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Basurto L, Manuel-Apolinar L, Robledo A, O'Leary S, Martínez-Murillo C, Medina-Ortíz LI, Montes Osorio MG, Zarazua J, Balcázar-Hernández L, Anda-Garay JC. Thrombotic risk assessed by PAI-1 in patients with COVID-19: The influence of hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus. CLINICA E INVESTIGACION EN ARTERIOSCLEROSIS : PUBLICACION OFICIAL DE LA SOCIEDAD ESPANOLA DE ARTERIOSCLEROSIS 2024; 36:201-209. [PMID: 38216379 DOI: 10.1016/j.arteri.2023.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess thrombotic risk with PAI-1 levels in patients with COVID-19, to evaluate PAI-1 differences between hyperglycemic and/or Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) versus non-hyperglycemic patients, and to analyze the association of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) with hyperglycemia and T2DM. METHODS A cross-sectional study carried out in 181 patients hospitalized for COVID-19. Two groups were formed: the patients with hyperglycemia at admission and/or previously diagnosed T2DM group and the non-hyperglycemic group. Fibrinolysis was assessed by measuring PAI-1 levels by ELISA. RESULTS The mean age was 59.4±16.1 years; 55.8% were male 54.1% of patients presented obesity, 38.1% had pre-existing T2DM and 50.8% had admission hyperglycemia and/or pre-existing T2DM. The patients with admission hyperglycemia and/or preexisting T2DM had higher PAI-1 compared with non-hyperglycemic patients [197.5 (128.8-315.9) vs 158.1 (113.4-201.4) ng/mL; p=0.031]. The glucose levels showed a positive correlation with PAI-1 levels (r=0.284, p=0.041). A multivariate logistic regression analysis showed association of PAI-1 level and hyperglycemia and pre-existing T2DM with severity of COVID-19. CONCLUSION Patients hospitalized for COVID-19 infection with preexisting T2DM or hyperglycemia detected during their hospitalization presented a greater increase in PAI-1 levels, which suggests that hyperglycemia contributes directly to the hypercoagulable state and probably a worse outcome from the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lourdes Basurto
- Endocrine Research Unit, Centro Medico Nacional Siglo XXI, IMSS, Av. Cuauhtémoc 330, Doctores, CP 06720 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Leticia Manuel-Apolinar
- Endocrine Research Unit, Centro Medico Nacional Siglo XXI, IMSS, Av. Cuauhtémoc 330, Doctores, CP 06720 Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Ariadna Robledo
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Sean O'Leary
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Carlos Martínez-Murillo
- Hematology Department, Hospital General de México, Dr. Balmis 148, Doctores, Cuauhtemoc, 06720 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Lina Ivette Medina-Ortíz
- Endocrine Research Unit, Centro Medico Nacional Siglo XXI, IMSS, Av. Cuauhtémoc 330, Doctores, CP 06720 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Mario German Montes Osorio
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Hospital de Especialidades, Centro Medico Nacional Siglo XXI, IMSS, Av. Cuauhtémoc 330, Doctores, CP 06720 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Julio Zarazua
- Endocrine Research Unit, Centro Medico Nacional Siglo XXI, IMSS, Av. Cuauhtémoc 330, Doctores, CP 06720 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Lourdes Balcázar-Hernández
- Endocrinology Department, Hospital de Especialidades, Centro Medico Nacional Siglo XXI, IMSS, Av. Cuauhtémoc 330, Doctores, CP 06720 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Juan Carlos Anda-Garay
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital de Especialidades, Centro Medico Nacional Siglo XXI, IMSS, Av. Cuauhtémoc 330, Doctores, CP 06720 Mexico City, Mexico
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Tolksdorf B, Heinze J, Niemeyer D, Röhrs V, Berg J, Drosten C, Kurreck J. Development of a highly stable, active small interfering RNA with broad activity against SARS-CoV viruses. Antiviral Res 2024; 226:105879. [PMID: 38599550 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Treatment options for COVID-19 remain limited. Here, we report the optimization of an siRNA targeting the highly conserved leader region of SARS-CoV-2. The siRNA was rendered nuclease resistant by the introduction of modified nucleotides without loss of activity. Importantly, the siRNA also retained its inhibitory activity against the emerged omicron sublineage variant BA.2, which occurred after the siRNA was designed and is resistant to other antiviral agents such as antibodies. In addition, we show that a second highly active siRNA designed against the viral 5'-UTR can be applied as a rescue molecule, to minimize the spread of escape mutations. We therefore consider our siRNA-based molecules to be promising broadly active candidates for the treatment of current and future SARS-CoV-2 variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Tolksdorf
- Chair of Applied Biochemistry, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, 10623, Germany
| | - Julian Heinze
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany; Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117, Germany
| | - Daniela Niemeyer
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany; Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117, Germany
| | - Viola Röhrs
- Chair of Applied Biochemistry, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, 10623, Germany
| | - Johanna Berg
- Chair of Applied Biochemistry, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, 10623, Germany
| | - Christian Drosten
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany; Institute of Virology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10117, Germany
| | - Jens Kurreck
- Chair of Applied Biochemistry, Institute of Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, 10623, Germany.
