Application of a High-Resolution Melt Assay for Monitoring SARS-CoV-2 Variants in Burkina Faso and Kenya (preprint)

The rapid emergence and global dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 highlighted a need for robust, adaptable surveillance systems. However, financial and infrastructure requirements for whole genome sequencing (WGS) mean most surveillance data have come from higher-resource geographies, despite unprecedented investment in sequencing in low-middle income countries (LMICs) throughout the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Consequently, the molecular epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 in some LMICs is limited, and there is a need for more cost-accessible technologies to help close data gaps for surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 variants. To address this, we have developed two high-resolution melt curve (HRM) assays that target key variant-defining mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 genome, which give unique signature profiles that define different SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs). Extracted RNA from SARS-CoV-2 positive samples collected from 205 participants (112 in Burkina Faso, 93 in Kenya) on the day of enrolment in the MALCOV study (Malaria as a Risk Factor for COVID-19) between February 2021 and February 2022 were analysed using our optimised HRM assays and compared to Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) on Oxford Nanopore MinION . With NGS as a reference, two HRM assays, HRM-VOC-1 and HRM-VOC-2, demonstrated sensitivity/specificity of 100%/99.29% and 92.86/99.39%, respectively, for detecting Alpha, 90.08%/100% and 92.31%/100% for Delta and 93.75%/100% and 100%/99.38% for Omicron. The assays described here provide a lower-cost approach (<$1 per sample) to conducting molecular epidemiology, capable of high-throughput testing. We successfully scaled up the HRM-VOC-2 assay to screen a total of 506 samples from which we were able to show the replacement of Alpha with the introduction of Delta and the replacement of Delta by the Omicron variant in this community in Kisumu, Kenya. These assays are readily adaptable and can focus on local epidemiological surveillance questions or be updated quickly to accommodate the emergence of a novel variant or adapt to novel and emerging pathogens.

Real-time vibration monitoring and analysis of agricultural tractor drivers using an IoT-based system

Agricultural tractor drivers experience a high amplitude of vibration, especially during soil tillage operations. In the past, most research studied vibration exposure with more focus on the vertical (z) axis than on the fore-and-aft (x) and lateral (y) axes. This study examines how rotary soil tillage affects the vibration acceleration and frequency, and the power spectral densities (PSDs) at the seat pan and head along three translational axes in a real-field multiaxis vibration context. Moreover, this study aimed to identify the characteristics of the seat-to-head transmissibility (STHT) response to identifying the most salient resonant frequencies along the x-, y-, and z-axes. Nine (9) male tractor drivers operated the tractor with a mounted rotary tiller throughout the soil tillage process. In the event of a COVID-19 pandemic, and to respect social distancing, this study developed an Internet of Things (IoT) module with the potential to integrate with existing data loggers for online data transmission and to make the experimentation process more effective by removing potential sources of experimenter errors. The raw acceleration data retrieved at the seat pan and the head were utilized to obtain daily exposure (A(8)), PSDs, and STHT along the x-, y-, and z-axes. The vibration energy was found to be dominant along the z-axis than the x- and y-axes. A(8) response among tractor drivers exceeds the exposure action value explicitly stated by Directive 2002/44/EU. PSDs along the x-, y-, and z-axes depicted the low-frequency vibration induced by rotary soil tillage operation. The STHT response exhibited a higher degree of transmissibility along the y- and z-axes when compared with that along the x-axis. The frequency range of 4-7 Hz may plausibly be associated with cognitive impairment in tractor drivers during rotary soil tillage.

Retrospective review of complications and outcomes in COVID-19-positive patients with comorbidities undergoing limb salvage procedures in a tertiary care wound center.

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19 illness is associated with increased operative risks, ranging from delayed wound healing and coagulopathy to increased risk of mortality. OBJECTIVE: This article describes the authors' recent experience of the implications of COVID-19 on limb salvage procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent LE limb salvage procedures within 30 days of a positive COVID-19 diagnosis were retrospectively reviewed. Patient demographics, comorbidities, surgical factors, postoperative complications, and management were collected. RESULTS: Of 597 patients screened from February 2020 to March 2022, a total of 67 (11.2%) were diagnosed with COVID-19, of which 17 received the diagnosis within 30 days of surgery and were thus included. Average follow-up was 43 ± 3.2 months, at which point 6 (35.3%) were fully healed. The mortality rate at the most recent follow-up visit was 29.4% of patients (n = 5). Two patients required admission to the SICU following index procedure, and 1 necessitated a return to the operating room. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 may negatively affect the wound healing process while increasing the mortality rate amongst patients with multiple or severe comorbidities undergoing limb salvage procedures. Medical providers need to be aware of the complexity of these patients and apply a multi-disciplinary protocol to obtain successful outcomes.

