Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Daniel Mrak, Daniela Sieghart, Elisabeth Simader, Selma Tobudic, Helga Radner, Peter Mandl, Lisa Goeschl, Maximilian Koblischke, Nikolaus Hommer, Angelika Wagner, Margareta Mayer, Lorenz Schubert, Lukas Hartl, Karin Kozbial, Philipp Hofer, Felix Kartnig, Thomas Hummel, Andreas Kerschbaumer, Thomas Deimel, Antonia Puchner, Venugopal Gudipati, Renate Thalhammer, Petra Munda, Keziban Uyanik-Uenal, Andreas Zuckermann, Gottfried Novacek, Thomas Reiberger, Erika Garner-Spitzer, Roman Reindl-Schwaighofer, Renate Kain, Stefan Winkler, Josef S. Smolen, Karin Stiasny, Gottfried F. Fischer, Thomas Perkmann, Helmuth Haslacher, Markus Zeitlinger, Ursula Wiedermann, Judith H. Aberle, Daniel Aletaha, Leonhard X. Heinz, Michael Bonelli
Summary: Optimizing COVID-19 vaccination strategies for immunosuppressed patients is crucial. In this clinical trial, a homologous mRNA booster vaccine showed higher seroconversion rate compared to a switch to a vector-based vaccine for non-seroconverted immunosuppressed patients. The study highlights the importance of booster vaccination and supports the use of homologous mRNA booster vaccine in this vulnerable group.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Critical Care Medicine
Wesley H. Self, Allison P. Wheeler, Thomas G. Stewart, Harry Schrager, Jason Mallada, Christopher B. Thomas, Vince D. Cataldo, Hollis R. O'Neal, Nathan Shapiro, Conor Higgins, Adit A. Ginde, Lakshmi Chauhan, Nicholas J. Johnson, Daniel J. Henning, Stuti J. Jaiswal, Manoj J. Mammen, Estelle S. Harris, Sonal R. Pannu, Maryrose Laguio-Vila, Wissam El Atrouni, Marjolein de Wit, Daanish Hoda, Claudia S. Cohn, Carla McWilliams, Carl Shanholtz, Alan E. Jones, Jay S. Raval, Simon Mucha, Tina S. Ipe, Xian Qiao, Stephen J. Schrantz, Aarthi Shenoy, Richard D. Fremont, Eric J. Brady, Robert H. Carnahan, James D. Chappell, James E. Crowe, Mark R. Denison, Pavlo Gilchuk, Laura J. Stevens, Rachel E. Sutton, Isaac Thomsen, Sandra M. Yoder, Amanda J. Bistran-Hall, Jonathan D. Casey, Christopher J. Lindsell, Li Wang, Jill M. Pulley, Jillian P. Rhoads, Gordon R. Bernard, Todd W. Rice
Summary: This study found that convalescent plasma treatment did not improve clinical outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, including those without anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Arman Shafiee, Mohammad Mobin Teymouri Athar, Abia Shahid, Muhammad Saqib Ghafoor, Muhammad Ayyan, Afra Zahid, Huzaifa Ahmad Cheema
Summary: Curcumin reduces the risk of all-cause mortality and lack of recovery status in COVID-19 patients, but has no effect on mechanical ventilation, hospitalization, and positive viral PCR test. Early administration and combination regimens of curcumin show better results. Large-scale randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm the benefits of curcumin in mild-to-moderate COVID-19 patients. Limitations of the meta-analysis include small sample sizes and variations in curcumin formulations used in the included trials.
PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Virology
Huzaifa Ahmad Cheema, Aqeeb Ur Rehman, Asmaa Ahmed Elrashedy, Aleenah Mohsin, Abia Shahid, Muhammad Ehsan, Muhammad Ayyan, Heba Ismail, Talal Almas
Summary: Antiandrogens may have potential therapeutic benefits against COVID-19, but the results of studies have been mixed. A systematic review of randomized controlled trials was conducted to assess the benefits of antiandrogens. The analysis showed that antiandrogens significantly reduced mortality, with proxalutamide and sabizabulin being the most effective. However, further large-scale trials are needed to confirm these findings.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
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)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Hayder M. Al-kuraishy, Ali I. Al-Gareeb, Yaaser Q. Almulaiky, Natalia Cruz-Martins, Gaber El-Saber Batiha
Summary: SARS-CoV-2 virus enters the body through interaction with ACE2 receptors, leading to various clinical manifestations. Leukotriene inhibitors may play an important role in Covid-19 management by blocking CysLTRs or the NF-kappa B signaling pathway to alleviate symptoms.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Qin Liu, Qi Su, Fen Zhang, Hein M. Tun, Joyce Wing Yan Mak, Grace Chung-Yan Lui, Susanna So Shan Ng, Jessica Y. L. Ching, Amy Li, Wenqi Lu, Chenyu Liu, Chun Pan Cheung, David S. C. Hui, Paul K. S. Chan, Francis Ka Leung Chan, Siew C. Ng
Summary: By integrating clinical features and multi-omics data, the authors identified specific gut microbiome patterns associated with disease severity and development of post-acute COVID-19 syndrome. These findings highlight the potential utility of host phenotype and multi-kingdom microbiota profiling as a prognostic tool for patients with COVID-19.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Alben Sigamani, Kevin H. Mayo, Michelle C. Miller, Hana Chen-Walden, Surendar Reddy, David Platt
Summary: The study evaluated the therapeutic effect of PL-M tablets in 34 subjects with COVID-19. The results showed that PL-M treatment significantly increased the cycle counts of nucleocapsid and open reading frame genes, reduced viral loads, relieved symptoms, and had no significant side effects.
