The Impact of New SARS-CoV-2 Variants on Vaccine Breakthrough: a pilot study on spreading infection in the communities

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines are effective at helping protect against severe disease and death from variants; however, incident of breakthrough infection in vaccinated patients has been increased. Therefore, we aimed to assess the incidence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) new variants of concern in the communities and investigate vaccine breakthrough cases on our laboratory (Ayass Bioscience LLC) confirmed detection of COVID-19 variants in Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Texas. Methods: Epidemiologic study has been performed at our laboratory. We studied the viral whole-genome sequence and genotyping analysis on 166 symptomatic cases of COVID-19 which were randomly selected from nasal swab positive cases assessed from June 1st to August 30th, 2021, by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) cycle threshold (CT) values. COVID-19 variants were identified to be dominated by B.1.617.2 (89.2%) and followed by AY.3 (1.8%), B.1.1.7 (4.8%), a combination of B.1.526.1 and B.1.617.2 (3%), B.1.621 (0.6%), and P.2 (0.6%). Result: The CT values showed significant difference among the three age groups: <30 years, 31-60 years, and >60 years by one-way ANOVA (N1: F (2, 118) =4.96, p=0.009; N2: F (2, 118) =4.95, p=0.009). No significant difference was observed by symptom, status of immunization, or vaccine manufacturer. A two-way ANOVA was performed to examine the effect of gender and variant group (Delta and other variants) on the CT values. The analyses revealed a statistically significant interaction between the effect of gender and variant group (N1, F (1.117) = 3.906, p = 0.05; N2, F (1, 117) = 7.402, p = 0.008). Conclusion: Our study shows that Delta, the dominant variant of COVID-19, is spreading in the communities, and vaccine breakthrough cases occurred in the majority of Delta variant (91%) followed by AY.3 (5%), B.1.1.7 (2%) and 2% of the double variant of B.1.526.1 and B.1.617.2. The incidence of the breakthrough cases was not linked to a specific manufacturer. The CT value is likely to associate with age. This study also supports our laboratory's ongoing efforts to sequence the SARS-CoV-2 virus from positive patient samples to identify the new viral variants and possible vaccine breakthrough mutations in the community.

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Clinical outcomes of concomitant use of enteral and intravenous sedatives and analgesics in mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19

American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy ◽

10.1093/ajhp/zxab385 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Nayoung Kang ◽

Mohammed A Alrashed ◽

Eric M Place ◽

Phuongthao T Nguyen ◽

Stephen J Perona ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Ventilation ◽

Invasive Mechanical Ventilation ◽

Institutional Review Board ◽

Chain Reaction ◽

Mechanically Ventilated ◽

Ventilation Time ◽

Institutional Review ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Polymerase Chain ◽

The Impact

Abstract Disclaimer In an effort to expedite the publication of articles related to the COVID-19 pandemic, AJHP is posting these manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time. Purpose To evaluate potential differences in days on mechanical ventilation for patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) based on route of administration of analgesic and sedative medications: intravenous (IV) alone vs IV + enteral (EN). Summary This institutional review board–approved study evaluated ventilation time and fentanyl or midazolam requirements with or without concurrent EN hydromorphone and lorazepam. Patients were included in the study if they were 18 to 89 years old and were admitted to the intensive care unit with a positive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction or antigen test and respiratory failure requiring invasive mechanical ventilation for more than 72 hours. In total, 100 patients were evaluated, 60 in the IV-only group and 40 in the IV + EN group. There was not a significant difference in ventilation time between the groups (mean [SD], 19.6 [12.8] days for IV + EN vs 15.6 [11.2] days for IV only; P = 0.104). However, fentanyl (2,064 [847] μg vs 2,443 [779] μg; P < 0.001) and midazolam (137 [72] mg vs 158 [70] mg; P = 0.004) requirements on day 3 were significantly higher in the IV-only group, and the increase in fentanyl requirements from day 1 to day 3 was greater in the IV-only group than in the IV + EN group (378 [625] μg vs 34 [971] μg; P = 0.033). Conclusion Addition of EN analgesic and sedative medications to those administered by the IV route did not change the duration of mechanical ventilation in patients with COVID-19, but the combination may reduce IV opioid requirements, decreasing the impact of IV medication shortages.

