Impact of Prior Infection on Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Transmission in Syrian Hamsters

Prior infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) provides protective immunity against reinfection. However, whether prior infection blocks SARS-CoV-2 transmission is not yet clear. Here, we evaluated the impact of prior infection on SARS-CoV-2 transmission in Syrian hamsters. Our results showed that prior infection significantly reduced SARS-CoV-2 replication in Syrian hamsters, but sterilizing immunity was not achieved. Prior infection blocked the airborne transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from previously infected Syrian hamsters to naïve Syrian hamsters and previously infected Syrian hamsters. Moreover, prior infection substantially reduced the efficiency of direct contact transmission between previously infected Syrian hamsters. However, prior infection had limited impact on SARS-CoV-2 transmission from previously infected Syrian hamsters to naïve Syrian hamsters via direct contact in the early course of infection. Human reinfection and SARS-CoV-2 transmission between a previously infected population and a healthy population would be likely, and a higher vaccination coverage rate was needed to reach herd immunity. Our work will aid the implementation of appropriate public health and social measures to control coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

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Impact of Prior Infection on Protection and Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in Golden Hamsters

10.1101/2021.01.30.428920 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Cheng Zhang ◽

Zhendong Guo ◽

Nan Li ◽

Huan Cui ◽

Keyin Meng ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Direct Contact ◽

Protective Immunity ◽

Herd Immunity ◽

Transmission Experiment ◽

Indirect Contact ◽

Golden Hamsters ◽

Short Period ◽

The Impact ◽

Prior Infection

AbstractThe severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused over 100 million confirmed human infections, and 2 million more deaths globally since its emergence in the end of 2019. Several studies have shown that prior infection provided protective immunity against SARS-CoV-2 in non-human primate models. However, the effect of prior infection on blocking SARS-CoV-2 transmission is not clear. Here, we evaluated the impact of prior infection on protection and transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in golden hamsters. Our results showed that prior infection provided protective immunity against SARS-CoV-2 re-challenge, but it was not sterizing immunity. The transmission experiment results showed that SARS-CoV-2 was efficiently transmitted from naive hamsters to prior infected hamsters by direct contact and airborne route, but not by indirect contact. Further, the virus was efficiently transmitted from prior infected hamsters to naive hamsters by direct contact, but not by airborne route and indirect contact. Surprisingly, the virus can be transmitted between prior infected hamsters by direct contact during a short period of early infection. Taken together, our study demonstrated that prior infected hamsters with good immunity can still be naturally re-infected, and the virus can be transmitted between prior infected hamsters and the naive through different transmission routes, implying the potential possibility of human re-infection and the risk of virus transmission between prior infected population and the healthy. Our study will help to calculate the herd immunity threshold more accurately, make more reasonable public health decisions, formulate an optimized population vaccination program, as well as aid the implementation of appropriate public health and social measures to control COVID-19.

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The impact of COVID-19 on burnout among healthcare workers - literature review

Journal of Education, Health and Sport ◽

10.12775/jehs.2021.11.09.022 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (9) ◽

pp. 170-179

Author(s):

Martyna Nowińska ◽

Justyna Dziekońska ◽

Paulina Grabowy ◽

Martyna Drożak ◽

Joanna Milanowska

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Medical Staff ◽

Direct Contact ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Transmission Mechanism ◽

Professional Burnout ◽

Contact Transmission ◽

The Impact ◽

Tremendous Impact

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic broke out in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Coronavirus disease is commonly transmitted through contact transmission and direct contact. Considering the transmission mechanism of the virus, healthcare workers are at high risk of becoming infected. SARS-CoV-2 has became a major stressor for medical staff, that can lead to burnout.The aim of the study: Paying attention to the correlation between COVID-19 pandemic and burnout among healthcare workers.Material and method: The research was done by the usage of the PubMed and Google Scholar articles about the topic of: burnout; healthcare workers, COVID-19 pandemic, mental health, stress.Description of the state of knowledge: According to various studies, the COVID-19 pandemic may have negative impact on the mental health of healthcare workers. Worsening systemic stressors may lead to professional burnout. Latest research has identified associations between burnout and inadequate psychological support, direct contact with infected patients, and working in the nursing profession.Summary: The results from all studies proved that the COVID-19 pandemic has tremendous impact on professional burnout among medical staff. It is essential to pay attention to the psychological wellbeing of healthcare workers.

