The global impact of SARS-CoV-2 variant BA.2.86: a comprehensive analysis with the latest developments and transmission trends - an epidemiological study.

OBJECTIVE: The variant BA.2.86 of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is causing concern globally. The virus contains a large number of mutations, and transmission trends are rapidly changing globally. This study investigates the global epidemiological and transmission trends of SARS-CoV-2 new variant BA.2.86 in various continents and countries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data were recorded using key terms, including SARS-CoV-2, Omicron, BA.2.86, epidemiology, occurrence, incidence, prevalence, and transmission trends. The data on SARS-CoV-2 variant BA.2.86 were searched by the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GSIAD), PubMed, and Web of Science. Initially, 40 documents were identified, and finally, 8 documents were included for the data analysis and discussion. The analysis of findings on transmission trends was based on the data from August 14, 2023, to February 28, 2024. RESULTS: The SARS-CoV-2, novel variant BA.2.86, crossed the international borders of 6 continents and 89 countries and infected 19,532 people. In Europe, 32 countries are affected and involved 12,667 people (64.85%), North and South America 18 countries with 3,515 cases (17.99%), Asia 27 countries with 2,063 people (10.56%), Oceania 2 countries with 689 cases (3.52%), and Africa 10 countries with 598 (3.06%) cases. The BA.2.86 rapidly spread and mainly affected the people in the United Kingdom 3,228 (16.52%), Sweden 2,380 (12.18%), USA 1,929 (9.87%), Denmark 1,621 (8.29%), Canada 1,516 (7.67%), France 833 (4.26%), Japan 810 (4.14%), Netherlands 725 (3.71%), Germany 681 (3.48%), Spain 665 (3.40%), South Korea 556 (2.84%), and Australia 512 (2.62%). CONCLUSIONS: The SARS-CoV-2, novel variant BA.2.86, spread over six continents and 89 countries and affected 19,532 people worldwide. The disease is more prevalent in the United Kingdom, United States of America, and European countries. The detection of the disease in multiple continents and countries suggests some degree of transmissibility. Global health authorities need to rethink their policies and implement strict strategies to eradicate emerging variants and minimize the global disease burden.

Environmental pollutants PM2.5, PM10, carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone (O3) impair human cognitive functions.

OBJECTIVE: Environmental pollution is an emerging global public health problem across the world and causes serious threats to ecosystems, human health, and the planet. This study is designed to explore the impact of environmental pollution particulate matter PM2.5, PM10, carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and ozone (O3) on cognitive functions in students from schools located in or away from air-polluted areas. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In this study, two schools were selected: one was located near a traffic-polluted area (school #1), and the second was in an area away from the traffic-polluted area (school #2). In this study, a total of 300 students were recruited: 150 (75 male and 75 female) students from school #1 located in a traffic-polluted area, and 150 students (75 male and 75 female) from school #2 located away from a traffic polluted area. The overall average age of students was 13.53±1.20 years. The students were selected based on age, gender, health status, height, weight, BMI, ethnicity, and homogenous socio-economic and educational status. The pollutants PM2.5, PM10, CO, NO2, O3, and SO2 were recorded in the surrounding environment. The overall mean concentration of environmental pollutants in school #1 was 35.00±0.65 and in school #2 was 29.95±0.32. The levels of airborne particles were measured, and the cognitive functions were recorded using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB). The students performed the cognitive functions tasks, including the attention switching task (AST), choice reaction time (CRT), and motor screening task (MOT). RESULTS: The results revealed that the AST-Mean 928.34±182.23 vs. 483.79±146.73 (p=0.001), AST-mean congruent 889.12±197.12 vs. 473.30±120.11 (p=0.001), AST-mean in-congruent 988.98±201.27  vs. 483.87±144.57 (p=0.001), CRT-Mean 721.36±251.72  vs. 418.17±89.71 (p=0.001), and MOT-Mean 995.07±394.37 vs. 526.03±57.83 (p=0.001) were significantly delayed among the students who studied in school located in the traffic polluted area compared to students who studied in school which was located away from the traffic-polluted area. CONCLUSIONS: Environmental pollution was significantly higher in motor vehicle-congested areas. Cognitive functions were impaired among the students who were studying in a school located in a polluted area. The results further revealed that the students studying in schools located in environmentally polluted areas have attention, thinking, and decision-making abilities related to cognitive function impairment.

Efficacy of Oxford-AstraZeneca (ChAdOx1 CoV-19) vaccine against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) cases, hospital admissions, type of variants, and deaths.