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Associations Between the Use of Renin–Angiotensin System Inhibitors and the Risks of Severe COVID-19 and Mortality in COVID-19 Patients With Hypertension: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine ◽

10.3389/fcvm.2021.609857 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 ◽

Author(s):

Xiao-Ce Dai ◽

Zhuo-Yu An ◽

Zi-Yang Wang ◽

Zi-Zhen Wang ◽

Yi-Ren Wang

Keyword(s):

Angiotensin Converting Enzyme ◽

Observational Studies ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Severe Disease ◽

Host Cells ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Converting Enzyme ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Duration Of Hospitalization ◽

The Impact

Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) share a target receptor with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The use of ACEIs/ARBs may cause angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor upregulation, facilitating the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into host cells. There is concern that the use of ACEIs/ARBs could increase the risks of severe COVID-19 and mortality. The impact of discontinuing these drugs in patients with COVID-19 remains uncertain. We aimed to assess the association between the use of ACEIs/ARBs and the risks of mortality and severe disease in patients with COVID-19. A systematic search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and MedRxiv.org from December 1, 2019, to June 20, 2020. We also identified additional citations by manually searching the reference lists of eligible articles. Forty-two observational studies including 63,893 participants were included. We found that the use of ACEIs/ARBs was not significantly associated with a reduction in the relative risk of all-cause mortality [odds ratio (OR) = 0.87, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.75–1.00; I2 = 57%, p = 0.05]. We found no significant reduction in the risk of severe disease in the ACEI subgroup (OR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.88–1.02, I2 = 50%, p = 0.18), the ARB subgroup (OR = 1.03, 95% CI = 0.94–1.13, I2 = 62%, p = 0.48), or the ACEI/ARB subgroup (OR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.65–1.08, I2 = 67%, p = 0.16). Moreover, seven studies showed no significant difference in the duration of hospitalization between the two groups (mean difference = 0.33, 95% CI = −1.75 to 2.40, p = 0.76). In conclusion, the use of ACEIs/ARBs appears to not have a significant effect on mortality, disease severity, or duration of hospitalization in COVID-19 patients. On the basis of the findings of this meta-analysis, there is no support for the cessation of treatment with ACEIs or ARBs in patients with COVID-19.

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The Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in Europe: A Systematic Review

10.1101/2021.04.12.439425 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Natasha Marcella Vaselli ◽

Daniel Hungerford ◽

Ben Shenton ◽

Arwa Khashkhusha ◽

Nigel A. Cunliffe ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Systematic Review ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Age Groups ◽

Significant Heterogeneity ◽

Community Studies ◽

Past Infection ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Impact

AbstractBackgroundA year following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, new infections and deaths continue to increase in Europe. Serological studies, through providing evidence of past infection, can aid understanding of the population dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 infection.ObjectivesThis systematic review of SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence studies in Europe was undertaken to inform public health strategies including vaccination, that aim to accelerate population immunity.MethodsWe searched the databases Web of Science, MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and grey literature sources for studies reporting seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in Europe published between 01/12/2019 - 30/09/20. We provide a narrative synthesis of included studies. Studies were categorized into subgroups including healthcare workers (HCWs), community, outbreaks, pregnancy and children/school. Due to heterogeneity in other subgroups, we only performed a random effects meta-analysis of the seroprevalence amongst HCWs stratified by their country.Results109 studies were included spanning 17 European countries, that estimated the seroprevalence of SAR-CoV2 from samples obtained between November 2019 – August 2020. A total of 53/109 studies included HCWs with a reported seroprevalence among HCWs ranging from 0.7% to 45.3%, which did not differ significantly by country. In community studies significant heterogeneity was reported in the seroprevalence among different age groups and the majority of studies reported there was no significant difference by gender.ConclusionThis review demonstrates a wide heterogeneity in reported seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies between populations. Continued evaluation of seroprevalence is required to understand the impact of public health measures and inform interventions including vaccination programmes.

