Critical Commentary: The city and the virus

Cities around the world are the epicentres of the coronavirus pandemic: both in the first wave, as the disease spread from East Asia, and now, as many countries enter a third wave of infections. These spatial patterns are still far from properly understood, though there is no shortage of possible explanations. I set out the emerging theories about cities' role in the spread of coronavirus, testing these against existing studies and new analysis for English conurbations, cities and towns. Both reveal an urbanised public health crisis, in which vulnerabilities and health impacts track (a) urban structural inequalities, and (b) wider weaknesses in institutions, their capabilities and leaders. I then turn to 'post-pandemic' visions of future cities. I argue that this framing is unhelpful: even with mass vaccination, COVID-19 is likely to remain one of many globalised endemic diseases. Instead, 'pandemic-resilient' urban places will require improved economic, social and physical infrastructure, alongside better public policy. Describing such future cities is still highly speculative: I identify five zones of change. (English) [ FROM AUTHOR] 世界各地的城市都是冠状病毒大流行的中心：无论是在第一波疫情从东亚开始传播时，还是现在许多国家进入第三波感染。尽管不乏可能的解释，但这些空间模式仍远未得到正确理解。我阐述了关于城市在冠状病毒传播中的作用的一些新理论，并根据现有研究和针对英国大都市和城镇的新分析对这些理论进行了检验。两者都揭示了城市化的公共卫生危机，其中脆弱性和健康影响与以下因素相伴随：(a) 城市结构性不平等；以及 (b) 机构、其能力和领导者的更广泛弱点。接着，我转向未来城市的后疫情时代愿景。我认为这种框架是无益的：即使进行了大规模疫苗接种，新冠肺炎仍然可能会是许多全球化的地方病之一。相反，具有"抗流行病能力"的城市场所将需要经过改良的经济、社会和物质基础设施，以及更好的公共政策。对这样的未来城市的描述仍然具有高度的推测性：我确定了五个变革区域。 (Chinese) [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Urban Studies (Sage Publications, Ltd.) is the property of Sage Publications, Ltd. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)

LASSA FEVER. PART 2. LABORATORY DIAGNOSTICS, TREATMENT, DEVELOPMENT OF MEDICATIONS.

Globalization and high-speed means of transportation contribute to the spread of infections dangerous to humans. Airborne pathogens have pandemic potential as currently shown in case of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. Natural focal Lassa fever (LF) common in West African countries, in 35 cases was registered in non-endemic geographical areas because any person infected with Lassa virus (LASV) is a long-term source of infection (up to two months). Cases of person-to-person infection in endemic territories are described. In Germany, the facts of secondary virus transmission from patients to doctors have been recorded during the examination and blood collection from an apparently healthy person as well as during the autopsy of a deceased subjects due to severe LF course. Nonspecific malaise symptoms in LF are also characteristic of numerous other diseases common on the African continent, e.g., malaria and typhoid fever or viral infections such as yellow fever, Chikungunya, dengue and Zika, monkey pox and Ebola virus disease. In this regard, there may be similar dermatological manifestations. Timely detection of cases and differential diagnosis are crucial to ensure safe patient care and use of affordable antiviral therapy for LL provided by the drug Ribavirin. Research methods for study ing LASV use polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detecting viral RNA, electron microscopy, isolation of infectious virus cultured sensitive cells, indirect immunofluorescence reaction, enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) and immunochromatographic assays for the detection of antibodies and/or antigen as well as immunoblotting. Currently, test kits based on molecular and genetic methods are mainly used for LF laboratory diagnostics. Since the 1980s, ribavirin has been used to treat patients with LF. The serum accumulation of the drug in large quantities causes hemolysis, development of anemia and impaired renal function. In this regard, treatment options are being considered with decline in its concentration due to combined use with other antiviral drugs. A search for new therapeutic agents capable of inhibiting viral replication at disease early stage has been in progress due to lack of any approved vaccines. (English) [ FROM AUTHOR] Глобализация и скоростные средства передвижения способствуют распространению инфекций, опасных для человека. Патогены, передаваемые воздушно-капельным путем, обладают пандемическим потенциалом, как в настоящее время показано на примере нового коронавируса SARS-CoV-2. Природно-очаговая лихорадка Ласса (ЛЛ), распространенная в странах западной Африки, в 35 случаях была зарегистрирована на неэндемичных географических районах, так как человек, инфицированный вирусом Ласса (Lassa virus, LASV), является источником инфекции длительное время (до двух месяцев). На эндемичных территориях описаны случаи заражения при передаче вируса «от человека к человеку». В Германии зафиксированы факты вторичной передачи вируса от пациентов врачам при осмотре и взятии крови у внешне здорового человека, а также при вскрытии погибшего в результате тяжелого течения ЛЛ. Неспецифические симптомы недомогания при ЛЛ характерны и для других многочисленных заболеваний, распространенных на африканском континенте, например, при малярии и брюшном тифе или при вирусных инфекциях - это желтая лихорадка, лихорадки Чикунгунья, денге и Зика, оспа обезьян и болезнь, вызванная вирусом Эбола. При протекании этих болезней могут быть и схожие дерматологические проявления. Своевременное выявление заболевших и дифференциальная диагностика имеют решающее значение для обеспечения безопасного ухода за пациентами и применения доступной противовирусной терапии (при ЛЛ это препарат рибавирин). Методы научных исследований LASV включают: анализы на основе полимеразной цепной реакции (ПЦР) по определению вирусной РНК, электронную микроскопию, выделение инфекционного вируса на культуре чувствительных клеток, реакцию непрямой иммунофлуоресценции (РНИФ), иммуноферментный (ИФА) и иммунохроматографический (ИХА) анализы по выявлению антител и/или антигена, а также иммуноблоттинг. Для диагностики ЛЛ в настоящее время, в основном, используют тест-системы на основе молекулярно-генетических методов. С 80-х гг. XX в. и до сих пор для лечения пациентов с ЛЛ используют рибавирин, но накопление этого препарата в плазме в больших количествах вызывает гемолиз, развитие анемии и нарушение функции почек. В связи с этим рассматриваются варианты лечения при уменьшении его концентрации за счет сочетанного использования с другими противовирусными препаратами. Идет поиск новых терапевтических средств, способных ингибировать вирусную репликацию на ранней стадии болезни, так как зарегистрированные вакцины отсутствуют. (Russian) [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Russian Journal of Infection & Immunity is the property of National Electronic-Information Consortium and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)

