To boost or not? Serum anti-COVID IgG in double vaccinated MBBS students: a cross-sectional study

Background: Aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of sero-positivity i.e. serum anti-covid IgG >1.4 AU/ml in MBBS students of our Institute. Methods: This study was carried out on 75 MBBS students of our institute (10% of 750 MBBS students of Amaltas institute of Medical Sciences Dewas M.P. India) during period of August 2022 to November 2022. All serum anti-covid IgG titres above 1.4 AU/ml were considered sero-positive and the prevalence of sero-positivity was calculated. MBBS students were asked to fill out a questionnaire regarding their clinical history of testing positive for covid, exposure to COVID-19 patients, their covid appropriate behavior, etc. After obtaining informed consent, 4 ml venous blood samples were collected for determining serum anti-covid IgG titre on Chemiluminescence analyzer. 75 MBBS students divided into 2 groups � those who completed between 6-9 months and those who have completed more than 9 months after the 2nd dose of vaccine. The mean serum anti-covid IgG titre was compared. Results: The prevalence of sero-positivity was 94.66% calculated in MBBS students of our institute. The total antibody sero-positivity was higher in males (98.11%) than in females (86.36). The duration after 2nd dose of vaccine; over the time 6-9 months serum anti-covid IgG titre significantly high but after more than 9 months serum anti covid IgG titre significantly decline (p<0.001) and significant correlation was found between duration after 2nd dose of vaccine and serum anti-covid IgG titres (p<0.001). Conclusions: This study; strongly recommended the need for booster doses for long-duration protection against COVID-19 re-infection and its emerging new variants.

Impact of COVID-19 on the epidemiology of respiratory viruses in southern Brazil / Impacto da COVID-19 na epidemiologia de vírus respiratórios no Rio Grande do Sul / Impacto epidemiológico de la COVID-19 sobre los virus respiratorios en sur de Brasil

Background and objectives: During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, reduction in detection of other Respiratory Viruses (RV) was observed. Epidemiological studies are needed to understand the impact of the pandemic on the circulation of RV. The aim of this study is to analyze the epidemiological profile of cases of severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) associated with the main RV in hospitalized patients from Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil (RS), between 2010 and 2019 (period A) and between 2020 and 2021 (period B). Methods: Data related to SARI cases in RS were retrieved from SIVEP-Gripe. Results: In period A there were more infections with Influenza, Parainfluenza, Adenovirus and Respiratory Syncytial Virus, while in period B most cases were of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The most affected age groups were individuals <5 years old (67.1%) in period A, and >60 years old (50%) in period B. The main symptoms were fever and cough in period A, and dyspnea and O2 saturation <95% in period B. The most reported comorbidities were lung diseases and chronic cardiovascular diseases in period A, and chronic cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus in period B. Importantly, a higher fatality rate was observed in period B. Most cases occurred between May and July in period A, and in November and December 2021 in period B. Conclusion: This study reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic changed the epidemiological profile of SARI in RS, and most cases were in the elderly with chronic cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus.(AU)

Justificativa e Objetivos: Durante a pandemia de SARS-CoV-2 foi observada redução na detecção de outros vírus respiratórios (VR). Estudos epidemiológicos são importantes para uma melhor compreensão dos impactos da pandemia sobre a circulação de VR. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o perfil epidemiológico dos casos de síndrome respiratória aguda grave (SRAG) associados aos principais VR em pacientes internados no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil (RS), entre 2010 e 2019 (período A) e entre 2020 e 2021 (período B). Métodos: Dados relacionados a casos de SRAG no RS foram obtidos do SIVEP-Gripe. Resultados: No período A houve mais infecções por Influenza, Parainfluenza, Adenovírus e Vírus Sincicial Respiratório, enquanto no período B a maioria foi por SARS-CoV-2. Os grupos etários mais afetados foram de indivíduos <5 anos de idade (67,1%) no período A, e >60 anos (50%) no período B. Os principais sintomas foram febre e tosse no período A, e dispneia e saturação de O2 <95% no período B. As principais comorbidades no período A foram pneumopatias e cardiopatias, enquanto no período B foram cardiopatias e diabetes mellitus. A mortalidade foi maior no período B. A maioria dos casos no período A foram entre maio e julho, e no período B entre novembro e dezembro de 2021. Conclusão: Este estudo revela que a pandemia de COVID-19 alterou o perfil epidemiológico de SRAG no RS, sendo a maioria dos casos em indivíduos idosos com doença cardiovascular e diabetes. (AU)

