Vaccination elicits immune responses capable of potently neutralizing SARS-CoV-2. However, ongoing surveillance has revealed the emergence of variants harboring mutations in spike, the main target of neutralizing antibodies. To understand the impact of these variants, we evaluated the neutralization potency of 99 individuals that received one or two doses of either BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273 vaccines… Continue reading Multiple #SARS-CoV-2 variants escape neutralization by #vaccine-induced humoral immunity
Category: Infectivology
First case of postmortem study in a patient vaccinated against #SARS-CoV-2
Highlights•We report on a patient with a single dose of vaccine against SARS-CoV-2. •He developed relevant serum titer levels but died 4 weeks later. •By postmortem molecular mapping, we found viral RNA in nearly all organs examined. •However, we did not observe any characteristic morphological features of COVID-19. •Immunogenicity might be elicited, while sterile immunity… Continue reading First case of postmortem study in a patient vaccinated against #SARS-CoV-2
Human #immune system adaptations to simulated #microgravity revealed by single-cell mass cytometry
Exposure to microgravity (µG) during space flights produces a state of immunosuppression, leading to increased viral shedding, which could interfere with long term missions. However, the cellular mechanisms that underlie the immunosuppressive effects of µG are ill-defined. A deep understanding of human immune adaptations to µG is a necessary first step to design data-driven interventions… Continue reading Human #immune system adaptations to simulated #microgravity revealed by single-cell mass cytometry
#Calcifediol treatment and #COVID-19-related outcomes
COVID-19 is a major health problem because of saturation of intensive care units (ICU) and mortality. Vitamin D has emerged as a potential treatment able to reduce the disease severity. ObjectiveTo elucidate the effect of calcifediol [25OHD3] treatment on COVID-19-related outcomes. DesignObservational cohort study from March to May, 2020. SettingPatients admitted to COVID-19 wards of… Continue reading #Calcifediol treatment and #COVID-19-related outcomes
Prognostic value of #D-dimer for adverse outcomes in patients with infective #endocarditis: an observational study
Increased D-dimer levels have been shown to correlate with adverse outcomes in various clinical conditions. However, few studies with a large sample size have been performed thus far to evaluate the prognostic value of D-dimer in patients with infective endocarditis (IE). Methods613 patients with IE were included in the study and categorized into two groups… Continue reading Prognostic value of #D-dimer for adverse outcomes in patients with infective #endocarditis: an observational study
Potential anti-COVID-19 agents, #cepharanthine and #nelfinavir, and their usage for combination treatment
Nelfinavir (NFV) inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication•Cepharanthine (CEP) inhibits SARS-CoV-2 attachment to target cells•Combination of NFV and CEP can synergistically augment antiviral activity•NFV and CEP are estimated to shorten the time to viral elimination at clinical doses SummaryAntiviral treatments targeting the coronavirus disease 2019 are urgently required. We screened a panel of already approved drugs in a… Continue reading Potential anti-COVID-19 agents, #cepharanthine and #nelfinavir, and their usage for combination treatment
Face #masks effectively limit the probability of #SARS-CoV-2 transmission
Airborne transmission by droplets and aerosols is important for the spread of viruses. Face masks are a well-established preventive measure, but their effectiveness for mitigating SARS-CoV-2 transmission is still under debate. We show that variations in mask efficacy can be explained by different regimes of virus abundance and related to population-average infection probability and reproduction… Continue reading Face #masks effectively limit the probability of #SARS-CoV-2 transmission
Collectivism predicts #mask use during #COVID-19
Since its outbreak, COVID-19 has impacted world regions differentially. Whereas some regions still record tens of thousands of new infections daily, other regions have contained the virus. What explains these striking regional differences? We advance a cultural psychological perspective on mask usage, a precautionary measure vital for curbing the pandemic. Four large-scale studies provide evidence… Continue reading Collectivism predicts #mask use during #COVID-19
SARS-CoV-2 #Spike Protein Impairs #Endothelial Function via Downregulation of ACE 2
... SARS-CoV-2 infection induces EC inflammation, leading to endotheliitis.1,5 Because S protein decreased ACE2 level and impaired NO bioavailability, we examined whether S protein entry is indispensable for dysfunctional endothelium. As shown in Figure [F], i, the endothelium-dependent vasodilation induced by acetylcholine was impaired in pulmonary arteries isolated from Pseu-Spike-administered hamsters, whereas the endothelium-independent vasodilation… Continue reading SARS-CoV-2 #Spike Protein Impairs #Endothelial Function via Downregulation of ACE 2
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