Although the BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine is known to induce IgG neutralizing antibodies in serum protecting against COVID-19, it has not been studied in detail whether it could generate specific immunity at mucosal sites, which represent the primary route of entry of SARS-CoV-2. MethodsSamples of serum and saliva of 60 BNT162b2-vaccinated healthcare workers were collected at… Continue reading Mucosal immune response in BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine recipients
Tag: coronavirus
Identification of TCR repertoires in functionally competent cytotoxic T cells cross-reactive to SARS-CoV-2
SARS-CoV-2-specific CD8+ T cells are scarce but detectable in unexposed healthy donors (UHDs). It remains unclear whether pre-existing human coronavirus (HCoV)-specific CD8+ T cells are converted to functionally competent T cells cross-reactive to SARS-CoV-2. Here, we identified the HLA-A24-high binding, immunodominant epitopes in SARS-CoV-2 spike region that can be recognized by seasonal coronavirus-specific CD8+ T… Continue reading Identification of TCR repertoires in functionally competent cytotoxic T cells cross-reactive to SARS-CoV-2
COVID-19 Vaccination and Breakthrough Infections in Patients with Cancer
Highlights•Patients with cancer who develop breakthrough COVID-19 following full vaccination remain susceptible to severe outcomes.•Hematologic malignancies are over-represented among vaccinated patients with cancer who develop breakthrough COVID-19.•Vaccination of close contacts, masking, boosters, and social distancing are needed to protect patients with cancer. AbstractBackgroundVaccination is an important preventive health measure to protect against symptomatic and severe… Continue reading COVID-19 Vaccination and Breakthrough Infections in Patients with Cancer
Christmas 2021: Time Warp The end of the pandemic will not be televised
Dashboards of pandemic statistics have dominated screens and helped to track covid-19, but David Robertson and Peter Doshi explain why they might not be enough to define its end As the year 2021 started, the covid-19 pandemic seemed to be receding. Discussions and predictions about “opening up,” a return to “normal,” and achieving herd immunity… Continue reading Christmas 2021: Time Warp The end of the pandemic will not be televised
Sperm quality and absence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in semen after COVID-19 infection: a prospective, observational study and validation of the SpermCOVID test
To study the contagiousness of sperm and its influence on fertility after recovery from COVID-19 infection. DesignProspective cohort study. SettingUniversity medical center. Patient(s)One hundred twenty Belgian men who had recovered from proven COVID-19 infection. Intervention(s)No intervention was performed. Main outcome measure(s)Sermm quality was assessed using the World Health Organisation criteria. DNA damage to sperm cells… Continue reading Sperm quality and absence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in semen after COVID-19 infection: a prospective, observational study and validation of the SpermCOVID test
Randomized Controlled Trial of Early Outpatient COVID-19 Treatment with High-Titer Convalescent Plasma
BACKGROUND: The efficacy of polyclonal high titer convalescent plasma to prevent serious complications of COVID-19 in outpatients with recent onset of illness is uncertain. METHODS: This multicenter, double-blind randomized controlled trial compared the efficacy and safety of SARS-CoV-2 high titer convalescent plasma to placebo control plasma in symptomatic adults >18 years positive for SARS-CoV-2 regardless… Continue reading Randomized Controlled Trial of Early Outpatient COVID-19 Treatment with High-Titer Convalescent Plasma
Rivaroxaban versus no anticoagulation for post-discharge thromboprophylaxis after hospitalisation for COVID-19 (MICHELLE): an open-label, multicentre, randomised, controlled trial
Patients hospitalised with COVID-19 are at risk for thrombotic events after discharge; the role of extended thromboprophylaxis in this population is unknown. MethodsIn this open-label, multicentre, randomised trial conducted at 14 centres in Brazil, patients hospitalised with COVID-19 at increased risk for venous thromboembolism (International Medical Prevention Registry on Venous Thromboembolism [IMPROVE] venous thromboembolism [VTE]… Continue reading Rivaroxaban versus no anticoagulation for post-discharge thromboprophylaxis after hospitalisation for COVID-19 (MICHELLE): an open-label, multicentre, randomised, controlled trial
Global Percentage of Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Infections Among the Tested Population and Individuals With Confirmed COVID-19 DiagnosisA Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
What is the percentage of asymptomatic individuals with positive test results for SARS-CoV-2 among tested individuals and those with confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis? Findings In this systematic review and meta-analysis of 95 unique studies with 29 776 306 individuals undergoing testing, the pooled percentage of asymptomatic infections was 0.25% among the tested population and 40.50% among the population… Continue reading Global Percentage of Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Infections Among the Tested Population and Individuals With Confirmed COVID-19 DiagnosisA Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Depression, anxiety, and happiness in dog owners and potential dog owners during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States
Major life events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, affect psychological and physiological health. Social support, or the lack thereof, can modulate these effects. The context of the COVID-19 pandemic offered a unique opportunity to better understand how dogs may provide social support for their owners and buffer heightened symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression and… Continue reading Depression, anxiety, and happiness in dog owners and potential dog owners during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States
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