Editorial Material
Immunology
Rustom Antia, M. Elizabeth Halloran
Summary: The article discusses the basic concepts underlying the transition from an epidemic to an endemic state, as well as the implications of this transition for COVID-19.
Review
Immunology
Wei-Ting Lin, Shun-Hsing Hung, Chih-Cheng Lai, Cheng-Yi Wang, Chao-Hsien Chen
Summary: Tocilizumab does not provide a survival benefit for patients with COVID-19, but it may help reduce the risk of mechanical ventilation and intensive care unit admission. Additionally, tocilizumab has been shown to be a safe agent for the treatment of COVID-19.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Marcia C. Castro, Sun Kim, Lorena Barberia, Ana Freitas Ribeiro, Susie Gurzenda, Karina Braga Ribeiro, Erin Abbott, Jeffrey Blossom, Beatriz Rache, Burton H. Singer
Summary: The study found that COVID-19 in Brazil is spreading rapidly across municipalities with distinct spatial and temporal patterns of clustering, trajectories, and speed. Analysis shows that inadequate policy measures have led to high transmission and mortality burdens. The current surge in cases and deaths, along with the circulation of concerning variants, highlights the need for government to strengthen prevention and control measures.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Huynh Nguyen Loc, Truong Thi Ngoc Lan, Dinh Thi Lan Huong, Nguyen Thanh Tuyen, Tran Minh Quang, Ly Minh Dao, Pham Hung Van, Nguyen Lam Vuong
Summary: Kovir capsule, developed from Ren Shen Bai Du San formulation, has been found to be safe and effective in improving symptom resolution in mild COVID-19 patients. Further large-scale trials are needed to confirm these findings.
PHYTOTHERAPY RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sazada Siddiqui, Heba Waheeb Saeed Alhamdi, Huda Ahmed Alghamdi
Summary: COVID-19 is highly contagious and has caused major disruptions around the world. Prevention is crucial through measures such as self-isolation and vaccination.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
William R. Morgenlander, Stephanie N. Henson, Daniel R. Monaco, Athena Chen, Kirsten Littlefield, Evan M. Bloch, Eric Fujimura, Ingo Ruczinski, Andrew R. Crowley, Harini Natarajan, Savannah E. Butler, Joshua A. Weiner, Mamie Z. Li, Tania S. Bonny, Sarah E. Benner, Ashwin Balagopal, David Sullivan, Shmuel Shoham, Thomas C. Quinn, Susan H. Eshleman, Arturo Casadevall, Andrew D. Redd, Oliver Laeyendecker, Margaret E. Ackerman, Andrew Pekosz, Stephen J. Elledge, Matthew Robinson, Aaron A. R. Tobian, H. Benjamin Larman
Summary: This study found strong correlation between the functionality of COVID-19 convalescent plasma and polyclonal antibody targeting of specific peptides in the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Antibody responses to specific coronaviruses correlated with the development of highly neutralizing antibodies against CoV-2. Plasma donations reactive to the CoV-2 spike receptor binding domain had higher neutralizing titers.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL INVESTIGATION
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Sady A. Alpizar, Jose Accini, Duane C. Anderson, Basem Eysa, Isai Medina-Pinon, Norio Ohmagari, Mykola M. Ostrovskyy, Angela Aggrey-Amable, Karen Beck, Dana Byrne, Staci Grayson, Peggy M. T. Hwang, Julia D. Lonchar, Julie Strizki, Yayun Xu, Amanda Paschke, Carisa S. De Anda, Pamela S. Sears
Summary: This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of molnupiravir for intra-household post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) of COVID-19. The results showed that molnupiravir led to more COVID-19 events after completion of treatment compared to placebo, but did not demonstrate significant superiority in preventing COVID-19. The high pre-existing immunity in the trial population may have influenced the results.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION
(2023)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Ana Moragas, Ana Garcia-Sangenis, Carl Llor
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of external urine collection devices (UCD) on contamination of urine samples in women with symptoms of urinary tract infection. Only two studies were found, and neither of them found any difference in contamination between specimens collected with UCDs and non-invasive techniques. The largest study included 1264 symptomatic women, and 18.8% of those allocated to UCDs failed to collect urine samples successfully. More studies involving women with symptoms of urinary tract infection are needed to produce more robust data on the impact of these devices on urine contamination rates.