Justificación y Objetivos: Durante la pandemia por SARS-CoV-2 se observó reducción en la detección de otros virus respiratorios (VR). Los estudios epidemiológicos son importantes para comprender los impactos de la pandemia en la circulación de VR. Este estudio analizó variables epidemiológicas asociadas al Síndrome Respiratorio Agudo Grave (SRAG) en Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brasil, antes de la aparición del SARS-CoV-2 (período A, 2010-2019) y durante la pandemia (período B, 2020-2021). Métodos: Los datos relacionados con los casos de SRAG en RS se obtuvieron de SIVEP-Gripe. Resultados: En el período A hubo más infecciones por Influenza, Parainfluenza, Adenovirus y Virus Respiratorio Sincitial, mientras que en el período B la mayoría de los casos fueron causados por SARS-CoV-2. Los grupos de edad más afectados fueron <5 años (67,1%) en el período A, y >60 años (50%) en el período B. Los principales síntomas fueron fiebre y tos en el período A, y disnea y saturación de O2 <95% en el período B. Las principales comorbilidades en el período A fueron enfermedades pulmonares y cardíacas, y en el período B fueron enfermedades cardíacas y diabetes mellitus. La mortalidad fue mayor en el período B. La mayoría de los casos en el período A fueron entre mayo y julio, y en el período B entre noviembre y diciembre. Conclusiones: Este estudio revela que la pandemia de COVID-19 cambió el perfil epidemiológico del SRAG en RS. La mayoría de los casos se dan en personas de edad avanzada con enfermedades cardiovasculares y diabetes. (AU)

Perfil etiológico, sociodemográfico e desfechos dos pacientes com asma internados por síndrome respiratória aguda grave (SRAG) no Brasil de 2020 a 2022: uma análise de 83.452 internações / Etiology, sociodemographic profile, and outcomes of patients with asthma hospitalized for severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) in Brazil from 2020 to 2022: an analysis of 83,452 hospitalizations Braian

Introdução: A asma é uma das doenças crônicas mais frequentes na população brasileira. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar as etiologias, o perfil sociodemográfico e os fatores de risco para óbito entre pacientes com asma internados por síndrome respiratória aguda grave (SRAG) no Brasil entre 2020 e 2022. Métodos: A partir do banco de dados SIVEP-Gripe, incluímos todos os pacientes com idade maior que 5 anos registrados no banco de 01/01/2020 até 21/07/2022, hospitalizados por SRAG, com antecedente de asma e com desfechos conhecidos. Como exposições, foram estudadas a idade, sexo, região de moradia, etnia e agentes etiológicos virais isolados. Os desfechos foram internação em unidade de terapia intensiva, necessidade de ventilação mecânica e óbito. Para calcular a razão de chances entre exposição e desfechos, utilizamos modelos lineares generalizados mistos multinível. Resultados: Foram incluídas na análise 83.452 internações, sendo 14.062 crianças e adolescentes, e 69.390 adultos. A mortalidade aumentou com a idade, indo de 0,6% entre 5-10 anos para 33% nos maiores que 60 anos. Na população pediátrica, morar na região Norte e Nordeste e ter entre 10-20 anos foram associados a maior mortalidade (OR 2,14 IC95% 1,41- 3,24 e OR 3,73 IC95% 2,65-5,26 respectivamente). Quanto aos agentes etiológicos, apenas o SARS-CoV-2 conferiu maior risco de óbito (OR 5,18 IC95% 3,62-7,42). Entre adultos, sexo feminino e etnias não brancas foram protetoras (OR 0,87 IC95% 0,83-0,9 e OR 0,90; IC95% 0,85-0,94 respectivamente) para óbito. Faixas etárias mais avançadas, morar nas regiões Norte e Nordeste e o diagnóstico de COVID-19 foram associados a maior mortalidade. Conclusões: Há importantes vulnerabilidades sociodemográficas nos desfechos das internações de pacientes com asma por SRAG, com maior mortalidade nas regiões Norte-Nordeste, entre adolescentes na faixa etária pediátrica e entre idosos nos adultos. Além disso, destaca-se o protagonismo da COVID-19 entre as infecções associadas a maior mortalidade.

Introduction: Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases affecting the Brazilian population. We aimed to determine the etiology, sociodemographic profile, and risk factors for death in patients with asthma hospitalized for severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) in Brazil from 2020 to 2022. Methods: We included all patients over 5 years of age registered in the Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance Information System (SIVEP Gripe) database of the Brazilian Ministry of Health from January 1, 2020 to July 21, 2022 hospitalized for SARI. Patients had to have a history of asthma and known outcomes. As exposures, age, sex, region of residence, ethnicity, and viral etiological agent were evaluated. The outcomes measured were admission to an intensive care unit, need for mechanical ventilation, and death. We used multilevel generalized linear mixed models to calculate the odds ratio between exposure and outcomes. Results: A total of 83,452 hospitalizations were included, of which 14,062 were children and adolescents and 69,390 were adults. Mortality increased with age, ranging from 0.6% in those aged 5-10 years to 33% in those over 60 years. In the pediatric population, living in the north and northeast regions (OR 2.14, 95%CI 1.41-3.24) and having between 10-20 years (OR 3.73, 95%CI 2.65-5.26) were associated with higher mortality. As for etiologic agents, only SARS-CoV-2 was associated with a higher risk of death (OR 5.18, 95%CI 3.62-7.42). Among adults, female sex (OR 0.87, 95%CI 0.83-0.9) and non-White ethnicities (OR 0.90, 95%CI 0.85-0.94) were protective factors against death. Older age groups, living in the north and northeast regions, and a diagnosis of COVID-19 were associated with higher mortality. Conclusions: There are important sociodemographic vulnerabilities in the outcomes of patients with asthma hospitalized for SARI, with higher mortality rates in the north and northeast regions, among adolescents in the pediatric age group, and among older adults. Furthermore, COVID-19 was one of the main infections associated with higher mortality.

