Clinical and epidemiologic features of SARS-CoV-2 in dogs and cats compiled through national surveillance in the United States

OBJECTIVE: To characterize clinical and epidemiologic features of SARS-CoV-2 in companion animals detected through both passive and active surveillance in the US. ANIMALS: 204 companion animals (109 cats, 95 dogs) across 33 states with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections between March 2020 and December 2021. PROCEDURES: Public health officials, animal health officials, and academic researchers investigating zoonotic SARS-CoV-2 transmission events reported clinical, laboratory, and epidemiologic information through a standardized One Health surveillance process developed by the CDC and partners. RESULTS: Among dogs and cats identified through passive surveillance, 94% (n = 87) had reported exposure to a person with COVlD-19 before infection. Clinical signs of illness were present in 74% of pets identified through passive surveillance and 27% of pets identified through active surveillance. Duration of illness in pets averaged 15 days in cats and 12 days in dogs. The average time between human and pet onset of illness was 10 days. Viral nucleic acid was first detected at 3 days after exposure in both cats and dogs. Antibodies were detected starting 5 days after exposure, and titers were highest at 9 days in cats and 14 days in dogs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results of the present study supported that cats and dogs primarily become infected with SARS-CoV-2 following expo- sure to a person with COVID-19, most often their owners. Case investigation and surveillance that include both people and animals are necessary to understand transmission dynamics and viral evolution of zoonotic diseases like SARS-CoV-2.

Compelling Impacts of Natural Polymer-Centered Drug Delivery Systems as Prophylactic and Therapeutic Approaches in Various Pulmonary Disorders/Lung Diseases

Pulmonary disorders are common illness that affects people of all ages world­wide. Common pulmonary disorders include pulmonary hypertension, CF (cystic fibrosis), asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, lung cancer, and COVID-19. Treatments of these disorders vary but can be broadly categorized into pharmacological (medicinal), non-pharmacological, rehabilitation, and surgical techniques. Often, a combina­tion of these approaches is used, both for symptomatic relief and treatment. Regarding these prophylactic and therapeutic approaches, advances are rapidly being made, and scientists are currently investigating modern and unique theranostic methods. However, there is a lacuna in drug delivery, pharmacokinetic aspects, and drug-induced adverse effects. One particular area for improvement that needs to be immediately addressed is the drug delivery system to significantly improve healthcare associated with pulmonary disorders. Natural polymer-based drug delivery systems are widely adopted for their ease of production, lack of biotoxicity, and strong bioaffinity. Of the natural polymer­based drug delivery systems, chitosan, sodium alginates, albumin, hydroxyapa­tite, and hyaluronic acid are the most common natural polymers. Each of these natural polymers has its preferred use, either due to tissue-specific delivery or medical property packaging. The current scientific article discusses the common pulmonary disorders, their pathophysiology, and the current therapeutic approaches. Additionally, we discuss the major natural polymer drug delivery systems, including their properties and common uses. © The Author (s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2023.

Clinical performance evaluation of an anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to cause widespread disruption to daily life globally. With increasing levels of vaccination and the emergence of new variants, it is important to monitor and identify individuals who have produced an immune response to SARS-CoV-2 and those who may remain at higher risk. Aims & Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical performance of a serological anti-SARS-CoV-2 Immunoglobulin G (IgG) Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), initially created by AstraZeneca and further developed and validated by ProAxsis Ltd. Method(s): The ProAxsis ELISA was used to assess anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels in 402 positive and 701 negative plasma samples. Samples from each of the SARS-CoV-2 genetic variants (alpha, delta and omicron), along with the World Health Organisation International Reference Panel (NIBSC:20/268) and a panel of seroconversion samples were also tested. Result(s): Sensitivity and specificity of the ProAxsis Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG ELISA was 100.0% (CI 95% = 99.1- 100.0%) and 99.3% (CI 95% = 98.3-99.8%) respectively. The ProAxsis and comparator test (Euroimmun) were in almost perfect agreement, Cohen's Kappa (kappa) = 0.991 (CI 95% = 0.982-0.999, p<0.0001). Seroconversion was observed with the ProAxsis ELISA at an earlier stage than with the comparator assay. Of the 101 virology samples tested only one sample (Anti-malaria plasma P.falciparum) displayed some cross-reactivity. Conclusion(s): The ProAxsis Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG ELISA demonstrated excellent clinical performance in comparison to a comparator assay and will be highly useful in identifying individuals who have raised antibodies following exposure to SARS-CoV-2 or vaccination.