ENFERMEDADES INFECCIOSAS Y MICROBIOLOGIA CLINICA
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Cristina Agusti, Oriol Cunillera, Jesus Almeda, Juanjo Mascort, Ricard Carrillo, Carmen Olmos, Alexandra Montoliu, Mireia Alberny, Izarbe Molina, Laia Cayuelas, Jordi Casabona
Summary: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of an electronic reminder in improving HIV screening rates among patients diagnosed with an indicator condition (IC) in primary healthcare settings. The results showed that the electronic reminder significantly increased HIV testing rates, particularly among men, patients aged under 50, and those with IC diagnoses other than sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or AIDS-defining illnesses.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Oriol Cunillera Puertolas, Sara Contreras-Martos, Merce Marzo-Castillejo, Dario Lopez Gallegos, Mateo Acedo Anta, Jesus Almeda Ortega, Joan Colom, Josep Basora, Betlem Salvador-Gonzalez
Summary: The relaxation of state of alarm restrictions on nightclub venues did not lead to increased transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in a context of low infection rates. Nightlife attendance under controlled conditions, such as reduced capacity and mandatory negative rapid antigen diagnostic tests, can allow for the safe reopening of the nightlife sector.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Irela Lopez-Cobo, Lluisa Rodriguez-Latre, Oriol Cunillera, Irene Ruiz, Silvia Copetti, Merce Albareda, Lluis Vila
Summary: This study aimed to analyze the evolution of metabolic control, cardiovascular risk factors, and chronic complications in a Type 2 Diabetes population in a healthcare area of Barcelona. The study found that glycaemic control was steady, while cholesterol and blood pressure levels improved between 2012 and 2016. However, there was a significant increase in diabetic complications, heart failure, and peripheral vasculopathy during the same time period.
DIABETES RESEARCH AND CLINICAL PRACTICE
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Jenniffer Elizabeth Perez Patino, Jose Lluis Ballve Moreno, Yolanda Rando Matos, Jesus Almeda Ortega, Oriol Cunillera Puertolas, Ricard Carrillo Munoz, Ivan Villar Balboa, Xavier Gonzalez Compta, Olga Lucia Arias Agudelo, Sebastia Calero Munoz, Vanessa Monforte Rodriguez, Anna Navarro Cortes, Eva Peguero Rodriguez
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of blended training in diagnosing and managing vertigo among family doctors and improving their adherence to clinical practice guidelines. Outcome variables include the proportion of specific diagnoses, referrals to specialists, prescription of antivertigo agents, and sick leave duration. The researchers expect an improvement in family doctors' ability to diagnose and manage vertigo through the training.
Article
Economics
Xiao Li, Joke Bilcke, Alike W. van der Velden, Robin Bruyndonckx, Samuel Coenen, Emily Bongard, Muirrean de Paor, Slawomir Chlabicz, Maciek Godycki-Cwirko, Nick Francis, Rune Aabenhus, Heiner C. Bucher, Annelies Colliers, An De Sutter, Ana Garcia-Sangenis, Dominik Glinz, Nicolay J. Harbin, Katarzyna Kosiek, Morten Lindbaek, Christos Lionis, Carl Llor, Reka Miko-Pauer, Ruta Radzeviciene Jurgute, Bohumil Seifert, Par-Daniel Sundvall, Pia Touboul Lundgren, Nikolaos Tsakountakis, Theo J. Verheij, Herman Goossens, Christopher C. Butler, Philippe Beutels
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of adding oseltamivir to primary care in Europe for treating influenza-like illness (ILI) in adults/adolescents and children. The results showed that adding oseltamivir to primary care is likely to be cost-effective from the healthcare payers' perspective, and cost-saving from a societal perspective in adults/adolescents.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HEALTH ECONOMICS
(2023)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Ana Moragas Moreno, Silvia Fernandez-Garcia, Carl Llor, Dan Ouchi, Ana Garcia-Sangenis, Monica Monteagudo, Ramon Monfa, Maria Giner-Soriano
Summary: This study aims to investigate the epidemiology of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in Catalonia and the diagnostic and therapeutic management by health professionals. The study is an observational cohort study that will analyze adult UTI cases registered in the databases from 2012 to 2021. The expected results will provide a description of the epidemiology of UTIs in Catalonia and evaluate the management of diagnosis and treatment.