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Izhari MA. SARS-CoV-2 Infection-Dependent Modulation in Vital Components of the Serum Profile of Severely SARS-CoV-2 Infected Patients. Infect Drug Resist 2024; 17:1653-1667. [PMID: 38707987 PMCID: PMC11068052 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s463238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background COVID-19 modulates many serological biomarkers during the progress of disease severity. The study aimed to determine COVID-19 severity-associated perturbance in the serum profile. Methods A retrospective study including COVID-19-positive individuals (n = 405) was accomplished. The serum profile of COVID-19 participants was mined from laboratory records. Severity-associated alteration in the serum profile was evaluated using Pearson correlation, regression, VCramer, Bayesian posterior VCramer, and bias factor using R-base-RStudio-version-3.3.0 with a significant cut-off of p < 0.05. Results Significantly different mean ± standard deviation (SD) (highly versus moderately severe) of C-reactive protein (CRP), ferritin, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), D-dimer, platelets, prothrombin time (PT), partial prothrombin time (PTT), troponin 1, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate-aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and AST/ALT ratio was observed (p < 0.001). Highly severe COVID-19 associated with CRP, ferritin, NLR, in D-dimer, PT, PTT, troponin 1, AST/ALT ratio, AST and ALT (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.346, 1.05, 1.46, 1.33, 1.42, 1.23, 4.07, 3.9, 1.24, 1.45, p < 0.001). CRP with ferritin (r = 0.743), NLR (r = 0.77), white blood cells (WBC) (r = 0.8), troponin1 with LDH (r = 0.757), and D-dimer with platelets (r = -0.81) were highly correlated. X2pearson (p < 0.001), VCramer (0.71), Bayesian-VCramer (0.7), and bias-factor (-125) for troponin 1 indicate the strong association of troponin 1 level and with COVID-19 severity. X2pearson (p < 0.001), VCramer (1), Bayesian-VCramer (0.98), and bias-factor (-266.3) for NLR exhibited a very strong association of pathologic conditions with the high severity of the disease. Conclusion These biomarkers of inflammation (CRP, Ferritin, NLR), coagulation disorders (D-dimer, PT, and PTT) cardiac abnormality (troponin 1), and liver injury (AST/ALT) could be crucial in low-medical resource settings as potential prognosticator/predictors of the COVID-19 severity and clinical outcomes. Moreover, the outcome of this study could be leveraged for the early prediction of disease severity during SARS-CoV or Middle East Respiratory Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Asrar Izhari
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Al-Baha University, Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia
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Crupi L, Ardizzone A, Calapai F, Scuderi SA, Benedetto F, Esposito E, Capra AP. The Impact of COVID-19 on Amputation and Mortality Rates in Patients with Acute Limb Ischemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Diseases 2024; 12:74. [PMID: 38667532 PMCID: PMC11048752 DOI: 10.3390/diseases12040074] [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: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Since the inception of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, healthcare systems around the world observed an increased rate of Acute Limb Ischemia (ALI) in patients with a COVID-19 infection. Despite several pieces of evidence suggesting that COVID-19 infection may also worsen the prognosis associated with ALI, only a small number of published studies include a direct comparison regarding the outcomes of both COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 ALI patients. Based on the above, a systematic review and a meta-analysis of the literature were conducted, evaluating differences in the incidence of two major outcomes (amputation and mortality rate) between patients concurrently affected by COVID-19 and negative ALI subjects. PubMed (MEDLINE), Web of Science, and Embase (OVID) databases were scrutinized from January 2020 up to 31 December 2023, and 7906 total articles were recovered. In total, 11 studies (n: 15,803 subjects) were included in the systematic review, and 10 of them (15,305 patients) were also included in the meta-analysis. Across all the studies, COVID-19-positive ALI patients experienced worse outcomes (mortality rates ranging from 6.7% to 47.2%; amputation rates ranging from 7.0% to 39.1%) compared to non-infected ALI patients (mortality rates ranging from 3.1% to 16.7%; amputation rates ranging from 2.7% to 18%). Similarly, our meta-analysis shows that both the amputation rate (OR: 2.31; 95% CI: 1.68-3.17; p < 0.00001) and mortality (OR: 3.64; 95% CI: 3.02-4.39; p < 0.00001) is significantly higher in COVID-19 ALI patients compared to ALI patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lelio Crupi
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (L.C.); (A.A.); (F.C.); (S.A.S.); (A.P.C.)
| | - Alessio Ardizzone
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (L.C.); (A.A.); (F.C.); (S.A.S.); (A.P.C.)
| | - Fabrizio Calapai
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (L.C.); (A.A.); (F.C.); (S.A.S.); (A.P.C.)
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Sarah Adriana Scuderi
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (L.C.); (A.A.); (F.C.); (S.A.S.); (A.P.C.)
| | - Filippo Benedetto
- Unit of Vascular Surgery, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, Policlinico G. Martino, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Emanuela Esposito
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (L.C.); (A.A.); (F.C.); (S.A.S.); (A.P.C.)
| | - Anna Paola Capra
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy; (L.C.); (A.A.); (F.C.); (S.A.S.); (A.P.C.)