A shot in the arm: Economic support packages and firm performance during COVID-19

We use firm-level data to provide some early evidence on the effectiveness of COVID-19 economic policy packages. Our empirical strategy relies on the varying degree of vulnerability to the pandemic across industries. We find a robust association of fiscal support with changes in firm performance indicators (as measured by sales-to-assets ratio, profit margin, interest coverage ratio as well as probability of default) in pandemic-prone sectors. We also observe marginal effects of monetary policy on the sales-to-assets ratio and of foreign exchange intervention on the interest coverage ratio in the hardest-hit firms. These results broadly survive a battery of exercises to address endogeneity. Additionally, we show that firms with a better financial position are more likely to take advantage of the support packages to withstand the pandemic shock. Overall, this preliminary evidence suggests that policy interventions have bought time for the hardest-hit industries, by supporting turnover and improving liquidity. © 2022 Elsevier B.V.

An evaluation of the clinical characteristics of an Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

Introduction and ObjectivesThe widespread disruption caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to impact on daily life. Despite extensive progress in combating the disease, the immunogenic mechanisms are not fully understood. With increasing vaccination rates and the emergence of new variants, it is important to monitor and identify individuals who have produced an immune response and those who remain at higher risk. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical performance of a serological anti-SARS-CoV-2 Immunoglobulin G (IgG) Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), initially created by AstraZeneca and further developed and validated by ProAxsis Ltd.MethodsThe ProAxsis ELISA was used to assess anti-spike protein SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels, in a total of 423 positive plasma samples including asymptomatic, symptomatic, mildly asymptomatic, early infection, post-seroconversion, low and high titre samples and vaccinated individuals. A total of 701 negative plasma samples were also assessed. Samples from each of the SARS-CoV-2 genetic variants (alpha, delta and omicron), along with the World Health Organisation (WHO) International Reference Panel (NIBSC:20/268) were assessed. In addition, 101 plasma samples from patients with antibodies to other coronaviruses or medical conditions were tested.ResultsSensitivity and specificity of the ProAxsis Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG ELISA was 100.0% (CI 95% = 99.1 – 100.0%) and 99.3% (CI 95% = 98.3 – 99.8%) respectively. The ProAxsis and comparator test (Euroimmun) demonstrated good agreement, Cohen’s Kappa (κ) = 0.991 (CI 95% = 0.982 – 0.999, p<0.0001). Seroconversion was observed with the ProAxsis ELISA at an earlier stage post-infection than with the comparator assay. The WHO Reference Panel was found to correlate perfectly with the Euroimmun assay and were as expected for each titre. Of the 101 virology samples tested only one sample (Anti-malaria plasma P.falciparum) displayed some cross-reactivity (33.3%).ConclusionsThe ProAxsis Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG ELISA demonstrated robust clinical performance, with almost perfect agreement against the comparator assay. The ProAxsis ELISA will be highly useful in identifying individuals who have raised antibodies following exposure to SARS-CoV-2 or vaccination and has the potential to play an important role in antibody analyses in clinical trials and large populations.Please refer to page A215 for declarations of interest related to this .

