Antibody evasion properties of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron sublineages.

The identification of the Omicron (B.1.1.529.1 or BA.1) variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Botswana in November 20211 immediately caused concern owing to the number of alterations in the spike glycoprotein that could lead to antibody evasion. We2 and others3-6 recently reported results confirming such a concern. Continuing surveillance of the evolution of Omicron has since revealed the rise in prevalence of two sublineages, BA.1 with an R346K alteration (BA.1+R346K, also known as BA.1.1) and B.1.1.529.2 (BA.2), with the latter containing 8 unique spike alterations and lacking 13 spike alterations found in BA.1. Here we extended our studies to include antigenic characterization of these new sublineages. Polyclonal sera from patients infected by wild-type SARS-CoV-2 or recipients of current mRNA vaccines showed a substantial loss in neutralizing activity against both BA.1+R346K and BA.2, with drops comparable to that already reported for BA.1 (refs. 2,3,5,6). These findings indicate that these three sublineages of Omicron are antigenically equidistant from the wild-type SARS-CoV-2 and thus similarly threaten the efficacies of current vaccines. BA.2 also exhibited marked resistance to 17 of 19 neutralizing monoclonal antibodies tested, including S309 (sotrovimab)7, which had retained appreciable activity against BA.1 and BA.1+R346K (refs. 2-4,6). This finding shows that no authorized monoclonal antibody therapy could adequately cover all sublineages of the Omicron variant, except for the recently authorized LY-CoV1404 (bebtelovimab).

Striking antibody evasion manifested by the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2.

The B.1.1.529/Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 was only recently detected in southern Africa, but its subsequent spread has been extensive, both regionally and globally1. It is expected to become dominant in the coming weeks2, probably due to enhanced transmissibility. A striking feature of this variant is the large number of spike mutations3 that pose a threat to the efficacy of current COVID-19 vaccines and antibody therapies4. This concern is amplified by the findings of our study. Here we found that B.1.1.529 is markedly resistant to neutralization by serum not only from patients who recovered from COVID-19, but also from individuals who were vaccinated with one of the four widely used COVID-19 vaccines. Even serum from individuals who were vaccinated and received a booster dose of mRNA-based vaccines exhibited substantially diminished neutralizing activity against B.1.1.529. By evaluating a panel of monoclonal antibodies against all known epitope clusters on the spike protein, we noted that the activity of 17 out of the 19 antibodies tested were either abolished or impaired, including ones that are currently authorized or approved for use in patients. Moreover, we also identified four new spike mutations (S371L, N440K, G446S and Q493R) that confer greater antibody resistance on B.1.1.529. The Omicron variant presents a serious threat to many existing COVID-19 vaccines and therapies, compelling the development of new interventions that anticipate the evolutionary trajectory of SARS-CoV-2.

Detection and Establishment of Aedes notoscriptus (Diptera: Culicidae) Mosquitoes in Southern California, United States.

Aedes notoscriptus (Skuse), the Australian backyard mosquito, is a pestiferous daytime-biting species native to Australia and the surrounding southwestern Pacific region. It is suspected to play a role in the transmission of several arboviruses and is considered a competent vector of dog heartworm, Dirofilaria immitis (Leidy). This highly adaptable mosquito thrives in natural and artificial water-holding containers in both forested and urbanized areas, from tropical to temperate climates, and has benefitted from a close association with humans, increasing in abundance within its native range. It invaded and successfully established in New Zealand as well as in previously unoccupied temperate and arid regions of Australia. Ae. notoscriptus was discovered in Los Angeles County, CA, in 2014, marking the first time this species had been found outside the southwestern Pacific region. By the end of 2019, immature and adult mosquitoes had been collected from 364 unique locations within 44 cities spanning three southern California counties. The discovery, establishment, and rapid spread of this species in urban areas may signal the global movement and advent of a new invasive container-inhabiting species. The biting nuisance, public health, and veterinary health implications associated with the invasion of southern California by this mosquito are discussed.

[Guideline for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Asthma - Addendum 2020 - Guideline of the German Respiratory Society and the German Atemwegsliga in Cooperation with the Paediatric Respiratory Society and the Austrian Society of Pneumology]. / S2k-Leitlinie zur Diagnostik und Therapie von Patienten mit Asthma ­ Addendum 2020.