Perceptions and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines amongst undergraduate students in a tertiary institution in Lagos State.

Background: COVID-19 pandemic has ravaged the world, causing deaths in different countries. Fortunately, production of its vaccine has brought some tranquillity, and Nigeria was not left behind. This study aimed to determine the role of knowledge and perception towards the uptake of COVID-19 vaccine amidst undergraduate students of the University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out amongst 170 students at the University of Lagos using a multi-stage sampling method. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect information on demography, knowledge, perception, acceptance and uptake of COVID-19 vaccine. Data were analysed utilising SPSS Version 26. The level of significance was at P < 0.05. Results: Majority of respondents 125 (73.5%) had good knowledge of COVID-19 vaccine and 87 (51.2%) respondents attributed source of information to social media. Although many 99 (58.2%) respondents had positive perceptions of the vaccine, few 16 (9.4%) had taken the vaccine. Less than quarter 24 (22.1%) planned to receive COVID-19 vaccine while majority 120 (77.9%) had no plans to, cite safety concerns. There was a statistically significant association between age (P = 0.001), level of training (P = 0.034) and uptake of COVID-19 vaccine. Conclusion and Recommendations: The level of uptake of COVID-19 vaccine was poor amongst undergraduate students in tertiary institutions in Lagos. Age and level of training of respondents were factors associated with poor uptake. It is recommended that the section of university responsible for sharing of information amongst students organises risk communication activities targeted at specific areas about COVID-19 vaccine to improve vaccine uptake amongst students.

Obesity Is Associated with an Impaired Baseline Repertoire of Anti-Influenza Virus Antibodies.

Obesity is a risk factor for severe disease and mortality for both influenza and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. While previous studies show that individuals with obesity generate antibody responses following influenza vaccination, infection rates within the obese group were twice as high as those in the healthy-weight group. The repertoire of antibodies raised against influenza viruses following previous vaccinations and/or natural exposures is referred to here as baseline immune history (BIH). To investigate the hypothesis that obesity impacts immune memory to infections and vaccines, we profiled the BIH of obese and healthy-weight adults vaccinated with the 2010-2011 seasonal influenza vaccine in response to conformational and linear antigens. Despite the extensive heterogeneity of the BIH profiles in both groups, there were striking differences between obese and healthy subjects, especially with regard to A/H1N1 strains and the 2009 pandemic virus (Cal09). Individuals with obesity had lower IgG and IgA magnitude and breadth for a panel of A/H1N1 whole viruses and hemagglutinin proteins from 1933 to 2009 but increased IgG magnitude and breadth for linear peptides from the Cal09 H1 and N1 proteins. Age was also associated with A/H1N1 BIH, with young individuals with obesity being more likely to have reduced A/H1N1 BIH. We found that individuals with low IgG BIH had significantly lower neutralizing antibody titers than individuals with high IgG BIH. Taken together, our findings suggest that increased susceptibility of obese participants to influenza infection may be mediated in part by obesity-associated differences in the memory B-cell repertoire, which cannot be ameliorated by current seasonal vaccination regimens. Overall, these data have vital implications for the next generation of influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. IMPORTANCE Obesity is associated with increased morbidity and mortality from influenza and SARS-CoV-2 infection. While vaccination is the most effective strategy for preventing influenza virus infection, our previous studies showed that influenza vaccines fail to provide optimal protection in obese individuals despite reaching canonical correlates of protection. Here, we show that obesity may impair immune history in humans and cannot be overcome by seasonal vaccination, especially in younger individuals with decreased lifetime exposure to infections and seasonal vaccines. Low baseline immune history is associated with decreased protective antibody responses. Obesity potentially handicaps overall responses to vaccination, biasing it toward responses to linear epitopes, which may reduce protective capacity. Taken together, our data suggest that young obese individuals are at an increased risk of reduced protection by vaccination, likely due to altered immune history biased toward nonprotective antibody responses. Given the worldwide obesity epidemic coupled with seasonal respiratory virus infections and the inevitable next pandemic, it is imperative that we understand and improve vaccine efficacy in this high-risk population. The design, development, and usage of vaccines for and in obese individuals may need critical evaluation, and immune history should be considered an alternate correlate of protection in future vaccine clinical trials.

