Review
Medical Laboratory Technology
Marco Ciotti, Massimo Ciccozzi, Massimo Pieri, Sergio Bernardini
Summary: The article discusses the development of COVID-19 vaccines, the impact of viral variants on transmission and virus antibodies, and methods for measuring vaccine antibody responses. It also emphasizes the importance of using the WHO International Standard to accurately calibrate immunoassays.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN CLINICAL LABORATORY SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Santiago Grau, Elena Martin-Garcia, Olivia Ferrandez, Raquel Martin, Sonia Tejedor-Vaquero, Ramon Gimeno, Giuliana Magri, Rafael Maldonado
Summary: Evaluated the integrity and immunogenicity of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines after re-freezing vials, finding that the vaccines can be re-frozen under specific freezing conditions without losing their effectiveness.
Article
Dermatology
Nisha Suyien Chandran, Ji Hae Lee, Ichiro Kurokawa
Summary: The reported incidence of COVID-19 among patients with inflammatory bowel and skin diseases under treatment with biologicals is low. Treatment may modify disease severity, but the vaccination and management of biological treatments in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) may not negatively impact susceptibility to COVID-19.
EXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Maryam Bayat, Yahya Asemani, Sajad Najafi
Summary: The successful development of an effective COVID-19 vaccine requires consideration of both immunological and non-immunological factors, and stimulating protective immunity is a key individual strategy to manage the pandemic.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Alina Dima, Ciprian Jurcut, Daniel Vasile Balaban, Valeriu Gheorghita, Ruxandra Jurcut, Augustin Catalin Dima, Mariana Jinga
Summary: This cross-sectional survey study on COVID-19 vaccination among Romanian physicians revealed a safety vaccination profile among them, with a high vaccination rate and mostly minor side effects reported.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Valeria Guglielmi, Luca Colangeli, Monica D'Adamo, Paolo Sbraccia
Summary: Obesity is associated with increased severity of viral infections due to metabolic complications, nutritional aspects, lack of physical activity, and chronic hormonal and adipocytokine imbalance. High leptin concentrations in obesity impair immune surveillance and contribute to immune response dysregulation, potentially leading to reduced vaccine effectiveness. Overcoming leptin resistance and understanding its interactions with inflammation and the immune system remain major challenges for future research.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Jana L. Jacobs, Ghady Haidar, John W. Mellors
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to unexpected evolution and emergence of SARS-CoV-2 viral variants. Five major variants (Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron) have emerged, each with unique and overlapping amino acid substitutions that impact transmissibility, disease severity, and susceptibility to immune responses and monoclonal antibodies. Some recent variants exhibit immune evasion properties, particularly in cases of prolonged infection. Tracking existing variants and surveilling new ones are crucial for effective pandemic response.
ANNUAL REVIEW OF MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shailendra Pratap Singh, Salomon Amar, Pinky Gehlot, Sanjib K. Patra, Navjot Kanwar, Abhinav Kanwal
Summary: Mitochondria are crucial organelles in regulating intracellular events, which can be altered by viruses to induce cellular stress and promote viral proliferation. Autophagy plays a key role in SARS-COV2-mediated COVID-19 and serves as a potential target for anti-viral therapy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Joshua A. Salomon, Alex Reinhart, Alyssa Bilinski, Eu Jing Chua, Wichada La Motte-Kerr, Minttu M. Ronn, Marissa B. Reitsma, Katherine A. Morris, Sarah LaRocca, Tamer H. Farag, Frauke Kreuter, Roni Rosenfeld, Ryan J. Tibshirani
Summary: The US COVID-19 Trends and Impact Survey (CTIS) is a large, internet-based survey collecting information about COVID-19 symptoms, risks, behaviors, and more. The survey's scale allows for real-time tracking of trends and provision of essential data supplementing official reporting for high-priority policy questions.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Davide Magri, Anna Navarro, Federica Bergami, Elena Percivalle, Alessandro Ferrari, Teresa Lettieri, Luigi Calzolai, Antonio Piralla, Fausto Baldanti, Sabrina Gioria
Summary: This study assessed two methods for removing or inactivating SARS-CoV2 viral load and preserving cytokine profiles from patient bronchoalveolar lavage samples. Results showed that while ultraviolet-C treatment had little to no quantitative effect on total cytokines/chemokines measurements, cytokines profile and relative ratios remained largely unchanged or minimally altered when compared to the ultrafiltration method.