The present addendum of the guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of asthma (2017) complements new insights into the diagnosis and management of asthma as well as for the newly approved drugs for the treatment of asthma. Current, evidence-based recommendations on diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are presented for children and adolescents as well as for adults with asthma.

[Guideline for Long-Term Oxygen Therapy - S2k-Guideline Published by the German Respiratory Society]. / Leitlinie zur Langzeit-Sauerstofftherapie.

Long-term oxygen therapy is of great importance both for reducing mortality and for improving performance in patients with chronic lung diseases. The prerequisites for Long-term oxygen therapy are adequate diagnostics and clearly defined indication. A causal distinction into chronic hypoxaemic and hypercapnic respiratory failure is reasonable, from which the differential indication for non-invasive ventilation results.The revised guideline covers the diagnostics and indication of chronic lung and heart diseases, the role of oxygen in terminal illness and gives a detailed description of available oxygen devices. The guideline is intended to help avoid undersupply, oversupply and false prescriptions. Furthermore, the chapter "Postacute Oxygen Therapy" discusses the procedure, relevant in everyday life, but not yet clearly defined, for prescribing oxygen therapy for the home at the end of an inpatient stay. Another important point, the correct prescription of mobile oxygen systems, is also presented in the guideline. This document is a revised version of the guideline for longterm oxygen therapy and replaces the version of 2008.

Discovery of the FDA-approved drugs bexarotene, cetilistat, diiodohydroxyquinoline, and abiraterone as potential COVID-19 treatments with a robust two-tier screening system.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the emerging severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is associated with a crude case fatality rate of about 0.5-10 % depending on locality. A few clinically approved drugs, such as remdesivir, chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, nafamostat, camostat, and ivermectin, exhibited anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity in vitro and/or in a small number of patients. However, their clinical use may be limited by anti-SARS-CoV-2 50 % maximal effective concentrations (EC50) that exceeded their achievable peak serum concentrations (Cmax), side effects, and/or availability. To find more immediately available COVID-19 antivirals, we established a two-tier drug screening system that combines SARS-CoV-2 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and cell viability assay, and applied it to screen a library consisting 1528 FDA-approved drugs. Cetilistat (anti-pancreatic lipase), diiodohydroxyquinoline (anti-parasitic), abiraterone acetate (synthetic androstane steroid), and bexarotene (antineoplastic retinoid) exhibited potent in vitro anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity (EC50 1.13-2.01 µM). Bexarotene demonstrated the highest Cmax:EC50 ratio (1.69) which was higher than those of chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, and ivermectin. These results demonstrated the efficacy of the two-tier screening system and identified potential COVID-19 treatments which can achieve effective levels if given by inhalation or systemically depending on their pharmacokinetics.

Targeting the Inositol-Requiring Enzyme-1 Pathway Efficiently Reverts Zika Virus-Induced Neurogenesis and Spermatogenesis Marker Perturbations.

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an emerging flavivirus that may be associated with congenital anomalies in infected fetuses and severe neurological and genital tract complications in infected adults. Currently, antiviral treatments to revert these ZIKV-induced complications are lacking. ZIKV infection has recently been suggested to upregulate the host unfolded protein response, which may contribute to the congenital neurological anomalies. As an extension from these findings, we thoroughly investigated the ZIKV-induced unfolded protein response using a combination of the neuronal cell line, induced pluripotent stem cell-derived human neuronal stem and progenitor cells, and an interferon receptor-deficient A129 mouse model. Our results revealed a critical contribution of the inositol-requiring enzyme-1 (IRE1) arm of the unfolded protein response to ZIKV-induced neurological and testicular complications. Importantly, the inhibition of the IRE1 signaling pathway activation with KIRA6 (kinase-inhibiting RNAse attenuator 6), a selective small molecule IRE1 inhibitor that promotes cell survival, potently reverted the ZIKV-induced perturbations of the key gene expressions associated with neurogenesis and spermatogenesis in vitro and in vivo, highlighting the potential of IRE1 inhibition as a novel host-targeting antiviral strategy in combating against ZIKV-induced neurological and testicular pathologies.