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Majumdar R, Taye B, Bjornberg C, Giljork M, Lynch D, Farah F, Abdullah I, Osiecki K, Yousaf I, Luckstein A, Turri W, Sampathkumar P, Moyer AM, Kipp BR, Cattaneo R, Sussman CR, Navaratnarajah CK. From pandemic to endemic: Divergence of COVID-19 positive-tests and hospitalization numbers from SARS-CoV-2 RNA levels in wastewater of Rochester, Minnesota. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27974. [PMID: 38515669 PMCID: PMC10955309 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27974] [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: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Traditionally, public health surveillance relied on individual-level data but recently wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) for the detection of infectious diseases including COVID-19 became a valuable tool in the public health arsenal. Here, we use WBE to follow the course of the COVID-19 pandemic in Rochester, Minnesota (population 121,395 at the 2020 census), from February 2021 to December 2022. We monitored the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infections on public health by comparing three sets of data: quantitative measurements of viral RNA in wastewater as an unbiased reporter of virus level in the community, positive results of viral RNA or antigen tests from nasal swabs reflecting community reporting, and hospitalization data. From February 2021 to August 2022 viral RNA levels in wastewater were closely correlated with the oscillating course of COVID-19 case and hospitalization numbers. However, from September 2022 cases remained low and hospitalization numbers dropped, whereas viral RNA levels in wastewater continued to oscillate. The low reported cases may reflect virulence reduction combined with abated inclination to report, and the divergence of virus levels in wastewater from reported cases may reflect COVID-19 shifting from pandemic to endemic. WBE, which also detects asymptomatic infections, can provide an early warning of impending cases, and offers crucial insights during pandemic waves and in the transition to the endemic phase.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Biruhalem Taye
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Iris Yousaf
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | | | - Priya Sampathkumar
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Ann M. Moyer
- Division of Laboratory Genetics and Genomics, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Benjamin R. Kipp
- Advanced Diagnostics Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Division of Laboratory Genetics and Genomics, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Roberto Cattaneo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Caroline R. Sussman
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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Carducci A, Federigi I, Lauretani G, Muzio S, Pagani A, Atomsa NT, Verani M. Critical Needs for Integrated Surveillance: Wastewater-Based and Clinical Epidemiology in Evolving Scenarios with Lessons Learned from SARS-CoV-2. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2024; 16:38-49. [PMID: 38168848 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-023-09573-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) and clinical surveillance have been used as tools for analyzing the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 in the community, but both approaches can be strongly influenced by some sources of variability. From the challenging perspective of integrating environmental and clinical data, we performed a correlation analysis between SARS-CoV-2 concentrations in raw sewage and incident COVID-19 cases in areas served by medium-size wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) from 2021 to 2023. To this aim, both datasets were adjusted for several sources of variability: WBE data were adjusted for factors including the analytical protocol, sewage flow, and population size, while clinical data adjustments considered the demographic composition of the served population. Then, we addressed the impact on the correlation of differences among sewerage networks and variations in the frequency and type of swab tests due to changes in political and regulatory scenarios. Wastewater and clinical data were significantly correlated when restrictive containment measures and limited movements were in effect (ρ = 0.50) and when COVID-19 cases were confirmed exclusively through molecular testing (ρ = 0.49). Moreover, a positive (although weak) correlation arose for WWTPs located in densely populated areas (ρ = 0.37) and with shorter sewerage lengths (ρ = 0.28). This study provides methodological approaches for interpreting WBE and clinical surveillance data, which could also be useful for other infections. Data adjustments and evaluation of possible sources of bias need to be carefully considered from the perspective of integrated environmental and clinical surveillance of infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalaura Carducci
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Environmental Virology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via S. Zeno 35/39, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - Ileana Federigi
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Environmental Virology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via S. Zeno 35/39, 56127, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Giulia Lauretani
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Environmental Virology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via S. Zeno 35/39, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - Sara Muzio
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Environmental Virology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via S. Zeno 35/39, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandra Pagani
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Environmental Virology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via S. Zeno 35/39, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - Nebiyu Tariku Atomsa
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Environmental Virology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via S. Zeno 35/39, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Verani
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Environmental Virology, Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Via S. Zeno 35/39, 56127, Pisa, Italy
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7