OBJECTIVE: The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) epidemic has instigated enormous damage to the global healthcare system and economies. A large number of vaccines have been developed. However, confidence in any COVID-19 vaccine is essential for its sustainable success. The present study aimed to investigate the efficacy of the Oxford-AstraZeneca (ChAdOx1 CoV-19) vaccine against SARS-COV-2 cases, hospital admissions, type of variants and deaths. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study recorded data using electronic platforms PubMed, Web of Science, World Health Organization, US-Food and Drug Authorities-FDA, Facts sheets, and Pharmaceutical Websites. Initially, 278 articles and reports were identified, and after revising the abstracts, 39 studies, clinical trials and organizations, reports were selected for a detailed analysis. RESULTS: The efficacy of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine against symptomatic COVID-19 cases after the first dose was 60.59% (p=0.00001) and after the second dose was 66.84% (p=0.00001). The highest efficacy was against the Alpha variant 58.80% (p=0.00001) and the lowest efficacy was against the Beta variant 30.83% (p=0.00001). However, the overall efficacy against the SARS-CoV-2 variants after the first dose was 49.20%. The highest efficiency of SARS-CoV-2 variants after the second dose against the Beta (B.1.351) variant was 90.34% (p=0.00001), while the lowest efficacy was against the Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant 46.46% (p=0.00001), with overall efficacy against SARS-CoV-2-2 variants after the second dose 73.73%. The highest efficacy against emergency admission was 94.42% (p=0.00001), while the lowest efficacy was 86.57% (p=0.00001), with overall efficacy against ICU, hospital, and emergency admissions after the second dose was 87.74%. Furthermore, the efficacy of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine against deaths after the second dose was 87.44% (p=0.00001). CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine against symptomatic COVID-19 cases, various variants, ICU, and emergency admissions, and against deaths was high. The present study results provide valuable insights for healthcare workers, policymakers, and researchers about the precise efficacy levels against symptomatic cases, hospitalization, and mortality across the diverse populations and age groups.

Omicron new variant BA.2.86 (Pirola): Epidemiological, biological, and clinical characteristics - a global data-based analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Since December 2019, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a threatening situation worldwide. The new variant of SARS-CoV-2, BA.2.86, also known as Pirola, is an Omicron subvariant that causes great concern because it has been found to contain a large number of mutations. This study aims to investigate and identify the biological and clinical characteristics of this threatening new variant of SARS-CoV-2, which is BA.2.86. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This observational study was performed in the Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The literature was searched using the key terms including "SARS-CoV-2, Omicron, BA.2.86, Pirola, epidemiology, clinical characteristics". The data on Omicron BA.2.86 were obtained from the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GSIAD), PubMed, Web of Science, regional ministries, research institutes, and international print media. Initially, 26 documents were identified and 10 documents were included for the data analysis. The information on the prevalence and the biological characteristics of the new variant of SARS-CoV-2, Omicron BA.2.86, was recorded and synthesized for analysis. RESULTS: The Omicron BA.2.86 has been identified in 23 countries with 264 confirmed cases as of September 28, 2023. The number and distribution of these cases encompass the United Kingdom 66 (25.0%), USA 34 (12.87%), Denmark 31 (11.74%), Sweden 25 (9.46%), South Africa 20 (7.57%), Spain 20 (7.57%), France 15 (5.68%), Portugal 7 (2.65%), Japan 6 (2.27%), Canada 5 (1.89%), Thailand 5 (1.89%), Israel 5 (1.89%), Greece 5 (1.89%), Germany 3 (1.13%), Belgium 3 (1.13%), Luxembourg 3 (1.13%), Netherlands 3 (1.13%), South Korea 3 (1.13%). However, one case in each country has been reported in Australia, Italy, Iceland, Switzerland, and China. The disease has been reported more frequently in females (71.0%) than males (29.0%). To date, no deaths have been reported. The novel variant has spread more swiftly than other variants of SARS-CoV-2 and has crossed many international borders. CONCLUSIONS: The new Omicron variant BA.2.86 has affected 264 people in 23 countries. The disease is more common in females than males and mainly affects old age people (over 60 years of age). However, no deaths have been reported. The variant is spreading swiftly and transmitted more rapidly. The clinical manifestations in patients with Omicron BA.2.86 variant are not well documented and may be similar to earlier strains of COVID-19 by presenting with mild infectious symptoms, including headache, body ache, cough, fever, generalized myalgia, and severe fatigue. The global health authorities must take preventive measures to stop the outbreak of this emerging variant across the globe to minimize the disease burden.

COVID-19 vaccines: comparison of biological, pharmacological characteristics and adverse effects of Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna Vaccines.