[Exercise Training in Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis]. / Körperliches Training bei pulmonaler Hypertonie ­ ein systematisches Review mit Metaanalyse.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is defined as an elevation of mean pulmonary-arterial pressure by > 20 mmHg at rest, which may lead to right heart failure. Physical exercise has not been regularly recommended for PH patients for fear of symptom deterioration or occurrence of exercise-induced adverse events. METHODS: Three electronic databases were searched for randomized, controlled trials investigating exercise training in PH patients using the following keywords: "pulmonary hypertension" OR "pulmonary arterial hypertension" AND "exercise" OR "pulmonary rehabilitation" AND "randomized". RESULTS: Five studies involving 187 PH patients were included in this systematic review. Exercise programs lasted for 3 - 12 weeks (e. g. endurance training for 10 - 45 minutes; 60 - 80 % of the peak heart rate). PH patients significantly improved exercise capacity compared to controls in 6-minute walk distance (+ 45 m; 95 % CI: 26 m - 64 m) or peak oxygen consumption (+ 2.3 ml/kg/min; 95 % CI: 1.8 - 2.9 ml/kg/min), both p < 0.001. Also, physical and mental quality of life improved significantly by exercise training. No exercise-induced adverse events were observed. CONCLUSION: Supervised exercise training can safely and significantly improve physical performance and quality of life in clinically stable PH patients with optimal drug treatment. However, larger studies including a wider range of PH are mandatory.

[Guideline for the Diagnosis and Treatment of COPD Patients - Issued by the German Respiratory Society and the German Atemwegsliga in Cooperation with the Austrian Society of Pneumology]. / Leitlinie zur Diagnostik und Therapie von Patienten mit chronisch obstruktiver Bronchitis und Lungenemphysem (COPD).

This document is a revision of the guideline for diagnosis and treatment of COPD that replaces the version from 2007. A multitude of recent reports regarding risk factors, diagnosis, assessment, prevention and pharmacological as well as non-pharmacological treatment options made a major revision mandatory. The new guideline is based on the GOLD document taking into account specifics in Germany and Austria.

Life Histories and Other Biological Characteristics Enabling the Establishment of Aedes albopictus in the San Gabriel Valley, California.

Since Aedes albopictus was discovered in 2011 in the San Gabriel Valley it has become widespread despite the "harsh" environmental conditions and intense efforts to control or eliminate it. Species introduced into a new area may survive, thrive, or disappear depending on whether its new environment is suitable. The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District expended considerable resources from 2011 to 2015 to eradicate this invasive species or, at a minimum, control and manage its spread. Despite the intense effort, the distribution of Ae. albopictus steadily expanded. Over those 5 years this increase shifted from a geometric to exponential pattern. What enabled Ae. albopictus to survive initially, become established, and then expand their distribution when ecological conditions in southern California were considered hostile for this invasive species? This study explores several biological characteristics including skip oviposition, installment egg hatching, and variable larval development that may have helped Ae. albopictus flourish in its new environment.

[Guideline for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Asthma - Guideline of the German Respiratory Society and the German Atemwegsliga in Cooperation with the Paediatric Respiratory Society and the Austrian Society of Pneumology]. / S2k-Leitlinie zur Diagnostik und Therapie von Patienten mit Asthma.

The present guideline is a new version and an update of the guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of asthma, which replaces the previous version for german speaking countries from the year 2006. The wealth of new data on the pathophysiology and the phenotypes of asthma, and the expanded spectrum of diagnostic and therapeutic options necessitated a new version and an update. This guideline presents the current, evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of asthma, for children and adolescents as well as for adults with asthma.

[In Exchange with COPD Patients: Towards a Patient-Oriented Communication]. / Im Gespräch mit COPD-Patienten: patientenzentriert kommunizieren.

The quality of life can be severely impaired in patients with COPD. In addition to physical restraints, they often suffer from psychological comorbidities (e. g. anxiety, depression). Psychological comorbidities are often associated with dysfunctional beliefs about the illness and its treatment. Such dysfunctional beliefs, in turn, are likely to negatively affect patients' quality of life as well as their communication with physicians and their illness behavior in general. It is therefore important for physicians to adapt their communication to account for patients' dysfunctional beliefs. This paper will review the role of dysfunctional beliefs and psychological comorbidities in COPD. It will also elaborate on potential ways to adjust communication between physicians and patients accordingly.

Effects on pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with COPD or ILD: A retrospective analysis of clinical and functional predictors with particular emphasis on gender.