COVID-19 Vaccination Status and Capsular Contracture Following Prosthetic Breast Reconstruction: A Retrospective, Multicenter Nested Case-Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Capsular contracture (CC) is a common long-term complication following prosthetic-based breast reconstruction (PBBR). Seven cases of CC following mRNA vaccination for coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) are reported in the literature. OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine whether receiving the COVID-19 vaccine was associated with CC development following PBBR. METHODS: A retrospective, multicenter nested case-control study was performed from January 2014-July 2022 of adult female patients who underwent PBBR with acellular dermal matrix placement. Cases of CC were selected if no adjuvant radiation was received and they presented for follow-up between December of 2020-July 2022. Controls included patients who met inclusion criteria but who did not experience CC in either breast. Patient demographics, breast cancer characteristics, reconstructive surgery details, postoperative complications, and COVID-19 exposure details were analyzed and correlated with CC development. RESULTS: Of a total of 230 patients (393 breasts) who received PBBR, 85 patients (135 breasts) met inclusion criteria; of which, 12 patients (19 breasts) developed CC and 73 patients (116 breasts) did not. At the time of median follow up of 18.1 months (n = 85, IQR: 12.2, 33.6), we observed no statistically significant differences between the short- or long-term complications in cases or controls. There were no significant differences in COVID-19 vaccination status, number of vaccine doses, or vaccination type between cases and controls. Vaccination status was not associated with greater odds of CC development (Odds Ratio: 1.44, 95% Confidence Interval: 0.42 to 5.37, p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Direct association between CC and COVID-19 vaccination is difficult to prove. Given the known risk of severe COVID-19 infection among immunocompromised patients, those with breast cancer who undergo PBBR should be properly counseled on the benefits and risks of vaccination.

Prioritization of head and neck cancer patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic placed considerable strain on the healthcare system, leading to the re-allocation of resources and implementation of new practice guidelines. The objective of this study is to assess the impact of COVID-19 guideline modifications on head and neck cancer (HNC) care at two tertiary care centers in Canada. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted. HNC patients seen at two tertiary care centers before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic (pre-pandemic: July 1st, 2019, to February 29th, 2020; pandemic: March 1st, 2020, to October 31st, 2020) were included. The pre-pandemic and pandemic cohorts were compared according to patient and tumor characteristics, duration of HNC workup, and treatment type and duration. Mean differences in cancer care wait times, including time to diagnosis, tumor board, and treatment as well as total treatment package time and postoperative hospital stay were compared between cohorts. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to compare characteristics and outcomes between cohorts. RESULTS: Pre-pandemic (n = 132) and pandemic (n = 133) patients did not differ significantly in sex, age, habits, or tumor characteristics. The percentage of patients who received surgery only, chemo/radiotherapy (CXRT) only, and surgery plus adjuvant CXRT did not differ significantly between cohorts. Pandemic patients experienced a significant time reduction compared to pre-pandemic patients with regards to the date first seen by a HNC service until start of treatment ([Formula: see text] = 48.7 and 76.6 days respectively; p = .0001), the date first seen by a HNC service until first presentation at tumor board ([Formula: see text] = 25.1 and 38 days respectively; p = .001), mean total package time for patients who received surgery only ([Formula: see text] = 3.7 and 9.0 days respectively; p = .017), and mean total package time for patients who received surgery plus adjuvant CXRT ([Formula: see text] = 80.2 and 112.7 days respectively; p = .035). CONCLUSION: The time to treatment was significantly reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic as compared to pre-pandemic. This transparent model of patient-centered operative-room prioritization can serve as a model for improving resource allocation and efficiency of HNC care during emergency and non-emergency scenarios.