Drugs and natural products for the treatment of COVID-19 during 2020, the first year of the pandemic / Fármacos y productos naturales para el tratamiento de la COVID-19 durante 2020, el primer año de la pandemia

Abstract This work aimed to show which treatments showed efficacy against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); therefore, the results of 37 clinical trials started in 2020 and completed in 2021 are reviewed and discussed here. These were selected from databases, excluding vaccines, computational studies, in silico, in vitro, and those with hyperimmune sera from recovered patients. We found 34 drugs, one vitamin, and one herbal remedy with pharmacological activity against symptomatic COVID-19. They reduced mortality, disease progression, or recovery time. For each treatment, the identifier and type of trial, the severity of the disease, the sponsor, the country where the trial was conducted, and the trial results are presented. The drugs were classified according to their mechanism of action. Several drugs that reduced mortality also reduced inflammation in the most severe cases. These include some that are not considered anti-inflammatory, such as Aviptadil, pyridostigmine bromide, anakinra, imatinib, baricitinib, and bevacizumab, as well as the combination of ivermectin, aspirin, dexamethasone, and enoxaparin. Nigella sativa seeds with honey have also been reported to have therapeutic activity. On the other hand, tofacitinib, novaferon with ritonavir, and lopinavir were also effective, as well as in combination with antiviral therapies such as danoprevir with ritonavir. The natural products colchicine and Vitamin D3 were only effective in patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19, as was hydroxychloroquine. Drug repositioning has been the main tool in the search for effective therapies by expanding the pharmacological options available to patients.

Resumen El objetivo del presente trabajo fue conocer qué tratamientos mostraron efectividad contra COVID-19, para lo cual se revisan y discuten los resultados de 37 estudios clínicos iniciados durante 2020 y concluidos en 2021. Estos fueron seleccionados de bases de datos, excluyendo vacunas, estudios computacionales, in silico, in vitro y con sueros hiperinmunes de pacientes recuperados. Se documentaron 34 fármacos, una vitamina y un remedio herbolario, con actividad farmacológica ante COVID-19 sintomático. Estos redujeron la mortalidad, el progreso de la enfermedad, o el tiempo de recuperación. Para cada tratamiento se presenta identificador y tipo de estudio, la gravedad de la enfermedad, patrocinador, país donde se realizó, así como sus resultados. Los fármacos se clasificaron de acuerdo con su mecanismo de acción. Varios fármacos que redujeron la mortalidad también disminuyeron la inflamación en los casos más graves. Esto incluyendo algunos no considerados antiinflamatorios, como el aviptadil, el bromuro de piridostigmina, el anakinra, el imatinib, el baricitinib y el bevacizumab, así como la combinación de ivermectina, aspirina, dexametasona y enoxaparina. También se reportaron con actividad terapéutica las semillas de Nigella sativa con miel. Además, resultaron efectivos el tofacitinib, el novaferón con ritonavir y lopinavir, así como los antivirales en terapias combinadas como el danoprevir con ritonavir. Los productos naturales colchicina y vitamina D3, solo tuvieron actividad en los pacientes en estado leve a moderado de la COVID-19, así como la hidroxicloroquina. El reposicionamiento de fármacos fue la principal herramienta para buscar terapias efectivas ampliando las opciones farmacológicas accesibles a los pacientes.

Pulmonary manifestations of hemodialysis patients combined with COVID-19 based on computer scan score and blood routine / 基础医学与临床

Objective To investigate the characteristics of blood routine,chest computed tomography(CT)imaging and short-term evolution of hemodialysis patients infected with Omicron variant of severe acute respiratory syndrom coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2).Methods A total of 204 patients diagnosed with Omicron variant infection in the First Hospital of Hohhot from September 2022 to September 2023 were retrospectively reviewed.Among them,89 patients with end-stage renal disease(ESRD)who were receiving hemodialysis were included in the hemo-dialysis group.The remaining 115 patients were control group,and the first blood routine results chest com-puted tomography(CT)imaging data were observed.Thirty-four patients in the hemodialysis group and 29 patients in the control group had complete pulmonary CT imaging data on the day of admission,5-6 days and 10-12 days after admission.The characteristics and chest CT scores of all cases were analyzed.Results 1)The percentage of monocytes,neutrophils,neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and chest CT score of the hemo-dialysis group were higher than those of the control group,while the white blood cells,lymphocytes and lymphocyte percentage were lower than those of the control group.2)The positive rate of first chest CT was 49.4%in hemo-dialysis group and 35.7%in control group.3)The chest CT scores of the hemo-dialysis group and the control group on day 5 and day 6 were higher than those of first check.Chest CT was reexamined on days 10-12,and scores were higher in the hemo-dial-ysis group than in the control group.Conclusions Hemo-dialysis patients with COVID-19 have higher blood routine indexes,higher positive rate of lung CT and slower absorption than non-hemodialysis patients.