Review
Immunology
Luiz Henrique Agra Cavalcante-Silva, Deyse Cristina Madruga Carvalho, Essia de Almeida Lima, Jose G. F. M. Galvao, Juliane S. de Franca da Silva, Jose Marreiro de Sales-Neto, Sandra Rodrigues-Mascarenhas
Summary: COVID-19, triggered by SARS-Cov2 infection, is a multisystem inflammatory disorder characterized by acute respiratory distress syndrome, cytokine-driven hyper inflammation, and leukocytes count changes. Neutrophils have been identified as essential effector cells in the development of COVID-19, utilizing mechanisms such as neutrophil enzymes, cytokines, and neutrophil extracellular traps. This review summarizes significant findings regarding neutrophils and their effector mechanisms in COVID-19.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Dan H. Barouch
Summary: This article reviews the protective effects of vaccination and prior infection on severe Covid-19, and proposes future research directions.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Almohanad A. Alkayyal, Manar Darwish, Reham Ajina, Saleh Y. Alabbas, Mohammed A. Alotaibi, Abeer Alsofyani, Maha Bokhamseen, Maumonah Hakami, Omar A. Albaradie, Abdulaziz M. Moglan, Sharif Hala, Abdullah Faisal Alsahafi, Samer Zakri, Adnan Almuzaini, Khamis Alsharari, Feras Kaboha, Mustafa Y. Taher, Haggag S. Zein, Fayhan Alroqi, Ahmad Bakur Mahmoud
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has created an urgent need for safe and cost-effective vaccines to control outbreaks globally. In this study, the VSV-51M oncolytic virus platform was repurposed to express the spike receptor-binding domain (RBD) antigen to combat SARS-CoV-2. The VSV-51M-RBD vaccine demonstrated successful expression of RBD, induced anti-RBD responses without compromising the virus, and showed potential as a safe and effective alternative or complementary platform to current COVID-19 vaccines.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Galit Alter, Jingyou Yu, Jinyan Liu, Abishek Chandrashekar, Erica N. Borducchi, Lisa H. Tostanoski, Katherine McMahan, Catherine Jacob-Dolan, David R. Martinez, Aiquan Chang, Tochi Anioke, Michelle Lifton, Joseph Nkolola, Kathryn E. Stephenson, Caroline Atyeo, Sally Shin, Paul Fields, Ian Kaplan, Harlan Robins, Fatima Amanat, Florian Krammer, Ralph S. Baric, Mathieu Le Gars, Jerald Sadoff, Anne Marit de Groot, Dirk Heerwegh, Frank Struyf, Macaya Douoguih, Johan van Hoof, Hanneke Schuitemaker, Dan H. Barouch
Summary: The Ad26.COV2.S vaccine has shown clinical efficacy against symptomatic COVID-19, including the B.1.351 variant, but there is uncertainty regarding its immunogenicity against SARS-CoV-2 variants. The study found that neutralizing antibody responses were reduced against the B.1.351 and P.1 variants, while non-neutralizing antibody responses and T cell responses were largely preserved against SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Review
Immunology
Kadhim Hayawi, Sakib Shahriar, Mohamed Adel Serhani, Hany Alashwal, Mohammad M. Masud
Summary: The study shows that full vaccination provides strong protection, with the best efficacy observed against the Alpha variant and varying efficacy against the Beta variant. Protection against the Gamma and Delta variants is lower compared to other strains.
Article
Surgery
Raquel Sanchez-Santos, Salvador Morales-Conde, Jose Luis Ramos Rodriguez, Estibaliz Alvarez Pena, Jose Manuel Aranda Narvaez, Mario Alvarez Gallego, Josep Maria Badia, Jose Maria Balibrea del Castillo, Alejandra Garcia-Botella, Xavier Guirao Garriga, Eloy Espin Basany, Esteban Martin-Antona, Elena Martin Perez, Sagrario Martinez Cortijon, Isabel Pascual Miguelanez, Lola Perez Diaz, Ines Rubio Perez, Victoriano Soria Aledo
Summary: The study analyzes the results of the AEC Virtual Classroom sessions during the first year, which proved to be a useful surgical teaching tool during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The sessions had a high number of views and positive satisfaction scores, particularly in the subject of coloproctology. The majority of users found the sessions useful and believe they should continue after the pandemic.
