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
Virology
Abdul Aziz Al-Fattah Yahaya, Kanwal Khalid, Hui Xuan Lim, Chit Laa Poh
Summary: SARS-CoV-2 has caused a global pandemic, resulting in over 673 million infections and 6.85 million deaths. The current mRNA and viral-vectored vaccines have shown good efficacy against the SARS-CoV-2 Wuhan strain, but are less effective against highly transmissible variants like Omicron. Development of next-generation vaccines is urgently needed to provide broad protection.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Peter J. Halfmann, Steven J. Frey, Kathryn Loef, Makoto Kuroda, Tadashi Maemura, Tammy Armbrust, Jie E. Yang, Yixuan J. Hou, Ralph Baric, Elizabeth R. Wright, Yoshihiro Kawaoka, Ravi S. Kane
Summary: Researchers have developed a vaccine based on the conserved S2 subunit of the S protein and optimized the adjuvant and immunization regimen. The vaccine showed efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 variants and other coronaviruses.
Review
Virology
Ikbel Hadj Hassine
Summary: Since the outbreak of Covid-19 in December 2019, there have been over 242 million confirmed cases and nearly 5 million deaths worldwide. Nine Covid-19 vaccine candidates based on the original Wuhan-Hu-1 strain have efficacy over 50%, but face challenges from emerging variants and rare adverse events. Additional effective vaccines are still needed to meet global demand, with promising candidates progressing to clinical studies.
REVIEWS IN MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Khursheed Ul Islam, Thoraya Mohamed Elhassan A-Elgadir, Sarah Afaq, Tanveer Ahmad, Jawed Iqbal
Summary: COVID-19 vaccines provide adequate protection against the original SARS-CoV-2 variant, but new variants may evade this protection. The study focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms, clinical responses, long-term immune protection, and efficacy of vaccines against emerging variants, while exploring alternative treatments like cellular therapies and monoclonal antibodies.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Aline Miranda Scovino, Elizabeth Chen Dahab, Gustavo Fioravanti Vieira, Leonardo Freire-de-Lima, Celio Geraldo Freire-de-Lima, Alexandre Morrot
Summary: The variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, including Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron, have mutations in the spike protein that can affect the virus's characteristics, such as its ability to bind to host cells, transmissibility, and immune evasion. Ongoing genetic monitoring of the pandemic coronavirus is crucial to identify potential new variants that can bypass host defenses.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Baoqi Zeng, Le Gao, Qingxin Zhou, Kai Yu, Feng Sun
Summary: This study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC). The results showed that full vaccination was highly effective against the Alpha variant and moderately effective against the Beta, Gamma, and Delta variants. Booster vaccination was more effective against the Delta and Omicron variants. mRNA vaccines appeared to have higher effectiveness against the VOC compared to other vaccines.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Courtney Voss, Sally Esmail, Xuguang Liu, Michael J. Knauer, Suzanne Ackloo, Tomonori Kaneko, Lori Lowes, Peter Stogios, Almagul Seitova, Ashley Hutchinson, Farhad Yusifov, Tatiana Skarina, Elena Evdokimova, Peter Loppnau, Pegah Ghiabi, Taraneh Haijan, Shanshan Zhong, Husam Abdoh, Benjamin D. Hedley, Vipin Bhayana, Claudio M. Martin, Marat Slessarev, Benjamin Chin-Yee, Douglas D. Fraser, Ian Chin-Yee, Shawn S. C. Li
Summary: This study identified linear epitopes from SARS-CoV-2 proteins and demonstrated their ability to provide higher resolution antibody profiling compared to traditional antigens. The antibody responses to specific epitopes were found to be correlated with clinical severity and patient survival. Additionally, mutations in the coronavirus variant B.1.1.7 were shown to alter the specificity of corresponding epitopes.