Progress on effect of CypA/CD147 in diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular system disease infected by SARS-CoV-2 / 解放军医学杂志

Corona virus disease 2019(COVID-19)epidemic has been effectively controlled,but its related complications still cannot be ignored,especially the cardiovascular circulatory system is the active site of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2).Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2(ACE2)is a type Ⅰ transmembrane glycoprotein that is highly expressed in heart,kidney and testis.Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 invades host cells by binding to the cell surface receptor ACE2.However,there are still many deficiencies in the clinical application of vaccines and drugs developed based on this target.As a molecular chaperone,cyclophilin A(CypA)promotes protein folding and T cell activation.CD147 is one of the most widely studied CypA receptors,and the interaction of CypA/CD147 plays an important role in the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into host cells.However,there are few reports on the invasion of SARS-CoV-2 into the cardiovascular system through the CypA/CD147 signaling pathway.Based on this,this article summarizes the previous research evidence and the research basis of the research group,and reviews the structure and function of CypA/CD147,the role of CypA/CD147 in cardiovascular disease,and the cardiovascular disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 targeting CypA/CD147 signal pathway,in order to provide reference for the diagnosis and treatment of the COVID-19 complicated with cardiovascular system diseases.

Characteristics of T cell immune responses in adults inoculated with 2 doses of SARS-CoV-2 inactivated vaccine for 12 months / 解放军医学杂志

Objective To evaluate the characteristics of different antigen-specific T cell immune responses to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)after inoculation with 2 doses of SARS-CoV-2 inactivated vaccine for 12 months.Methods Fifteen healthy adults were enrolled in this study and blood samples collected at 12 months after receiving two doses of SARS-CoV-2 inactivated vaccine.The level and phenotypic characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 antigen-specific T lymphocytes were detected by activation-induced markers(AIM)based on polychromatic flow cytometry.Results After 12 months of inoculation with 2 doses of SARS-CoV-2 inactivated vaccine,more than 90%of adults had detectable Spike and Non-spike antigen-specific CD4+ T cells immune responses(Spike:14/15,P=0.0001;Non-spike:15/15,P<0.0001).80%of adults had detectable Spike and Non-spike antigen-specific CD8+ T cells immune responses(Spike:12/15,P=0.0463;Non-spike:12/15,P=0.0806).Antigen-specific CD4+ T cells induced by SARS-CoV-2 inactivated vaccination after 12 months were composed of predominantly central memory(CM)and effector memory 1(EM1)cells.On the other hand,in terms of helper subsets,antigen-specific CD4+ T cells mainly showed T helper 1/17(Th1/17)and T helper 2(Th2)phenotypes.Conclusions SARS-CoV-2 inactivated vaccination generates durable and extensive antigen-specific CD4+ T cell memory responses,which may be the key factor for the low proportion of severe coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)infection in China.

Serological analysis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2-specific immunoglobulin G antibodies level in Henan Province / 中华传染病杂志

Objective:To analyze the specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies level in the population after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Henan Province.Methods:A total of 5 178 peripheral venous blood samples were collected from 10 districts (counties) in Henan Province according to the national seroepidemiological survey program for COVID-19, and the method of cluster random sampling was adopted from March 6 to 15, 2023. Descriptive analysis was used for the basic data, history of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination, SARS-CoV-2 infection of the respondents. The specific IgG antibody of SARS-CoV-2 was detected using chemiluminescence method. Statistical analysis was performed by using rank sum test, Kruskal Wallis test, and Dunn′s test.Results:The overall positive rate of SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG antibody was 83.35%(4 316/5 178). There were statistically significant differences in the specific IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 produced by people of different sexes, different ages, infected or not, vaccinated or not, and vaccinated with different doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine ( Z=3.60, H=195.32, Z=6.10, 18.08, H=382.70, respectively, all P<0.001). The specific IgG antibodies produced by unvaccinated+ uninfected group, unvaccinated+ infected group, vaccinated+ uninfected group, and vaccinated+ infected group were 3.54(0.98, 11.00), 60.65(2.33, 84.80), 133.00(59.80, 173.00), and 142.00(98.30, 176.00), respectively. And the difference was statistically significant( H=354.62, P<0.001). The specific IgG antibodies of uninfected people increased with the increase of inoculum times( H=287.00 and 98.48, both P<0.001). The specific IgG antibodies of people who were not infected with SARS-CoV-2 in the groups of whose interval from the last inoculation of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine to blood collection was less than three months, three to six months and more than six months were 171.86(156.04, 196.57), 71.71(17.08, 110.38) and 132.14(57.59, 172.25), respectively, and the difference was statistically significant ( H=19.93, P<0.001). Among them, the absolute difference between the less than three months group and the three to six months group was statistically significant ( Z=3.67, P<0.001), and the absolute difference between the less than three months group and the more than six months group was statistically significant ( Z=3.47, P<0.001). The specific IgG antibodies level in the less than three months group was the highest. Conclusions:There is a certain correlation between the number of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine doses and the specific IgG antibodies level in uninfected people. The specific IgG antibodies could maintain a high level for three months after immunization.