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Prevalence of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Poznań, Poland, after the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Vaccines ◽

10.3390/vaccines9060541 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (6) ◽

pp. 541

Author(s):

Dagny Lorent ◽

Rafal Nowak ◽

Carolina Roxo ◽

Elzbieta Lenartowicz ◽

Aleksandra Makarewicz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽

Direct Contact ◽

Herd Immunity ◽

European Countries ◽

Third Wave ◽

The Novel ◽

Igg Antibodies ◽

Novel Coronavirus

In comparison to other European countries, during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic, Poland reported a relatively low number of confirmed cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections. To estimate the scale of the pandemic in Poland, a serosurvey of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 was performed after the first wave of COVID-19 in Europe (March–May 2020). Within this study, we collected samples from 28 July to 24 September 2020 and, based on the ELISA results, we found that 1.67% (25/1500, 95% CI 1.13–2.45) of the Poznan (Poland) metropolitan area’s population had antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 after the first wave of COVID-19. However, the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies was confirmed with immunoblotting in 56% (14/25) samples, which finally resulted in a decrease in seroprevalence, i.e., 0.93% (14/1500, 95% CI 0.56–1.56). The positive anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG results were associated with age, occupation involving constant contact with people, travelling abroad, non-compliance with epidemiological recommendations and direct contact with the novel coronavirus. Our findings confirm the low SARS-CoV-2 incidence in Poland and imply that the population had little herd immunity heading into the second and third wave of the pandemic, and therefore, that herd immunity contributed little to preventing the high numbers of SARS-CoV-2 infections and COVID-19-related deaths in Poland during these subsequent waves.

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Modeling COVID-19 vaccine efficacy and coverage towards herd-immunity in the Basque Country, Spain

10.1101/2021.07.12.21260390 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Nico Stollenwerk ◽

Javier Mar ◽

Joseba Bidaurrazaga Van-Dierdonck ◽

Oliver Ibarrondo ◽

Carlo Estadilla ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Vaccine Efficacy ◽

Basque Country ◽

Severe Disease ◽

Herd Immunity ◽

Dose Administration ◽

Vaccine Trials ◽

The Impact ◽

Sterilizing Immunity ◽

Full Immunization

Vaccines have measurable efficacies, obtained first from vaccine trials. However, vaccine efficacy is not a static measure upon licensing, and the long term population studies are very important to evaluate vaccine performance and impact. COVID-19 vaccines were developed in record time and although the extent of sterilizing immunity is still under evaluation, the currently licensed vaccines are extremely effective against severe disease, with vaccine efficacy significantly higher after the full immunization schedule. We investigate the impact of vaccines which have different efficacies after first dose and after the second dose administration schedule, eventually considering different efficacies against severe disease as opposed to overall infection. As a proof of concept, we model the vaccine performance of hospitalization reduction at the momentary scenario of the Basque Country, Spain, with population in a mixed vaccination setting, giving insights into the population coverage needed to achieve herd immunity in the current vaccination context.

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Population Study on the Impact Food Chemical Composition on Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Diseases

Revista de Chimie ◽

10.37358/rc.18.4.6237 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 69 (4) ◽

pp. 961-964

Author(s):

Andrei Vasile Olteanu ◽

Georgiana Emmanuela Gilca Blanariu ◽

Gheorghe Gh. Balan ◽

Dana Elena Mitrica ◽

Elena Gologan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Chemical Composition ◽

Fatty Liver ◽

Nutritional Value ◽

Liver Steatosis ◽

Saturated Fat ◽

Control Group ◽

Healthy Population ◽

Alcoholic Fatty Liver ◽

Major Interest ◽

The Impact

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become of major interest worldwide, it is estimated that more than 20% of the general population suffer from liver steatosis. NAFLD is highly associated with metabolic risk factors like type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity and dyslipidemia, the patients diagnosed with NAFLD should adopt a high fiber low calorie diet, with reduced saturated fat and carbohydrates content, leading to weight loss and improvement of metabolic profile. Our study is aiming to shape the profile of the patient interested in being informed related to food quality and chemical composition and to evaluate the aspects on the food products label which are important for the customer. Between June 2017 and December 2017, 83 patients diagnosed with NASH were included in the study, representing the study group, while 33 subjects, without metabolic syndrome or digestive diseases, selected from patient list belonging to two general practitioners, constituted the control group. Related to the interest of being informed about the chemical composition and nutritional value of the products bought, the study showed a low interest for the provided information on nutritional value. lack of confidence in the provided information and complexity of the information are understandable, the high number of subject reasoning through lack of immediate clinical benefit is surprising. Among the healthy population the willingness to pay attention to this aspect is extremely low.