OBJECTIVE: The "Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)" disease has caused a worldwide challenging and threatening pandemic (COVID-19), with huge health and economic losses. The US Food and Drug Administration, (FDA) has granted emergency use authorization for treatment with the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. Many people have a history of a significant allergic reaction to a specific food, medicine, or vaccine; hence, people all over the world have great concerns about these two authorized vaccines. This article compares the pharmacology, indications, contraindications, and adverse effects of the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The required documents and information were collected from the relevant databases, including Web of Science (Clarivate Analytics), PubMed, EMBASE, World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Drug Authorities (FDA) USA, Local Ministries, Health Institutes, and Google Scholar. The key terms used were: Coronavirus, SARS-COV-2, COVID-19 pandemic, vaccines, Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, Moderna vaccine, pharmacology, benefits, allergic responses, indications, contraindications, and adverse effects. The descriptive information was recorded, and we eventually included 12 documents including research articles, clinical trials, and websites to record the required information. RESULTS: Based on the currently available literature, both vaccines are beneficial to provide immunity against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Pfizer/BioNTech Vaccine has been recommended to people 16 years of age and older, with a dose of 30 µg (0.3 m) at a cost of $19.50. It provides immunogenicity for at least 119 days after the first vaccination and is 95% effective in preventing the SARS-COV-2 infection. However, Moderna Vaccine has been recommended to people 18 years of age and older, with a dose of 50 µg (0.5 mL) at a cost of $32-37. It provides immunogenicity for at least 119 days after the first vaccination and is 94.5% effective in preventing the SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, some associated allergic symptoms have been reported for both vaccines. The COVID-19 vaccines can cause mild adverse effects after the first or second doses, including pain, redness or swelling at the site of vaccine shot, fever, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting, itching, chills, and joint pain, and can also rarely cause anaphylactic shock. The occurrence of adverse effects is reported to be lower in the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine compared to the Moderna vaccine; however, the Moderna vaccine compared to the Pfizer vaccine is easier to transport and store because it is less temperature sensitive. CONCLUSIONS: The FDA has granted emergency use authorization for the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. These vaccines can protect recipients from a SARS-CoV- 2 infection by formation of antibodies and provide immunity against a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Both vaccines can cause various adverse effects, but these reactions are reported to be less frequent in the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine compared to the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine; however, the Moderna vaccine compared to the Pfizer vaccine is easier to transport and store because it is less temperature sensitive.

Omicron SARS-CoV-2 new variant: global prevalence and biological and clinical characteristics.

OBJECTIVE: The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has created a challenging and threatening situation worldwide. The SARS-CoV-2 embodies diverse epidemiological trends, alongside emerging and reemerging pathogenic characteristics, which have raised great public health concerns. This study aims to investigate the global prevalence, biological and clinical characteristics of Omicron, a new variant of SARS-CoV-2 that is causing concern and fear internationally. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data on the outbreak of the new variant "Omicron" was obtained from the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), research institutes, and global international print media. We recorded information on the prevalence, the biological and clinical characteristics of the Omicron Variant of SARS-CoV-2 from November 24 to December 9, 2021. RESULTS: Worldwide, the new variant of SARS-CoV-2, Omicron, has been identified in 57 countries with 2152 confirmed cases reported on December 9, 2021, ever since the emergence of the first case of this variant dated November 24, 2021. The number of confirmed Omicron variant cases has significantly increased globally. The novel variant is spreading swiftly and has crossed many borders all around the world. This new variant has been observed to be transmitted far more rapidly than other variants of SARS-CoV-2. CONCLUSIONS: The new variant of SARS-CoV-2 has novel epidemiological and biological characteristics, making it more contagious than other variants of SARS-CoV-2. It has affected 2152 people in 57 countries in a short period of two weeks. However, the fatality rate of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant has not yet been reported. The major clinical manifestations in this new variant are those of a "mild infection", including headache, body ache, muscles ache, cough, fever, generalized myalgia, and severe fatigue. It is infecting younger and middle-aged people more than previous variants. Worldwide health establishments should take immediate preventive measures to stop outbreaks of this emerging and reemerging pathogenic variant across the globe to minimize the disease burden on humanity.

Effect of heat and humidity on the incidence and mortality due to COVID-19 pandemic in European countries.