JMIR RESEARCH PROTOCOLS
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Akke Vellinga, Addiena Luke-Currier, Nathaly Garzon-Orjuela, Rune Aabenhus, Marilena Anastasaki, Anca Balan, Femke Boehmer, Valerija Bralic Lang, Slawomir Chlabicz, Samuel Coenen, Ana Garcia-Sangenis, Anna Kowalczyk, Lile Malania, Angela Tomacinschii, Sanne R. van der Linde, Emily Bongard, Christopher C. Butler, Herman Goossens, Alike W. van der Velden
Summary: This study examined the antibiotic prescribing for respiratory tract infections in general practices across European countries. The findings showed that some countries did not meet the appropriate prescribing standards for certain types of infections, and the antibiotic usage rates differed among countries, with Denmark and Spain having lower rates compared to others.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Miquel de Homdedeu, Lidia Sanchez-Moral, Concepcio Violan, Neus Rafols, Dan Ouchi, Berta Martin, Miguel A. Peinado, Alheli Rodriguez-Cortes, Marta Arch-Sisquella, Daniel Perez-Zsolt, Jordana Munoz-Basagoiti, Nuria Izquierdo-Useros, Betlem Salvador, Joan Matllo, Sergi Lopez-Serrano, Joaquim Segales, Cristina Vilaplana, Pere Toran-Monserrat, Rosa Morros, Ramon Monfa, Maria-Rosa Sarrias, Pere-Joan Cardona
Summary: The study aims to analyze whether heat-killed environmental mycobacteria can induce trained immunity against SARS-CoV-2 infection. The results show that heat-killed mycobacteria induce cellular immune changes in vitro, but no similar effects were observed when orally administered in vivo.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Dan Ouchi, Carles Vilaplana-Carnerero, Ramon Monfa, Maria Giner-Soriano, Ana Garcia-Sangenis, Ferran Torres, Rosa Morros
Summary: This study aims to describe the impact of initiating a combination treatment to reduce glycated hemoglobin in patients with type 2 diabetes. The study found that combination therapy with insulin and glucagon-like peptide-1 achieved the goal faster, while combinations with sulfonylureas had poorer results. Medication adherence played an important role in glycated hemoglobin control.
DRUGS-REAL WORLD OUTCOMES
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Dan Ouchi, Maria Giner-Soriano, Carles Vilaplana-Carnerero, Ramon Monfa, Ferran Torres, Rosa Morros
Summary: The aim of this study was to analyze the initial and subsequent treatments prescribed to newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. The majority of patients started treatment with a single metformin medication, while a smaller percentage began with combination therapy. Metformin was the most commonly used first and third-line therapy, while metformin with DPP4i or sulfonylurea combination therapy was more prevalent as second-line therapy.
DIABETES RESEARCH AND CLINICAL PRACTICE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Daniel Bundo, Oriol Cunillera, Ariadna Arbiol-Roca, Silvia Cobo-Guerrero, Jose Romano, Neus Gil-Terron, Xavier Fulladosa, Jordi Comas, Ines Rama, Josep M. Cruzado, Betlem Salvador-Gonzalez
Summary: This retrospective cohort study aimed to explore the risk factors associated with reaching the final stage of chronic kidney disease (CKD-G5) while receiving conservative kidney management (CKM). The study found that low eGFR and albuminuria were the primary risk factors. Male gender and uncontrolled blood pressure had a greater impact on the need for kidney replacement therapy (KRT) compared to CKD-G5 with CKM. Increasing age and rurality reduced the probability of KRT but increased the probability of CKD-G5 with CKM. Higher incomes decreased the likelihood of developing CKD-G5 with and without KRT.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Primary Health Care
Carl Llor, Ana Moragas, Dan Ouchi, Ramon Monfa, Ana Garcia-Sangenis, Ainhoa Gomez-Lumbreras, Helena Pera, Jesus Pujol, Rosa Morros
Summary: This study examined the effectiveness of three commonly used treatments for relieving cough symptoms in acute bronchitis. However, the results showed that these treatments, including a cough suppressant, an inhaler, and honey intake, were not effective in reducing cough duration.