COVID-19 induced renal injury differs from that in other viral-infections

Background: Kidney injuries caused by several viral diseases have been reported worldwide among all age groups, races, and genders. Of particular importance is coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and its prevalence in communities infecting all patient populations with symptoms ranging from asymptomatic to severe, including complications and mortality. Methods: Data were acquired from PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC), and Lexi-Comp using the following search terms: “COVID-19 and renal pathology,” “COVID-19 induced kidney disease,” “Viral infection induced kidney disease,” and “Viral infection induced renal damage.” Titles and s were manually analyzed as per the exclusion and inclusion criteria of relevant articles;relevance of articles included studies on the pathology of a specific viral infection and the impact of the virus on the adult renal system. Results: The mechanisms for renal disease due to COVID-19 include direct renal tubular injury, cytokine storm, inflammation, thrombosis vs. acute tubular necrosis, thrombotic events, and direct renal injury. Although some mechanisms behind renal dysfunction among the studied viral infections are similar, the prevalence rates of kidney injury or damage differ. This might be described by recommended prophylactic and therapeutic approaches that can alter the viral infection characteristics and possibly the impact a particular organ system. Conclusion: The patient population at risk was old in age and had a high body mass index. The mechanisms associated with renal dysfunction are similar, including direct renal injury through angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) entry, inflammation, and thrombosis. The renal pathology of coronaviruses that differs from that of other prevalent viral infections is the activation of cytokine storm, which causes elevations of a greater number and different kinds of cytokines than other viral infections. Copyright © 2022 Shandong University, published by Wolters Kluwer, Inc.

Evaluation of the Performance of a Lateral Flow Device for Quantitative Detection of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG

Introduction: The AbC-19™ lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) performance was evaluated on plasma samples from a SARS-CoV-2 vaccination cohort, WHO international standards for anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG (human), individuals ≥2 weeks from infection of RT-PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 genetic variants, as well as microorganism serology. Methods: Pre-vaccination to three weeks post-booster samples were collected from a cohort of 111 patients (including clinically extremely vulnerable patients) from Northern Ireland. All patients received Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccination for the first and second dose, and Pfizer-BioNTech for the third (first booster). WHO international standards, 15 samples from 2 variants of concern (Delta and Omicron) and cross-reactivity with plasma samples from other microorganism infections were also assessed on AbC-19™. Results: All 80 (100%) participants sampled post-booster had high positive IgG responses, compared to 38/95 (40%) participants at 6 months post-first vaccination. WHO standard results correlated with information from corresponding biological data sheets, and antibodies to all genetic variants were detected by LFIA. No cross-reactivity was found with exception of one (of five) Dengue virus samples. Conclusion: These findings suggest BNT162b2 booster vaccination enhanced humoral immunity to SARS-CoV-2 from pre-booster levels, and that this antibody response was detectable by the LFIA. In combination with cross-reactivity, standards and genetic variant results would suggest LFIA may be a cost-effective measure to assess SARS-CoV-2 antibody status.

The Academic Job Market in U.S. Geography and the Business Cycle: The Long Shadow of the 2007–2009 Recession

The Great Recession of 2007–2009 had profound effects on all sectors of the U.S. economy. In this article we assess the relationship between the academic job market in U.S. geography and the business cycle. Specifically, we examine the responsiveness of the job market to the business cycle since the early 1970s, the impacts of the Great Recession on hiring, and how hiring networks changed with the recession. For our analyses we draw on data from American Association of Geographers (AAG) publications, principally the AAG Newsletter (Jobs in Geography) and the Guide to Geography Programs in the Americas. We find that (1) the academic job market in geography is tightly linked to the business cycle and highly vulnerable to recessions, (2) the 2007–2009 recession destabilized demand and supply in the market with impacts on hiring lasting at least ten years, and (3) hiring networks among PhD-granting programs contracted, had lower connectivity, and witnessed a reshuffling of the top-hiring schools postrecession. Overall, the Great Recession dampened the likelihood of securing a tenure-track position in U.S. geography more so than any recession over the past fifty years. The arrival of COVID-19 and the accompanying contraction of gross domestic product are likely to further adversely affect faculty hiring. © 2022 by American Association of Geographers.

