeric structure of the receptor binding domain (S-RBD). Among others, we generated vectors expressing prefusion-stabilized, cell-associated (TM+) trimeric "S2-P" or secreted (TM-) monomeric "S6-PΔTM" antigens. These proteins were produced from vector-transfected HEK-293T cells under mild conditions by Strep-tag purification, revealing that cell-associated but not secreted S proteins tightly bound Hsp73 and Grp78 chaperones. We showed that both, TM-deficient S6-PΔTM and full-length S2-P antigens elicited very similar S-RBD-specific antibody titers and pseudovirus neutralization activities in young (2-3 months) mice through homologous DNA-prime/DNA-boost or protein-prime/protein-boost vaccination. The trimeric S2-P antigen induced high S-RBD-specific antibody responses in old (23-24 months) mice through DNA-prime/DNA-boost vaccination. Unexpectedly, the monomeric S6-PΔTM antigen induced very low S-RBD-specific antibody titers in old mice through homologous DNA-prime/DNA-boost or protein-prime/protein-boost vaccination. However, old mice efficiently elicited an S-RBD-specific antibody response after heterologous DNA-prime/protein-boost immunization with the S6-PΔTM antigen, and antibody titers even reached similar levels and neutralizing activities as in young mice and also cross-reacted with different S-variants of concern. The old immune system thus distinguished between trimeric and monomeric S protein conformations: it remained antigen responsive to the trimeric S2-P antigen, and a simple change in the vaccine delivery regimen was sufficient to unleash its reactivity to the monomeric S6-PΔTM antigen. This clearly shows that both the antigen structure and the delivery platform are crucial to efficiently prime humoral immune responses in old mice and might be relevant for designing "age-adapted" vaccine strategies.

Disruption of Vitamin D Signaling Impairs Adaptation of Cerebrocortical Microcirculation to Carotid Artery Occlusion in Hyperandrogenic Female Mice

Vitamin D deficiency contributes to the pathogenesis of age-related cerebrovascular diseases, including ischemic stroke. Sex hormonal status may also influence the prevalence of these disorders, indicated by a heightened vulnerability among postmenopausal and hyperandrogenic women. To investigate the potential interaction between sex steroids and disrupted vitamin D signaling in the cerebral microcirculation, we examined the cerebrovascular adaptation to unilateral carotid artery occlusion (CAO) in intact, ovariectomized, and hyperandrogenic female mice with normal or functionally inactive vitamin D receptor (VDR). We also analyzed the morphology of leptomeningeal anastomoses, which play a significant role in the compensation. Ablation of VDR by itself did not impact the cerebrocortical adaptation to CAO despite the reduced number of pial collaterals. While ovariectomy did not undermine compensatory mechanisms following CAO, androgen excess combined with VDR inactivity resulted in prolonged hypoperfusion in the cerebral cortex ipsilateral to the occlusion. These findings suggest that the cerebrovascular consequences of disrupted VDR signaling are less pronounced in females, providing a level of protection even after ovariectomy. Conversely, even short-term androgen excess with lacking VDR signaling may lead to unfavorable outcomes of ischemic stroke, highlighting the complex interplay between sex steroids and vitamin D in terms of cerebrovascular diseases.

Cranial nerve involvement among COVID-19 survivors

Introduction

COVID-19 was first reported in November 2019 in China and rapidly spread across the globe. COVID-19 causes neurologic symptoms and complications, which may persist even after recovery in patients. The objective of this research was to determine the involvement of cranial nerves in COVID-19 survivors.

Method

This was a retrospective study. The study was conducted between March and July of 2022. The analysis included 98 patients with a certain positive polymerase chain reaction. SPSS software version 19 was utilized for data analysis.

Results

The average age of the participants was 40.47 years (8.81). The olfactory nerve was found to be the most frequently involved cranial nerve (36.7%). Over 20% of participants had a taste disorder. The findings from the regression analysis indicated that lung involvement and age have a direct and significant relationship with cranial nerve involvement and can serve as its predictors (p = 0.001).

Conclusion

It seems that cranial nerve involvement was sustained in COVID-19 patients who survived. In addition, elderly patients and patients with severe illnesses were more likely to show cranial symptoms. It is necessary to monitor COVID-19 survivors for neurological symptoms.