Article
Immunology
Anna-Lena Sander, Anges Yadouleton, Edmilson F. de Oliveira Filho, Carine Tchibozo, Gildas Hounkanrin, Yvette Badou, Praise Adewumi, Keke K. Rene, Dossou Ange, Salifou Sourakatou, Eclou Sedjro, Melchior A. J. Aissi, Hinson Fidelia, Mamoudou Harouna Djingarey, Michael Nagel, Wendy Karen Jo, Andres Moreira-Soto, Christian Drosten, Olfert Landt, Victor Max Corman, Benjamin Hounkpatin, Jan Felix Drexler
Summary: Intense transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in Africa may lead to variant emergence, as seen in the 10 lineages identified in Benin that were more effectively neutralized by antibodies from vaccinees. This highlights the need for accelerated vaccination efforts in Africa.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Allergy
Eliott Lafon, Michael Jaeger, Angelika Bauer, Markus Reindl, Rosa Bellmann-Weiler, Doris Wilflingseder, Cornelia Lass-Floerl, Wilfried Posch
Summary: This study assessed the virus-specific antibodies and neutralizing capacity of various COVID-19 vaccines and convalescent individuals. The results showed that mRNA-1273 had the highest neutralizing ability, and COVID-19 convalescent patients exhibited a diverse range of antibody titers and neutralizing abilities, making protection assessment challenging.
JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Virology
Ting Zhang, Zhirong Wang, Jiaojiao Yang, Xuemei Xu
Summary: The decline in effectiveness of first-generation vaccines due to the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern has led to an urgent need for optimized vaccines and vaccination strategies. In this study, an optimized DNA vaccine plasmid containing a built-in CpG adjuvant was constructed, and vaccine candidates encoding antigens derived from different variants were designed. The results showed that the vaccine containing receptor binding domain (RBD) dimer-Fc fusion antigen (2RBD-Fc) induced the highest level of RBD-specific IgG and neutralizing antibodies. Sequential immunization with vaccines derived from different variants effectively elicited immune responses against those variants.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nicolae Sapoval, Yunxi Liu, Esther G. G. Lou, Loren Hopkins, Katherine B. Ensor, Rebecca Schneider, Lauren B. Stadler, Todd J. Treangen
Summary: Sapoval et al. present QuaID, a novel bioinformatics tool for detecting SARS-CoV-2 variants based on quasi-unique mutations. QuaID leverages all mutations, including insertions and deletions, to accurately detect variants early in their spread. Wastewater monitoring is crucial for surveillance on the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concerns in communities, especially as clinical testing declines.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Yuanhao Liang, Hongqing Lin, Lirong Zou, Jianhui Zhao, Baisheng Li, Haiying Wang, Jing Lu, Jiufeng Sun, Xingfen Yang, Xiaoling Deng, Shixing Tang
Summary: This study developed a CRISPR-Cas12-based system for the direct detection of SARS-CoV-2 variants, achieved high sensitivity, and successfully distinguished specific mutations in different variants. The approach has the potential for rapid development and implementation in resource-limited settings.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Priyal Mistry, Fatima Barmania, Juanita Mellet, Kimberly Peta, Adele Strydom, Ignatius M. Viljoen, William James, Siamon Gordon, Michael S. Pepper
Summary: The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 and the subsequent COVID-19 pandemic has led to the development of vaccines and investigation into the immune response to the virus. Variants of the virus have presented challenges to vaccine effectiveness. It is important to understand the immune memory response and continue to develop new antibody treatments and future vaccine approaches.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Letter
Immunology