Research progress on ocular diseases associated with SARS-CoV-2 / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

The corona virus disease 2019(COVID-19)in 2019 has shown a global pandemic status in a short time since its outbreak, and many variants of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)were highly infectious and pathogenic. SARS-CoV-2 may infect tissue cells through the mediation of angiotensin-converting enzyme-2(ACE2)and transmembrane serine protease 2(TMPRSS2), leading to different diseases. Clinically, respiratory, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal systems diseases are relatively common; many patients also seek medical attention based on eye symptoms as their main complaint. Compared with severe systemic diseases, eye-related symptoms are easily overlooked. This article reviews the pathogenesis and cases of various eye diseases related to SARS-CoV-2, aiming to enhance clinicians' attention to SARS-CoV-2-related eye diseases, avoid delaying the disease and causing irreversible loss of vision, and provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of eye diseases.

Research progress of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-related ocular adverse events / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

Since 2019, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)infection has been widespread in the world, causing about 770 million infecting and 6.9 million deaths. Vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 infection have become the main way to prevent the severe SARS-CoV-2. The use of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine has substantial protection against the serious consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection, but multiple systemic adverse reactions can occur after the use of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. More and more studies have shown that SARS-CoV-2 vaccine caused lesions of ocular conjunctiva, cornea, sclera, uvea, retina and optic nerve tissue and resulted in damage to visual function. In this paper, the classification and characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and related studies on ocular tissue lesions were reviewed, hoping to better understand the ocular adverse reactions of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine and provide some theoretical guidance for the prevention and treatment of ocular tissue damage caused by SARS-COV-2 vaccine.

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children in the context of coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic / 中国当代儿科杂志

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a complex syndrome characterized by multi-organ involvement that has emerged in the context of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak. The clinical presentation of MIS-C is similar to Kawasaki disease but predominantly presents with fever and gastrointestinal symptoms, and severe cases can involve toxic shock and cardiac dysfunction. Epidemiological findings indicate that the majority of MIS-C patients test positive for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. The pathogenesis and pathophysiology of MIS-C remain unclear, though immune dysregulation following SARS-CoV-2 infection is considered a major contributing factor. Current treatment approaches for MIS-C primarily involve intravenous immunoglobulin therapy and symptomatic supportive care. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the definition, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of MIS-C.

Research Progress of COVID-19 Vaccines / 医药导报

Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)has been one of the most concerning public health events in recent years,seriously threatening the lives and health of people worldwide.COVID-19 vaccines are the most cost-effective measure to reduce the influence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-COV-2)to the population.Therefore,countries actively develop and vaccinate COVID-19 vaccines,including recombinant protein vaccines,viral vector vaccines,inactivated vaccines,and mRNA vaccines,which occupy the primary market.With the enhancement of variants transmission ability and evasion immunity,the protective effect and durability of COVID-19 vaccines have become the current research hotspots.This paper presents a brief review of the progress of COVID-19 vaccines,intending to provide a reference for the development of COVID-19 vaccines.

Efficacy and safety of recombinant human anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibody injection(F61 injection)in the treatment of patients with COVID-19 combined with renal damage:a randomized controlled exploratory clinical study / 中国感染控制杂志

Objective To explore the efficacy and safety of recombinant human anti-severe acute respiratory syn-drome coronavirus 2(anti-SARS-CoV-2)monoclonal antibody injection(F61 injection)in the treatment of patients with coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)combined with renal damage.Methods Patients with COVID-19 and renal damage who visited the PLA General Hospital from January to February 2023 were selected.Subjects were randomly divided into two groups.Control group was treated with conventional anti-COVID-19 therapy,while trial group was treated with conventional anti-COVID-19 therapy combined with F61 injection.A 15-day follow-up was conducted after drug administration.Clinical symptoms,laboratory tests,electrocardiogram,and chest CT of pa-tients were performed to analyze the efficacy and safety of F61 injection.Results Twelve subjects(7 in trial group and 5 in control group)were included in study.Neither group had any clinical progression or death cases.The ave-rage time for negative conversion of nucleic acid of SARS-CoV-2 in control group and trial group were 3.2 days and 1.57 days(P=0.046),respectively.The scores of COVID-19 related target symptom in the trial group on the 3rd and 5th day after medication were both lower than those of the control group(both P＜0.05).According to the clinical staging and World Health Organization 10-point graded disease progression scale,both groups of subjects improved but didn't show statistical differences(P＞0.05).For safety,trial group didn't present any infusion-re-lated adverse event.Subjects in both groups demonstrated varying degrees of elevated blood glucose,elevated urine glucose,elevated urobilinogen,positive urine casts,and cardiac arrhythmia,but the differences were not statistica-lly significant(all P＞0.05).Conclusion F61 injection has initially demonstrated safety and clinical benefit in trea-ting patients with COVID-19 combined with renal damage.As the domestically produced drug,it has good clinical accessibility and may provide more options for clinical practice.

