scholarly journals Infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Delta Variant is Associated with Higher Infectious Virus Loads Compared to the Alpha Variant in both Unvaccinated and Vaccinated Individuals

Author(s):  
Chun Huai Luo ◽  
C. Paul Morris ◽  
Jaiprasath Sachithanandham ◽  
Adannaya Amadi ◽  
David Gaston ◽  
...  

Background The emerging SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern (VOC) B.1.6.17.2 (Delta) quickly displaced the B.1.1.7 (Alpha) and is associated with increases in COVID-19 cases nationally. The Delta variant has been associated with greater transmissibility and higher viral RNA loads in both unvaccinated and fully vaccinated individuals. Data is lacking regarding the infectious virus load in Delta infected individuals and how that compares to individuals infected with other SARS-CoV-2 lineages. Methods Whole genome sequencing of 2,785 clinical isolates was used to characterize the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 lineages circulating in the National Capital Region between January and July 2021. Clinical chart reviews were performed for the Delta, Alpha, and B.1.2 (a control predominant lineage prior to both VOCs) variants to evaluate disease severity and outcome and Cycle threshold values (Cts) were compared. The presence of infectious virus was determined using Vero-TMPRSS2 cells and anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels were determined from upper respiratory specimen. An analysis of infection in unvaccinated and fully vaccinated populations was performed. Results The Delta variant displaced the Alpha variant to constitute 88.2% of the circulating lineages in the National Capital Region by July, 2021. The Delta variant associated with increased breakthrough infections in fully vaccinated individuals that were mostly symptomatic when compared to the Alpha breakthrough infections, though it is important to note there was a significantly longer period of time between vaccination and infection with Delta infections. The recovery of infectious virus on cell culture was significantly higher with the Delta variant compared to Alpha in both vaccinated and unvaccinated groups. The impact of vaccination on reducing the recovery of infectious virus from clinical samples was only observed with Alpha variant infections but was strongly associated with low localized SARS-CoV-2 IgG for both variants. A comparison of Ct values showed a significant decrease in the Delta compared to Alpha with no significant differences between unvaccinated and vaccinated groups. Conclusions Our data indicate that the Delta variant is associated with increased infectious virus loads when compared to the Alpha variant and decreased upper respiratory antiviral IgG levels. Measures to reduce transmission in addition to increasing vaccinations rates have to be implemented to reduce Delta variant spread.

2005 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmad F. Yousif

In the post-September 11, 2001 period, Muslims living in the Canadian National Capital Region (CNCR) have undergone various challenges at both the individual and community level. This study examines the extent to which the Muslim community in the CNCR has been able to maintain its religious identification, while at the same time adhere to Canadian social values and lifestyle, particularly in the aftermath of 9/11. It commences with a général overview of the changing demographic characteristics of the Muslim community in the CNCR, and assesses the impact of 9/11 on Muslims. Subsequently, the role played by Muslim and non-Muslim institutions in assisting Muslims to adjust to the crisis is discussed, while stratégies are proposed for how Muslims can enhance their acculturation into Canadian society in the aftermath of 9/11.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 41-46
Author(s):  
Kapil Mohan Garg ◽  
Twinkle Goyal

In the present world, smartphones play an important role in the daily life of people. Technological advancement has made smartphones as devices where mobile users can make money transactions or payment by using applications installed on the smartphone. It’s no secret that people today are digital natives. In this technology-driven society, paying for a cappuccino using a pay-and-go method or buying a sweatshirt with a one-click model, has become the norm. Backing away from cash, they drive innovation in the digital payments industry. That’s the reason digital-driven payments become one of the trends ripe in this digital push era.The research is an attempt at analyzing the impact of demographic factors on consumer selection of the mode of payment along with an understanding of what people think about the idea of paying online and up to what extent they find it more convenient. It is also about knowing factors that affect the consumer’s decision to adopt mobile wallets and various risks and challenges faced by the users of the mobile wallet. An extensive literature review is also done and a lot of information is collected from different sources. In this research, the primary data is collected from the people of the National Capital Region. For this research, the convenience sampling method and snowball sampling method of non-probability sampling is used. The tool used for the collection of data and making of questionnaires is google forms and data is collected from 215 respondents. For tabulation and analysis of data, analytical tools like Microsoft Excel and SPSS is used.


2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 407-421
Author(s):  
Shagun Bansal ◽  
Anjani Kumar Singh

Purpose Microfinance is seen as the tool for poverty elimination. It provides loan to that particular section of the society which is not included in the mainstream financial system. The purpose of this paper is to study the impact of Microfinance on the lifestyle of women. The study is undertaken to address the question whether the Microfinance actually reach to the root of poverty and improve the standard of living for women who are considered to be the poorest of poor. This paper also aims to acquire the deeper understanding of the entrepreneurial skills which may or may not be inculcated with the help of Microfinance. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on empirical data. The data were collected through structured questionnaire and purposive sampling was used. The respondents were the women beneficiaries of the Microfinance Institutions in the National Capital Region. Total of 117 women were personally interviewed to obtain the response for the questionnaire. Findings Microfinance helped to develop entrepreneurial skills among the women as acquiring loan helped them start their own microenterprise and support themselves and their family. Microfinance enhanced the participation of women in the household decision-making. As a result, after obtaining Microfinance, women were found to be more socially developed and empowered. Also, the gender gap seemed to have narrowed as a result of Microfinance. Research limitations/implications The findings of the study are limited to the National Capital Region. Practical implications Microfinance will be beneficial for women and lead to their empowerment when they have control over the usage of the loan. Microfinance institutions play an important role in facilitating women to become self-reliant. With the help of this paper, one can understand the role of Microfinance in uplifting the marginalized section of the society. Originality/value The research work is authentic and original as per the understanding. This paper gives an insight into how Microfinance can not only eliminate poverty but also help women develop the entrepreneurial skills. The paper explores into the issue of how gender inequality can be addressed through Microfinance.


2021 ◽  
pp. 101932
Author(s):  
Kapil Dev ◽  
Lav Kesharwani ◽  
Pushpesh Kushwaha ◽  
Akshay Kumar ◽  
Kunwar Veer Vikram Srivastav ◽  
...  

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