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Neurological symptoms, manifestations, and complications associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19)

Journal of Neurology ◽

10.1007/s00415-021-10406-y ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Biyan Nathanael Harapan ◽

Hyeon Joo Yoo

Keyword(s):

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽

Case Reports ◽

Case Series ◽

Altered Mental Status ◽

Neurological Complications ◽

Neurological Symptoms ◽

Neurological Manifestations ◽

Fisher Syndrome ◽

Novel Coronavirus ◽

The Impact

AbstractSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a novel coronavirus, is responsible for the outbreak of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) and was first identified in Wuhan, China in December 2019. It is evident that the COVID-19 pandemic has become a challenging world issue. Although most COVID-19 patients primarily develop respiratory symptoms, an increasing number of neurological symptoms and manifestations associated with COVID-19 have been observed. In this narrative review, we elaborate on proposed neurotropic mechanisms and various neurological symptoms, manifestations, and complications of COVID-19 reported in the present literature. For this purpose, a review of all current published literature (studies, case reports, case series, reviews, editorials, and other articles) was conducted and neurological sequelae of COVID-19 were summarized. Essential and common neurological symptoms including gustatory and olfactory dysfunctions, myalgia, headache, altered mental status, confusion, delirium, and dizziness are presented separately in sections. Moreover, neurological manifestations and complications that are of great concern such as stroke, cerebral (sinus) venous thrombosis, seizures, meningoencephalitis, Guillain–Barré syndrome, Miller Fisher syndrome, acute myelitis, and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) are also addressed systematically. Future studies that examine the impact of neurological symptoms and manifestations on the course of the disease are needed to further clarify and assess the link between neurological complications and the clinical outcome of patients with COVID-19. To limit long-term consequences, it is crucial that healthcare professionals can early detect possible neurological symptoms and are well versed in the increasingly common neurological manifestations and complications of COVID-19.

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Estimating asymptomatic, undetected and total cases for the COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan: a mathematical modeling study

BMC Infectious Diseases ◽

10.1186/s12879-021-06078-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Xi Huo ◽

Jing Chen ◽

Shigui Ruan

Keyword(s):

Disease Transmission ◽

Large Scale ◽

Transmission Rate ◽

Control Strategies ◽

Herd Immunity ◽

Antibody Prevalence ◽

Screening Process ◽

Vaccination Programs ◽

Prevalence Level ◽

The Impact

Abstract Background The COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan started in December 2019 and was under control by the end of March 2020 with a total of 50,006 confirmed cases by the implementation of a series of nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) including unprecedented lockdown of the city. This study analyzes the complete outbreak data from Wuhan, assesses the impact of these public health interventions, and estimates the asymptomatic, undetected and total cases for the COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan. Methods By taking different stages of the outbreak into account, we developed a time-dependent compartmental model to describe the dynamics of disease transmission and case detection and reporting. Model coefficients were parameterized by using the reported cases and following key events and escalated control strategies. Then the model was used to calibrate the complete outbreak data by using the Monte Carlo Markov Chain (MCMC) method. Finally we used the model to estimate asymptomatic and undetected cases and approximate the overall antibody prevalence level. Results We found that the transmission rate between Jan 24 and Feb 1, 2020, was twice as large as that before the lockdown on Jan 23 and 67.6% (95% CI [0.584,0.759]) of detectable infections occurred during this period. Based on the reported estimates that around 20% of infections were asymptomatic and their transmission ability was about 70% of symptomatic ones, we estimated that there were about 14,448 asymptomatic and undetected cases (95% CI [12,364,23,254]), which yields an estimate of a total of 64,454 infected cases (95% CI [62,370,73,260]), and the overall antibody prevalence level in the population of Wuhan was 0.745% (95% CI [0.693%,0.814%]) by March 31, 2020. Conclusions We conclude that the control of the COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan was achieved via the enforcement of a combination of multiple NPIs: the lockdown on Jan 23, the stay-at-home order on Feb 2, the massive isolation of all symptomatic individuals via newly constructed special shelter hospitals on Feb 6, and the large scale screening process on Feb 18. Our results indicate that the population in Wuhan is far away from establishing herd immunity and provide insights for other affected countries and regions in designing control strategies and planing vaccination programs.