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children related with COVID-19 infection / 中国免疫学杂志

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children is a disease related with severe acute respiratory syndrome corona-virus 2 infection,which can involve multiple system damage.Most cases included features of shock,cardiac dysfunction,gastrointestinal symptoms,significantly elevated markers of inflammation and cardiac damage,and positive test results for SARS-CoV-2 by serology.Although its clinical features overlap with Kawasaki disease,it is more likely to occur in older children and adolescents,and most of them need to be treated with intensive care and a variety of immunomodulators.At present,the pathogenesis and long-term prognosis of the disease need to be further studied.

Compatibility Theory of Yiqi Zengmian Prescription as Vaccine Adjuvant / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveThis study explored the application of Yiqi Zengmian prescription as a vaccine adjuvant， aiming to provide a new scheme for the prevention and control of corona virus disease 2019（COVID-19） with traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）. By analyzing the compatibility and efficacy， this paper examines the compatibility effect of Yiqi Zengmian prescription， which is modified from the classic tonifying agent Si Junzitang， as a vaccine adjuvant. MethodUsing the Database of Ancient Classical Prescriptions， this paper analyzed the composition of Yiqi Zengmian prescription and probed into the theoretical basis for the compatibility of this prescription from the properties， medicine combination， and efficacy. Furthermore， the compatibility effect of this prescription with vaccines was analyzed. ResultAs a TCM prescription， Yiqi Zengmian prescription focuses on the lung and spleen and enhances the Qi in the two organs. The lung governs Qi movement. The body breathes fresh air through the lungs and exchanges the turbid gas in the lungs， and the gas circulates alternately in the lungs to ensure the normal breathing of the human body. The spleen governing transportation and transformation is the hub for Qi movement， and Qi is the embodiment of metabolic function. By regulating qi movement and enhancing the functions of Qi and blood， Yiqi Zengmian prescription can enhance the immunogenicity of the vaccine， which provides a theoretical basis for enhancing the immune effects of vaccines. ConclusionYiqi Zengmian prescription has the effects of replenishing Qi and invigorating spleen， regulating Qi and drying dampness， and enhancing immunity. The in-depth analysis of the TCM theory of Yiqi Zengmian prescription as a vaccine adjuvant and the results of clinical and laboratory studies suggest that Yiqi Zengmian prescription may enhance the induction of immune response after vaccination and maintain the immune memory. However， the mechanism of Yiqi Zengmian prescription in regulating the complex immune network remains to be elucidated.

Evaluation of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome surveillance caused by respiratory viruses in a pediatric unit, 2013 to 2019 / Avaliação da vigilância da Síndrome Respiratória Aguda Grave causada por vírus respiratórios em uma unidade pediátrica, 2013 a 2019

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate severe acute respiratory syndrome surveillance in a pediatric unit. Methods: Descriptive study of reported severe acute respiratory syndrome cases with the detection of respiratory viruses in the nasopharyngeal sample of patients hospitalized between 2013 and 2019, in a reference hospital in the Federal District, Brazil. Results: A total of 269 children had one or more viruses detected, resulting in 280 viruses, of which 152 (54%) were respiratory syncytial virus. The detection of respiratory syncytial virus was higher during the autumn-winter period. Children´s median age was 6.9 months, 156 (58%) were male, 104 (39%) had comorbidity, 197 (73%) required mechanical ventilation, 241 (90%) received antibiotics, and 146 (54%) oseltamivir. There were 19 (7%) deaths. The median time from symptom onset to sample collection was 5 days and the median time from sample collection to final results was 6 days. Conclusions: The system needs to reduce the time to deliver results so that inappropriate use of antibiotics and antivirals can be avoided. Moreover, the burden of viral pneumonia was relevant and the system must be flexible enough to include emerging viruses in order to be useful in responding to public health emergencies caused by respiratory viruses.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a vigilância da síndrome respiratória aguda grave em uma unidade pediátrica. Métodos: Estudo descritivo dos casos de síndrome respiratória aguda grave, notificados e com a detecção de vírus respiratório em amostra de nasofaringe de pacientes internados entre 2013 e 2019, em um hospital de referência do Distrito Federal. Resultados: Um total de 269 crianças tiveram algum vírus detectado, resultando em 280 vírus, sendo 152 (54%) vírus sincicial respiratório. A detecção do vírus sincicial respiratório foi maior durante o período de outono-inverno. A mediana da idade das crianças foi de 6,9 meses, 156 (58%) eram do sexo masculino, 104 (39%) tinham comorbidade, 197 (73%) necessitaram de ventilação mecânica, 241 (90%) receberam antibióticos e 146 (54%) oseltamivir. Ocorreram 19 (7%) óbitos. A mediana do tempo desde o início dos sintomas até a coleta da amostra foi de 5 dias, e do tempo da coleta até o resultado foi de 6 dias. Conclusões: O sistema necessita reduzir o tempo do resultado final para que seja possível evitar o uso inadequado de antibióticos e antivirais. Ademais, o impacto das pneumonias virais foi relevante e o sistema deve ser flexível suficiente para incluir vírus emergentes, para ser útil na resposta às emergências de saúde pública causada por vírus respiratórios.

