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
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ana Rubia Guedes, Maura S. S. Oliveira, Bruno M. M. Tavares, Alessandra Luna-Muschi, Carolina dos Santos Lazari, Amanda C. C. Montal, Elizabeth de Faria, Fernando Liebhart Maia, Antonio dos Santos Barboza, Mariana Deckers Leme, Francis M. M. Tomazini, Silvia Figueiredo Costa, Anna S. S. Levin
Summary: In this study, the rate of reinfection by SARS-CoV-2 over a two-year period of the COVID-19 pandemic was estimated in a large cohort of healthcare workers. It was found that approximately 5% (284 cases) of symptomatic cases experienced reinfection, with the majority occurring during the Omicron variant period. All cases of reinfection were mild.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Md Tanveer Adil, Rumana Rahman, Douglas Whitelaw, Vigyan Jain, Omer Al-Taan, Farhan Rashid, Aruna Munasinghe, Periyathambi Jambulingam
Summary: SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, has caused a global pandemic with high mortality rates. Treatment is primarily supportive, and preventive strategies focus on reducing transmission through contact tracing and hygiene practices.
POSTGRADUATE MEDICAL JOURNAL
(2021)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Rosanna W. Peeling, David L. Heymann, Yik-Ying Teo, Patricia J. Garcia
Summary: Diagnostics play a crucial role in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Molecular tests like PCR are recommended for confirming diagnosis in symptomatic individuals, while antigen rapid detection tests have the advantage of being easier to perform with faster results and lower cost. Antibody tests can inform public policy but should not be used as proof of immunity. All three types of tests continue to be important in transitioning from pandemic response to control.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Sudhvir Singh, Christine Mcnab, Rose McKeon Olson, Nellie Bristol, Cody Nolan, Elin Bergstrom, Michael Bartos, Shunsuke Mabuchi, Raj Panjabi, Abraar Karan, Salma M. Abdalla, Mathias Bonk, Margaret Jamieson, George K. Werner, Anders Nordstrom, Helena Legido-Quigley, Alexandra Phelan
Summary: The independent panel has conducted a retrospective analysis of events, actions, and recommendations during the outbreak from late 2019 to early 2020, revealing both rapid responses and areas where improvements could have been made. Furthermore, countries with previous experience in handling similar outbreaks were more successful in containing the virus at the initial stage.
Article
Virology
Aylin O. Alpaydin, Naciye S. Gezer, Gokcen O. Simsek, Kemal C. Tertemiz, Oya O. E. Kutsoylu, Arzu N. Zeka, Irmak Guzel, Mujde Soyturk, Ayca A. Sayiner, Vildan A. Oguz
Summary: The study identified distinct clinical and laboratory features between COVID-19 and pneumonia caused by other viruses, but did not rule out the possibility of coinfections. Some clinical, laboratory, and radiological findings may assist in differentiating COVID-19 from other viral infections.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hanfei Chen, Qiang Chen
Summary: COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has had a detrimental impact on global health and economy. Its association with MAFLD has become a topic of interest, as MAFLD is a potential risk factor for severe COVID-19 symptoms. This review provides an update on the interactions between COVID-19 and MAFLD.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Maria Karoliny da Silva Torres, Carlos David Araujo Bichara, Maria de Nazare do Socorro de Almeida, Mariana Cayres Vallinoto, Maria Alice Freitas Queiroz, Izaura Maria Vieira Cayres Vallinoto, Eduardo Jose Melo dos Santos, Carlos Alberto Marques de Carvalho, Antonio Carlos R. Vallinoto
Summary: This article conducts an extensive literature review on the impact of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in terms of biology, sociology, genetics, diagnostics, therapeutics, immunology, and socioeconomics. It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the major aspects related to the ongoing pandemic.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Nils Chr Stenseth, Guha Dharmarajan, Ruiyun Li, Zheng-Li Shi, Ruifu Yang, George F. Gao
Summary: This article summarizes the timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic and the lessons learned by the public health community, discussing the implications for future public health policy and outlining an agenda for improved pandemic control. It contrasts the ongoing pandemic with the SARS outbreak, identifying areas where valuable lessons were learned as well as key areas where international public health policy failed.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
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)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Junyi Zhao, Xiafan Xu, Yifei Gao, Yijing Yu, Conglei Li
Summary: This review discusses the potential mechanisms underlying the increased thrombotic events and altered platelet count and activity in COVID-19. The researchers propose several potential antiviral strategies that platelets might undertake and discuss platelet-targeted therapeutic strategies in controlling COVID-19.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Shuchi Anand, Maria Montez-Rath, Jialin Han, LinaCel Cadden, Patti Hunsader, Russell Kerschmann, Paul Beyer, Scott D. Boyd, Pablo Garcia, Mary Dittrich, Geoffrey A. Block, Julie Parsonnet, Glenn M. Chertow