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Zwerwer LR, Kloka J, van der Pol S, Postma MJ, Zacharowski K, van Asselt ADI, Friedrichson B. Mechanical ventilation as a major driver of COVID-19 hospitalization costs: a costing study in a German setting. HEALTH ECONOMICS REVIEW 2024; 14:4. [PMID: 38227207 PMCID: PMC10790444 DOI: 10.1186/s13561-023-00476-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While COVID-19 hospitalization costs are essential for policymakers to make informed health care resource decisions, little is known about these costs in western Europe. The aim of the current study is to analyze these costs for a German setting, track the development of these costs over time and analyze the daily costs. METHODS Administrative costing data was analyzed for 598 non-Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients and 510 ICU patients diagnosed with COVID-19 at the Frankfurt University hospital. Descriptive statistics of total per patient hospitalization costs were obtained and assessed over time. Propensity scores were estimated for length of stay (LOS) at the general ward and mechanical ventilation (MV) duration, using covariate balancing propensity score for continuous treatment. Costs for each additional day in the general ward and each additional day in the ICU with and without MV were estimated by regressing the total hospitalization costs on the LOS and the presence or absence of several treatments using generalized linear models, while controlling for patient characteristics, comorbidities, and complications. RESULTS Median total per patient hospitalization costs were €3,010 (Q1 - Q3: €2,224-€5,273), €5,887 (Q1 - Q3: €3,054-€10,879) and €21,536 (Q1 - Q3: €7,504-€43,480), respectively, for non-ICU patients, non-MV and MV ICU patients. Total per patient hospitalization costs for non-ICU patients showed a slight increase over time, while total per patient hospitalization costs for ICU patients decreased over time. Each additional day in the general ward for non-ICU COVID-19 patients costed €463.66 (SE: 15.89). Costs for each additional day in the general ward and ICU without and with mechanical ventilation for ICU patients were estimated at €414.20 (SE: 22.17), €927.45 (SE: 45.52) and €2,224.84 (SE: 70.24). CONCLUSIONS This is, to our knowledge, the first study examining the costs of COVID-19 hospitalizations in Germany. Estimated costs were overall in agreement with costs found in literature for non-COVID-19 patients, except for higher estimated costs for mechanical ventilation. These estimated costs can potentially improve the precision of COVID-19 cost effectiveness studies in Germany and will thereby allow health care policymakers to provide better informed health care resource decisions in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie R Zwerwer
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands.
- Center for Information Technology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Jan Kloka
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care Medicine and Pain Therapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Simon van der Pol
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Health-Ecore, Zeist, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten J Postma
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Health-Ecore, Zeist, The Netherlands
- Department of Economics, Econometrics and Finance, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Kai Zacharowski
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care Medicine and Pain Therapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Antoinette D I van Asselt
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Benjamin Friedrichson
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care Medicine and Pain Therapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
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Sevilla JP. COVID-19 vaccines should be evaluated from the societal perspective. J Med Econ 2024; 27:1-9. [PMID: 38014424 DOI: 10.1080/13696998.2023.2287935] [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: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrates the importance of valuing vaccines from a broad societal perspective (SP), as opposed to a narrower health-payer perspective (HPP). COVID-19's catastrophic global impacts extend not only to its health-related effects, but also to the profound macroeconomic losses caused by lockdowns required for disease control, leading to the worst global economic crisis in a century. COVID-19 vaccination (CV) has been the central policy tool for resolving this economic crisis, and it has been hypothesized that this macroeconomic benefit alone justifies the cost of CV many times over. Yet HPP-based vaccine valuations are wholly insensitive to this enormous benefit, not allowing it to influence the allocation of given health budgets nor the determination of the magnitudes of such budgets, thereby risking inadequate societal spending on CV. HPP allocates given health budgets to maximize only health, giving no weight to macroeconomic outcomes, causing allocative inefficiency by not allowing welfare-improving trade-offs of health for wealth. HPP assumes health budgets are optimal, not scrutinizing whether their scale adequately reflects the macroeconomic benefits of health spending, thereby risking productive inefficiency by foregoing health spending increases such as on CV that could raise both population-level health and wealth. These allocative and productive inefficiencies in turn distort for-profit R&D incentives, risking dynamic inefficiency. And since the socio-economic and health burdens of COVID-19 are disproportionately borne by the worse off, HPP's failure to promote optimal levels of societal investment in CV may disproportionately burden the worse off as well, exacerbating inequality. Vaccine valuations from the societal perspective allow the allocation and determination of health budgets to reflect macroeconomic and distributional values, thereby promoting allocative, productive, and dynamic efficiency, as well as equity. These considerations of efficiency and equity support evaluating CV, and to ensure a level playing field, all vaccines, from a societal perspective.
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Wachter F, Knieling F, Raming R, Simon D, Woelfle J, Hoerning A, Neubert A, Rauh M, Regensburger AP. Routine Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 Serostatus in Pediatrics Allows Monitoring of Humoral Response. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2919. [PMID: 38138063 PMCID: PMC10745477 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11122919] [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: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 infections during the pandemic was mainly based on PCR testing of symptomatic patients. However, with new variants, vaccinations, and the changing of the clinical disease severity, knowledge about general immunity is elusive. For public health systems, timely knowledge of these conditions is essential, but it is particularly scarce for the pediatric population. Therefore, in this study, we wanted to investigate the spike and nucleocapsid seroprevalence in pediatric patients using routine residual blood tests collected during the pandemic. This prospective observational study was conducted over seven one-month periods. Herein, the latest four time periods (November 2021, January 2022, March 2022, and May 2022) are depicted. Each patient of a tertiary-care center in Germany was anonymized after collection of clinical diagnosis (ICD-10) and then routinely tested for the respective spike and nucleocapsid SARS-CoV-2 antibody titer. A total of 3235 blood samples from four time periods were included. Spike seroprevalence rose from 37.6% to 51.9% to 70.5% to 85.1% and nucleocapsid seroprevalence from 11.6% to 17.0% to 36.7% to 58.1% in May 2022. In detail, significant changes in seroprevalence between age groups but not between sex or diagnosis groups were found. Quantitative measures revealed rising spike and constant nucleocapsid antibody levels over the pandemic with a half-life of 102 days for spike and 45 days for nucleocapsid antibodies. Routine laboratory assessment of SARS-CoV-2 in residual blood specimens of pediatric hospitals enables monitoring of the seroprevalence and may allow inferences about general immunity in this cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Wachter
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (F.W.); (R.R.)