COVID-19 infection and decline in outdoor activities associated with depression in older adults: A multicenter study in Vietnam

BACKGROUND

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has caused a serious global communicable disease burden. Although COVID-19 and its policy responses have significantly influenced older adults, the impact of COVID-19 on depression in the older population is not fully understood. We aimed to investigate whether a history of COVID-19 infection and a decline in outdoor activities during the COVID-19 pandemic were associated with depression among older adults in Vietnam.

METHODS

This multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted on 1,004 outpatients (aged ≥60 years; mean age 70.8 ± 7.3 years; men, 33.0%) visiting three hospitals for a comprehensive geriatric assessment between November 2021 and July 2022. Depression over the past week was evaluated using the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale. History of COVID-19 infection and decline in outdoor activities were included as binary variables. We adjusted these two factors with sociodemographic and geriatric variables and comorbidities using a logistic regression analysis in separate models.

RESULTS

A total of 156 participants (15.5%) experienced depression. The proportion of mild, moderate, and severe depressive symptoms was 14.1%, 44.9%, and 41.0%, respectively. In the multivariate model, decline in outdoor activities (odds ratio [OR] 17.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 9.15-32.2, p <0.001) and history of COVID-19 infection (OR 2.22, 95% CI 1.28-3.84, p = 0.004) were associated with depression. Additionally, we found that age ≥ 75 years, female sex, being underweight, limitations in functional status, poor sleep quality, and stroke were associated with depression. Of the associated factors, decline in outdoor activities had a moderate strength of association with depression (r = 0.419), while each of the remaining factors had a weak strength of association.

CONCLUSIONS

COVID-19 had a direct and indirect impact on depression in older adults, reflecting an association between both a history of COVID-19 infection and a decline in outdoor activities during the COVID-19 pandemic and depression in the older population.

The determinants of sustained adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures among older Syrian refugees in Lebanon

INTRODUCTION

Lebanon has battled the COVID-19 pandemic in the midst of an economic crisis. The evolution of the pandemic and a fragile health system have meant that public health policy has had to rely heavily on non-pharmaceutical interventions for disease control. However, changes in disease dynamics, an unraveling economy, and pandemic fatigue have meant that disease control policies need to be updated.

METHODS

Using recent and timely data on older (50 years and above) Syrian refugees in Lebanon, this paper uses multivariate linear probability models to explore the determinants of adherence to two non-pharmaceutical COVID-19 prevention measures (wearing a mask and avoiding social gatherings) among this high-risk subgroup in a vulnerable population. Among respondents who report adhering to these measures, the paper also investigates the determinants of sustained adherence over a period of 6 months.

RESULTS

The findings suggest that no individual-level characteristics were robustly associated with mask wearing. For avoiding social gatherings, education was inversely associated with adherence to this preventive measure. Avoiding social gatherings was also significantly lower for residents of informal tented settlements (ITSs). Among initial adherents, and for both preventive practices, ITS dwellers were also significantly less likely to maintain adherence.

CONCLUSION

Identifying variables associated with adherence to non-pharmaceutical preventive practices, particularly for vulnerable groups, can help inform and refine interventions in the face of changing conditions. The material, physical, administrative and socio-economic constraints of life in an ITS suggest that avoiding social gatherings is hardly feasible. Yet despite the challenging conditions of ITSs, the indication to wear a mask is initially complied with, suggesting that tailoring policies to the limits and constrains of context can lead to successful outcomes even in very adverse settings.

Impact of aging on immunity in the context of COVID-19, HIV, and tuberculosis

Knowledge of aging biology needs to be expanded due to the continuously growing number of elderly people worldwide. Aging induces changes that affect all systems of the body. The risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer increases with age. In particular, the age-induced adaptation of the immune system causes a greater susceptibility to infections and contributes to the inability to control pathogen growth and immune-mediated tissue damage. Since the impact of aging on immune function, is still to be fully elucidated, this review addresses some of the recent understanding of age-related changes affecting key components of immunity. The emphasis is on immunosenescence and inflammaging that are impacted by common infectious diseases that are characterized by a high mortality, and includes COVID-19, HIV and tuberculosis.

SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility and COVID-19 illness course and outcome in people with pre-existing neurodegenerative disorders: systematic review with frequentist and Bayesian meta-analyses

BACKGROUND

People with neurodegenerative disease and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) may have an elevated risk of acquiring severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and may be disproportionally affected by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) once infected.

AIMS

To review all eligible studies and quantify the strength of associations between various pre-existing neurodegenerative disorders and both SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility and COVID-19 illness course and outcome.

METHOD

Pre-registered systematic review with frequentist and Bayesian meta-analyses. Systematic searches were executed in PubMed, Web of Science and preprint servers. The final search date was 9 January 2023. Odds ratios (ORs) were used as measures of effect.

RESULTS

In total, 136 primary studies (total sample size n = 97 643 494), reporting on 268 effect-size estimates, met the inclusion criteria. The odds for a positive SARS-CoV-2 test result were increased for people with pre-existing dementia (OR = 1.83, 95% CI 1.16-2.87), Alzheimer's disease (OR = 2.86, 95% CI 1.44-5.66) and Parkinson's disease (OR = 1.65, 95% CI 1.34-2.04). People with pre-existing dementia were more likely to experience a relatively severe COVID-19 course, once infected (OR = 1.43, 95% CI 1.00-2.03). People with pre-existing dementia or Alzheimer's disease were at increased risk for COVID-19-related hospital admission (pooled OR range: 1.60-3.72). Intensive care unit admission rates were relatively low for people with dementia (OR = 0.54, 95% CI 0.40-0.74). All neurodegenerative disorders, including MCI, were at higher risk for COVID-19-related mortality (pooled OR range: 1.56-2.27).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings confirm that, in general, people with neurodegenerative disease and MCI are at a disproportionally high risk of contracting COVID-19 and have a poor outcome once infected.

From Cell to Symptoms: The Role of SARS-CoV-2 Cytopathic Effects in the Pathogenesis of COVID-19 and Long COVID

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome CoronaVirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection triggers various events from molecular to tissue level, which in turn is given by the intrinsic characteristics of each patient. Given the molecular diversity characteristic of each cellular phenotype, the possible cytopathic, tissue and clinical effects are difficult to predict, which determines the heterogeneity of COVID-19 symptoms. The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive review of the cytopathic effects of SARS-CoV-2 on various cell types, focusing on the development of COVID-19, which in turn may lead, in some patients, to a persistence of symptoms after recovery from the disease, a condition known as long COVID. We describe the molecular mechanisms underlying virus-host interactions, including alterations in protein expression, intracellular signaling pathways, and immune responses. In particular, the article highlights the potential impact of these cytopathies on cellular function and clinical outcomes, such as immune dysregulation, neuropsychiatric disorders, and organ damage. The article concludes by discussing future directions for research and implications for the management and treatment of COVID-19 and long COVID.

Prolonged inflammation in patients hospitalized for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) resolves 2 years after infection

Long-term complications from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are concerning, as survivors can develop subclinical multiorgan dysfunction. It is unknown if such complications are due to prolonged inflammation, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination may reduce sequela. We conducted a prospective longitudinal study on hospitalized patients over 24 months. Clinical symptoms were collected by self-reporting during follow-up, along with blood samples for quantification of inflammatory markers and immune cell frequencies. All patients were given one dose of mRNA vaccine at 12-16 months. Their immune profiles at 12 and 24 months were compared. Approximately 37% and 39% of our patients reported post-COVID-19 symptoms at 12 and 24 months, respectively. The proportion of symptomatic patients with more than one symptom decreased from 69% at 12 months to 56% at 24 months. Longitudinal cytokine profiling revealed a cluster of individuals with persistently high inflammatory cytokine levels 12 months after infection. Patients with prolonged inflammation showed elevated terminally differentiated memory T cells in their blood; 54% had symptoms at 12 months. The majority of inflammatory markers and dysregulated immune cells in vaccinated patients recovered to a healthy baseline at 24 months, even though symptoms persisted. Post-COVID-19 symptoms can linger for 2 years after the initial infection and are associated with prolonged inflammation. Prolonged inflammation in hospitalized patients resolves after 2 years. We define a set of analytes associated with persistent inflammation and presence of symptoms, which could be useful biomarkers for identifying and monitoring high-risk survivors.