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Facilitating educational opportunities and raised self-esteem in disadvantaged young people in South East Wales: Effects of the Junior Rock Music Academy widening participation programme

Journal of Popular Music Education ◽

10.1386/jpme_00044_1 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (1) ◽

pp. 71-87 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jane Ellis

Keyword(s):

Young People ◽

Rock Music ◽

Age Groups ◽

Self Esteem ◽

Significant Rise ◽

Widening Participation ◽

Structured Interviews ◽

Social And Emotional ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Impact

This study examined the effects of the Junior Rock Music Academy (JRMA) on participants’ (N = 39) confidence and self-esteem. The JRMA was a widening participation Saturday music programme developed to reduce the influences of poverty on educational underachievement for young people (10–18 years) from poorer families across South East Wales. Participants’ confidence and self-esteem scores reported a significant rise, with no significant difference reported between genders or age groups. Participants (N = 5), programme tutors (N = 3) and participant parents/guardians (N = 4) were interviewed using semi-structured interviews to establish the fidelity of the structure and content of the intervention. The impact of JRMA on the psychosocial, cultural and emotional characteristics of participants and their parents/guardians as barriers to educational attainment and preparedness to thrive in education are discussed; these include enhanced cognitive development, social and emotional skills and learner motivation.

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The Effect of Demographic Factors on Consumer Purchase Intention in Buying Television Set in Kathmandu Valley: An Empirical Study

Pravaha ◽

10.3126/pravaha.v25i1.31871 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 25 (1) ◽

pp. 23-32

Author(s):

Bharat Rai

Keyword(s):

Purchase Intention ◽

Age Groups ◽

Demographic Factors ◽

T Test ◽

Primary Data ◽

Sampling Location ◽

Level Of Education ◽

Anova Test ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Impact

The main objective of the research is to identify the impact of demographic factors on purchase intention. The study examine whether there is any significant differences on consumers’ purchase intention of television across gender, age groups and education level. Primary data has been used in the study. The structured questionnaire has been used for collection of primary data. Convenient sampling technique has been used to collect information from the respondents and 394respondents have been taken from customers buying Television in Kathmandu. The sampling location for the research has been allocated in show room, colleges and houses in Kathmandu. Age, gender and level of education have been taken as independent variables and purchase intention has been taken as dependent variable. Percentage has been used to analyze the purchase intention of respondents; independent sample t-test and ANOVA Test have been used to analyze the collected data and to draw valid conclusions by using SPSS. The result of independent sample t-test showed that there is no significant difference on purchase intention between male and female in buying television in Nepalese market. The result of ANOVA Test showed that there is no significant difference on purchase intention among different age groups. But the result of ANOVA Test showed that there is significant difference on purchase intention among different level of education.

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Az ellenoldali csípőtáji törésig eltelt időt befolyásoló prognosztikai tényezők vizsgálata

Orvosi Hetilap ◽

10.1556/650.2018.31179 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 159 (38) ◽

pp. 1543-1547

Author(s):