| | - Ferdinand Knieling
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (F.W.); (R.R.)
| | - Roman Raming
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (F.W.); (R.R.)
| | - David Simon
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany;
| | - Joachim Woelfle
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (F.W.); (R.R.)
| | - André Hoerning
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (F.W.); (R.R.)
| | - Antje Neubert
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (F.W.); (R.R.)
| | - Manfred Rauh
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (F.W.); (R.R.)
| | - Adrian P. Regensburger
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Friedrich-Alexander-University (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (F.W.); (R.R.)
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10
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Sallam M, Abbasi H, Obeidat RJ, Badayneh R, Alkhashman F, Obeidat A, Oudeh D, Uqba Z, Mahafzah A. Unraveling the association between vaccine attitude, vaccine conspiracies and self-reported side effects following COVID-19 vaccination among nurses and physicians in Jordan. Vaccine X 2023; 15:100405. [PMID: 38161986 PMCID: PMC10755110 DOI: 10.1016/j.jvacx.2023.100405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The negative impact of vaccine conspiracies is linked with negative health behavior. The aim of the current study was to examine the association between attitudes toward booster COVID-19, influenza, and monkeypox (mpox) vaccinations with post-COVID-19 vaccine side effects, vaccine conspiracies, and attitude towards mandatory vaccination among nurses and physicians in Jordan. Methods A structured closed-ended questionnaire was used to collect data on demographics, COVID-19 history, COVID-19 vaccine type and doses received, self-reported side effects post-COVID-19 vaccination, acceptance of booster COVID-19, seasonal influenza, and mpox vaccinations, attitudes towards mandatory vaccination, and beliefs in vaccine conspiracies. Results The study sample comprised a total of 341 participants. Acceptance of yearly booster COVID-19 vaccination was expressed by 46.6% of the sample, while 73.3% accepted seasonal influenza vaccination, and only 37.0% accepted mpox vaccination. A higher frequency of self-reported side effects following the first COVID-19 vaccine dose was associated with embrace of vaccine conspiracies and vaccine type. For the second vaccine dose, a higher frequency of self-reported side effects was associated with the embrace of vaccine conspiracies, older age, and affiliation to private sector. In multinomial logistic regression analyses, the lower embrace of vaccine conspiracies was associated with lower odds of reporting side effects post-COVID-19 vaccination. The lower embrace of vaccine conspiracies and favorable attitude towards mandatory vaccination were associated with the willingness to get COVID-19, influenza, and mpox vaccinations. Conclusion The study findings highlighted the negative impact of embracing vaccine conspiracies on health-seeking behavior among nurses and physicians. The findings indicated that the willingness to get vaccinated was associated with lower endorsement of vaccine conspiracies. Additionally, the lower embrace of vaccine conspiracies was associated with a lower frequency of self-reported side effects following COVID-19 vaccination. These results emphasize the importance of addressing vaccine misinformation and promoting accurate information to ensure optimal vaccine uptake and public health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malik Sallam
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
- Department of Clinical Laboratories and Forensic Medicine, Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan
| | - Hiba Abbasi
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan
| | - Rawan J. Obeidat
- The Office of Infection Prevention and Control, Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan
| | - Reham Badayneh
- School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Farah Alkhashman
- School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Aseel Obeidat
- School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Dana Oudeh
- School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Zena Uqba
- School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Azmi Mahafzah
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
- Department of Clinical Laboratories and Forensic Medicine, Jordan University Hospital, Amman, Jordan
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11
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Chan LC, Mat Yassim AS, Ahmad Fuaad AAH, Leow TC, Sabri S, Radin Yahaya RS, Abu Bakar AMS. Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 3CL protease by the anti-viral chimeric protein RetroMAD1. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20178. [PMID: 37978223 PMCID: PMC10656507 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47511-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 results from SARS-CoV-2, which mutates frequently, challenging current treatments. Therefore, it is critical to develop new therapeutic drugs against this disease. This study explores the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 3CLpro and RetroMAD1, a well-characterized coronavirus protein and potential drug target, using in-silico methods. The analysis through the HDOCK server showed stable complex formation with a binding energy of -12.3, the lowest among reference drugs. The RetroMAD1-3CLpro complex underwent a 100 ns molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) in an explicit solvation system, generating various trajectories, including RMSD, RMSF, hydrogen bonding, radius of gyration, and ligand binding energy. MDS results confirmed intact interactions within the RetroMAD1-3CLpro complex during simulations. In vitro experiments validated RetroMAD1's ability to inhibit 3CLpro enzyme activity and prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection in human bronchial cells. RetroMAD1 exhibited antiviral efficacy comparable to Remdesivir without cytotoxicity at effective concentrations. These results suggest RetroMAD1 as a potential drug candidate against SARS-CoV-2, warranting further in vivo and clinical studies to assess its efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee-Chin Chan
- Biovalence Sdn. Bhd., 22, Jalan SS 25/34, Taman Mayang, 47301, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
- Biovalence Technologies Pte. Ltd., #06-307 The Plaza, 7500A Beach Road, Singapore, 199591, Singapore
| | - Aini Syahida Mat Yassim
- Biovalence Sdn. Bhd., 22, Jalan SS 25/34, Taman Mayang, 47301, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.