Long COVID-19 in autoimmune and rheumatic diseases: data from COVID-19 vaccination in autoimmune diseases study

Background/Aim: Long COVID-19 is one of the post-infection challenging issues. We aimed to assess the prevalence and characteristics of this syndrome in patients with autoimmune and rheumatic diseases (AIRDs) through a multicentre international e-surveys (The COVID-19 Vaccination in Autoimmune Diseases) COVAD study. Method(s): The COVAD group comprised of collaborators from 109 countries. An online survey platform was conducted in Jan-July 2022 to capture self-reported COVID-19 infection and vaccination data in patients with AIRDs and healthy controls (HCs). Long COVID-19 was defined as per WHO definitions as persistence of symptoms beyond 3 months of COVID-19 infection. Descriptive statistics and multivariable regression adjusted for age, gender, ethnicity, and disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) were employed. Result(s): Among the 7666 complete survey respondents, 1677 who had taken the survey >90 days of last COVID-19 infection were analyzed. Among them, a total of 8.1% (n = 136) had long COVID-19 syndrome and the median age was 46 (34-55) years, with Male: Female ratio of 1:6.3. The prevalence of long COVID-19 was significantly higher in patients with AIRDs compared to HCs (OR 2 [1.3-2.9], P < 0.001). Respondents with long COVID-19 had worse PROMIS 10a quality of life global physical and mental health score, as well as fatigue and pain VAS compared to those without post-COVID- 19 (all P < 0.001). Among patients with AIRDs, those with long COVID-19 reported to have higher flares of AIRDs following COVID-19 infection (OR 4.3, P < 0.01). On multivariable regression analysis, the characteristics of patients with long COVID-19 were female gender, Caucasian ethnicity and presence of comorbid insomnia. Presence of fatigue, muscle aches, dyspnoea and loss of taste during previous COVID-19 infection were the significant predictors of long COVID-19. Among patients with AIRDs, comorbidities (OR 2.0;95% CI: 1.08-3.6, P = 0.026), and advanced treatment (OR: 1.9;95% CI: 1.08-3.3, P = 0.024), or intensive care (OR: 3.8;95% CI: 1.01-14.4, P = 0.047) for severe COVID-19 were risk factors for long COVID-19. The use of rituximab, iv immunoglobulins (IVIG), mycophenolate mofetil and anti-TNF agents use also predicted long COVID-19. Conclusion(s): Patients with AIRDs are at higher risk of long-COVID- 19 syndrome. Associated comorbid conditions and advanced treatment or intensive care for severe COVID-19 confer a higher risk.

Development of multiplex RT-ddPCR assays for detection of SARS-CoV-2 and other common respiratory virus infections.

BACKGROUND: Measures for mitigation of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) were set to reduce the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses share similar transmission routes and some common clinical manifestations. Co-circulation of SARS-CoV-2 and other common respiratory viruses is imminent. Therefore, development of multiplex assays for detecting these respiratory viruses is essential for being prepared for future outbreaks of respiratory viruses. METHODS: A panel of three reverse transcription droplet digital PCR (RT-ddPCR) assays were developed to detect 15 different human respiratory viruses. Evaluations of its performance were demonstrated. A total of 100 local and 98 imported COVID-19 cases in Hong Kong were screened for co-infection with other common respiratory viruses. RESULTS: All detected viral targets showed distinct signal clusters using the multiplex RT-ddPCR assays. These assays have a broad range of linearity and good intra-/inter-assay reproducibility for each target. The lower limits of quantification for all targets were ≤46 copies per reaction. Six imported cases of COVID-19 were found to be co-infected with other respiratory viruses, whereas no local case of co-infection was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The multiplex RT-ddPCR assays were demonstrated to be useful for screening of respiratory virus co-infections. The strict preventive measures applied in Hong Kong may be effective in limiting the circulation of other human respiratory viruses. The multiplex assays developed in this study can achieve a robust detection method for clinical and research purposes.

The relationship between trends in technology use and repurchase intention

Technology use to buy products online as a new innovation on marketing is significantly influencing the buyer's behavior in marketing and important to understand. The way suppliers present their product is interesting, especially to encourage people repurchase from their shops. The purpose of the study is to explore the relationship between advertisement, promotion, and lifestyle towards repur-chase intention of the university students doing online shopping at e-commerce Shopee platform during the pandemic of COVID-19. The study uses a quantitative method for research. The data were collected using an electronic questionnaire on Microsoft Forms from 212 university students who used the e-commerce Shopee platform during the COVID-19 pandemic to shop. The purposive sampling method was used to collect the data from all the students. SEM-AMOS was used to analyze the data. The results indicated as follows: the advertisement variable has no significant effect on repurchase intention. Promotion and Lifestyle variables have a significant effect on the repurchase intention of university students at Jabodetabek area in shopping online at Shopee during the COVID-19 pandemic. From this study we can conclude that technology to advertise products has no relationship with repurchase intention of students while promotion and lifestyle has a significant relationship for students to repurchase products in the transformation of new normal activities in Indo-nesia. © 2023 by the authors;licensee Growing Science, Canada.