Natalia Rego, Alicia Costabile, Mercedes Paz, Cecilia Salazar, Paula Perbolianachis, Lucia Spangenberg, Ignacio Ferres, Rodrigo Arce, Alvaro Fajardo, Mailen Arleo, Tania Possi, Natalia Reyes, Ma Noel Bentancor, Andres Lizasoain, Maria Jose Benitez, Viviana Bortagaray, Ana Moller, Gonzalo Bello, Ighor Arantes, Mariana Brandes, Pablo Smircich, Odhille Chappos, Melissa Duquia, Belen Gonzalez, Luciana Griffero, Mauricio Mendez, Ma Pia Techera, Juan Zanetti, Bernardina Rivera, Matias Maidana, Martina Alonso, Cecilia Alonso, Julio Medina, Henry Albornoz, Rodney Colina, Veronica Noya, Gregorio Iraola, Tamara Fernandez-Calero, Gonzalo Moratorio, Pilar Moreno
Summary: The study presents a genomic surveillance program for monitoring SARS-CoV-2 variants in Uruguay, including a PCR method for VOCs, surveillance workflow, and the multiple introductions and community transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 P.1 VOC in Uruguay.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Marco Aurelio Knippel Galletta, Ana Maria da Silva Sousa Oliveira, Jessica Gorrao Lopes Albertini, Glaucia Guerra Benute, Stela Verzinhasse Peres, Maria de Lourdes Brizot, Rossana Pulcineli Vieira Francisco
Summary: The study analyzed data from 184 participants with a mean of 56 postpartum days and found that the rate of postpartum depression (PPD) among the Brazilian population was 38.8%, with concerns about lack of hospital beds, absence of a partner, and anxiety symptoms being related factors. Suicidal ideation (SI) was positively associated with anxiety symptoms and friends as a source of information.
JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Henrique D. de Souza, Rossana P. V. Francisco, Eliane A. Hase, Giselle R. M. Diorio, Adriana L. Waissman, Stela V. Peres, Marcelo Zugaib, Marco A. K. Galletta
Summary: Bacteriuria during pregnancy is a relatively common condition among adolescents, and it may be associated with physical inactivity and behavioral and sexual factors. These findings can contribute to the early diagnosis of urinary tract infections and improved prenatal care.
JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC AND ADOLESCENT GYNECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Marco Aurelio Knippel Galletta, Adriana Carrieri, Stela Verzinhasse Peres, Maria Carolina Goncalves Dias, Rossana Pulcineli Vieira Francisco
Summary: This study investigated the sociodemographic, anthropometric, and nutrition aspects of pregnant women hospitalized due to hyperemesis gravidarum, revealing a trend of young age, low education level, and single mother status among the participants. Despite the decline in nutrition status during hospitalization, there was a lack of complementary medical nutrition therapy provided, highlighting the urgent need for improved nutrition assistance protocols for HG patients.
NUTRITION IN CLINICAL PRACTICE
(2022)
Article
Physiology
Karla R. Castro, Karen M. Prado, Aline R. Lorenzon, Mara S. Hoshida, Eliane A. Alves, Rossana P. V. Francisco, Marcelo Zugaib, Aldilane L. X. Marques, Elaine C. O. Silva, Eduardo J. S. Fonseca, Alexandre U. Borbely, Mariana M. Veras, Estela Bevilacqua
Summary: This study found that serum factors in pregnant women with preeclampsia may impact placental morphology, viability, and secreted functional factors, while triggering endoplasmic reticulum stress and unfolded protein responses. The study also revealed molecular differences between preeclampsia and control groups.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Cristiane de Freitas Paganoti, Agatha Sacramento Rodrigues, Rossana Pulcineli Vieira Francisco, Rafaela Alkmin da Costa
Summary: Influenza vaccination in pregnant and postpartum women may reduce the severity and mortality of COVID-19 infection, with a lower number of patients needed to be vaccinated to prevent severe outcomes.
Review
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Marco Aurelio Knippel Galletta, Vera Lucia Carvalho Tess, Isabela Marangon Pasotti, Luiza Fior Pelegrini, Nicole Kemberly Ribeiro Rocha, Carolina Burgarelli Testa, Rossana Pulcineli Vieira Francisco
Summary: This article describes a rare case of hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) that was refractory to conventional treatment, but improved with the use of olanzapine and mirtazapine. A systematic review of literature also found positive outcomes with the use of mirtazapine in HG. This case study highlights the potential effectiveness of olanzapine and mirtazapine in treating refractory HG.