- Biovalence Technologies Pte. Ltd., #06-307 The Plaza, 7500A Beach Road, Singapore, 199591, Singapore.
- School of Health Science, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.
| | - Abdullah Al Hadi Ahmad Fuaad
- Centre of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences in Self-Assembly (FSSA), Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Thean Chor Leow
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Enzyme and Microbial Technology Research Center, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Suriana Sabri
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Enzyme and Microbial Technology Research Center, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Radin Shafierul Radin Yahaya
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 UPM, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Awang Muhammad Sagaf Abu Bakar
- Jabatan Perkhidmatan Veterinar Sabah, Aras 3, Blok B, Wisma Pertanian Sabah, Jalan Tasik, Luyang (Off Jln Maktab Gaya), Beg Berkunci 2051, 88999, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.
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12
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Edward JA, Peruri A, Rudofker E, Shamapant N, Parker H, Cotter R, Sabin K, Lawley J, Cornwell WK. Characteristics and Treatment of Exercise Intolerance in Patients With Long COVID. J Cardiopulm Rehabil Prev 2023; 43:400-406. [PMID: 37646620 DOI: 10.1097/hcr.0000000000000821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
The post-acute sequalae of SARS-CoV-2, also known as "Long COVID," is characterized by profound fatigue, impaired functional capacity with post-exertional malaise, orthostatic intolerance, and tachycardia. At least 25-30% of individuals impacted by SARS-CoV-2 will go on to experience the Long COVID syndrome, underscoring the detrimental impact this condition has on society. Although efforts are underway to further understand risk factors for Long COVID and identify strategies to prevent disease development entirely, implementation of treatment strategies is warranted to alleviate symptom burden among those affected. This review provides a rationale for exercise prescriptions tailored to the Long COVID patient based on the pathophysiology underlying this syndrome, as well as the previously demonstrated benefits of exercise training in other similar populations whose clinical manifestations result from cardiac deconditioning. Herein, we discuss methods to tailor exercise protocols, accommodating exercise intolerance and post-exertional malaise that may otherwise limit the ability to participate in a training protocol, as well as data demonstrating that a focused exercise prescription may effectively alleviate symptom burden in these patients. Long COVID results, in large part, from deconditioning, which may result from as little as 20 hr of inactivity. Exercise prescriptions tailored to patients with Long COVID may effectively alleviate symptom burden associated with this condition and in the absence of overt contraindications should be considered in management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin A Edward
- Department of Medicine-Cardiology (Drs Edward, Rudofker, Shamapant, Parker, Cotter, and Cornwell and Ms Sabin) and Clinical Translational Research Center (Dr Cornwell), University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora; Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Parkview Medical Center, Pueblo, Colorado (Dr Peruri); and Department of Sport Science, Division of Physiology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria (Dr Lawley)
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13
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John N, Ibrahim B, Ebaid M, Saab S. Outcomes in Patients with Liver Dysfunction Post SARS-CoV-2 Infection: What Should We Measure? Hepat Med 2023; 15:185-193. [PMID: 37850074 PMCID: PMC10578169 DOI: 10.2147/hmer.s371507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim Since 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc all over the world. Early in the course of the pandemic, multiple hepatic manifestations of COVID-19 were noted. We aim to categorize hepatic dysfunction and its outcome in COVID-19 infection. Methods This is a review article based on a literature search in PubMed and Medline databases for articles detailing short-term and long-term outcomes of COVID-19 related liver dysfunction. Results The most common hepatic manifestation of COVID-19 was aspartate amino transferase (AST) predominant transaminase elevation. Transaminases improve once the COVID-19 infection resolves. In addition, COVID-19 cholangiopathy, autoimmune hepatitis associated COVID-19, and splanchnic venous thrombosis triggered by COVID-19 are other manifestations. Patients with preexisting liver disease, especially those with cirrhosis, have poor prognosis with COVID-19 infections compared to the general population. Elevations in liver tests were associated with severe COVID-19 infections. Patients with chronic liver disease have a higher risk of morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 infection. Among patients with chronic liver disease, decompensated liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and alcohol-associated liver disease were associated with an increased risk of severity and mortality from COVID-19 infection. Interactions between antiviral therapy for COVID-19 and hepatitis B/hepatitis C medications must be considered in patients with chronic viral hepatitis and COVID-19 infection. COVID-19 vaccination-related hepatic dysfunction has been reported. Conclusion COVID-19 is here to stay. Hepatic dysfunction in COVID-19 signals severe COVID-19 infections. Patients with chronic liver disease have higher mortality from COVID-19 than general population. It is important to remember the lessons learned throughout the covid pandemic to take care of patients with COVID-19 now and in the future. Further studies are needed to document long-term outcomes in patients with COVID-19 who developed hepatic dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nimy John
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Brittney Ibrahim
- Department of Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mark Ebaid
- Department of Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sammy Saab
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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14