Krisztina Juhász ◽

Imre Boncz ◽

Péter Kanizsai ◽

Andor Sebestyén

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Prognostic Factors ◽

Hip Fracture ◽

Femoral Neck ◽

Femoral Neck Fracture ◽

Hip Fractures ◽

Age Groups ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Neck Fracture ◽

The Impact

Abstract: Introduction: Although several national studies reported on the risk factors for contralateral hip fracture, there are no data about the prognostic factors of the time until contralateral hip fractures. Aim: The aim of the study was to analyse the impact of different prognostic factors on the time until the development of contralateral fracture and to determine the incidence of contralateral hip fractures after femoral neck fractures. Method: Patients aged 60 years and over with contralateral hip fracture between 01 Jan 2000 and 31 Dec 2008 were identified among those who suffered their femoral neck fracture in Hungary in 2000. Risk factors as age, sex, comorbidities, type of fracture and surgery, place of living and hospitals providing treatment for primary fracture were analysed by one way ANOVA focusing on the time until the development of contralateral hip fracture. Results: 312 patients met the inclusion criteria. The incidence of contralateral hip fracture after femoral neck fracture ranged between 1.5% and 2.1%, the cumulative incidence was 8.24%. The mean time until the development of contralateral hip fracture was 1159.8 days. The incidence of contralateral hip fracture showed no significant deviation. Significantly shorter time (p = 0.010) was detected until the contralateral hip fracture in older patients with femoral neck fracture. Conclusions: The yearly incidence of contralateral hip fracture showed no significant difference by patients with femoral neck fracture over 60 years. The shorter time until the contralateral hip fracture by the older age groups highlights the need of elaboration of prevention strategies. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(38): 1543–1547.

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Comparison of epidemiology, treatments, and outcomes in pediatric versus adult ependymoma

Neuro-Oncology Advances ◽

10.1093/noajnl/vdaa019 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Aladine A Elsamadicy ◽

Andrew B Koo ◽

Wyatt B David ◽

Victor Lee ◽

Cheryl K Zogg ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Young Adults ◽

Radiation Treatment ◽

Age Groups ◽

Anatomical Location ◽

Seer Database ◽

Coding System ◽

Significant Difference ◽

All Cause Mortality ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background Mounting evidence supports the presence of heterogeneity in the presentation of ependymoma patients with respect to location, histopathology, and behavior between pediatric and adult patients. However, the influence of age on treatment outcomes in ependymoma remains obscure. Methods The SEER database years 1975–2016 were queried. Patients with a diagnosis of ependymoma were identified using the International Classification of Diseases for Oncology, Third Edition, coding system. Patients were classified into one of 4 age groups: children (age 0–12 years), adolescents (age 13–21 years), young adults (age 22–45 years), and older adults (age >45 years). The weighed multivariate analysis assessed the impact of age on survival outcomes following surgical treatment. Results There were a total of 6076 patients identified with ependymoma, of which 1111 (18%) were children, 529 (9%) were adolescents, 2039 (34%) were young adults, and 2397 (40%) were older adults. There were statistically significant differences between cohorts with respect to race (P < .001), anatomical location (P < .001), extent of resection (P < .001), radiation use (P < .001), tumor grade (P < .001), histological classification (P < .001), and all-cause mortality (P < .001). There was no significant difference between cohorts with respect to gender (P = .103). On multivariate logistic regression, factors associated with all-cause mortality rates included males (vs females), supratentorial location (vs spinal cord tumors), and radiation treatment (vs no radiation). Conclusions Our study using the SEER database demonstrates the various demographic and treatment risk factors that are associated with increased rates of all-cause mortality between the pediatric and adult populations following a diagnosis of ependymoma.

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Does public pension impact migrant workers’ nutrition: evidence from urban pension insurance in China

Ciência Rural ◽

10.1590/0103-8478cr20200829 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 51 (12) ◽

Author(s):

Zhipeng He ◽

Ye Deng ◽

Kang Yu ◽

Lei Li

Keyword(s):

Migrant Workers ◽

Age Groups ◽

Nutritional Intake ◽

Calorie Intake ◽

Pension Insurance ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Urban Migrant ◽

Intake Structure ◽

The Impact ◽

Positive Effect

ABSTRACT: Based on the data of “employment and food demand of urban migrant workers”, this paper empirically analyzed the impact of urban pension insurance on the nutritional intake structure of migrant workers. The results showed that participating in urban pension insurance can change the nutritional intake structure of migrant workers. Additionally, fat and protein replace carbohydrate as the main nutrition sources for migrant workers. After controlling the income and labor intensity of migrant workers and other factors, urban pension insurance has a positive effect on the intake of fat and protein of migrant workers for they increase by 13.5% and 8.8% respectively. There is no significant effect on the intake of carbohydrates of migrant workers. The calorie intake of migrant workers increases by 6.8% accounting for the change of nutritional intake structure. Endogenous and robustness tests showed that the above conclusions are robust. Heterogeneity analysis showed that there is no significant difference in the effect of urban pension insurance on calorie intake of migrant workers in different income levels and age groups.