CASE REPORTS IN OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mariana Yumi Miyadahira, Maria de Lourdes Brizot, Neal Alexander, Ester Cerdeira Sabino, Lea Campos de Oliveira da Silva, Mara Sandra Hoshida, Ana Maria da Silva Sousa Oliveira, Ana Claudia Silva Farche, Rossana Pulcineli Vieira Francisco, Philippe Mayaud
Summary: This study aims to determine the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among pregnant women at delivery in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and investigate the risk factors. The results showed that pregnant women can serve as a suitable population for SARS-CoV-2 serosurveillance. The study found a high seroprevalence among women at delivery in the early period of the pandemic, indicating their exposure to the virus.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tatiana Assuncao Zaccara, Cristiane Freitas Paganoti, Fernanda C. Ferreira Mikami, Rossana P. Vieira Francisco, Rafaela Alkmin Costa
Summary: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common complication in pregnancy. This study compared data from patients with early GDM (eGDM) and late GDM, and found that women with eGDM had higher pre-pregnancy BMI, more frequent family history of diabetes and previous GDM, and were more likely to have chronic hypertension. They were also more likely to deliver by cesarean section and have abnormal postpartum OGTT results. Although they received earlier treatment and required insulin more frequently, there was no difference in neonatal outcomes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ana Maria da Silva Sousa Oliveira, Mariana Azevedo Carvalho, Luis Nacul, Fabio Roberto Cabar, Amanda Wictky Fabri, Stela Verzinhasse Peres, Tatiana Assuncao Zaccara, Shennae O'Boyle, Neal Alexander, Nilton Hideto Takiuti, Philippe Mayaud, Maria de Lourdes Brizot, Rossana Pulcineli Vieira Francisco
Summary: This study investigated post-viral fatigue among pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 in Brazil and found that women infected during pregnancy were more likely to experience fatigue after recovery from the virus. The risk and duration of fatigue increased with the severity of the infection.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Gilmar de Souza Osmundo Jr, Cristiane de Freitas Paganotti, Rafaela Alkmin da Costa, Thiago Henrique dos Santos Silva, Paula Carolina Bombonati, Luiz Marcelo Sa Malbouisson, Rossana Pulcineli Vieira Francisco
Summary: This study analyzed the efficacy and safety of prone positioning (PP) therapy during pregnancy for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The study found that in pregnant women, PP can improve oxygenation levels, enhance lung function, and delay preterm delivery.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Venina Isabel Poco Viana Leme de Barros, Ana Maria Kondo Igai, Fernanda Spadotto Baptista, Maria Rita de Figueiredo Lemos Bortolotto, Stela Verzinhasse Peres, Rossana Pulcinelli Vieira Francisco
Summary: This study applied a VTE risk score to all hospitalized pregnant women and found that it effectively prevented maternal deaths from VTE. High-risk pregnant women who received pharmacological thromboprophylaxis had a significantly reduced risk of VTE.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Gilmar de Souza Osmundo Jr, Rafaela Alkmin da Costa, Rosa Maria Aveiro Ruocco, Rossana Pulcineli Vieira Francisco
Summary: This retrospective cohort study aimed to analyze the perinatal outcomes of Perinatally acquired HIV Infection (PHIV) in pregnant women. The study included singleton pregnancies in Women Living with HIV (WLH) between 2006 and 2019. The results showed that PHIV did not increase the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. Rating: 9/10.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Rodrigo Pamplona Polizio, Fernando Ide Yamauchi, Renata Franco Pimentel Mendes, Stela Verzinhasse Peres, Mario Macoto Kondo, Rossana Pulcineli Vieira Francisco
Summary: This study evaluated the objective criteria of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for placenta accreta spectrum disorder (PAS) and developed a predictive model including imaging and clinical variables. The results showed that the intraplacental T2 dark band on MRI was the most significant radiologic criteria for PAS, and when combined with previous cesarean section information, the accuracy of PAS prediction improved.