The Road to SARS-CoV-2 Seasonality: A Vision of the Post-Pandemic Era

The end of the pandemic could be marked, not by the total eradication of the virus but by a decrease in cases and seasonal peaks in the frequency of SARSCoV-2. Although this has already happened with the influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 virus responsible for the 2009 pandemic, unlike on that occasion, many of the countries that have widely covered their population with the vaccination scheme, still receive the onslaught of COVID-19 and have resumed containment measures due to the appearance, above all, of new variants. The latter suggests that the path to SARS-CoV-2 seasonality may not be as benevolent as the 2009 influenza virus was. Therefore, it is necessary to study the characteristics by which this new virus can acquire seasonality. to consider this scenario and take the necessary measures to face it from a different perspective. © 2022 Academia Nacional de Medicina. All rights reserved.

Asia Pacific perspectives on the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic: A follow-up survey.

BACKGROUND: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is currently in its third year. This follow-up survey was commissioned by the Asia Pacific Association of Allergy Asthma and Clinical Immunology (APAAACI) Task Force on COVID-19 to compare and contrast changes in the epidemiology, clinical profile, therapeutics and public health measures of the pandemic in the Asia Pacific region. METHODS: A questionnaire-based survey comprising 32 questions was electronically sent out to all 15 member countries of APAAACI using Survey Monkey® from 1 December 2021 to 28 February 2022. RESULTS: Seventeen responses were received from 14/15 (93.4%) member countries and 3 individual members. Mild-to-moderate COVID-19 predominated over severe infection, largely contributed by COVID-19 vaccination programmes in the region. The incidence of vaccine adverse reactions in particular anaphylaxis from messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines was no longer as high as initially anticipated, although perimyocarditis remains a concern in younger males. Novel therapeutics for mild-to-moderate disease including neutralizing antibodies casirivimab/imdevimab (REGEN-COV®) and sotrovimab (Xevudy®), anti-virals Paxlovid® (nirmatrelvir and ritonavir) and Molnupiravir pre-exposure prophylaxis for high-risk persons with Tixagevimab and Cilgavimab (Evusheld) are now also available to complement established therapeutics (e.g., remdesivir, dexamethasone and baricitinib) for severe disease. In the transition to endemicity, public health measures are also evolving away from containment/elimination strategies. CONCLUSIONS: With access to internationally recommended standards of care including public health preventive measures, therapeutics and vaccines among most APAAACI member countries, much progress has been made over the 2-year period in minimizing the morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 disease.