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Ko Y, Peck KR, Kim YJ, Kim DH, Jung E. Effective vaccination strategies to control COVID-19 in Korea: a modeling study. Epidemiol Health 2023; 45:e2023084. [PMID: 37723841 PMCID: PMC10867522 DOI: 10.4178/epih.e2023084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In Korea, as immunity levels of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the population acquired through previous infections and vaccinations have decreased, booster vaccinations have emerged as a necessary measure to control new outbreaks. The objective of this study was to identify the most suitable vaccination strategy for controlling the surge in COVID-19 cases. METHODS A mathematical model was developed to concurrently evaluate the immunity levels induced by vaccines and infections. This model was then employed to investigate the potential for future resurgence and the possibility of control through the use of vaccines and antivirals. RESULTS As of May 11, 2023, if the current epidemic trend persists without further vaccination efforts, a peak in resurgence is anticipated to occur around mid-October of the same year. Under the most favorable circumstances, the peak number of severely hospitalized patients could be reduced by 43% (n=480) compared to the scenario without vaccine intervention (n=849). Depending on outbreak trends and vaccination strategies, the best timing for vaccination in terms of minimizing this peak varies from May 2023 to August 2023. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that if the epidemic persist, the best timing for administering vaccinations would need to be earlier than currently outlined in the Korean plan. It is imperative to continue monitoring outbreak trends, as this is key to determining the best vaccination timing in order to manage potential future surges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youngsuk Ko
- Department of Mathematics, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyong Ran Peck
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yae-Jean Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dong-Hyun Kim
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Eunok Jung
- Department of Mathematics, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea
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15
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Wu Y, Zhou W, Tang S, Cheke RA, Wang X. Prediction of the next major outbreak of COVID-19 in Mainland China and a vaccination strategy for it. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 10:230655. [PMID: 37650063 PMCID: PMC10465198 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.230655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
After the widespread prevalence of COVID-19 at the end of 2022 in Mainland China, a major concern is when will the second major outbreak occur and with what prevalence and fatality rates will it be associated with, as peoples' immunity from natural infection subsides. To address this, we established an age-structured model considering vaccine and infection-derived immunity, fitted an immunity-waning curve, and calibrated the model using the epidemic and vaccination data from Hong Kong in 2022. The model and the situation of the first major epidemic in Mainland China were then used to predict the prevalence rate, fatality rate and peak time of the second wave. In addition, the controlling effects of different vaccination strategies on the second major outbreak are discussed. Finally, a characterization indicator for the level of population immunity was provided. We conclude that if the prevalence of the first major epidemic was 80%, the prevalence rate of the second major outbreak would be about 37.64%, and the peak time would have been July 2 2023. Strengthening vaccination can effectively delay the peak of the second wave of the epidemic and reduce the prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Wu
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, People's Republic of China
| | - Weike Zhou
- School of Mathematics, Northwest University, Xi'an 710127, People's Republic of China
| | - Sanyi Tang
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, People's Republic of China
| | - Robert A. Cheke
- Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich at Medway, Central Avenue, Chatham Maritime, Kent ME4 4TB, UK
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, St Mary's Campus, Norfolk Place, London W2 1PG, UK
| | - Xia Wang
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710119, People's Republic of China
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16
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DeGrasse DC, Black SD. The Rise of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Omicron Subvariant Pathogenicity. Cureus 2023; 15:e40148. [PMID: 37313287 PMCID: PMC10260278 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.40148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, variants of the Betacoronavirus SARS-CoV-2, the etiologic agent of COVID-19 disease, progressively decreased in pathogenicity up to the Omicron strain. However, the case fatality rate has increased from Omicron through each major Omicron subvariant (BA.2/BA.4, BA.5, XBB.1.5) in the United States of America. World data also mirror this trend. We show that the rise of Omicron pathogenicity is exponential, and we have modeled the case fatality rate of the next major subvariant as 0.0413, 2.5 times that of the Alpha strain and 60% of the original Wuhan strain which caused the greatest morbidity and mortality during the pandemic. Small-molecule therapeutics have been developed, and some of these, such as chlorpheniramine maleate, may be useful in the event of an Omicron subvariant of higher risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C DeGrasse
- Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, USA
| | - Shaun D Black
- Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, USA
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17
