Article
Quantum Science & Technology
Ahmed S. Elgazzar
Summary: Decision-making is crucial during a crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic, with the introduction of the quantum prisoner's dilemma model for interaction between pharmaceutical and related enterprises. New Nash equilibria are identified, emphasizing coopetition equilibrium. Inspired by the novel quantum equilibria, a classical mixed-strategy formulation for real-world situations is proposed, with suitable values of dilemma strength parameters and quantum entanglement potentially leading to coopetition as a path to full cooperation.
QUANTUM INFORMATION PROCESSING
(2021)
Editorial Material
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Partho Protim Adhikary, Qurrat Ul Ain, Andreas Christian Hocke, Sarah Hedtrich
Summary: Scientists globally face challenges in finding appropriate animal models for studying SARS-CoV-2 infections due to interspecies-related differences, but human-based models like micro-engineered multi-organs-on-chip may provide a solution.
NATURE REVIEWS MATERIALS
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ricardo D. Lardone, Yohana C. Garay, Pedro Parodi, Sofia de la Fuente, Genaro Angeloni, Eduardo O. Bravo, Anneke K. Schmider, Fernando J. Irazoqui
Summary: This review examines the relevance of various glycobiological molecules as potential therapeutic tools or inspirations during SARS-CoV-2 infection, emphasizing the critical roles of glycans in efficient infection between the virus and host cells. The article also critically evaluates the glycobiological contribution of candidate drugs for COVID-19 therapy, suggesting opportunities for repurposing FDA-approved drugs and discussing the possibility of biotechnological engineering of new probes to block SARS-CoV-2 infection based on essential insights into glycobiology.
JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Xuefeng Gu, Ling Sha, Shaofeng Zhang, Duo Shen, Wei Zhao, Yongxiang Yi
Summary: The study aimed to develop a diagnostic model for asymptomatic and moderate COVID-19 patients based on demographic, clinical, and laboratory variables. Comparing the two groups, it was found that neutrophil count and lymphocyte count were independent predictors for the presence of clinical symptoms after COVID-19 infection, serving as diagnostic predictors of asymptomatic COVID-19.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Hala Sultan, Razan Mansour, Omar Shamieh, Amal Al-Tabba, Maysa Al-Hussaini
Summary: Ethics are essential in healthcare, and the handling of ethical dilemmas requires an appropriate, responsible, and blame-free environment. In certain countries with limited healthcare system capacity, DNR policies have been implemented, while the current challenging situation demands balancing patient autonomy vs. beneficence, equality vs. equity in ethical decision-making.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Nazario Foschi, Paolo Emilio Santoro, Ivan Borrelli, Filippo Gavi, Carlotta Amantea, Pierluigi Russo, Umberto Moscato
Summary: There are limited studies on the impact of COVID-19 vaccines on the urological field. The available literature primarily focuses on vaccine safety and urological side effects, such as acute kidney injury. The studies suggest that vaccination does not impair fertility, but more research is needed to confirm this finding.
Article
Transportation
Ennis Marshall, Mohammadali Shirazi, John N. Ivan
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted transportation safety, introducing new challenges for roadways, transit, and pedestrians and cyclists. Despite fewer drivers on the road, severe crashes and aggressive driving increased during travel restrictions and continued even after these restrictions were lifted. The safety of pedestrians and bicycles has also become increasingly important.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
David Moher
Summary: Data sharing practices in biomedicine remain challenging, accentuated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Academic institutions should incentivize data sharing practices, while journals and funders need to enforce strong policies to make data sharing a reality. Patients are in favor of sharing their data.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Bissera Pilicheva, Radka Boyuklieva
Summary: Despite progress in fighting against COVID-19, it remains a dramatic challenge for scientists worldwide. Various approaches, including repurposed medications and nasal administration, are being utilized. Several vaccines have been approved, with many more in clinical and preclinical investigation.
Article
Plant Sciences
Md Jahidul Islam Shohag, Farhana Zerin Khan, Lin Tang, Yanyan Wei, Zhenli He, Xiaoe Yang
Summary: The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has created a global public health crisis, pushing scientists to develop effective diagnostics and therapeutics. Plant biotechnology's transient/stable expression technology offers a rapid and cost-effective solution for producing diagnostics and therapeutics to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sahar Farghly Youssif, Marwa M. Abdelrady, Ahmed Atef Thabet, Mohamed A. Abdelhamed, Mohamed Omar A. Gad, Ahmed Mohmmed Abu-Elfatth, Ghada Mohamed Saied, Islam Goda, Abdelazeem M. Algammal, Gaber El-Saber Batiha, Nessren M. Abd el-Rady, Helal F. Hetta, Soheir M. Kasem
Summary: This study aimed to describe the frequency, predictors, and in-hospital outcome of mucormycosis in COVID-19 patients. The study found that male sex, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and smoking were significant risk factors for mucormycosis. Diabetes mellitus, smoking, and raised E.S.R. were identified as predictors for mucormycosis.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
News Item
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Elie Dolgin
Summary: Companies are developing next-generation antibodies inspired by unique individuals whose immune systems can neutralize any COVID-19 variant and related coronaviruses.
NATURE BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Virology
Qutaiba A. Al Khames Aga, Waseem H. Alkhaffaf, Tagreed H. Hatem, Kawthar F. Nassir, Yazan Batineh, Abdullah T. Dahham, Dimah Shaban, Luma A. Al Khames Aga, Manhal Y. R. Agha, Muaamar Traqchi
Summary: This study investigated the adverse effects associated with three different COVID-19 vaccines and found that local reactions were more common with Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines, while systemic events were more prevalent with AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines. There was no correlation between age or gender and the duration of adverse effects, and some participants reported unusual symptoms like swelling of eyelids and severe allergic reactions. Overall, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, and Sinopharm vaccines were deemed safe, with Sinopharm showing lower prevalence of adverse effects compared to the others.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Laura M. H. Gallo, Vincent Giampietro, Patricia A. Zunszain, Kai Syng Tan
Summary: A global mental health crisis is expected, and new proactive approaches are needed to enhance mental resilience and prevent mental health issues. Art has emerged as an alternative therapy in the US and Europe, potentially stimulating reward structures to buffer stress effects.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Kim E. Van Oorschot, Luk N. Van Wassenhove, Marianne Jahre
Summary: Testing for COVID-19 is crucial in preventing further infections. Countries experience peaks in infections at different times, causing varying needs for diagnostic tests. To formulate effective public policies, it is important to consider the different phases of the pandemic and adopt appropriate strategies accordingly.
PRODUCTION AND OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT
(2023)