Summary: In this study, data from the third largest US dialysis organization were used to estimate the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among patients receiving dialysis in the US. The results suggest that less than 1 in 4 patients had evidence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies one year after the first case was detected in the US, with similar prevalence among US adults. Vaccine introduction to specific groups may be critical in disrupting the spread of infection.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Markus Hoffmann, Nadine Krueger, Sebastian Schulz, Anne Cossmann, Cheila Rocha, Amy Kempf, Inga Nehlmeier, Luise Graichen, Anna-Sophie Moldenhauer, Martin S. Winkler, Martin Lier, Alexandra Dopfer-Jablonka, Hans-Martin Jaeck, Georg M. N. Behrens, Stefan Poehlmann
Summary: The Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 is spreading rapidly and shows resistance to most therapeutic antibodies. It also evades neutralization by antibodies induced by infection or vaccination more efficiently than the Delta variant. This suggests that therapeutic antibodies may not be effective against the Omicron variant, and double vaccination with BNT162b2 may not provide adequate protection against severe disease caused by this variant.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Williara Queiroz de Oliveira, Henriette Monteiro Cordeiro de Azeredo, Iramaia Angelica Neri-Numa, Glaucia Maria Pastore
Summary: Due to the COVID-19 crisis, consumer behavior changes have led to increased use and disposal of food packaging, with technological solutions such as biodegradable packaging and active antiviral components being presented to minimize environmental impacts. The adoption of bioplastics like polylactide (PLA) and incorporation of active components can reduce environmental footprints from food packaging and surface-mediated cross-contamination.
TRENDS IN FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Michael Worobey, Joshua Levy, Lorena Malpica Serrano, Alexander Crits-Christoph, Jonathan E. Pekar, Stephen A. Goldstein, Angela L. Rasmussen, Moritz U. G. Kraemer, Chris Newman, Marion P. G. Koopmans, Marc A. Suchard, Joel O. Wertheim, Philippe Lemey, David L. Robertson, Robert F. Garry, Edward C. Holmes, Andrew Rambaut, Kristian G. Andersen
Summary: This article demonstrates that the SARS-CoV-2 virus originated from the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market in Wuhan, China, where susceptible animals were sold in late 2019, and SARS-CoV-2-positive environmental samples were spatially associated with vendors selling live animals.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Antonio Vitiello, Francesco Ferrara
Summary: Low molecular weight heparin is a drug known for its anticoagulant properties, but recent evidence suggests that it may have additional anticoagulant effects and potential benefits in the treatment of COVID-19. The molecular mechanisms behind these pleiotropic effects are not fully understood.
CARDIOVASCULAR DRUGS AND THERAPY
(2023)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Antonio Vitiello, Andrea Zovi, Ugo Trama, Francesco Ferrara
Summary: This article discusses the research progress in using drugs to modify ACE-2 expression to counter COVID-19, pointing out the potential connection between severe respiratory diseases and deregulated ACE-2 expression.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Andrea Zovi, Francesco Ferrara, Sarah Sorrentino, Roberto Langella, Ugo Trama, Mariarosaria Boccellino, Antonio Vitiello
Summary: Modern research focuses on new viruses and the re-emergence of past microbes. Overcoming the infection depends on vaccination, which has proven to minimize hospitalizations and severe syndromes.
PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Antonio Vitiello, Francesco Ferrara, Andrea Zovi
Summary: The human microbiota, consisting of symbiotic microorganisms, plays a crucial role in human physiological functions. While the impact of an altered microbiota on diseases like chronic inflammatory diseases and psychiatric diseases is well-studied, its role in the host immune response to bacterial and viral infections is still not fully understood. Recent evidence highlights the alterations in the microbiota of patients with viral infections such as post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS). This review emphasizes the biological and clinical significance of the associations between the microbiota and COVID-19 infection and how microbiota-produced metabolites modulate immune responses to COVID-19 infection.
INFLAMMOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Francesco Ferrara, Andrea Zovi, Marta Masi, Roberto Langella, Ugo Trama, Mariarosaria Boccellino, Antonio Vitiello
Summary: Long COVID is a syndrome characterized by symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and cognitive dysfunction, which have a significant impact on daily life. It occurs in patients with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection for at least 2 months and cannot be explained by alternative diagnoses after 3 months. The cause of Long COVID is believed to be related to deposits of tau protein.
NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERGS ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Virology
Andrea Zovi, Francesco Ferrara, Roberto Langella, Fabiola Cavallaro, Antonio Vitiello
Summary: The genetic variability of each individual contributes to different genetic polymorphisms associated with varying susceptibility to infectious diseases. This knowledge is crucial for developing appropriate pharmacological solutions to combat severe viral diseases like SARS-CoV-2. The manuscript emphasizes how human genetic variability can lead to severe symptoms in certain individuals, who should take preventive measures such as vaccination.
REVIEWS IN MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Antonio Vitiello, Francesco Ferrara, Mariarosaria Boccellino, Annarita Ponzo, Carla Cimmino, Emilio Comberiati, Andrea Zovi, Salvatore Clemente, Michela Sabbatucci
Summary: Fungal infections, especially drug-resistant forms like Candida and Aspergillus spp., are increasing in prevalence and causing severe diseases. This is primarily due to the growing number of immunocompromised patients and the emergence of resistant strains. Unlike bacterial infections which have a wide array of antimicrobial drugs, there are only a few classes of antifungal drugs available, leading to a limited therapeutic armamentarium. This review provides a comprehensive overview of systemic mycosis, current antifungal drug compounds, and the molecular mechanisms of antifungal resistance.
Article
Health Policy & Services
Francesco Ferrara, Andrea Zovi, Roberto Langella, Fabiola Cavallaro, Eduardo Nava, Ugo Trama, Antonio Vitiello
Summary: The relaxed prescription regulations have led to an increase in prescribing and dispensing of new drugs for type 2 diabetes mellitus. This is in line with post-Covid-19 European policies, bringing therapies closer to the patient. However, it has also resulted in unpredictable healthcare spending. In Italy, the introduction of the National Plan for Reconstruction and Resilience aimed to give more prescribing freedom to General Practitioners, allowing them to directly prescribe certain categories of medicines for type 2 diabetes mellitus.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
F. Ferrara, A. Zovi, E. Nava, U. Trama, A. Vitiello
Summary: Despite global policies to combat antibiotic resistance, the phenomenon continues to be a concern. Italy has introduced a new national plan and calls on health professionals to follow regulatory recommendations. A retrospective study in the Campania region suggests higher antibiotic consumption, possibly influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. The study emphasizes the importance of informed and appropriate antibiotic use to address resistance.
ANNALES PHARMACEUTIQUES FRANCAISES
(2023)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Francesco Ferrara, Andrea Zovi, Eduardo Nava, Roberto Langella, Antonio Vitiello
Summary: Cardiovascular diseases are becoming a leading cause of death and hospitalization in the Western world. Various classes of antihypertensive drugs, such as ACE inhibitors, sartans, calcium antagonists, beta blockers, and diuretics, differ in mechanism, efficacy, tolerability, and cost. This analysis examines the prescribing trends of antihypertensive drugs in an Italian healthcare company, highlighting aspects of pharmacoeconomics, pharmacoutili-zation, and pharmacological differences.
CURRENT PROBLEMS IN CARDIOLOGY
(2023)
Letter
Clinical Neurology
Francesco Ferrara, Esteban Zavaleta, Antonio Vitiello, Jorge Arturo Villalobos, Andrea Zovi, Roberto Langella, Bruno Serrano, Ugo Trama, Sebastian Arguedas, Eduardo Nava, Jose Pablo Diaz, Elvira Bianco, Giuseppe Russo
EUROPEAN NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Alessia Romagnoli, Filomena Valentino, Andrea Zovi, Andrea Caprodossi, Antonio Vitiello, Francesco Ferrara
Summary: Digital therapies (DTx) are software-based therapeutic interventions designed to prevent, manage, or treat diseases. This review provides an overview of the definition and history of DTx, categorizes the major DTx currently on the market based on indications and mechanisms of action, and discusses the regulatory processes enabling their use in clinical practice.
JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL INNOVATION
(2023)
Editorial Material
Economics
Maurizio Capuozzo, Venere Celotto, Andrea Zovi, Roberto Langella, Francesco Ferrara
Summary: The Monitoring Registries and negotiated agreements established by the Italian Medicines Agency play a crucial role in achieving economic sustainability and efficient allocation of resources in the Italian healthcare system. Collaboration between physicians and pharmacists has led to significant financial recovery and a streamlined healthcare system.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HEALTH ECONOMICS
(2023)