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POS0329 GASTROINTESTINAL INVOLVEMENT IN SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS: PATHOGENETIC ROLE OF GUT MICROBIOME, CYTOKINES AND ADIPOKINES

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases ◽

10.1136/annrheumdis-2021-eular.1904 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 80 (Suppl 1) ◽

pp. 392.1-392

Author(s):

E. Pigatto ◽

M. Schiesaro ◽

M. Caputo ◽

M. Beggio ◽

P. Galozzi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systemic Sclerosis ◽

Gut Microbiome ◽

Serum Levels ◽

High Serum ◽

Healthy Population ◽

Gastrointestinal Involvement ◽

Degrading Bacteria ◽

Gi Symptoms ◽

Low Levels ◽

The Impact

Background:Gastrointestinal (GI) involvement is very common in patients with Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). The pathophysiology of GI manifestations has not yet been defined. Cell-mediated immunological reactions appear to lead to endothelial damage resulting in fibrosis. The risk of developing malnutrition reinforces the need to better understand GI pathophysiology in these patients.Objectives:The study aimed to evaluate GI symptoms (GIT 2.0) and malnutrition status (MUST) and to determine specific bacterial changes in gut microbiome by investigating the possible presence of positive hot spots in bacterial species in SSc patients and their potential role in the disease progression. We also evaluated serum levels of adipokines and cytokines involved in the pathogenesis of SSc and their role, in addition to gut microbiome, in predicting the onset of GI involvement and malnutrition in SSc patients.Methods:We enrolled 25 scleroderma patients (EULAR/ACR 2013 criteria). UCLA-SCTC GIT 2.0 questionnaire to evaluate GI symptoms and MUST to investigate the risk of malnutrition were used. Gut microbiome was analyzed and the samples were subjected to extraction for the 16S rRNA gene (Earth Microbiome Project and the NIH-Human Microbiome Project). The microbiome was investigated at phenotypic and genotypic level. Serum levels of cytokines and adipokines (adiponectin and leptin) were evaluated by ELISA.Results:79.9% of patients had GERD and 63.5% abdominal distension at GIT 2.0 questionnaires. 48% of patients had moderate risk of malnutrition (MUST=2) and 12% had high risk (MUST=3). Gut microbioma: 19 patients (76%) had low similarity and 11 (44%) low diversity compared to the healthy population. The prevailing enterotypes of gut microbiome was Bacteroides (80%) and Prevotella (20%). The genotypic evaluation showed a reduced concentration of: gluten-digesting (Lactobacillus); lactose-digesting (Faecalibacterium); vitamin K-producing (Enterococcus, Desulfovibrio and Veillonella); acetaldehyde-degrading bacteria. 24 patients (96%) showed a reduction in bacteria devoted to maintaining weight control (Bifidobacterium and Ruminococcus). The patients had an altered intestinal permeability with less mucolytic bacteria (Bacteroides) and reduced production of LPS (Enterobacter and Escherichia). Low levels of butyrate (Eubacterium and Clostridium), acetate and propionate were found for SCFA-producing bacteria. Potentially pathogenic bacteria were also investigated: Salmonella was found in 14 (56%), Klebsiella in 9 (36%) and Enterococcus Faecalis in 3 (12%) patients. 11 (44%) patients had elevated serum levels of IL10 and IL12; 4 (16%) had high value of leptin. Correlation was found in patients who had a reduced concentration of gluten-digesting bacteria and MUST. Elevated MUST was correlated with serological increase in IL17A and IFN-α. Serum levels of IL12 and IL10 were found to correlate with specific bacteria alterations: high concentration of acetaldehyde-producing bacteria and low levels of acetaldehyde-degrade bacteria (also correlated with high serum levels of IL6), mucolytic bacteria and producers of hydrogen sulphide, acetate and propionate. Finally, reduced levels of mucolytic bacteria and acetate producing bacteria correlated with high serum leptin levels.Conclusion:The relationship between the gut microbiome and SSc seems to be multifactorial. In our study genotypic changes of gut microbioma might play a role in damaging the permeability of the mucosa and increasing risk of malnutrition. The evaluation of gut microbiome and cytokine profile is probably going to be of value in the follow-up of SSc. However, further studies are needed to clarify the impact of GI dysbiosis on the immune system in SSc.References:[1]Patrone V. et al. Gut microbiota profile in systemic sclerosis patients with and without clinical evidence of gastrointestinal involvement, Sci Rep. 2017; 7: 14874Disclosure of Interests:None declared

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OP0151-PARE WORK IMPACTS EXPERIENCED BY YOUNGER PEOPLE WITH ARTHRITIS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases ◽

10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-eular.1461 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽

pp. 95.1-96

Author(s):

D. Berkovic ◽

C. Parker ◽

D. Ayton ◽

A. M. Briggs ◽

I. Ackerman

Keyword(s):