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Nasopharyngeal Meningococcal Carriage among Children and Adolescents in Turkey in 2018: An Unexpected High Serogroup X Carriage

Children ◽

10.3390/children8100871 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 8 (10) ◽

pp. 871

Author(s):

Mahmut Can Kizil ◽

Omer Kilic ◽

Mehmet Ceyhan ◽

Merve Iseri Nepesov ◽

Adem Karbuz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Children And Adolescents ◽

Control Strategies ◽

Age Groups ◽

Antibiotic Use ◽

Age Group ◽

Upper Respiratory Tract ◽

Carriage Rate ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Tract Infections ◽

The Impact

Meningococcal carriage studies and transmission modeling can predict IMD epidemiology and used to define invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) control strategies. In this multicenter study, we aimed to evaluate the prevalence of nasopharyngeal Neisseria meningitidis (Nm) carriage, serogroup distribution, and related risk factors in Turkey. Nasopharyngeal samples were collected from a total of 1267 children and adolescents and were tested with rt-PCR. Nm carriage was detected in 96 participants (7.5%, 95% CI 6.1–9.0), with the peak age at 13 years (12.5%). Regarding age groups, Nm carriage rate was 7% in the 0–5 age group, was 6.9%in the 6–10 age group, was 7.9% in the 11–14 age group, and was 9.3% in the 15–18 age group. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05). The serogroup distribution was as follows: 25% MenX, 9.4% MenA, 9.4% MenB, 2.1% MenC, 3.1% MenW, 2.1% for MenY, and 48.9% for non-groupable. The Nm carriage rate was higher in children with previous upper respiratory tract infections and with a high number of household members, whereas it was lower in children with antibiotic use in the last month (p < 0.05 for all). In this study, MenX is the predominant carriage strain. The geographical distribution of Nm strains varies, but serogroup distribution in the same country might change in a matter of years. Adequate surveillance and/or a proper carriage study is paramount for accurate/dynamic serogroup distribution and the impact of the proposed vaccination.

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Association between GPx-1 Polymorphisms and Personality Traits in Healthy Chinese-Han Subjects

10.21203/rs.3.rs-18354/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Xiaojun Shao ◽

Dongxue Sun ◽

Bihui Zhang ◽

Lingfei Cheng ◽

Ci Yan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Glutathione Peroxidase ◽

Personality Traits ◽

Novelty Seeking ◽

Chinese Han ◽

Glutathione Peroxidase 1 ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Pcr Rflp ◽

Polymerase Chain ◽

Healthy Chinese ◽

The Impact

Abstract Purpose: Glutathione Peroxidase 1 (GPx1) is the most abundantly expressed of the glutathione peroxidase (GPx) family. The impact of GPx1 polymorphisms has been rarely explored in the field of personality traits. Therefore, we analyzed relationships between GPx-1 polymorphisms and personality traits in healthy Chinese-Han subjects. Methods: 493 Chinese-Han participants (male=234, female=259) were recruited. Personality traits were assessed by Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire (TPQ). GPx-1 gene polymorphisms were detected through polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).Results: The results indicated that the GPx-1 polymorphisms rs1050450 and rs1800668 were associated with the personality trait novelty seeking (NS). Our data found a correlation between rs1800668 and NS2 (X2=7.392, P=0.025). While the results showed the rs1050450 was significantly associated with NS4 (X2=6.059, P=0.048). Regarding sex stratification, there was a significant difference in the NS2 score (X2=8.232, P=0.016) among women for rs1800668. There was no difference in TPQ scores among the different genotypic groups in males. Additionally, no sex effect was observed for either genotype for rs1050450. Conclusion: Our results suggested that GPx-1 may be a potential gene that influenced personality.

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