BACKGROUND: The response of patients in a pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is essentially good. However, not all patients benefit from PR to the same extent. In this analysis we wanted to identify the impact of gender and other factors on PR outcomes in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or interstitial lung disease (ILD). METHODS: Patients suffering from COPD (n = 1492) or ILD (n = 599), treated during an inpatient PR between 1997 and 2015, were analysed according to the effects of PR on exercise capacity and quality of life with regard to the impact of gender or other predictors by univariate and multivariate analyzes. RESULTS: In the group of COPD patients, 30% did not achieve the expected physical performance during the 6-min walk test (28% of female and 32% of male patients). However, the non-responders initially have had a higher 6-min walking distance (6-MWD) (p < 0.001) and both male and female showed a significant lower BODE index (p = 0.025) in the multivariate analysis. In the ILD-group, 37% females and 43% males were classified as non-responders with regard to the 6-MWD. Also in this group, the non-responders initially have had a higher 6-MWD (p < 0.001). All other variables (age, BMI, lung function, blood gases, C-reactive Protein, Haemoglobin or rehabilitation duration) had no influence on the outcome. CONCLUSION: Our study supports the positive effects of PR in COPD and ILD patients. In both groups, patients with the biggest limitations benefit most from PR. However, relevant gender differences or other predictors could not be found.

[Long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT)--what should physicians, homecare-providers and health insurance companies know?]. / Die Langzeit-Sauerstoff-Therapie (LTOT) - Was sollten Arzt, Versorger und Krankenkasse wissen?

Long-term oxygen treatment (LTOT) has been demonstrated to improve prognosis in patients with chronic respiratory insufficiency. In terms of pathogenesis, improved oxygenation, reduction of pulmonary artery pressure as well as reduction of respiratory work are important. Since there are considerable differences between the LTOT systems, individually tailored therapy is needed. In particular, the mobility aspects of the patients must be taken into consideration. It is important to distinguish between stationary/mobile devices with a liquid oxygen system and stationary/mobile devices with oxygen concentrator. Oxygen titration should be performed in relation to rest and activity phases (e. g. 6 minute walk test) as well as in relation to the sleep phase. Employing devices with demand-controlled valves should be critically examined. This can be undertaken only under physician orders and requires continuous monitoring.

Pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis--a review.

Among the various types of interstitial lung diseases, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most common disorder and has a poor prognosis and a limited response to pharmacological treatment. In patients with IPF, functional exercise tolerance and quality of life have been shown to be significantly decreased. Current IPF guidelines suggest only a weak recommendation for pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). However, PR is regarded as a reasonable choice for the majority of patients with IPF. This review will summarize all of the available studies that have investigated the effects of PR in patients with IPF so far. Although only a small number of studies have been published to date, most studies have found significant short-term improvements in functional exercise capacity, quality of life, and level of perceived dyspnea. Long-term improvements or maintenance strategies of PR in IPF patients have not been adequately investigated yet. Up to now there is still no sufficient evidence for the recommendation of PR in IPF. However, physical training seems to be the major component of all PR programs. The current review will discuss potential exercise training regimens for patients with IPF and suggest additional useful modalities of a specific multidisciplinary PR program for IPF patients. Based on the current literature and our own experience, this article will try to highlight the importance of PR as an additional, beneficial therapeutic option for patients with IPF.

Genetic analysis of invasive Aedes albopictus populations in Los Angeles County, California and its potential public health impact.

The Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, is an anthropophilic aggressive daytime-biting nuisance and an efficient vector of certain arboviruses and filarial nematodes. Over the last 30 years, this species has spread rapidly through human travel and commerce from its native tropical forests of Asia to every continent except Antarctica. In 2011, a population of Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) was discovered in Los Angeles (LA) County, California. To determine the probable origin of this invasive species, the genetic structure of the population was compared against 11 populations from the United States and abroad, as well as preserved specimens from a 2001 introduction into California using the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase 1 (CO1) gene. A total of 66 haplotypes were detected among samples and were divided into three main groups. Aedes albopictus collected in 2001 and 2011 from LA County were genetically related and similar to those from Asia but distinct from those collected in the eastern and southeastern United States. In view of the high genetic similarities between the 2001 and 2011 LA samples, it is possible that the 2011 population represents in part the descendants of the 2001 introduction. There remains an imperative need for improved surveillance and control strategies for this species.