Quality Assessment ◽

Clinical Care ◽

Work Participation ◽

Work Outcomes ◽

Healthy Population ◽

Younger Adults ◽

Horizon 2020 ◽

Workplace Support ◽

Workplace Challenges ◽

The Impact

Background:On a global scale, it is estimated that adults in their peak income-earning years are disproportionately impacted by arthritis (1). Younger adults with arthritis are less likely to be employed and are more likely to face productivity challenges at work when compared to healthy similar-aged peers (2). The work-related impacts of arthritis on younger adults remain largely unexplored and are rarely considered in routine clinical care for arthritis.Objectives:To systematically identify, appraise and synthesise the available evidence on work impacts experienced by individuals aged 16-50 years with arthritis.Methods:Eligible studies from 2000 - 2020 were identified in OVID Medline, PsycINFO, Embase, and CINAHL databases using a comprehensive search strategy. Quantitative and qualitative studies containing self-reported data on the work impacts of arthritis on younger people were included. Quality assessment was undertaken using validated quality appraisal tools (3).Results:From a yield of 300 studies, 35 were included in the review. After quality assessment and exclusion of the lowest-ranked studies, 28 studies (17 quantitative, 11 qualitative) were analysed. Work outcomes data were organised into five themes (1-3 for quantitative outcomes, 4-5 for qualitative outcomes): (1) the impacts of arthritis on work productivity; (2) the impacts of arthritis on work participation; (3) other arthritis attributable workplace challenges; (4) barriers to work participation associated with arthritis, and (5) enablers to work participation associated with arthritis. For quantitative themes, arthritis was strongly associated with other workplace challenges: scores on the Workplace Activity Limitations Scale ranged from 5.9 (moderate workplace difficulty) to 9.8 (considerable workplace difficulty); and work disability relative to the healthy population (prevalence ranging from 6% - 80%). For qualitative themes, barriers to work participation included lack of workplace support; enablers included workplace support and intrinsic motivation to work.Conclusion:Arthritis is associated with poorer work outcomes for younger people relative to healthy peers. The available evidence was heterogeneous across studies. Additional research focusing solely on the unique workplace needs of younger population groups is required. This would inform the development of tailored intervention or workplace support strategies to maximise productive working years.References:[1]European League Against Rheumatism. Horizon 2020 Framework Programme: EULAR’s positions and recommendations. EULAR 2011.[2]Jetha A. (2015). The impact of arthritis on the early employment experiences of young adults: A literature review. Disabil Health J. 8(3) 317-324.[3]Joanna Briggs Institute. Critical Appraisal Tools. The University of Adelaide 2019.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

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Disease-Induced Changes in Salivary Gland Function and the Composition of Saliva

Journal of Dental Research ◽

10.1177/00220345211004842 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 002203452110048

Author(s):

G.B. Proctor ◽

A.M. Shaalan

Keyword(s):

Salivary Gland ◽

Sjögren Syndrome ◽

Healthy Population ◽

Sjogren Syndrome ◽

Salivary Gland Function ◽

Salivary Gland Dysfunction ◽

Gland Function ◽

And Function ◽

The Impact ◽

Saliva Composition

Although the physiological control of salivary secretion has been well studied, the impact of disease on salivary gland function and how this changes the composition and function of saliva is less well understood and is considered in this review. Secretion of saliva is dependent upon nerve-mediated stimuli, which activate glandular fluid and protein secretory mechanisms. The volume of saliva secreted by salivary glands depends upon the frequency and intensity of nerve-mediated stimuli, which increase dramatically with food intake and are subject to facilitatory or inhibitory influences within the central nervous system. Longer-term changes in saliva secretion have been found to occur in response to dietary change and aging, and these physiological influences can alter the composition and function of saliva in the mouth. Salivary gland dysfunction is associated with different diseases, including Sjögren syndrome, sialadenitis, and iatrogenic disease, due to radiotherapy and medications and is usually reported as a loss of secretory volume, which can range in severity. Defining salivary gland dysfunction by measuring salivary flow rates can be difficult since these vary widely in the healthy population. However, saliva can be sampled noninvasively and repeatedly, which facilitates longitudinal studies of subjects, providing a clearer picture of altered function. The application of omics technologies has revealed changes in saliva composition in many systemic diseases, offering disease biomarkers, but these compositional changes may not be related to salivary gland dysfunction. In Sjögren syndrome, there appears to be a change in the rheology of saliva due to altered mucin glycosylation. Analysis of glandular saliva in diseases or therapeutic interventions causing salivary gland inflammation frequently shows increased electrolyte concentrations and increased presence of innate immune proteins, most notably lactoferrin. Altering nerve-mediated signaling of salivary gland secretion contributes to medication-induced dysfunction and may also contribute to altered saliva composition in neurodegenerative disease.

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