A Mathematical Model of Transmission Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) with an Underlying Condition of Diabetes

It is well established that people with diabetes are more likely to have serious complications from COVID-19. Nearly 1 in 5 COVID-19 deaths in the African region are linked to diabetes. World Health Organization (WHO) finds that 18.3% of COVID-19 deaths in Africa are among people with diabetes. In this paper, we have formulated and analysed a mathematical comorbidity model of diabetes-COVID-19 of the deterministic type. The basic properties of the model were explored. The basic reproductive number, equilibrium points, and stability of the equilibrium points were examined. Sensitivity analysis of the model was carried on to determine the impact of the model parameters on the basic reproductive number R 0 of the model. The model had a unique endemic equilibrium point, which was stable for R 0 > 1. Time-dependent optimal controls were incorporated into the model with the sole aim of determining the best strategy for curtailing the spread of the disease. COVID-19 cases from March to September 2020 in Ghana were used to validate the model. Results of the numerical simulation suggest a greater number of individuals deceased when the infected individual had an underlying condition of diabetes. More so, the disease is endemic in Ghana with the basic reproduction number found to be R 0 = 1.4722. The numerical simulation of the optimal control model reveals the lockdown control minimized the rate of decay of the susceptible individuals whereas the vaccination led to a number of susceptible individuals becoming immune to COVID-19 infections. In all, the two preventive control measures were both effective in curbing the spread of the disease as the number of COVID-19 infections was greatly reduced. We conclude that more attention should be paid to COVID-19 patients with an underlying condition of diabetes as the probability of death in this population was significantly higher. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of International Journal of Mathematics & Mathematical Sciences is the property of Hindawi Limited and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)

COVID-19 herd immunity in the absence of a vaccine: an irresponsible approach.

As severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continues to spread rapidly throughout the human population, the concept of "herd immunity" has attracted the attention of both decision-makers and the general public. In the absence of a vaccine, this entails that a large proportion of the population will be infected to develop immunity that would limit the severity and/or extent of subsequent outbreaks. We argue that adopting such an approach should be avoided for several reasons. There are significant uncertainties about whether achieving herd immunity is possible. If possible, achieving herd immunity would impose a large burden on society. There are gaps in protection, making it difficult to shield the vulnerable. It would defeat the purpose of avoiding harm caused by the virus. Lastly, dozens of countries are showing that containment is possible.

Serological cross-reactivity using a SARS-CoV-2 ELISA test in acute Zika virus infection, Colombia.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated seroreactivity by using a commercial SARS-CoV-2 ELISA test in samples collected from different groups of individuals, including patients diagnosed to have Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya infection between 2015 and 2019, from an endemic area in the Caribbean Colombian region. METHODS: A total of 127 sera samples obtained from six different groups of individuals were included in this study: Group A: patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection; Group B: patients with symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 or asymptomatic contacts with confirmed patients; Group C: patients with acute or recent dengue virus infection; Group D: patients with acute Zika virus infection; Group E: patients with previous Chikungunya virus infection; and Group F: individuals with exposure to spotted fever group rickettsiae. RESULTS: Overall, group A, group B, and group D showed seroreactivity to SARS-CoV-2 in 92%, 75%, and 26% of samples, respectively; furthermore, group C, group E, and group F showed 100% seronegativity. CONCLUSIONS: We found 26% of serological cross-reactivity in patients with acute Zika virus infection by using a commercial SARS-CoV-2 ELISA test. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether serological cross-reaction is maintained with time in nonacute patients with previous exposure to the Zika virus and its effect in SARS-CoV-2 serosurveys in endemic areas for this arbovirus.

Do different vaccination regimes affect the growth performance, immune status, carcase characteristics and meat quality of broilers?

1. A vaccination regime is a schedule for the administration of vaccines which may vary according to country or even by farm. This study aimed to measure the production and health performance of broilers treated with different vaccination regimes. 2. A total of 108 Cobb 500 broiler birds were randomly divided into three treatment groups, with six replicates consisting of six birds per replicate. Each treatment group was administered with different vaccination regimes against Newcastle Disease (ND), Infectious Bronchitis (IB) and Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD). Treatment 1 (T1) broilers were vaccinated against ND+IB and IBD on days 7 and 14 of age, respectively (control); Treatment 2 (T2) broilers were vaccinated against ND+IB on days 3 and 7 of age, and IBD on day 14; and Treatment 3 (T3) broilers were vaccinated against ND+IB on days 7 and 21 and IBD on day 14. Throughout the 42-day study period, data and samples were collected to determine the growth performance, immune status, carcase characteristics and meat quality. 3. There were significant differences (P < 0.05) on growth performance (body weight, body weight gain, feed intake and cumulative feed conversion ratio), white blood cell count (heterophils percentage, lymphocytes percentage and heterophils to lymphocytes ratio), carcase characteristics (kill-out weight, de-feathered weight, dressing percentage, drumsticks and gastrointestinal tract weight) and meat quality (cooking loss and drip loss) between treatments. T1 broilers showed better growth, white blood cell count, carcase characteristics and meat quality compared to T2 and T3 broilers. 4. Based on findings from the current work, vaccination against ND+IB and IBD on days 7 and 14 proved to be the best vaccination regime for broiler production, due to the better production performance and health status of broilers.