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Al Oweidat K, Al-Amer R, Saleh MY, Albtoosh AS, Toubasi AA, Ribie MK, Hasuneh MM, Alfaqheri DL, Alshurafa AH, Ribie M, Ali AM, Obeidat N. Mortality, Intensive Care Unit Admission, and Intubation among Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19: A One-Year Retrospective Study in Jordan. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12072651. [PMID: 37048734 PMCID: PMC10094820 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12072651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is a public health crisis that has caused numerous deaths, necessitated an increased number of hospital admissions, and led to extended inpatient stays. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with COVID-19 mortality, intensive care unit admission, intubation, and length of hospital stay among Jordanian patients. This was a one-year retrospective study of 745 COVID-19 patients admitted to Jordan University Hospital. Data regarding the patients’ demographics, clinical and co-morbid conditions, imaging, laboratory parameters, mortality, intensive care unit admission (ICU), and intubation were collected from their medical records using a coding manual. The data revealed that the overall rates of COVID-19-related mortality, ICU admission, and invasive intubation were 23.0%, 28.3%, and 10.8%, respectively. Chronic kidney disease (CKD), troponin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and O2 saturation <90% were significantly associated with the mortality rate. The variables that were significantly associated with ICU admission were heart failure and the use of remdesivir. However, O2 saturation <90% and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms were the only variables associated with invasive intubation. The findings of this study suggest that study-related health outcomes can be used to predict the severity of COVID-19, and they can inform future research aiming to identify specific populations who are at a higher risk of COVID-19 complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled Al Oweidat
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Rasmieh Al-Amer
- Faculty of Nursing, Isra University, Amman 11953, Jordan
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
| | | | - Asma S. Albtoosh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Ahmad A. Toubasi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Mona Khaled Ribie
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Manar M. Hasuneh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Daniah L. Alfaqheri
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Abdullah H. Alshurafa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Mohammad Ribie
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Amira Mohammed Ali
- Department of Psychiatric Nursing and Mental Health, Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, Smouha, Alexandria 21527, Egypt
| | - Nathir Obeidat
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
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18
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Chernikov IV, Staroseletz YY, Tatarnikova IS, Sen’kova AV, Savin IA, Markov AV, Logashenko EB, Chernolovskaya EL, Zenkova MA, Vlassov VV. siRNA-Mediated Timp1 Silencing Inhibited the Inflammatory Phenotype during Acute Lung Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021641. [PMID: 36675165 PMCID: PMC9865963 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute lung injury is a complex cascade process that develops in response to various damaging factors, which can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome. Within this study, based on bioinformatics reanalysis of available full-transcriptome data of acute lung injury induced in mice and humans by various factors, we selected a set of genes that could serve as good targets for suppressing inflammation in the lung tissue, evaluated their expression in the cells of different origins during LPS-induced inflammation, and chose the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase Timp1 as a promising target for suppressing inflammation. We designed an effective chemically modified anti-TIMP1 siRNA and showed that Timp1 silencing correlates with a decrease in the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL6 secretion in cultured macrophage cells and reduces the severity of LPS-induced acute lung injury in a mouse model.
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Pomara C, Zappalà SA, Salerno M, Sessa F, Esposito M, Cocimano G, Ippolito S, Miani A, Missoni E, Piscitelli P. Migrants' human rights and health protection during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Mediterranean Sea: what we have learnt from direct inspections in two Italian hotspots. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1129267. [PMID: 37151579 PMCID: PMC10160674 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1129267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aims to assess the situation of Italian hotspots for migrant reception during the COVID-19 pandemic, and specifically analyzing the situation of two hotspots located in the Sicily Region (Pozzallo harbor and Lampedusa Island), to identify critical issues. At the same time, we hypothesize solutions to guarantee the respect of human rights and suggest an operational protocol to be applied in similar situations, considering that the migration phenomenon is increasing and involving new geographical areas. Based on data obtained through the site inspections, the facilities of Pozzallo and Lampedusa exceeded their capacity to adequately contain the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Considering these findings, we suggest a practical workflow summarizing the main actions that should be applied to contain COVID-19, or other infectious disease, spreading in hotspots for migrants. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on migrants has received limited attention, although the migration phenomenon did not slow down during the pandemic period. Regarding the risk of spreading infectious diseases such as COVID-19, it is necessary that those countries who are most exposed to migration flows, such as Italy, plan dedicated strategies to minimize the possibility of transmission of SARS-CoV-2, using adequate protocols to monitor the possible insurgence of variants of interest (VOIs) or variants of concern (VOCs). Finally, it is important to state that these suggestions could be applied in any future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristoforo Pomara
- Legal Medicine, Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies, “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Member of the Task Force of the Sicily Region for Immigration, Catania, Italy
- *Correspondence: Cristoforo Pomara,
| | | | - Monica Salerno
- Legal Medicine, Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies, “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Francesco Sessa
- Legal Medicine, Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies, “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Esposito
- Legal Medicine, Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies, “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cocimano
- Legal Medicine, Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies, “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Ippolito
- Former Officer at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Geneve, Switzerland
| | - Alessandro Miani
- Italian Society of Environmental Medicine, Milan, Italy
- Department of Health Science and Policy, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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