Evaluating chest pain in patients with post COVID conditions permission to think outside of the box

Chest pain is among the most common symptoms of post-COVID-19 Conditions (PCC) that prompts medical attention. Because the SARS-CoV-2 virus has proclivity for many organs and organ systems in the chest, ranging from the heart, lungs, great vessels, lymphatics, and peripheral nerves, clinicians evaluating patients with chest pain must consider a broad differential diagnosis and take a comprehensive approach to management.

COVID-19 vaccine-hesitancy is associated with lower cortical volume in elderly individuals

Background

According to a large number of scientific reports, the main problem is COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy which slowed down the vaccination program. Previous studies revealed that COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is associated with lower cognitive performance. However, the neurobiology of such behavior is less known, and investigating the brain structural patterns in this regard can extend our knowledge on the basis of this behavior. This study aimed to investigate the link between brain structural features including cortical and subcortical volume with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in elderly individuals.

Methods

A total of 221 healthy subjects without any cognitive impairment with a mean age of 63.7 ± 6.1 were obtained from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database. Overall, 87 vaccine-hesitant (VH) and 134 vaccine-accepted (VA) were entered into this study. The difference in the volume of cortical and subcortical regions was investigated between VH and VA groups.

Results

There was no significant difference in cognitive status measured by MMSE, MoCA, ADAS-cog, and RAVLT between VA and VH groups (P>0.05). The analysis showed that VA subjects had significantly higher left pars orbitalis (P: 0.013), left precentral (P: 0.042), right caudal anterior cingulate (P: 0.044), and right isthmus cingulate (P: 0.013) volume compared to the VH group. There was no significant difference in other cortical and subcortical regions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this finding demonstrated that in the era of complicated decision-making due to social media reports, elderly adults with smaller frontal and cingulate regions are more likely to be vaccine-hesitant. These findings can highlight the link between cortical regions and health-protective behaviors such as taking up the offer of vaccination.

Epidemiology and Clinical Presentation of COVID-19 in Older Adults

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection remains asymptomatic in 33% to 90% of older adults depending on their immune status from prior infection, vaccination, and circulating strain. Older adults symptomatic with SARS-CoV-2 often both present atypically, such as with a blunted fever response, and develop more severe disease. Early and late reports showed that older adults have increased severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with higher case fatality rates and higher intensive care needs compared with younger adults. Infection and vaccine-induced antibody response and long-term effects of COVID-19 also differ in older adults.

Detection of Adverse Drug Reactions in COVID-19 Hospitalized Patients in Saudi Arabia: A Retrospective Study by ADR Prompt Indicators

Seeking an alternative approach for detecting adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in coronavirus patients (COVID-19) and enhancing drug safety, a retrospective study of six months was conducted utilizing an electronic medical record (EMR) database to detect ADRs in hospitalized patients for COVID-19, using "ADR prompt indicators" (APIs). Consequently, confirmed ADRs were subjected to multifaceted analyses, such as demographic attribution, relationship with specific drugs and implication for organs and systems of the body, incidence rate, type, severity, and preventability of ADR. The incidence rate of ADRs is 37%, the predisposition of organs and systems to ADR is observed remarkably in the hepatobiliary and gastrointestinal systems at 41.8% vs. 36.2%, p < 0.0001, and the classes of drugs implicated in the ADRs are lopinavir-ritonavir 16.3%, antibiotics 24.1%, and hydroxychloroquine12.8%. Furthermore, the duration of hospitalization and polypharmacy are significantly higher in patients with ADRs at 14.13 ± 7.87 versus 9.55 ± 7.90, p < 0.001, and 9.74 ± 5.51 versus 6.98 ± 4.36, p < 0.0001, respectively. Comorbidities are detected in 42.5% of patients and 75.2%, of patients with DM, and HTN, displaying significant ADRs, p-value < 0.05. This is a symbolic study providing a comprehensive acquaintance of the importance of APIs in detecting hospitalized ADRs, revealing increased detection rates and robust assertive values with insignificant costs, incorporating the hospital EMR database, and enhancing transparency and time effectiveness.

