The latest medical research on COVID-19

The research magnet gathers the latest research from around the web, based on your specialty area. Below you will find a sample of some of the most recent articles from reputable medical journals about covid-19 gathered by our medical AI research bot.

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Evaluating the Demand for Nucleic Acid Testing in Different Scenarios of COVID-19 Transmission: A Simulation Study.

COVID 19

The 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has been recognized as the most severe human infectious disease pandemic in the past century. To enhance our ability to control potential infectious diseases in the future, this study simulated the influence of nucleic acid testing on the transmission of COVID-19 across varied scenarios. Additionally, it assessed the demand for nucleic acid testing under different circumstances, aiming to furnish a decision-making foundation for the implementation of nucleic acid screening measures, the provision of emergency materials, and the allocation of human resources.

Considering the transmission dynamics of COVID-19 and the preventive measures implemented by countries, we explored three distinct levels of epidemic intensity: community transmission, outbreak, and sporadic cases. Integrating the theory of scenario analysis, we formulated six hypothetical epidemic scenarios, each corresponding to possible occurrences during different phases of the pandemic. We developed an improved SEIR model, validated its accuracy using real-world data, and conducted a comprehensive analysis and prediction of COVID-19 infections under these six scenarios. Simultaneously, we assessed the testing resource requirements associated with each scenario.

We compared the predicted number of infections simulated by the modified SEIR model with the actual reported cases in Israel to validate the model. The root mean square error (RMSE) was 350.09, and the R-squared (R2) was 0.99, indicating a well-fitted model. Scenario 4 demonstrated the most effective prevention and control outcomes. Strengthening non-pharmaceutical interventions and increasing nucleic acid testing frequency, even under low testing capacity, resulted in a delayed epidemic peak by 78 days. The proportion of undetected cases decreased from 77.83% to 31.21%, and the overall testing demand significantly decreased, meeting maximum demand even with low testing capacity. The initiation of testing influenced case detection probability. Under high testing capacity, increasing testing frequency elevated the detection rate from 36.40% to 77.83%. Nucleic acid screening proved effective in reducing the demand for testing resources under diverse epidemic prevention and control strategies. While effective interventions and nucleic acid screening measures substantially diminished the demand for testing-related resources, varying degrees of insufficient testing capacity may still persist.

The nucleic acid detection strategy proves effective in promptly identifying and isolating infected individuals, thereby mitigating the infection peak and extending the time to peak. In situations with constrained testing capacity, implementing more stringent measures can notably decrease the number of infections and alleviate resource demands. The improved SEIR model demonstrates proficiency in predicting both reported and unreported cases, offering valuable insights for future infection risk assessments. Rapid evaluations of testing requirements across diverse scenarios can aptly address resource limitations in specific regions, offering substantial evidence for the formulation of future infectious disease testing strategies.

Comparative Effectiveness of mRNA-1273 and BNT162b2 COVID-19 Vaccines Among Older Adults: Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis Using the GRADE Framework.

COVID 19

The mRNA vaccines mRNA-1273 and BNT162b2 demonstrated high efficacy against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in phase 3 clinical trials, including among older adults. To inform coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine selection, this systematic literature review (SLR) and meta-analysis assessed the comparative effectiveness of mRNA-1273 versus BNT162b2 in older adults.

We systematically searched for relevant studies reporting COVID-19 outcomes with mRNA vaccines in older adults aged ≥ 50 years by first cross-checking relevant published SLRs. Based on the cutoff date from a previous similar SLR, we then searched the WHO COVID-19 Research Database for relevant articles published between April 9, 2022, and June 2, 2023. Outcomes of interest were SARS-CoV-2 infection, symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection, severe SARS-CoV-2 infection, COVID-19-related hospitalization, and COVID-19-related death following ≥ 2 vaccine doses. Random effects meta-analysis models were used to pool risk ratios (RRs) across studies. Heterogeneity was evaluated using chi-square testing. Evidence certainty was assessed per GRADE framework.

Twenty-four non-randomized real-world studies reporting clinical outcomes with mRNA vaccines in individuals aged ≥ 50 years were included in the meta-analysis. Vaccination with mRNA-1273 was associated with significantly lower risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection (RR 0.72 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.64‒0.80]), symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection (RR 0.72 [95% CI 0.62‒0.83]), severe SARS-CoV-2 infection (RR 0.67 [95% CI 0.57‒0.78]), and COVID-19-related hospitalization (RR 0.65 [95% CI 0.53‒0.79]) but not COVID-19-related death (RR 0.80 [95% CI 0.64‒1.00]) compared with BNT162b2. There was considerable heterogeneity between studies for all outcomes (I2 > 75%) except death (I2 = 0%). Multiple subgroup and sensitivity analyses excluding specific studies generally demonstrated consistent results. Certainty of evidence across outcomes was rated as low (type 3) or very low (type 4), reflecting the lack of randomized controlled trial data.

Meta-analysis of 24 observational studies demonstrated significantly lower risk of asymptomatic, symptomatic, and severe infections and hospitalizations with the mRNA-1273 versus BNT162b2 vaccine in older adults aged ≥ 50 years.

CircRNA: a rising therapeutic strategy for lung injury induced by pulmonary toxicants.

COVID 19

Lung injury has been a serious medical problem that requires new therapeutic approaches and biomarkers. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are non-coding RNA...

[New aspects in etiology and treatment of adolescent anorexia nervosa-a postulated bio-psycho-social model and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic].

COVID 19

Anorexia nervosa is one of the most frequent chronic disorders of adolescence associated with a high mortality. During the COVID-19-pandemic, the n...

People with Intellectual Disabilities, Dysphagia and Post-Covid Syndrome.

COVID 19

People with Intellectual Disability (ID) were more likely to contract COVID-19 infection and more likely to die from the consequences. However, the...

A Pilot Study of the Coping Together Virtual Family Intervention: Exploring Changes in Family Functioning and Individual Well-Being.

COVID 19

In this pilot study, we tested a virtual family strengthening and mental health promotion intervention, Coping Together (CT), during the COVID-19 p...

Socioeconomic Inequalities in SARS-CoV-2 Infection and COVID-19 Health Outcomes in Urban Italy During the COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout, January-November 2021.

COVID 19

This study analysed the evolution of the association of socioeconomic deprivation (SED) with SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 outcomes in urban It...

Effect of polyphenols against complications of COVID-19: current evidence and potential efficacy.

COVID 19

The COVID-19 pandemic that started in 2019 and resulted in significant morbidity and mortality continues to be a significant global health challeng...

Clinical manifestations and outcomes of otitis media with effusion in adult patients following Omicron infection in China.

COVID 19

This study investigates the clinical features and therapeutic outcomes of otitis media with effusion (OME) in adults following infection with the O...

Candesartan upregulates angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 in kidneys of male animals by decreased ubiquitination.

COVID 19

Candesartan is a common angiotensin-II receptor-1 blocker used for patients with cardiovascular and renal diseases. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2...

Factors associated with COVID-19 among hospitalized patients with severe acute respiratory infections in Serbia, 2022-2023: A test negative case-control study.

COVID 19

Severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) are estimated to be the cause of death in about 19% of all children younger than 5 years globally. The o...

Experiences of teachers and students on school closures and its consequences during the COVID-19 pandemic in Nyarugusu refugee camp, Tanzania.

COVID 19

Tanzania has experienced several waves of COVID-19 since it was first detected in the country. During the first wave, Tanzania took several measure...