The third vaccine dose significantly reduces susceptibility to the B.1.1.529 (Omicron) SARS-CoV-2 variant.

The main coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine formulations used today are mainly based on the wild-type severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike glycoprotein as an antigen. However, new virus variants capable of escaping neutralization activity of serum antibodies elicited in vaccinated individuals have emerged. The Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant caused epidemics in regions of the world in which most of the population has been vaccinated. In this study, we aimed to understand what determines individual's susceptibility to Omicron in a scenario of extensive vaccination. For that purpose, we collected nasopharynx swab (n = 286) and blood samples (n = 239) from flu-like symptomatic patients, as well as their vaccination history against COVID-19. We computed the data regarding vaccine history, COVID-19 diagnosis, COVID-19 serology, and viral genome sequencing to evaluate their impact on the number of infections. As main results, we showed that vaccination in general did not reduce the number of individuals infected by Omicron, even with an increased immune response found among vaccinated, noninfected individuals. Nonetheless, we found that individuals who received the third vaccine dose showed significantly reduced susceptibility to Omicron infections. A relevant evidence that support this finding was the higher virus neutralization capacity of serum samples of most patients who received the third vaccine dose. In summary, this study shows that boosting immune responses after a third vaccine dose reduces susceptibility to COVID-19 caused by the Omicron variant. Results presented in this study are useful for future formulations of COVID-19 vaccination policies.

Clinical considerations for the delivery of virtual dialectical behavior therapy to high-risk patients

This article discusses the clinical considerations for the delivery of virtual dialectical behavior therapy to high-risk patients. The COVID-19 pandemic has required rapid recalibration of behavioral health services, which has been challenging across all sectors of healthcare, but particularly so for high-risk patients for whom the use of telehealth has raised concerns. The telehealth model for DBT can be successfully implemented, but requires careful planning to mitigate potential risks and the use of particular strategies to facilitate relationship building and communication. Furthermore, virtual Dialectical behavior therapy (vDBT) requires a specific technological infrastructure, as well as unique policies to govern patient behavior in the presence of increased distractions found in the home environment. The dropout rates were on the lower end for comprehensive DBT programs, suggesting that the virtual modality may improve convenience for patients, thus improving retention. Although vDBT presents some unique challenges, the authors were able to overcome many of these challenges by using them as opportunities for patients to practice DBT skills, emphasizing the dialectical perspective that challenging experiences and opportunities can co-exist. vDBT provides a promising model for improving access to appropriate, high-quality care while simultaneously reducing healthcare costs. However, the understanding of vDBT is still in its infancy and work is needed to optimize clinical processes for the virtual delivery of DBT as well as evaluate clinical outcomes among patients receiving vDBT, and determine the impact of vDBT on medical expenditure associated with comorbid chronic conditions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)

Detection of SARS-COV-2 by functionally imprinted micelles.

The near real-time detection of airborne particles-of-interest is needed for avoiding current/future threats. The incorporation of imprinted particles into a micelle-based electrochemical cell produced a signal when brought into contact with particle analytes (such as SARS-COV-2), previously imprinted onto the structure. Nanoamp scales of signals were generated from what may've been individual virus-micelle interactions. The system showed selectivity when tested against similar size and morphology particles. The technology was compatible with airborne aerosol sampling techniques. Overall, the application of imprinted micelle technology could provide near real-time detection methods to a host of possible analytes of interest in the field. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1557/s43579-022-00242-0.