Spatial analysis of hospital-related mortality due to COVID-19 among children and adolescents in Brazil / Análise espacial da mortalidade hospitalar por COVID-19 em crianças e adolescentes no Brasil

Abstract The objective was to perform a spatial analysis of the hospital mortality rate (HMR) due to severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) attributed to COVID-19 among children and adolescents in Brazil from 2020 to 2021. A cluster method was used to group federal units (FUs) based on HMR. In 2020, clusters with high HMRs were formed by north/northeast FUs. In 2021, there was a reduction in HMR. Clusters with higher rates remained in the N/NE region. Regional differences were observed in the HMR. The findings may reflect social inequalities and access to hospital care, especially in the under 1-year-old age group due to the severity of the disease in this group.

Resumo Objetivou-se realizar uma análise espacial da taxa de mortalidade hospitalar (TMH) por síndrome respiratória aguda grave (SRAG) atribuída à COVID-19 em crianças e adolescentes no Brasil no período de 2020 a 2021. Utilizou-se o método de cluster para agrupar as unidades federativas (UFs) com base na TMH. Em 2020, clusters com altas TMHs foram formados por UFs Norte/Nordeste. Em 2021, houve redução na TMH. Os clusters com maiores taxas permaneceram na região N/NE. Diferenças regionais foram observadas nas TMHs. Os achados podem refletir as desigualdades sociais e o acesso à atenção hospitalar, principalmente na faixa etária de menores de 1 ano pela gravidade da doença neste grupo.

Evaluation of the design of the influenza-like illness sentinel surveillance system in Brazil / Evaluación del diseño de la vigilancia centinela de la enfermedad tipo influenza en Brasil / Avaliação do desenho da vigilância sentinela de síndrome gripal no Brasil

Abstract: The influenza-like illness (ILI) sentinel surveillance operates in Brazil to identify respiratory viruses of public health relevance circulating in the country and was first implemented in 2000. Recently, the COVID-19 pandemic reinforced the importance of early detection of the circulation of new viruses in Brazil. Therefore, an analysis of the design of the ILI sentinel surveillance is timely. To this end, we simulated a sentinel surveillance network, identifying the municipalities that would be part of the network according to the criteria defined in the design of the ILI sentinel surveillance and, based on data from tested cases of severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) from 2014 to 2019, we drew samples for each sentinel municipality per epidemiological week. The draw was performed 1,000 times, obtaining the median and 95% quantile interval (95%QI) of virus positivity by Federative Unit and epidemiological week. According to the ILI sentinel surveillance design criteria, sentinel units would be in 64 municipalities, distributed mainly in capitals and their metropolitan areas, recommending 690 weekly samples. The design showed good sensitivity (91.65% considering the 95%QI) for qualitatively detecting respiratory viruses, even those with low circulation. However, there was important uncertainty in the quantitative estimate of positivity, reaching at least 20% in 11.34% of estimates. The results presented here aim to assist in evaluating and updating the ILI sentinel surveillance design. Strategies to reduce uncertainty in positivity estimates need to be evaluated, as does the need for greater spatial coverage.

Resumen: La vigilancia centinela de la enfermedad tipo infuenza (ETI) funciona en Brasil para identificar los virus respiratorios de importancia para la salud pública que circulan en el país y comenzó a ser implementada en 2000. Recientemente, la pandemia de COVID-19 ha reforzado la importancia de la detección temprana de la circulación de nuevos virus en el territorio brasileño. Así, se hace oportuno un análisis del diseño de la vigilancia centinela de la ETI. Para ello, simulamos una red centinela identificando los municipios que formarían parte de la red según los criterios definidos en el diseño de la vigilancia centinela de la ETI y, a partir de los datos de casos testados de infección respiratoria aguda grave (IRAG) de 2014 a 2019, se extrajeron muestras para cada municipio centinela por semana epidemiológica. El sorteo se repitió 1.000 veces y se obtuvo la mediana y el intervalo cuantílico del 95% (IC95%) de la positividad por virus, por Unidad Federativa y semana epidemiológica. Según los criterios del diseño de la vigilancia centinela de la ETI, unidades centinelas estarían en 64 municipios, distribuidas principalmente en capitales y zonas metropolitanas de las capitales, preconizando 690 muestras semanales. El diseño presentó una buena sensibilidad (total de 91,65% considerando el IC95%) para la detección cualitativa de los virus respiratorios, incluso los de baja circulación. Sin embargo, hubo una importante incertidumbre en la estimación cuantitativa de la positividad, alcanzando al menos el 20% en el 11,34% de las estimaciones. Los resultados presentados aquí tienen como objetivo ayudar en la evaluación y actualización del diseño de la red centinela. Es necesario evaluar las estrategias para reducir la incertidumbre en las estimaciones de positividad, al igual que la necesidad de una mayor cobertura espacial.