Review
Microbiology
Francisco Javier Martin-Sanchez, Manuel Martinez-Selles, Jose Maria Molero Garcia, Santiago Moreno Guillen, Fernando Rodriguez-Artalejo, Julian Ruiz-Galiana, Rafael Canton, Pilar De Lucas Ramos, Alejandra Garcia-Botella, Alberto Garcia-Lledo, Teresa Hernandez-Sampelayo, Javier Gomez-Pavon, Juan Gonzalez del Castillo, Mari Cruz Martin-Delgado, Emilio Bouza
Summary: Predictions for the near end of the pandemic by the World Health Organization should be approached cautiously. The efficacy of a fourth dose of classical mRNA vaccines against the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 is low and short-lived in preventing infection, but still effective against severe symptomatic cases. New bivalent vaccines targeting the Omicron variant are being developed, along with potential vaccines for nasal or oral administration. Information suggests that COVID-19 vaccines can be administered alongside influenza vaccination without complications. Research is ongoing for new antiviral and anti-inflammatory drugs, but monoclonal antibodies may not be effective. Mask usage will likely continue in certain circumstances based on accumulating scientific data. The long-term effects of COVID-19 may persist and require comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic resources.
REVISTA ESPANOLA DE QUIMIOTERAPIA
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Jose Maria Molero Garcia, Santiago Moreno Guillen, Fernando Rodriguez-Artalejo, Julian Ruiz-Galiana, Rafael Canton, Pilar De Lucas Ramos, Alejandra Garcia-Botella, Alberto Garcia-Lledo, Teresa Hernandez-Sampelayo, Javier Gomez-Pavon, Juan Gonzalez del Castillo, Mari Cruz Martin-Delgado, Francisco Javier Martin Sanchez, Manuel Martinez-Selles, Emilio Bouza
Summary: Herpes zoster infection is a significant public health problem with a high incidence rate and frequent complications, especially post-herpetic neuropathy. Two vaccines are currently available in Spain to prevent HZ and its complications, with different administration requirements for immunocompromised individuals. The criteria for vaccine indication and financing vary among different autonomous communities in Spain. This paper discusses various aspects of HZ and includes the opinions and criteria of experts from the Illustrious Official College of Physicians of Madrid.
REVISTA ESPANOLA DE QUIMIOTERAPIA
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Sara Rodriguez-Martin, Diana Barreira-Hernandez, Ramon Mazzucchelli, Miguel Gil, Alberto Garcia-Lledo, Laura Izquierdo-Esteban, Ana Perez-Gomez, Antonio Rodriguez-Miguel, Francisco J. De Abajo
Summary: In this case-control study, the use of oral bisphosphonates was found to specifically increase the risk of cardioembolic ischemic stroke, but had little effect on non-cardioembolic stroke. The duration of bisphosphonate use and the interaction with calcium supplements and anticoagulants were also observed to play a role. These findings have important implications for clinical practice.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Monica Ramos, Maribel Quezada-Feijoo, Rocio Ayala, Ascension Manzano, Francisco Javier Gomez-Pavon, Javier Jaramillo, Cristina Herrera, Mariola Lopez Vazquez de la Torre, Rocio Toro
Summary: Recognizing symptoms in elderly patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) can be challenging. This study tested the usefulness of NT-proBNP and Galectin-3 in predicting events in asymptomatic patients with severe AS. The results showed that NT-proBNP was the most reliable predictor of events, and a combination of NT-proBNP and Galectin-3 levels may be vital in the clinical follow-up and decision-making process for these patients.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Christian Bengoa Terrero, Marian Bas Villalobos, Ana Pastor Rodriguez-Monino, Maria Dolores Lasheras Carbajo, Julian Perez-Villacastin, Cristina Fernandez Perez, Maria Jesus Garcia Torrent, Rafael Sanchez-del-Hoyo, Alberto Garcia Lledo
Summary: This study conducted an influenza vaccination campaign in 42 primary care centers, where for every healthcare worker vaccinated against influenza, a polio vaccine is donated to children in developing nations. The results show that this campaign can effectively increase the vaccination uptake in healthcare workers and has a low cost of operation.
