SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant saliva viral load is 15-fold higher than wild-type strains

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 Delta variants has escalated COVID-19 cases globally due to their high transmissibility. Since saliva is crucial for SARS-CoV-2 transmission, we hypothesized that a higher viral load of Delta variants in saliva than their parental wild-type strains contributed to the high transmissibility in the first place. However, studies have not reported this particular comparison done with viral copy numbers. Twenty-two genetically confirmed -positive saliva samples for wild-type strain and 32 Delta variants were statistically compared for viral copy number per milliliter determined by real-time qPCR combined with synthesized viral RNA and Poissons null distribution equation between the groups of wild and variant strains and between whole saliva and centrifugal supernatant in each group. We found that the copy number of the Delta variants was 15.1 times higher than wild-type strains of the whole saliva. In addition, the viral load of both strains in the whole saliva was higher than the pertinent supernatant, indicating that most viruses in the whole saliva are associated with host cells. Meanwhile, more than a million virions per milliliter of the viral load of the variants in the supernatants were 4.0 times higher but not significant than wild-type strains. Humanity must share our findings; the simple but concrete note that Delta variant viral load is abundant in the saliva is critical for preventing the spread of infection.

Extra-intestinal detection of canine kobuvirus in a puppy from Southern Brazil.

This study presents the pathological, immunohistochemical, and molecular findings associated with the extra-intestinal detection of canine kobuvirus (CaKV) in a 5-month-old Chihuahua puppy, that had a clinical history of bloody-tinged feces. Principal pathological findings were interstitial pneumonia, necrotizing bronchitis, and parvovirus-induced enteritis. Molecular diagnostic methods identified CaKV within the cerebellum, cerebrum, lung, tonsil, and liver. CaKV and rotavirus were not identified within the feces and intestine. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays detected antigens of CDV and CAdV-1 in the lungs. These results confirmed the extra-intestinal detection of CaKV in this puppy and represent the first extra-intestinal detection of CaKV in a dog.

Achievement of Insulin Reduction and Rapid Stabilization of Blood Sugar by Administering Insulin and GLP-1 Receptor Agonist in Type 2 Diabetes / 日本農村医学会雑誌

　　A 63-year-old woman was admitted with complaints of thirst and polyuria about 1 year after ceasing therapy in November, X and in October, X+1. Her blood glucose levels at the beginning of her admissions were 347 at the first admission and 486 at the second admission. We administered glargine, a long-acting type insulin, 8U/day, and　a short-acting insulin, glulisine, 4U/day, during the first admission. We administered glargine, a long-acting type insulin, 4U/day, and a short-acting insulin, glulisine, 3U/day, during the second admission. We also administered a GLP-1 receptor agonist, liraglutide, 0.3mg/day. Blood glucose levels (mg/dl) during the 5 days of the first admission were as follows: first, -, -, 347, and 180; second, 273, 266, 109, and 188; third, 75, 192, 186, and 182; fourth, 93, 194, 91, and 144; fifth, 78, 95, 124, and 127. In the second admission, blood glucose levels were as follows: first, -, -, 486, and 299; second: 140, 137, 195, and 128; third: 101, 122, 114, and 108; fourth: 101, 123, 123, and 137; and fifth, 89, 136, 111, and 129. CGM data showed an average of 128mg/dl and standard deviation of 34 during the first admission. CGM data showed an average of 125mg/dl and standard deviation of 20 during the second admission. The reduction of insulin and rapid flattening of blood sugar were achieved by GLP-1 receptor agonist with promotion of insulin secretion and suppression of glucagon secretion.

Successful Treatment of Diabetic with Dementia / 日本農村医学会雑誌

　　It is said that diabetes is one of the factors contributing to the onset of dementia and accelerating its progression. The number of dementia cases is expected to increase steadily year by year. Such being the circumstances, we encountered an elderly woman with diabetes and dementia, who managed to lower her blood glucose values to a proper level somehow or other, thus lightening the burden of caregivers. We shall hereby report the case because we thought it would make a good example for care in the region where the population is rapidly graying. The woman, then at age 80, visited our hospital complaining of languidness. Her blood sugar level was so high (random blood glucose level: 1,096 mg/dl) that she was hospitalized at once. By a stepwise insulin reinforcement therapy, the blood glucose levels were under control. During the stay in hospital, she was also diagnosed as having senile dementia. She was provided with effective health care and education for the control of blood sugar levels. Having snacks between meals was strictly prohibited. Considering that she was an elderly person living alone, only internal medicines were given. As a result, her blood glucose levels were elevated to about 300 mg/dl, but the combined use of GLP-1 injection and internal medicine once a week had good control over blood glucose levels. So, the patient was discharged from the hospital.