OBJECTIVE: The weather allied conditions have an impact on air, water, soil, food, ecosystem, feelings, behaviors, and pattern of health and disease. The present study aims to investigate the impact of heat and humidity on the daily basis incidence and mortality due to COVID-19 pandemic in European countries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We selected 10 European countries, Russia, United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Germany, Turkey, France, Belgium, Netherlands and Belarus. This region has a relatively low temperature and high humidity, and has homogenous European ethnicity with almost similar socioeconomic culture and health care system. The data on COVID-19 pandemic including daily new cases and new deaths were recorded from World Health Organization (WHO). The information on daily temperature and humidity was obtained from world climate web "Time and Date". The daily cases, deaths, temperature and humidity were recorded from the date of appearance of first case of "Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)" in the European region, from Jan 27, 2020 to July 17, 2020. RESULTS: In 10 European countries, (Russia, United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Germany, Turkey, France, Belgium, Netherlands and Belarus), the daily basis mean temperature from Jan 27, 2020 to July 17, 2020 was 17.07±0.18°C, and humidity was 54.78±0.47%. The overall results revealed a significant inverse correlation between humidity and the number of cases (r= -0.134, p<0.001) and deaths (r= -0.126, p<0.001). Moreover, an increase in temperature was linked with an increase in the number of cases (r=0.062, p=0.013) and deaths (r=0.118, p<0.001). The regression analysis results further revealed that with an increase of 1% humidity the number of cases (ß = -15.90, p<0.001) and deaths (ß=-1.56, p<0.001) reduced significantly. Whereas, with an increase of 1°C in temperature the number of cases (ß = 20.65, p<0.001) and deaths (ß = 3.71, p<0.001) increased significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Increase in relative humidity was associated with a decrease in the number of daily cases and deaths, however, a rise in temperature was allied with an upsurge in the number of daily cases and daily deaths due to COVID-19 pandemic in European countries. The study findings on weather events and COVID-19 pandemic have an impact at European regional levels to project the incidence and mortality trends with regional weather events to enhance public health readiness and assist in planning to fight against this pandemic situation.

Climate and COVID-19 pandemic: effect of heat and humidity on the incidence and mortality in world's top ten hottest and top ten coldest countries.

OBJECTIVE: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a global public health crisis with social, psychological and long-lasting economical damages. Weather-related dynamics have an impact on the pattern of human health and disease. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of heat and humidity on daily basis incidence and mortality due to COVID-19 pandemic in ten of the world's hottest countries compared to ten of the coldest ones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Worldwide, we selected 20 countries; 10 hottest countries with the highest temperatures and 10 coldest countries with the lowest temperature. The selection of the countries was based on the daily basis mean temperature from the date of appearance of the initial cases of COVID-19, Dec 29, 2019 to May 12, 2020. In the world's 10 hottest countries, the mean temperature was (26.31±1.51) and humidity (44.67±4.97). However, in the world's 10 coldest countries the mean temperature was (6.19±1.61) and humidity (57.26±2.35). The data on the global outbreak of COVID-19, daily new cases and deaths were recorded from World Health Organization, and daily information on temperature and humidity was obtained from metrological web "Time and Date". RESULTS: In countries with high temperatures and low humidity, the mean daily cases incidence were (407.12±24.33); cumulative cases (9094.34±708.29); and cumulative deaths (452.84±43.30) were significantly low compared to countries with low temperatures and high humidity: daily cases (1876.72±207.37); cumulative cases (44232.38±5875.11); and cumulative deaths (2008.29±310.13). Moreover, COVID-19 cases and deaths per million population were significantly low in countries with high temperatures (cases 711.23, and deaths 16.27) compared to countries with low temperatures (cases 1685.99; and deaths 86.40). Furthermore, in hottest countries, a 1% increase in humidity reduced number of cases and deaths by (ß = -5.40, p<0.001) and (ß = -0.187, p=0.004) respectively. A similar trend was seen with a 1°C increase in temperature, reducing the number of deaths by (ß = -1.35. p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results revealed a significant decrease in incidence of daily cases and deaths in countries with high temperatures and low humidity (warmest countries), compared to those countries with low temperatures and high humidity (coldest countries). The findings could be of interest to the policymakers and the health officials on the epidemiological trends of COVID-19 pandemic and weather changes.

Effect of motor vehicle pollution on lung function, fractional exhaled nitric oxide and cognitive function among school adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: Motor vehicle emission is a major cause of environmental pollution, which threatens human health. This study aimed to investigate the effect of motor vehicle pollution on lung function, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), and cognitive function among students studying in a school located in a traffic-polluted area. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, students were recruited based on their apparent healthy status, same age, gender, height, weight, ethnicity, and homogenous educational, socio-economic status, and living backgrounds. Initially, 200 students, 100 from school-1 located in motor vehicle polluted area (exposed group) and 100 from school-2, located away from motor vehicle polluted area (control group) were recruited. After clinical history, 68 students were selected, 34 from school-1 and 34 from school-2. These students were exposed to motor vehicle pollution for 6 h a day, 5 days a week for a total period of 2 years. Lung function test parameters were recorded using a Spirometer, fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) was measured by Niox Mino, and cognitive function was recorded using the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB). RESULTS: The lung function test parameters, Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) (p=0.03); Forced Expiratory Volume in First Second (FEV1) (p=0.02); and cognitive function parameter motor screening task (MOT) mean latency (p=0.04) were decreased among the students who were studying in school situated in traffic-polluted area compared to those students who were studying in school which was located away from the traffic-polluted area. However, no significant difference was noted in FeNO between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Motor vehicle pollution showed an association with decreased respiratory and cognitive functions among students studying in schools located in traffic-polluted areas. Environmental protection organizations must establish standards to minimize motor vehicle pollutants and develop strategies to control vehicle emission to reduce pollution and disease burden.