Effect of COVID-19 on stoma formation rates in elective left sided Colorectal Cancer resections

Aims: The primary aim of The study was toassess The effect of COVID-19 on rate of stoma formation in elective left sided Colorectal Cancer resections. Other possible effects of COVID-19 on The management of these patients were explored too. Method(s): Retrospective review of elective left sided Colorectal Cancer resections over a 2 years period. Patients were divided into 2 groups, Pre-COVID (4/2019-3/2020) and Post-COVID (4/2020-3/2021) There were 43 resections in The Pre-COVID group and 21 resections in The post-COVID group Results: Patient demographics were comparable in both groups. There was a 30% reduction in total number of Colorectal Cancer resections and 50% reduction in left sided resections. There was a 3 fold increase in patients not anastomosed primarily post-COVID (from 20.5% to 61%). There was a 2 fold increase in patients ending up with a stoma including patients undergoing primary anastomosis but with defunctioning stomas(from 38.4% to 72.2%). Procedures completed laparoscopically were more or less comparable in both groups. Conversion rate was slightly higher in The post-COVID group (from 14.3% to 21%). Conclusion(s): Significant increase in stoma formation in The post COVID group most likely due to guidelines from The Royal college early in The pandemic but other possibilities include delay in treatment. More studies are required as The pandemic continues to explore this further and determine whether this was justified and to enable us to adapt to The new normal and assess whether we can return safely to our pre-COVID practice without compromising patient outcomes or adding to their morbidity.

The longitudinal impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health behaviors, psychosocial factors, and cognitive functioning in older adults.

Background: Older adults are at a greater risk for contracting and experiencing severe illness from COVID-19 and may be further affected by pandemic-related precautions (e.g., social distancing and isolation in quarantine). However, the longitudinal impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on older adults is unclear. The current study examines changes in health behaviors, psychosocial factors, and cognitive functioning in a large sample of older adults using a pre-pandemic baseline and longitudinal follow-up throughout 9 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: One hundred and eighty-nine older adults (ages 65-89) were recruited from a multisite clinical trial to complete additional virtual assessments during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mixed effects models evaluated changes in health behaviors, psychosocial factors, and cognitive functioning during the pandemic compared to a pre-pandemic baseline and over the course of the pandemic (i.e., comparing the first and last COVID-19 timepoints). Results: Compared to their pre-pandemic baseline, during the pandemic, older adults reported worsened sleep quality, perceived physical health and functioning, mental health, slight increases in depression and apathy symptoms, reduced social engagement/perceived social support, but demonstrated better performance on objective cognitive tasks of attention and working memory. Throughout the course of the pandemic, these older adults reported continued worsening of perceived physical health and function, fewer depression symptoms, and they demonstrated improved cognitive performance. It is important to note that changes on self-report mood measures and cognitive performance were relatively small regarding clinical significance. Education largely served as a protective factor, such that greater years of education was generally associated with better outcomes across domains. Conclusions: The present study provides insights into the longitudinal impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health behaviors, psychosocial factors, and cognitive functioning in a population disproportionately affected by the virus. Replicating this study design in a demographically representative older adult sample is warranted to further inform intervention strategies targeting older adults negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Longitudinal characterization of circulating neutrophils uncovers phenotypes associated with severity in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

Mechanisms of neutrophil involvement in severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remain incompletely understood. Here, we collect longitudinal blood samples from 306 hospitalized COVID-19+ patients and 86 controls and perform bulk RNA sequencing of enriched neutrophils, plasma proteomics, and high-throughput antibody profiling to investigate relationships between neutrophil states and disease severity. We identify dynamic switches between six distinct neutrophil subtypes. At days 3 and 7 post-hospitalization, patients with severe disease display a granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cell-like gene expression signature, while patients with resolving disease show a neutrophil progenitor-like signature. Humoral responses are identified as potential drivers of neutrophil effector functions, with elevated severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-specific immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1)-to-IgA1 ratios in plasma of severe patients who survived. In vitro experiments confirm that while patient-derived IgG antibodies induce phagocytosis in healthy donor neutrophils, IgA antibodies predominantly induce neutrophil cell death. Overall, our study demonstrates a dysregulated myelopoietic response in severe COVID-19 and a potential role for IgA-dominant responses contributing to mortality.

Detection of SARS-COV-2 by functionally imprinted micelles

The near real-time detection of airborne particles-of-interest is needed for avoiding current/future threats. The incorporation of imprinted particles into a micelle-based electrochemical cell produced a signal when brought into contact with particle analytes (such as SARS-COV-2), previously imprinted onto the structure. Nanoamp scales of signals were generated from what may’ve been individual virus-micelle interactions. The system showed selectivity when tested against similar size and morphology particles. The technology was compatible with airborne aerosol sampling techniques. Overall, the application of imprinted micelle technology could provide near real-time detection methods to a host of possible analytes of interest in the field. Graphical Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1557/s43579-022-00242-0.