Parent experience of neonatal hospitalization during the COVID-19 pandemic

Rationale: Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, parental presence was encouraged through unrestricted visitation and family-centered care practices in neonatal intensive care units (NICU). Parental caregiving is essential to an infant's healthy development, especially during hospitalization. Parental presence encourages attachment, improves parental well-being and confidence, enhances management of illness, and promotes continuity of care. By examining parental experience of hospitalization during the pandemic, we can better understand parental needs during neonatal hospitalization. Therefore, our objective was to describe the impact of neonatal hospitalization during the COVID-19 pandemic from the parent perspective Methods: We conducted an online survey to explore parent's experiences of neonatal hospitalization during the first 6 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. We invited parents to participate via social media through parental support groups. Inclusion criteria included having an infant admitted to a NICU between February 1-July 31, 2020. We used a thematic analytic approach to identify shared patterns of how parents experienced their child's NICU stay. Free text responses from five open-ended questions covering topics such as visitation experience, transition home, and clinician interactions were analyzed using NVivo 11 qualitative data analysis software. Results: Of the 178 survey respondents, 169 answered one or more of the open-ended questions. We focused on examining continuities and discontinuities of parents' perspectives of neonatal hospitalization within the context of COVID-19. Through this lens, we identified three broad themes: 1) Parents' NICU experiences during COVID-19 were emotionally isolating and overwhelming, 2) Restrictive visitation policies split the family unit, and 3) Interactions with NICU staff exacerbated or mitigated the emotional strain on parents (figure 1). To quote a parent, “hospital policies [were] not in touch with the reality of families, making the impossible pain of [having] a baby in the NICU even more impossible.” Overall, parents of infants in the NICU experienced and expressed feelings of painful separation, disconnection, isolation, splitting, and alienation. Parents desired more empathy from providers and hospital administrators. Conclusions: Parental distress and disconnection were exacerbated amidst neonatal hospitalization during COVID-19. Perceived lack-of empathy and restrictive policies intensified parental distress related to lack of support, separation and isolation. Parents expressed a strong desire to engage in decision making and advocated for the value of connection and community during these challenging times. NICU clinicians need to support parents with empathy and connection to mitigate parental distress. (Table Presented).

Association among income loss, financial strain and depressive symptoms during COVID-19: evidence from two longitudinal studies.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has major ramifications for global health and the economy, with growing concerns about economic recession and implications for mental health. Here we investigated the associations between COVID-19 pandemic-related income loss with financial strain and mental health trajectories over a 1-month course. METHODS: Two independent studies were conducted in the U.S and in Israel at the beginning of the outbreak (March-April 2020, T1; N = 4 171) and at a 1-month follow-up (T2; N = 1 559). Mixed-effects models were applied to assess associations among COVID-19-related income loss, financial strain, and pandemic-related worries about health, with anxiety and depression, controlling for multiple covariates including pre-COVID-19 income. FINDINGS: In both studies, income loss and financial strain were associated with greater depressive symptoms at T1, above and beyond T1 anxiety, worries about health, and pre-COVID-19 income. Worsening of income loss was associated with exacerbation of depression at T2 in both studies. Worsening of subjective financial strain was associated with exacerbation of depression at T2 in one study (US). INTERPRETATION: Income loss and financial strain were uniquely associated with depressive symptoms and the exacerbation of symptoms over time, above and beyond pandemic-related anxiety. Considering the painful dilemma of lockdown versus reopening, with the tradeoff between public health and economic wellbeing, our findings provide evidence that the economic impact of COVID-19 has negative implications for mental health. FUNDING: This study was supported by grants from the National Institute of Mental Health, the US-Israel Binational Science Foundation, Foundation Dora and Kirsh Foundation.