Delayed Medical Care of Underserved Middle-Aged and Older African Americans with Chronic Disease during COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: While African American middle-aged and older adults with chronic disease are particularly vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is unknown which subgroups of this population may delay seeking care. The aim of this study was to examine demographic, socioeconomic, COVID-19-related, and health-related factors that correlate with delayed care in African American middle-aged and older adults with chronic disease. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 150 African American middle-aged and older adults who had at least one chronic disease were recruited from faith-based organizations. We measured the following exploratory variables: demographic factors (age and gender), socioeconomic status (education), marital status, number of chronic diseases, depressive symptoms, financial strain, health literacy, COVID-19 vaccination history, COVID-19 diagnosis history, COVID-19 knowledge, and COVID-19 perceived threat. The outcome was delay in chronic disease care. Results: According to the Poisson log-linear regression, higher level of education, higher number of chronic diseases, and depressive symptoms were associated with a higher level of delayed care. Age, gender, COVID-19 vaccination history, COVID-19 diagnosis history, COVID-19 perceived threat, COVID-19 knowledge, financial strain, marital status, and health literacy were not correlated with delayed care. Discussion: Given that higher healthcare needs in terms of multiple chronic medical diseases and depressive symptomatology but not COVID-19-related constructs (i.e., vaccination history, diagnosis history, and perceived threat) were associated with delayed care, there is a need for programs and interventions that assist African American middle-aged and older adults with chronic disease to seek the care that they need. More research is needed to understand why educational attainment is associated with more delayed care of chronic disease in African American middle-aged and older adults with chronic illness.

Animal Models, Zoonotic Reservoirs, and Cross-Species Transmission of Emerging Human-Infecting Coronaviruses

Over the past three decades, coronavirus (CoV) diseases have impacted humans more than any other emerging infectious disease. The recent emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019), has resulted in huge economic disruptions and loss of human lives. The SARS-CoV-2 genome was found to mutate more rapidly due to sustained transmission in humans and potentially animals, resulting in variants of concern (VOCs) that threaten global human health. However, the primary difficulties are filling in the current knowledge gaps in terms of the origin and modalities of emergence for these viruses. Because many CoVs threatening human health are suspected to have a zoonotic origin, identifying the animal hosts implicated in the spillover or spillback events would be beneficial for current pandemic management and to prevent future outbreaks. In this review, wesummarize the animal models, zoonotic reservoirs, and cross-species transmission of the emerging human CoVs. Finally, we comment on potential sources of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron VOCs and the new SARS-CoV-2 recombinants currently under investigation.

Factors Associated with Telehealth Utilization among Older African Americans in South Los Angeles during the COVID-19 Pandemic

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic transformed healthcare delivery with the expansive use of telemedicine. However, health disparities may result from lower adoption of telehealth among African Americans. This study examined how under-resourced, older African Americans with chronic illnesses use telehealth, including related sociodemographic and COVID-19 factors.

METHODS

Using a cross-sectional design, 150 middle-aged and older African Americans were recruited from faith-based centers from March 2021 to August 2022. Data collected included sociodemographics, comorbidities, technological device ownership, internet usage, and attitudes toward COVID-19 disease and vaccination. Descriptive statistics and multivariable regression models were conducted to identify factors associated with telehealth use.

RESULTS

Of the 150 participants, 32% had not used telehealth since the COVID-19 pandemic, with 75% reporting no home internet access and 38% having no cellular/internet network on their mobile device. Age, access to a cellular network on a mobile device, and wireless internet at home were significantly associated with the utilization of telehealth care. Higher anxiety and stress with an increased perceived threat of COVID-19 and positive attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination were associated with telehealth utilization.

DISCUSSION

Access and integration of telehealth services were highlighted as challenges for this population of African Americans. To reduce disparities, expansion of subsidized wireless internet access in marginalized communities is necessitated. Education outreach and training by healthcare systems and community health workers to improve uptake of telehealth currently and post-COVID-19 should be considered.