Resumo: A vigilância sentinela de síndrome gripal atua no Brasil identificando os vírus respiratórios de importância para a saúde pública circulantes no país, e começou a ser implementada em 2000. Recentemente, a pandemia de COVID-19 reforçou a importância da detecção precoce de novos vírus em circulação no território brasileiro. Assim, se faz oportuna uma análise do desenho da vigilância sentinela de síndrome gripal. Para tal, simulamos uma rede sentinela, identificando os municípios que fariam parte da rede segundo os critérios definidos no desenho da vigilância sentinela de síndrome gripal, e, a partir dos dados de casos testados de síndrome respiratória aguda grave (SRAG) de 2014 a 2019, sorteamos amostras para cada município sentinela por semana epidemiológica. O sorteio foi repetido mil vezes, obtendo-se a mediana e intervalo quantílico de 95% (IQ95%) da positividade para cada vírus por Unidade Federativa e semana epidemiológica. Segundo os critérios do desenho da vigilância sentinela de síndrome gripal, unidades sentinelas estariam em 64 municípios, distribuídas principalmente em capitais e suas zonas metropolitanas, o que preconizou 690 amostras semanais. O desenho apresentou boa sensibilidade (total de 91,65%, considerando o IQ95%) para a detecção qualitativa dos vírus respiratórios, mesmo os de baixa circulação. Porém, houve importante incerteza na estimativa quantitativa de positividade, chegando a, pelo menos, 20% em 11,34% das estimativas. Os resultados aqui apresentados visam auxiliar a avaliação e a atualização do desenho da rede sentinela. Estratégias para reduzir a incerteza nas estimativas de positividade precisam ser avaliadas, assim como a necessidade de maior cobertura espacial.

Vaccine effectiveness in preventing deaths in people with severe acute respiratory syndrome due to COVID-19 in Blumenau, Brazil, 2021 / Efectividad de las vacunas en la prevención de la muerte por síndrome respiratório agudo grave por covid-19 en Blumenau, Brasil, 2021 / Efetividade vacinal na prevenção de óbitos em pessoas com síndrome respiratória aguda grave por covid-19 em Blumenau, 2021

ABSTRACT Objective to analyze the vaccine effectiveness in preventing deaths attributed to severe acute respiratory syndrome due to COVID-19 (SARS/COVID-19) in adults and the elderly, in Blumenau, state of Santa Catarina, Brazil, 2021. this was a population-based study conducted among individuals aged 20 years and older hospitalized with SARS/COVID-19; each death due to SARS/COVID-19 was considered a "case", and every survivor was considered a "control"; the association between vaccination status and the outcome of "death" was estimated using logistic regression, and vaccine effectiveness was estimated as (1-OR)*100. The study included 1,756 cases of SARS/COVID-19 (59.2% male, mean age of 56 years, 50.4% with elementary education, 68.4% with comorbidities and 39.1% in intensive care), of whom 398 died (cases) and 1,358 survived (controls); vaccine effectiveness was 74% and 85% (20-59 years old) and 72% and 75% (≥ 60 years old), respectively, for those who were partially vaccinated and fully vaccinated. Conclusion vaccines proved to be effective in reducing case fatality ratio due to SARS/COVID-19 in individuals ≥ 20 years old.

RESUMEN Objetivo analizar la efectividad de la vacuna para prevención de muertes por SRAG-COVID en adultos y ancianos de Blumenau, Santa Catarina, Brasil, 2021. Método estudio de base poblacional con personas hospitalizadas por SRAG-COVID mayores de 20 años; las muertes por SRAG-COVID se consideraron casos y todos los supervivientes, controles; la asociación entre el estado de vacunación y la muerte se estimó mediante regresión logística; la efectividad de la vacuna se estimó por (1-OR)*100. Resultados participaram do estudo 1.756 casos de SRAG-COVID (59,2% del sexo masculino, edad media de 56 años, 50,4% con estudios primarios, 68,4% con comorbilidades y 39,1% en cuidados intensivos), dos quais 398 foram a óbito (casos) e 1.358 sobreviveram (controles); la efectividad de la vacuna fue del 74% y el 85% (20 a 59 años) y del 72% y el 75% (60 y más años), entre los que tenían vacunación parcial y completa, respectivamente. Conclusión las vacunas fueran efectivas para reducir la letalidad del SRAG-covid.

RESUMO Objetivo Analisar a efetividade vacinal na prevenção de óbitos atribuídos a síndrome respiratória aguda grave por covid-19 (SRAG-covid) em adultos e idosos, em Blumenau, Santa Catarina, Brasil, 2021. Métodos Estudo populacional, entre maiores de 20 anos de idade internados por SRAG-covid; considerou-se "caso" cada óbito por SRAG-covid, e "controle", todo sobrevivente; estimou-se a associação entre a condição vacinal e o desfecho "óbito" por regressão logística, e a efetividade vacinal, por (1-OR)*100. Resultados Participaram do estudo 1.756 casos de SRAG-covid (59,2% do sexo masculino, idade média de 56 anos, 50,4% com ensino fundamental, 68,4% com comorbidades e 39,1% em cuidado intensivo), dos quais 398 foram a óbito (casos) e 1.358 sobreviveram (controles); a efetividade vacinal foi de 74% e 85% (20-59 anos) e de 72% e 75% (≥ 60 anos), respectivamente, para quem possuía vacinação parcial e vacinação completa. Conclusão Vacinas mostraram-se efetivas na redução da letalidade por SRAG-covid em indivíduos com idade ≥ 20 anos.