Article
Immunology
Christian Bengoa Terrero, Marian Bas Villalobos, Ana Pastor Rodriguez-Monino, Maria Dolores Lasheras Carbajo, Julian Perez-Villacastin, Maria Jesus Garcia Torrent, Rafael Sanchez-del-Hoyo, Eneko Bengoa San Sebastian, Alberto Garcia Lledo
Summary: This study finds that factors such as the size of the healthcare center and the economic condition of the patient's area affect influenza vaccination rates. The study also reveals that in the high-risk groups aged 60-64 and 65 and above, areas with fewer healthcare workers have higher vaccination rates.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Adrian Jeronimo, Alejandro Travieso, Jose G. Paredes-Vazquez, Francesca Finocchiaro, Asad Shabbir, Daniel Faria, Juan Carlos Gomez-Polo, Inmaculada Fernandez-Rozas, Juan Manuel Grande-Ingelmo, Eva Garcia-Romo, Javier Garcia Perez-Velasco, Alberto Garcia-Lledo, Alejandro Curcio, Javier Alonso-Bello, Nieves Gonzalo, Hernan Mejia-Renteria, Javier Escaned
Summary: The AID-ANGIO study aims to evaluate the diagnostic value of a hierarchical strategy in diagnosing obstructive and non-obstructive causes of myocardial ischemia in patients with chronic coronary syndromes. The study will be conducted in two steps, starting with invasive coronary angiography and followed by additional assessments based on the initial results. Positive results of the study may lead to improved therapeutic approaches for patients with chronic coronary syndromes.
CARDIOVASCULAR REVASCULARIZATION MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Surgery
Alejandra Garcia-Botella, Sofia De la Serna Esteban, Leyre Lopez-Antonanzas, Rocio Avellana-Moreno, Jana Dziakova, Oscar Cano Valderrama, Esteban Martin-Antona, Irene Serrano-Garcia, Antonio Jose Torres Garcia
Summary: This study analyzed the outcomes of patients undergoing surgery in two different periods, before and after vaccination. The results showed that preoperative screening for SARS-CoV-2 infection can help reduce nosocomial infection rates, and preoperative vaccination in patients with prior COVID-19 infection did not increase postoperative complications.
WORLD JOURNAL OF SURGERY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Diana Barreira-Hernandez, Sara Rodriguez-Martin, Miguel Gil, Ramon Mazzucchelli, Laura Izquierdo-Esteban, Alberto Garcia-Lledo, Ana Perez-Gomez, Antonio Rodriguez-Miguel, Francisco J. de Abajo
Summary: This study investigated the association between calcium supplements and ischemic stroke, distinguishing between calcium alone and calcium with vitamin D, as well as between cardioembolic and non-cardioembolic stroke. The results showed that calcium supplements were associated with an increased risk of cardioembolic stroke, particularly when used in combination with oral bisphosphonates.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Javier Crespo, Joaquin Cabezas, Antonio Aguilera, Agustin Albillos, Maria Buti, Jose Luis Calleja, Jorge Calvo Montes, Marta Casado Martin, Moises Diago, Conrado M. Fernandez Rodriguez, Inmaculada Fernandez Vazquez, Xavier Forns, Federico Garcia, Javier Garcia-Samaniego, Manuel Hernandez-Guerra de Aguilar, Francisco Jorquera, Jeffrey Lazarus, Sabela Lens, Elisa Martro, Jose Maria Molero Garcia, Maria Jose Pena Lopez, Juan Antonio Pineda, Manuel Rodriguez, Manuel Romero-Gomez, Gloria Sanchez Antolin, Miguel A. Serra Desfilis, Juan Turnes
REVISTA ESPANOLA DE ENFERMEDADES DIGESTIVAS
(2023)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Alberto Pilotto, Carlo Custodero, Katie Palmer, Elisabet Maria Sanchez-Garcia, Eva Topinkova, Maria Cristina Polidor
Summary: This article describes the evidence on the usefulness of a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA)-based approach during the COVID-19 pandemic. The multidimensional, CGA-based approach allows better identification of individual risk profiles and frailty status of infected, recovered but with a post-COVID-19 condition, and non-infected older adults. Capturing older patients' needs through CGA may offer the possibility to guide clinical decision and implement personalized medicine.
EUROPEAN GERIATRIC MEDICINE
(2023)
